congrats to designedbyginalouise - our february design challenge winner! PLUS march's challenge details!

Inspired clothing doesn't have to be new or designer to be awesome. Gina, at Designedbyginalouise.etsy.com has proven that. With the first of her Spring and Summer Island Hopping tunic listings, A Cloudy Day http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?ref=sr_list_1&listing_id=40556657 has swept the voting for the Tradeaholics February Design Challenge. Cute maribou removable trim along the top is remnicient of a cloudy day and Gina's trademark roses and leaves adorn the waistband on this cute tunic. And the entire dress is made from recycled and upcycled materials! Not only a design challenge entry but eco-friendly too.

We recently sat down to talk with Gina about her shop, and her design challenge win. Here's what she had to say:

* What made you decide to open shop on Etsy? "A friend of mine was nagging me for a few years to open up my own shop on Etsy. Then after I spent a night browsing on the sites for HOURS I decided to join the fun."

* What does your shop feature? "I create Eco-Friendly Altered Couture. Which means I take things you would normally throw out and turn them into upcycled clothing and accessories. All my designs are one-of-a-kind (OOAK), although I do take custom orders to make similar designs in other sizes and colors."* Where else do you sale? "I also design jewelry from bits and pieces of antique jewelry mixed with some new to create OOAK pieces at http://www.etsy.com/shop/GinaLouisesBling "

* What is your inspiration for your designs? "It is so hard to narrow down what inspires me to create my designs. First would be the colors; I love colors and the way they dance together on a canvas. I buy an outdated thrift shop blouse because I loved the colors and then I'd create something from it. It becomes anything from a scarf to a dining room chair cover. I've worked in film and TV most of my adult life, hence me being inspired by many Hollywood costume designers. I am also inspired by roses. The colors, the way they dance in the warm summer breeze, and the unique shape of each petal. I incorporate them in my designs a lot."

* A couple of your favorite shop selections include... "My favs are my pieced together feminine dresses that can be worn on a Caribbean Island or to a Wedding. I make them from pieces of damaged lace table clothes, old shabby curtains and even prom dress pieces. I have lots of those coming in the next couple of months as soon as my custom orders slow down."

* Any other Web sites (blog, facebook page, twitter) that everyone can find you at? "I was a big blogger, then I got too busy and stopped for a long time. I just opened a new blog specifically for Etsy fans that I have to get back into. It can be found at http://designedbyginalouise.blogspot.com/

Facebook for Etsy - http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1080765004

* Anything special you would like to add? "Etsy has been a blessing in disguise. It has brought many new wonderful people, as well as boutiques into my life and it makes me wake up with a smile every morning and I look forward to my next creation. I love to open up my esty mail and read beautiful letters from people all over the world telling me that they love my designs. It's a really great feeling.Many thanks to all who voted for me and took the time to visit my shop. See ya at the next trade!"

and now, without further ado... this month's challenge, as chosen by ginalouise, is "MARCH ON". Challenge entries will be accepted through the 16th and voting will take place from 17-25 of March.

The rules are simple: Only one entry per shop per month please.The item must follow our monthly challenge theme, chosen by the past month's winner.

Challenge entry days will be opened through the 16th of each month. Voting will take place from 17-25 of each month. The winner will be announced and featured on the Tradeaholic blog each month. Your challenge entry does NOT have to be an item for trade in your store, simply something handmade you have listed in your store. There's no trading involved in this challenge (of course, unless you want to.)
This month's design challenge is "MARCH ON". Show us your theme inspired item for sale in your store. Entries will be accepted through March 16 and voting will take place March 17-25 on the Tradeaholics' blog (http://etsytradeaholics.blogspot.com/). Show off your items via Etsy with the team challenge tag "tradeonmarch10" without those pesky ". (If you don't tag your challenge item correctly, it will not be included in the voting. Tags will change monthly.)

so go and get creative! and congratulations again, ginalouise!