Monday, February 22, 2010

greatest hits & a giveaway: with Tickled Pink Knits


what inspires you artistically & creatively? what would those inspirations look like visually? in this fun series, (please see the others here) ... i’ve invited some wonderful artists to share with us 4 images of inspiration in their artistic life, something of an interview in images! the guidelines were basically this: choose 4 visuals (something like your creative-stimuli *greatest hits!*) that you feel most inspires & expresses your art or craft today. for some, it might be a person, place or thing; a material; a pattern; a colour; a sound or song, etc. it might be a photograph, a drawing, a scan, etc. i’ve tried to leave it a bit open-ended so that we might better glimpse into these artists' motivations and their amazing, raw talent! today i’m delighted to present the next in the series : greatest hits with TickledPinkKnits (and a giveaway, too!)

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ah... the transforming beauty of handmade!

isn't that a wonderful thing? seeing creations that can transport us to another place!

that's exactly how i feel about today's guest, Elena of Tickled Pink Knits. i'm sure so many of you, just like me, have long oogled over this beautiful shop. filled with gorgeous textures and luxurious colours, i just adore Tickled Pink Knits' talented designs, and what a breath of fresh air her work is in every season. a visit to see her is functional escapism at it's best!



and now... a Tickled Pink Knits original piece can be yours! (read on for how to enter this fabulous giveaway!) but first...


i believe that Elena has handcrafted not only the most gorgeous works, but also the most gorgeous of shops: i am always transported by the beauty of her images! now.. let's see what images inspire her....









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1. COLOR and SHAPE provide boundless inspiration for me every day, and they directly influence my knit designs. I love exploring the properties of color through the medium of yarn and fiber. It’s sheer joy to play with color juxtapositions, contrasts, and gradations. While I have a few favorite colors (warm orange and turquoise among them), there isn’t a color I shy away from in my work. Form and shape, the undulations of lines, merging and diverging, are also fascinating to me. When knitting and designing, I am always toying with curves, folds, symmetry and asymmetry.

image source

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2. The beauty and power of HANDMADE amazes, surprises, and inspires me very, very much. I am fascinated by how imagination, creativity, and vision can be brought to life and expressed by our hands, be it through drawing, embroidery, working with clay, wood, fabric, gems, or fiber. There are few limits to what the hands can shape, mold, sculpt, and fold. This power (and joy!) to take raw materials, small and large, old and new, substantial and virtually weightless, and see them transformed by our hands and in our hands – it’s exhilarating!

source: Valerie Hammond
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3. Serendipity is one of life’s loveliest phenomena. You know, the discoveries we make, the people we meet, and the directions our lives take, when we least expect them. For artists and artisans, it is often finding beauty in unexpected place and at unexpected times. The way a tree’s silhouette looks from a certain angle, or the way some random objects colors echo each other, or how sunlight, shadow, and reflection combine at a certain hour to conjure up something mesmerizing. When encountered, serendipity is always magical even if not always tangible. Having experienced it, and hoping it will happen again, and again – that’s an inspiration to me.

source: windowsill daydreaming by minor white
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4.I knit almost exclusively with natural fibers, like various wools, alpaca, and cashmere, and so I am infinitely grateful to the amazingly beautiful creatures that provide the gorgeous material that is then turned into yarn. I have a mild (mildly speaking) obsession with imagery and representation of sheep, alpacas, and llamas in all incarnations, and I find it impossible to resist their silhouettes on paper, fabric, stone, and such. So if you are ever in need of a miniature ceramic sheep or an alpaca-shaped pendant, please get in touch, and I will point you in the direction of all sorts of sheep-ly and alpaca-full goodness.

source
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thanks so much, Elena!
now.. this nicey has something superfun for you!

one lucky rikrak studio reader will WIN....


a custom knit wrist cuff/bracelet, designed and made especially for the lucky winner,
by the talented Tickled Pink Knits!
woowee! what a fun prize!


