And The Winner is….

The winner of C Elizabeth’s Giveaway is Celeste from Elephunk’s Trunk!  Congratulations!

How To Make a Rag Garland – No Sew

Tutorial donated by CelloRaisen.Etsy.com

A “Rag Garland” is just that – a garland made out of bits of tied rags or fabric remnants.  There are lots of decorator uses for it – It can be a window treatment for any room, a holiday decoration for a mantle or Christmas tree, or you can hang it over a doorway!  “Remnants” are usually less than 1 yard (36″ or less) and will be marked 50% off of the full by-the-yard price.  I stick to the “fashion” department because the decorator fabric can still be pricey even with the discount.  (a little note about me – I never miss the remnant bin when I go into Joann’s or any other fabric store – last time I was there I scored a really cute fish print in flame-retardant fabric and made my son a pair of sleep shorts to wear now and there is plenty left over for pants in a larger size later!  Now back to our regularly scheduled blog article.)

What you need -

  • Scissors, pinking shears, or rotary cutter & cutting mat
  • Fabric remnants in the color scheme of your choice – go straight to the remnant bin at Joann’s and get lots of different kinds of fabric – fleece, cotton, chiffon, georgette, poly blends, charmeuse, etc.  Different textures make a really interesting garland.  I don’t recommend using heavy velvet, minky, or chenille (they shed and get little fuzzies EVERYWHERE) or materials that have a metallic thread in them because of the mess it makes when cutting and tying.  If you don’t mind the mess then get whatever you want!
  • String or yarn in length of your choice – it does not matter what color since you won’t see it anyway so if you have some leftover yarn at home I would use that before buying any.

Now it’s time to get started!
1.  Lay out your fabrics and decide what order you will tie it.


2.  Decide how long and wide you want to cut your strips.  I cut them about 5-6 inches long by about 1.5 inches wide but please experiment with different lengths.  You might want to iron the fabric – it will be easier to cut straight if it’s ironed.
3.  Get cutting!  This is where a rotary cutter comes in really handy because after a while your hand will get tired using scissors.


4.  Now tie the fabric around the yarn.  Push the ties tightly together so that you can’t see the string or yarn.  This step is good to do while catching up on Project Runway episodes on your DVR.


5.  Keep tying the fabric strips around the yarn or string until your desired length is reached and then you’re done!  Tie loops on each end of the yarn if desired.

Tips -

  • Get some narrow tulle (sold by the roll) to add some nice texture.
  • Use different kinds of ribbon instead of the fabric strips (if you want to spend a lot of money).
  • Get the kids involved in the tying.

In the end you will have a unique item to decorate with or a fun and inexpensive gift for a friend.  Happy Crafting!

Seller Bio: C Elizabeth Designs

CElizabethDesigns.Etsy.com

Tell us a Little about yourself?
My name is Claire and I just moved to Atlanta from Gainesville, Florida! I’ve gone through a lot of major changes in my life recently- graduation from College (GO GATORS!!), a huge wedding to the love of my life and best friend, and a big move for my new husband and me. I have a degree in Public Relations, but haven’t been able to find a job yet. Nevertheless I am completely busy starting an Atlanta based synchronized swimming team for girls ages 5-18 and beginning my career as an Etsy artist. I have two adorable, yet overweight cats that keep me company while I craft.


How Did you get Started Doing What you Do?
I’ve always been very into creating things and crafting in general. I started selling my jewelry to friends in college as a way to make some extra spending cash. When I found out about Etsy, I was in my senior year, interning at a health planning non-profit, planning my wedding and WAY too busy to think about working on a business! Now that I have a little free time I’m having a blast thinking up new things to make and designing custom orders for wonderful people.


How Did you Pick Your Shop Name?

Pretty boring- first initial + middle name = c elizabeth designs


What makes your items special/unique?
My lovable letters are my shop’s bestsellers! They are super cute and can be custom ordered to match just about everything. I love the look of painted letters- but can’t keep a steady paintbrush to save my life. After failing to create a good painted letter for my niece’s first birthday, I tried to decoupage one with scrapbook paper. It turned out adorable and on a whim I took pictures and posted it on Etsy. Now I take orders for baby showers, office decorations, wedding centerpieces, children’s rooms, etc.


Is there anything else we should know?
I am so happy to have found a spot with the Etsy North Georgia team. This team is made up of wonderful crafters who have been very helpful in helping me learn the ins and outs of Etsy!

