Pantone Fall 2013 Craft Challenge Results!

Including myself, we had four people able to complete projects for this fall's challenge.  I am, as always, blown away by the many talents of my friends and family.  Without further ado, in the order in which they were received, here are the completed projects!

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Karen of Busy Beading, Runs With Scissors 4, and Vintage Station on etsy outdid herself with not 1, not 2, but 3 projects using just about every Pantone Fall 2013 color!

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I love the way she used the color chart to organize her crystals!

Whoa!  Tribal geometric gorgeousness!

Again the chart for the needle felted orbs...

And another beautiful bracelet is born!

Another needle felting project that's perfect for fall...acorns!

(pottery bowl and leaf by Carol Broadley Pottery)
Who needs to go out and buy pumpkins when you can just display your favorite Pantone projects for autumn décor!?

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Next up we have Kathryn from Virginia- my across the street neighbor from high school and special facebook friend.  Kathryn can sew the pants off of some fabric (hehe), and she whipped up this amazing bag in all of the Pantone colors.  I know the pictures don't do it justice, because I took them.  And I took them because this bag is in my possession.  Can you believe it????  A gift for me!!!  I LOVE it so :)

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The color blocks wrap around the whole bag.

From this closeup you can see the different textures of the fabrics used- I love that detail!

 

OOOOOOH!  Peek inside!  Yes, that is one of my favorite vintage sheet patterns.

And so many pockets.  I heart pockets.  Heart heart heart!

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My Aunt Irene in Michigan is one of the fastest and most talented crocheters I know.  The woman can whip up anything in no time at all.  Just like her mom!  These are just a few of the items she made last month.

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A sweet cotton hat in koi.

A triple layered hotpad in bright linden.

And a cabled scarf in a plummy acai.  The talent, I tell you!

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And bringing up the rear with one measly little project is me.  I'm happy with the idea for this headband/ear warmer- it's the same stitch I use in my cotton rugs.  It's thick enough to actually keep the ears warm, which was the goal.  I used an alpaca/acrylic blend that is so very soft, and the main yarn itself is a blend of the blues and greens in the Pantone 2013 fall palette.  I tossed in the round of gray (turbulence) to help set the flower apart form the band.  Gotta give my little model props- the day she posed for pics was over 80 degrees!

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Look closely and you'll see emerald, Mykonos blue, and a touch of acai.

Yup, it covers the ears and holds the hair away from the face!

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Looking pretty, and the wrap is convenient, too.  It folds up to almost nothing and could easily be tossed in a purse for a pumpkin patch adventure.

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So that's all for this challenge, folks.  Loads of creativity and beautiful items that will keep us all very fashionable this season.  Many thanks again to Karen, Kathryn and Aunt Irene for participating!!!!

 

 

Craft Challenge Update

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The time is here, my friends!  Time to get your Craft Challenge photos to me so that I can get your goodies seen by the world!!  I have Karen's, Kathryn's, and mine...need yours Aunt Irene.  And who else?  Teri?  My plan is to have the post up by the end of the week, so stay tuned for COOL STUFF ;)

Craft Challenge Time - Pantone Fall Colors 2013!

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The colors are here!!!  The Pantone Fall 2013 colors are here!!!  Who is up for another "creation challenge"?   It's easy enough- just choose 3 or more of the colors above and make something.  Anything!  Let's do this!  I think one month until "show off" time is sufficient, don't you? 

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If you'd like to participate, leave a comment here.  Entries will be due by the end of September, and all will be showcased here on my blog in a big reveal.  This is not a contest- anyone who participates is a winner.  The more people we have, the more exciting it will be, so please share with your friends and family.  Who's with me???!!!!

Makeover Monday: 9/10

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One of my good friends found this adorable button fabric in her stash, and asked me to make something for her to give as a gift to a button-loving friend.
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She wanted a "loopy bowl" so that the buttons would show.  It didn't come out to be as large as we had hoped, but what it lacks in size, it makes up for in personality!  I hope it will be loved :)

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The Craft Challenge Finale is creeping up, but there is still plenty of time to enter and get your craft on!  Read details HERE.  If you end up with more than one entry- all the better.  I'll need photos and a short description (your name, project description, pantone colors used, and any additional details) by September 16th.  Don't hesitate to comment here or send me a message if you have questions!!

Craft Challenge 2012

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Behold the official Pantone Fall 2012 color palette!  Click on my photo to enlarge, or click HERE to see the Pantone website.

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Now, I've never hostessed a craft challenge before, so I want this mainly to be simple and fun.  The challenge is open to anyone and any craft.  Bring your sewing skills, your mixed media collage, your stitchery, your painting or whatever other talent you possess and let's get our craft on!

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The challenge is pretty straightforward.  Simply choose two or more of the colors in the Fall 2012 lineup and make something awesome. 
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The deadline for entries is three weeks from today- September 16th. That gives you enough time to get creative, but not so much time that you'd put it off. (Not that any of you would do that). Project photos and a little written blurb about your entry (your name, project name, what your project is made of, and any other details you want to share) should be emailed to me by the deadline- the sooner the better. I will then put together a blog post showcasing all of the wonderful creations!
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This isn't a challenge that will be voted on or have a winner or anything- it's just an opportunity to be inspired with current trends, connect with fellow craftspeople, and be famous for a day when the projects are featured.  I'll do my best to get lots of traffic to our work, and your help with that will be appreciated.
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Please say you'll join me by leaving a comment on this post.  I know I have a couple of crafty readers who don't post comments.  Aunt Irene and Cher, and anyone else who falls into that category, you can still enter by just emailing me to let me know you're in!  The more people we have to participate, the more publicity our little event can create!
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If I have left out some important bit of info, or if you just have a question, please post that in the comments here as well. Chances are that if you aren't sure about something, you aren't alone. I can't wait to see what we all come up with :)

They Say...

