The Beader's MuseThe Beader's Musehttp://www.thebeadersmuse.com/journal/2010-02-26T20:34:11ZSquarespaceThe Muses are Flying!http://www.thebeadersmuse.com/journal/2010/2/26/the-muses-are-flying.htmlScarlett Lanson2010-02-26T19:10:29Z2010-02-26T19:10:29ZPackaged kit for USE THE MUSE IV (Secret Muse Component NOT PICTURED)Flying out the door all over the world that is!  So far, kits have gone out to over 10 different countries (with over 50 International Participants total!) and 39 different states.  It would be so cool to get the Muse to all 50 states, but we seem to be missing a few.  

Represent your state!  To get to all 50 States it looks like we still need participants from:

  • Arkansas
  • Delaware
  • Louisiana
  • Mississippi
  • Missouri
  • Nebraska
  • North Dakota
  • South Dakota
  • Utah
  • Vermont
  • Wyoming

If you know a beader from one of these states, please encourage them to enter! 

Now onto the winners of our pre-order drawings and Blogger Rewards!  

The Winner of the "Believe" Pendant for blogging about the pre-order period for the USE THE MUSE Contest was randomly drawn from those who blogged:

Karyn with her blog post The Muse A Must on Releases by Rufydoof

The winner of $25 worth of Swaroski crystal pendants from Artbeads.com was randomly drawn from the answers to last weeks questions in the comments section:

Chris Murphy with her comment:

I have entered the Use the Muse IV because I really had a blast with Use the Muse III. This contest stretched my talent and creativity in new directions and I can't wait to experiece it all again. I preordered my kit the minute it posted to the website back in December. I urge everyone to get in on the fun. This is the best contest ever. I am even more excited about the new categories which will open up the competition into new areas. I posted about the contest on my new blog adventuresofonebeadywoman@blogspot.com. You inspired me to start a blog so that I can tell everyone about the contest and keep my friends up to date on my progress in the beading world.

I also chose a winner randomly from the pool of Pre-Order Participants to receive a second kit FREE with which they may create an additional submission or gift to a friend.  The winner for that drawing is:

Diane Alves of Grants Pass Oregon


Additional USE THE MUSE News

  • The components page for the USE THE MUSE IV kit is now available on Artbeads.com for ease of shopping: http://www.artbeads.com/use-the-muse-contest-iv.html.  Be sure to use your 15% off discount card included in your kit!
  • I have a new email system in place through Constant Contact so if you are on any of my lists, when you receive emails from me it will say "The Beader's Muse" in the "From" field.  At the bottom of each email their is a link to opt-out if you so choose.  But if you are a contest participant you want to stay on that list so that you will continue to get important info pertaining to your submission, such as your submission form.
  • AND MOST IMPORTANTLY: We are at the last little batch of kits for this event.  If you want to participate you need to sign up now or you will lose out at your chance.  Nearly all of the kits have been spoken for. Don't let the Muse slip through your fingers! 

Be sure to check back next week for news on the categories, the introduction of a new judge, and the reveal of some of the amazing prizes!

 

]]>USE THE MUSE IV Timeline, Pre-order Bonuses, and Blogging Giveawayhttp://www.thebeadersmuse.com/journal/2010/2/18/use-the-muse-iv-timeline-pre-order-bonuses-and-blogging-give.htmlScarlett Lanson2010-02-18T14:36:18Z2010-02-18T14:36:18ZUSE THE MUSE IV kit pictured here. Secret "Muse" component NOT PICTURED.Dear Participants,

I'm thrilled to share with you the final timeline for this round of the USE THE MUSE Contest!

TIMELINE

February 24th - All pre-order kits begin to ship February 24th.

February 25th - Is the LAST DAY to pre-order at the $30 price.   After the 25th, kits cost $35 (plus S&H).  

Monday, March 29th, 2010, 11:59 EST. -  There is an early bird prize of beads that will be given to the participant randomly drawn from the pool of entries that are submitted on or before this date.

Monday, April 12th, 2010, 11:59 MST - This is your final official deadline for emailing your submission for judging consideration.

The final BIG REVEAL date will be determined after the submission deadline after we see how many entries we have to process.  The date that we are looking at so far for this is May 6th, but there will be a countdown on the site when we know for sure.

CATEGORIES

You requested it!  This round of USE THE MUSE has some exciting new changes which include categories for specialized techniques and 4 new guest judges that will help determine the winners for those special categories.  Over the course of the event, I will be introducing these judges to you over the blog and presenting their story and expertise on the subject.  My mother and I will maintain our role as judges, choosing the preliminary entries for consideration and overseeing the categories and grand prize.  

