Jewelry Artisans Community July Challenge - Fiber and Mixed Media

Each month, a themed challenge is held at the Jewelry Artisans Community and all members are invited to participate.  The theme of the July challenge was "Fiber and Mixed Media".  Fiber and mixed media uses materials such as hemp, ribbon, cord, fabric, yarn, felt, shibori ribbon as well as recycled components, paper, found items, leather, glass, metal and the list goes on and on. Combine two or more materials and you've created mixed media jewelry.  For the purposes of the challenge, the main focus was using fibers in our designs.

The entries were so creative and absolutely gorgeous.

Cat of Cat's Wire was the first to submit a challenge piece and she gave us this stunning bracelet.  Cat used a satin ribbon instead of thread and although she put the ribbon on the loom to get the right tension while sewing, it is not bead loomed. The thread that goes through the tile beads also goes through the ribbon, not over and under it as in bead looming.  The bracelet is closed with a snap button.

But, Cat wasn't done just yet.  Next we were treated to this versatile piece that can be worn as a bracelet or an anklet by simply adjusting the kumihimo cord.  Love the fringe, Cat!

Next up, we had this adorable beaded embroidery cat from Caroline of The Crafty Chimp which was turned into a wall hanging.  Wouldn't it be sweet to have hanging on a wall where one spends a lot of time in order to be able to look at it often?

And, then Caroline set the bar even higher with this wonderful beaded mixed media box.  Love the cameo combined with the tie dye look!

Violetmoon's talented Carina  created these lovely works from some fabric she had leftover from an upholstery project.  She combined the blue fabric with sparkly beads and wire for her necklace and bracelet set.  Fabulous!

My entries for the challenge included this woven cotton cord charm bracelet.  Besides the charms, I also used buttons as embellishments:

And, I also cut up an old shirt to make this braided cuff that has been adorned with one seriously big bead.

This was another fun challenge and, as always, I never ceased to be amazed at the creativity of the members of the Jewelry Artisans Community  Great job, everyone!