In another craft forum I used to belong to the members arranged Challenges. It was mainly so that we could try out new techniques or provide a bit of inspiration for each other (Gemma mentioned in another thread that her's is Missing!). Admittedly it was a papercrafting forum (cards, scrapbooking, handmade books etc) and most things were cheap to try!

Is this something we could take and adapt for our own purpose? What about different sections e.g. metal (e.g. silver, gold, copper etc), beading, mixed media, metal clay, or even just a design section (e.g a drawing/picture), and you could take part in whichever you wanted to? Different themes could involve using a set list of items, colour combinations, shape, or even a just a word e.g. flower (easy!), architecture, spin.....