...that the best things come in small packages. While I don't advise believing everything *they* say, I do hope this has a bit of truth to it!

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From time to time, my Etsyfriends Team hosts a team Challenge- with prizes going out to some of the lucky voters. This time the theme is "Stocking Stuffers", and voting will go from Nov. 1-8. While I had the idea for these items a long time ago, it just hung in the wings, waiting for the right time to fly.

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So, whether you're in the market for a stocking stuffer or Hanukkah gift, these are the perfect addition to any crafter's project bag or work space. The original, handmade tape measure cozy combines form and function; tape measure works with the cozy ON. Pull to desired length, press exposed button in the center to retract. Each one is finished off with a vintage button to ensure that it is a one-of-a-kind treat!

($12, tape measure included. Look for them in sosorosey next week.)

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I'd love to hear what you think of my idea, and I'll be sure to remind you when voting has begun. Special note: due to a pumpkin patch field trip tomorrow, Makeover Monday will be delayed until Tuesday. Have a great week :)

Game On

It's that time again, folks! Time for another Etsyfriends Team Challenge. This time we were tasked with coming up with an entry that fit the theme of "new decade". I made this jute heartstring garland for the occasion.

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From the listing description: "Ten hearts make up this 5 foot, 11 inch long *heartstring* garland...one for each year of the last decade. With every increment on the string (just like years that go by), you'll find something different to love along the way. From perfectly tattered lace to dusky rose velvet ribbon, something here is sure to stir your memory and soul.

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More than a reminder of years gone by, however, this garland is designed to remind us of all we have for which to be grateful in our daily lives. While it's perfect for Valentine's Day or February decor, it's also a special piece to hang somewhere that your eyes often wander. Use the heartstring to focus on ten deep breaths, count ten blessings, or give ten thanks throughout your day!"
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For more details about the garland itself, click HERE.

To see the other entries and vote in the challenge, go HERE.

Exciting Earth Day

I had a very special surprise today! My super friend Angela from aandboriginals sent me the screenshot above... That's my orange tray down on the bottom, and this was an Etsy front page this morning.

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I am particularly flattered by this as it was a collection chosen by Etsy admin, found using the word "upcycled"...I am so humbled and excited to have my "eco-friendliness" honored this way on Earth Day.

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And this gorgeous purple and mustard collection was on the front page yesterday! What a rush! Thank you to 3dots for including my bowl set, and thank you Amy from ThePeachTree for sending me a message to let me know!

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PSSSSSSSST......

There is still time to vote in the Etsyfriends Earth Day Challenge! There are prizes for 10 people who take the time to vote, and all you have to do is leave a comment with your choice! This is my "Love Your Mother" rag rug entry...click on the photo to get to the voting spot. Entries will be taken through midnight tonight!

The Challenge Is On

At long last, the Etsyfriends Team Earth Day Challenge is here! Simply click on the icon above to get the details of the contest, and to see all of the amazing entries. Vote for your favorite (cough ,*Love Your Mother Rag Rug*, cough) by leaving a comment at the end of the post. Not sure how to leave a comment? Click on the word "comment" at the end of the post, and you will get a pop up screen with instructions. Let me know if you have any trouble. There are LOTS of prizes to be had, and fun shops to visit, so please- get out the vote!

And Lastly, The Rug Says...

GO GREEN!!

I can't think of a better Earth Day message, and I am really proud of this creation!

This one of a kind 3 foot diameter round rug will be listed in my shop this weekend. It will be reserved for the team challenge event (details to come!), then, much to my hubby's dismay, it will be for sale!

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What are you proud of this wonderful Wednesday?

And in the Sky...

...rainbows danced!

Only one more phase of the project to complete! Well, two if you count writing the description for the listing. Almost there, in any case; she will be 3 feet wide when finished! Let me know what you think of the new burst of color...

And then...

...Mother Earth was surrounded by deep periwinkle blue skies and cotton puff clouds...

My Earth Day rag rug is now almost 2 feet across! Would you believe that the "blue skies" fabric is a soft old flannel sheet printed with fluffy white clouds? As soon as I saw it, I knew it would be the next phase in my project. Stay tuned for the next part of the "message"... I should have it ready by the end of the week!

Earth Day Challenge: Part 3

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I've often wondered how large an item I would have if I crocheted an entire sheet. This lovely vintage Vera sheet by Burlington measured 72 x 104 (inches) before hemming; the round rag rug you see in the photos measures almost 18" across!

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I considered leaving it as is for my team challenge project, and marketing it as a large table coaster/rug or even a pet food bowl mat. That just isn't special enough, though, so I'm going bigger. I've had a brainstorm (look out!), and plan to make this a "message mat" for a totally unique and ultracool "green minded" rag rug. Stay tuned for updates! Tree huggers unite!

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Do you have a favorite eco-friendly project or product to share?

All tips and comments are welcome!

I'll Be the Judge of That!

A little ducky told me that Lark Books is holding a special contest in conjunction with the release of the Craft Challenge: Pillowcase book! Not only that, but as a designer for the book, I have been asked to be a judge. Me, a judge!! I'm thrilled to continue to have a part in this awesome publishing adventure. Click on their little mascot icon at the top of this post to get full contest details. Three lucky winners will receive the Craft Challenge: Pillowcase book along with 9 (count 'em...NINE!) more of Lark's newest "indie-wonderful" craft books. What in the world are you waiting for? Grab that pillowcase and get crafting!

Earth Day Challenge Fabric

My Etsyfriends team is hosting another challenge event for Earth Day, and I am planning a special something with this vintage sheet. Care to guess what I'll be creating?

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*Stay tuned to this blog for challenge details...there will be voting and prizes!!!*