Cheri was the overall winner of Season 4!  Congrats Cheri.  You’re stuff is so fun!  You can see more of her crafts at her blog I am Momma…Hear Me Roar!

1.Tell us a little about you and your blog.

I love creating, but I also love the blogging part, too. I started “I Am Momma – Hear Me Roar” about 6 months ago. The title reflects some of my purposes. I don’t believe motherhood is the end of my life. While it does take a lot it also gives a lot. I think motherhood has given me inspiration and opportunities to express myself in different ways. I have things to say and ideas to share. Roar! I also hear a lot of roaring around the house (literally) with two little boys. Many of my tutorials are boy projects because I love thinking of them and because I think there’s a real need for fun boy ideas.

2.How and when did you start crafting?

I’ve always loved to craft, but I’ve been doing a billion times more of it since I started my blog. It gives me some extra motivation.

3.How often do you craft?

I craft daily. Sometimes it might be three projects and sometimes it might be putting the final touches on something tiny.

4.Where do you get your inspiration?

I love to find inspiration by assessing my needs and my family’s, by analyzing what I like about the things I see, and by enjoying other people’s blogs and creations.

5.What is your favorite medium to work in?

I don’t know. Can I say a tie between sewing, painting, and photography? I love it all. Really.

6.What is your guilty pleasure?

I have more than one…..Target, chocolate caramel macadamia nut clusters from Costco (currently), the Bachelorette, rootbeer floats. Okay, I have to stop or I’ll never finish answering these questions!

7.What makes you smile?

I smile when I see my husband with our boys or when I see my boys helping each other. Those are my all time favorite moments.

8.What is your favorite thing to do (other than crafting)?

Music. That’s what I did before crafting and motherhood. www.cherimagill.com

Emilie is such a fantastic crafter!  She came in 2nd overall in Season 4.  Way to go Emilie!  You can see her blog at Emilie Handmade.

1.Tell us a little about you and your blog. My blog started recently as a branch off of my main family blog (www.em-il-ie.com …which has been running since 2005). I wanted a place to put just my crafty items so people could more easily find them.

2.How and when did you start crafting? I have always loved crafting from my youth. When I was very little, if I had to stay home sick from school, my Mom would give me a washcloth, needle, embroidery thread and buttons and let me sew a wild creation. In college I took Oil Painting classes and began oil painting professionally. When I had my first child I started scrapbooking and for the next few years I shared that love by having over 100 layouts and projects published in craft.scrapbook magazines. More recently I have begun quilting and sewing more projects. But when it comes to me and crafting…any medium will do.

3.How often do you craft? Less than usual now that I have a third baby on the way. I mostly want to eat carbs covered in melted cheese and watch copious amounts of television. Hopefully when baby #3 arrives I will be crafting more.

4.Where do you get your inspiration? I have always loved fashion and love recreating chic clothes for my two daughters (ages 5 and 3) that I see in Harper’s Bazaar and Vogue. Practicality also plays a key roll. I want to spend my time crafting items which my family will really use and get loads of enjoyment from.

5.What is your favorite medium to work in? Currently it’s fabric. tomorrow…who knows?

6.What is your guilty pleasure? I have an unhealthy addiction to Project Runway, creme brulee, Indie music, craftiness, blogging, photography, Scrabble, ABBA and television. Wait, was I supposed to name just one?

7.What makes you smile? The funny little songs my kids make up when they think no one is listening.

8.What is your favorite thing to do (other than crafting)? Photography, having time with my girlfriends, playing with my kids, dates with my husband, singing and playing guitar, graphic design and planning my next crafting project! I also write a site dedicted to freezing meals at www.freezehappy.com

Congratulations Cheri!  You have had so many great projects this season and have inspired us all!  Let’s take a look at just a few of your past theme wins…

I’ve had so many emails about these awesome Little Boy Up-Cycled Hats.  Every body loves them! And who can blame them?  Aren’t they darling?

Or the Little Man Tea Party.  What little boy wouldn’t love that?

And this What’s Up Weekly Board is going to make it so much easier to help my little girl grasp the concept of time.  What a fun idea!

Be sure to keep up with her at her blog, I am Momma – Hear Me Roar.

This contest would be nothing without the hard work and dedication of all the ladies throughout this season.  I know a lot of sweat, blood and long nights went into this season and I truly appreciate it.  They all did a fantastic job and I’ve had a blast the past few weeks checking up on their projects on their blogs.  Have you guys?  Well, you should be.  Here’s a reminder of where you can find them.

Emilie @ Emilie Handmade
Tina @ Simple. Inspired. Homemade
Heidi @ Hello Color
Vanessa @ Tried and True
Mary Beth @ Down Home DIY
Natalia & Whitnee @ Piece N Quilt
Kristin @ See Mommy Sew
Kim @ A Girl and a Glue Gun
Carrie @ Tao of Craft

Thanks again ladies.  You guys rock!

