Guest Judge -- Beth with Stories of A to Z

Voting continues for your favorite furniture project in our finals.  Head on over and vote!

Our guest judge this week is the fabulous Beth from Home Stories A to Z.  Beth's blog is full of fabulous posts.  What to feature with that many goodies?  I thought I would highlight some furniture posts since this furniture week.

 Barn Door Headboard

Distressed Dresser

 Kids Table

We also had Beth answer a few questions for us...

How did you start crafting?

Most of the crafts I make are to complement my home decor. Growing up, I moved around a lot and in each new home I was given the opportunity to decorate my new bedroom. I loved making a space my own and have never outgrown that love!

What's your favorite style (steam punk, modern, shabby, etc)?

I have subscriptions to House Beautiful, Elle Decor, BHG, and Country Living, but I typically get the most excited over my Pottery Barn catalog! I would characterize my style as cottage traditional.

Besides crafting, what are your other hobbies?

Do people actually have time for more than one hobby? Sheesh, I'm just trying to keep up with one :). I would say (in the very few hours) when I'm not blogging, working on a project, or running the house, I am hanging out with my favorite peeps in the entire world...my hubs and two little boys, A and Z.

 Thanks so much Beth for joining us!

Guest Judge -- Jamie with C.R.A.F.T.

You can still vote for YOUR favorite Buntings and Banners project...click here to cast your vote!

Jamie with C.R.A.F.T. is our guest judge this week.  What does C.R.A.F.T. stand for?  Creating Really Awesome Free Things....do I have your attention now?  My fave post of all time from Jamie is her DIY business cards.  It is an absolutely brilliant idea! 

What else can you find on Jamie's blog?  How about a drawer organizer that you can make yourself?  And it is WOOD!

If you need even more buntings and banners inspiration, Jamie has that too!  Check out this paint chip garland.

We also had Jamie answer a few questions for us to get to know her better....

How did you start crafting?

Crafting with freebies has been happening since I can remember. I grew up with a wonderfully crafty mom who would take me to Good Will and garage sales to my little hearts content  The free part is easy when you are a kid with no money! (i.e. college decor and corn lamp)

What's your favorite style (steam punk, modern, shabby, etc.)?

My style changes like the wind :) Here is my best attempt for today... I would call my style minimalistic, cozy, mid century modern, with a a splash of funk.

Besides crafting, what are your other hobbies?

I love to travel, mountain bike, read, and thrift (which goes right along with crafting!)

Thanks Jamie for joining us this week!

Guest Judge -- Rachel with Maybe Matilda

You can still vote for your favorite Decoart project.  Be sure to head on over and cast your vote!

This week's guest judge is Rachel from Maybe Matilda.  The very first thing that struck me about Rachel's blog?  Her amazing crochet talent!  Seriously if you need a hat for anyone or even a crochet pattern -- visit the Maybe Matilda etsy shop!  Okay just one cutesy pic of a baby in a hat...mkay...then I promise I am done....

Rachel is famous for her lined paper tee.  Or at least famous in my book!

But you can also find other tutorials on her blog too!  Like this pillow....

Be sure to check out Rachel and all of her crafty endeavors!  We also asked Rachel some questions to get to know her a little better. 

How did you start crafting?

I've always loved working on creative projects, from writing and illustrating stories when I was little to disastrous attempts at learning to sew in high school, but I really got serious about crafting when I bought myself a sewing machine after I got married, and learned to knit and crochet shortly after (thanks to a few helpful neighbors and plenty of youtube videos!). I've loved playing with fabric and yarn ever since.

What's your favorite style (steam punk, modern, shabby, etc.)?

I always seem to gravitate to more modern styles--I love bright colors and fresh ideas--although there's certainly something to be said for tried-and-true classics. I think some trends stick around for a reason . . . because they work!

Besides crafting, what are your other hobbies?

I've always been a voracious reader (and I'm tickled pink that my 18-month old son's favorite place in the world is the library, which we visit 2 or 3 times a week); I also love baking, writing, and I'm trying to learn about photography. That last one seems to be a long, slow, and sometimes painful process.

Guest Judge -- Ginger with Ginger Snap Crafts

Voting is still open!  Head on over and vote for your favorite craft this week!
Our guest judge this week is the winner from last season!  We are so happy to have Ginger with Ginger Snap Crafts back to help us judge this week! 

Surely y'all remember her block nativity??  Head on over and see the full tutorial!

 Another one of my personal faves is her new laundry sign!

Ginger answered a few questions for us too!  Let's learn a little bit more about Ginger.....

How did you start crafting? 
I've always been the "creative one" in my family.  In high school I was in art & eventually received an art scholarship to college. Once in college I totally changed my mine & got a degree in Political Science/Criminal Justice though. ;)  I think my crafty side really came out once I got married & started decorating our home. 

What's your favorite style (steam punk, modern, shabby, etc.)?

