I have found, though, that I respond really well to a challenge. I'm not sure what it is. Something about a deadline, a theme, or limited choice of materials, just gets my brain churning over and my fingers working. I love it. There's always a new skill to acquire, a way of looking at something from a fresh point of view, or just the joy of creating something I will wear, no matter how it might place in any contest.
Recently I entered the Use the Muse 3 contest sponsored by Artbeads.com and TierraCast. Scarlet Lanson created the idea on her Beader's Muse blog, and it's been a hit with beaders and creative types the world over. I've only managed to participate in the last contest, but check out her blog for the other two.
Right now we're waiting for the Big Reveal, where we finally get to see what the 'muse' was and all the entries in the competition.
In reply to the question on Scarlet's blog today: "What is your favorite part about the USE THE MUSE Contest experience?" I would have to say, the challenge, reasons given above. There's just something about a challenge that brings out the best in even the very new beader. Challenges push you out of the excuses, the doldrums and the can't dos. You create because you must. Someone is waiting to see your piece. You've spent money and time thinking and working this piece. You can't back out.
Challenges always inspire me. I enter them, but win very few. And that really doesn't bother me. I am always a winner because I have a beautiful piece of jewellery to wear, sell or give away. What else could I want?
How do you feel about challenges? Do you join in to further your own creativity, skills or simply to take part? Do you set journal writing challenges for yourself? We could discuss such a challenge in the comments section if you're interested. Leave a comment and let me know.
Anyway, to inspire you, I hope, here's a sneak peak of my entry into the Use the Muse 3 contest:
Heather
Photo is my own
Click here to visit Planet SARK.
Wow, your necklace is just incredible! I don't even wear jewelry or care about it at all, but I _want_ that!
ReplyDeleteI enjoy NaBloPoMo, not just in November but all year, to get me posting to my blog on a regular basis.
Happy Holidays and {{{Hugs}}}
rift
Thanks Rift. i will post a complete photo in a couple of days, just so you can also see what the 'muse' was. ;-)
ReplyDeleteThat piece IS gorgeous. I'm a guy and even *I* want one to wear lol. Is it a necklace or a bracelet? I thought it was a bracelet but would prefer it to be a necklace. I'd love to be able to get into jewelry making. But like art journaling, it's a bit overwhelming for me. I don't know where to start and I don't want to buy supplies and end up not using them. At least I have written journaling for a creative outlet though. Notebooks are a fairly cheap investment and even if you get one you don't like, the paper inside is the same so it's still useable :).
ReplyDeleteHi Toddmen,
ReplyDeleteYes, the piece is definitely a necklace. I'll share the full piece some time today. With jewellery, just start simple and see where it leads you. Loads of guys are great at designing fantastic jewellery. I agree about journal writing; it's just so accessable and costs hardly a thing. Thanks so much for you comment. ;-)