Bead Star is an annual design contest put on by Interweave. There are several different categories you can enter, such as crystals, metals, seed beads, under $25 and some others. All designs must use simple techniques such as stringing or basic wireworking. All entries are narrowed down to 20 finalists per category, and 5 winners per category are chosen by public vote. Grand prizes are chosen by the organizers. All the winning designs are published in a special edition magazine with project instructions.
Details for the 2010 contest should be coming up around December or shortly thereafter, once the 2009 magazine with this year's winners is published. You can also go to www.beadstar.com for more info. Hope that helps!