And just because prizes are so much fun, I’ve decided that for the monthly challenges in 2015, a winner will be chosen randomly for each month (from the jewelry design challenge entries for that month).

Once a prize is chosen it will be removed from the pool. The books can only be shipped to U.S. destinations (my apologies).

Each randomly selected winner will be able to select their prize from the following pool of prizes (I will add more prizes to the pool when time and resources permit).

There will be no repeat winners, but I hope the winners continue to enter the monthly contests anyway.

A three year renewal for active SRAJD membership (value $30)
Media package. Includes: A shop logo and photo-editing on 10 jewelry images (value $50)
Grab bag of beads from Laura Bracken’s personal collection. $30-50 value
Set of 20 (5 each of 4 sizes) Sterling Silver Lobster Clasps. $40 value.
Metal Clay Jewelry: Projects. Techniques. Inspirations (used paperback, new value $22.99) Polymer clay and jewellry artists are experimenting with metal clay more than ever, but there are few books on the market to show them how to use this exciting new medium. This book's highlights include: 19 fashionable step-by-step projects, including a variety of styles provided by both the author and talented contributing artists; an easy, skill-building approach that thoroughly teaches readers the basics and then explains a new technique with each project; and, a wide range of creative technique, from carving and setting gems to mixing other art materials and found objects with metal clay.
30-Minute Earrings: 60 Quick & Creative Projects for Jewelers (used paperback, new value $21.95) Lark Jewelry challenged some of its best designers to create a pair of fantastic earrings in 30 minutes flat, and they enthusiastically delivered beyond our wildest expectations. This fantastic 60-piece collection of projects showcases an array of inspired, stylish, and just plain fun jewelry. They don’t demand a large investment of time or money, but do give jewelers the pleasure of sharpening their skills and enjoying spectacular results. The imaginative and diverse designs feature everything from elegant gold, pearls, and sterling silver to nontraditional and repurposed materials. Every one is gorgeous!
Chain Mail Jewelry: Contemporary Designs from Classic Techniques (used hardcover, new value $24.95) Chain mail is enjoying a creative resurgence and this attractive, full-colour book is a valuable resource for beginners and intermediates. This title thoroughly introduces all the key construction procedures with computer-generated illustrations for every step. It includes 30 projects plus a gallery of works by professional jewellers. Thanks to its exquisite, easily mastered techniques and elegant lines, chain mail, the classic art of linking metal rings, is enjoying a creative resurgence among jewellery makers. This attractive, full-colour book is a valuable resource to help beginners and intermediates get in on the craze. With computer-generated illustrations that show every step, it thoroughly introduces all the key construction procedures, including the proper methods of winding, opening and closing the metal rings. The 30 projects include a simple pendant encasing a large semiprecious stone and a flat chain-mail neckpiece that colourfully combines copper and blue titanium rings. Plus, there's advice on polishing the pieces, tips on adding pearls or beads and a gallery of works by professional jewellers.
The Penland Book of Jewelry: Master Classes in Jewelry Techniques (used hardcover, new value $34.95) From Penland, the premier academy for fine crafting, comes a jewel of a volume: a splendidly photographed combination of how-to manual, coffee table book, and reflective essays. On breathtaking display are the skills of 10 contemporary jewelers who have taught at the school, each possessing a special expertise. From John Cogswell's handsome forged metal to Heather White's innovative casting, the material here is inspirational.
The Art & Craft of Making Jewelry: A Complete Guide to Essential Techniques (used hardcover, new value $27.95) Packed with hundreds of colour how-to photographs, images of contemporary work, and time-tested tips - this spectacular guide will become an essential addition to every jeweller's library. All the basics are covered such as: sawing, piercing and soldering metal with advanced skills such as granulation, enameling, stone setting, and simple casting. Every unique project reinforces the techniques - create the stunning Bubbles Brooch by hollow-forming silver, adding pearls, and attaching pin findings. Or, make a handsome lapel pin by cuttlefish-casting 18-carat gold; then set a brilliant sapphire on the textured surface. Each chapter features a substantial gallery of contemporary pieces.
A one-year large ad on the SRAJD website (value $25)
Gift Certificate for Bracken Designs shops. Can be used in the destash shop as well as the jewelry shop. (value $30)
Spoken For Three lampwork glass beads (as shown in the photo) handcrafted by Santa Cruz artist Alex Spinglaschell (value $80)
The Penland Book of Jewelry: Master Classes in Jewelry Techniques (hardcover, value $34.95) Spoken For From the premier academy for fine crafting comes a third showstopper: a splendidly photographed guide that offers a combination of how-to manual, gorgeous coffee table book, and reflective essays. On breathtaking display are the skills and works of 10 contemporary jewelers who have taught at the school; each artist possesses a special expertise that makes him or her a leader in the field. From John Cogswell's handsome forged metal to Heather White's innovative casting, from Marilyn daSilva's unique use of color to Doug Harling's meticulous granulation of fine gold, the material here is eye-opening and inspirational. Their combined knowledge, thoughtful writing, and stunning pieces make for a one-of-a-kind volume that will aid both jewelers and collectors, and astonish anyone who loves jewelry.

July 6, 2015