"The top diamond holds a 2-tiered bead embroidered flower which is a traditional Tuscarora Indian motif. Crystal ‘buds’ and size 15 beads extend from the flower. The middle diamond is The Muse accented with seed bead loops and crystal stamens. Pearls surrounded by seed beads add additional petals and the tips of The Muse are topped off with crystals and size 15 seed beads. The diamond is edged in vintage lace. The bottom diamond contains a square 1943 India coin surrounded by peyote stitch and edged with points using the bugle, delica, and size 15 beads. The fringe incorporates pearls, crystals, bugles, delicas, seed beads and that adorable lock. All diamonds are backed in ultra suede and hang from the leather cording." Beading Heart Art

"When I opened the package and saw the muse all I could think about was elegant romance! I never have used Brass before, so it was hard to find any brass findings in my stash. So I combined gold with the brass in several places and I think it works. I also used several colors of gold, yellow and brown beads. Chokers remind me of old fashioned elegance. I always add two magnetic clasps when I make chokers because they are easier to put on as well as keep the choker more secure when wearing." Simply Seablime Jewelry

"I am Marty Beaton, bead artist & instructor. My nickname is "tinybeads" I used almost all of the beads in the Kit. I considered it a challange to use as much of the kit as I could. I mounted the "MUSE" on a donut cabochon and worked from there.The only beads of my own I added beside the cabochon are some vintage bronze beads (I just love them) around the edge and to help create the necklace."

"My entry is named "Compass Rose" because the bronze filigree contrasted with the sandblasted carnelian disk is reminiscent of the directional compass of an ancient map. I began by embellishing the center of the bronze filigree muse with the bicone crystals provided in my kit. In order to attach the filigree to the disk, I made a flower shape out of seed beads on the back of the pendant. The beaded flower shape captures the leg ends of the filigree on the front. I then embellished the captured ends with more crystals. The back is as beautiful as the front."

"Many ideas danced through my head when I received the kit for the "Use the Muse" contest. While I was "musing" about my design, I attended a class at my local bead society on making beaded beads using the crossweave stitch. The crystal, pearls, and bronze beads of the kit worked up very well with this technique. In combination with the lepidolite stone and the twisted ring from my own stash, they created an antique, even "Byzantine", look."

"My "USE THE MUSE" contest entry was a result of trying a multitude of color combinations and styles. I also tried to incorporate methods outside my comfort zone of stringing but in the end, I think that this design shows off the "MUSE" the best without being overdone. I incorporated beads from both the kit and my own personal stash. I added the chain drop at the clasp because I think that necklaces should look their best from all views because you never know if the person wearing them will have long or short hair. Thank you again for the opportunity to enter my first contest ever."

"The MUSE conjured up images of Victoriana and romance, but I wanted to keep it simple, so I settled on a minimalist floral theme. I wired bunches of crystals to the MUSE to represent flowers, then added Czech glass leaves with a peacock finish which echoed the burgundy of the crystals. To balance the glass beads, I added a pair of brass leaves on the chain side of the necklace, each anchored by a crystal. Scarlett, thanks for coming up with the idea for the contest. It was fun (but next time, can we do it some time other than tax season :-)."

"Once the idea of how to use the Muse hit me, I knew I had some black, Czech cuts that would enhance the pale gold of the Muse & create a background for the piece. I used some Turquoise Swarovski Crystals from my stash to attach the Muse to the Ultra Suede & make it all ‘pop’. Tiny Burgundy Swarovskis sparkle at the center of each of the four sides of the Muse & a Dusty Rose Swarovski Pearl sits at each corner. Three large Burgundy beads arranged in a Fleur de lis form are surrounded by size 15 Bronze Luster seed beads. Black & Bronze waves ripple towards each end of the cuff, where you find three Dusty Rose Pearls nestled in Bronze. Finally, small dots of Turquoise bring the whole piece together. To give the perfect finish to this elegant piece, the edges are formed using whip stitch in black size 15 seed beads." Dollie Bead

"I’m a glass artist first and foremost… I also dabble in silver smithing… I am not a beader… I did one peyote bracelet about 3 years ago and this is my second peyote piece. I felt the Muse needed something wider than a simple chain or strung beads to support it… The two hearts are both my beads the head is done using the Freeze & Fuse Technique and then wire wrapped (something else I’ve never done)... I’m actually quite please with my piece… I live on an island in the middle of nowhere so I could only use the kit and other materials that I had on hand!" Fireball Beeds

WINNER of the Most Creative Use of the Muse Award

"It’s been a long and dreary winter in Michigan and I‘ve been in a creative slump. Thank you for sponsoring this contest! When I opened the kit and studied the Muse, it looked like a butterfly and so I based my design on that idea. All the elements in the kit were used plus I added the pendant, wire, leather cord, 6 pointed crystals and other findings. My son named this work of art Spring Serenity. I hope you like it as much as I enjoyed creating it!"

