IIDA Couture Competition - Winner of Best Craftsmanship

Well, I'm SO HAPPY to announce that my team won the 2010 IIDA Couture Best Craftsmanship award!!! This award honors the team for executing their assigned material (paint) in the most innovative, creative and flawless way. We won one of six award categories, and had major competition with a total of 35 teams competing. 650 people attended the event last night too! It was insane! Our dress will be featured in Neiman Marcus during the month of March. I will keep all of you posted on when you can go visit our design. In the meantime, check out some AMAZING photos of the dress taken by Promise Tangeman. =)

Here's our concept statement for our look...

"Chaparral"

Sarah is wearing an asymmetrical sheath dress that embodies the clash of hard and soft elements of the southwest landscape. Tailored tinted cheese cloth and dried zero-VOC paint create a pliable, minimal interlayer, which is captured and protected by an outer shell of organic shaped paint chips reminiscent of a saguaro cactus skeleton. The paint chips are interconnected by metallic brads and chains. Resting on Sarah’s shoulder is a voluminous desert blossom made of wire, cheese cloth and paint chips.

IIDA Couture Competition

Well, I've entered my very own Project Runway challenge along with seven other Arizona architecture professionals - the Southwest Chapter of  the International Interior Design Association's 2010 Couture Competition!!! I'm SO excited for this opportunity to work alongside creative professionals that are passionate about fashion and design. Keep reading for details and video of last year's runway show... The challenge is to use interior design materials from your assigned sponsor, ours is Sherwin Williams, to create a couture look within the given theme and color palette. The theme this year is southwest and our color palette consists of earth tones such as sage green, tans, golds and pale blues...every team has a different sponsor and different color palettes.

Most other teams were matched with sponsors that manufacture carpet and other textiles, but we got paint. We already have some cool ideas though! I can't post about our ideas or the process until we're finished, but we're all pumped.

Each team gets to send their winning look down the runway at the Phoenix Art Museum this February. Below, is video from last year's competition. Over 600 people attended! Wish us luck!

Handmade Goodies

I'm so blessed to be connected with so many creative people in this world! I know several people that have side businesses creating handmade items that are SO adorable I wanted to share them with you.Katelyn Block - Domestic Charm She bakes some of the most beautiful and creative cakes out of her home. If you're having a birthday party, bridal or baby shower or wedding, definitely give her a ring! Plus, she has a great blog that you should subscribe to get yummy recipes!

Tarrah Ritchie - Laila's Lovelies She makes fun, eclectic bags that can brighten up any outfit. She just had a beautiful baby boy named Patrick, so she has taken a break for a bit from sewing, but she's back in the swing of things. She has even started a blog sharing her designs loves. Tarrah's also a very accomplished artist, so I'm really excited to see what else comes out of Laila's Lovelies.

Emily Hall - Emilee Rose Designs I went to high school and was in youth group with Emily. She is an amazing artist that has pursued her talents and recently started her own stationary business. She also has a blog that shares her new products and life updates. Make sure to check her out next time you're in the market for stationary or invites!

Danielle Axtell - Baby Mae Couture My dear friend Danielle has started her own baby line that just got picked up by some local boutiques. If you want to buy a unique gift for an infant or toddler, check Baby Mae out! I just had a dress and bib made for my niece's first birthday. Picture will be coming, but until then check out her stuff! She also has a great blog that shares her life and fun finds.

Amber Crudele -Crochet Addict I've never gotten to meet Amber, but she is a dear friend of my sister-in-law, Nicky, and she crochets some of the cutest things. From teddy bears to coffee cozies, check Amber's Etsy page for unique, handmade gifts.

Alexis Lundberg - That's Sew Lexi Lexi is very talented with a sewing machine and started a business sewing aprons that are the perfect a wedding shower gift. Not only do you get to pick your own colors, but she personalizes each one with a message or verse of your choice to be kept in the pocket of the apron. I had one of these made for a best friend of mine, and it felt so good to give her something more personal than a picture frame.

Couture in the Making

I watched this video and my jaw dropped! This video is gives you a behind the scene look at how Chanel Couture clothes are made. It's unbelievable! Hand beaded and hand sewn works of art.