"We chose this design as the grand prize winner because we felt that Cynthia really let the MUSE guide her. We can see the curves and lines of the filigree repeated throughout the very unique weave that was engineered beautifully. When we first saw this piece, it struck us as something we had never seen before, and we felt that the complexity of the pattern in conjunction with the cascades of embellished chain added visual interest and best complemented the Muse. We were impressed with the variety of techniques applied in the construction of this piece including chain maille and wire-work. This piece is highly wearable albeit a special-occasion piece. Kudos Cynthia!"

"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"

"This is a multi-technique masterpiece. The subtle ombre of colors delights the eye and creates an elegant and feminine color palette. We could tell from the design that it took a lot of planning and attention to detail. The spectacular surface embellishments was original and the placement of the "MUSE" was intriguing. Chelsea paid attention to each aspect of her design, finishing it with a lovely and delicate closure. After seeing this piece we wished we would've requested to see these entries in person!"

"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."

"This design jumped out at us because we really felt Jeni met the spirit of the challenge. We were looking for pieces that were wearable, yet artistic, and displayed a beautiful composition, but were simple. We loved the versatility of the design: how it could be worn in the daytime or evening... casual or upscale. Her treatment of the "MUSE" by adding the filigree square behind it, transformed the look. The alluring glass pendant was our favorite "from-your-own-stash" component that we saw added to any of the entries. We felt it perfectly enhanced the intricate embellishments that Jeni added to the surface of the "MUSE". The end result was a gorgeous color palette and a collage of just-right components."

"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

Andrew is the recipient of some Crystal Red Magma and Air Blue Opal Swarovski 2010 Innovations from Rainbows of Light.

"This struck us as one of the most sophisticated designs. We could tell from the photo that the piece would have incredible movement. We loved all the metallic accents and were so impressed to find out that Andrew had created them himself. We are awarding this prize for his bronze clay findings and gold-leaf embellished compass."

"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

Marilyn is the recipient of some Crystal Red Magma and Air Blue Opal Swarovski 2010 Innovations from Rainbows of Light.

"We loved the playful spirit of this entry. From the cleverly crafted butterfly, to the artistic flower, coiling tendrils, and overall use of the contest kit, this homage to spring was a stand-out. We feel that Marilyn's treatment of the "MUSE" was fun and inspired!"

"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!"

Debbie is the recipient of some Crystal Red Magma and Air Blue Opal Swarovski 2010 Innovations from Rainbows of Light.

"This simply constructed piece proves that simple stringing can be just as impactful. Debbie chose a bold accent color to transform the palette of the kit. The turquoise backdrop really makes the "MUSE" pop, and enhances the details of the filigree."

"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

Cyndy is the recipient of some Crystal Red Magma and Air Blue Opal Swarovski 2010 Innovations from Rainbows of Light.

"We all adored this piece, and had to create a category for it. Out all of the entries, this is the one that the three of agreed we would wear. We saw a great deal of originality in this piece. The hand covered fabric buttons in combination with the embroidery created striking design elements. We loved Cyndy's approach to this challenge and think her results are stellar!"

"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