Crafters Challenge Blog

Congrats to Christie's Cakes

2011-05-27T07:28:00.000-04:00

Congrats to Christie's Cakes for taking 1st Place in the Cake Creative design Challenge.

Final Votes for Challenge#23

2011-05-27T00:10:00.000-04:00

Princess Castle Cake              206
Never Never Land                 138
The Dog Cake                       132
Funky Crooked Cake            103
Chocolate Bird House Cake    51
Spaghetti and Meatballs           28
Pretty Pink Fairy Cake            24
18th Birthday Giant Cupcake 24
Pumpkin Birthday Cake          10
THE Wedding Cake               10

Challenge23 Voting - Monday May 23rd

2011-05-23T08:00:00.000-04:00

Here are the votes as of today. 4 days left for voting.

Princess Castle Cake           145
The Dog Cake                     100
Never Never Land                98
Funky Crooked Cake            88
Chocolate Bird House Cake 40

Challenge23 Voting Numbers

2011-05-21T16:49:00.000-04:00

Hi all.
Since our polling service for the votes in the challenges only show percentage, I will put the total "number" votes here for the top 5.
As of right now the votes are:

Princess Castle Cake      96
The Dog Cake                77
Never Never Land          69
Funky Crooked Cake     63
Pretty Pink Fairy Cake    21

Challenge23 (Cake/Cupcake Creative Design)

2011-05-20T00:10:00.000-04:00

For something a bit different, we are running a "special" challenge this week.
Challenge23 (Cake/Cupcake Creative Design) is now open for voting at Crafters Challenge

You have got to see the creativity. I'll bet it will make you hungry :)

Challenge22 1st Place

2011-05-20T00:04:00.000-04:00

Congrats to
Kerri of Candles, Gifts and More, LLC for taking 1st place in Challenge22 with
"Chocolate Chip Cookie Wax Melts"

Challenge Schedule

2011-05-17T09:22:00.002-04:00

Challenge schedule:

22- running now

23-(Cake/cupcake creative design) Full- Begins May 20th

24- begins May 27th (full)

25- begins June 3rd accepting entries

Business of the Day, May 15th - T & J Alphabet Photography

2011-05-14T15:47:00.001-04:00

T & J Alphabet Photography

Hi!
Our business is T & J Alphabet Photography. We are just two best friends/cousins that have beautiful children that are the center of our universe! So wanting to spend as much time as we could with our children and not have to keep a 9-5 job we set out to find something unique and profitable but most importantly something that we really enjoyed and we stumbled across this business venture. We are both avid craft show hoppers :) We love a unique gift but we also like it at an affordable price, especially with such a downed economy! We also both love photography so it just seemed like a right venture to take on. We were inspired by other crafter's that were doing something similar but at a much pricier charge so it was our goal to find products cheaper and become the "do-it-yourself" crafter. After a lot of hunting for the "best deals" on products, we finally were able to bring our ideas to life and create beautiful pieces of artwork that can be customized to spell anything you can imagine. To top it off we were almost 1/2 the price of our other competition. So now having this craft it has become a win-win situation for everyone......people can have great affordable art pieces for themselves or for gifts and we can stay at home with our children and enjoy them growing up!
Thanks for you time!
T & J Alphabet Photography
(visit us on Facebook) https://www.facebook.com/tjalphabetphotography?sk=wall

Business of the Day, May 10th - Top That Cards

2011-05-10T08:56:00.001-04:00

Top That Cards
http://www.topthatcards.co.uk/

My name is Caroline and I am the founder of Top That Cards

I first started my company in 2006 after the birth of my second son and it has grown from strength to strength.

I am the designer of all the fimo toppers that appear on the gifts, plaques, cards and frames.

Each and every one of my designs comes from my imagination and I own the copyrights to the designs.

I first began creating just the fimo toppers then I decided to create a range of goods using my own toppers which I keep exclusively for my own creations. This means that each piece created is unique to Top That Cards and cannot be purchased from anywhere else.

I take great pride in my work and love a challenge.

I can create a bespoke frame , card or plaque featuring a fimo character at a reasonable price.

