Jewelry Design History Flash: Ancient Italian Jewelry and the Etruscan Civilization

See page for author [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons (https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Danseurs_et_musiciens,_tombe_des_l%C3%A9opards.jpg)

While researching jewelry styles of antiquity for the Pompeii April 2016 Challenge, I came across the wealth of knowledge that will forever impact my perspectives into jewelry design. Countless works of art, their ancient wearers by now returned to dust, sit still perfectly whole in museums around the world, reflecting the beauty and fashions of ages passed. Let’s return to the past for innovation and inspiration in the modern world. I promise this won’t bore you!

What makes ancient Italian jewelry so unique starts with the Etruscan Civilization and their ability to manipulate gold. The people of Etruria, who began their work around 800 B.C., had a particular intuition for beauty and proportion. Being at the center of the Mediterranean was ideal for sea trade as well as mining, and their economic success allowed the jewelry making domain to strive. We can recognize the success of jewelry makers at the time based on the pieces that were left or ornate the tombs of the dead. Etruscans of the 6th century had the means to both live and die luxuriously. 

By NormanEinstein [GFDL (http://www.gnu.org/copyleft/fdl.html) or CC-BY-SA-3.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/)], via Wikimedia Commons (https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Etruscan_civilization_map.png)

The Etruscans had an advanced approach to metal working, using a technique called “granulation”. This time consuming process used small gold beads and soldered them on a surface which was later decorated with gemstones and pearls. Amber was especially popular; it was set in silver, or sometimes tinted with gold to become a special meterial named “electrum”. Later influenced by the Greek styles, fashions began to shift towards the use of cameos and coins, and the baule earring became quickly popular. 

A baule earring featuring the head of a bull, an important Etruscan symbol

Walters Art Museum [Public domain, CC BY-SA 3.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0) or GFDL (http://www.gnu.org/copyleft/fdl.html)], via Wikimedia Commons)

The 5th century was a bit difficult for Etruria and it is clear archeologically that less people could afford jewelry. The Roman civilization took interest in Etruscan jewelry, and captured artisans who would serve them in jewelry making instead. In Rome, hairstyles were at the top of the trend, and the introduction of hairpins and headdresses of Etruscan design spread quickly, inspiring of revival of Etruscan styles at the turn of the 4th century. People loved jewelry so much in ancient Rome that laws had to be passed to limit the amount of jewelry that could be worn while occupying official positions. While the centers of the Etruscan civilization held their own against other growing and aggressive civilizations, artisans developed new designs and innovated techniques that would inspire many styles that are still popular today. Sadly, this formidable civilization eventually lost it's main sources of influence, and was assimilated by Rome around 500 B.C. 

This Pendant was constructed with the unique “electrum” technique. 
See page for author [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons (https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/ ... 2169-9.jpg)

Incarnating the designs of Etruscan goldsmiths in the modern era honors their ingenuity. Ancient jewelry makers created the pillars behind design techniques used to this day; recycling their concepts and drawing inspiration from their work immortalizes the unique Etruscan aesthetic, swallowed by the passing of time.

Enjoyed this history flash? What are your favorite eras in jewelry design history?
Comment or email me!




References 
"Etruscan Art." Etruscan Art. JaysRomanHistory.com, n.d. Web. 04 Apr. 2016. (http://www.jaysromanhistory.com/romeweb ... ln/t11.htm)
Radeke, Mrs. Gustav. "Italian Jewelry." A Jewelry History. Ed. Museum Of Art Rhode Island School of Design. Guyot Brothers Company Inc., 2016. Web. 4 Apr. 2016. (http://www.guyotbrothers.com/jewelry-hi ... -page9.htm)
Gaultier, Françoise, Catherine Metzger, Katerina Chatziefremidou, and Florence Specque. "In-Depth Studies : Jewelry from the Campana Collection." (n.d.): n. pag. Louvre.fr. Louvre Museum, 2011. Web. 04 Apr. 2016. (http://www.louvre.fr/sites/default/file ... ampana.pdf)

EBW October 2015 Challenge: "Abstract Painting"

Our challenge theme for October was chosen by the winner of the August team vote Laurie Moravec from WearableArtByLaurie:

"Abstract Painting"

The great thing about abstract painting is that you have a vast range of options. It can represent something real... or not! Any color combination, any style, any texture. Just select a color scheme and create your own masterpiece, make it look as much like you painted it as possible.

