Today is the Reveal for the Desert Sands Challenge! If you're not familiar with the challenges, I put together a Design Kit and offer them on a first-come, first serve basis. Challengers claim their kits and then I send them off around the world! Each participant has about two months to create a piece and at the end of the challenge, everyone shares what they've created!

It's a fun way to challenge your creativity and it's always interesting to see what each person will make with the nearly identical kits. Sometimes there are overlaps in the ideas and themes, and other times... things are vastly different!

When I put together the kits, I try to focus on an image in my mind. With the cold weather, I dreamt of the warmth of the desert and the shifting sands. I pulled different shades of beige, toasted almond, browns, and gold. To learn more about the kit CLICK HERE and HERE.

Each kit also includes a Mystery Component. Here's the one that I made for this challenge. CLICK HERE to find out more about it!
And without further ado... here's the REVEAL:

This bracelet was made by me. I used seed beads from the kit to create this modified Chenille Stitch beaded segments. I ran a flexible beading wire through the core and paired those pieces with vintage brass filigree rounds, gold-plated spacers, vintage Czech glass, and white coral rondelles. To tie everything together, I used a copper toggle clasp. I like the textures in this piece and the wearability of it.

The next four pieces were made by Naama of Peculiaris. Here's what she had to say about them: "The warm creamy hues of this kit captivated me, and I let the beads lead the designs. Though I had warm desert winds in mind, some of the finished pieces remind me more of butterscotch and caramel candy. Warm sweetness instead of smoldering heat? I can live with that! For more images of my works, stop by my Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/ peculiaris"

Another piece from Naama of Peculiaris.

This necklace was made by Naama of Peculiaris.

This matching bracelet and earring set were made by Naama of Peculiaris.

This necklace was made by Nancy Noyes-Ward. Here's what she said, "I really had a good time with this challenge. My family was even engaged and couldn't wait to see what would transpire."

This necklace was made by Nancy Noyes-Ward. Here's what she had to say about it: "I have more in the works and will add those to the Catch Up Reveal next month."

This necklace with matching earrings was made by Lisa Mendum. Here's what she had to say about the pieces: "This was my favorite bead challenge selection so far! I wanted to use every last bead, but there is never enough time! Is there?"

This necklace and earring set were also made by Lisa Mendum. Here's what she had to say about them: "The kit included such a wonderful collection that I only added a few copper findings from my own stash. Thanks again Andrew for letting me participate! I can't wait to see everyone's beautiful creations!"

This piece was made by Janice Ferrari. Here's what she had to say about it: "Andrew's handmade Mystery Component became my focal point for my Desert Sands bead embroidery design bracelet. I incorporated only one extra touch of color with a light sage green 3mm rounds from my stash. The beads from this fabulous kit reminded me of the sparse greens growing among the sparkling sands/pebbles in the bright desert sunshine!"

This bracelet was made by Cheryl Lee Tucker. Here's what she had to say about it: "I have been trying new techniques with each Design Kit! Sometimes with more success than others. This bracelet, utilizing copper and brown-colored shaped and wrapped wire, is intended to show off the variations in the colors of the beads. I really like the warmth of the copper. I plan to make wire-wrapped earrings to match. I struggled some with the bracelet, but I like the results. I think I need more practice! What should I try with the Marsala kit?"
But wait... that's not all! Please swing by the blogs of the other participants of the Desert Sands Challenge! Check out what they made and comment on their posts!
Alison Herrington Tammy Bowman Jeanne Steck Christina Hickman Kari Asbury Michelle McCarthy On Andrew Thornton's blog: Andrew Thornton, Naama from Peculiaris, Nancy Noyes-Ward, Janice Ferrari, Lisa Mendum, Cheryl Lee Tucker

Next up is the Marsala Valentine Challenge! The reveal is set for Thursday, February 19th, 2015! Stop by and see all the lovely creations made with this Pantone Color of the Year inspired kit!