At the moment I am in the process of creating a range of exclusive personalised keepsake frames for children’s rooms and also for Father’s Day.
I also have a number of ranges for children and babies such as Daisy Duckling, Jungle Jelly and Patchwork Ponies.

Prices range from £7.99 to £25.00 for keepsake cards and gifts.

Business of the Day, May 3rd - Hawthorne Moon Creations

2011-05-03T07:35:00.001-04:00

Hawthorne Moon Creations

My name is Cassi and I am just starting out as a jewelry designer.

I have been collecting sea glass for years and storing it in jars. I have also
been making jewelry for myself and as for gifts. It has been a crazy "life" year
and many changes have left me searching for true happiness and following my dreams.
I decided on a whim to use a piece of the sea glass when making a piece of jewelry. It was
perfect and Hawthorne Moon Creations was born! I sell my pieces online at
http://www.etsy.com/shop/HawthorneMoon
and showcase, preview and promote new items on my Facebook page
http://www.facebook.com/HawthorneMoon.

I have plans to expand to an international market, have upcoming flea markets on the schedule
and will be doing local home shows with "hostess" incentives in the style of the many direct sales
companies out there. I will also be doing "Virtual" Home Shows via my Etsy shop beginning mid-May
where hostesses friends make online purchases and the hostess still receives rewards. Please
check out my page and contact me if you would like more information about hosting a show!

Business of the Day, May 2nd - Creations By Maggie

2011-05-01T21:55:00.000-04:00

Creations By Maggie

I wanted to take a minute and introduce myself and my little shop. My name is Maggie and I am the owner and single operator of Woodburned Creations By Maggie. My love for woodburning started with a trip to Frankfort, MI. There, I fell in love with the enchanting beauty of the lakes and its surroundings and decided to take some firewood home in order to remember this remarkable place. Shortly thereafter, my shop was born! I specialize in custom made woodburned firewood pieces. What's beautiful about this art is that each piece is beautifully made by mother nature and hand picked by me. There is a plethora of options to choose from as far as what we can burn into the signs. Some have color, family names, established dates or even a combination of both. All of my items are custom made, hand painted and designed especially for you. I am very easy to work with, so if you imagine something special, I will try my hardest to make it come true for you!. Check my website often, we have new items everyday!

Visit us

on Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Creations-by-Maggie/162595957104145?sk=info

Business of the Day, May 1st - Link Dog

2011-04-30T20:23:00.000-04:00

Link Dog

I started Link Dog on Facebook about 2 weeks ago to provide an outlet for others to network their businesses. I know from experience that it's not easy sometimes to get the word out about what we do. We work so hard to create something, then have no one to show it to. It's sad, but our mission is to change that with our page. We will get the word out about your talents and what you do. And we will work hard to do it.
Regular shout outs, events, posting ads and anything else we think of to get you noticed, is what you can expect if you join our page.

Why do we do this? Because we love seeing the creativity and talent that people have. No matter what you do, what you make or what service you provide, we enjoy learning. More than just your product, we enjoy the people behind the talent. It's fun to us to mingle with all of our friends, fans and associates.

I would like to take the opportunity to thank some that have helped us get started.
The Craft Show They are good friends and great for promoting Arts and Crafts.
Fan Page Promote They work hard doing the same thing we do and have grown very fast because of it.
Crafters Challenge Personal friends and for providing this blog and their website as well as their Facebook page, for promoting hand made crafts.
Thanks for taking a look and have a great day.

woof woof

Challenge schedules

2011-04-30T09:50:00.000-04:00

Here are the schedules for upcoming challenges:

Challenge20............currently running
Challenge21............Begins May 6th and is full
Challenge22............Begins May 13th and has some openings
Challenge23............Begins May 20th and has openings

Cake/cupcake design challenge:
Special event challenge for bakers. Voting will be for the best design of your cakes, cupcakes, sweets, etc.
We have some openings left and the date will be determined when we fill all the slots.

Future challenges will include "craft" specific events, such as, candles, sock monkeys, woodworking, jewelry, etc.