"In this piece I chose to wrap The Muse around a shimmery lampwork disc. I knew immediately how I would use the size 15 seed beads and quickly made the two bronze beaded beads. I accented these with antique brass filigree bead caps. The rest of the necklace incorporates the bronze and amethyst beads, pearls and crystals from the kit and some from my own stash. I finished the necklace by wire wrapping the ultrasuede to the main part and tieing two knots for a clasp free, adjustable closure. This allows the wearer to alter the length of the piece." 2 If By Sea

"Other than knowing I wanted to make a bead embroidered brooch, I had no particular plan in mind for a design. The design became apparent as the beads were added. My first step was to secure the "Muse" to stiffened purple felt by sewing down a few of the small Swarovski bicones. My added components are size 15/0 Metallic Dark Olive Green Gold Luster beads; size 11/0 iridescent purple beads and 4mm center hole sew on Swarovski stones in Golden Shadow. A pinback and purple Ultrasuede were added to finish the piece." Beading Blog

WINNER 1st Place

"My goal was to Use the Muse to inform and inspire every aspect of my piece; her elegant, flowing lines whispered opulence and whisked me away to another time and place. I wove seed beads into a collar that echoes her form; painstakingly antiqued brass wire for chain maille, and carefully wrapped each crystal and pearl on hand-forged brass headpins to add richness to the triple cascade that plunges from her pointed base. The hand-fabricated brass clasp features vintage glass. The Muse teases, but keeps her secrets locked in her heart, above a fiery crystal."

Jewelry Tales

Read the story behind "Scarlett Sings"

"I used the seed beads, and crystals, pearls and the brass lock clasp. The Muse filigree piece is holding the Lampwork glass rings (Blue Seraphim). The necklace measures about 19 inches long." Lorelei's Blog

"For the necklace, I created a body of RAW using 6mm cream pearls and 11/o lavender seed beads, overlaid with more delicate 4mm golden rice pearls and 15/o garnet seeds. I used 18” brass chain and 2 strands of the lavender and garnet seeds, cream 4mm rice pearls and the smaller beads from the kit. I embellished my Muse with 4mm rice pearls, an 8mm cream pearl center with the crystals of the kit. Completing the pendant are brass findings from my LBS and crystals from the kit. The kit’s brass locking-heart clasp finishes off my first vintage creation." Sunrise Jewelry & Gems

"Initially, I started working with the MUSE as the base for a free-form peyote, however as the piece took on an energy of its own, the scrolls of the MUSE suggested the scalloped fringe and the bracelet took on a symetrical and delicate form. I used some of the crystals to embellish the MUSE and trimmed the MUSE itself so that it would lay more comfortably on my wrist. To provide greater contrast to the palette provided, I added size 15 seed beads in an off-white/champagne color. I never plan a project, I seem to be incapable of seeing that far into the future, so I tend to jump in and then let the beads speak to me as I work. Sometimes, this means that I end up dismantling a portion of the piece, but most often something pleasing magically begins to emerge."

"This elegant necklace features aubergine and amber beads with an elegant brass element. It works both with casual and dressy outfits. This was a fun project because I was able to use my design skills while using colors that I normally would not!"

