The Summer Craft Contest invites young creators under 18 to share their artwork this season. Participants can submit a photo of their craft for a chance to be featured in THE MAGAZINE or online at its platform. No purchase is necessary, and every entry is a chance to be part of a growing celebration of creativity.
The first featured craft comes from Tenley, eight, who lives in Manitoba. This example shows the range of ideas the contest encourages, from playful experiments with color to careful attention to detail and storytelling through material choices.
Details and guidelines are straightforward. Each entry should be a photo of the finished craft. The image must be at least 800 by 600 pixels to ensure quality for print and online display. The entry should include the creator’s name, age, and full address so the organizers can reach the maker if needed. Entrants must be 18 years old or younger. A judging panel will evaluate entries based on originality and creativity, with emphasis on personal expression and craft technique. All entries become the property of THE MAGAZINE and may be used in print or on the magazine’s online platforms as determined by editors.
Submissions can be mailed or scanned and submitted digitally through the contest process. The aim is to celebrate crafts from families across Canada and the United States, inviting a wide range of voices and styles. Selected entries may be featured in THE MAGAZINE and on its digital channels, giving young creators a moment to shine before a broad audience.
Fairness and safety are important. There is no entry fee, and the criteria focus on originality, effort, and clear representation of the craft. Visual clarity helps judges appreciate line work, textures, color work, and inventive use of materials. The guidelines prohibit content that is unsafe or inappropriate for a general audience, and entries that violate the stated rules may be disqualified.
Photographers should aim for a clean presentation. A bright, shadow-free photo with a simple background helps the craft stand out. A caption that briefly explains the materials used, the inspiration behind the project, and the maker’s age can add context without revealing sensitive personal information. Make sure the image file clearly shows the craft from the intended angle to avoid confusion during judging.
Creators and guardians are reminded to prepare essential details ahead of time. Having a short description ready and a few lines about the motivation behind the piece can enrich the submission. The magazine emphasizes respect for young makers and their families, and it recognizes the importance of privacy and consent in sharing images publicly. The entry process is designed to nurture confidence, collaboration, and pride in original work. THE MAGAZINE appreciates every submission and looks forward to viewing the inventive ideas from young artists across North America.
Tenley’s example demonstrates that summer crafts can be joyful and bold. The magazine hopes this contest will spark curiosity and provide a platform for diverse makers to be seen. The program invites families everywhere to participate, celebrate craft, and imagine new possibilities through creativity this season.