The Winners of the Blue Design Challenge

The pale blue of an early summer sky; the midnight blue of midsummer, twinkling with stars. Or imagine a body of deep water: from the depth of the ocean to the surface of a still summer lake, how many shades of blue can you conjure?

For Facet’s June Design Challenge, we asked our readers to turn their eyes skyward for inspiration. From turquoise to teal, periwinkle to ultramarine, we had dozens of shades represented in the stunning photos that were submitted. 

We've voted and we're so pleased so share the following favorites with you!

Our first winner is Laura Grey from Shropshire, in the United Kingdom. 

Her piece, Flowing Leaves, is made from labradorite, surrounded with hand-fabricated sterling silver leaves and a sterling leaf bezel. 

She tells us that "All of the embellishments started life as sterling sheet which I cut and formed to give the flowing shapes you see."

See more of Laura's work at www.mmmjewellerydesign.co.uk or follow her on Facebook or Instagram at mmmjewellerydesign.  

The winner of our Reader's Choice Award is Laura Giusti of Rome, Italy. 

Her piece, Regina di cuori (which translates to Queen of Hearts), is made from Mikuki Rocailles in sizes 11/0 and 15/0, Delicas in size 11/0, kite beads and Swarovski crystals. She used beadweaving and peyote stitch to create this piece. 

See more of her work on her website, www.lauragiustibijoux.it. The site is in Italian but the photos are gorgeous in any language!

Our next winner is Julija Andrejeva, who submitted to our challenge all the way from Zabbar on the isle of Malta! (5,124 miles from Milwaukee; I Googled it.)

Her piece, Silk and stone, is an asymmetric necklace made with bead embroidery shibori silk flower, semi-precious stones and glass beads on memory wire.

Her Facebook page is called Beaded & Wired and she shares a lot of great information about European beading events; check it out!

Our next winner is (somewhat) closer to home: Michelle Sepanksi makes her jewelry out of Huntington, New York. 

Waves of Blue capitalizes on the new trend of using carrier beads, and hers have a lovely pattern of waves of blue, stitched in peyote. 

The name of Michelle's business is Michelle Moderne Jewelry, and you can find her on Facebook under that name. 

And back to Europe we go to honor our final winner: Anne Lardy of Chassieu, France!

Her piece, A Blue Peacock, has a focal piece of Lapis Lazuli, surrounded with Soutache, Daggers (Jet laser Wings from Preciosa) and many other beads.

Her website, annebeads.blogspot.com, is also in French, but let's face it: we all speak the same language when it comes to beautiful beadwork.

Congratulations to all of our winners, and a hearty thanks to everyone who participated!

Our Summer 2018 Design Challenge is, well, underway (pun intended!). Our ROAD TRIP Challenge takes place over two months, July and August, so you still have plenty of time to enter! But the sooner the better, as the voting for the Reader's Choice Award starts today, August 1. 

For this Facet Design Challenge, we’re looking for jewelry inspired by your travels. Are you off to the beach, or a cabin in the mountains? The Grand Tour (or a backpacking trip) across Europe, or a road trip in a convertible down Route 66? A visit with a certain mouse in the hot Florida sun, or a stay-cation lounging in the shade near the pool? 

From souvenirs to found objects to favorite snapshots from your camera, incorporate your past travels into your creation. Collected seashells from walks on the beach, travel stamps from your cross-country voyage, and Polaroids from past trips; these are just a few of the examples of materials you might use. 

Or, just make a piece inspired by a fond (or distant) memory of the good old summertime. Be sure to share the specific memory with us that inspired your creation when you submit your image!

You still have plenty of time during these lazy summer afternoons to catch a nap and also make something fabulous!

ENTER TODAY!