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

The design challenge for October was "With a Grateful Heart!"

Thankfulness. Gratitude. We have so much to be grateful for.

Two W.E.S.T. artists came up with some awesome results using this theme as their inspiration.

Our first entry was from Tawny of TawnyBee:

Fingerwoven Set of Friendship Bracelets - Chinese Braid by TawnyBee

Tawny shared that the reason she chose to make these Chinese Braided Bracelets for this month's challenge was because of a quote from the book where she learned how to make this particular braid: "I like to think of it [the Chinese braid] as a closely knit family, the core of dark at the center representing home and parents, the lighter strands, which leave and then return, as children whose lives are separate but still linked." And family is what Tawny is most thankful for.

Our next entry was from Miriam of MonCherieCreations:

Take-out or Travel Cup Cozy and Coasters - Christmas set - candy cane stripes by MonCherieCreations

 Miriam's item for the Grateful Heart design challenge was a red-and-white striped cup cozy and two "peppermint" coasters. Miriam shared a story of the candy cane (which you can read here) to explain why this item represents her faith, which she is most grateful for.

Well done team! Stay tuned for the announcement of the next challenge later this week!

Featured this week

This week instead of newly listed items, I decided to showcase some finds from members who have not been featured recently.

KristinBuhler

Sunshine and Daisy Earrings

Using a necklace from a friend's old jewellery stash, I've upcycled these pewter daisies to be the perfect drop beneath yummy butter-yellow howlite rounds.

Because of the pewter daisies, these earrings have a bit of weight to them. If you have sensitive ears, please have a look around my shop for other, lighter earrings ;)

Total length is about 1 1/2".

Hand-made sterling silver ear wires.


WWNaturals

Handspun Yarn - Kaleidoscope Colors - 156 yds - 100% Corriedale

This Corriedale is next to skin soft. The colors are amazing with everything from lime green to soft blues, yellows and oranges. This will be great for mittens, socks or slipper socks.

Handspun by me, 2 ply, weight is appx. 3 ounces. Dyed using acid dyes, mordant used: vinegar and citric acid.

10 - 12 WPI

Twist is set, hand wash cold, lay flat to dry


TheGoblinCave

Pumpkin Buttons (Set of 6)

Buttons are 1 inch in size. Halloween is almost here :)



daisypatchdesigns

Coffee sleeve cozy orange tones Eaton's vintage yarn

This coffee sleeve will keep your coffee hot and your fingers cool. It measures 4 in long and will fit most coffee cups. In the picture, it is on a "tall" sized cup and is quite deep.

This cozy is knit from a skein of vintage yarn reclaimed at an estate sale. This coffee sleeve is definitely one of a kind because you can no longer find this yarn or colour. It was made from an Eaton's brand called Vanity Fair and was knit in a basket weave pattern. The orange hues make it a perfect gift for that man in your life who loves his morning cup of java.

OhHappyDayWinnipeg

Coral Beauty

Celebrate the most popular color of 2011!

This hair piece is constructed out of a soft cotton/blend fabric with just a hint of shimmer, sure to put a smile on your face. The cheery coral color is perfect for the coming summer months. At its center, this piece has just a touch of shimmery white tulle, and is finished off by a sparkly rhinestone.

* Approximately 2 1/2 inches in diameter

maryandmaudestudio

Illustration Print: Elliot Plays Checkers (and Tries to Understand the Rules)

This is Elliot. He is moderately shy and is happy just to be invited.

* high quality, limited edition 8 x 10" unframed print (approx. 20 x 25 cm)

Made with graphite pencil, watercolour, paper and imagination. No pandas were harmed in the making of this product.


nightskyatlas

wood bird necklace - rainy day

These bird pendants are one of a kind - no two will ever be the same!

This hand-painted wood bird was created with hand-cut pieces of lovely paper decoupaged onto the pendant. It measures 4" across, and is finished with a lovely raindrop shaped silver chain and lobster clasp. This amazing chain measures approximately 18" in length. Feel like dressing it down a little? Flip the necklace the other way and discover and beautifully bronze painted bird.

The pendant has been sealed with a few coats of protective finish, but as with all wood pendants, please keep clear of water.