Notes to team members: 

This challenge is all about creating your own "painting", please do not copy in full or in part existing works. It is important to include some details of your inspiration for your entry and if you were inspired by a specific artist please mention it in your listing but do not include images of that artist's works as it will constitute copyright infringement. 

Please check the challenge rules to see what details must be in your listing. The entry must be listed in your Etsy shop by October 5th 2015.

January 2014 "Rising Star" Challenge

January 2014 will be our second Rising Star Challenge! If you have entered a challenge in the past 3 years but have not won, then you are welcome to submit an entry for this challenge. There is no theme so any work that was created starting November 19, 2013 (when the theme was first announced) and listed in your Etsy shop by January 5, 2014 can be an entry. So time to get cracking and finish one of those UFW and submit. If you have won either a team vote or a public vote then you are not eligible to enter. Below is the winners list:

3 Years of Wonderful Winners:
Etsy Beadweavers Challenge Themes History
Month - Challenge - Fan Favorite - Team Winner
Jan 2014 - Rising Star
Dec 2013 - Out of this World - TBA
Nov 2013 - Picture Postcard Palette - crimsonfrog & FrancescasFancy (tie) - crimsonfrog
Oct 2013 - The Beauty of Geometry - WizardIslandDesigns - ZviaGil
Sep 2013 - My Favorite Song - HauteIceBeadwork - rill
Aug 2013 - Ocean Adventure - TheVerdantEdge - TheVerdantEdge
Jul 2013 - Beautiful Summer Flowers - Angelquecreations - bead4me
Jun 2013 - June Bride - beadsforbeauty - jade butterfly
May 2013 - Hungarian folk Art - Maewa - Maewa
Apr 2013 - Shades of Scheherezade - beadn4fun - beautyglamourLuba
Mar 2013 - Faberge Egg - ArtfulAr - ArtfulAr
Feb 2013 - Japan - BeautyGlamourLuba - Bead4me
Jan 2013 - Rising Star Challenge - HannahRachel - JewelryByJane
Dec 2012 - Emotional Roller Coaster - Vicus - Vicus
Nov 2012 - Circles and Squares - Reginao - KrisDesignFSP
Oct 2012 - Misty Winter's Dawn - AngelqueCreations - Haute Ice Beadwork
Sep 2012 - Lunar Obsession - KrisDesignFSP - KrisDesignFSP
Aug 2012 - Hot Hot Hot - Zviagil - Medic5415
Jul 2012 -Tangerine Tango - Daniellart - CrimsonFrog
Jun 2012 - Mystery - Carousell - KraftKonfessions
May 2012 - Nautical Inspired - Zviagil - CrimsonFrog
Apr 2012 - Seed Beads Only - FrancescasFancy - FrancescasFancy
Mar 2012 - Destinations - LostAloha - LostAloha
Feb 2012 - Nest - KrisDesignFSP - KrisDesignFSP
Dec 2011 - Arabesque Style - Bead4Me - AngelqueCreations
Nov 2011 - Totally Twisted - KrisDesignFSP - KrisDesignFSP
Oct 2011 - Inspired by Picasso - Pinararpaci - ThistleDew4U
Sep 2011 - Lions, and Tigers, and Bears, Oh My! - Vicus - Haute Ice Beadwork
Aug 2011 - Summer's Juicy Fruit - Budaikata - BohoDameDesigns
Jul 2011 - Sizzling Sunshine & Soothing Water - AnnaHatvani - FrancescasFancy
Jun 2011 - Heal the World - 4uidzne - TheBeadedBead
May 2011 - Lord of the Rings - chrysanthemumveil - Haute Ice Beadwork (our first team poll)
Apr 2011 - Spring Around the Corner - Annahatvani
Mar 2011 - Fashion Through the Ages - 4uidzne
Feb 2011 - Royalty Throughout Time - Bead4Me

THE CHALLENGE RULES

Any EBW member may create one new beadweaving of your own design (not from a tutorial, kit, book, magazine, or class) in response to the challenge theme. Your work should be entirely beadwoven, or have a substantially woven component, to feature and promote our art form. You may not renew an existing piece, or list a tutorial or made-to-order item as an entry.