Also, through the end of October I’m honoring Breast Cancer Awareness Month in my shop. For every purchase I make a donation to the Susan G. Komen foundation and send a free Pink and Pearl bracelet to the buyer. To find out more, visit my shop: www.celizabethdesigns.com

CONTEST INFO

Leave a comment below telling us what’s your favorite item from CElizabethDesigns.Etsy.com! This will enter you in a contest for a Black and Silver Filigree Necklace with Freshwater Pearls. Contest ends on Saturday, October 17th & winner will be chosen at random & announced on Sunday, October 18th.

Fairy Tale Winners

Our fantasy filled Fairy Tale Winners are…

1st Place: ElephunksTrunk.Etsy.com

1st Place: ElephunksTrunk.Etsy.com

2nd Place: FARStudios.Etsy.com

2nd Place: FARStudios.Etsy.com

3rd Place: CowGirlJewels.Etsy.com

3rd Place: CowGirlJewels.Etsy.com

Our fabulous voter winners this month were Bill & Peggy. A big North Georgia congratulations goes out to both of you!

Be sure to keep checking this blog for more chances to win all month long! Our next challenge voting will begin on November 1st with the theme “Elements (Earth, Wind, Fire, Water)”.

Fairy Tales Challenge

Fall & Halloween always reminds me of my childhood. So this October the North Georgia Street Team is presenting to you a truly magical collection of Fairy Tale items!

Choose your favorite from the group below & you will be entered in a contest to win one of these fabulous prize packs made up of some awesome items from Team NorGA shops. Here’s what you could win:

Fairy Tales Prize Pack #1

Fairy Tales Prize Pack #1

Cinderella Dress Ornament from Smooshy, Wine Stopper from KellysClayCreations, Aire de Provence Scented Soap from Pamper Pantry, & T-Shirt Tucker Inner from CelloRaisen.

Fairy Tales Prize Pack #2

Robot Time Watcher Card from SmellyRhino, Religious Piece from KismaeGrimes, Dragon’s Blood Scented Soy Candle from WorthySoyCandles, Good Morning Sugar Body Scrub from PamperPantry, T-Shirt Tucker Inner from CelloRaisen.

Below is our collection of Fairy Tales challenge entries. To view the entries close-up, you can click on the links below the mosaic. That will take you to the Etsy listing for the item where you can see more pictures, get more details & even purchase the item if you like! You can vote once between now and midnight EST on Wednesday, October 7, 2009. Note voting rules: Everyone, including Team NorGA members, may vote for a favorite entry. If you have entered a piece in this challenge, you are not eligible to vote. The challenge winner will be announced on October 8th, 2009.

1. Alice In Wonderland Rummikub Tile Pendant OOAK by RoseHips

2. Fantasy Checkers Fairy Tree House of Paper Mache by FARStudios

3. Forest Fairy Shrug/Scarf by WorthySoyCandles

4. Drink Me Alice In Wonderland Bottle Cap Pendant by CowGirlJewels

5. Goddess Shawl Wrap- Scheherazade by FoxyGKnits

6. Little Mermaid Fascinator by ElephunksTrunk

How To Enter:

  • Simply make a comment on this post and tell us what your favorite item is.
  • Be sure to leave your contact information (Email, Etsy shop, etc.) Any entries without a way to contact the person will be disqualified.
  • You get 1 entry for leaving a comment. Only 1 entry per person/email

Note: Contest open to legal US residents, 18+ years old. Void where prohibited by law. Odds of winning depends on how many valid entries are received. Winner will be chosen using Random.org’s Integer Generator. First Place winner will get to choose which of the 2 prize packs they want to receive. 2nd place winner will receive the other pack.  No purchase necessary & purchase will not increase your chances of winning.

Shortly after the contest ends, the winner will be contacted. If you do not respond to the message that you won the prize within 72 hours, a new winner will be selected. Contest ends at Midnight EST October 7th, 2009.

*** Search “Team NorGA Sept” on Etsy.com for more great Fairy Tale items ***

Be sure to check back between the 1st & the 7th of next month when the Challenge will be Elements – Earth, Wind, Fire & Water!

(Please note your comments must be approved, this keeps our spam down, so if you dont see yours right away don’t worry!)

Game Day Winners

Our Rough & Tumble Georgia Game Day winners are…

1st Place: FoxyGKnits.Etsy.com

1st Place: FoxyGKnits.Etsy.com

2nd Place: CowGirlJewels.Etsy.com

2nd Place: CowGirlJewels.Etsy.com

3rd Place: CelloRaisen.Etsy.com

3rd Place: CelloRaisen.Etsy.com

Our fabulous voter winners this month were Sunshyne & Cathie. A big North Georgia congratulations goes out to both of you!

Be sure to keep checking this blog for more chances to win all month long! Our next challenge voting will begin on October 1st with the theme “Fairy Tales”.