That's a tough one for me.  I'm not sure what my style is!  In our home I love warm neutral colors in the main living areas.  We have big comfy couches & everything is kid friendly.  I like simple decorations & not a lot of clutter.  I want our home to feel warm & inviting.  In my kids room I do let them chose the wall color. So we do have a little bit more excitement in their rooms. ;)

Besides crafting, what are your other hobbies? 

Hmmmm....that's a hard one!  I'm so busy with my kiddos & family, and now my craft blog it seems like I don't have much time for anything else!  :)  I do LOVE to work in our yard.  I'm getting better at keeping my plants alive so that's good. I love to paint & redecorate. (Does that count as crafting???) I also LOVE to organize. I think it's fun!  My hubby really doesn't like it when I try & organize his stuff though! ;)

Thanks so much Ginger for joining us this week!

Guest Judge -- Gail with My Repurposed Life

Don't forget auditions are still open!  Click here and audition for One Month To Win It!
This week's guest judge is Gail with My Repurposed Life.  Gail is a trash to treasue genious! 

I pulled up her blog to write this post this morning and her latest project made me gasp.  You will regularly gasp on the My Repurposed Life Blog!  Just check out her latest desk that she repurposed into a chest...

Maybe you have an old crib you want to repurpose?  Gail can help you there too...

So head on over to her blog and get lost in the great projects and posts.  Be sure to hit that follow button so you don't miss a minute.

We also asked Gail a few questions to get to know her a little better...

How did you start crafting?

I have always been a crafty person, but after losing my job of 19 years, it became necessary for me to be crafty AND frugal. I started curb shopping and thrift store shopping in order to keep myself busy. That lead to starting my blog. I've often said I don't know if I blog so I can "do projects" or if I do projects so I can blog.
What's your favorite style (steam punk, modern, shabby, etc.)?

I really don't have a favorite style of decor. I am very decor challenged. I am drawn to the shabby look for sure when I read other blogs.
Besides crafting, what are your other hobbies?

My blog is both my job and my hobby. I love building and repurposing furniture. It's what keeps me busy and makes me happy. 

Thanks so much Gail for guest judging the auditions!  They are off to a great start!

Guest Judge -- The Graphics Fairy

This week's guest judge is the lovely Karen from The Graphics Fairy!   If you have never heard of The Graphics Fairy -- go there and follow her -- then come back here.  Karen's site is full of gorgeous FREE graphics for use in your home decor and craft projects.  2300 images to be exact!

Every Monday Karen hosts here Brag Monday party and you can link up any project that contains her images.  There is tons of inspiring links every Monday so be sure to stop by.  

Since this is Christmas crafts week here on One Month To Win It -- let's look at a few Christmas images from the Graphic's Fairy.

Printable Vintage Christmas Stickers

Silhouette Frames

 Victorian Old World Santa Image

All those plus so much more can be found on The Graphics Fairy.  Now for the fun part!  We asked Karen to answer a few questions for us so we could get to know her better.

What is your favorite crafting tool?

Hands down it would have to be my printer!! I love using Vintage Images in my crafts (obviously!) so my printer is my best friend when it comes to crafting. My printer has waterproof ink too, which is really nice!
 

Where do you craft/create?

I have a large space in my finished basement that I work in. I love it because I can be as messy or as neat as I want to be and nobody will see it but me!
 

Who or what inspires you?

I'm really inspired by my readers.  Every Monday, on my blog, they link up amazing projects that they made with my images, I wish I had time to recreate them all!!!

Thanks so much Karen for guest judging this week!  There is still time to vote for your favorite craft in our finals.  Head on over and pick your favorite!   Come back Friday to find out who is the champion!

Guest Judge -- Andrea from The Cottage Market

This week's guest judge is also a sponsor!  The fabulous Andrea from The Cottage Market!

Be sure to follow the lovely Andrea for all sorts of DIY tips and tricks, recipes, shabby cottage decor, plus oh so much more!

We had Andrea answer a few questions for us...

1) What tool you couldn't live without?

    Well I hate to be cliche but I have to go with glue gun!  I mean it always seems to be there when you need it and never fails you but I might have to say that it is a tie  with a paint brush : )

2) Where do you craft?
    
     I have a studio that is dedicated to my crafting. An 8 foot desk that just never seems to be large enough!  Tons of shelves and a big couch (for the dogs : ), chair and TV so everyone comes in to see me!  Then there is a separate section for my computer, printer...etc.  We also converted another bedroom into a craft/storage area...getting organized has never been my forte but I now have a 14 foot wall that holds over 300 Ball Jars filled with fun supplies and another wall that holds my 100's of dishes, candle sticks, vintage dishes and more! There just seems to be supplies everywhere but I have made a promise to me and my family that they never go into the living room : )  I hope to be organized in the next let's say decade!

3) Who/what inspires you?

     Everything inspires me.  My family is always my support and then just everything around me gets my brain moving.  I am an art major and have always been someone that appreciated art if I personally enjoy it or not.  I am a very visual person and just kind of  soak everything in for future use!  I think creating with a purpose is always something that totally inspires me.  Making something for someone special or for a charity really gives things purpose! Of course it is always fun knowing that what you make will make someone smile!