AND... she's also offering FREE WORLDWIDE SHIPPING on any purchase in the shop! (Just use code "rikrak" at checkout, and upon purchase completion, the shipping amount will be promptly refunded via PayPal.)

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
here's how to enter the giveaway!
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::

1. go visit the wonderful Tickled Pink Knits shop!
... take a look around ... come back here and leave a comment in this post about your favourite lovely goodie from her shop & why.= 1 entry

2.
leave us a comment on something that inspires you!

... = 1 entry

3. visit Elena on twitter and follow her:
... then come back here and tell us about it. = 1 entry.

4. tweet on twitter
about this giveaway and leave us a link to it in a separate comment here. please be sure to include @therikrakshop so i can find you! :) = 1 more possible entry.


5. blog about this giveaway and leave us a link to it in a separate comment here.= 1 more possible entry

6. follow or subscribe to the rikrak studio blog
and leave me a comment here telling us that you do! = 1 more possible entry.

7. :: PLEASE NOTE:
each entry must be it's own comment.. thanks! ::

..........................................
:: RULES ::
a) it is possible to have a maximum of 6 entries total per person.
b) please make sure to leave each entry as it's own comment. thanks!
c) using random.org, 1 winner of the Tickled Pink Knits giveaway will be chosen on monday march 1st @ 9pm EST.
d) please be sure to leave me an email where i can reach you if your account doesn't link to one. thanks.

................................................

happy monday nicies!
hope you had a great weekend - and what a great week it's going to be!


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102 comments:

  1. What beautiful work! It's hard to choose just one favourite but I'd have to go with the Rococo Shawl featured at the beginning of this post - it is breathtakingly beautiful. I love the cozy factor of a shawl like this, but the styling and attention to detail is also elegant and tres chic!

    I just followed TickledPinkKnits on Twitter as well. :)

    ReplyDelete
  2. I definitely like this: http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=37157800

    Really out of my reach financially, but if I could have whatever from her shop it'd be that! Love it.

    spektorish@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  3. The world inspires me! Nature is one of the greatest tools of inspiration for me. All of the colors, textures, shapes... so gorgeous!

    spektorish@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  4. I follow your blog! :)

    spektorish@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  5. ooh!! i can't resist adding some more fibery goodness to my collection!!
    just visited her shop, i like the hand warmer muff:
    http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=37721345

    ReplyDelete
  6. Following her on Twitter! Name is spektorish.

    spektorish@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  7. I'm a follower of the rikrak blog!

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  8. and finally.. something that inspires me? lately it has been the re-emergence of sunshine in this cold landscape. its the notion of hope for the future and that spring is on its way!

    ReplyDelete
  9. Tweet: http://twitter.com/spektorish/status/9486592832 & following

    spektorish@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  10. I like this one: http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=17769680
    Petite Bridget Cowl
    I like this one because I love cowl necklines and I like to think they like me too.

    ReplyDelete
  11. Something that inspires me is when I just have a handful of destash beads and wonder what I can come up with using so little. I like the challenge.

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  12. I am now following Elena on Twitter.
    @findingcharm

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  13. I am already following your blog.

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  14. I really like the Rococo Shawl. Will be tweeting this giveaway right now.

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  15. I'm following Elena on twitter :)

    http://twitter.com/tamsytrends

    ReplyDelete
  16. Just visited her shop and I love this Marley Merino Wool Knit Hat:
    http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=38276333

    I love the color blue!

    ReplyDelete
  17. I also tweeted about this giveaway :)

    http://twitter.com/tamsytrends

    ReplyDelete
  18. and I am also following your blog.

    ReplyDelete
  19. I love the Jasmine Green Tea Knit Shrug - Elegant Luxurious Organic Cotton Handmade Knitwear because it is absolutely beautiful and so feminine! :) I knit as well..but have yet to make something so beautiful! :)


    thecountryblossom AT hotmail DOT com

    ReplyDelete
  20. I am following TickledPinkKnit on Twitter! :) KatyLMA


    thecountryblossom AT hotmail DOT com

    ReplyDelete
  21. I love Elegant Knit Wrap - Rococo Shawl - Custom Colors and Materials . I think it's absolutely gorgeous... I'd love to have one like it!
    cal_rubies at yahoo dot es

    ReplyDelete
  22. I follow you!
    cal_rubies at yahoo dot es

    ReplyDelete
  23. I just LOVE this shawl!

    http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=32347872

    It's such a peaceful color, and SO elegant!

