Yeah, haven't been here in a long time, again. I'm thinking of using this blog and changing the focus, somewhat. Or should I just begin another one?

It's difficult to know. I may just leave everything as it is in the archives and shift the focus onto my crafter's challenge idea.

On a beading forum I hang out in most nights I read a question by one of the members asking if any of us had made everything in a beading magazine from cover to cover. I haven't, as yet, achieved this, but felt it would make a great challenge.

I'm thinking of calling this The Crafter's Cover to Cover Challenge. Most crafters purchase related magazines, but how often do they make every item in those magazines? I would say not too many of them achieve this. And there's nothing wrong with that, either. Sometimes magazines are simply an inspiration to create something original.

But how might skills improve and confidence grow if you were to select just one magazine you have? One with a few projects you're intending to try. Just go and look and think about it. Just one magazine, and then set about making each and every project inside it.

I've been going through my beading and jewellery mags with an eye to this challenge. Of course, there would need to be substitution involved. Not all materials would be available and the cost could really escalate. So, I suggest you make either the piece as is, or you make something like it, using the same technique or inspired by it. Does that sound fair enough?

This way crafters get to raid their already groaning supplies and still get plenty of excuses to purchase more products, which is something most of us hardly need any excuse for.

Anyway, the idea is still in its infancy. I'll post more info when everything comes together. I'm hoping to get a few people interested, so please share this info if you feel so inclined.