Members are expected to participate in challenges when possible, and required to do so once each year. Start the weaving anytime after the theme is announced. Complete and list the work for sale on Etsy by the 5th of the month of the challenge, before midnight Etsy (Eastern Standard) time. Your listing date is proof you entered by the deadline, and also determines your placement in the mosaic, so DO NOT RENEW your work until after the voting poll opens on the 9th.

Your listing must be for sale for the duration of the challenge (not made to order), unless it sells from your shop. If that happens, please alert the moderators to your sale, and you can still participate. If you must reserve your listing for purchase, please follow Etsy's recommendations and edit both your title and your description to begin with: "RESERVED FOR (buyer's Etsy username, or designation of buyer's choice) ONLY." Etsy does not allow the listing of items not for sale, so reserving your entry to sell elsewhere or keep for yourself is not permitted. Please do not put your shop on vacation mode when you have an item entered in the challenge, or deactivate your entry from the time you list, until the close of the challenge. If you must be away from your shop, please leave your challenge entry active, with a message explaining the date the item will shipped if purchased."

WHAT INFORMATION MUST BE IN MY LISTING?

Your listing must include the following four (4) things:
1. The theme of the challenge. For example, “This (describe your work) was created for the Etsy Beadweavers Team (insert the month) challenge on the theme (insert the title of the theme).”
2. An explanation of how your work relates to the theme.
3. The address of our team blog where the voting will take place and the voting dates. For example, “Please visit our team blog, http://www.etsy-beadweavers.blogspot.com between the 9th and 15th and vote for your favorite entry.”
4.Tag your entry EBWC. This is how we find your entry. Please test this tag by searching "handmade" and "EBWC" on Etsy. If your entry does not appear in this search within an hour after listing and tagging it, please contact a moderator for assistance. Please do not apply this tag until after the previous challenge poll closes on the 15th, and remove the tag after the voting poll closes, so entries for the next month’s challenge can be featured.

About Promoting the Public Voting Poll

The purpose of the public poll is to bring as many viewers to our team blog as possible, increasing awareness of Etsy Beadweavers and our art form. The winner of the public poll should be the work that the most viewers liked the best. PLEASE DO NOT request that your friends vote for your work, or that of another member. Please let them make up their own minds about which entry they like the best. Promote the challenge by inviting as many friends, acquaintances, co-workers and family members as you like to vote for their favorite entry. Please use your blog, Facebook, Twitter and any other resources you have to drive traffic to our blog during the challenge. Feel free to say which entry is yours. Many friends will choose to support you with a vote. Let’s play fair with each other, and keep our challenges fun for all.

Voting for August "Sea Adventures" Challnege

Choose your favorite "Sea Adventures" entry from the images and links below, and vote for it on the blog poll on the right sidebar. Voting will occur from August 9th through the 15th.

Click on the images or links below to learn more about each entry and see larger, detailed images of each piece.

PLEASE VOTE ONLY ONCE FOR YOUR FAVORITE ENTRY.

