Challenges

The entry time for the 2023 Ornament Challenge is over. Please review the ornaments for ideas for your next ornament . See you in 2024.

If you get to this page – This link will take you to the 2023 challenge entries.

This year, my 12 year old granddaughter designed a Google form to dramatically improve the entry. You do NOT need a Google account. We need information about your ornament, a picture, and how to contact you. Click on the link above this note to start entering your ornament

Please remember – Only 1 (one) picture per ornament.

However, you may submit multiple ornaments(Max 5). But, please only send your favorites. You may use photo editing to compose multiple views into one image(1 image file per ornament).

Please also note that we may have to crop and reduce resolution since image files are very large.

After your entry has been accepted, we will email your coupons. Please keep this email.

Here is How to enter Your Ornament

  • Prepare your ornament
  • Prepare one still picture of your ornament. Crop and Edit as desired. Stage your ornament for best view.
  • If you require multiple views to show off your ornament, combine the pictures into one using suitable photo editing software.
  • Enter information about your ornament and about you in the submission form together with your picture file. This form includes uploading the picture.
  • Receive another confirmation email from As Wood Turns. This may take a day or two. This email will include your sponsor provided discounts and coupons. Please keep track of it.
  • You may redeem your sponsor bonuses according to their terms and conditions.

Later after November entry closing…

  • We will solicit public votes with a YouTube video in early December.
  • Grand prizes will be announced after public voting closes in mid December.

2023 Sponsors

  • Craft Supplies USA – providing 3 grand prizes. ($250, $150, $100)
  • Hunter Tool Systems providing a hollowing set as a grand prize.
  • Woodturners Wonders providing a 10% discount on all sandpaper products to ALL participants.
  • Air Brushing Wood providing:
    -1 airbrush as a grand prize and
    -$30 discount off any airbrush starter kit for ALL participants.
  • Carter and Son Toolworks providing 3/8” spindle gouge paired with a 12″ handle as a grand prize
  • TurnTex providing
    -1 gallon of Cactus Juice in the form of gift certificate with a value of ~$89.95
    -1 complete set of 2 oz Cactus Juice Dyes (13 colors) in the form of a gift certificate with a value of ~$149.50
    -1 4Γ—16 JuiceProof Cactus Juice Vacuum Chamber in the form of a gift certificate with a value of ~$185.70
  • Robust Tools – providing grand prize – Medium Handled Skew
  • As Wood Turns
    15% discount on all items: hubs, knobs & bushings
  • Still recruiting others

Ornament Challenge Pictures (click here)

The 2023 Challenge will be open for submissions on November 1 until November 30. Remember – Only ONE picture only per ornament – pick the best or edit into one picture.

Sponsors – 2023

2022

2023 Annual Christmas Ornament Challenge Rules and Guidelines.

Ornaments

  • Must be in good taste
  • Reflect the spirit of Christmas and/or the Christmas season. Non-Christian ornaments are welcome.
  • Any craft is welcome.
  • Any media is welcome.
  • Ornaments must have been made for this season. For example, if you made it years ago, please do not submit it.
  • Anyone can submit ornaments; multiple ornaments may be submitted (5 Max).
  • We will highlight your ornament in multiple videos. Your submission is your consent.

Other Details

  • Picture and personal information must be submitted on or before 11/30/2023.
  • This form submission constitutes acceptance of all rules and conditions of this challenge.
  • The ornament image is best as JPG or PNG. A pdf or movie will be a problem.
  • A video is optional (not required). If you make a video, that’s okay but please host it on your own channel. Put the video URL in your description.
  • Judges will be all viewers via comments to a combined results video to be released in early December. Final results will be published in another video a short time later. We plan to show ornaments in multiple videos during November. We’ll tabulate votes from comments entered for the combined video. Alan Stratton and co-host are the referees. Decisions are final. There are no appeals. After all, we’re having fun here.
  • We’ll announce the top vote getters in a final video.
  • Legal details – Void where prohibited for any reason.
  • This challenge is free to all participants.
  • Have fun – Be SAFE – Wear your full face shield. Injury or death will disqualify an entry. πŸ™‚
  • Sponsors are 100% in charge of their terms and conditions and fulfillment.

Tips

  • One picture per ornament. Still images only.
  • If you have posted a video in the internet, enter the URL. This is optional
  • If you want multiple views to your ornament, use photo editing to compose into a single picture.
  • If possible, crop the picture to the ornament.
  • If possible, use a plain background to your ornament for your picture such as a plain wall or piece of paper. This removes distractions and let’s us see your wonderful ornament.

214 Responses to “Challenges”

  1. Kathleen Gardiner says:

    141. 99. 74. 76. 168.

  2. Paul F Neuburger says:

    63, 80, 32, 5, 141

  3. Denver Lewis says:

    All really good, 11,16,25,70,141.

  4. Kevin D Carpenter says:

    This is a hybrid bell. Made with Alumilite resin and Box Elder. The resin is poured over the wood, allowed to harden and then turned!

