MUFFIN TIN CHALLENGE...

To jump start my studio time in this new year I participated in the Muffin Tin Challenge sponsored by Heather Powers of Humblebeads.  The challenge was to fill each individual cup of a 6 or 12 cup muffin tin with beads, wire, findings, etc. to complete one piece of jewelry per cup.  Once the supplies were assembled and cups filled you simply arranged everything into a sassy design and assembled each project as quickly as possible.

 (Easier said than done if you only found out about and decided to do the challenge on the fly the day before it ended....guilty....thank goodness for all those play days making up findings and embellishments or I never could have pulled this off!)

I don't actually think I did this challenge right as my jewelry does not consist of beads only but in mixed media style with plenty of beads on each piece....AND as if all the hurry and scurry were not enough, I am disqualified...my link went up three minutes after deadline...I tried so hard to make it but Blogger was being a pistol and loading photos so slow.  My reward is having 7 pieces of finished jewelry done!

Here is my muffin tin all filled to over flowing:

Don't these look delicious half baked?

                                                                                            

 Fully cooked:

Part 1 of a set of 3 stack boho beach style bangles (this was a bonus project from leftovers in my tins, I had a few strays and scraps and you know I can't waste a good leftover)

A combination of teal, silver, and champagne make a refined feminine triple strand magnet clasp bracelet for dressy occasions: 

Simple soothing sea tones of aqua, green, and white mimic the oceans hues and sun bleached shells:

The charms of nature are abundant in this design a wire nest fulled with tiny pearl eggs, handmade leaves and branches, flowers, and a scampering squirrel and curious bunny charms delight the nature lover:

                                                               

A book lovers delight, "The Librarian" is made from vintage finds such a card catalog pull, card catalog index card, and old brass key accompanied by lovely glass, stone, and brass beads as well as a tiny handmade book:

"Winters Frost" is a delicate rosary style chain piece that consists of tiny glass stones, pearls, and mother of pearl buttons in clear, white, and pale blue hues to mimic a winter frost.  The focal point is a metal leaf with a frosted tiny bird bead and a vintage chandelier crystal.  Handmade/beaded fabric beads as well as handmade leaf and nest embellishments round out the design:

I think the last one is my favorite, "Nature's Wonder" is an asymmetrical design of natural stone beads, natural wood beads, and handmade elements combined with fiber and vine like wire wrapping that invites one to wonder at all natures beauty:

 This was a fantastic exercise and I plan to incorporate it into my studio time. Thank you to Heather for a great kick start to my new year crafting!

blessings,

sandy