1. Linda's Mermaid Bead Embroidered Necklace - crimsonfrog | 2. Sea World - enchantedbeads | 3. Dolphin and Seahorse Bracelet - EsmerldasStudio | 4. Dolphin Sea Adventures Cuff - AngelqueCreations | 5. Herringbone Lariat with Starfish Slide - GlitzandGlitter | 6. Marsha Mermaid and Her Story - ArtMasquerading | 7. Underwater Treasury - FleurDeIrk | 8. Sea Adventures Cuff Bracelet - SoulshineCorningNY | 9. SANDsational Beach Memories - beadifuljewelry | 10. Oceanaire - HauteIceBeadwork | 11. Ocean Treasures Necklace - CreationsofAgape | 12. Lila's Mermaid Cuff Bracelet - beadn4fun | 13. Shell Rock Castle - TinaHobbsJewelry | 14. Waves of Aquatic Adventures - crystalwonders | 15. Amazing Nautical Mermaid Necklace - MegansBeadedDesigns | 16. Bead Embroidered Seashell Barrette - ile1974 | 17. Rockpool 3D Beaded Wall Hanging - suegoodebeads | 18. Technicolor Tide Pools - TheVerdantEdge | 19. Beaded Necklace Sea Turquoise - Elinawonderland | 20. Beading for the Deep Blue Sea - Beadditz | 21. The pendant Le Coeur de la Mer - BeadsForBeauty | 22. Lenore the Mermaid - Janiesgems | 23. Tropical Lagoon - SpringColors | 24. The Kingdom of Seahorse - Maewa | 25. Arctic Queen - terran | 26. Statement Bib Beadwork Necklace - RebekeJewelryShop | 27. Seaboard Beadweaving Lampwork Necklace - Svetush | 28. Coral Treasury - alterdeco | 29. Waves on the Sand - MaryTDesigns | 30. Frolicking Frogs Cuff - KraftKonfessions | 31. Sea Urchin's Got Her Spike Necklace - gr8jewellery | 32. Summer Love - RebeccasWell | 33. Drop in the Ocean Earrings - FrancescasFancy | 34. Sea Treasure Paua Shell Pendant Necklace - ambrosianbeads | 35. Beachcombing necklace - BeadCatcher |

September 2013 Theme Announced: "My Favorite Song"

Jacquie, winner of "Beautiful Summer Flowers," has an awesome theme for September for us! Here it is:

"My Favorite Song"

Everyone has a favorite song or two that speaks to them personally, pick one of your favorite songs and create a piece that tells your story. In your description highlight the lyrics that best describes your design and tell us why this song is important to you.

THE CHALLENGE RULES

Any EBW member may create one new beadweaving of your own design (not from a tutorial, kit, book, magazine, or class) in response to the challenge theme. Your work should be entirely beadwoven, or have a substantially woven component, to feature and promote our art form. You may not renew an existing piece, or list a tutorial or made-to-order item as an entry.

Members are expected to participate in challenges when possible, and required to do so once each year. Start the weaving anytime after the theme is announced. Complete and list the work for sale on Etsy by the 5th of the month of the challenge, before midnight Etsy (Eastern Standard) time. Your listing date is proof you entered by the deadline, and also determines your placement in the mosaic, so DO NOT RENEW your work until after the voting poll opens on the 9th.

Your listing must be for sale for the duration of the challenge (not made to order), unless it sells from your shop. If that happens, please alert the moderators to your sale, and you can still participate. If you must reserve your listing for purchase, please follow Etsy's recommendations and edit both your title and your description to begin with: "RESERVED FOR (buyer's Etsy username, or designation of buyer's choice) ONLY." Etsy does not allow the listing of items not for sale, so reserving your entry to sell elsewhere or keep for yourself is not permitted. Please do not put your shop on vacation mode when you have an item entered in the challenge, or deactivate your entry from the time you list, until the close of the challenge. If you must be away from your shop, please leave your challenge entry active, with a message explaining the date the item will shipped if purchased."

WHAT INFORMATION MUST BE IN MY LISTING?

Your listing must include the following four (4) things:
1. The theme of the challenge. For example, “This (describe your work) was created for the Etsy Beadweavers Team (insert the month) challenge on the theme (insert the title of the theme).”
2. An explanation of how your work relates to the theme.
3. The address of our team blog where the voting will take place and the voting dates. For example, “Please visit our team blog, http://www.etsy-beadweavers.blogspot.com between the 9th and 15th and vote for your favorite entry.”
4.Tag your entry EBWC. This is how we find your entry. Please test this tag by searching "handmade" and "EBWC" on Etsy. If your entry does not appear in this search within an hour after listing and tagging it, please contact a moderator for assistance. Please do not apply this tag until after the previous challenge poll closes on the 15th, and remove the tag after the voting poll closes, so entries for the next month’s challenge can be featured.

About Promoting the Public Voting Poll

The purpose of the public poll is to bring as many viewers to our team blog as possible, increasing awareness of Etsy Beadweavers and our art form. The winner of the public poll should be the work that the most viewers liked the best. PLEASE DO NOT request that your friends vote for your work, or that of another member. Please let them make up their own minds about which entry they like the best. Promote the challenge by inviting as many friends, acquaintances, co-workers and family members as you like to vote for their favorite entry. Please use your blog, Facebook, Twitter and any other resources you have to drive traffic to our blog during the challenge. Feel free to say which entry is yours. Many friends will choose to support you with a vote. Let’s play fair with each other, and keep our challenges fun for all.