Speaking of checking up on people that rock…have you been checking out what my awesome sponsors have available?  Thanks to their support of SYTYC I’m able to carry the costs of running this blog and I’m even able to provide a little gift to the winners.

So if you’re ever looking for fantastic, and I mean gorgeous, pre-made jewelry check out Lisa Lenoard.  I mean celebrities are even in love with her stuff.  Or if creating it on your own is more your thing then PhotoJewelryMaking.com is just the place for you.  With kits and items in every style you’ll find whatever you’re looking for.  And for all you fabric needs be sure to check out Drawstring Studio Fabrics first.  They carry the newest and cutest designer fabrics and patterns around.

Here it is…the final round of season 4.  This week there was no theme, and since you’ve probably already figured out their styles, it’s not anonymous this week either.

These ladies are fantastic!  I’ll just let the projects speak for themselves.

Craft #1 – Cheri

Craft #2 – Emilie

PORTABLE FUN CANVASES AND CARRY-BAG

My kids recently went to a Children’s Museum and spent hours behind a cut out in the wall that was transformed into a puppet theater. This sparked an idea in my head that has become my final project for this competition.
As renters, we are limited to non-permanent playthings and toys. I devised this system of fun canvases with a carrying case. I started with an inexpensive painters tarp made of canvas. The canvases are stretched on a tension rod along the top and the bottom. With a little paint and some other goodies I made two canvases which are sure to inspire hours of fun.
The first is a Fairy Tale Puppet theater. With red curtains which can be drawn back for a dramatic opening to a play, this theater is all set for little imaginations to run wild.

The second canvas is a bean bag toss. Decorated with a gender neutral under the sea theme, it’s great for boys or girls and helps children develop sense of distance and hand eye coordination…as well as being totally fun! Now, I know what you’re thinking….”But I can’t draw those sea creatures!“. Never fear. Along with my tutorial comes my sea creature images, all ready to print, cut out, trace and become a quick and easy template for your design.

And when you’;re finished this carrying case, made from leftovers from the same canvas, holds the rods, canvases and bean bags. You can remove the rods and string these canvases with rope in between two trees for outdoor fun or even clothes pin them to an outdoor clothes line in the backyard.

Easy and versatile, these inexpensive and fun Play Canvases are sure to become a favorite at your house!

Hey there everybody!  I hope you all had a fantastic week.  First, here is the list of which projects belong to which crafter for the “recycled” challenge.

#1 – Emilie
#2 – Vanessa
#3 – Carrie
#4 – Cheri

And here are the poll results:

That means that Cheri wins with what appears to be the hands down favorite, the Little Boy Hats! Aren’t those adorable? An just in time for cooler weather sewing!  The tutorial will be up in the Tutorials archive.

But that means that we have to say goodbye to Vanessa.  Hasn’t she had some great stuff this season?  She has such great style.  Keep up with her and her going-ons at her blog Tried and True.  We’ll get to learn a little bit more about her on Wednesday.

Craft #1 – What’s Up Weekly Board

You: We’re going to see grampa and gramma on Sunday!
Child: We’re going to see them now?
You: No, in two more days.
Child: Tomorrow?
You: No, you have to wake up two more times.
Child: After my nap?

Craft #2 – Birthday Countdown Calender

We love counting down to the holidays at our house. Especially for BIRTHDAYS!

The anticipation leading up to the event is half of the fun!

Instead of having an overwhelming one day event we spread out the birthday fun for the entire WEEK!

I made this calendar out of wool felt and embellished it with buttons and appliqued birthday images.

It has 8 pockets… One for each day of the week leading up to the birthday and one pocket for the big day itself! A pocket could reveal a small gift~ a gem or little doll, while another has a card with a special activity written on it~ like going out for ice cream… other pockets holds little treats, and the final pocket holds the 1st clue for a treasure hunt that leads the child to find their birthday crown!

We have many traditions surrounding birthdays.

Simple things that mark the occasion are much more special than a huge party and a pile of presents. My children look forward every year to receiving a new birthday crown, lighting their candles, and especially to seeing what their Birthday Countdown Calendar holds for them!

Craft #3 – Timely Teachers Gift

Yes, school is just beginning in our part of the country, but how great would it be to use back-to-school sale items to make this great Teacher’s Gift ahead of time?

Finish this cute, personalized gift in under an hour, wrap it up and store it away until the end of the school year. Then, when the approaching Summer madness begins to set in, you don’t have to worry about getting a special gift for your child’s teacher. And don’t fret…the personalization is easier than you think!

With sales and great bargains, this clock was made for around $10 and it will be sure to be a standout among the gift cards and pencil boxes that teachers always receive!

Thank you all for being so patient with me!  It was a pretty emotional weekend. I had a great time seeing my brother off.  Next time I see him will be in 9-12 months.  I’m really bummed, but unbelievably proud of him.

