It’s still warm here in Brooklyn, but it is almost October. We’re going to have to face the fact that it’s fall, and winter’s right around the corner.
With the frosty season on the way, parents out there are likely dreading having to bundle up their little ones in over-sized hats, itchy scarves, and probably-going-to-get-lost-anyway mittens. Fortunately, we have some great new winter wear for kids that’s comfy, cute, and so fun your little munchkins won’t want to leave it behind!
On Monday, judges met at ReBar in Dumbo to pick a winner from the 5 finalists that you chose in the Uncommon Jewelry Design Challenge.
From September 6 through September 16, you all left more than 5,000 comments and 10,000 votes for your favorite pieces. And there’s no doubt in my mind that the five finalists are all winners– having earned your enthusiastic support!
But in the end, we could only pick one design to receive our grand prize– $500 + a vendor agreement.
I’m so pleased to announce that Wesla Bay Weller’s clever Upbeat Cymbal Pendant is the grand prize winner.
Ed. note: Next month we’re hosting a ceramics design challenge here at UncommonGoods, and we can’t wait to see all your beautiful, clever and unique creations. But ceramics can be a somewhat broad category. If you’re wondering what sorts of product entries we’re looking for– well, would it be fair to say everything? We love pottery and ceramics– plates, cups, vases, decorative objects, all of it. Especially pieces that make you start talking. And there’s no doubt that Michael Terra’s designs are conversation starters.
If you’re a frequent reader of our blog, check out our product stories, or subscribe to our emails, you’ve probably noticed that we don’t shy away from wordplay. So, when we heard that ceramicist Michael Terra’s new products were taking puns to the another level–the third dimension–we couldn’t resist.
“I like looking at what everyone else is doing and then look in another direction and look at what no one else is looking at,” Michael explains. “I love puns at any time, and as I was thinking about word conversions I realized that there was a multiple way of seeing/hearing the sounds of language that we use everyday.”
His Writer’s Block and Ceramic “Reading” Glasses play on the multiple ways we see and hear language.
Dorothy said: “I love this vase. The hands on the hips reminds me of some teenagers I know with attitudes.”
Thanks for speaking your mind on this vase with attitude! There is definitely a resemblance between this vase and some teenagers we know.
Ciara said: “I love it. It’s rustic, not too cheesy, cute. It’s functional and a real conversation starter. Plus, it’s handmade in the USA!”
This delightful dwelling is as cute as the ladybugs it houses! Painted and shingled by hand, this creative garden accent is now up for voting. If you agree with Ciara, visit our community voting app and tell us what you love about the Ladybug House.
Or, if you prefer butterflies to beetles, check out the Wooden Butterfly House, also up for voting this week.
Jamie said: “Good looking, eco-friendly, great idea to help people with disabilities.”
Tamara said: “Clever use for recycled rubber.”
Rachel said: “This are very interesting and on your desk would be something to start conversations with. Then they are made in AMERICA and by people who probably enjoy their work! I would love to tell people where they could get one just like it!”
We love that this set of three desk organizers is handmade from recycled rubber by folks in a job creation program in Wisconsin. Our voting app users agreed that these sturdy baskets are a cute (and practical!) way to store pens, pencils, paperclips, and more.
Rachel said: “Love this ornament. I love the shape of hearts and purchase interesting items whenever I can.”
Dari said: “This would be a great “under $20″ Xmas gift! Nice that it’s made in USA. I would put one in my window or garden as a suncatcher!”
Handmade by Brenda Griffith these wire ornaments feature colorful glass at the center to capture light. Would the star be a bright accent to your home decor? Would you gift the heart to someone you love? Which twisted wire ornament is your favorite? Tell us by voting and sharing your feedback on our community voting app.
Renee said: “Love it! I already have the “f” bomb! So clever.
Breen said: “it’s quirky – which keeps it is line with uncommon goods point of view…”
Handmade by long-time UncommonGoods artist Fred Conlon, the Screwball is one part pun and one part paperweight. Thanks to votes from our community, this wacky weight is now in our lineup. If you want to weigh in on more potential products, visit our community voting app!