Georgia Game Day Challenge

With the start of football season Team NorGA has decided to do a bonus challenge to get you all ready to go out & support your favorite Georgia Team. We have some great items here that are perfect to sport to the game or to get as a gift for that fan in your life!

Choose your favorite from the group below & you will be entered in a contest to win one of these fabulous prize packs made up of some awesome items from Team NorGA shops. Here’s what you could win:

Game Day Prize Pack #1

Game Day Prize Pack #1

Doggy Sings the Blues ACEO from SmellyRhino, T-Shirt Tucker Inner from CelloRaisen, Hand knit Cloth from FoxyGKnits, Religious Piece from KismaeGrimes.

Game Day Prize Pack #2

Game Day Prize Pack #2

Lavender Scented Body Butter from PamperPantry, Squirrel Magnet from ElephunksEyes, Fresh Cut Grass Scented Soy Candle from WorthySoyCandles.

Below is our collection of Game Day challenge entries. To view the entries close-up, you can click on the links below the mosaic. That will take you to the Etsy listing for the item where you can see more pictures, get more details & even purchase the item if you like! You can vote once between now and midnight EST on Sunday, September 27, 2009. Note voting rules: Everyone, including Team NorGA members, may vote for a favorite entry. If you have entered a piece in this challenge, you are not eligible to vote. The challenge winner will be announced on September 28th, 2009.

1. UGA Black Corduroy Reversible Pinafore Dress by CelloRaisen

2. Go Dawgs! Bottle Cap Pendant by CowGirlJewels

3. Georgia Bulldog Game Day Necklace by PeaceByDesign

4.  University of Georgia Bulldogs A Line Dress by SweetDesignsByMaryum

5. Georgia Bulldogs Necklace by CElizabethDesigns

6. GA Tech Leather Belt by LeatherFromTheAbyss

7. Who’s Been Naughty Christmas Stocking by WorthySoyCandles

8. Game Day Earrings by KismaeGrimes

9. Red & Black Mosaic Mirror by AliciasColors

10. Hand Knit Red Hot & Ruffled Scarf by FoxyGKnits

How To Enter:

  • Simply make a comment on this post and tell us what your favorite item is.
  • Be sure to leave your contact information (Email, Etsy shop, etc.) Any entries without a way to contact the person will be disqualified.
  • You get 1 entry for leaving a comment. Only 1 entry per person/email

Note: Contest open to legal US residents, 18+ years old. Void where prohibited by law. Odds of winning depends on how many valid entries are received. Winner will be chosen using Random.org’s Integer Generator. First Place winner will get to choose which of the 2 prize packs they want to receive. 2nd place winner will receive the other pack.  No purchase necessary & purchase will not increase your chances of winning.

Shortly after the contest ends, the winner will be contacted. If you do not respond to the message that you won the prize within 72 hours, a new winner will be selected. Contest ends at Midnight EST September 27th, 2009.

*** Search “Team NorGA GameDay” on Etsy.com for more great Game Day items ***

Be sure to check back between the 1st & the 7th of next month when the Challenge will be Fairy Tales!

(Please note your comments must be approved, this keeps our spam down, so if you dont see yours right away don’t worry!)

Game Day – North Georgia Style

September brings on the heightened anticipation of football weekends, tailgating and cheering on your favorite professional sports team, college or high school team.  Here in North Georgia, there’s a whole lifestyle around going to the University of Georgia (UGA), Georgia Tech and the Atlanta Falcons home games, including dressing in the team colors for the games.  Team NorGA is paying tribute to whomever you are cheering on..

You will be sassy, sophisticated and  game chic in this hand knit, red ruffled scarf with a touch of black fur yarn.

Red Hot and Ruffled

Red Hot and Ruffled

Add some pizzazz to your game day accessory wardrobe with this eye-catching, one-of-a-kind Georgia Tech leather belt.

One-of-a-kind Georgia Tech Leather Belt

One-of-a-kind Georgia Tech Leather Belt by LeatherFromtheAbyss

 And whether you are a FAN of UGA or GA Tech, you gotta love these fans for fans!

Georgia Tech Mini Desk Fan

Custom College Mini Desk Fan Featuring Georgia Tech by PinkMarshmallowHome

UGA Mini Desk Fan

Custom College Mini Desk Fan Featuring UGA by PinkMarshmallowHome

Onesie-twosie, I love yousie…Turn any baby shirt into a onesie with the T-Shirt Tucker Inner.

The T-Shirt Tucker Inner

The T-Shirt Tucker Inner by CelloRaisen

For that precious little UGA fan – a black and red corduroy pinafore -

UGA Black Borduroy Pinafore Dress by CelloRaisen

UGA Black Borduroy Pinafore Dress by CelloRaisen

And here’s the perfect gift for a UGA fan – an exquisite mirror in red and black –

Red and Black Mosaic Mirror

Red and Black Mosaic Mirror by AliciasColors

If you are looking for a Christmas present for that UGA fan, look no further.