There will be a field on the entry form if you would like your submission to be judged in a certain category.  The categories for this round are:

*Beadweaving

*Stringing

*Bead Embroidery

*Handmade Components (includes polymer clay, precious metal clay, lampwork beads, or other hand forged embellishment or bead using a special technique *created by you*)

To enter the category, it must be evident by your submission photo that this technique is either the dominant technique in the piece, or stands out as a focal or main design element (for example, if you make a freeform beadwoven piece with lampwork beads of your creation, it's okay to enter in the handmade component category even if it's dominantly seed beads.  This is your choice, but you may only enter it into one specialized category. The judges reserve the right to re-assign your category if it does not meet the requirements).

There will be one winner per category.  The grand prize will NOT be based on category at all - it will be chosen from all of the entrants.  If you enter your piece into a specific category it will still be considered for the Grand Prize and for the special categories that we always do such as "Most Creative use of The Muse", "Best Departure from the Kit", "Expressions in Wirework" etc.  We will pin down the final special categories during judging when we are able to determine the breadth of entries.  Your entry does not need to be classified in one of the four categories, these categories were chosen because they are what we usually get the most of, but other techniques will still be considered for the special categories and Grand Prize.  If we receive enough in a certain medium we will establish a category for it in future rounds of the event.

Next week I will be posting photos of the actual prizes, a combination of beads and Artbeads.com gift certificates.

PRE-ORDER PARTICIPANT BONUSES

Sneak-peak of Exclusive project for pre-order participants only

I have taken the time to design some exclusive content for those who supported the event by reserving their kit early.  Those of you who already signed up for the contest will be receiving a free tutorial project similar to the work I do for Beadwork's "Scarlett's Style". Above is a sneak peak of the special project.  Only those of you already signed up will receive the instructions in an email.  The instructions include many step-by-step close up photos taken with a macro camera.

Along with the free project, Artbeads.com has extended a 15% off discount code for those of you who have pre-ordered for the ENTIRE DURATION of USE THE MUSE IV!  This code will be emailed to you in the participant email that has the free project.  You can use this code to purchase any regular priced item on Artbeads.com and any additional beads you may want to incorporate into your USE THE MUSE entry.

I will also do a drawing from the pool of pre-order sign-ups and the participant randomly chosen from this group will receive a second USE THE MUSE kit free which they can choose to gift to a friend, use to create an additional entry, or just keep and create something with at their leisure.  I will post the winner of this drawing after the pre-order period is complete.

GIVEAWAY for BLOG POSTS and COMMENTS

One randomly chosen writer of a blog post reference will be the recipient of this beautfiul bronze pendant nearly a $50 value!

To enter to win this gorgeous bronze pendant, write a blog post (must be published on your site by February 24th to qualify for this specific drawing) promoting the fourth round of the USE THE MUSE contest. Your post must mention that February 25th is the last day to sign-up for a kit and receive the pre-order price and link back to The Beader's Muse.  You are also welcome to answer the comment giveaway question in your post and you will be entered in both drawings.  Then place a reference on this entry linking to your blog post. 

To win a plethora of genuine Swarovski crystal pendants ($25 value!), enter the comment giveaway below.

To enter win a prize package of genuine Swarovski crystal pendants (a $25 value!) leave a comment on this entry answering the question:

What is your main motivation for entering USE THE MUSE IV?

You can highlight any aspect of the contest experience, and even talk about your participation in previous USE THE MUSE events.  The winner will be drawn randomly from the pool of comments posted on or before February 25th.

]]>USE THE MUSE IV Updateshttp://www.thebeadersmuse.com/journal/2010/2/6/use-the-muse-iv-updates.htmlScarlett Lanson2010-02-06T17:15:08Z2010-02-06T17:15:08ZHello all!  

I know you've all been patiently waiting for news regarding the USE THE MUSE IV kit and shipment.  This is a note to let you all know that at the beginning of the week I will have the structured timeline with ship date, submission due date, news about the categories, and photo of the kit to share with all of you.  We've been waiting on confirmation about production of the Muse and I'm finally going to know everything for sure after the weekend!  This kit is coming together sooo beautifully and has so many creative possibilities I am just very excited to share it all with you. Over the next two weeks I'll have blog posts introducing our new guest judges that will help oversee the new categories, more prize giveaways, and a very very cool free project for pre-order participants only!  Thank you so much to everyone who has joined in thus far, it's a very talented group!  The Muse for this round is the most versatile yet so I know we are in for some very diverse and inspired entries!