"This was challenge for me as I work with large lampwork beads in my designs so when I got all those little beads it was oh what to do. I strung three rows with the seed beads and crystals and gold balls. Two rows wire wrapped beads and 4 of my own lampwork beads light amethest with gold aventurine. The muse I added a raku flower bead inside and hung the heart locket on the muse. I used a vintage button for the clasp. 22 inches long." Ferrari Original Beads

WINNER of the Simply Stunning Award

"I have used some of all the beads in the kit. I added the pendant bead, under the muse, a dyed turquoise stone and some turquoise xx Swarovski crystals. I used a gold filled clasp and extender chain to finish the 2 strand necklace. It was fun to work with the kit and I really like the choice of beads and colors." Prairie Emporium

"I like simplicity and am not into thing with a lot of stuff on it. I totally love the renaissance era and the Tudor jewelry are the most beautiful I have ever seen. My piece is a reflection of that era. It is an asymmetrical piece wherein I incorporate a spiral beaded rope on one side and a simple antique brass chain link on the other. From your kit, I only used the bugle beads and of course the MUSE. I incorporated my cross which is made of marble like stone and glued the MUSE to the front of it as well as the square beads. I added some antique brass round beads to the design."

"I chose the title Arabesque because this free form peyote bracelet reminds me of Moroccan filigree. This is the first time I have incorporated filigree with my freeform peyote and I think they go very well together. I used most of the beads from the kit. I used size 8 seed beads from my stash for the basic structure of the bracelet. The clasp is an antique Victorian button from my collection that reflects the gold and brightness of this of the bracelet." MaryHardingJewelry

"I strung the beads on copper wire added a few of my own and knit the necklace the lobster clasp is hiden behind the muse."

"When I saw the Muse, I immediately thought of a multiple strand necklace. In my mind, it needed to be something that you would have seen a long time ago. A piece that is very simple, yet very elegant that was worn on those really special occasions. "Simply Elegant" is meant to draw attention to the muse so I kept the other beads simple so that the Muse would be the shining star of this piece. I enjoyed this challenge so much and ended up with a piece I love!" She Designs Jewelry

"I named this piece after my Mom, Maureen who has been a never ending source of support and encouragement in all of my beady endeavors. We would spend hours going thorugh thrift stores and garage sales looking for items to encorporate into my jewelry. The wine color oval crystals from the Muse kit reminded me of her birthstone, garnet. The brass cameo that I wrapped the Muse Filigree around also reminded me of a picture of her taken when she was around 15. The pearl drops were from a box of beads my Mom found and an Estate sale."

"I wanted to introduce you to The Purple Muse. She is a very old and wise lady. She is made from the great group of things you sent and a few I bought, but the very best are the recycled things that make up the heart and soul of The Purple Muse, her pendant. The very back piece was from a very old piece my grandmother gave me years ago and the one on front, the heart itself is from a very dear friend that is no longer with us.So you might say the Purple Muse has known both happiness and sadness and knows this is what makes life worth living,the good along with the bad."

"I was sent some lovely crystals in beautiful shades of purple, and decided immediately that I would play off the red/violet shade in the larger crystals by incorporating some of my yellow/green seed beads and crystals. I learned a double diamond stitch several years ago (Thank you Robynl and your wonderful instructions on the internet!) and decided the shape of the finished stitch mimicked the shape of the Muse."

WINNER 2nd Place

"This piece was made primarily in right angle weave, with some ndebele and peyote. The right angle weave is encrusted with pearls, crystals, and faceted glass. There is a spiral rope segment made with pearls. The “Muse” was gently manipulated to encase a portion of the seed bead work, not unlike the way it has encased my brain as I worked on this piece."

"When I first received my “Use the Muse” contest kit, I couldn’t help but think of romance! In Greek mythology, Zephyr was the God of the winds and Flora was a Goddess of flowers and all things that grow. I wanted the piece to look both windswept and vine-like. The vintage watch face hold a small image of the lovers from an Italian painting by Jacopo Amigoni. The stained glass focal point (which holds the lovely muse) is made of two colors of stained glass and 100% lead free solder which I covered with gold leaf to make it match the muse and the rest of the piece. I must admit that wearing it would make anybody feel swept up in a whirlwind romance!" How Perfectly Imperfect!

"A design came to mind instantly when I saw the components of this challenge online. Vintage brass, khaki and plums is one of my favorite color combinations to work with. A double strand necklace to showcase the "Muse" was my goal. When I was unable to to get the centerpiece to lay right for this design, I trimmed the scrolled tips of the brass piece and the 'Mus-ette' was born. Filling the center of the focal piece with 4 crystals really brought it forward. Some filigree cones and a silk strand from my own stash and Wa La!"