Business of the Day April 29th - The Pearl On Top

2011-04-29T00:34:00.000-04:00

The Pearl On Top

The Pearl On Top has the heartfelt gift for every occasion. But the most heartfelt

of them all, is the contribution we are making to the Fearless 5K event being hosted in
Pittsburgh, PA. This event sponsors The Injured Marine Semper Fi Fund in memory
of marine, Joseph Caskey, who was killed in action while deployed in Afghanistan last
year. Caskey was a graduate of the North Hills School District, where co-owner of The
Pearl On Top, Kim, is currently employed. The United States Marine Corps holds an
extra special place in our hearts. The other co-owner of The Pearl On Top, Kylie, is
halfway through her marine husband, Jason Torres’, third deployment. When we saw
the opportunity to raise money and support the marines, it was something we could not
resist. Starting May 1st at 8pm ET, we will be holding The Fearless 5K Marine Benefit
Auction. All of the proceeds raised from this auction will be donated to The Injured
Marine Semper Fi Fund in memory of Joseph Caskey. All of the items up for auction are
pictured on our facebook page, The Pearl On Top. Please stop by and see the beautiful
items being auctioned off by not only ourselves but other vendors who are willing to
help out too. If you are interested in donating an item, we would love to include you in
this amazing cause. Just email us at thepearlontop@gmail.com. We are also accepting
monetary donations to support the cause.

However, we wanted to take it one step farther. We are offering a reduced price
on key chains that are being personalized in memory of Caskey. The key chains will be
offered to his family, friends, and anyone who is interested in showing their support. The
key chains can be purchased through our website, www.thepearlontop.com or through
our facebook page. $2 from every purchase is also being donated to the Injured Marine
Semper Fi Fund. We are trying to raise as much money as possible while also showing
our support for all of our troops. We are very passionate about this event and hope that
you will help to make it a success!

While we do offer a wide range of military products, we also specialize in Bridal
and Baby shower gifts. We offer the most creative, breath-taking gifts for every occasion.
The Pearl On Top loves to take custom orders and turn your ideas into a beautiful
finished product. From picture frames to wreaths and even towel and diaper cakes, The
Pearl On Top has it all. Give the gift of creativity.

Thanks, Kim

http://www.thepearlontop.com/
https://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Pearl-on-Top/147311181998004
thepearlontop@gmail.com

Business of the Day April 27th - Shipwreck Studio

2011-04-27T20:16:00.000-04:00

Shipwreck Studio

Shipwreck Studio is the result of found treasures collected from journeys past and present. Beach glass became my fascination as a child when searching for fossils or pirate treasure.

I live in a small town along the eastern shore of the Chesapeake with one traffic light, but lots of history. Married to, two dogs a rabbit and a husband...should change the order on that.

My jewelry designs come from the love for these vanishing gems. All my beach glass is genuine and handpicked from many beaches here and abroad. I use sterling silver and also hand sculpted fine silver in my designs. Organic to Sultry, jeans to black dress. Custom orders are always welcome.
Visit my Facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Shipwreck-Studio/487043740354?sk=wall

Peace and Happiness
Linda Sims
Shipwreck Studio

Business of the Day April 26th - The Red Queen Boutique

2011-04-26T10:12:00.000-04:00

The Red Queen Boutique

Hi,
My name is Helen and I have very recently (in the past month) started up The Red Queen Boutique.
I have a BA Honours degree in Design and Visual Art--specialising in contemporary textiles and surface pattern. My website address is http://www.helenlouisepetty.com/ and FB page http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/The-Red-Queen-Boutique/157865150937925, I also have an ebay shop which could really use some promotion !!

I make one-off pieces of kitsch/alternative jewellery and accessories using found/vintage items mixed with new charms, beads--- just about anything I can get my hands on !! I would really appreciate any exposure I could get.

Thankyou,
Regards,
Helen

Business of the Day April 25th - Redhead Thread

2011-04-25T13:11:00.000-04:00

Redhead Thread

I am a community artist with a passion for stitching! My designs are based on everything I love from retro gaming, films, cheeky sayings I love, vintage fabric or anything I find that catches my eye or makes me smile. I have only just started in the last month but have been enjoying every minute of this crafty malarkey! Check out my facebook page where I update new designs and offers all the time.

