Enter a beading contest this year for fun and motivation. The contests below are listed in order of entry deadlines, with those closing sooner listed first. Click on the link at the top of each description below to see the official contest rules and learn how to enter.
- Subscribe to the Beadwork Newsletter for contest updates and reminders.
Unless otherwise specified, these contests are free to enter. Most require that you submit one or more photos of your completed design, and some require that you loan your design to the sponsor if you win.
Have a new contest to suggest for the list? Let me know at beadwork@aboutguide.com.
Flex Your Creativity Beading Contest
Soft Flex
This is a design contest held regularly by the SoftFlex company, which is known for its popular brand of bead stringing wire. Entries for this round must be made using a knitting spool along with Soft Flex Beading Wire or Craft Wire (and, I assume, beads -- since this is being marketed as a beading contest).
Entries open: Now
Deadline: September 1, 2012
Fire Mountain Swarovski Elements Jewelry-Making Contest
Fire Mountain Gems
For this sparkling Fire Mountain Gems contest, create a design using at least 50% Swarovski Elements and at least 50% components carried by Fire Mountain. Winners will receive gift certificates worth up to $1,000 and the chance to have their design published in an upcoming Fire Mountain Gems catalog. All experience levels are welcome to enter.
Entries open: Now
Deadline: September 30, 2012
Beadwork Magazine Beaded Bead Contest
Interweave
Beadwork magazine is celebrating its 15th anniversary with a beading contest. This year, every issue will include step-by-step instructions for a different style of beaded bead. To enter the contest, you need to submit a photo of a project that you designed using at least one of each of the five beads featured throughout the year. (Corrected on May 10; previously I had mentioned that your design only needs one of the five.)
Beading Daily members will vote online for their favorite, and the winning entry will receive bragging rights and be featured in the February/March 2013 issue of Beadwork.
Entries open: October 22, 2012
Deadline: October 26, 2012