A reader (Hi, Catharine!) wrote to me recently and asked about entering beading and jewelry making contests. In addition to this brief list below, search online for beading blog hops, beading challenges, magazine submissions, and other ways to expand your creativity.
2012
Fall is typically a little slower time for contests, as many beaders and jewelry makers sell their work at craft shows and make handmade gifts for the holidays.
Ongoing
CrowdJewel is a new type of contest that's open to public vote. Winners get their jewelry manufactured and sold, earning a percent of sales. Challenges are weekly.
August
Jewel School Design Contest
September
Flex Your Creativity - SoftFlex
Crystal Jams Challenge - Rings & Things
Swarovski Elements - Fire Mountain Gems
October
Beadwork Magazine's 15th Anniversary Beaded Bead Contest
2013
March
August
Beaded Art Doll - Land of Odds
More Possible Contests
Some of the places that might host contests in the future include Bead Star, Happy Mango Beads, Fashion Colorworks, Ugly Necklace Contest (Land of Odds), Beaded Tapestry (Land of Odds), and Unommon Goods. Fire Mountain Gems has offered numerous contests in the past, although there was only one open for entries at the time of this post. There's no guarantee that a contest held last year will be held again.
NOTE: In the paragraph above I'm linking to old contests so that you can get an idea of what might be offered in the future. Read the deadlines carefully and make sure that any contest you enter is still open for entries.
The GIA (Gemological Institute of America) has a good list of jewelry design competitions that covers more of the many fine jewelry competitions available. Chris Franchetti Michaels at Beadwork.About.Com also maintains a contest list for beaders.
Good luck!