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GUEST JUDGE: STEPHEN MARR
Many of you will know Stephen Marr who is a highly successful businessman and owns the Stephen Marr Salons in Ponsonby, Newmarket and Takapuna. Stephen is a top stylist and deeply involved in the world of national and international fashion.
Stephen took his role of special judge very seriously.
Every piece was handled, discussed and commented upon and he brought a fresh perspective to the challenge. We have always said it is so important to have different judges each year who bring different viewpoints and experiences to the event.
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SPECIAL JUDGE: ROSEMARY SMITH
We welcome Rosemary Smith back!
Rosemary had such a good time last year we had to create her own special category, Rosemary Smith's Design Challenge and she enjoyed judging this very much.
Rosemary also brings a different perspective and brings the added bonus of high entertainment value. |
QUEEN BEAD'S STITCHED CHALLENGE - RESULTS
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"Lulu's Jewels- Lulu is an old somewhat battered mannequin I aquired some months ago. She has been pressed back into service recently and I thought that it was only fitting that, like every lady, she have a precious set of jewels to adorn her rather weathered neck. I particularly enjoyed mixing various beadweaving techniques together to see how they sat in relationship to each other. Lulu does not have much occasion to wear this special piece, but when the occasion arrives she does so with panache and has even been known to show it off while she is simply doing the laundry." |
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"As I began creating, the flowers reminded me of frilly flamenco skirts. The pearls are a luschious addition to create a flamboyant choker for that wonderful occasion! This is made if fit a size 16 neck." |
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"This wide herringbone collar in softest lavender is embellished with a corsage in an analogous palette complimented by the sharp yellow green and gold highlights." |
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"Inspired by my love of classic stories. Face by laura Mears (USA)." |
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"Herringbone, peyote and netting used to create this vine with fruit (green stone) twists and turns, leaves and loops. Made especially for my mum's birthday." |
TASTE OF THE PACIFIC - RESULTS
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"The inspiration for this piece comes from ancient Indian handpainting that they do for weddings. Also from the hand jewellery they wear. To be worn by a size 16 person over a light sleeve." |
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"The beautiful rock pools found on our beaches inspired this very wearable necklace. It encompasses right angle weave , peyote, fringing and embridery techniques with frosted beads and silver chains." |
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"This bead encrusted cuff echoes the colours of sand and sea. The feature bead which is dyed Howlite open twists is filled with Swarovski pearls in copper and aqua, accented with a few bronze potato pearls. Pearls, and seed beads in sizes 8, 11, and 15 are used to create a design that completes the cuff. The cuff is finished with a double row of ladder stitch which is picoted with size 15 seeds." |
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"Thinking about the Pacific the 'Lei' idea instantly came to mind. Red and Yellow is royal and lush and the silk fabric has made a lovely rich feel to the end product. The bracelet can also double as a choker." |
ROSEMARY SMITH'S DESIGN CHALLENGE - RESULTS
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"I have opted to use a beautiful leopard print silk chiffon in raspberry and black for the gown which is trailing on the ground on the left. I have imcorporated a little of the fabric into the mask. The dress is bias cut with dropping frills at the shoulder (right) and hem (left) with underlying layers of black embroidered tulle lace which is echoed in both the mask and the cuff. The cuff is made for the left hand with space for the thumb. The occassion is the Grand Ball at the Carnival of Venice." |
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"Inspired by a book with Elizabeth Taylors jewellery, particullarly a gold and diamond choker with a lions head in the middle. The dress is an apple green chiffon material and is long in length. It would be worn by myself to a formal ball." |
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"For a short mini dress, black with either organza frill or beaded lace as on glove. For Lady GaGa at a video clip to one of her songs." |
HAIR FLAIR - RESULTS
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"Inspired from the '50's - I imagine a black '50's dress - in just under the bust, full to / above the knee. Matching bracelet to finish the look." |
LESS IS MORE - RESULTS
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"In shades of black to silver, this twisted herringbone rope can be ties as you will . . . Although my preference is a double knot, right by the square bead." |
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I came up with this design as a way to modernise and re-use a choker length strand of my grandmother's vintage beads. I particularly like to mix metal beads and detailing into my work as I find it lends its self to a slightly edgier feel. I loved the antiqued filigree cross for its proportions, weight and vintage tone and the matched the metal beads and findings to this. In finishing I have substitiuted a split ring for the usual jumpring and double crimped as I have a toddler and find this system stands up to the "pulling" etc. Overall I am pleased to have created a piece of jewellery that remains its sentimental value while increasing its wearability in today's context." |
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"Decided to try something new and found an old favourite; daisy chain, which then took over and created a mix of straight and herringbone with daisy. Turning an old childhood playtime into a beautiful piece of jewellery." |