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Redhead-Thread/189678767741080?sk=info

Business of the Day April 24th-Sparkly Links

2011-04-24T08:49:00.000-04:00

Sparkly Links
http://www.facebook.com/SparklyLinks

Sparkly Links is made up of a small group of creative ladies, including Emma Latham, Kathryn Ross and Dereen Cole.
We are a new business this is our 4th week, it has been an amazing rollercoaster so far. Each of us brings a special skill and interest to Sparkly Links, that is why we offer so many different things.
This is what we have on offer:

Poetry
Looking for that special gift? Something with meaning? Something unique? Then order today! A poem made especially for you: you can choose everything from the content to the colour schemes, themes, and decorations. This beautiful crafted poem will be displayed in a frame and would make the perfect gift for any occasion or for someone of any age. (You can choose to have the poem we write unique for you or available so others can purchase the poem if they wish).

Speech Writing
Going to an occasion where you have to deliver a speech? Don't know what to say? Lost for words? Well look no further Sparkly Links offer a service, we do everything but make the speech for you!

Sparkly's Canvases
A selection of photographs to choose from in various sizes. These can also include a name or a quote at a small additional charge.

Second Hand Basement
We also offer a selection of second hand items.

Sparkly's Jewellery
We are working on many items of jewellery, and accessories. (And you will soon be able to design your own with our Jewellery customisation software using Flash).

We have many ideas also that are coming soon:
* Story books with illustrations will be available. The storybook can include your child's name as the main character, or even be a one of a kind story made especially for your child.

* Having a party? We can make party bags tailored for your individual taste.

Charity Work
Charity work is very important to Sparkly Links. With every couple of orders we are going to donate one of our framed poems or a voucher to charity. The charities we have helped so far are Huskies in Need, Jessica's Ball, Ella's Journey to Raise Awareness, Jade's Smiles. We have donated a poem or a voucher for a poem to these charities. We have also got some projects in the pipeline, to publish a poetry book and all the proceeds will go to LittleMissEvie's Children's Cancer Fund Raiser for named trusts. We are also going to do a fundraising activity were we write 12 poems in 12 hours and then we are going to add illustrations and have this book published and the proceeds will go to Max's Fundraising Charity.

We need all the help we can get really, as we wish to be able to donate to more charities and help out as much as we can. If you require any more information please contact us at: sparkly.links@gmail.com

Challenge19 Has Started

2011-04-22T00:35:00.000-04:00

Challenge19 has begun at http://www.crafteschallenge.com/

Congratulations to Angelique of LilyPad Creations for taking 1st place in Challenge18 with her
"Frames Height Chart"

Thank you to all who had entries in the challenge. And, thanks to all who supported them with votes.

Crafters Challenge Featured Business - Willow Crafts

2011-04-17T17:04:00.000-04:00

Willow Crafts

Hi,

We are based in sunny Suffolk! We started making handmade jewellery 2 years ago and our collection grew so much we started to sell at local craft fairs. After suggestions from friends we then embarked on children's jewellery making parties starting from the age of 5. The children make a much as they want from keyrings, bracelets, necklaces and for the older ones earrings, memory wire bracelets and chokers. The Mum's love it as there is no need for party bags as what they make they take home in a lovely organza bag!

We have now enlarged our range to include wine charms, beaded rings and our very popular napkin rings. We have been very busy lately with our napkin rings for the wedding market. We make them in a varitey of colours to match the couple's colour schemes. We can include names on them (up to 8 letters per name) so people can take them home as a favour.

Why not have a look at out facebook page to see all our latest designs!

Jane and Kerry

Willow Crafts

Challenge Schedules

2011-04-16T06:47:00.000-04:00

Here is a list of our upcoming challenges, when they begin and available slots:

Challenge19                April 22nd           Full
Challenge20                 May   6th            Open
Challenge21                 May 20th            Open

Challenges run for 2 weeks.
*note- if we get enough entries, we will switch the length from 2 weeks to 1 week.