~Beads, Bliss, and Blessings~

          *Scarlett*

]]>Winner of Heart of the Ocean Giveawayhttp://www.thebeadersmuse.com/journal/2009/12/22/winner-of-heart-of-the-ocean-giveaway.htmlScarlett Lanson2009-12-23T06:25:48Z2009-12-23T06:25:48ZAs the 2009 comes to a close I asked you all to reflect on the question: What are your beading goals for 2010?  It's wonderful to hear all that everyone has accomplished and are now striving for in the coming year.  I look forward to reading about your progress in the coming months!  So many of you are aiming to further your skills in beading by taking classes, submitting your projects to contests (like USE THE MUSE IV!) and magazines (like Beadwork!).  I too share the desire to take 2010 as the opportunity to get organized, finish incomplete projects, share more with the beading world, and design new and innovative projects.

The winner for the Heart of the Ocean Giveaway, who was selected at random, is Kim from Kusz Jewelry and More...

Her thoughts and goals can be read at her blog post here.

Some additional comments that I loved are below.  I wish you all the best in achieving your goals!  I have found that in my life all accomplishment begins with a clear view of what you want and the Universe begins to put things in place for you as soon as you voice your wants.  You have all already begun achieving your goals by putting them out there and opening the door!

Glena says: "I would like to enter the next Beader's Muse contest. This was so much fun and challenged me greatly! I just completed making a lovely area to bead in and I want to finish the organization in my new studio and maybe enter some more contests. I want to increase my expertise and challenge my creativity. Making new friends in beading is also a priority. Thanks for this opportunity!!"

Erin says: "Good question Scarlett! I was very successful in setting goals for myself (for the first time) last year that I have to do it again. They are like self-fulfilling prophesies...if you give them a chance! I want to continue to be published in 2010 (I set a goal to be published 1x month in 2009 and did it..this year I will be a little less ambitious...say 8 times in the year) And I will continue to donate one piece of jewelry to a cause that I believe in each month (total 12). Did that last year as well and went over that limit by almost double! Get online in 2010...I have a blog, and a gallery website, but I need to be selling my work online in some way shape or form. Set up my new studio in my new home (I am working from the ground up and can go crazy building a dream studio for myself!) I would also add that I want to continue to be inspired and to inspire. I do hope that I can enter one of your contests again, as it was so fun with the first one and I love a challenge!"

Diane says: "In 2010 I want to expand my beading business by establishing a website and find another retail outlet for sales. Its been hard to devote much time to this aspect of beading since I also work 4 days a week. Of course I will continue to explore new materials, techinques and approaches and perhaps will attempt other contests."

Tammy says: "One of my beading goals for 2010 is to be able to bezel a beautiful crystal stone like the one you are gifting some lucky winner of this contest! The copper seahorse and turle are "oh so cute" - another one of my goals is to continue to order from Artbeads.com!"

Cj says: "My beading goal for 2010 is to actually DO all the beading that's swirling around in my mind--not just dream about doing it. So hard to let the creative part of the brain overcome the other side--sometimes I try to remember what it was like to be a child--totally unaware of failing and ready to have a go at anything. I'm going to work harder at it this year."

]]>Winner of Last Leaf Giveawayhttp://www.thebeadersmuse.com/journal/2009/12/21/winner-of-last-leaf-giveaway.htmlScarlett Lanson2009-12-22T05:10:43Z2009-12-22T05:10:43ZReading through all the comments to my question: How has expressing your creativity through beading enriched your life? I reflected at how amazing the creative spirit is and the manner in which it finds us all.  If you have time, please read through all the comments because so many of them were so touching and I felt a lot of the more personal ones really resonated with me.  So many of you use beading as your therapy, outlet for artistic growth, and a way to cope with a difficult time and turn emotional pain into something beautiful in a positive way.  I am continually amazed by the strength and unity of beaders around the world.  Thank you so much for sharing all your stories with me!  

Our randomly selected winner for the Last Leaf Giveaway is Nikki Knoll!  Congratulations Nikki!

Nikki says: "Dealing with chronic illness can make time pass slowly. At age 30 I began having small strokes and found that beading helped me pass the time and recover my manual dexterity at a much faster pace than traditional physical therapy. The days now pass much more quickly and I have something beautiful to show for them."

