Make it Work Challenge - Week 3

Welcome to week 3 of our 'Make it Work' Challenge. This week our designers were asked to create something 'for him' with the theme being upcycled or recycled. There are so many ethical designers out there that recycle or upcycle and we wanted to showcase some of the amazing things you can do to give new life to something once loved. Well done to all of this weeks designers, you certainly rose to the challenge.

Congratulations to our Week 2 winner Cherub's Kiss with their Cross Over Pinny. Thank you to all our designers and voters for last weeks challenge. And a big thank you to last weeks Sponsor Peek-a-boo patterns who has provided a 10 pack pattern bundle for our winner.

Now it's time to vote for your favourite creation from our Week 3 designers. The designer with the most votes will win an online advertising package from Shop Contemporary Handmade valued at $300, including 12 month listing in our directory, 12 months banner advertising on our blog and 1 month slider advertising to use within the 12 months. You can only vote once so please choose carefully. Voting is open until next Saturday at 5pm and the winner for week 3 will be announced next Sunday.

View all the fabulous submissions from our designers below and get voting.

Max and Me - “Sail Away” Vintage Postage Stamp Art

This original, handcrafted OOAK design of a sailing boat has been created using a variety of beautiful red and blue upcycled stamps from all over the world, including Australia, France, Canada & Austria.  Every stamp tells a story and captures a moment in history, imagine the places these stamps have been!  On the back of the artwork you will find details about one of the vintage stamps that features in your design.  The perfect keepsake gift for a special man in your life. For more beautiful designs from Max and Me head over to their website www.maxandmedesigns.com.

Over it! - Reversible Star Wars Satchel

I have a real passion for recreating, recycling and refashioning. This custom satchel combines all of the above. The main body is made from recycled, hard wearing denim. Darth Maul has been hand stenciled to perfection in vibrant colours. A nice masculine cot sheet has been used for lining/reverse side as well as 2 inside pockets and a key chain holder. The wide, chunky strap with strong sturdy buckles was rescued from a useless bag completing this one of a kind, built to last, reversible fanboy satchel. For more recycled and recycled goodies find Over it! on facebook.

Merry Go Round Handmade - ‘Grand Prix Racing’ Mens Upcycled Apron

Metro Retro Tea Towel Apron by Merry-Go-Round Handmade uses vintage (new condition) linen tea towel, vintage cotton panels & vintage cotton straps.

Our aprons are fun & funky. Expect the unexpected! Vintage, retro design with modern & practical use. Each one is unique and one of a kind - just like you! One size fits most. Each apron is never to be repeated, never to be exactly the same as another. All of my aprons are handcrafted originals and unique. The ideal handmade gift for someone special or for spoiling yourself. To find more upcycled goodies from Merry Go Round Handmade visit their website.

Melisa Jane - Men's Messenger Bag

Melisa Jane have upcycled a men's t-shirt into a men's messenger bag! Turning something once loved in to a very useful accessory that any man would love. For more fabulous handmade finds from Melisa Jane visit them on facebook.

Big Little Big - Upcycled Guitar Strap

This upcycled floral garden guitar strap is soft and comfortable, with leather ends and metal buckles. Can be made in range of colours/patterns. Find more fabulous designs on Made it and find them on facebook.

Two Cheeky Monkeys - Men's Cufflinks

Two Cheeky Monkey's submission for Week 3 is a pair of Mr Darcy cufflinks made from snippets of text from an old copy of "Pride and Prejudice". Find Two Cheeky Monkeys on facebook for more gorgeous handmade designs.

Dewberry Workshop - Sleepy Teddy

This Sleepy Teddy soft toy by Dewberry Workshop, is for the little "him", made from  recycled/upcycled old wool fabric blanket for the body. It's a fabric that has long been a favourite fabric and only rarely gets used in Dewberry Workshop projects! This teddy is really soft to cuddle and has a sweet embroidered face. More of Dewberry Workshop's pieces are available on Madeit and via Facebook.

Chook Shed Designs - Tea Set

For the little 'him' that likes to play house. This original tea set is created from a pair of genuine double red tab Levi jeans and a vintage pillow case. The tea pot features the zip, button, a belt loop, label, and patch from the jeans, as well as a small piece of vintage lace. The tea cups include two loops and the two red tabs. The vintage pillowcase has been used to line the tea cups. For more gorgeous creations from Chook Shed Designs visit www.chooksheddesigns.com.au.

King Billy - Galaxy Racer Shorts

King Billy galaxy racer shorts are made from my old curtains (sorry mum) revamped with a funky tie dye! (these are for sale in a few different sizes) so if you would like to purchase them contact King Billy via facebook or email.

Cherubs Kiss - Fedora Hat

This funky little hat has been made from a recycled much loved tshirt of my husband, into a hat for my little man. I've used the Nicole M Fedora pattern. Find Cherub's Kiss on facebook or visit their website.

Pretty Practical - Mug Rugs

These fantastic little mug rugs from Pretty Practical have been made from upcycled neckties. What's a mug rug? It's just a funky name for an overgrown fabric coaster that you can use for your mug AND your snack! The neckties used to make this set were bought from my local Salvation Army store and specifically chosen to complement a Red, Blue and Yellow colour scheme. The mug rugs are lined with heat resistant wadding and are backed with a dark blue chambray. The embroidery design has been specifically chosen to reflect a masculine design. You can find out more about these little mug rugs at Pretty Practical on the web or on facebook.

And why is it so important to vote?

This weeks winner will receive an amazing online advertising package valued at $300 from none other than Shop Contemporary Handmade. Prize includes 12 months listing in our directory, 12 months banner advertising and 1 month slider advertising to be used within the 12 month period. For more information on advertising with Shop Contemporary Handmade click here.