Vote for "Japan" February Challenge Entry

Kris from KrisDesignsFSP, internal vote winner of our "November Circles & Squares" challenge chose the theme for our February 2013 challenge.

JAPAN

The theme guidelines were as follows:

Japan has a most exciting culture.

There is a distinct division between past and future: ancient traditional values with their strong rituals, art forms and language on one side, versus the crazy dazzling fashion modernity, neon colors, and plastic kitsch on the other side.

Pick ONE of these two styles to create a piece of jewelry that shows the important criteria needed to convey either the traditional or the modern Japan.

OR: combine both styles into one piece accentuating the contrasts! 

 

Voting for for this challenge  is on February 9th - 15th.

Click on the images within or the links below the mosaic to see additional views and read about each piece in detail.

PLEASE VOTE ONLY ONCE FOR YOUR FAVORITE ENTRY

1. Goldfish Tapestry Banner - FrancescasFancy

2. Beaded Necklace with Japanese Twist - Beadditz

3. Garden of Meditation Barette - 4uidzne

4. Japanese Dragon Purse - ArtMasquerading

5. Karesansui Zen Garden Cuff - beadn4fun

6. Samurai Warrior Princess Cuff - annamei

7. Buddha's Temple Necklace - HauteIceBeadwork

8. Japanese Sashiko Bracelet - EsmerldasStudio

9. Zen Garden Necklace - KrisDesignFSP

10. Wisteria Necklace - HannahRachel

11. Secret Japanese Garden Necklace - Maewa

12. Cherry Blossom Cuff - AngelqueCreations

13. Autumn Garden Necklace - Svetush

14. Sakura Flowers Pendant - BeautyGlamourLuba

15. Spring in Japan Pendant and Earrings - enchantedbeads

16. Maneki Neko (Lucky Cat) Prosperity Cat Earrings - scarboro

17. Wrinkled Pearl Bracelet - ellimei

18. Dragon's Eye Necklace - bead4me

19. Ceremonial Japanese Kimono Necklace - Janiesgems

20. Japanese Spring Collar - Vicus

21. Peacock Feather Brooch - BlueStarArts

22. Crochet Necklace - alterdeco

23. Japan Tradition Bracelet - Sobby

24. Spring in Japan - BeadCatcher

25. Red Sakura Necklace - AnnaCohen

26. Geisha Cuff - barbaraellis

27. Sakura Necklace - SpringColors

28. Cherry Blossom Gold and Pearl Earrings - ArtiZenBeads

29. Mori Girl - jess2bead

Voting for November Challenge "Circles and Squares"

Kris, the winner of our September "Lunar Obsession" internal and popular votes chose the theme for November

Circles and Squares

Let´s play geometrically!

Compose circles and squares into new shapes, emphasize the contrast between round and angular, soft and hard.

There are no color restrictions but try to underline the contrast via your color choices.

Shapes are not intended to be achieved by the shape of a particular bead only, but by the shapes and patterns in your weaving/embroidery.

Voting starts November 9th - November 15th

Click on the images within or the links below the mosaic to see additional views and read about each piece in detail.