Here are just a few of my favorite comments.  Please read the rest if you get a chance, there really are some unique ideas and experiences expressed by my many contributors.

Pam says: "I think beading has given me a confidence in myself like I've never had before. My artistic abilities have been zero on most of the forms of expression I have tried before. Sewing, counted cross stitch -- the finished product was good enough for me, since they are not my profession. But for others to take notice? I've actually had friends and strangers comment positively on some of the bracelets I've made since I began beading! I've moved from single stringing to learning weaving stitches. Beading is something I do not see myself ever tiring of. It relaxes me, it gives me a chance to be introspective, and I love the knowledge that if I like it when I'm done then wonderful, but if it isn't what I had in mind I can cut it up and start over and let my creativity take a new direction."

Erin says: "The most rewarding thing is simply the act of telling someone else's story through my wearable works of art. I love it when a client tells me that the piece I made is more perfect than they could have dreamed, or that I nailed their style, or that I understood something about their personality that went unsaid. That is high praise to me. I especially love it when that happens with people I have never even met, people I worked with primarily through emails or phone calls. I have a knack for listening... to all that is said and unsaid... and translating that into a really personal reflection of style. I also find it rewarding that I now call myself an artist. I struggled with that for so very long. I love to be inspred by what others are doing and saying out there, and this whole blogging community has been the greatest blessing. And I have a burgeoning love of artisan created components and beads. I think that the fact that we can each take the same exact components and come up with as many variations as there are participants is God working through us to be the creatives that we are all called to be. Thank you for these inspiring contests, Scarlett. I was only able to participate in the first one... perhaps I will be able to jump in again sometime."

Karen says "This reminds me of answering essay questions on tests in school! I always liked them over multiple guess.  I have been searching for my purpose in my life of more than 60 years. In May in the Thompson Center Atrium in Chicago while participating in an Illinois Artisan Art Spree, a woman looking at my jewelry said that I certainly found my gift. I was a little wowed that a stranger would let me know that I was on my path. I had never thought of beading that way but still felt there is something more...that beading is too simple to be a reason to live. To take a needle and thread and some beads and create something is so simple (for me), just like breathing. I like to add beauty in the world. There is so much out there that is violent, tragic, awful, whatever words you want to describe life as the news media reports it. As I am only one person taking baby steps, it is inspiring to participate in a contest where others are creating beauty in their lives. I look forward to the Big Reveal and seeing all the wonderfully unique designs."

Kat says: "During the course of creating my Use the Muse III project, the health of Butch Poodle (she's an oxymoron), our 14 year old person in a black toy poodle body began to fail. There were many trips to the vet to try to correct one symptom after another as we could not see the forest for the trees. All through this time I was working on the rope portion, and then the net portion, and planning how to do the opposite side of the rope for this project. The symbolism of the Muse in the project worked for me on many levels in those final days, and in the final days of creating the project... the 'net' folded over and became another version of the Muse. Completing the project gave me purpose and focus at a very difficult time. Everytime I look at it I think of Butch and I know she is flying on the back of the Muse, free."

Helen says: "Beading is so wonderful because you can hold color in your hand. There's no end to the variety of shapes, colors and sizes of beads. And everyone does something completely different with the beads. Beading distracts me from the pain I have from a genetic disorder, so that means less pills. I have a group of friends who come over to bead with me. It's a fabulous distraction and such fun to see what everyone makes."

]]>Winner of Lucky Elephant Giveawayhttp://www.thebeadersmuse.com/journal/2009/12/20/winner-of-lucky-elephant-giveaway.htmlScarlett Lanson2009-12-21T04:32:14Z2009-12-21T04:32:14ZI received nearly 100 responses to my question "What is your favorite part about the USE THE MUSE Contest experience?" as entries for the Lucky Elephant Giveaway!  Thank you so much for your time and thoughts! 

The winner (who was drawn randomly from the entries) is Carol-Anne from www.beadynoid.blogspot.com.  Her comment was : "I've thoroughly enjoyed the challenge each Use the Muse contest has provided for me. Without a doubt, the whole process helps me to "grow" and stretch a little more, each and every time! It has been a delight to use the different materials for each kit and I have a greater comfort level now with diverse materials, thanks to Scarlett and her wonderful Muse choices! I still feel I have a long road in front of me and think that the most exciting part of the UTM contest for me is seeing the big reveal and drooling over the talented works of art produced by the many gifted entries from all over the world. I am very grateful to Scarlett for providing this forum -- it's a wonderful undertaking! More comments on my blog!"

