Afrika Afrika Contest Entries

The results are in, we have the winners of our Afrika Afrika design contest! Winners were decided by a blind vote. Our grand prize winner is Colleen Gail Lentini:

"I love the Afrika Afrika Tribal Stripes beads. The textures, shapes, and designs are bold and lend themselves to a "big" necklace that is bold and makes a statement!"

We agree Colleen! This beautiful necklace was made using Tribal Stripes Inspiration Bead mix and Tribal Stripes Strand 2

We had so many breathtaking entries, thank you to everyone who shared their creations with us. Take a look at all the entries for this contest:

Andrea C Salas: "I made this necklace and earring set using beads from the Serengeti Sunset Bead Bundle, a re-purposed brooch I found at an antique shop, and some brass chain I've had for a long time and have no idea where I got it.

I made these when I was stuck at home in Houston during Hurricane Harvey, waiting for the storm to be over. It was one of the few pieces I grabbed to save as we were escaping our 1-story home which was flooded with 2 1/2 feet of water. As I write this post I am with my family at a friend's house where they have taken on no water. I have no idea what I'll be able to salvage from my collection of beads and supplies. Hopefully most of it I'll be able to save and wash."

Carmen Crenshaw: "Splash of color with Fashion! This amazing champagne colored crystal embellished panther center piece is delighed to show off her style. The marketplace JJB Afrika Afrika collection is a breathtaking view. Find all types of treasure in this necklace. Splashes of color every where. In addition to the JJB collection we added tiger eye bead chips & coco-flower beads. With a easy toggle clasp, anyone can put on her. This piece is longer length that falls just below the bust line."

Donna Hunt: "Here is our entry in the Afrika Afrika. These were designed by Jenn Hunt and Donna Hunt using the collection and other Jesse James Beads we had on hand. We stamped Afrika Afrika and each bracelet and each necklace."

Heather Bridges

Jenni Hall: "Just adore the tribal stripes bundle. The little elephants are just so cute. Made up 2 pairs of earrings using some of the smaller beads in the set."

Judy Kerperien: "Designed by Judy Kerperien I used Serengeti Sunset Design Bead Mix, added my sanded peach pits, some extra wooden beads and the focal point with African material. I love the end result! My bracelet was made with simply beautiful on its own Serengti Sunset strand, along with my sanded peach pits. I used the Market Spice Toggle Clasp on both. Love love these beads!"

Kelli Lack: "I put fairy lights on for a dreamy look at night. I used the beads Sarah so kindly added on to my order and a couple orange from an old Fun Strand I had. It is very technical with getting it centered just right. I had to use my fifty cent garage sale elephant and put a couple beads on him too. I also wire wrapped the dangles and tassels around the he hoop for more interest. Of course zebra ribbon wrapped around the embroidery hoop and the giraffes are hanging out on the peace sign. Challenging but a lot of fun and the best part..........it's SOLD! BTW I'm a better artist than a photographer. Thank you for your consideration."

Kim Hellman: "Hello JesseJamesBeads - this is my entree for the Aficka Aficka design contest . I used the African Marketplace Design Elements and marketplace mini mix . I really enjoyed putting these together!! Had a little issue taking a good picture that truly shows the sparkle in your beautiful beads 🙂 P.s. Come see all the wonderful entree's !!"

Linda Trowbridge-martone: "I was inspired by the afrika afrika beads like a victorian lady would take them home and use a treasured locket to make the beads fit her. I used the tribal stripes along with a locket to create something a lady in her pith helmet would wear"

Lucinette Alvarado‎: "Afrika is full of different cultures. This piece is inspired by the northern countries of this continent. From the lapis lazuli stones from Egypt to the wonderful colors and patterns from Morrocco. This mix media piece is approximately 32 inches long made with the African marketplace bundle, blue and yellow flowers African trade beads, 2mm gold faceted glass beads, flat navy cotton cord and faceted lapis lazuli. The focal flower component is made of fabric. The bottom wood piece had a little change from its original color. Afrika, a continent full of wonders!

This is my contribution for the Afrika Afrika Contest. The name of this piece is Amina. She was a beautiful African warrior and queen of Zaria, Nigeria in the 15th century. The piece is approximately 32 inches long using the African marketplace bundle and some wood beads that I had long time ago waiting for a special necklace like this one. This is a piece for a bold and brave warrior. Attached is a photo of the queen/warrior, Amina."

Martha Parsons

Robin Polizzi‎

Terry Terhune: "Serengeti memory wire bracelet with elephant tassel dangles."

Trish Perry: "My submission for the contest, the necklace. Using the Serengeti mix and mini mix. The bracelet and earring just because. Thanks to Irma I had time on my hands to finish. I added the black agate focal, black accents, wooden bead and some Czech glass pieces. All on .5mm leather and leather is crocheted at the end. the piece slips over the head.

The bracelet is a ladder piece using size 8 seed beads red and black, with .5mm leather and s-lon for the weaving."