Thanks so much Andrea for judging this week!  If you have not, vote for your fave Styrofoam craft!

Meet our Guest Judge Living with Lindsay

Our guest judge this week is Lindsay with Living with Lindsay!  Lindsay is amazing...so if you have not ever been to her blog...run don't walk over there right now.  You may have seen her Anthro Knock Off shade...

 

Plus her blog is full of great tips and tricks.  Like this post on how to paint laminate furniture. 

Lindsay was nice enough to answer a few questions for us....

1) What tool you couldn't live without?  My glue gun, hands down!  That one little tool provides me with the ability to make curtains for my living room, a wreath for my front door and a Halloween costume for my son.  I'm embarrassed to admit that I actually have multiple glue guns that I use for different types of projects.

2) Where do you craft?  I used to have a dedicated craft room, but once our daughter joined the family, the guest bedroom now has to share that space.  It doesn't leave much room to spread out my mess.  So, until I figure out some way to better organize my craft space, I generally spread newspaper or a plastic tablecloth on my breakfast table and work there.  It's close to my coffee maker, so it's working out great!

3) Who/what inspires you?  There are so many things that inspire me.  I love bright colors and bold, geometric patterns.  I find myself constantly drawn to repurposed, vintage items.  I like to keep my crafts and decor fun, so I love finding ways to add in whimsy and surprise.  And lastly, EVERY craft blogger inspires me - I'm simply amazed at the talent that I see every day.

Be sure to check out Lindsay's blog.  Also don't forget to vote for your favorite Deco Art project!  There are some amazing projects this week!

This Week's Judge: Vivienne with The V Spot

Don't forget voting continues today!  Scroll down to vote for YOUR fave Krylon project!
Welcome our judge for the week!  Vivienne with The V Spot!  Viv is a former OMTWI contestant so she is a perfect judge.  Viv mixes humor and crafts into a unique blog that quite frankly rocks my socks!  If you have not had the pleasure of seeing Viv's blog, be sure to follow her right this instant.  I can remember the project she auditioned for OMTWI with.  It is also the project that made my mouth open wide.  The project that made me hit that follow button....  

The Cowhide Dresser is amazing!  You really need to click over and check out the before pics.

Viv also knows how to rock a can of Krylon.  That is why she is the perfect choice for this week's judging.  Check out her latest "31" table....

Viv can even teach you how to make faux mercury glass using Krylon!

Plus we just had to ask Viv some questions to get to know her a little better.

1) What tool you couldn't live without?

I couldn't live without my glue-gun (and I have the scars to prove it!) Free tip: don't get hot glue on your finger then stick your finger in your mouth to cool it. (Don't ask me how I know this.)

2) Where do you craft?

I craft all over the place. I use our dining room table a lot, as well as our kitchen. To my husband's dismay, I turned our side-yard into a Sanford & Son themed spray paint area. (I really need to clean that mess up...)

3) Who/what inspires you?

I can't narrow down just one thing that inspires me. Sometimes I wake up with an idea... Sometimes I will take one look at something in a magazine or store and remember some old craft supply I bought ages ago, and I'll suddenly know what to do with it. But mostly, it's an unwillingness to shell out good money for something that I'm certain I could make myself if I just think about it long enough.

Head on over to The V Spot and check out Viv and all her amazingness!   Don't forget you are the 5th judge!  Vote for YOUR fave Krylon project before the poll ends tomorrow!

Get to know the Guest Judges: {aka}Design

Wow you guys really rocked it with the entries! Check your inboxes because you'll be getting an email very soon. It was a tough decision to pick the top 10 - but we did have a little help. Shannon from {aka}Design had her work cut out for her! So before we announce this season's contestants, let's learn a little more about our guest judge, shall we?

{OMTWI}: Tell us a little about yourselves!
{aka Design}: I’m Shannon. That’s my husband Dean. We are DIY addicts, bargain hunters, restaurant lovers, movie junkies, Christian music fans, and homeschooling parents of three little monkies (no, not literal monkies).
We’re a Canadian couple sharing our thrifty design finds, organizing ideas and affordable DIY projects here on our blog and anywhere else we’re allowed to share. We also love to promote and share projects by other way-more-talented-than-we-are folks!

{OMTWI}: What are some of your favorite projects that you've done?
{aka Design}: Our headboard project, PB knockoff canvas - Plus a couple that are coming up  :D

{OMTWI}: Want to share some of your favorite blogs?
{aka Design}: My favourite blogs to read (oh man, really so many!) I read all the ones everyone else does: The Shabby Creek Cottage, Centsational Girl, Young House Love, Miss Mustard Seed, Perfectly Imperfect, The Lettered Cottage, Funky Junk, etc but also:

Our Vintage Home Love and Jones Design Company

 

Thanks to Shannon for hanging out with us this week and helping select the top 10!