David Kodner Personal Jewelers is holding a design contest from November 1- November 20 for a piece created around a beautiful 5.20 carat moonstone. The winner will be determined by the amount of votes it receives on the David Kodner Facebook fan page. The winner will receive $500 cash, plus David Kodner will create an actual piece of jewelry from the first place submission, to be on display in the jeweler show room. This might be a great opportunity for you to try their hand at jewelry design, as the competition is open to any skill level. For more information and the contest rules, check out David Kodner’s facebook page! [Read more]

Saul Bell Emerging Artists, deadline 12/03/09 The Saul Bell Emerging Artist competition is open to artists who are 18 years of age and younger.  Now in its third year, this design competition focuses on the creativity of young designers.  Pieces will be jusded on innovation and uniqueness of the design, and the quality of the workmanship.  Registration can be done online or through the mail. Last year’s first place winner, Kelsey Oswald [Read more]

500 Silver Jewelry Designs Senior Editor: Marthe Le Van Entry Deadline: December 4, 2009 Lark Books seeks images to publish in a juried collection of international studio jewelry. Each piece must prominently feature silver. Materials other than silver, such as stones, other metals, or alternative materials, may be included, but silver must be the focus and should occupy roughly 80% of the piece. We wish to showcase a wide range of techniques, textures, and finishes. All jewelry forms, such as rings, earrings, bracelets, brooches, necklaces, and pendants, will be considered, and all design styles are welcome. There is no entry fee. Download an entry form here. Image credit: Allyson Bone [Read more]

Technique Tuesday! I found this wonderful vintage rolled-brim felt hat with a built-in scarf in an old musty antique shop a couple of years ago, and it just occurred to me that I’ve never shared the instructions with you for its transformation! I loved the style and the color, and knew immediately that the structure of the hat would stand up to a lot of altering! Sifting through my collection of vintage buttons and jewelry showed me just what direction to go with this hat. The name, Dreaming of Spring came to me before the hat was completed. I filled the brim, but still something was missing. The final piece was still sitting on my work table: a small vintage bee pin. Obviously, the bee was to be the focal point, the one who was “dreaming... [Read more]

Over the summer, I wrote a review of Ronna Sarvas Weltman’s unique polymer clay book called Ancient Modern.  Well, now I’ve got a copy to give away!!  If you remember, I told you that Ronna’s style is primitive, organic, and full of joy.  Now here is your opportunity to drop all the rules and enjoy yourself with clay! ***FREE STUFF ALERT***FREE STUFF ALERT*** Would you like to have this book?  Just leave me a comment below telling me what’s your favorite jewelry style: classic?  edgy?  cyberpunk?  elegant?   Whatever description best fits your faves.  Next Monday, I’ll be randomly selecting a winner! [Read more]