Carol-Anne is the recipient of the prizes featured here.

I loved reading all your comments and picked out a few of my favorites to share with you:

Sharon Wagner says: "The best part is seeing all the creativity of our beading community. We all start with the same kit and so many different pieces are created. It is inconceivable how many different possibilities result from these small beginnings. The fabulous and boundless imagination of the human mind! The joy we share in reveling in each others creations and the new sparks of creativity that drive us on to create even more! For a few months 150+ of us around the world shared in the same creative process and we all saw a different vision. It is all fascinating and exhilarating to comprehend! Thanks Scarlett, for a wonderful shared experience!"

Debbie S. says: "Thank you so much for offering such creative promotions. I have been making jewelry just a few months and I am hooked. Through ArtBeads.com I found your UseThe Muse site and competition. I ordered the kit and was thrilled with the amount of items and the choices. I was motivated to order a variety of Swarovski crystals in olive, copper, and amethyst to make my necklace. While I wasn't confident enough to send in my design, it was a joy and very self-rewarding to create with objects chosen by another person. I will definitely participate again!!! Your website is really great. Love the pictures."

B. morris says: "It's hard to say what I like most about the Use the Muse contests. I guess it's being part of a group of people who are all taking the same test, each coming up with different yet correct answer. It's as if we're members of a secret society. Most of the world doesn't even know we exist, and yet our brains churn, needles, thread and beads fly and we follow the Muse wherever it takes us. And in the end we share our results with each other (thanks to all of Scarlett's hard work) and we individually smile and say "ooh" and "ahh" and eagerly await the next contest. It's just plain fun."

This competition would not be possible without so many incredible beaders participating!  Thank you!

]]>It's Here. Time for The BIG REVEAL!http://www.thebeadersmuse.com/journal/2009/12/17/its-here-time-for-the-big-reveal.htmlScarlett Lanson2009-12-17T20:44:31Z2009-12-17T20:44:31ZClick here for the first peek at the complete entrant galleries and winners for USE THE MUSE III!

More posts to come shortly.

 

]]>Heart of the Ocean Giveawayhttp://www.thebeadersmuse.com/journal/2009/12/16/heart-of-the-ocean-giveaway.htmlScarlett Lanson2009-12-16T20:18:20Z2009-12-16T20:18:20Z"Oval of the Ocean" genuine Swarovski crystal fancy stone in "Montana" sapphire color. Big - bold - beautiful - begging - to - be - bezeled at 39mm.Tomorrow's the BIG DAY!  I have another giveaway for all you anxious beaders anticipating the launch of the USE THE MUSE III gallery.  I call this The Heart of the Ocean Giveaway because the giant Swarovski sapphire fancy stone reminds me of the blue diamond in the necklace from The Titanic movie.  It is just so beautiful and captivating - begging to be bezeled!  To go with the ocean theme, I've also got two super-cute copper pendants, a sea horse and sea turtle to be included in the package.  All of these items can be found on our sponsors site Artbeads.com. Click on the individual photos for more info.

Here's how to be entered into the drawing, there are TWO ways to win:

To have your name entered into the drawing 1 time: Leave a comment on this blog post answering the question:

What are your beading goals for 2010?  

This is a big one that I think we should all think about as the close of the year begins.  I have so many plans for The Beader's Muse and the USE THE MUSE Contest that I will finally be able to execute in 2010. 2009 was an incredible year of transition and growth and chaos - all rolled into one.  I have been clearing up my busy plate of deadlines and projects so I can focus on the parts of my life and business that are most important to me.  I am looking forward to being able to devote more time to the blog and my connection with the beading community and contest participants.  I am so grateful and happy to have the support of so many talented and sweet beaders from all over the globe.  Thank you for making 2009 a year of Great Things.... I hope you'll join me with beading in 2010 for a year of Spectacular Things!

This super-cute copper sea horse will certainly draw compliments!Channel the relaxed energy of the majestic sea turtle in 2010 - coast through your obstacles!Be sure to leave your name and email in the comment so I can get back to you.

To have your name entered into the drawing 3 times: Leave a Reference on this blog LINKING to a BLOG POST you wrote answering the above question on your personal blog, favorite beading site, or forum.

You have until Monday, December 21st to comment or submit the link to your post answering the question. Only comments answering the question will be entered.  The entries will be drawn randomly from the comments.  The winner will be announced Tuesday, December 22nd.

There's still time to enter the Lucky Elephant Giveaway and the Last Leaf Giveaway.