  5. David James says:

    Really great job everyone.
    32,170,149,186,6

  6. Melanie VanReymersdal Galeas says:

    3, 30, 81, 19, 162

  7. Melissa Miller says:

    152, 174, 189, 134, 48

  8. Aimee Cunningham says:

    174,152

  9. Philip Stevens says:

    137, 7, 3, 146, 141

  10. Terry Suess says:

    141, 147, 5, 33, 86

  11. Mike Skiba says:

    21, 70, 106, 32, 67

  12. 8, 172, 170, 107, 89
    So many fantastic pieces & inspirations…

  13. dave myre says:

    102, 103, 74, 60,24
    these are my picks. Great job by everyone. Thanks Alan for putting this together great job.

  14. Daniel Schmidt says:

    80, 63, 70, 3, and 24. Nice work everyone! Thanks Alan and Matt for putting this challenge together. I look forward to it every year! Merry Christmas!

  15. Ed Cel says:

    106, 86, 70, 131, 22

  16. Jim Finle says:

    vote for 188 and 89 as most interesting

  17. Charles Kuether says:

    I vote for #70, then #19, tho they all were great.

  18. John Walsh says:

    86, 189, 151, 140, 134

  19. Reg Goeke says:

    188 – great explanation of process

  20. Laura Quinones Gonzalez says:

    79

  21. juan aponte Diaz Leon says:

    79

  22. Robert Waddell says:

    5, 35, 70, 111

    Some superb work for so many pieces

  23. Ken Vasko says:

    188,169,162,163,145

  24. colin Waters says:

    151 19. 27. 70. 7

  25. Bruce Woody says:

    107, 170

  26. John Hartmus II says:

    29, 24, 107, 70, 88

  27. Paul Demmert says:

    86, 3, 188, 92, 195

  28. James Brown says:

    86,175,100,9,19

  29. Warnie Lore says:

    137,24,59,33,3

  30. Gary says:

    31,32,48,61,103

  31. Fred Baudais says:

    24,19,27,35,107

  32. M Lyle says:

    2, 86, 46, 15, 6

  33. John Dekle says:

    86, 111, 78, 147, 24

  34. Bonnie Swearingen says:

    #4 is my favorite! Hands down!!

  35. Bob Grinstead says:

    3,167,175,19,49,134,151
    Hard to pick the best. There are a lot of very good ones.
    Thanks for the contest.

  36. Peter Fabricius says:

    Hi Alan,
    Thank you for continuing this interesting challenge…
    My vote is: 5, 46, 48, 44, 83

    I have a question about the Stands that Rick Madden 7 and 83 used. Also used in 147. Rick notes that the stand design is inspired by Gerald Jensen. When I made these stands I was inspired by the design shown by Ashley Harwood.
    Now I am curious to know who actually designed this Stand???
    Thanks.

    • Vote Recorded. Thank You.

      Chances are they both were inspired by someone another generation or two further. πŸ™‚

      Alan

    • Rick Madden says:

      I believe Ashley Harwood was first to design this stand and I also believe Gerald Jensen mentioned that in his video. I was inspired by Gerald’s video because his was the first I saw, and he showed in greater detail the construction involved.

      • Peter Fabricius says:

        Thank you Rick and Alan, There are very few things that have not been done before. But I think we are early enough in our Woodturning hobby to determine the actual inventor of this great design. So, Thanks Rick for the reference… I guess only Ashley really knows.
        A nice design and totally functional with Lead poured into the bottom for stability.
        Thanks
        Peter

  37. Ronald Denault says:

    1,2.15,19,72

  38. Mel Bryan says:

    My vote:
    107, 24, 80, 64 32

    Tough decision. Thanks for doing this.
    Mel

  39. Pete Passof says:

    86, 146, 32, 63, 80

  40. Karl Miller says:

    146 Holly Jolly with nice turning and carving!

  41. Donald Chase says:

    5,8,21,100,117

  42. Aidan S says:

    137, 106, 60, 24, 8

  43. Randy Jones Sr. says:

    #1 114, Christmas Bells #2 137 Starry Night #3 Mr. and Mrs. Snowmen #4 185 My First Ornament #5 #70 White Christmas Snowflakes.

  44. Here are my 1st to 5th votes
    8, 24, 107, 28 and 74

  45. Karl Maskos says:

    Number 5

  46. Walt McKenzie says:

    4,182,88,24,127

  47. Milton Miller says:

    I vote for Number 4–I really like the reflection technique.

  48. Peggy Kirkman says:

    These 5 in order with most liked first:
    3, 141, 24, 80, 19

  49. Ken Kirkman says:

    My votes in order:
    41, 106, 19, 167, 170

  50. Donald K. says:

    79,60,100,148,120

    I couldn’t find the β€œcomment below the submission”

  51. Geoffrey Doy says:

    no 114, 32, 8, 100,51 . All very good. A great response

  52. Kim proeto says:

    # 4, 19,100,180,46

  53. Billy Sanders says:

    #4 is my favorite

  54. Peter Lederer says:

    Numbers 3,15,80,100 and 137. Lots of good ideas for next year. Thank you.

