The Designer Style Challenge + Awards is now in full swing as the judging for this prestigious Canadian challenge is now narrowed down to the top 3 contenders in each category. But it’s a secret until Saturday night, October 13th, 2012 when the awards will be presented. We had several judges that represented each area of specialty within our challenge to go through the top 10 awards.
We received over 400 entries for this prestigious challenge as there is $1000 in cash awards and a gorgeous SWAROVSKI™ Crystal Trophy to be presented to 8 individuals.
Initial judging took place the first week of August. Judges narrowed down each category to the top ten of each category. Photography was used with accompanying artist statements to make this decision. It was imparitive that the contestants took excellent photographs and spoke about their submission. Contestants were allowed to submit up to three entries. From this the top 10 finalists for each category were notified and they had to submit their final piece so judging could be done to narrow down the competition even more.
The Challenge
The theme is celebration and because it’s Creativ Festival’s SILVER anniversary, a touch of silver (from minimal to maximum) is required as a continuous thread throughout all entries. Otherwise open ended to encourage creativity.
8 Challenge Categories
Contestants had to pick one category for each of their designs. Those categories were as follows:
- Quilting: Sponsored by Janome
- Beadwork & Jewellery Design: Sponsored by CREATE YOUR STYLE with SWAROVSKI™ ELEMENTS™
- Needle Arts: Sponsored by A Needle Pulling Thread Magazine
- Knitting / Crochet: Sponsored by Red Heart
- Fashion Sewing & Design: Sponsored by Husqvarna Viking®
- Fibre Art / Surface Design: Sponsored by H.A. Kidd and Company Limited
- Paper Arts: Sponsored by Westcott
- Upcycling: Sponsored by Brother Canada
The Judging Criteria
- Inspiration and creativity
- craftsmanship and quality
- intricacy and complexity of the design
- innovative use and diversity of materials
- finishing
The Awards
- 1st Place will win $1000 Cash Award and a gorgeous SWAROVSKI™ Crystal Trophy
- 2nd Runners Up for each category will each receive $250 gift package from the category sponsor.
- All Top 3 Winners from each category will get a $350 Silver Conference Package for Creativ Festival and a Gala Ticket for the Awards Ceremony on Saturday Night, October 13th, 2012.
- We are having a people’s choice award with all 10 Top Finalists for each category. The winner of the people’s choice will receive an award certificate.
For further information on this challenge, you can visit our Designer Style Challenge + Awards section on our website.