To join a challenge, send a picture of the item, a 3 word title, and if you want your website link post, the address to: entry@crafterschallenge.com

Challenge18 Halfway

2011-04-15T10:46:00.001-04:00

Votes at the halfway point:

Gold Coast Dragon- Felted    171
Frames Height Chart              160
Dark Days of Spring                32
Beaded Glass Charms             31
Victorian May Day Basket       28
Watercolour Painting "Hello"   26
Sleeping Fairy Baby on Log    14
Pretty Princess                        11
Flower Fairy Princess Set        11

Vote at: http://www.crafterschallenge.com/

Crafters Challenge Featured Business - Tanglewood Thicket

2011-04-13T12:32:00.002-04:00

Tanglewood Thicket

I'm a 32 year old girl living in Kelowna BC Canada. After my daughter was born a few years back I found myself less at my Interior Design studio and more at home. I had been sculpting with Clay for 20 years or so up to that point informally and without being taught, but I had decided to start "sculpting" with wool and fiber instead. I taught myself to needle felt. My first project was a little goblin. I loved it so much that I never stopped. To this day I have made over 120 creatures ranging from 8" to 40" tall. I use Locally grown wool which I hand dye with Kool-Aid, Icing Dye and Acid dyes. I then felt with a single barbed needle from start to finish. Each creature is one of a kind. Almost all of my creatures to date have been commissions. I allow the customer to choose their colors, style and overall character of the creature. Goblins, Dragons and Labyrinth fan art has been the most popular but I am branching out to other Fantastical creatures like Mermaids, Gargoyles, sea monters, fairies etc.

You can see more here: http://www.tanglewoodthicket.com/
Etsy Store: http://www.tanglewoodthicket.etsy.com/
Twitter: www.twitter.com/tanglewoodthick
Facebook Fan Page: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Tanglewood-Thicket-Creations-Studio/173361767426

Crafters Challenge Featured Business - Turtles Consignment

2011-04-12T18:27:00.000-04:00

Turtles Consignment

I started our business in 2008 when my first child at the age of 2 months came home from the hospital. He had gotten very sick with viral meningitis, we stayed a total of 32 days. When we finally got home, we had a ton of bills and a ton of unused items that friends and family had given us. I needed a way to help my family out of the hospital debt that we had accumulated and stay home with my little guy...hence Turtles Consignment was born.

We are an on-line web only consignment shop, for new and gently used clothing. We carry items for the whole family, including a large assortment of baby clothing and accessories, toddler, teen, and adult clothing. Turtles Consignment is where you will find retail shopping at bargain prices, plus you shop from the comfort of your own home. So grab your coffee and indulge in the great deals!

Our store!

http://turtlesconsignment.ecrater.com/

Our Face book fan page.

https://www.facebook.com/TurtlesConsignment
When we hit 150 a drawing for free shipping will be held. As well as when we hit 500 we will open or fan page auction!

Crafters Challenge Featured Business - Moss Mountain

2011-04-12T13:22:00.002-04:00

Moss Mountain

A wonderland of handmade, natural and unnatural creatures up for adoption to loving homes. Here you will find the tiniest plush felt animals you will ever see, most less than one inch high. We also have unique larger plush and amigurumi, tiny animal earrings, art dolls, and more.

For gifts, pocket companions, or treat for yourself, check out our menagerie of creatures you won't find anywhere else. I can almost guarantee you'll smile when you see how cute they are.

Moss Mountain
http://www.facebook.com/mossmountain

http://www.mossmountain.etsy.com/

http://www.mossmountainpatterns.etsy.com/

email:
moss mountain shop at gmail dot com

Congrats to the Challenge17 winner

2011-04-08T22:51:00.000-04:00

Congrats to Emma of Fantasy Jewelry Goddess , for winning Challenge17 with her "Heart of Dark Goddess" necklace.

And, Congrats to the runnerup Beth with her Maple Lane oil painting. Great job and a big thank you to them and all who participated, both the entrants and the voters.

