Fictional Character Challenge

Check out the finalists!

Published: March 25, 2011

We all have favorite books, movies, or fictional characters that hit a creative nerve. It's when we express that creativity that the really interesting story begins. With that in mind, our challengers were invited to create a piece of jewelry inspired by their favorite fictional character. Here are the finalists! Vote for your favorite by May 6, 2011, at BeadStyleMag.com/challenge.

Tracy Gonzales and Julie Young:
"Alice in Wonderland" bracelet
Tracy Gonzales and Julie Young of Santa Rosa, Calif., captured Wonderland in this Alice-inspired bracelet. They used Shrinky Dinks for the picture charms, watch components to represent the White Rabbit's mantra, "I'm late, I'm late," and heart dangles for the Queen. Tracy says, "We liked the idea of using fairytale charms in a piece that felt fresh and contemporary. It was truly a fun piece to work on!" Contact Tracy and Julie at tracy@tierracast.com.

Nancy Clarke:
"To Kill a Mockingbird" bracelet
Nancy Clarke of Edgartown, Mass., designed this bracelet with her all-time favorite book in mind. "The character, Scout, was my true hero and an example of the innocence of the mockingbird," she says. Her bracelet is crocheted with fine cotton cord in single stitch and slip stitch. It contains two of Scout's overall buttons, two mockingbirds, a compass, a small headless doll, a sheriff's badge, a finch, a flower, a coin, a pocket watch, a key, an acorn, a picture of Scout with her father, Atticus, and a picture of the cover of the novel "To Kill a Mockingbird." Contact Nancy at NanseaClarke@aol.com.

Sue Hunnel:
"The Cat in the Hat" necklace
Sue Hunnel of Eugene, Ore., made the lampwork beads in her necklace with Effetre Italian glass — the shapes, shades, and textures instantly call to mind Dr. Seuss' "The Cat in the Hat." Sue says, "It was the first book I remember reading and I loved it — the colors, the whimsical pictures, and of course the story. I shared it with my daughter when she was little and loved it all over again." Contact Sue via her website, flamewrangler.com.

Judith Rudolph:
Tigger earrings
Judith Rudolph from Thomaston, Maine, modeled these earrings after Tigger from "Winnie the Pooh." She says, "I chose Tigger as my favorite fictional character because he's always filled with happy energy and optimism. As Tigger himself has been known to say, 'Tiggers are wonderful things!' He's just plain fun!" Judith created the gold wire springs to mimic Tigger's walk — as he says, "Bouncing is what Tiggers do best!" Contact Judith at judith.hollycottage@gmail.com or hollycottagedesigns.rubylane.com.

Erin Jenkins:
"Steel Magnolias" necklace
Erin Jenkins of Missoula, Mont., owes her inspiration to Shelby's fearless embrace of pink in "Steel Magnolias." She says, "Fashion is a funny thing. One of the many rules hammered into my brain growing up was that too much of any color is a bad thing — so much so that I sometimes second guess my usage of color. I created this piece to thank Shelby for her inspiration on some of my more rebellious pieces." Contact Erin at erin.jenkins32@yahoo.com or visit sillyoscarfish.etsy.com.

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