Crafters, fashionistas, trashionistas and anyone with a love of DIY fashion are invited to compete in the first Ultimate DIY Competition, organized by the crafting website Cut Out and Keep and Carly Cais from Chic Steals.
"I want to empower people to try making something themselves - they could discover a new skill or a fun hobby unexpectedly," Cais said of the new contest.
Besides promoting creativity, the DIY competition also encourages more educated and ethical consumerism, Cais said. After DIYers have tried designing or making their own clothing or accessories, they are less likely to buy and quickly discard clothing produced by underpaid workers, she said.
"You value items more when you've put your own time and skills into your creation," Cais said. "You understand the time and immense human effort that has gone into even the simplest of garments."
Entries to the Ultimate DIY Competition must be submitted by September 5, 2010. Winners will be announced September 15, 2010.
Prizes include a $100 gift certificate to M&J Trimming, a $50 gift certificate to Fire Mountain Gems, a $50 gift certificate to the New York Design Shop, a BurdaStyle t-shirt and a subscription to VenusZine. Categories are wearables, jewelry and accessories.
The competition's theme is Inspired DIY, and the entrant is required to submit an inspiration photo along with the finished project. The inspiration can be anything from a designer garment to a photograph of nature. Entrants must submit at least two "in process" photos along with a step-by-step tutorial.
The contest will be judged by Cais, along with four other DIY fashion bloggers:
- Suzannah Hamlin from Adventures in Dressmaking
- Tessa Stephensen from Apparellel
- Maegan Tintari from Love Maegan
- Outi Pyy from Outsapop
Sign up and see all the current entries at Cut Out and Keep.
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