A Great Service to Crafters

2011-04-07T23:50:00.001-04:00

Most of us are familiar with Etsy’s great platform for buying and selling your crafts. But what about teaching or learning how to make those pieces? Betterfly.com is a free website that makes it easy to promote classes or find a teacher near you. You can find tutors, coaches, stylists, or other “Betterists” who can help you be better at anything, including various crafts. Craft teachers can create their own mini-website to show off their projects, offer crafting advice, and even make some money teaching what they love.

Crafts are among the most active categories on Betterfly, with entire pages devoted to helping new and experienced crafters share their skills. Although Betterfly just launched its site in 2010, it has one of the largest listings of craft teachers in the U.S. People go to Betterfly to find scrapbooking classes, beading and jewelrymaking, and even things like glass blowing and candlemaking. To see all of the crafts teachers who are already listed, or to offer your own lessons, visit the Crafts Page on Betterfly.

Half way

2011-04-02T10:44:00.000-04:00

Challenge17 is at the half way point. Voting will end on April 8th and Challenge18 will begin the same day.

Here are the top 5 vote getters at the half way point:

Challenge18 is filling up fast

2011-03-29T09:45:00.000-04:00

Good morning. Challenge18 at http://www.crafterschallenge/ is filling up fast. Details are on the website for entering an item. While you are there, please vote for your favorite in Challenge17.

Thanks and have a fantastic day!
Don

Challenge#17

2011-03-28T10:53:00.000-04:00

We had a great start for Challenge17. Almost 80 votes in 2 days. Please support us and vote for your favorite at http://www.crafterschallenge.com/

Tell your friends about us.

Challenge#17 is now open

2011-03-25T14:49:00.000-04:00

Challenge17 is now up and running at Crafters Challenge. Please support the talented artists by voting for your favorite.

Congrats to Glenda for winning Challenge16 with her "Secret Pal Quilt".

And a thanks to all who entered as well as those who voted.

We are now on Facebook

2011-03-23T22:25:00.000-04:00

Join us on Facebook. Great resources for all crafters. http://www.facebook.com/pages/Crafters-Challenge/173960549322366#!/?sk=nf

Make sure to "Like" us when you visit.

Have a fantastic day!
Don

Challenge#16

2011-03-21T16:33:00.000-04:00

Challenge#16 voting will end Friday, March 25 at Midnight. Challenge#17 is full and will begin Sunday, March 27. I am accepting entries for Challenge#18 on the website.
Thank you to all who have, or are participating.

Have a fantantastic day!
Don

Challenge #16

2011-02-27T14:20:00.000-05:00

Hi all. There is a challenge up and running on Crafters Challenge.
Please take time and vote for your favorite. There are some really neat entries.
I am taking entries for the next challenge as well.

Have a great day!
Don

Links page

2011-02-15T16:16:00.002-05:00

I have updated the links page on crafterschallenge. Cleaned out the dead links and added some new ones. If you have a website, blog, etsy store, etc and would like to add your link, please feel free to email me with the details.
ps it is craft related links only.

Have a fantastic day!
Don

Crafters Challenge is back

2011-02-12T11:10:00.002-05:00

Hi all.
After a loooong absence, Crafters Challenge is making a comeback. I have been working hard, cleaning up the website to start our Challenges again. I missed the fun of working with all the talented people who entered their hard work in them and seeing them displayed to the world.

Take a look at "the new Crafters Challenge", and let me know what you think.

Have a fantastic day!

Don

Hi I got in yea

2009-04-19T17:46:00.003-04:00

Hi everyone I finially got into the crafters challenge blog will start posting soon
Thank you
Kathy Tessling
www.katstarfantasyfalls.com

Jewelry designed by Carla

2008-09-21T17:09:00.001-04:00

www.c-raes-jewelry-designs.com/

Come in and take a look around. You just might find something
you can't live without! I have added some new designs called
spiral bracelets, and will be adding new things almost on a daily
basis.

"The beauty of life is that behind every challenge there are hidden gifts just waiting to be found..."

Simply Stacy Jewelry

2008-09-21T17:01:00.001-04:00

www.SimplyStacyJewelry.etsy.com

I have necklaces, bracelets, earrings, rings, cell phone charms, Mother and Grandmother bracelets, Bridal jewelry, Guitar Pick jewelry….and I take custom orders. I belong to a fairly new blog group called Etsy Jewelry Designers at http://etsyjewelrydesignshops.blogspot.com. This site is dedicated to the promotion of jewelry designers on Etsy.

