Harvest Design Challenge Entry #2

Today we feature the second entry into the Harvest Design Challenge.

Harvest Round Coiled Mat by Prairie Threads

These eco-friendly coiled mats use up bits and pieces of leftover fabric--this one includes a blend of warm fall coloured fabrics, all cotton. To make each one, I wrap strips of fabric around cording, then coil it and stitch it together. Each one is unique and fun!

You can use them:
• under a hot dish
• as a mug rug
• with a flower arrangement
• under a plant
• for teacher or hostess gifts
• as a hat (my daughter's idea!)

Finished size: approximately 20 cm (7.75") diameter

To see more of my coiled mats, click here:
http://www.etsy.com/shop/PrairieThreads?section_id=8139590

___ 

I love the colours on this mat.  Beautiful.

And check out Entry #1 by Jynxx if you haven't already. :)

Just The Goods TV Appearance

Congratulations to Milena of Just The Goods who appeared on City TV's Breakfast Television On September 14th.

Check out the video link here.

And check out Just The Goods on Etsy here.

Vegan Skin Care and Home Spa Kit

How Pink Was My Prairie

'how pink was my prairie' by lemondear

Chipped - Fine Art Phot... CarlaDyck $40.00	Receipt/Coupon Holder -... elliven $9.00	Oh Canada North Aged Ma... PrairiePeasant $25.00
Ecofriendly Shades of P... PrairieThreads $22.00	Hot Pink and White Feat... PrairieWireDes... $30.00	Berry Blush Large Round... PrairieThreads $12.00
Reusable Snack Bag Fun ... EmmsPocketShop $6.00	Striped and Beaded Micr... TawnyBee $6.00	On the Go Designs Minky... onthegodesigns $16.00
Amanda kiddlebug $38.00	Reversible Goldfish and... TawnyBee $18.00	Fuschia Pink Medium Mon... Monkeybusiness... $15.00
SALE - Patti Pink Monst... Magination $8.50	Crocheted Hat - Raspber... MonCherieCreat... $17.00	Pretty Pink Pony Slippe... Magination $18.00
Sweet card for Mom. Mo... dandee $6.00

Treasury tool by Red Row Studio.

Harvest Design Challenge Entry #1

Today we feature our first entry into the Harvest Design Challenge:

OOAK Autumn Charm Bracelet by Jynxx

Here is a one-of-a-kind autumn charm bracelet that I call "AUTUMN SPLENDOR" This bracelet is the perfect accessory for any fall wardrobe. It has all the wonderful colors of fall sunflowers, leaves, pumpkins and wildlowers.

Trinkets featured on this bracelet include:

Several sunflower buttons

"AUTUMN" letter trinkets

Wooden & acrylic leaves

Wooden beads

Pumpkin trinkets

Wildflower trinkets

The bracelet is approximately 8" and made with a medium weight silver plate chain. The wrist closure is a toggle style. Please note that items used in photos for props are not included in the sale.

This bracelet is newly created and from a pet and smoke free home. It will arrive packed securely, and includes insurance in the cost of shipping, so buy with confidence!! If you like this bracelet please make a purchase as I buy my beads and trinkets in small quantities and many are rare vintage finds, therefore reproducing an exact copy is not an option, nor is it fair to those wanting a one-of-a-kind item.

I hope you have as much fun wearing my designs as I do creating them! Please take note that this bracelet is best not suited for very young children, as it has many small parts that could become a choking hazard.

_______

Gorgeous isn't it?

Feature Friday: Nancy Blokland Pottery

I am Nancy Blokland of Nancy Blokland Pottery, a passionate potter and mom.  I have been fascinated with clay since my first opportunity when I was 12 years old with a creative junior high teacher.  When I decided to go into the helping professions, I heard about “burn out” and thought the creative process of making functional pottery would be a good balance to dealing with people’s difficulties and sadness. I was right.  Almost thirty years later I am still working with people and at nights, weekends, or spare moments my motto is Muddy Mama.

