Bead Star 2010 Rules

Come one, come all and enter our third annual Bead Star contest, Bead Star 2010! Winning entries will once again be published in Bead Star magazine, the first-ever publication comprised entirely of prize-winning designs selected by beaders worldwide. Besides fame, winners will also receive exciting prizes donated by our generous sponsors.

Summary of Contest Rules

• Deadline to submit designs: Friday, April 30, 2010 (midnight EDT).
  
  
• How to submit designs: Fill out our online entry form, which will be available at beadstar.com on February 8, 2010.  You will be asked to attach a photograph of each entry.
  
  
• Categories (you may submit one entry only per category):
  
  
• Crystals: Designs created using predominantly* crystals.
  
  
• Glass: Designs created using predominantly* pressed-glass, fire-polished glass, sea glass, lampworked glass, and/or any other type of glass beads or pendants.
  
  
• Heart Designs: Designs created with a heart bead, heart beads, or beads made into a heart motif. The heart(s) must be the focal element(s) of the design.
  
  
• Metals: Designs created using predominantly* metal beads, wire, and findings.
  
  
• Pearls: Designs created using predominantly* pearls. Faux pearls (including Swarovski pearls) and mother-of-pearl can be used in your entry.
  
  
• Plastics: Designs created using predominantly* plastics. We will consider polymer clay a plastic.
  
  
• Seed beads: Designs created using predominantly* seed beads.
  
  
• Stones: Designs created using predominantly* stones.
  
  
• Under $25: Designs created at a total cost of $25 or less. Copies of receipts must be provided (either as a scan sent with the entry or via snail mail). Total cost should be calculated as the sum of the cost of each material used, not including the cost of the beading wire, thread, cord, etc. For example, if you use one clasp from a $5 package of 5 clasps, your cost for the clasp is $1. In the spirit of fairness, please use retail prices (not wholesale if you get discounts). This is the only category where receipts are required.

* By predominantly, we mean that when you look at the project, it should be obvious that it is made mostly with the category material.

• Project requirements: All projects must be original jewelry designs (bracelets, necklaces, or earrings) created using stringing, crimping, basic knotting (not macramé), and wireworking (simple loops, wrapped loops, wrapped-loop bails, jump rings) techniques. Project instructions should fit on one typed page using 12 point Times Roman font.
  
  
• Entry notes: Project instructions are not required to enter; however, winners must submit project instructions after being notified of their win. Photo requirements and tips will be posted on our website, beadstar.com. This contest is open to residents of the United States and Canada who are over the age of 18 on the day they submit their entry.
  
  
• How to win: The editors of Bead Star, Beadwork, Stringing, and Step by Step Wire Jewelry will select the top 20 finalists in each category. Then, members of Beading Daily will vote for their 5 favorites in each category: first place, second place, third place, and two honorable-mention winners. Together, the editors of Bead Star, Beadwork, Stringing, and Step by Step Wire Jewelry magazines and the grand-prize sponsor will choose one of the nine first-place winners as the grand-prize winner.

Check back for official contest rules, contest entry form, and prize information at beadstar.com on February 8, 2010.