2022 Bead Arts Awards Winners and Honorable Mentions 

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The 2022 Bead Arts Awards entries have officially been judged and winners have been decided. With so many amazing entries to go through, the judges had quite a challenge in selecting their favorites and the ones they felt best fit the categories. We encouraged beginners and experts alike to submit their favorite projects.

Above: Rhino beaded sculpture by Melanie Christie, the 2022 Bead Arts Awards Grand Prize Winner

Judges wanted pieces that tell a story, put a twist on a traditional technique, and showcase beautiful craftsmanship. This year, there were three categories, one for seed beads, multi-hole beads, and crystals.  

The Seed Bead category for this contest did not need to be jewelry alone; contestants could also submit their beaded sculptures. Judges evaluated this category based on several aspects. Projects needed to consist of mostly seed beads, at least 60%. Submissions that adapted and innovated traditional methods were elevated during judging. Thank you to our sponsor for this category, Fire Mountain Gems and Beads. 

In the Multi-Hole Beads category, judges wanted to see designer’s pieces using their favorite shaped beads. Whether contestants used Superduo, Tila, or other varieties of shaped beads, judges wanted to see them used in unique ways. Thank you to our sponsor, Barrel of Beads.  

The Crystal category was all about the sparkle! Crystal beads and flatbacks, shimmering stones, and more caught the judges’ eyes. Thank you to our sponsor for crystals, Dreamtime Creations. 

Now on to the winners!

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Grand Prize Winner

The Grand Prize Winner, Melanie Christie, submitted her Rhino beaded sculpture. This stunning piece was made using the bead mosaic technique. Melanie has an Etsy shop, FlyingGlassArt, and you can find her on Facebook. To view more of Melanie’s work, check out her website. 

Category Winners

The category winner for seed beads, Tina Greer’s What Does the Moth Need, was made using bead embroidery. Tina has an Etsy shop, Ritualbeading, and you can view more of her amazing work on Instagram @ritualbeading. 

Multi-Hole Bead category winner, Katsue Huang, submitted the beautiful Hippocampus piece. Katsue beaded this sculpture using multiple bead-weaving techniques: peyote (circular, diagonal, and Chenille), and herringbone stitch. Find Katsue on Facebook and view more of her work on Instagram, @koh.beading.

Anita Kozinko won the Crystals category with her Beaded Embroidery piece, using bead embroidery techniques. Find more of Anita’s work on her site, on Instagram @norenjewelrydesign, and stay up to date with her on Facebook, as Noren Jewelry Design. 

Honorable Mentions

Corbett Kesler created Fury Rose by individually placing each seed bead onto a skull with a special wax. View more of Corbett’s talent on Instagram, @art.by.corbettkesler, and on his website. 

Sabrina Maurer made the Vivian set by using various beading techniques, CRAW, right-angle weave, peyote, netting and fringe. View her work on her website, and stay up to date with her on Instagram, @sabrinamaurer1.

An Cantor hand-made gorgeous beaded appliques for her Sole Kiss cowboy boots by using hand-made beaded appliques. These, along with other stunning elements, were then adhered to each boot. 

Betty Cox created her Metamorphosis in Flight by using bead embroidery techniques, as well as back-stitching and peyote. Betty has an Etsy shop where she lists her work, called UniqueandMacabre. See more of her work on Instagram, @iltbe1956.

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Congratulations to all the 2022 Bead Arts Awards winners! This year’s judging was incredibly difficult thanks to the many talented entries. We cannot wait to see what you all submit next time around! Until then, happy beading! 

Related: Tips for Winning Beading & Jewelry-Making Competitions

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Level Up Your Skills for the Next Bead Arts Awards