PLEASE VOTE ONLY ONCE FOR YOUR FAVORITE ENTRY

1. Gorgeous Geometric Beaded Bracelet - beadifuljewelry

2. Geometric Modern Beaded Bracelet - MegansBeadedDesigns

3. Halloween Jewelry Set for the Sophisticated Ghoul - ArtMasquerading

4. Circles on the Square - ArtfulAr

5. Times Square - 4uidzne

6. Kandinsky Inspired Cuff Bracelet - beadn4fun

7. Cherries in Chocolate - LeelaBeads

8. Squared Fire - Davianna

9. Colorful Geometric bracelet - MoonsafariBeads

10. Buckles, Bands and Bows Bracelet - barbaraellis

11. Fallen Leaves Bangle - CreationsofAgape

12. Circles and Squares in Rose and Silver - ThunderBoltBeadwork

13. Circles and Squares Beaded Necklace - nellienits

14. Bead embroidered bracelet - crimsonfrog

15. Circles & Squares necklace - KrisDesignFSP

16. Circles and squares pendant - suegoodebeads

17. Paua Abalone Shell necklace - Reginao

18. Circles and Squares set - AnnaCohen

19. Geometrical necklace with ceramic beads - Svetush

20. Winter colors - Vicus

21. Geometric games - BeadsForBeauty

22. Lace Rosette Necklace - SpringColors

23. Cowboy Geometry Necklace - thistledew4u

24. Art Deco Circles And Squares Bracelet - SallyGoRoundTheMoon

25. The Picture Frame - beadprestige

26. Hollywood Circles and Squares - KraftKonfessions

27. Festive Circles and Squares - jess2bead

28. Circles and Squares 2-in-1 necklace - BeadCatcher

About Promoting the Public Voting Poll

The purpose of the public poll is to bring as many viewers to our team blog as possible, increasing awareness of Etsy Beadweavers and our art form. The winner of the public poll should be the work that the most viewers liked the best. PLEASE DO NOT request that your friends vote for your work, or that of another member. Please let them make up their own minds about which entry they like the best. Promote the challenge by inviting as many friends, acquaintances, co-workers and family members as you like to vote for their favorite entry. Please use your blog, Facebook, Twitter and any other resources you have to drive traffic to our blog during the challenge. Feel free to say which entry is yours. Many friends will choose to support you with a vote. Let’s play fair with each other, and keep our challenges fun for all.

Voting for May Challenge - "Nautical Inspired"

Sydney of LostAloha winner of the March challenge "Destinations" challenge came up with the May Challenge "NAUTICAL INSPIRED" theme.

"One of my favorite things about being from the Oregon Coast is how much the culture and economy is tied to the ocean (and it's storms), the ports, and all the lush ocean life. My challenge is to make something Nautical inspired -- be it sailor stripes, a pirate's life, sea stars and octopi, or a siren atop a hefty, rusty anchor -- with Memorial Day on the way, I will definitely make my way down to the docks to see all the boats and fisherman, and welcome in all the sunshine.. With an occasional high-winds warning and some dark, churning ocean waves."

Voting starts May 9 - May 15th, (See right side for poll which will be posted on the 9th)

PLEASE VOTE ONLY ONCE FOR YOUR FAVORITE ENTRY

Click on the thumbnails of thumbnail images of each entry or links below the mosaic to see additional views and read about each piece in detail.

1.  The All American Wave - JoyFullyJewels 

2.  Octopus Bead Embroidery Necklace - crimsonfrog

3.  Bounty - Bead embroidered cuff - OOAK - Vicus

4.  Crystal Rivoli Grey pink Purple Beadwoven Necklace - SpringColors

5.  Octopus's Garden Bracelet - SierraBeader 

6.  Bracelet of Beadwoven Circlets - TerahClassyCreations

7.  Ocean Breeze Necklace - eliana1971

8.  Nautical Mermaid Necklace - MegansBeadedDesigns 

9.  Seascape Original Beaded necklace - EsmerldasStudio

10.  Beaded Shell Pendant - enchantedbeads

11.  Enchanted Mermaid Bead Embroidery Necklace - 4uidzne

12.  Champion Honu Compass Rose - AngelqueCreations

13.  Cape Hatteras Lighthouse - beadn4fun 

14.  Beaded Cuff Bracelet - randomcreative 

15.  Life Belt Beaded Necklace - annamei

16.  Beaded Ocean Necklace - BettyStephanBeadwork 

17.  Pearls in ocean waves - AnnaCohen 

18.  Treasures of the Deep - josjewels1

19.  Pirates Treasure Caught in Fishing Net - Jewelrybyjane29

20.  Nautical Beadwoven Cuff - MaryTDesigns 

21.  Ocean Views - zviagil 

22.  Ancient Ocean - KraftKonfessions

23.  Poseidon's Garden Beadwoven Necklace - HauteIceBeadwork

24.  TITANIC Bracelet - KrisDesignFSP

25.   Sailing summer seas peyote stitched pendant - BoonieBeads 

26.  Summer sailor's outfit necklace - alterdeco 

27.  Coastal Peyote Charm Bracelet - elsielight 

28.  In The Navy - Fandefanfan

29.  Barrette, Sand, Sea and Shells - Janiesgems

30.  Portholes Nautical Beadwoven Bracelet - SallyGoRoundTheMoon

31.  Antique map adventure necklace - BeadCatcher

32. Nautical vanity - Sobby

33.  Birth of Venus - SpiralDesignJewelry

May 2012 Theme Announced "Nautical Inspired"