Here they are, as promised..the results of last weeks challenge.  (I’ve also updated the archives as well.)  I’ve just realized that I should be taking a screen shot of the official results that I get from polldaddy so you can all see the official numbers.  I’m a little slow sometimes

And here is which project belongs to who:

#1 – Mary Beth
#2 – Cheri
#3 – Carrie
#4 – Vanessa
#5 – Emilie

So that means that Cheri is our winner again!  Congratulations Cheri!  Her tutorial will be up shortly so stay tuned!

UPDATE – Many of you pointed out to me that I have the wrong results listed.  Let me explain what happened and give you the compromise that we came up with.

This past week and weekend were a little bit crazy for me so I didn’t follow the polls like I usually do.  Then last night when I was moving the post with the closed poll to the archives I accidentally deleted the poll before I had checked the numbers.  At the time I didn’t think it was a big deal since PollDaddy sends me all the official numbers, so I just used those for the results.  After I posted everything I got a few emails and comments letting me know that they were wrong.  I have NO idea why that would be and I’m looking into it. Has anyone else that uses PollDaddy noticed this problem?

So here is the compromise that we came up with.  We’re going to declare both Cheri and Carrie the winners of Week 6 and they’ll both be providing tutorials for you guys.  I’m so sorry for the mix up!

But with every winner, there’s some one that has to go home.  This week it was Mary Beth.  Wasn’t that chandelier clever?  Be sure that you keep up with all her new DIY  projects at her blog Down Home DIY. Did you know that she was awarded a 2010 Top DIY Home Blog by OnlineMBA?  I knew she was awesome.  We’ll learn a little bit more about her tomorrow.

Hey everybody!  My little brother is being deployed this afternoon (go Army!) so I’ll be a little busy today.  I’ll try to get the other post announcing the winners and such up later tonight!  Enjoy!

Poll open until Friday, August 27 at 9pm MST.

Craft #1 – Recycled Scrabble Desk Set

I have a nerdy confession to make. I have always had an obsession with the game Scrabble. In fact, when I was in college I was an official National Scrabble Club member and President of our local chapter. We had weekly meetings where I gave tips and training sessions on such scintillating topics as two letter words and instances where one can use a “Q” without a “U”.

(Post-It-Note holder shown here with Post-It’s removed.)

So, it’s safe to safe to say that Scrabble is in my blood. I recently picked up a vintage Scrabble game at our local Goodwill for $1.75 and was just waiting to put it to good use…we already own 4 other versions of the game.

And this Recycled Scrabble Desk Set was born. Using the tiles I was able to make a pencil cup and a tilted post-it-note holder. With a few more tiles and a tile rack I made a handy business card holder. I then cut the game board itself, filled it with notebook paper and bound it into a memo book.

Now my passion for words and all things Scrabble can be satisfied every day of the week…no spelling skills required.

Craft #2 – Mid-Century Toddler Chair

I am so thankful and lucky to have made it to this week’s theme! Finally I
would have the proper motivation to reupholster the thrifted highchair I
found almost a year ago.

I saw the old thing sitting all alone in the corner of my favorite thift
store and even though it was pretty beat up (rusty and torn in places), I
could see what an amazing addition it would be to our attempted midcentury
modern living room!

So this week’s theme is kinda a win/win situation. Regardless of how the
voting turns out, I’m just super excited to be able to check off a project
on my ridiculously long to-do list. Thank you, SYTYC!

Craft #3 – Ruffle Scarf & Hat

I have a bit of a problem when it comes to clothes that my children have out grown. I can not seem to get rid of them.. I love to come up with new ways to refashion these old clothes.

Fall comes early in the Mountains, so I recycled some of our favorite t-shirts to make this Ruffle Scarf and Hat.

It is a stylish way to stay cozy in the cool mountain air!

Most of us don’t fully understand the environmental impact of our clothes. From their production, to the materials that make them, all the way to transportation and washing, clothes can make quite a dent on the environment.

* Americans throw away more than 68 pounds of clothing and textiles per person per year.

* Polyester is made from petroleum in an energy intensive process that emits VOC’s and acid gas into the air.

* Cotton is the most pesticide – dependant crop in the world. It takes 1/3 lb of pesticides to make ONE t-shirt.

Why not reduce your environmental impact by buying recycled clothes and recycling your own?

Its good for the earth and of course, … so fashionable!

Craft #4 – Little Boy Hats

1.Tell us a little about you and your blog. We love to sew and create new projects. We are blogging @ Piece N Quilt sharing what we’re currently making and love to share tutorials.

2.How and when did you start crafting? We’ve been crafting since we were born. Our mom has always been a crafter so it’s come naturally to us.

3.How often do you craft? On a daily basis.

4.Where do you get your inspiration? Inspiration comes from fabric, nature, photographs, our mom and each other.

5.What is your favorite medium to work in? Sewing

6.What is your guilty pleasure? Spending WAY more time than we should on crafts.

7.What makes you smile? Finishing a new project and it turning out better than we had envisioned.

8.What is your favorite thing to do (other than crafting)? Spend time with family and enjoy the sun.