SaysTheStone

Vintage antique gold filigree, baby blue, brass- OOAK earrings--Really Old-reclaimed jewelry---Low Shipping

These beauties used to belong to an old pair of clip earrings.
Two intricate filigrees are soldered to a line of marbled baby blue antique glass beads.. These are really old!!
I added heart/tulip shaped Czech glass beads in matching colours and brass lever back ear wires.


metallace

Stainless Steel "European 4-1 with Chains" Bracelet

Medium/small cable chains flank either side of this basic Euro 4-1 bracelet.. It measures just under 7 inches in length, nearly 1 inch in width, and fastens with a secure stainless steel tube clasp.

Beautifully basic and versatile.



byblackbirddesigns
   
Love Lost: SteamPunk Fly - away heart watch amulet for Her...

Their love was not to be...

From another time and place, she'd only had a taste of Him, and then he was snatched away through the sands of time with only the amulet left as proof their love had ever been...

SteamPunk Winged heart and watch face amulet was made to be the perfect addition to any steampunk collection, outfit or persona.

Gold tone with silvertone wings, chain is goldtone and length is made to order.
What a perfect gift! Giftboxed upon request!
Watch for the matching Fly- away watch amulet for Him


kirstenneil

Paper Umbrellas

An original watercolour painting I completed in October 2011.

The finished size is approximately 9" x 9". I will matte the painting in white to fit a square frame (approx: 18" x 18")

With a Grateful Heart Design Challenge Entry #2

Here is the second entry for our October Design Challenge:

Take-out or Travel Cup Cozy and Coasters - Christmas set - candy cane stripes by MonCherieCreations

Miriam writes: My item for the Grateful Heart design challenge is a red-and-white striped cup cozy and two "peppermint" coasters. Here's the story of the candy cane to explain why this item represents what I am most grateful for:

A candy maker in Indiana wanted to make a candy that would be a witness, so he made the Christmas Candy Cane. He incorporated several symbols for the birth, ministry, and death of Jesus Christ. He began with a stick of pure white, hard candy: white to symbolize the Virgin Birth and the sinless nature of Jesus, and hard to symbolize the Solid Rock, the Foundation of the Church and firmness of the promises of God. The candy maker made the candy in the form of a "J" to represent the precious name of Jesus, who came to earth as our Savior. It could also represent the staff of the Good Shepherd with which He reaches down into the ditches of the world to lift out the fallen lambs who like all sheep have gone astray. Thinking that the candy was somewhat plain, the candy maker stained it with red stripes. He used three small stripes for the blood shed by Christ on the cross. So that we could have the promise of eternal life.

__________

Nicely done! Thanks Miriam!

New Items from WEST member Oct 16 to Oct 22

HeartfeltYarnWreaths

Yarn Wreath Christmas, Winter, Holiday decor. Door wreath - Blue, silver and white felt flowers. Elegant, traditional wreath. 14 Inches.

A yarn wreath perfect for Christmas, Winter and Holiday decor. Use this door wreath to welcome the holiday season into your home! An elegant Christmas yarn wreath in blue, silver, and white felt flowers is accented with a sprig of silver and ivory berries. A classic navy blue yarn is accented with a silver metallic argyle pattern. A perfect blend of modern and traditional is sure to accent your holiday decor this season. Wreath measures 14" in diameter.

thesilveragenda

Sterling Silver Wire Wrapped Gray Swarovski Pearl Bracelet

I wire wrapped 6mm and 8mm shimmering silvery-grey swarovski pearls to each other using sterling silver wire. Finishing the 7.5 inch bracelet is a handmade sterling hook clasp.

This bracelet looks great on its own or layered with others. Wear it to a wedding or go casual with jeans and a T.
           
Jynxx

SNOWMAN Charm Bracelet Christmas Winter Snow Vintage Style Eclectic OOAK Statement Jewelry Piece Snowmen Snowflakes

Here is a beautiful, one-of-a-kind eclectic charm bracelet that I call "SNOWFLAKES & SNOWMEN" This bracelet is loaded with snowflakes, beads & four adorable snowman charms!

lemondear

hand embroidery pattern: Halloween Pumpkin Lady

This listing is ideal for Halloween! it is a hand embroidery pattern of a Halloween Pumpkin Lady, also known as Miss Pumpkin and it is a PDF file, which I will e-mail to you after payment clears

This adorable witch is the fourth of my series of patterns! I was inspired by a vintage portrait of a lady with big hair which reminded me of a pumpkin!

