[Note: Today we'll be posting the top 20 Finalists in the 2008 D*S DIY Contest. Four finalists will be posted an hour from 9 am to 1pm. Once you've seen the top 20 click here to cast your vote. Details on today's voting process are right here]
13. Kelly’s Placemats
- Description: Kelly created these beautiful flora-inspired placemats using cut wool felt edged with decorative trim. This DIY technique could be used for coasters and table runners as well.
14. Bridget’s Lampshade
- Description: Bridget’s lampshade was inspired by a Tord Boontje design. The lamp shade is made of cherry veneer and the lamp is a vase she found and converted into a lamp base. The shade is a combination of cut out shades put on with grommets, drilled flower petals and sewn flowers.
15. Joyce’s Spring/Fall Bedspread
- Description: Joyce wanted to make something to help decorate her bedroom and protect the sheets from cat fur. Since she wanted something she could use all year, she created a reversible quilt (one side for spring/summer and the other side for fall/winter). It’s made with a combination of hand sewn appliqué, hand embroidered stitches, and machine sewing to put the whole thing together.
16. Kate’s Leaning Wall Shelf
- Description: Inspired by leaning shelves she’d seen at big box stores, Kate decided to make her own rustic, affordable version using local materials. She purchased wood from a reuse center in Oakland for $7, sanded it (a lot) and gave it a clear wax coat. The shelf is heavy enough that it doesn’t need to be secured to the wall or floor (unless you need earthquake proofing), and it can lean at a variety of angles.
26 Comments
Hey Grace. Description for #14 is wrong
The detail in the applique is gorgeous! All picks so far are quite impressive. I did notice, Grace, that you also mistakenly listed Joyce’s info about the quilt under Bridget’s lampshade. Just a little FYI. Sooooo looking forward to seeing the rest of the Top 20!
The description of Bridget’s lampshade is actually a copy of Joyce’s project. Bridget’s lampshade looks great and I’m curious how she did out.
oops, it, not out.
sorry! it’s fixed ;)
grace
oh! i love the quilt – does she sell them??
LOVE the quilt!
What exactly were the criteria by which the finalists were chosen? Is there a certain aesthetic or difficult level that was given preference?
chris
i chose projects i felt were aesthetically in line with the look and feel of d*s. i tried to keep projects at a level that i felt most readers could handle. anything too difficult will be showcased later as a traditional DIY wednesday post with more detailed instructions and sourcing.
grace
The felt place mats are wonderful. So elegant with a hint of funkiness with the use of the stitching. Contrasting colors would be neat to explore as well.
I find Kelly’s place mats to be incredibly charming! The project is now on my to*do list!
I love the lampshade and the quilt! So beautiful.
i love the leaning shelf, the look is so rich and it seems so doable!
Joyce’s Spring/Fall Bedspread
I love that it’s reversible, a piece of art!
I would love to buy one????
The Leaning Wall Shelf is lovely, but give me that “F”!
Hands down the bedspread is the winner here (although ALL the items above would fit NICELY in my apt!!) I’m with Michelle (above). Is the quilt for sale?? It would really my bland bedroom an instant makeover.
the quilt is just beautiful! I love it. You can tell how much love, talent and attention to detail went into creating.
2 sided quilt is TOPS! leaning shelf great. am going to “steal” using deeper shelves (for plants) on either side of condo 8″ slider andwill get most plants for “footprint” possible. THANKS for idea guys.
These are all SOOOO inspiring! I think I love Kate’s wallshelf better than any retail shelf I’ve seen – that wood is GORGEOUS! Perhaps she’s found herself a new career.
becky
I love the detail work on the quilt. You really get the feel of the translucence of the flower petals. I like how she takes a traditional idea (the idea of making a quilt) and really spices it up. Have you heard of Gees Bend Quilts?? Anyway, great job!
I love the Joyce’s bedspread. It is so beautiful!!! My daughters would love it too with cute bird & flowers.
that QUILT is stunning. hands down, the best.
The quilt is gorgeous, but if the criteria for the contest was partially based on the ease in which readers could replicate the entries, then this quilt is way to specialized. I seriously doubt anyone but an experienced sewer could copy it. (Even with a sewing machine that does embroidery.)
Absolutely love the quilt. Amazing and beautifully crafted. A real work of art! I would love to buy one.
We love Joyce’s quilt, the work of an exceptionally talented artist!!
Joyce’s quilt is gorgeous – both clever and creative. Keep up the great work!
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