october's design challenge... PUMPKIN PATCH!

necklace by simplyraevyn - sorry, i couldn't resist using it because it's so darned cute

Autumn is upon us, the kids are back at school and the leaves are changing! So… it’s time for another design challenge! This month’s challenge is "PUMPKIN PATCH", as chosen by the last winner, jaxxcandles! As always, we leave the interpretation of the theme up to you – there are no limits!

the rules are simple:

- entries will be accepted until october 18th, 2011 at 5pm EST (that’s etsy time)

- only one entry per individual (you can only submit one entry even if you have multiple shops)

- all entries MUST be handmade and listed for sale/trade in your Etsy shop. (no supplies or destash please!)

- all entries must reflect in some way the current theme "PUMPKIN PATCH"

- tag your item with this month's challenge tag "tradeoct11" so that people can find your item!

- when you're ready to enter, CONVO muffintopdesigns with the LISTING ID# only of your entry (it's the number that you use when you make treasuries). it's located on the actual listing page below the listing date and above the number of views your item has had. we will be making treasuries with the entries and posting the widgets on the blog so everyone can check everything out (and maybe end up on the front page?)

Feel free to promote the challenge - and yourself! - via facebook, twitter, etsy, your blog or hot air balloon! the voting will start on october 20th and go till the 25th!

thanks to you all – especially the lovely jaxxcandles for choosing this theme! and as always - TRADE ON!

xoxoox muffin & raevyn & the tradeaholics’ leader team!

Congratulations to JAXXCANDLES!

 Without further ado, the Tradeaholics present this month's challenge winner!  Congratulations to the fabulous JaxxCandles - and many thanks to the wonderful InfusedDesigns for her amazing interview!

Jackie Weber, of Jaxx Candles won the monthly challenge with her cool striped star floating candles. I had the pleasure of interviewing her and here is what she had to say.

Trade-A-Holics: How did you come up with your winning design?

Jaxx Candles: For the summer I think floating candles are nice additions to outdoor parties. I found star molds and thought they would be perfect. Then I got the idea to make them in layers of red, white and blue to have stars AND stripes!

TAH: How long have you been crafting?

Jaxx: I have been a crafter all my life, but have been making candles since 2002.

TAH: Who taught you?

Jaxx: As for candle making, I began by reading books and experimenting. In more recent years I have joined forums and candle organizations where I have met other candle makers who willingly share their experiences. I have also used the Internet for research. And I even attended a candle workshop where I learned a lot from experienced candle makers.

TAH: Do you have any formal training in any crafting/art subject?

Jaxx: As stated above I have read a lot, experimented a lot, and met and learned a lot from other candle makers, but I am not sure that would be considered formal training.

TAH: When did you open your Etsy store?

Jaxx: November 2010


TAH: Do you have other venues you sell at, like craft shows or other online stores?

Jaxx: I do sell at local craft shows. I also have online stores through Etsy and ByTheseHands.com. I also sell my products at a store in my hometown that caters to local artisans.

TAH: What is one of your favorite items in your store?

Jaxx: I love many of them, but I would have to say my long stem roses are one of my favorites. From a simple single rose, to a full bouquet, they are beautiful and everyone who has received them just loves them.

TAH: Where do you gain inspiration for your items?

Jaxx: EVERYWHERE! I see containers and think, ‘wow, that would make a nice candle!’ I see home decor and envision how my candles could fit into the different designs. I live and breathe candles and candle making. It is definitely my passion.

TAH: Do you feel like you have found a niche for the items you sell?

Jaxx: I am working on that. Candles come in all shapes, sizes and varieties. I have customers from all age groups. I offer every day products, but I also offer unique one of a kind items and targeting this market has been a bit trickier. I obviously want to cater to a large number of consumers, but I have definitely started small and will continue to expand and define my niche areas.

TAH: What advice can you give your fellow team members?

Jaxx: One thing I have learned is to do what you love. Candle making is my passion and I seem to have endless energy for it. If you do what you love the rest should fall into place. It is not easy, though, and takes hard work, but is so rewarding.

Thank you again to Jackie and to Arina!  Next month's challenge details will be up shortly, so stay tuned!!!!!!!!

july's design challenge - FREEFORM STARS AND STRIPES!

Hello again everyone! here are the details for July’s Design Challenge! The fabulous aneurythm has chosen "freeform stars and stripes" as our next theme! so, we hope you’ve been thinking of your next creations!!!!

the rules are simple:

- entries will be accepted until july 29th, 2011.

- only one entry per individual (you can only submit one entry even if you have multiple shops)

- all entries MUST be handmade and listed for sale/trade in your Etsy shop. (no supplies or destash please!)

- all entries must reflect in some way the current theme "FREEFORM STARS AND STRIPES"

- tag your item with this month's challenge tag "tradejuly11" so that people can find your item!

- when you're ready to enter, CONVO muffintopdesigns with the LISTING ID# of your entry (it's the number that you use when you make treasuries). it's located on the actual listing page below the listing date and above the number of views your item has had. we will be making treasuries with the entries in alphabetical order by shop name and posting the widgets on the blog so everyone can check everything out (and maybe end up on the front page!)

- PLEASE NOTE – if you do not send the LISTING ID#, your item will not be included. You do not have to send anything else, just the listing ID#, so it’s a lot less work for everyone!

Feel free to promote the challenge - and yourself! - via facebook, twitter, etsy, your blog or hot air balloon! the voting will start on july 30^th and go till august 5th!

thanks to you all – and to our sweet aneurythm for choosing such an awesome theme - and as always - TRADE ON!