You can embroider just the outline or fill the head with colour, as I did in the image you can see above of the finished project, and remember: the possibilities of fabric and colour selection for this project are as endless as they are fun!

TawnyBee

Fingerwoven Set of Friendship Bracelets - Chinese Braid

"The Chinese Braid produces a striking pattern and is one of the most beautiful of all the braids. i have seen the pattern simulated in such unlikely materials as the stone of grave markers and the cloth appliques of the Cameroons. The serpentine undulations of the strands are no doubt laden with symbolic implications in both China and Africa. But since these are not known to us, we are free to see our own significance in the pattern as it builds under our fingers. i like to think of it as a closely knit family, the core of dark at the center representing home and parents, the lighter strands, which leave and then return, as children whose lives are separate but still linked. You will see your own and different implications, if you mind enjoys this turn of thought." (Courtesy of The Basic Book of Fingerweaving written by Esther Warner Dendel 1974)

PrairiePeasant

Around the World Travel Journal

This journal is perfect for the traveller in both its size and style, easy to slip into a backpack or bag. And if you’re not travelling, why not have a place to keep your dreams?

Covers are made from reclaimed bookboard covered with a vintage atlas map of the world. The endpapers of this journal are vintage atlas index pages--why not recycle all parts of the atlas? Bound with waxed linen thread using a double needle coptic binding leaving a lovely chain stitch on the spine. This allows the book to lie perfectly flat when open. The inside is filled with 256 pages (counting both sides) of hand torn reclaimed computer paper, leaving a soft deckled edge on the bottom. Tractor feed perforations are still intact on each page.

This journal measures 12.5 x 15 cm (5 x 5 .75”).

BitchinKitschKitchen

Vintage Mid-Century Curling Motif Tall Glasses Set of Four Gold & Black

Absolutely gorgeous set of 4 tall glasses, decorated with crossed curling brooms, a tam (hat), and a curling rock in gold, and a thistle in black.

No wear or scratches to the motifs, and very minimal wear to gold rims. No chips or cracks.

Nice thick heavy 1" (2.5cm) thick bottoms. 6 3/4" (17cm) tall, and 2 3/4" (7cm) diameter across top.

elliven

Holiday Ruffled Fabric Gift Tags - Set of Five

These ruffled fabric holiday gift tags are the perfect way to finish off your gift wrapping! Or, you could use them to package your shop items. Add your shop stamp to the front, or a personalized message!

Kraft coloured cardstock has been adorned with a sweet 1" wide holiday themed quilting cotton and has been finished off with a 7" long piece of red and white bakers twine. The edges on one end of the tag have been rounded.

You will receive five (5) gift tags.

MakeupSecret

Dreaming Blue Ring

Introducing our new line!!
This ring is very elegant, and beautiful.
It shimmers nicely in the sunlight, and is sure to catch someones eye!

This beautiful ring would make a perfect gift for a friend/family or someone special.

ToxieDesigns

Everyday Earrings, Simple Modern, Shimmering Vintage Glass and Argentium Sterling Silver Style Flexus

A single large clear globe shimmers on the ends of hand-formed elongated wishbone sterling silver earwires. These are limited edition earrings only 5 pairs will be made. The beads are vintage glass clear with a partial AB coating. The earwires made of Argentium Sterling silver, which anti-tarnish, nickle free and ethically mined.

With a Grateful Heart Design Challenge Entry #1

Here is the first entry for our October Design Challenge:

Fingerwoven Set of Friendship Bracelets - Chinese Braid by TawnyBee

The reason I chose to make these Chinese Braided Bracelets for this month's challenge is because of this quote from the book where I learned how to make this particular braid: "I like to think of it [the Chinese braid] as a closely knit family, the core of dark at the center representing home and parents, the lighter strands, which leave and then return, as children whose lives are separate but still linked. " (Courtesy of The Basic Book of Fingerweaving written by Esther Warner Dendel 1974)

Isn't that lovely? And family is what I am most thankful for. I think about how lucky I am every time I create a new Chinese Braided Bracelet.
__________

Beautiful work Tawny! Lovely symbolism.

