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Etsy Craft Contest

In early August, the founders of spanking new Craft magazine teamed up with the forefounders of Etsy to host a contest. The objective: to redesign, reinterpret the CRAFT logo using whatever medium desired. The payoff: a very honorable mention in the inaugural issue Craft magazine and all of the accolades and bragging rights that goes along with being one of the chosen few. Out of the hundreds that entered, only five items were singled out for their unique craftiness.

Of course the payoff was too big for me to ignore. After weeks of pondering and planning, I finally settled on a design; a small yet spacious bag built for crafters doing the craft fair circuit. The Crafty Hipster Bag is packed with pockets (7 in all) to keep the "tools of the trade" secure. That's plenty of space for cash, coins, keys, ID, notepad, pens pencils phone, wallet, and a receipt book. Plus, the wearer can go hands free! Two large loops on the back allow the bag to hang from a belt up to 1.5-inches wide.

Although I thought my entry to be highly crafty and useful, I did not win. Oh well. At least all who entered will receive a complimentary t-shirt from Craft Magazine. And of course there is always the possibility that my creation will sell. So, click here if interested in purchasing the Crafty Hipster Bag for use at your next craft fair.

As Seen On Indie Obsession!

I'm so excited to learn to receive my first bit of press! My Bloomin' Bauble Bobby Pins were recently chosen as a featured product on the website Indie Obsession. These big hairpins are designed for those of us who need a little help taming our manes. They are extra long, 4-inches, and have a tight grip to keep just about any up 'do in place. Of course they are available at my Etsy shop. Choose from rose pink with peridot green or amethyst purple with red garnet.

Brrr... Ice Willow Wristlet

Great Aunt Ethel would be so proud that I am putting her fabric to good use. This quilted metallic satin in icy blue hues is one of my favorites from her stash. I guess it is an upholstery fabric but there is no telling since in the 70's women draped all kinds of stiff textiles over their bodies. In any case, it is perfectly suited for handbags, especially my signature wristlets.

The etheral Ice Willow Wristlet is a great little accessory for summer soirees and glamorous get-togethers. You can be free to drink, dance and be merry without be weighted down by a hefty handbag. Plus, this petite purse is quite handy, or rather hands free, as it can convert from a wristlet to a shoulder bag in seconds. The extra long strap can be wrapped around your wrist or tossed across your shoulder. How cool is that? A convertible bag!

***Click here to purchase.***

Ole!

After a month of sketching, discussing, cutting and stitching, I have finally finished this custom skirt. A nice young lady posted a request on Etsy for a custom made Gothic Layered Skirt. Many answered the call, but after wooing her with tales of my sewing skills, I won the bid.

Following the excitement, worry quickly set in. I know that I am a talented seamstress/designer, but I have never tackled a project so large without a pattern or some sort of guided instruction. And this skirt is large! Over 5 yards of dark hued fabric, lace and scraps were fashioned into 42 individual panels that were then gathered and attached to an underskirt. The triple tiers and abundance of fabric remind me of Spanish Flamenco dancer, hence the name. I also made a miniskirt in the same style with some of the leftover fabric. This flirty little skirt would look cute over leggings or if daring, could be worn alone. It alsos double as a shawl/ capelet.

This project was a lot of work, but the end result definitely justifies the means. I love this skirt and am a bit sad to send it off to my client. My designs are like my children. At some point they must go off into the world. I hope that the buyer treasures this skirt for many years. In the meantime, I am already planning to make another one sans the skulls and spidreweb lace because this one will be for me!

***If you would like to request something similiar, feel free to contact me. For additional information, you can also check out my shop on Etsy at http://kelliope.etsy.com.***

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