Giving credit where credit is due...

This past weekend was the Columbus Arts Fest here in town. We celebrated its 50th year in style with a special exhibition of 10 unique carnival games. Each game & booth space belonged to one of the Indie art groups here in our fair city. They came up with and then built an original design, which fair-goers then enjoyed playing, all while fund raising for said groups. (The other groups were Artillery, The Idea Foundry, Wild Goose Creative, The Couchfire Collective, Phoenix Rising, Wonderland, Cloudhaus, Mother Artists at Work and Cap City Creatives).

We thought we'd share our design and then recognize some of the wonderful volunteers and creative minds from our group who were instrumental in this undertaking. The photo above shows our 'set up' which was a handpainted pegboard measuring approximately 6ft by 8ft. Wood shelves coincided with the tree's "branches." Recycled aluminum cans were painted and decorated with our squirrel mascot image. Red felt bean bags in the shape of birds were then lobbed via slingshot or simply thrown in an effort to down as many cans/squirrels as possible. We called it the Irate Birds Critter Toss (remind anyone of a popular smart phone app?)

http://aressa.etsy.com/

First and foremost we owe overdue thanks to Amy & Randy Ressa of The Painted House and More. From helping measure out booth spaces at the Craftacular to donating time/materials to transporting and setting up our game at the Arts Fest...these two are our "first couple" of ETC. Randy has even taken time off work and never winces at the silly things he hears us gals twittering on about. Please visit their shop for your wedding and gift planning needs!

http://melsclay.etsy.com/

Another couple we MUST give a shout out to are Melanie and Brian VandeWalle. Brian is a Marine just back from Afghanistan who lent us his muscle to move a bazillion tables and boxes and signs around at the Craftacular and Earth day events. He also happened to be hanging out with us when a massive storm struck at the Arts Fest. Quickly he jumped up and right into the fray helping secure the outer walls of ours and our neighbors' tents. He also makes beer runs when asked nicely :o) haha. Mel is a valuable member of our leadership committee and always keeps us grounded in reality. We love 'em both and hope you will take a peek at her shop!

http://susiartquilts.etsy.com/

Susi was an ANGEL about helping us out with donated ACEO's she'd created (more than 20) and even helped staff our booth less than a week after knee surgery. Like so many of the creative minds in our group, she crafts a wide range of items and never fails to impress with her positive energy and talent.

http://shesu2008.etsy.com/

Sherri is a dynamite diva whom we all adore. Did I mention she's also a bellydancer? Yep! We appreciate her time and energy and input during both the Craftacular and Arts Fest. Inside info: I dig her recycled tshirt skirts so much (comfy and flattering design) that I picked up FOUR recently!

http://designsbyshauna.etsy.com/

Shauna was instrumental in the planning of Craftacular AND or carnival game. Her jewelry and hair accessories are super classy and ladylike. You would be remiss not to visit her etsy store.

http://jannypie.etsy.com/

Jan is one of our resident graphic design experts. She's full of ideas and I can't tell you how I am STUNNED by the diversity of her talent. She has a degree in Biology and yet is this incredible artist too. I'm always eager to see her latest creation. Thanks babe for all the time you put in!

http://hevvindesigns.etsy.com/

Jamie is one of the sweetest gals I've ever known. She truly cares about others and strives to always do what is right. For this reason all those around her are very protective and determined to see her succeed. She's got what it takes---her designs are adored. She was the amazing lady who handcrafted all of our cutesy red felt bean bag birds for our carnival game. This is really just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to her contributions...she's another one of those parties without whom our Craftacular could not have taken place. Become a fan now so you can say you "knew about her" way back when. We appreciate her being the warm heart of our team (as well as her hubby John and beautiful daughter, future ETC member Sarah)!

http://adornmentsbykarla.etsy.com/

Ah, this is me. I'm a little bit all over the place right now, but fully enjoying the exploration of my creative side. (But we will say, Karla puts in so much time and thought into everything she does for ETC! and we love her for it!)

http://bluegirlink.etsy.com/

Kellie is an original planner/organizer of our Craftacular, is active in leadership, and an expert in advertising/marketing. So often she's the calm voice of reason around here and we wouldn't be the same without her. Her day job is very very busy and she has a lovely family too. Sometimes all of her committments are so demanding I am astonished how gracefully she does it all! You should visit this hard working chica's shop and take a look at the many wonderful ways she is repurposing found materials!

http://arteest.etsy.com/

Much can be said about brainy Kathryn, one of our team's acrylic painters and VIP leaders! She's so funny and definitely the kind of gal you appreciate having in your corner. We are constantly relying on her for projects and advice. Right this moment she is visiting her sis "down under" (for a much-deserved vacation) and we've got a search party prepared to depart lickety split if she doesn't return in a timely manner haha! Thanks go out to her also for coordinating our volunteer schedule during the Craftacular and for taking all aspects of our team to heart!

http://artzymorena.etsy.com/

Rachel is a "newbie" we are overjoyed to have amongst us! Her hair accesories and fascinators are chic and mysterious in the most enticing way. I can attest to this personally since she has made me a convert (and I'm the gal who never used to wear any hair decor). In a very short time she has jumped right in, volunteered and donated. Thanks sweetheart! Hope to have you around for a very very long time!

Last but not least, we owe a HUGE debt of thanks to another newbie, Vicki of Paper Pieces by Vicki. She has only been with us a short while but took it upon herself to create and donate dozens of pairs of earrings for use as prizes at the Carnival games. Her speciality is creating these custom scrapbooks and journals in several different themes. The best way to get an idea of their versatility is to go take a look! Here's a link to her etsy shop:

http://paperpiecesbyvicki.etsy.com/