"The Muse immediately reminded me of a harem, which set the tone of the piece. Each component of the necklace represents a part of the seraglio - the swag is the adornment on the veils of the ladies, the Muse (set against a large resin donut) is the gate, the short chain maille attaching the pendant to the necklace is the lock, the orange resin rondelles with leaf beads are miniature orange trees in the garden, the jingle of the brass bells are wind chimes and the chunks of ocean amber are stones in the walls of the seraglio itself." Strands of Beads

WINNER Participant's Choice Award

"This is what the muse directed and maybe it is the Easter season, maybe it is the place the materials came from that inspired me to do something with a tribal/Victorian flavor. I am new to beading and contests."

"Purple and gold always make me think of royalty, as did the filigree component. I decided to create a necklace loaded with baubles and sparkles for a luscious, full look that could be fit for a queen – or a regular girl on a fancy night out! I enhanced the filigree with beads to give “heft” and sparkle to the center of the necklace. In addition to the components provided, I incorporated additional Swarovski crystals in violet opal and amethyst, fresh-water pearls, fire-polished rounds and drops, other glass drops, miracle beads, brass chain, a brass lobster clasp, and brass wire. Thanks for putting this together! I had so much fun!"

"My Cairo's Scarlett Muse was given the name due to the vintage Egyptian jewelry coins I used and the scarlet "MUSE" filigree. My "MUSE" and idea came from Ancient Egyptian's being Pioneers in the arts of adornment, the form and the colors themselves. The "MUSE" being formed with intricate detail that still remain a mystery of Egypt today along with the work of metal they would display. Egyptians were also brilliant innovators in the creation of jewelry."

"For my contest entry, I decided to use as many beads from the kit as I could. Since I also work in polymer clay, I created polymer clay beads inspired by the muse component to include in the necklace and backed the muse with the same color polymer clay as the purple beads. I made a bail from the smallest brass colored bead and the tiny crystals. The smallest brass beads also form the loop for the heart padlock clasp. I enjoyed this contest and can't wait for the next one!" Shouting Stones Design

"I used the filigree as my center. I combined the beads from the kit and some I had to make four strands. Then braided the four strands. I attached the strands to jump rings. I ran the leather cord through the jump rings. I named the piece after you and the filigree."

"Here in Houston, it’s already spring…So, when I saw the filigree Muse piece, I was reminded of a flower. To capture that feel in my piece, I made a green 2-drop peyote “garden” base for my pendant (with a little bronze splashed throughout). Then, using some of the rose-colored crystals and small pearls, I anchored the filigree and, poof, it became a flower. The bugle beads helped complete my pendant by turning into branches holding smaller “buds” created from more of the rose-colored pearls. The pendant is shown on a simple brass chain."

"The envelope simply read, "Come and stay awhile," written in the unmistakable flourish of Juliette. Out tumbled the lone key to her private salon. Quickly, Louis tucked the trinket in his shirt lest anyone see the coveted invitation. "Scarlett" filigree wrapped vintage button (with cream and pink marble, rhinestone, brass bezel), my signature skeleton key, natural mauve freshwater pearls, cranberry faceted pearls, Swarovski silk cubes, wire-wrapped leather, chain, trigger clasp, bead caps." Treasures Found

"Vintage Treasure by was created using flat and tubular Peyote, St. Petersburg Chain and several variations of Right Angle Weave. The necklace is comprised of three beaded chains and features a decorative front toggle closure. Unique embellished elements are suspended with seed bead chains from the ring of the closure. The muse is folded and filled with an amethyst rivoli and embellished with seed beads and 2mm Swarovski crystal."

"Reversal of Fortune” is a reversible necklace with an amethyst donut pendant encased in a beaded bezel. On one side the hole of the donut is hidden beneath a vintage cabochon and on the other side rests the Muse. Fringe consists of lots of Swarovski crystals and pearls with the lock centered as a charm. The herringbone necklace is finished with a vintage glass button clasp."

"Living in the desert I am often drawn to colors that remind me of the sand and sea. When I saw how the brass findings brought out the color of the apatite chips, I knew this was a perfect fit! Thank you for this opportunity."

"My sister Cindy got me a purple shirt for Christmas that I love but I had no purple jewelry. So while I was in Tucson for the bead show I bought the art glass beads I've used in the necklace with the Muse. Everything else came out of my stash. I always tell people just buy the beads and findings that speak to you so you'll always have choices. I love how this all came together and can't wait for warmer weather to wear it with my purple shirt."

