Howdy folks, Jessie with the Big Tex team here –
As a decor hobbyist, this Arts & Crafts contest is one of my all-time favorites. Department G – Holiday Corner is the most spirited contest of them all. With every holiday from Mardi Gras to Christmas and St. Patrick’s Day to Cinco De Mayo, you’re bound to find your favorite annual day of celebration.
Folks of all ages are eligible to compete, and everyone is encouraged to share their BIG holiday pride. Contest categories are for single items only and must have been completed within the last two years. Entries are judged on originality of design, appearance, and workmanship.
Even if you’ve never participated in a State Fair Creative Arts contest, this is a great place to start!
First, brainstorm which holiday is your absolute favorite to celebrate. Mine is the Fourth of July. From the red, white, and blue, to fireworks, and appreciating those serving our country, if I were to enter, I’d pick Independence Day – found in class G123.
For our folks who just can’t decide on their favorite, we have Christmas, Miscellaneous, or Halloween classes, that each have several more specific categories – all listed below on page 33 in the Creative Arts Handbook. Each participant is eligible to submit one entry per class.
Next, get some ideas! Did you already create something amazing this year or do you need a little inspiration to get started? Search online, look in magazines, or think about some decoration items that tend to catch your attention. Once you’ve decided on your holiday and what overall decor item you plan to enter, the creativity is limitless!
*My tip – PINTEREST! I can always count on Pinterest to get my creative juices flowing. For me, it helps to see other peoples’ designs and inspiration, then whatever piece I choose to go with, I add my own twist to it.
For example, have you seen all the various items people are making Christmas trees out of these days? From bed springs to egg cartons and wine corks to recycled fence posts, we’ve seen it all!
Lastly, keep your theme consistent. Since you are choosing a specific holiday, make sure your entry flows together and represents your holiday of choosing beautifully as a whole.
There’s no right or wrong way to decorate! As long as it brings you joy, you’re bound to make a judge smile. And on the bright side, you’ll have a new holiday decor item to decorate your house with. Make 2019 the year you win a Creative Arts ribbon for sharing that holiday spirit!
For more information on Creative Arts Contests or blogs on how to enter,
visit our Creative Arts 101 page or sign-up for our Creative Texans Newsletter.