Tuesday, September 22, 2009

StichNLove's Tie-Dyed Ensemble Wins ACT's Retro Challenge

Congratulations to Christie of StitchNLove for winning ACT's retro themed September Challenge. At the beginning of the month, our guild master, Jenn of Jemz, dared us to get "groovy" with the 1960's and 70s and create something "far out". And Christie responded by creating this funk-a-delic (a creative combination of the words funky and psychedelic) Tye Dyed Bell Bottom Outfit complete with a cloche hat.

Christie was captivated by the material from the moment she first laid her eyes on it. Each time she returned to the store, she was once again drawn to the colorful tie-died material but couldn't figure out what to do with it until the theme of ACT's September challenge was announced. "When I thought of the 60's and 70's, I thought of bell bottoms and tie-dye. This outfit blends the two," said Christie.

Christie designed this boutique outfit using patterns she found online at You Can Make This. She used Toni Hamel's Skinny Bell Bottoms pattern as the basis. She combined elements of two shirt patterns from the same site to create the tie-dyed top. Even the hat pattern came from You Can Make This!

The pants pattern seemed to run a little big, which presented her with an additional challenge. However Christie was very pleased with the overall project and said, "It took about a day from cut to last stitch, but it came together even better than I imagined."

Knowing that Christie is Mom to 6 children, I asked her when and how she carves out the time to design and sew her outfits. Her reply: "Very creatively actually. I sew when Dad is home in the evenings and after bed time. And I sew during the day as much as the kids will let me. There are only two not in school. Next year, I have to decide if I am going to homeschool my youngest daughter, and that will be interesting: homeschool and a sewing business.

(Any homeschoolers out there? Leave your tips for Christie in the comments below.)

When I expressed my curiosity about what her young model had to say about the outfit, Christie shared this antidote. "She is such a ham! She often stands next to my mirage of outfits with her hands in a prayer position and asks what she can wear. This outfit, if I am not mistaken, she wore to bed that night, she liked it so much!"

Each month ACT (Artfire CafeMom Team) challenges its guild members to create something that reflects the chosen theme. Member artists have 21 days to submit their entry by posting a picture of their item in a designated thread within the guild's forum on Cafemom.com. The general public, as well as guild members, are then invited to vote for their favorite item during the last week of the month.

Christie was the only one to rise to the challenge this month, but even if there had been several artists competing, I do believe that she would have won hands down with this 60's & 70's inspired bell bottom ensemble.

To find out more information about ordering this fun colorful outfit in the right size for your little lass, just click on the link to go to the listing for this Tye Dyed Bell Bottom Outfit in StitchNLove's Studio on Artfire.com.



Sunday, September 6, 2009

Introducing Julie from Creations With Heart

Last on our ACT PowerUp Promotion is Julie from Creations With Heart!
This creative lady started making friendship bracelets, in middle school. She had a ton of fun making and sharing those and those eventually grew into nicer jewelry.
In her own words," It wasn't until 2006 when I started creating again as a way of relaxing. I read beading magazines and searched the internet learning the basics and going from there as I caught on. I found myself making classic, western and paw print designs - very fitting for me! Shortly after, I had my own website, selling my own jewelry designs for the first time! Then Etsy came along and just this year, I starting selling on the amazing ArtFire! I'm having a blast! I continue to learn new techniques, bringing fresh, new creations to you!"
Julie offers Earrings, Bracelets, Necklaces and Anklets in her store. Specially for all you animal lovers like Julie, her doggies inspired her Paw Print Jewelry collection and it continues to grow! Keep on the look-out for new designs!


Get 10% Off Your Order - Just add ACTPROMO4 in the Note To The Seller box~ Promotion ends 9th Sept 2009!! Hurry!!


Julie wants you to know also," Please don't hesitate to e-mail me if you have any questions regarding the website or any jewelry creations. If you see something sold and you're interested in it, just e-mail me and we can work something out. I also take custom orders! Stop by for a visit ~ I'd love to hear from you!"
Visit Julie and CreationsWithHeart at...
http://www.creationswithheart.com/

Wednesday, September 2, 2009

Introducing Stacey from SWDesigns

Here is Stacey from SWDesigns, a stay-at-home-mom to 4 teenagers with a wonderful husband and sweet old golden retriever. She loves to cook and read books whenever she can.

In her own words, "I've enjoyed all kinds of crafting my whole life. A few years ago, I began making earrings and bracelets as gifts and for fundraisers for my children's schools. From this I received several requests for other items or for jewelry to go with an outfit. Last year, a local store started a display of several of my items, especially jewelry sets."
Stacey makes really beautiful handcrafted necklaces, bracelets and earrings out of a variety of materials, especially pearls, crystals and gemstones.
Special Promotion: All jewelry will be on sale 20% off, until 5th Sept 2009.

Visit Stacey at SWDesigns and follow her at her twitter account!!