My Hat Model | Seymour Johnson Photographer

I have built an amazing friendship with an amazing lady who has the gift of crocheting.  It all started with me purchasing a "kitty" hat for my oldest daughter.  Then a "puppy" hat for my youngest, followed by a couple of "skunk" hats.

I was just starting to learn how to use my camera when Salena asked me to take some photos of these items for her.  Ever since then we have been working together!

I was sad to have only met her in person and hung out a couple of times before we moved from the UK to NC.  She is definitely considered a great friend. She is a very talented crochet artist, designer, and teacher.  

So, cheers to some more cute photos of my eldest daughter wearing one of Salena's fabulous designs which you can find at her SHOP/WEBSITE.

If you are interested in using any of her designs as props in an upcoming session please let me know!  They really add interest to the photo, are fun to wear and can make almost anyone look stylish! ;)

My Girls | Raleigh NC Child Photographer

I have been neglecting my blog for quite some time.  I am slowly adding photos and sessions to it that have already past.  So, I'm backlogging on my blog, so that I have the content here to view!

With that being said.  I have had the opportunity to work with Salena Baca from Baca Creations on quite a few of her amazing crochet designs.  My girls and I LOVE her goodies, and if I could only crochet I would own every single one of her patterns!  But, I've been grateful that Salena asks me to shoot some of her items from time to time.  So, in this session both my girls rocked a couple of her amazing hats.

The lighting was perfect, and I love the outdoors so of course the woodsy location was an added bonus!

Please contact me on how you can book your own session by emailing me HERE!!

Design Wars Results | A Salena Baca Original

What fun the first segment of Design Wars was!  The votes have been tallied, and our winner is....Tara Murray of Mamachee * Crochet Makes Me Happy!!  Congratulations Tara, your designs are inspiring, fresh, fun, and we look forward to following your continued progress!

Our runners up, in order of votes received, are Frayed Knot, Optimistic By Nature, Baca Creations, CrazySocks Designs, and Unravel Me.  Thank you ladies, your work is truly original, and your designs are nothing short of brilliant!  See our flyer for the list of winners, and their vote count!

Also, for the lovely fans who commented to vote on our host blog, a few were randomly selected to win special prizes from each designer.  Only 1 winner was chosen per designer, and a reply was made under their comment vote on the official blog to notify them.  See our flyer for the list of winners, and their prizes!  Winners have 5 days to contact the designers for their prize, starting today.

My sincerest thanks goes to everyone involved who made the first ever Design Wars possible; this has been an incredible journey of new friendships, possibilities, crochet designs, and harmony!  Happy hookin' everyone!  :)

~Salena Baca

Design Wars Round 1 Finale | A Salena Baca Original

With the first ever Design Wars coming to an end, I must thank all the wonderfully talented designers who were kind enough to join me for the round!  Their dedication to crochet is astounding, and I think you will agree when you see their Design Wars Challenge garments - WOW!  Also, we would not have a fair forum without the lovely and talented Kimberly Dierkhising, so I thank her with all my heart for being our dedicated blog host for the durations of this segment!

How do we end the November/December 2012 segment of Design Wars?  We vote for our favorite design!  Voting is open NOW through December 7th, EST.  Cast your vote by commenting below with the number of the designer that you would like to vote for, as follows:

-1 for Optimistic By Nature
-2 for Unravel Me
-3 for Baca Creations
-4 for CrazySocks Designs
-5 for Frayed Knot
-6 for Mamachee * Crochet Makes Me Happy

Remember, the designer with the most votes will be crowned Design Wars WINNER for this segment, will choose the yarn for the following segment, and will hand pick two designers to join the January/February 2013 Design Wars challenge!

Finally, to sweeten the honey pot each designer has prizes for 1 lucky (and random!) fan who votes for them!  See our flyer for official prizes and details!  Votes will be counted thoroughly, and all winners will be officially posted on the blog.  You can only vote ONCE, if multiple votes are cast, only the FIRST vote will be counted.  Be sure that you don't leave your comment name anonymous!  Thank you for your interest and support in our progress, and please stay tuned for the January/February segment of Design Wars!

~Salena Baca

Designer:  Katie Hanken
DBA:  Optimistic By Nature

Glitter wave shrug - Ta da!  I am so proud of this design!  I think it is possibly my best design work so far.  Why you will love it:  This shrug has a lovely drape to it.  It is soft and elegant and would compliment both a casual and formal look.  I really wanted this to be a fun and easy pattern to make and wrote it so that is crocheted in one piece minus the cuffs at the wrists.  This way there is almost no sewing involved - only 2 straight seams at the wrists.  It incorporates a wave design that is addictive to crochet and easy to memorize.  It uses only simple stitches - single and double crochet (and a few hdc's) ;)  I am working it out in 3 sizes - S, M, and L.  It uses about 3 skeins of yarn.  I hope to have the pattern finished in time to whip up for that holiday party.  Ring in the New Year with this gorgeous sparkly shrug wrapped over your shoulders!  :)
Vote for my design because it is beautiful!

