Autumn 2023 Creativity Challenge
Congratulations to Inge von Roos!
Stronger Together!
Supporting Beads of Courage
Lets be “Stronger Together" in helping Beads of Courage reach their goal.
Create a minimum of 15 beads to donate to Beads of Courage.
Artist Statement
I made these peeking crabby critters. I like to tuck their little heads in the shell so they can hang around on a child’s string of beads. It’s fun to see how expressive each one can be.
Entry
Artist Statement
Hi.. here are my gifts to 'beads of courage'.
These beads are little 'emotion beads'.
Emotions can be a bit prickly.
On one side... Peeping under their brightly coloured bobbly security blankets.. .they all have a little happy face.
On the reverse side.. Some have sad faces because it is OK to be sad.
Others have secret magical flower gardens or fish worlds.. An owl or a heart... Somewhere to hide... Something to show and talk to people about.
They were inspired by my son who has no speech. They could be not just a bead but a tool.
I'm recovering from a shoulder operation... their smiles look a little bit wibbly wobbly but they are cute and sound. Made with love and fully annealed.
Entry
Artist Statement
I sent 31 beads to Karen Sweezy for the BOC Contest for the Gathering.
I don't really have an artist statement. I've been a lampworking hobbyist for about 18 years and love the glass's color and transparency. I'm inspired by nature and everyday life.
Entry
Artist Statement
I have been working on my Donation all year. I revisited tutorials from everywhere and these 500 are ready to ship.
Entry
Artist Statement
I have contributed beads to Beads of Courage for several years. Sculptural beads are challenging for me and I think the children will like them. I made these beads using Bullseye glass.
Entry
Artist Statement
Here is my photo of my 36 beads that I sent to Karyn Sweezy this morning.
At this point in my life I just like to make beads for BOC and a few for my family members. I make them when I feel healthy and it’s not too hot in my Southern California garage studio. Beadmaking is still my main hobby, and I hope to be able to continue as long as I am able.
Entry
Artist Statement
I make beads for Beads of Courage in honor of my brother-in-law’s son Matthew, who was diagnosed with a pediatric brain tumor when he was six months old. In his short thirteen years of life, Matthew was one of the world’s great human beings. Everyone he met was his “best buddy” and his smile gave everyone joy.
Entry
Artist Statement
It's my pleasure to make beads for the kids. I enjoy melting glass and creating sweet treasures for amazing kids.
Entry
Artist Statement
Like many beadmakers I like to experiment with bead styles, shapes and other aspects. This group includes some of my "first tries" as well as samples for group online presentations that I have given and some "that's not quite what I was trying to do" beads. Some of these even have YouTube tutorials. They are all perfect for Beads of Courage as well as the ones made specifically for BOC which I donated last month.
Entry
Artist Statement
I would like to be a part of this challenge. I think BOC is one of the most worthwhile charities around. I have 15 beads in my photo, but I am also including 20 more to help.
Entry
Artist Statement
I am sending 42 beads for the "Stronger Together" challenge.
These are glow in the dark beads. As I am allowed only one photo I have chosen the "glow" photo because one bead casts a nice little light, but when many are together they cast a much stronger light. Stronger together! And a nice heart design is because Beads of Courage has captured my heart.
Entry
Artist Statement
I burn things. I love to give away said burned things. And because I am giving my work away, I have no need for an artist statement. However, for those who like to read, here is a little information about me-me-me-me (which is what I call the little imp who sits on my shoulder squealing, “Look at me! Look at me! Am I good? Am I great?”). When I came back to glass after a 3-year absence (breast cancer, heart surgery, loss of my mother, new dementia diagnosis for my best friend), all I wanted was to have fun and make some kind of a difference in the world. I was tired of selling, branding, marketing, shipping, comparing, working too many hours at the torch without a bathroom break. And so…..I started off with making beads for the BOC children, and that initiated my return to a love of glass that will not stop, and a life in which I don’t have to perform or sell or compete in order to feel good about my work (play). But that’s just me, so proceed as you will. The famous writer Ursula LeGuin bristled when adoring fans and would-be writers told her, “You are such a great role model.” She’d say, “I don’t want to be anyone’s role model. I’m more like a role MUDDLE.” Yep. That’s me-me-me-me. (Not that anyone is viewing me as a role model, but isn’t that a great quote?)
Entry
Artist Statement
Here are some of the 100 snack beads being sent in for the children. Donuts always cheer up the day! These are sugar free and should give some smiles.
Entry
Artist Statement
I am submitting 200 beads and 6 special beads. The six special beads were made for my daughter Kristiana Fox when she ( and a friend) did open water swims in Arizona, Washington and California during the summer. The blue and turquoise beads represented water with fish and waves. I will continue to make beads as Kristiana Fox does 6 to 14 mile open water swims ( without a wetsuit in 60-65 degree water.) She is also doing a variety of running and biking competitions. She will carry a bead and has raised money for Beads of Courage at the Tour de Tucson 62.5 bike ride in Tucson this Saturday!
Entry
Artist Statement
I like to think of who might choose the bead I am making, a young child, a teen, parents of an infant, or a young man or woman heading out of childhood. I make beads hoping that each patient will find (from all the beads donated by a variety of makers) a bead that is perfect for them, a favorite subject, shape, color, feel, whatever speaks to them.
Entry
Artist Statement
I have been contributing to Beads of Courage for many years. When I am trying to create something a little different or new it can take many tries before I am happy with the results. Some of the early tries are pretty darn good beads but not what I was going for. I set the good ones that have the right hole size and attributes aside for Beads of Courage. Here are fifty blue and white test designs that are on their way to BOC as part of the challenge.
Entry
Creativity Challenges
Autumn 2023 Entries