Come back tomorrow for THE BIG REVEAL!


]]>Only 2 Days Left! Last Leaf Giveawayhttp://www.thebeadersmuse.com/journal/2009/12/15/only-2-days-left-last-leaf-giveaway.htmlScarlett Lanson2009-12-15T20:51:38Z2009-12-15T20:51:38ZEnter to win this lovely Sterling Silver and resin leaf pendant accompanied by 2 pairs of 16mm Swarovski crystal rivoli buttons in Crystal Sage and Crystal Volcano. Click on the image for more info.The countdown to the Big Reveal continues! Thank you to everyone so far who has participated in the Lucky Elephant Giveaway below from yesterday.  If you haven't yet, you still have until December 19th to do so.  For todays prize I have this gorgeous package to give away which I call "Last Leaf" as it resembles the final colors of autumn transitioning into winter.  You can check out the included items at Artbeads.com, our USE THE MUSE Contest sponsor.  Here you can see the 16 Swarovski rivoli buttons in Crystal Sage and Crystal Volcano.  While you are there, you can also take advantage of the fact that all seed beads and czech glass beads are discounted 25% off until Monday!

Here's how to be entered into the drawing, there are TWO ways to win:

To have your name entered into the drawing 1 time: Leave a comment on this blog post answering the question:

How has expressing your creativity through beading enriched your life?

I know that for me personally, it wasn't until I found beads that my eye for design and artistic development really began to accelerate. One of my main motivations in starting the USE THE MUSE Contest was to encourage people to explore different materials and attempt new techniques in a rewarding event.  To answer, you can talk about a specific project you worked on, accomplishment or milestone, or a time when your beads got you through a difficult time.  You can talk about how you see things differently after experimenting with one of the smallest and most versatile mediums.  Whatever the question inspires you to talk about, I'd like to hear it!

Be sure to leave your name and email in the comment so I can get back to you.

To have your name entered into the drawing 3 times: Leave a Reference on this blog LINKING to a BLOG POST you wrote answering the above question on your personal blog, favorite beading site, or forum.

You have until Sunday, December 20th to comment or submit the link to your post answering the question. Only comments answering the question will be entered.  The entries will be drawn randomly from the comments.  The winner will be announced Monday, December 21st.

Come back tomorrow for another random prize giveaway of free beads and pendants!

 

]]>Countdown to the BIG REVEAL Lucky Elephant and Crystal Giveaway!http://www.thebeadersmuse.com/journal/2009/12/14/countdown-to-the-big-reveal-lucky-elephant-and-crystal-givea.htmlScarlett Lanson2009-12-14T17:01:57Z2009-12-14T17:01:57ZThe BIG REVEAL is almost here: only 3 more days left until the gallery of entries is launched and the winning designs are introduced to the world!  In the meantime I have a USE THE MUSE prize giveaway for all of you! The winning entrant will receive 2 LUCKY ELEPHANT Pendants and 100 Swarovski Crystal beads from Artbeads.com.

Nearly a $40 value! This lucky elephant pendant is made from gorgeous onyx stone and hand painted by artisans in Russia. Click on the image for more info. 

This beautiful hand crafted copper elephant is sure to bring on the luck with it's bold and glossy look. Add a pin to the back and it would make an adorable brooch! Click on the image for more info.Here's how to be entered into the drawing, there are TWO ways to win:

To have your name entered into the drawing 1 time: Leave a comment on this blog post answering the question:

What is your favorite part about the USE THE MUSE Contest experience?

You can talk about your experience with USE THE MUSE I, II, or III and if you haven't yet participated in USE THE MUSE you can talk about the reasons you plan to participate in USE THE MUSE IV. Whether or not you have joined in the fun yet, you can talk about why you love the competition.  

Be sure to leave your name and email in the comment so I can get back to you.

To have your name entered into the drawing 3 times: Leave a Reference on this blog LINKING to a BLOG POST you wrote answering the above question on your personal blog, favorite beading site, or forum.

You have until Saturday, December 19th to comment or submit the link to your post answering the question. Only comments answering the question will be entered.  The entries will be drawn randomly from the comments.  The winner will be announced Sunday, December 20th.

Come back tomorrow for another random prize giveaway of free beads and pendants!

Winner will also receive 100 Swarovski crystal beads from Artbeads.com!

For those of you who nabbed up a kit in my sale for "Scarlett's Style" Kits, your orders have all now been shipped out!  Keep a look out it in the mail if yours hasn't made it to you yet, because they are on the way!

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