Ribbon Wands - Olympic Cheering

2008-08-11T09:55:00.014-04:00

Here is a fun fast project to assist you while cheering for your favorite Olympians.

Gather suppliesDrinking straw, Ribbon, Glue dots or double stick tape, scissors

Roll one or two glue dots on one end of a straw

Wrap ribbon over glue covered end

Press in place

Cut ribbon
(18 to 24 inches is good;
45 to 60 cm)

Wave while cheering.

To make a stand to hold the ribbon wand - use an empty ribbon spool, color, or cut cardstock to cover the top.

Variations: use fabric strips, seam binding strips; glue a pom pom on the top for a fancier wand.

This crafty fun brought to you through Crafters Challenge by Jane of Felt Sew Crafty
Enjoy!

Tid Bits from Crafters Challenge

2008-06-01T10:41:00.005-04:00

First, we would like to congratulate Celina for winning the May Crafters Challenge with her "Wheat Straw Patchwork" entry.
Great job Celina and all who entered in May. We truly had some very nice entries.
We would also like to thank Louise of "Crafting for Money" for sponsoring our May Challenge. Louise's site is a very nice and informative craft site with lot's of great articles.

Our June Challenge is now underway and there are some great entries this month again. Please take a moment and go vote for your favotite.

And, last but not least, July's Crafters Challenge will be a theme month. The theme, you guessed it, "Patriotic".

Have a great day!
Don

Things to Do with Felt Beads/Balls

2008-05-15T10:36:00.009-04:00

Here are a few things made from wet felted beads.
There are lots of tutorials on how to make felt balls. I learned to make them back in 2005, from one of the earliest ones found on Craftster.

There are fewer tutorials on what to do with the beads. Mostly one starts playing with the beads, piercing them with a needle or awl and letting their imagination lead the way.

Sometimes one just wants a no thinking, already planned project to guide them. This tutorial on "Thats Clever" Wool Felt "Bead Buddy" Charm by Gage Evans, uses a felt ball as the body. Looked pretty cute to me, so ordered some feet and hands from Pink supply and tried out Gage's tutorial. My little buddies look entirely different from hers, but would not have thought of making buddy charms on my own, so the tutorial lead me to work in a little different way than usual. Thanks Gage!

If you want to make some Wool Felt "Bead Buddies" of your own without making the felt beads too. You will find a number of hand made felt beads available on Etsy and elsewhere. I also offer a few in one of my Etsy Shops "Felt Sew Crafty" and one set is available through the Craft Show on Crafter's Challenge.

If you make some bead buddies, or have other ways to use felt beads or balls, give us a link in comments, we'd love to see what you make.

Thanks so much.
Craft on!

Felt Trim for Your Cap

2008-05-08T12:14:00.004-04:00

photo used with permission of Kate, Beautiful Things Blog

Found this fabulous Hat Badge Tutorial through a standing "Google Search: felt hat." Oh what a joy. It is light, bright, sweet and so doable. Beautiful Things Blog went right into my blog reader. :D

Whether your desire is to trim a cap you made yourself or do like Kate did and add personality to a purchased cap, her quick and easy approach gives great results. Many thanks to Kate for a swell tutorial.

Celebrating Nora Blansett

2008-05-03T08:04:00.006-04:00

Creator of this beautiful carved dragonfly pendant, voted as the

Winner of the April Challenge at Crafters Challenge website. This was Nora's first venture into carving rock. The dragonfly eyes are swarovski crystals. Bravo Nora for an amazing entry.

Nora's focus is Fantasy art in many forms - painting is her main medium. Find her range of work on her Gallery - Borealis Art. Be prepared to ohh and ahhh.

Summer 2008 Craft Show

2008-04-29T06:58:00.005-04:00

Every season a new series of Booths opens on the Craft Show page at Crafters Challenge website. Don, the webmaster, is busy setting up the "grounds" while booth venders are are busy refreshing and preparing booths. Look for some new features when the Summer 2008 Craft Show commences on May 1.

