Congratulations to Tami Rinehart! Our blog readers voted her “Aurora Borealis” necklace the winning design of our Northern Lights Design Challenge! Tami will receive a collection of over 75 pieces of Vintaj metals and her necklace will be entered in our End Of The Year Design Challenge in December. Here is what inspired Tami:

“The name of my piece is “Aurora Borealis” .  The inspiration behind it was my trip to Alaska for my niece’s wedding last year. We were very lucky to be able to see this beautiful sight first hand……something you never forget!!  The Vintaj Arte Metal Wings and Pendant represent the heavens above and the earth all a glow with color.  Vintaj patinas were used to get the vibrant colors of the Northern Lights.  The pearl and chrystal dangles represent the Alaskan snow and ice and the moon and stars in the sky. Arte metal chain, brass clasp and other findings by Vintaj were used to complete my piece.”

We wanted to share with you Tami’s response to our congratulatory email:
“How exciting and I am just thrilled! It’s so much fun to create and be able to share with others. The challenges give me an opportunity to try new things that I wouldn’t otherwise. Right now I just create for myself so I don’t have a blog or a store. Thank you so much for giving me the chance each month to be creative. I just LOVE all of your products and tools and hope to attend one of your workshops this year.”
Thank you Tami & we hope to see you in Galena soon!

Our Editor’s Pick for Northern Lights is….Rebecca Merder and her “Aurora Damask” necklace! Here is what inspired Rebecca:

“Inspiration: A picture of northern lights in Alaska in winter. The picture is very vivid with Blues and Green lights, with hits of gold, swirling in the sky over tall pines and sloping snow drifts. I used all Vintaj hardware, chain, blanks, Vintaj deco emboss Lily Damask folder, Vintaj press, along with Czech glass beading, Swelligant Patina in green gold, metal sealant, and blue/ green / gold silk ribbon woven into the chain.”

Here’s what Rebecca says about her design business:
“I sell at the Purple Plum in Huntingburg, IN as well as my Facebook Page (RLMerder Designs / Rebecca Merder) and am slowly branching out. I have a 16 m old baby girl so I try to carefully balance work, home, and my passion for designing jewelry. I love just choosing things (beads / metal work / chain / findings / charms) that appeal to me, and when they all come in, I lay them out to decide what flows well together. My pieces have been described as very organic and earthy. I love to create!”
Learn more about Rebecca on her Facebook Page RL Merder Designs!

Thank you to everyone who participated! Submissions for our Morning Mist Design Challenge are due Friday March 1 by noon CT. Plan ahead by viewing all of our themes and due dates on our Themes page!