TLC’s Craft Wars “Book” Report

So I saw the promos for Craft Wars on TLC and set my DVD to catch it, last night was the premier.

Last night I ALSO made the mistake of doing Jillian Michael’s 30 Day Shred at 10 pm (more on my shred later!) Thus, I could not fall asleep and decided to watch Craft Wars… that and Real Housewives ;)

The show is set up with three contestants vying to win 10k based on their creative craftiness. The first challenge is a smaller one where the contestants have to make a specific item, last night it was a sports bag out of sporting equipment (think footballs, uniforms, tennis racquets). Besides the equipment there is a crafters DREAM WALL to use, sponsored by Michaels. (think blue fly accessories wall, but better!) Basically it's like the entire Michaels store, at your fingertips. There is also a whole wood shop and tool part of the set-up. (Hubby would LOVE this!) Each contestant is allowed to bring a helper and after the first challenge (they have one hour to complete the craft) the three contestants are judged and one person is sent home. The second round is more involved- a MasterCraft. Last night the two contestants had to create a kids playhouse out of school supplies. One gal made a cute red schoolhouse with tons of darling details making up the house, but was lacking on activities inside; the other made a school bus with a lot of interactive play things, but overall, was kind of sloppy and frantic. She decoupaged, like, ALL of it…. and I love to decoupage, but she was on the clock! (They had 5 hours to complete the Master Craft). I won’t tell you who won, but it was fun to watch. The judges have some funny, yet staged comments, as does the host, Tori Spelling.

So, my thoughts......

• When is Tori Spelling ever known for being crafty?? She's the host, and for some reason, it wasn’t working for me, (that and WAYYYY too much red lipstick, My opinion is she’s much prettier the more natural she looks) Tori has a new party planning book out, CelebraTORI, which I was eye rolling about at first, but after browsing, looks pretty good!
• Who on earth are these judges???? I have never heard of Stephen Brown, Erica Domesek, or Jo Pearson, who I think I like the best out of the judges. Guess I have some reading-up to do
• There's a difference to being crafty & liking crafts to actually being good at it and creating pretty things. I'd like to think I fall into the latter (group two!). Since only one episode has aired, I couldn't determine if the contestants fall into either or both of my groups. However, I “know” two contestants going to be on the show that definitely fall into group two parameters!
• Two of my FAVORITE bloggers; Mandi at Vintage Revivals AND Brooke at All Things Thrifty are both shown in previews of upcoming episodes! I hope they win!!!
• Watching this show kind of made me a little insecure about my own crafting abilities; on one hand, some of it seemed too tacky and cheesy of crafts for my liking- and the types of crafts I DON’T do; but on the other hand, I felt like I’m not quite Martha enough and would LOVE to spend more time (and $$) creating and being able to develop an amazing eye and talent.
• Overall, It just opened up the possibility of challenging myself to create more and learn by doing… YIPEE!!!!! bring on the crafts!

Ok that’s my 2 cents… stay tuned ‘til next week!