Feature Friday: PeriwinkleDzyns

It is my pleasure to announce that Feature Friday is back! And what better way to re-start than with our team captain, PeriwinkleDzyns who makes jewellery in the most unique way: "upcycling factory discards into wearable pieces of jewellery". Personally, I truly love her craft, for its uniqueness and ecofriendliness, and she's been a huge mentor for me since I joined the team, so I am sure you will be inspired too after reading the interview!

What made you choose factory discards as the main ingredient of your jewelry? 

I had been making jewellery for several years before I stumbled upon a bag of resistors going into the garbage, as they were obsolete technology, at my former day job. I thought they looked pretty. I used them to make myself an ID badge holder and I wore it to work. Around the same time, I had just opened my Etsy shop as a bead jeweller maker, I was looking for something to stand out from the crowd. Discarded electronic parts were definitely it!

Why choose eco-friendly?

It's much more challenging to me than many of the more traditional materials. It really scratches my creative itch to find ways to use the items I salvage.

Please share some advise for eco-friendly artists

Develop your techniques first. You need to start with a strong foundation when you are working outside the box. As a jewelry artist you need to be able to make neat loops, wrap things and work with tiny components consistently. Practise practise practise! Don't be afraid to try techniques or materials in a new way. 

What is your favourite item in your shop and why?

Brace Face - Computer Part Pendant, because it shows both my whimsy and my ability to envision materials for what they can be, rather than what they are

Long term aspirations for PeriwinkleDzyns?

So many! To travel to large shows across Canada in a small RV, visiting all the neat shops I sell in, both now and in the future, and have never seen. To make it my full time occupation, to continue to expand my product lines with more items folks consider garbage, to learn additional techniques and to continue to make crafty friends!

I like crafting because... it calms my uptight soul. I can organize it and fiddle with it, all to my hearts content.

Some of the crafts that I make asides from my jewelry are... really varied. I've been crafting for many decades and have tried my hand at too many things to list. But currently besides my jewellery I also love paper crafts, making pinback buttons and helping fellow crafters. whether as the leader of WEST or during lunch time craft sessions with some of my day job co-workers.

I choose handmade because... making, wearing, buying and using handmade things help me to shine out against the sea of same blandness.

I am currently reading... lots and lots of fluff fiction on the lovely Kobo my son gave me for mothers day.

I am currently listening to... classic rock from the Hooters next door as I write this on my lunch hour.

I combat creative blocks by... wouldn't know, have never had one. My brain and my blackberry are full of ideas, thoughts and inspirations. I can never remember a time that I wasn't making something.

And recommend us which WESTer to interview next!

I can't pick someone there are so many great folks on the team, and I've met so many! but folks that really help out on the team are Tawny Bee, Toxiedesigns, prairiepeasant...

New items this week from WEST members Oct 9 - 15

Deanne Watson Jewelry
Spring Fern, Hammered Spiral Wire Wrapped Copper Earrings

These funky copper earrings will get you noticed.

I free formed the copper spiral and then hammered it to give it strength and texture. I wrapped the spiral in copper wire for added dimension and texture.

Prairie Peasant
Great Artists Rebound Journal

A new ecofriendly blank journal has been made out of this unwanted 1899 copy of Great Artists, Volume 1: Raphael, Rubens, Murillo and Durer.

This book was lovingly disassembled to allow the book covers to be reglued over the spine edge so there are no raw edges on the covers. Cover endpapers are black and white copies of two of Raphael's paintings, from the original book. Bound with waxed linen thread using a double needle coptic binding leaving a lovely chain stitch on the spine. This allows the book to lie perfectly flat when open. The inside is filled with 160 pages (counting both sides) of reclaimed super smooth white office paper.

Heartfelt Yarn Wreaths
Christmas Yarn Wreath. Red, White and Green Argyle, Felt Bow. Traditional holiday door wreath. Modern Christmas Decor. 12 Inches.

This Christmas Yarn Wreath is the perfect way to welcome the holidays into your home. A traditional red, white, and green colour combination with a modern argyle flair! Wreath is wrapped in white aran yarn, then accented with red and green argyle patterning. A red felt bow completes this beautiful home decor piece. Wreath measures 12" in diameter.