"The “Use the Muse” contest was a real challenge for me. I had never worked with brass components before, but it was a terrific complement for an olivine stone rectangle I had in my stash. I wrapped the rectangle with the “muse” and dangled crystals in the center. I created textural peyote tubes with the seed beads and bugles and strung those with the purple crystals and pearls and added some bronze pearls that I love. The heart padlock dangles next to the magnetic clasp in the back. I really enjoyed the process of creating this necklace."

"Since I love bead embroidery I wanted to do a piece incorporating some of that technique. It was a bit of a challenge with the filigree. The only other materials used that were not included in the kit were black delicas, black ultrasuede and Lacy's stiff stuff. Thanks so much for sponsoring this contest it was a lot of fun!"

"Green Apple Martini", light and sweet, with a powerful punch, but no calories or headache! Composed of a variety of Toho 11/0 from my stash (bright green, metallic bronze and galvanized brass); green apple "turquoise" (dyed howlite); rubbed copper round link chain and coordinating toggle clasp; and of course, the beautiful Muse, crystals and cylinders from the kit. This necklace invokes an eclectic feeling of subdued sophistication with the excitement of a pop of color and asymetrical design. This was my first ever beading challenge, and what a glorious kit! Thank you for the opportunity."

"This piece represents my longing for the warm winds of a summer evening. The color palette invokes the lush twilight tones of the summer sky as the copper bird takes flight to find his nightly haven. The crystal represents the sparkle of the soon to be seen stars while the mixed metallic beads are reminiscent of the last glimpse of a golden sun as it dips below the horizon. Stitches used were Twisted Herringbone and bead embroidery." Mad Chiwawa Designs

"I used metallic iris raspberry delica seed beads for the four square bases and five Swarovski crystal and antiqued rose/amethyst 16mm filigree flower for the center of the bases and muse. I also used a magnetic gold-plated clasp. I also wanted to thank you for providing an opportunity for amateur beaders to have a go at making something unique."

"I am a beader (by avocation) from Alaska. I live with my husband, teenaged son (who sometimes beads), and wild, nutty golden retriever puppy. Although I prefer to do off-loom stitches like peyote and RAW, this muse cried out for bead embroidery. So that is what I did. I hope you like it."

WINNER 3rd Place

"Since all my brass fits into one 2x3" bag, this was a real challenge! I had another bead mix that matched so well I used part of it also. This was all play-I had no set idea. The necklace is made of wire-wrapped bead and beaded-bead links, brass paisley links and chain detail. I put the Muse together with a square filigree piece and beaded in and around the holes, then added the pendant and crystal dangles to complete the focal component. I used the included clasp as a charm. The only kit component not used were the brass rounds."Handmade by Jeni Smathers

"I debated on whether or not to cover a portion of my 'Muse" piece, as it truly is a piece of art in itself. However, once the piece started coming together using embellished spiral rope entwined with chain, locks and accents of Swarovski and Austrian Crystal, the Rivoli surrounded by delica beads and the dark red bicones completed it nicely." Cool Moon Creations

"I used some of the items provided in the Muse kit. One thing I did was weave the suede that was tied around the containers into the Muse pendant. The piece is called Gleam of Twilight because the Swarovski's go from darkest to lightest. Just as when twilight arrives there is that fine edge of lighter sky before it is night. Due to the richness in the colors of the beads that were included, I felt that simplicity in design would enhance its innate beauty. Additionally small beads were added between the holes on the toggle ends for a finished look."

WINNER of the Best Handmade Component Award

"When I make jewelry, I like to tell myself stories. I ponder questions about the wearer and their life. As soon as I opened the package containing The Use the Muse Contest components, I was struck by their timeless qualities. A story started brewing; developing as the piece did. In some cases, I couldn't find quite what I was looking for, so ended up making some of the bronze components out of Bronze Clay. I also wanted the compass to have two sides, so that it could be concealed while the Traveler was in different time periods. The brass filigree was an awesome way to disguise and hold the watch crystals that using resin I embedded gold leaf and watch cogs in. Separated by oceans of time, a lonely wanderer searches out her beloved. Her gift, the ability to step through time, is also her curse. An accident parted her from her lover – now lost through the ages. Only her love and a compass that navigates time can reunite them." Andrew Thornton

"When I first opened my kit, the Muse immediately evoked thoughts of exotic faraway lands, where music, motion and baubles move freely throughout the cities. The platform on which the Muse is mounted is built up from layers of right angle weave adding a wonderful texture to contrast with the smoothness of the Muse. The crystals drip from the Muse on fringes of gold seed beads completing the motion component. The clasp is a sweet surprise of a little brass charm. Antique copper metal seed beads were added for that Moroccan flair. BeadJeweled, Inc.