Sydney, of LostAloha, winner of our March "Destinations" Challenge invites us to be "Nautical Inspired" with her May 2012 theme!

"One of my favorite things about being from the Oregon Coast is how much the culture and economy is tied to the ocean (and it's storms), the ports, and all the lush ocean life. My challenge is to make something Nautical inspired -- be it sailor stripes, a pirate's life, sea stars and octopi, or a siren atop a hefty, rusty anchor -- with Memorial Day on the way, I will definitely make my way down to the docks to see all the boats and fisherman, and welcome in all the sunshine.. With an occasional high-winds warning and some dark, churning ocean waves."

You may begin your entry today March 20, 2012 and list it in your shop between now and May 5th, making sure to tag it EBWC, but remember not to apply the tag until after April 15th.

THE CHALLENGE RULES

Any EBW member may create one new beadweaving of your own design (not from a tutorial, kit, book, magazine, or class) in response to the challenge theme. Your work should be entirely beadwoven, or have a substantially woven component, to feature and promote our art form. You may not renew an existing piece, or list a tutorial or made-to-order item as an entry.

Members are expected to participate in challenges when possible, and required to do so once each year. Start the weaving anytime after the theme is announced. Complete and list the work for sale on Etsy by the 5th of the month of the challenge, before midnight Etsy (Eastern Standard) time. Your listing date is proof you entered by the deadline, and also determines your placement in the mosaic, so DO NOT RENEW your work until after the voting poll opens on the 9th.

Your listing must be for sale for the duration of the challenge (not made to order), unless it sells from your shop. If that happens, please alert the moderators to your sale, and you can still participate. If you must reserve your listing for purchase, please follow Etsy's recommendations and edit both your title and your description to begin with: "RESERVED FOR (buyer's Etsy username, or designation of buyer's choice) ONLY." Etsy does not allow the listing of items not for sale, so reserving your entry to sell elsewhere or keep for yourself is not permitted. Please do not put your shop on vacation mode when you have an item entered in the challenge, or deactivate your entry from the time you list, until the close of the challenge. If you must be away from your shop, please leave your challenge entry active, with a message explaining the date the item will shipped if purchased."

WHAT INFORMATION MUST BE IN MY LISTING?

Your listing must include the following four (4) things:

1. The theme of the challenge. For example, “This (describe your work) was created for the Etsy Beadweavers Team (insert the month) challenge on the theme (insert the title of the theme).”

2. An explanation of how your work relates to the theme.

3. The address of our team blog where the voting will take place and the voting dates. For example, “Please visit our team blog, http://www.etsy-beadweavers.blogspot.com between the 9th and 15th and vote for your favorite entry.”

4.Tag your entry EBWC. This is how we find your entry. Please test this tag by searching "handmade" and "EBWC" on Etsy. If your entry does not appear in this search within an hour after listing and tagging it, please contact a moderator for assistance. Please do not apply this tag until after the previous challenge poll closes on the 15th, and remove the tag after the voting poll closes, so entries for the next month’s challenge can be featured.

About Promoting the Public Voting Poll

The purpose of the public poll is to bring as many viewers to our team blog as possible, increasing awareness of Etsy Beadweavers and our art form. The winner of the public poll should be the work that the most viewers liked the best. Promote the challenge by inviting as many friends, acquaintances, co-workers and family members as you like to vote for their favorite entry. Please use your blog, Facebook, Twitter and any other resources you have to drive traffic to our blog during the challenge. Feel free to say which entry is yours. Many friends will choose to support you with a vote. But please DO NOT request that your friends vote for your work, or that of another member. Please let them make up their own minds about which entry they like the best. Let’s play fair with each other, and keep our challenges fun for all.