Design Wars - A Salena Baca Original

I have been asked to be the blog host for this amazing contest of talented crochet artists!  I have a love for crochet and admire the talent it takes to be a professional at this craft!  I am NOT a crocheter, as much as I'd love to be!  So, I am excited to be able to be apart of this in hopes that it will bring interest not only to crochet artists, but other small businesses such as myself!  Being an artist in ANY field has very similar challenges.  Please, take the time to check out each one of these artists and stay "tuned in" as they battle out the inspiring "Design War"!  ~Kim

Design Wars ~ A Salena Baca Original:

Salena Baca ~ As a designer, it can sometimes be difficult to create something that will be brand new, inspire others, and separate style amongst the plethora of successful artists we admire in our same expertise. Much like other designers, crochet has evolved from my favorite pastime to an honest passion; it has given me an identity, and I have a lust to make a positive impact in this community.  I've always had the desire to create, and I believe creative leaps come in bonding with fellow associates.  Therefore, I've recently had the guts to ask some of my favorite designers to join me in a challenge that I hope will create a new, genuine interest in crochet while entertaining our faithful followers.  Enjoy our collaboration, follow our progress, and be sure to vote for your favorite design when it counts!

What is Design Wars? ~  A contest in which some of my favorite crochet designers come together to battle it out and see who can create the most popular new design!  Only one type of yarn can be used, and all designs are kept secret throughout the duration of the contest.  All designs, will be unveiled at the same time, and a vote will take place; the designer who receives the most votes wins, has bragging rights over the contest, and will determine the yarn for the following Design War!

How does Design Wars work? ~  There are three parts to this contest: Selecting artists to participate, providing time to design (hints and sneak peaks will be given!), and the unveiling of all designs for a vote! I choose participants based on their skill and resume of designs, so if you would like to be considered for future contests please contact me directly.  Baca Creations.

Design Wars Sneak Peek #1 - November, 21st 2012

Designer: Salena Baca

DBA: Baca Creations - Crochet by Salena

I've been crocheting for over 25 years, and designing patterns since 2009.  I'm a published designer, and you can follow my work here:

http://www.shopbacacreations.com/

http://www.facebook.com/Baca.Creations
www.ravelry.com/stores/baca-creations
www.craftsy.com/user/pattern/store/329756
http://pinterest.com/salena_baca/
Design Wars Hint: Head, ribbed.

Designer: Theresa Grant
DBA:  Unravel Me Designs
I love to play with yarn and hooks/needles - my favorite thing to do is to take string and sit down and just create without over thinking things.  I like to let it flow and see what I can come up with.  I tend to stay up far too late dreaming of designs and writing a few of them down now and then.  I have no less than 10 things started at once and am inspired by everything, everywhere.  You can follow my work here:
unravelme@cox.net
http://www.facebook.com/unravelme
http://www.twitter.com/unravelmedesign
Design Wars Hint: Decor', chevron.

Designer: Katie Hanken
DBA: Optimistic By Nature
Katie Hanken is the crochet designer behind the blog and shop Optimistic by Nature.  She finds her inspiration in the cold north where she lives above the arctic circle in Bø i Vesterålen, Norway.  You can find her in the following places online and can most easily get in touch with her on her facebook page.
www.optimisticbynature.com
www.facebook.com/OptimisticByNature
http://www.etsy.com/shop/OptimisticByNature
http://www.ravelry.com/designers/katie-hanken
http://pinterest.com/katiehanken/optimistic-by-nature/
Design Wars Hint: Shoulders, sparkle.

Designer: Tara Murray
DBA: Mamachee
My name is Tara Murray (Mamachee).  I have German heritage and my Mama used to play a lot of German music.  Mamachee by Heintje (correctly spelled Mamatschi) was my favorite German song of mine.  Here is a link to the song on YouTube if you want to take a listen: Mamatschi Song  I crochet and live in Alaska.  It's beautiful up here!  And there is lots of time to crochet with the long winters.  You can find my work here:
 Etsy
Ravelry
Facebook
Design Wars Hint: Feet, cozy.

Designer: Jonna Ventura
DBA: Frayed Knot
My name is Jonna Ventura and I am the owner of Frayed Knot.  I was taught how to crochet by my mom when I was ten years old.  About eleven months ago I picked up the hook again and never looked back!  Shortly after that I wrote my first pattern and I now I can't stop.  Between crocheting and being a wife and mom of two rambunctious boys, my life is crazy and awesome!  You can find my work here:
www.facebook.com/jonnaventura
http://www.craftsy.com/user/566290/pattern-store
http://www.ravelry.com/designers/jonna-ventura
http://www.etsy.com/shop/FrayedKnotbyJonna
Email
Design Wars Hint: Hand, decor'.

Designer: Danyel Pink
DBA: CrazySocks Designs
I'm Danyel, the owner/designer from CrazySocks Designs.  I currently live in Puyallup, WA U.S.A.  I'm an army wife, mother of three, and have been crocheting for five years. The best way to contact me is via Facebook or email.
Email
www.facebook.com/crazysocksdesigns
www.crazysocksdesigns.com
http://www.ravelry.com/designers/danyel-pink
http://www.craftsy.com/user/720462/pattern-store
Design Wars Hint: Lady, accessory.

There you have it!  SIX amazing artists!  I can't wait to see what the final designs are!!  Any guesses on what their items will be??  You will just have to keep checking for updates!!  Thanks for visiting my blog!  And as a disclaimer I would like to add; that these photos are NOT my work.  They are copyrighted to the crochet designers themselves.

If you would like to keep up with my photos and MY work here in North Carolina you can find me and contact me here:
Facebook
Website
Email