  55. Carl Howell says:

    46-19-141-16-196 So many good ideas it is hard to choose.

  56. GEOFF SYKES says:

    I have selected the following :- 175,107,93,74,48.
    As a novice, I have learnt from this first experience seeing all the magic of woodturning. Wonderful!

  57. Nancy E. says:

    63-64-8-100-107
    So many beautiful ornaments! Enjoyed seeing them all!

  58. George Hancock says:

    I vote for:

    189
    80
    86
    147
    32

  59. Mervyn Graham says:

    A lot very good work here which of course requires on to be picky. In order of most liked to fifth most liked

    86,3,187,106,87

    Good show thank you for your effort in making it happen
    Merv Graham Edmonton Woodturner’s Guild

  60. Wayne Terry says:

    147,30,106,107,177

  61. Jim H says:

    137; 3; 99; 108; 193

  62. Bob says:

    175,167,141,80,70

  63. Dana White says:

    149, 24, 80, 67, 143

  64. Debra Mendenhall says:

    many great turnings. 24,86,43,81,149

  65. Ron Pollmann says:

    Alan, thanks for sponsoring this challenge. Lots of really great ornaments. My favorites are: 184, 104, 2,24,and 74

  66. Thomas A. Midtbo says:

    Favorites are
    31,146,100,142,2

  67. Gary Jones says:

    #149

  68. Tom Cooper says:

    # 172
    Thanks to all for doing the challenge!
    I always love to see the many ornaments and videos.
    Tom

  69. Pete Chast says:

    Lots of beautiful and inspired work.
    107, 142, 146

  70. DON RAYNER says:

    I vote for #3 Great job, I don’t have the patience for all of the sanding that needed to be done.

  71. Barry Eber says:

    3, 19,67,74,99. All were terrific. Great job to all!

  72. hans peters says:

    24 2 27 67 106

  73. Gregory sheath says:

    Some fantastic ornaments, very simple to the complicated.

    I like Christmas ornaments to be wood turned and showing off the woods natural beauty

    43, 44, 1, 113, 2

  74. Debra says:

    Vote for 113, 45, 44, 43, 2
    Some excellent and interesting work. Great challenge, great to share ideas and progress across the globe!! Stay safe!! Merry Christmas.
    From Sydney Australia.

  75. Harvey J Matyas says:

    Highest is 147
    167
    8
    3
    20

    Have a Merry Christmas!

  76. Matt says:

    Great work by all, merry Xmas!

    Vote: 43, 44, 113, 19, 45

  77. David Smith says:

    172, 106, 89, 86, 79 Some great ideas and turnings!

  78. William McCracken says:

    3,70,54,36

  79. Jim Hunter says:

    Lots of creativity displayed and great looking ornaments!
    175, 167, 137, 48, 70

  80. Melanie Cox says:

    43, 45, 44, 113, 102

  81. Cindy Yates says:

    24, 27, 146, 147, 175

  82. Bert Delisle says:

    72, 100, 134, 58, 19

  83. Tim McDougald says:

    5, 19, 32, 164, 189

  84. perley bowen says:

    19 46 48 63 67
    Was a great collection of items.

  85. Mike Braden says:

    15, 19, 24, 172, 194

  86. Russell Manasse says:

    60, 107, 146, 70, 32

  87. Deborah Sanders says:

    #4

  88. David Wright says:

    117, 189, 167, 24, 86

  89. Bob Parks says:

    27, 162, 170, 104, 191

  90. Moe says:

    80, 86, 47, 189 & 141

  91. Mark Fishburn says:

    5,13,24,37,97
    Everyone did a great job.

  92. #188, beautiful work and thorough explanation!

  93. Kevin Carpenter says:

    Here is a 3D print with resin septre ornament!

  94. Jane Lober says:

    159 and 161 love both of these

  95. William G McCracken says:

    4,5,6,11

  96. Guadalupe Aguirre says:

    Many great works, all are wonderful!

    1 #188
    2 #16
    3 #243
    4 #140
    5 #51

  97. Faith Scott says:

    1 #188
    2 #11
    3 #191
    4 #13
    5 #20

  98. Mia robles says:

    #122

  99. Kathy Dalesandro says:

    Love. 159 and 161 β€” also 222.

  100. Chad says:

    106, 107, and 108 are favorites

  101. Bob Keller says:

    This mahogany/box elder ornament is my 2023 addiction to the Bob Keller collection.. I needed to learn to checker and read and write music. This song is burned into an 8 segment box elder ring and the 2 inch ball is hollow.

  102. Triana says:

    Voting for the Schwibbogen arch at #152, but goodness, everyone is so talented!

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