Christmas Stocking

Who's Been Naughty Christmas Stocking by WorthySoyCandles

For those after game soirees, here are three saucy and stylish accessories.

_BlackRedChrysanthemumsSatinPurse_CoonAndCole

Black and Red Chrysanthemums Satin Zipper Pouch by CoonandCole

Georgia Bulldog Game Day Necklace by peacebydesign

Georgia Bulldog Game Day Necklace by peacebydesign

Red Velvet Ring by JazzBloom

Red Velvet Ring by JazzBloom

Candy Winners

Our super Sweet Candy winners this month are…

1st Place: WorthySoyCandles.Etsy.com

1st Place: WorthySoyCandles.Etsy.com

2nd Place: PamperPantry.Etsy.com

2nd Place: PamperPantry.Etsy.com

3rd Place: CelloRaisen.Etsy.com

3rd Place: CelloRaisen.Etsy.com

Our fabulous voter winners this month were Lindsey & Sarah from The Crafty Mermaid. A big North Georgia congratulations goes out to both of you!

Be sure to keep checking this blog for more chances to win all month long! Our next challenge voting will begin on September 21st with the theme “Game Day” & October’s theme will begin on October 1st with the theme “Fairy Tales”.

Candy Challenge

If there was ever any doubt in your mind that the North Georgia Street Team didn’t have a sweet side it is totally being dispelled this month with these mouth watering Candy items.

Choose your favorite from the group below & you will be entered in a contest to win one of these fabulous prize packs made up of some awesome items from Team NorGA shops. Here’s what you could win:

Candy Prize Pack #1

Candy Prize Pack #1

Stop Bothering Me Card from SmellyRhino, After Dinner Mints Knit Cloths from FoxyGKnits, Monkey Farts Soy Candle in Tin from WorthySoyCandles, Green & Yellow Wine Stopper from KellysClayCreations.

Candy Prize Pack #2

Candy Prize Pack #2

Sunflowers Bookmark from SmellyRhino, Religious Pieces from KismaeGrimes, Candy Cane Body Polish from PamperPantry, Hearts T-Shirt Tucker Inner from CelloRaisen.

Below is our collection of Candy challenge entries. To view the entries close-up, you can click on the links below the mosaic. That will take you to the Etsy listing for the item where you can see more pictures, get more details & even purchase the item if you like! You can vote once between now and midnight EST on Monday, September 7, 2009. Note voting rules: Everyone, including Team NorGA members, may vote for a favorite entry. If you have entered a piece in this challenge, you are not eligible to vote. The challenge winner will be announced on September 8th, 2009.

1. Peppermint Button Cardigan & Christmas Stripe Twirl Skirt by CelloRaisen

2. Shiny Stripey Candy Beady Earrings by FARStudios

3. Candy Cane Body Polish by PamperPantry

4. The Cutest Little Candy Corn Hat & Poncho Set by WorthySoyCandles

5. Religious Pieces – Jesus Loves You by KismaeGrimes

6. Candy Cane Snowman Ornament by KellysClayCreations

7. Sweet Tote in Pink & Blue by Smooshy

8. Goddess Shawl Wrap – Red & Black Licorice Twist by FoxyGKnits

How To Enter:

  • Simply make a comment on this post and tell us what your favorite item is.
  • Be sure to leave your contact information (Email, Etsy shop, etc.) Any entries without a way to contact the person will be disqualified.
  • You get 1 entry for leaving a comment. Only 1 entry per person/email

Note: Contest open to legal US residents, 18+ years old. Void where prohibited by law. Odds of winning depends on how many valid entries are received. Winner will be chosen using Random.org’s Integer Generator. First Place winner will get to choose which of the 2 prize packs they want to receive. 2nd place winner will receive the other pack.  No purchase necessary & purchase will not increase your chances of winning.

Shortly after the contest ends, the winner will be contacted. If you do not respond to the message that you won the prize within 72 hours, a new winner will be selected. Contest ends at Midnight EST September 7th, 2009.

*** Search “Team NorGA August” on Etsy.com for more great Candy items ***

Be sure to check back between the 1st & the 7th of next month when the Challenge will be Fairytales!

And also be on the lookout for a BONUS blog Challenge this month that will be held from Monday, September 21st to the 27th. The theme will be Game Day & we will be showing our love for Georgia Sports Teams.

(Please note your comments must be approved, this keeps our spam down, so if you dont see yours right away don’t worry!)