I am inspired by colours, leaves in the garden and how I can incorporate them, and the endless possibilities of the clay. I consider it an honour to make functional pottery that people use in their daily meals and their celebrations.  Food and how it is served is important to me.  All my glazes are food safe, and my work is dishwasher, microwave and oven safe.  Every mug and teapot are made and later purchased with lots of thought and attention to detail. 

I have developed a blog, as a running journal of trying to balance all my passions at NancyBloklandPottery@blogspot.com and am on Facebook as NancyBloklandPottery.  I sell in a variety of venues around Manitoba, the Craft Cupboard, Dalnavert Museum, Savoir Faire on Henderson Hwy, the Pembina Hills Art Gallery in Morden, Manitoba.  I enjoy meeting with customers live and in person so I  participate in Scattered Seeds and other shows such as the Vineyard Sale and the Pineridge Hollow Farmer’s Market.  I am a member of Uniquely Manitoba and a proud member of WEST on Etsy.

Etsy Finds: Heartfelt Yarn Wreaths

Congratulations to Katie of Heartfelt Yarn Wreaths on her feature in the Etsy Finds - International Shopping Guide newsletter yesterday!

Go on over and check out her shop.  It's stocked full of gorgeousness.

Feature Friday: Mrs. Glockenheimen

Hi, I'm Jen AKA: Mrs. Glockenheimen :))

Creating jewellery has been a passion of mine ever since I was a kid. I am drawn to the magic and timeless esthetic of vintage pieces and I particularly adore children's book illustrations for their whimsical and innocent character. Why should these fabulous books sit on shelves...when you can showcase them everyday?! The jewellery that I create from these books are one-of-a-kind, hand-made, nostalgic, quirky and often embellished with glitter, a personal favourite!

My jewellery can be found locally at the Best of Friends Gift Shop located in the Millennium Library, numerous craft sales, etsy (etsy.com/shop/mrsGlockenheimen), and coming this September, McNally Robinson Bookstore. Also, keep in mind that I am able to create custom pieces for you or a special someone with your own photos and/or graphics!

Also be sure to check me out on Facebook and my website mrsglockenheimen.weebly.com

Would love to hear from you!

Mrs.Glockenheimen

W.E.S.T. September Design Challenge: Harvest

Now that everybody has gotten their kids back to school (or in the process of doing so) and we're all getting back to thoughts of the upcoming holiday season, cooler weather, and pumpkin spice lattes - I thought that we needed an autumn theme for the next design challenge.

Harvest.

What images are brought the your mind by the word?

The colours? The food? The fashion?

To get your creative juices flowing, here are a few harvest themed items from WEST designers already posted on Etsy:

Piecing the Harvest Softcover Journal
by Prairie Peasant

Pottery Utensil Holder in Browns and Harvest Gold
By Nancy Blokland Pottery

Here's how it works. Check the forums and blog at the start of the month to get the inspiration topic. As you mull over what that particular idea means to you, jot down some notes in the discussion thread or leave a comment on the blog. Take pictures of your process and finished item and post them in the forum thread. We would love to hear the story behind how you arrived at your finished object!

I will post a separate feature for each item entered into the design challenge with a round up at the end of the month.

A few notes: Create something especially for the challenge. Entries for each month should be finished by the last day of the month. Vintage and supply sellers are welcome to participate, too, with a focus on artful photography and careful choice of item.

Happy designing!

W.E.S.T. August Design Challenge Results

You may remember that the W.E.S.T. Design Challenge for August was "Back To School".

My little guy is heading to Kindergarten later this week. So it's a perfect time to do a round up of all the Back To School entries.

Crocheted Messenger Bag - Teal and White Stripes
By Mon Cherie Creations

10 Colourful Fabric Bookmarks - Vintage Inspired Set
By Tawny Bee

Fine Silver Apple Pendant Necklace
By The Silver Agenda

Aren't these entries terrific? I kinda wish I was going back to school. I miss all the fun back to school shopping.

And remember: Handmade is best - even when back to school shopping! :D

Stay tuned tomorrow when I announce the September design challenge for our talented WEST bunch!