Shop
Facebook
Etsy
Ravelry

Designer:  Theresa Grant
DBA:  Unravel Me

This cute stocking is great for all ages.  Done in a pretty chevron pattern, this pattern is an exercise in shaping and how a little goes a long way.  Not for the faint of heart, but not as hard as it might look, you will love making this unique stocking to hang on your mantle!  Vote for my pattern because it is fun to make due to its unique construction.  Besides that, it's really cool!

Facebook
Shop
Etsy
Craftsy
Ravelry

Designer: Salena Baca
DBA:  Baca Creations - Crochet By Salena

If you're into handmade this holiday, hats are just the trick for the season of giving!  Don't let appearances fool you though, this is a fast and fun pattern that provides interesting stitches that are easy to replicate!  This openwork shell and rib style is fun to wear, and can be sized for all ages (newborn to adult!).  This design deserves your vote because it was made with peace and love, and no elves were harmed in the making of it! :)

Shop
Facebook
Ravelry
Craftsy

Designer: Danyel Pink
DBA:  CrazySocks Designs

This garment is called the Sarah Snood.  It's a neck-warmer/cowl, with an optional scalloped edging that can also be worn over the ears as a hood.  The Sarah Snood is lightweight, stretchy, versatile, comfortable, and beautiful.  The pattern includes toddler, child, teen and women's sizing.  This pattern is very easy, works up moderately quickly, and would make a great gift for all of the girls on your shopping list!
Please vote for my design!  The pattern will be released very soon, and I just know you'll love it!  :)

Shop
Ravelry
Twitter
Blog

Designer:  Jonna Ventura
DBA:  Frayed Knot

Are you looking for the perfect blend of casual AND glamour?  Well look no further!  With the slight shimmer running through the yarn, these wrist warmers add a touch of glamour to any outfit (especially this holiday season!)  and are also perfectly cozy to keep you warm on those chilly nights.  This pattern can be easily adjusted to make any size, child to adult,  short and long!  It will provide instructions for all of those variations and pictures are added to help you achieve your look. A simple knowledge of the basics turns this intricate look into an easy and fast project!  I asked my husband why people should vote for my design and he said, "Because it is the most rocking-est (pretty sure that is not a word) design EVER!"  As I'm typing this he's saying he was joking and not to quote him...Great!  SOOOOOO...if you agree with what my husband didn't mean to say...then VOTE for mine!!  The rocking-est design ever!  :)

Facebook
Craftsy
Ravelry
Etsy

Designer:  Tara Murray
DBA:  Mamachee * Crochet Makes Me Happy

Garment description:  Meet the sparkly Lola Slippers!  These are so much fun to wear and make!  The open work on the top is especially fun when wearing colorful socks or tights beneath.  The Lola's come in size 11 youth all the way up to size 12 women's (My four year old daughter is pictured wearing the smallest size).  You'll love how these fit.  I put extra time and effort into making sure the fit around the heal was perfect.  You'll love the ways these pretty slippers fit!  Why the design deserves a vote:  Vote for my pattern because...this is a toughy!  As I'm writing this, I have yet to see the designs of the other talented designers I get to work with (I'm dying to see them!!).  I would really like to think this design will be well loved and get itself a good number of votes but I definitely want teh best design to win!  So take a look around and vote for what you like the best!  And thank you for voting!

Facebook
Etsy
Ravelry

WOW!  I really don't know how anyone will be able to choose!  Six very different designs!  None of the designs are even of the same type of item!  (i.e. hat, decor)  That is how amazing all of these designers are!  Always, stepping outside of the box and challenging themselves to come up with something GREAT!

WHO WILL GET YOUR VOTE???

Small print:  I'm just the host blog, and these photos are NOT my work.  They are the work of the designers or the photographers watermarked on the images.  If you would like to see my work please find me on my website or on facebook.

Design Wars Second Sneak Peek| A Salena Baca Original

Salena Baca~

Let me just say what a joy it was to have reached out to these wonderful crochet artisits about Design Wars and to have received such overwhelming, energetic approval!  I honestly admire and follow every one of these participants, and feel truly privileged that we have come together to bring Design Wars to life!

I hope everyone following the first segment of Design Wars has enjoyed learning about our wonderful new collaboration, and are excited to see our progress.  This week marks the second and last sneak peek/hint for the November/December 2012 segment of Design Wars, and I hope everyone is looking forward to the unveiling of all designs in the near future!

We are very interested in your feedback and support, so please feel free to submit comments/guesses/good will on our blog, or our forums directly!  This segment of Design Wars will end with the unveiling of our designs on our host blog, and a vote: the design with the most votes wins and 1) will be crowned Design Wars Champion, 2) will choose the yarn for the next segment, and 3) will hand pick 2 designers to participate in the next segment of Design Wars!  We have added incentive for your votes too, and random participants who vote will be chosen to receive goodies from their favorite designer.  Enjoy!

Designer: Tara Murray
DBA: Mamachee Crochet Makes Me Happy

Photo Tag Line: This pattern is fun to make and will put a skip in your step.

