ECO CHIC Design Challenge for May

Hevvin Designs wristband http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=22638961

Baby Gees capri sun bag http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=24838144

Quilt 7 metal butterscotch linen top http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=21386224

Kunkle Baby organic seahorse bib http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=21777522

Adornments by Karla bamboo pendant http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=23381340

Gardenia's Garb patchwork muffin hat http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=24842873

Maram Oh Sheet Fruity Sherbert bag http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=22888510

I'm a Smarty Pants upcycled retro mod jar http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=24840292

Jules Jewel denim wristlet http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=24582888

Artsi Bitsi nature girl adventure bag http://www.etsy.com/view_transaction.php?transaction_id=15913158

Andrea Baker grocery bag cozy http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=24524941

Sew Darn Simple brown corduroy purse http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=24500867

poll by twiigs.com

Belated Congratulations!

Andrea Baker was the winner of our April team design challenge. The theme was "punk rock." She created a business card cozy from recycled blue fabric with a guitar motif (former shirt) and achieved victory with 21 votes in her favor! Join us as we congratulate her for a job well done. While you're at it, visit her etsy shop to see the many other unique creations she is offering. KUDOS crafting friend!

Here is a cute Q & A Andrea was good enough to complete so our readers can get to know her better!

What kind of items do you create?

Business Card Cozies, Check Book Cozies, Aprons, Totes, Handbags, etc.

How long have you been creating?

I have been creating now for several years and have enjoyed every minute of it.

What or Who are your creative influences?

I see creative influences everywhere I look. In my family, in my friends, in nature, everywhere.

Do you work outside of the home/studio? I am also an Independent Silver Consultant for Inspiranza Designs. www.inspiranzadesigns.com/AndreaBaker as well as an Independent Beautify Consultant for Mary Kay. www.marykay.com/AndreaBaker

What is your education as it pertains to your craft?

My mom was a seamstress when I was younger. She used to make wedding gowns and I remember the little shop she used to work at. The drive way was lined with apple trees. Mom taught me a lot that I never used over the years but when I became a stay at home mom I was looking for something to fill my time while my daughter was at school. Sewing became that hobby and I was able to turn that hobby into a business.

What is your favorite part of creating handmade items?

I absolutely adore being able to take fabric and turning it into an item that will be used.

Do you have any connection likes you'd like to share?

I have several ways you can connect with me. They are all listed on the following link.

http://www.andreabakerdesigns.com/?page_id=549

or

http://andreabaker.etsy.com/

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Be sure to check back on the 10th of each month to see new design challenge submissions and vote for your favorite. May's theme will be "Eco chic."

Punk Rock Challenge Team submissions---Get your Vote on!

Well, the entry deadline has been reached and we officially have 11 submissions for this month's team challenge. The theme is punk rock. Here's what you do: browse the candidates, decide on your favorite, then look for the poll on your right hand side to vote. We'd love it if you sent all your friends to our blog over the next week so we can have a hardy amount of votes. Our team of artists will truly appreciate your enthusiasm and encouragement too. Feel free to leave comments by clicking on the word "comments" at the bottom of each blog post. Without further ado...here are the eleven items, the name of the etsy shop each came from and their direct link.


Baby Gee's skull bib and burp cloth
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=23527116




Adornments by Karla's shrinky dink charm bracelet
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=23523702




Hevvin Designs' mini many tie skirt
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=23476717




Mollystuff's Geek sterling silver pendant
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=23477151



Sew Darn Simple's Roses skulls leather and studs zipper case
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=23382713





ArtsiBitsi's skull IPOD cozy
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=23360620




maram's black and blue skull and sequins purse
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=23343083




Jules Jewels' snakeskin and leopard print handbag
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=23323303




Artistic Flair's fused glass guitar pendant
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=22627085




Out of the Pink Sky's wire wrapped skull earrings
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=19338253




Andrea Baker's Blue Guitar Business Card cozy
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=8754953

Monthly Team Challenge Kick-off

Our diverse team of artists are proud to announce a new monthly activity we're going to try out. The fun part is that it's INTERACTIVE. We want YOU, our readers, to vote on submissions for each month's creative challenge and help us select a winner. Basically we will announce a theme and team members will have until the 10th of the month to submit their item for consideration. These will then be posted to our blog page. Voting will be open for one week. The party with a majority of votes will be proclaimed winner. The victor receives: bragging rights, gets to pick the next month's theme AND a nice little write up here on our blog with information on them and their business.

We will also be encouraging our team members and readers to spread the word about our challenges. Post a link from your personal blog to ours! There will be no restrictions on the mediums our creative minds may use. Won't it be interesting to see what they come up with when we give them a nudge and free reign?

April and May's themes have been chosen in advance. They are (officially): April will be PUNK ROCK inspired and May is LOVE YOUR MOTHER - EARTH in honor of our planned Eco-chic Craftacular (5/16 & 17). Possible future themes include: Freaks & Geeks, Buckeye Fever, Jamaican me crazy, Bohemian Rhapsody, Hollywood Squares, and Miami Spice.

Remember you are welcome to post your remarks by clicking the link provided under each blog submission. We all love reading your comments and thoughts.