Q. Can my piece include "found objects" like antiques, driftwood, shells, bicycle parts, etc?

A. Yes, as long as you use Rings & Things findings (or other Rings & Things supplies) to tie them
    together. Some purchased materials, like mirrors and toys, are also acceptable.

Q. Can my piece include handmade items?

A. Yes, but handmade items should not be the primary focus of your design unless you've made
    them yourself (your own handmade glass beads, ceramic or polymer-clay pieces, wood carvings,
    etc). If your design does focus on your own handmade parts, you should submit your entry under
    the category that best describes the Rings & Things components used to tie the piece together
    (for example Mostly Metal for chain or findings, or Miscellaneous for the cording used).

Q. I work with polymer clay, but you don't have a polymer-clay category anymore. Can I
    still enter?

A. Yes. If you pair your handmade polymer-clay components with findings we carry (for example pin
    backs, ear wires, bails, connectors, etc.), you can enter the Mostly Metal category, for the findings
    used. Or, you can enter a multi-media design that features both your handmade polymer-clay
    parts and other parts we carry (for example glass beads, natural-material beads, cording, etc.).

Q. Under which category should I submit my piece?

A. Either the category from which the majority of your piece is made, the category that represents
    the Rings & Things' components used and/or the category that best fits the focal point of your piece.
    If a single Art Clay™ Silver pendant hangs from a necklace of glass beads, you will probably want
    to select the Metal Clay category. If your piece is alternating pearl and shell beads, you’re fine in
    either the Gemstone or Miscellaneous category—whichever you think gives you a better chance of
    winning!

Q. Should I submit sets (for example matching necklace and earrings) as one entry, or as
    separate entries?

A. Please submit matching sets together as a single entry. This gives you more opportunity
    to submit additional designs! Plus, it prevents us from having to combine entries later.

Q. Can I submit two or three entries in one category?

A. Yes.

Q. Can I enter one piece into multiple categories?

A. No. Please pick the most appropriate category for your piece.

Q. Can my entry contain items from other categories?

A. Yes. Choose which category to enter based on one or more of the following:

• what materials the majority of your piece is made from
• what materials used are Rings & Things parts
• what materials your main focal point is made from

Q. I can't find stock numbers for everything! Will you still accept my entry?

A. Yes, especially because cash-&-carry items from our Bead Shows don't have stock numbers.
    But please give the stock number if one exists. Complete entries stand a better chance at
    winning than incomplete entries.

Q. I won something in last year's Your Designs Rock! contest. Can I enter again this year?

A. Maybe. First Place winners of last year's contest may not enter in the same category they won last
    year. But, they are encouraged to move out of their "comfort zone," expand their creativity and
    enter a different category this year. Honorable Mention winners and "Polly's Picks" from last year
    are free to enter any category this year, including the category they "placed" in last year.

Q. Is the contest open to non-U.S. residents?

A. Yes.

Still scratching your head? Ask your questions here.