About Me:  I am an Alaskan crafter/blogger/crocheter with four awesome little kids.  I've been married for 8 years and loving how the future is looking.

Facebook
Etsy
Ravelry

Designer:  Theresa Grant
DBA:  Unravel Me

Photo Tag Line:  Santa leaves you little packages.

About Me:  I homeschool my 8 year old son, and sometimes there just aren't enough hours in the day, and I do have a hard time finding a balance in my personal/work life.  But, I consider myself very lucky to be able to do what I love!

Some of my patterns don't ever get past the scribbled note phase to get released because I want them to be easy to understand and there might be something that I want to change or simplify.

I love to find new stitch designs or twist old ones to make them work in a differnt way.

I'm constantly learning new techniques and trying to improve myself.  We all start somewhere, I wish I had kept some of my first projects to show you!

Find me here:
Facebook
Shop
Etsy
Twitter
Craftsy
Ravelry

Designer:  Katie Hanken
DBA: Optimistic By Nature

Photo Tag Line:  This soft and elegant garment will keep you warm on a chilly evening.

About Me:  Crochet design for me is really fun.  I love the creative process and challenge of realizing a new design idea.  I get my inspiration from the nature where I live in Northern Norway - especially in regards to color.  I find I am most often drawn to neutral colors that remind me of the sand, mountains, snow and sea but also natures accents of vibrant colors.  I aspire to bring this aspect of design into my work both through color, organic design and photography.

Links:
Website
Facebook
Etsy
Ravelry
Pinterest

Designer:  Danyel Pink
DBA:  CrazySocks Designs

Photo Tag Line:  This sparkly snood is the perfect winter accessory for girls of all ages!

About Me:  I have been writing my own patterns since 2009.  My first design was made for a friend that needed a loose-fitting cloche that she could wear while working in rainy Seattle.  Most of my designs have been created out of necessity, requests by my children, or as gifts for friends.  When I design a new pattern, I like to keep 2 things in mind:  EASY to make & FUN to wear!  :)

Shop
Facebook
Ravelry
Twitter
Blog

Designer:  Jonna Ventura
DBA:  Frayed Knot

Photo Tag Line:  When you slip me on I will keep you perfectly glamourous & cozy!

About Me:  Crochet is my creative outlet.  I've had many but I have found my niche.  However, I have crochet ADD!  I just can't make the same design over and over again.  It's as if my hook rebels against me!  This is ultimately how writing patterns came about for me.  Pattern writing has allowed me to do what I'm passionate about and help support my family at the same time.  It doesn't get any better than that!  I have met some amazing people on this journey and I'm feeling extremely blessed!

Facebook
Craftsy
Ravelry
Etsy

Designer:  Salena Baca
DBA:  Baca Creations - Crochet By Salena

Photo Tag Line:  Fast and festive openwork!  You'll be looking forward to cold winter days with this MOD piece!

About Me:  I believe crochet should be a good balance of fashion and function, and I have a passion to keep this an interesting, thriving art.

Shop
Facebook
Ravelry
Craftsy
Pinterest

Just from viewing these last couple of sneak peeks I know that I'll have a tough time voting! ( I will take bribes!)  Hehe!  There are some really creative looking designs and original looking items!  Since I don't crochet I don't know how hard it is to come up with something "fresh and new", but I'm assuming it is a lot like photography.  That you just have to find a style that fits "YOU" and create what makes you happy!  Maybe taking that extra time to try something different, or redo something over and over and over....till you feel that it represents your best work and style.  Yes, I see a lot of similarities in the art industry!  Thank you ladies for letting me be the odd ball out, and hosting your Design War!  I am super excited to see your final pieces!

And finally I would like to add that these photos are NOT my work.  These photos are copyrighted to the crochet designers themselves.

You can find my work here on my website: Kimberly Dierkhising Photography

~Kimberly Dierkhising

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

A Girl And Her Hat | Raleigh Child Photographer

I have to admit, I am a TERRIBLE blogger.  I should really do it more often!  But, as we all know that being a stay at home mom of two is very demanding!  Most "work" things (such as blog posts), don't actually happen until two sleepy heads hit pillows!  Thus, my reasoning for being SO behind!

Anyways...

I have been working with an AMAZING crochet artist (because I love crochet and can't do it myself) to take some photos of her items!  You can find her facebook fan page here: https://www.facebook.com/Baca.Creations?fref=ts  Baca Creations!

So, lucky for me I usually have two willing models that give me a half hour or less of their time for some photos of them wearing these stylish items!

I decided my oldest would be able to rock this hat the best, and would look great with her honey colored hair.  And I was dieing to try out this new location that I drove past on our way to cheer practice!

Keep your eye out for more belated blog posts!

Oh and also keep your eye out for a fun "contest" that will appear on my blog called "Design Wars"!    Let's just say it has to do with some of the TOP most talented crochet artists in the industry, using the same brand/line of yarn to come up with a unique crocheted item of their choosing!!

Anyways, here is the post of this fantastic new hat/pattern available at Baca Creations!