Project Embellish Part Two

Hi Everyone!

I wanted to share the results of the Project Embellish Challenge at the AFCI show in Phoenix this past month.  (Can you believe it's already February!)  I have to tell you that it was probably the most exciting thing to happen to me in awhile, so I may be talking about it all year! I am so grateful for the opportunity.

Here is my roommate and I at the show before the challenge:

We were situated on the show floor in a large booth that had places for all six designers around the edge of the rectangle.  The judges sat at one end and Brenda Schweder was in the center along with Susan LeGuyader, Queene Bead Design, who helped us out with 10 minute lessons on the jig if we desired.

Here's a photo of us contestants and Brenda after the challenge.

Project Embellish Challenge

I was in such AMAZING company for this challenge.  Next to me is Jen Cushman, then Monica Pena.  Brenda is in the center.  Next to the sign is Kymona Tracey, then Cat Kerr, then Carol Foldvary-Anderson.  Take a look at their work.  They are wonderful designers and it was a pleasure to meet those whom I didn't know.

We had to create a necklace in 2 1/2 hours and use elements from each of our sponsors, who were:

Now That's a Jig, the amazing jig system that Brenda Schweder invented
Beadalon, who provided us with Artistic Wire
ImpressArt. maker of products for metal stamping
TierraCast, who makes findings for jewelry making
Xuron Corp., maker of the tools we used
Craftoptics, makers of magnifying eyeglasses
Beads Baubles and Jewels, a popular jewelry-making show
Deflecto, maker of storage caddies and organization systems

We had to use the jig, wire, stamped metal pieces, and TierraCast charms and create a piece in the theme of Charm and Whimsey.  We were judges by three judges, who walked around and observed us as we worked (pressure!).  They were Rita Panulla, from TierraCast, Tamara Honamon, from Interweave, and Tracy Gonzales, from TierraCast.

Here's a link to the finished necklaces.  They were all amazing (I know I'm using that word a lot!).

Here's a photo of my finished piece:

I created in an ocean theme.  I created waves and the necklace with wire on the jig.  I stamped the metal pieces with the words "Under the Sea" and added some patina.  I used the TierraCast charms in two ways - to hold the ribbon that I attached to the wire and hanging in the sea waves.  I added ceramic fish, turtle and starfish beads, blue and green glass beads and some wood pieces.

In addition to using all the elements from the sponsors, Brenda threw in a mystery element that we had to incorporate into our design.  The mystery element was an antique postcard.  I wasn't sure what to do with it.  My postcard had roses and leaves on it and didn't go with my colors or theme.  Time was running out!  Then, I had the idea to cut up the postcard and make rolled beads with it.  They looked like messages in a bottle or a rolled treasure map.  Whew!  To finish the necklace, I attached ribbon and made a toggle with a crystal and loop.

I was delighted (and, amazed!!) to be awarded Runner Up!  And, again a big thank you to the sponsors from which I received this prize.

Thanks for stopping by!  This was so much fun and I hope AFCI will bring it back next year.  These necklaces were auctioned off and the money generated was donated to Beads of Courage.  This charity provides kits for children in hospital with serious illnesses.

Manufacturer's Challenge - deflecto®

Hello Crafty Friends!

This month, we have another manufacturer's challenge on the Designer Crafts Connection.  A manufacturer's challenge is when some of us designers on the DCC receive a sample of product from a company with which to create a project.  In return, we use our time and talents and blog to promote the project, the manufacturer and each other.

Our manufacturer on this hop is deflecto®, a producer of plastic frames, organizers, floor mats and other office and home related products.



This is the wonderful selection of items that I received.

deflecto® products

When I get a new product and I haven't worked with it, I do a little research to see what has been done. I like to see if other designers and crafters have tried ideas I am considering.  It helps me to know what works and what doesn't and it helps me create something unique.  One of the places I checked was the deflecto® blog. To see the projects from their design team, go to their blog.  Ann Butler Designs has recently hosted a deflecto® hop, too, and here is that link.  I found that a lot of different products can be used and I decided to try some paint and decoupage and see how that worked with the plastic surfaces.

I loved the stackable cube organizer that I received and I had on hand some chalk paint that I bought to use on furniture.  I wasn't sure that it would work on the plastic, but I was pleasantly surprised. 

The DecoArt® Americana® Décor™ Chalky Finish Paint adhered to the surface very well.  The sides of the organizer are textured, so the paint adhered and covered evenly there.  But, it worked well on the smooth plastic of the drawers also.  Here's how the organizer looked after the first coat of paint: 

Stackable Cube Organizer

Not bad, but I wanted to have more texture and cover up my uneven brush strokes, so I add a second coat.  This time I used a sponge instead of a brush.

I liked that much better, but it needed some contrast.  I found some matching paper and decoupaged the sides and top.

Decoupaged and Painted Organizer

You can use this organizer anywhere.  Coordinate it with a child's room, the bathroom, the kitchen, your work space - anywhere you need a little storage.  Decorate a few and stack them up; the organizer comes with clips to hold multiples together.  Add labels on the drawers or embellishments like stickers or trims.  I added some die cut labels to the front.  I still haven't decided what I'll put in these, so the labels are blank, but I think it will end up on my sewing table.  It's perfect for thread, needles, bobbins and other sewing paraphernalia.

Organizer with Chalky FinishPaint and Decoupage

Be sure to check out the rest of the deflecto® blog hop posts to see what the other designers have created with these great products.  Go forward or back on the big blue Designer Crafts Connection button on my sidebar to start or go to the Designer Crafts Connection blog for all the links in one place.  For more information on deflecto® products for crafts, go to their site.

There is a giveaway.  To enter, leave a comment on any of the linked blogs, enter the Rafflecoper on the Designer Crafts Connection blog and like the deflecto® facebook page!  Here's what you can win!

Good Luck!

And, Happy Crafting!

Terry