Monthly challenges for 2013.
Challenges help us grow and stretch our imaginations. They are also a requirement for being in the Etsy Blogging Business Artisans team.
Things you should know:
1) There will be 12 monthly challenges with a given theme. As part of the BBA, you are to participate in at least six (6) challenges in the duration of the year and blog about your entry.
2) One blog post must be submitted to the Team Blog linky about your Challenge between the 26th and the end of the month.
3) No late submissions will be acceptable.
4) Feel free to put any project you create in your shop, and talk about the Challenge in your description!
Convo Storybeader on Etsy if you have any problems with the dates.
since this challenge was so popular last year, let's do it again!
Set aside time to work on and complete a new technique that you admire. It can be within your field of expertise, but doesn't have to be. Blog about your project at least once during the month of January and show us your progression with photos or a video.
February- Memories for Life - Red
February is about hearts, love, roses...the color red. Create any project you like using the color red!
March- PruittCreations - Emerging Foggy Spring
March is the month for spring, but early spring. Let's explore color in terms of tint. In color theory, a tint is the mixture of a color with white, which increases lightness. We often create with color and ignore tints of color. Create a flowery/botanical/plant project with muted tints leaving lots of white space, if you can. This project is to challenge your thought processes about color, using tints. Don't be intimidated by the absence of bright color. Get creative!
April--Splendid Little Stars--In Springtime, the Earth renews itself. Life bursts forth from that which seemed dead. Create a project (using any media you desire) that honors a spirit of renewal.
May- BeadedTail - April showers brought May flowers so let's see them! Create something with flowers and let your imagination bloom!
June- AntiquityTravelers - June is a month for weddings. But how about a bit of twist on the saying "something old, and something new" .... does anyone 'upcycle'? How do you take an old item and make it new? How about reworking an antique? Anyone do steampunk? how about quilting with fabrics from clothing that has memories to you? ... any other ideas?
July- Sarah -- Magnolia Surprise -- Vacation Time!
We are into vacation season in July -- create something that brings back a favorite vacation memory, something that represents a place you've visited or one you'd like to visit, colors or scents associated with a special place, or perhaps something funny that happened on a vacation. Make it fun!!
August- Linda B Fall is coming - create an item for Autumn OR blog about what you like about Fall/Autumn
September- Athena/LalalitaBodyCo - Back to Childhood
September is traditionally back to school time. Remember the craft projects from your childhood, like macaroni noodle art, or tracing your hand to make paper turkeys, or getting your hands all ooey-gooey with finger paint?
This month, challenge yourself to "elevate" a kind of art or craft from your childhood into "high art". It doesn't have to be something for your Etsy shop; this is all just for fun.
October- LeAnn / pasqueflower Prelude to the Holidays
October! It is time to start thinking ahead to the holidays -- Halloween, Thanksgiving, Hanukkah, Christmas and New Year. They will be here before we know it!
This month, I challenge you to create a holiday-themed item. It could be a new listing for your Etsy shop, a holiday decoration for your home, a costume or special accessory for a holiday gathering, or a gift you intend to give to a friend or loved one.
Since "prelude" is a musical term, you could also make something music-themed if you wish.
November- Memories for Life - Fall Colors
The leaves are changing (or already changed) and the weather is cooling off. Before we head into winter, create one last piece with the beautiful colors of fall! Find inspiration in the nature around you.
December- Jamie/PoppyHill Creations - Winter
We could easily do a holiday theme, but that's taken care of in October. So, let's focus on Winter and what winter means to you - does it mean warm, cozy nights with a cup of hot chocolate in your hand? Or does it mean snowflakes and snowmen? Maybe you hate winter...maybe you can create something that expresses those feelings too. Whatever winter means to you, have fun with it!