Lemondear 
beard embroidery hoop art / hand embroidered wall decor / lumberjack embroidery

This red bearded gentleman is an embroidery made by hand in linen and stretched in a 7” (17.8 cm) wooden hoop. The back is secured with white felt

He's a lumberjack and he's okay!

Who loves beards? Who loves red beards? I answer positive to both questions and if you do too, this big red beard can be yours!

Toxie Designs
Eco-Friendly Modern Dangle Earrings Vintage Mint Chocolate Chip Glass and Ethically Mined Argenitum Silver - Simple Bold - Style Roxie

Mint green with brown spots like a scoop of mint chocolate chip ice cream these vintage glass beads floats on a modern squared arced-hook made of sterling silver. These are limited edition earring as these vintage beads only three pairs will be made. The earrings are handformed and hammered to give them strength and made of Argentium Sterling Silver which is anti-tarnish, nickle free and ethically mined.

New items this week from WEST team member - October 2 - 8

New in WEST shops a great selection of gift idea for Christmas and Halloween fun!!!

Heartfelt Yarn Wreaths
Christmas Yarn Wreath. Burgundy and Gold Holiday Door Wreath. Elegant argyle, red, ivory and bronze wreath. 12 Inches

An elegant Christmas yarn wreath in burgundy, gold and cream ivory. Welcome guests to your home this holiday season with this beautiful wreath. A classic burgundy yarn is accented with a golden metallic argyle pattern. A sprig of gold berries accents an array of hand-formed felt flowers in shades of red, ivory and bronze. A perfect blend of modern and traditional is sure to accent your holiday decor this season. Wreath measures 12" in diameter.

SkateBetty
Recycled Skateboard Wood Bangle Bracelet Set
       

Made from 100% recycled skateboards
Hand crafted- built to last.
This set includes three bangles each made from different boards. The skated & grip sides are all fun colors & patterns which makes this set fun to play around with. Wear one or two or three. This is a collection of some of my personal favorite bangles.
Outer diameter of each bangle is approximately 3.25 inches. Comes packaged in a gift box.


Tawny Bee
Fingerwoven Set of Friendship Bracelets - Chinese Braid

SOLD
Features:
- comes in a set of 5 bracelets
- all made with strong embroidery floss
- All woven in the Chinese Braid by me
- there is a loop at the end of each bracelet and two braided strands at the other end in order to tie it securely to your (or a friend's) wrist
- fit most wrist sizes from age 5 up to an adult size small wrist
- the Chinese braided portion of the bracelet is approx 6 inches with another 3 inches on either end for tying.

JakeCleo
Abstract Silver Pendant Cord Necklace Eco Friendly Jewelry

Grass may be ubiquitous in Manitoba but it's still our favourite nature motif to imprint in our silver clay designs. This pendant is green! Recycled silver is the material, and REAL grass makes the pattern. No plastic was used to make this one-of-a-kind pendant!

NancyBloklandPottery
Pottery Yarn bowl in earth tones for fall

This petite yarn bowl is very organic in appearance in rusty red and chocolate brown.
Handmade on the wheel and then cut for holding different colours or types of yarn with it's j cut and round openings.

Jynxx
HALLOWEEN Charm Bracelet Altered Art OOAK Fabric Covered Skull Buttons Retro Vintage Orange Black Yellow

Here is a beautiful, one-of-a-kind Halloween altered art charm bracelet that I call "HALLOWEEN BUTTONS" This bracelet has several newly created skull fabric covered buttons, and a variety of vintage buttons in shades of orange yellow, and black. A wonderful accessory for Halloween!

Flytimes
Waterproof changing pad

A favorite requested item by friends is Henle's Loop On The GO Changing Pad. Henle's Loop On The GO Changing Pads are great for changing baby in public places, at a friends house, or at home. With a PUL layer inbetween two 100% cotton fabrics leaks do not seep through onto the surface below.

cloverleaffibre
Felt Cuff with Needlefelt Vision Horse Design Wearable Fibre Art Free Shipping

Wearable fibre art from our backyard flock of Shetland sheep to your wrist. This is a one of a kind. soft and comfortable felt cuff. The fibre is washed, dyed, carded and felted by us. Linda then applies the needlefelted design. This dreamy horse is a vision in purples and blues, with a wild white mane, on a marbled aqua background. Shetland fleeces offer a wide range of natural colours, but for this unique cuff we have dyed white fleece with professional colourfast acid dyes. The cuff is washable in lukewarm water with mild soap.