"I'd like to call my entry "Mardi Gras." This exercise was surprisingly difficult for me, I've never worked under the perameters of materials and time line. Brass is a new metal for me, I actually used my color wheel to figure out what colors could go with it. I didn't realize until it was finished, that the colors are kinda timely, they look like the traditional Mardi Gras beads. My New Year's resolution was to enter my very first beading competition. Thanks to your organizing things, I got my chance. Thanks so very much!"

"When I received my “Use the Muse” contest kit, I was excited, but completely bewildered. I don’t usually use a lot of crystals in my work, but I knew that I wanted to incorporate those beauties with the earthy brass filigree (much more my style!). I finally decided to draw my inspiration from my collection of Edwardian filigree necklaces. I added some vintage brass chain and a few more vintage brass components and embellished everything with just a few of the Swarovski pearls and crystals. The result, I thought, was a beautifully modern, delicate necklace with old-world style." Jewelry, Art and Life

"Here is my Use the MUSE submission, Terpsichore, the muse of the dance. The o-rings have been captured by assorted beads from the kit and by triangles and 11's in a Heather mix, swirls of patterns, texture and color, a true dance of beauty. Thank you for the opportunity to play!"

"Bracelet's flowers bloom. Muse rests in crystal bower. Beads recount the tale." Janie's Beads

WINNER of the Design of Distinction Award

"I have a tendency to make my designs symmetrical, so since the spirit of this contest is to challenge ourselves, the first thing I decided on was asymmetry. The vintage look of the muse reminded me that I had some vintage buttons in my stash. I added some brass buttons to echo the muse, and made a couple fabric-covered buttons in colors that coordinated with the beads. I bezeled each button differently and connected them all with brass chain. I created my own ‘spacer bars’ on the ends with two of the large brass rounds connected with seed beads." Galería de Cyndy

"When I received this lovely kit from Scarlett, my first impression was that it was just tiny and I wondered what I could possibly do with the supplies! Later that evening I played with all the beads and eventually felt that the muse piece would be the perfect centerpiece to support a tiny one-inch cameo from my stash, and the rest, as they say is history! I have never incorporated a filigree metal piece into my work before and I am very proud of meeting the challenge and of the finished necklace! This elegant piece is an 18” princess-line necklace. THANK YOU for doing this and for helping me 'grow'!"

"This piece pushed me way outside my comfort zone. For starters, Working on an asymmetrical design was a huge stretch for me. Also, I usually work with sterling silver, so I switched gears to create a piece using antiqued brass with a vintage look. I had previously created some ceramic buttons in matte olive green that were the perfect color to use with the brass. The ceramic button clasp is a piece that I made especially for this contest; I pressed the filigree "muse" into the clay before firing it. Total Length: 28.5". This was a huge challenge for me, but I enjoyed every minute. Thanks for the opportunity!" D Winchell Clayworks

"This is an ode to the many instructors that have all made an impression on my creative mind and encouraged me to run, play and have fun. I ran through my bead room to collect colors of bronze and green. I played with wire wrapping resin beads, weaving beaded beads with Swarovski pearls and crystals and stringing a little bit of fringe for my muse capped felted centerpiece. Then I finally experienced the fun of locking my heart around the many components and seeing it all come together (with a deadline looming, LOL!)."

"Thank you for this opportunity. I call my creation "Annata Bellissima". In Italian, this means "vintage" and "beautiful". I figured that this describes it perfectly. I chose to name my necklace in Italian because the Italian language is considered the language of romance. I feel that this piece is incredibly romantic and thus why it is named as such. This was a wonderful experience and whether I win or not, I found this to be very rewarding. I have won already in my heart."