Many previous vendors will return and new ones will premier. Each vendor gets to share up to 5 items. Many of the Crafters Challenge Craft Show participants have online stores so the Craft Show gives viewers a sweet introduction to a variety of goods. A few of the vendors only offer items at the Craft Show, making this the only place to purchase their goods online.

Some booths will remain essentially the same, some will retain similar products while moving to spring and summer color schemes, some such as mine will experience major make overs. While I don't have specifics on what others are doing, can tell you that in Jane's Felt Sew Crafty, I'm getting into the summer spirit by photographing bright straw caps and a fabric amulet pouch. For those who like to make things themselves watch for the beginner disk braiding kit and felt beads.

We hope you pop in on May 1 for the unveiling of the Summer Craft Show at Crafters Challenge.

*If you are interested in having a Craft Show Booth, contact Don with information on the Craft Show page.

Earth Day 2008 - Crafting Green

2008-04-22T07:22:00.012-04:00

In the Crafters Challenge Yahoo Group Deborah reminded us it is Earth Day. There are many ways those of us who make things with our hands work green. Saving waste and energy through recycling, making over, using up, using earth friendly products.

So lets do a bit of sharing today, what do you do to lower your impact on the environment? Particularly what do you craft or make that re-uses, renews, recycles items. Please do share links to photos or your own blog articles in comments.

One of the things I do is searching for already shrunken sweaters in thrift stores. Then turn them into new items such as cell phone cosys.

Here is an example of a shrunken sweater sleeve.
Cut, re-sewn, added a vintage button, red cotton scraps for lining, and new rat tail cord and Scotty buttons.

Scotty - Wool Small Purse or Cell Phone Cosy

I make such items both for myself as well as for sale.

Look forward to seeing your ideas and what you make for fun or for profit. Thanks.

Caps for Spring

2008-04-21T06:09:00.004-04:00

Like to sew, like caps, then let me tell you about this great online tutorial with down-loadable pattern from Curiously Crafty.

These hats are ones I made using the Curiously Crafty Pattern. BTW, while I do also sell hats, these hats are for myself or friends and not for sale. Curiously Crafty holds a Creative Commons License, allowing people such as you and I to share, use, make the pattern - for personal use, but not to sell.

These caps fit low on the head, and also make great cover ups for people who have lost their hair. Thus great for cancer caps to donate.
Enjoy!

Upcoming Events

2008-04-20T12:47:00.003-04:00

Upcoming events at the Crafters Challenge website include the May Challenge. Enter an item in our challenge for a chance to make it into the Crafters Hall of Fame. All you need to do is send a picture and 3 word title to entry@crafterschallenge.com.

Also, the Winter Craft Show will end April 30th and the Summer Craft Show will begin May 1st and will run thru August 30th. Booths for the show can be reserved for $1.25 a month. Reservations for a booth can be made here.

Cookie Cutter Applique

2008-04-15T07:01:00.011-04:00

For those of us who are drawing challenged or for children or elderly with not so good hand control, cookie cutters come to the rescue.
Cookie cutters are easy to hold in place, firm to trace around, and found in many kitchens.

Here a scallop edge cutter becomes a flower shape.

Fabric backed with iron on adhesive makes
tracing then cutting the shape from the paper side easy.

Heat 'n Bond (TM) Ultra, is great for kids, elderly or simply quick and fast no sew projects.

For sew on appliqués, pick whichever paper backed fusible you prefer.

In this place mat project, I did find that two directions looked better for the leaf shape.
Because this very old cookie cutter could not be turned over to trace, a cardstock pattern was made from the cookie cutter and turned over to made leaves pointing in the opposite direction.
** note - the thread spool used as pattern for the center of the flower. There are lots of things about the house in addition to cookie cutters that can become patterns.

Have fun with appliqué!

Craft Article Authors

2008-04-13T14:00:00.000-04:00

I have created this blog for the purpose of posting craft related articles. All types of hand made craft information will be posted. If you are interested in writing articles and would like to be an author on the subject, please feel free to email me.
Don