Makeupsecret
Spiral Wrapped Ear Cuff/Ear Wrap

Spiral Wrapped Ear Cuff/Ear Wrap
- Copper Wire

PrairieThreads
Rainforest Round Coiled Mat 

These eco-friendly coiled mats use up bits and pieces of leftover fabric--this one is made from tropical blues and greens with a splash of black and white. To make each one, I wrap strips of fabric around cording, then coil it and stitch it together. Each one is unique and fun!



PrairiePeasant
Birds do the Strangest Things Rebound Journal 

SOLD
Part of my Rebound Journal series, the covers are from a vintage children's book “Birds do the Strangest Things” by Leonora and Arthur Hornblow (1965).

Covers have retained their original endpapers, birds in flight on a clear blue sky. Bound with waxed linen thread using a double needle coptic binding leaving a lovely chain stitch on the spine. The inside is filled with a generous 196 pages (counting both sides), of reclaimed off-white office paper.

RoJoDesign
One Custom Family Name Print Gift Certificate

Our prints make unique one of a kind gifts for all occassions, but some people aren't sure of the wording the recipient would prefer. Last name, no name? What about the special saying in the door?

Take the guess work out and purchase a gift certificate!!

Our gift certificates are valid for one custom print and shipping, a $23.00 value, and will never expire. If the print goes up, so will the value of the gift card.

Lemondear
Halloween embroidery hoop art - hand embroidery - embroidered kawaii bat

This smiling kawaii bat is an embroidery made by hand in light purple linen and stretched in a 5” (12.7 cm) wooden hoop. The back is secured with white felt
This darling bat is based on one of my original watercolours

Thanks everyone for sharing what they made this week.

New items this week from WEST team member - Sept 25 - October 1

This is the beginning of what looks to be a a new feature on the WEST team blog - newly listed items from our member shops.  For the inaugural posts we have some wonderful items.
  
Prairie Threads 
Rainbow Round Coiled Mat

These eco-friendly coiled mats use up bits and pieces of leftover fabric--this one includes a rainbow of fabrics (ROYGBIV) with various shade mixes of each colour. To make each one, I wrap strips of fabric around cording, then coil it and stitch it together. Each one is unique and fun!


The Silver Agenda
Fine Silver 2 Peas In The Pod Initial Necklace

A lovely keepsake made from pure solid silver in my little studio. This sweet pea necklace was formed from metal clay to give it a natural, organic shape.
Two initials of your choice will be stamped onto fine silver round charms and attached to a 18 inch fine link sterling silver cable chain finished with a lobster clasp.


Just the Goods
Vegan Deodorizing Foot Scrub

Just the Goods' latest creation is an invigorating and deodorizing foot scrub that tingles and tantalizes while bringing your tired feet back to life after a long day! Finely ground walnut husk provides effective exfoliation while aloe vera and vegetable glycerine provide moisturizing slip. Peppermint essential oil stimulates and tea tree oil offers a reliable clean


SoGa Soap
Falling Leaves Handmade Soap

Falling Leaves. Hints of apple butter, and roasting nuts. This soap is Autumn.There is nothing like the smell of buttery apples and cinnamon to make you think of Fall.

 
PrairiePeasant
The Golden Phoenix Rebound Journal

 

This old unwanted book has been made into a new ecofriendly blank journal! Part of my Rebound Journal series, the covers are from a vintage book of French Canadian fairy tales, “The Golden Phoenix” (1963).


Makeup Secret
Beautifully Wrapped Ear Cuff/Ear Wrap with Glass beads

Aqua Green & deep blue (color) wrapped Ear Cuff/ Ear Wrap with Glass Beads


Toxie Designs
Simple Jet Black Crystal Cube Wire-Wrapped Studs in Argentium Sterling SIlver - Minimalist, Simple Geometric Earrings - Style Pixie

A solitary black crystal is wrapped with square Argentium sterling silver wire, creating a striking and modern stud earring. The shimmering crystals are beautifully faceted cubes in a jet shade by Swarovski Elements. These are elegant and dainty earrings that are handwrapped in square wire which add an additional dimension to the earrings.