    Great shop, great giveaway! Thanks so much for the opportunity!

    Sincerely,
    Becca

    pennyroyaltea168@gmail.com
    www.FunktapusDesigns.etsy.com

    ReplyDelete
  24. My fave item in the shop (it's so hard to choose) is Raspberry Sorbet Knit Headband / Scarflette / Neckwarmer / Belt. I love the versatility of the piece. :) And the color and the design.

    Amy (artsyrockerchick@aim.com)

    ReplyDelete
  25. What most inspires me is God's creation. I see things in nature and what to emulate them in my projects. The other day I was making a beaded ornament that i wanted to look like the sun...and it does, in its own way. I love that about inspiration--you start out going one way and end up somewhere completely different.

    ReplyDelete
  26. Following Elena on Twitter! (@amysondova)

    Amy (artsyrockerchick@aim.com)

    ReplyDelete
  27. I'm a follower of the RikRak Blog!

    Amy (artsyrockerchick@aim.com)

    ReplyDelete
  28. Tweeted about giveaway:: http://twitter.com/amysondova/status/9519085337

    Amy (artsyrockerchick@aim.com)

    ReplyDelete
  29. The Rococo Shawl is absolutely beautiful - I love the style and textured pattern on the wrap.

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  30. I follow Elena on Twitter (@sd9302)

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  31. I subscribe to the Rikrak Studio blog.

    ReplyDelete
  32. The Boucle Bliss Cowl - Soft Merino Wool Knit Neckwarmer is absolutely gorgeous. I love the colors and texture of the neckwarmer. Definitely on my list for my birthday in March! Thank you so much for this giveaway!
    ceevegnashville [at] gmail [dot] com

    ReplyDelete
  33. My daughter inspires me. The way that she perceives the world, the way that she approaches artwork and nature -- very inspiring and far more imaginative than I could ever hope to be! Thank you again and best!
    ceevegnashville [at] gmail [dot] com

    ReplyDelete
  34. I love this : Cashmere and Silk Knit Fingerless Gloves - Russet. The color is amazing and I could really use a pair right now!!

    Angie
    rennieangie at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  35. i just adore the Rococo Shawl - Elegant Organic Cotton Knit Ruffle Wedding Wrap because it is so elegant and feminine yet very trendy!
    Thank you for the giveaway :)
    hurdler4eva(at)gmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  36. Fruit inspires me and watching the Olympics inspires me too!
    Thank you for the giveaway :)
    hurdler4eva(at)gmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  37. I follow your blog!
    Thank you for the giveaway :)
    hurdler4eva(at)gmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  38. I love love love the "Claudine Knit Merino and Cashmere Neckwarmer Scarflette." SO beautiful--and the color!
    june_spirit2628 at hotmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  39. The etsy shop inspires me... seeing everything that people make that is beautiful and handmade. It inspires me to create my own projects.
    june_spirit2628 at hotmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  40. I love Genevieve Cowl - Kid Mohair Blend Knit Neckwarmer / Scarf because it looks so warm and soft.

    carethediva[at]hotmail[dot]com

    ReplyDelete
  41. I like the Extra Long Knit Cowl Scarf - Merino Wool - Paola, because I love black color.

    annabell_lee_dk (at) yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  42. Music inspires me always and forever!

    annabell_lee_dk (at) yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  43. Follow Elena on twitter: http://twitter.com/sweepstakelover

    annabell_lee_dk (at) yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  44. Tweeted: http://twitter.com/sweepstakelover/status/9537696703

    annabell_lee_dk (at) yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  45. Blogged: http://sweepstakelover.blogspot.com/2010/02/giveaway-with-tickled-pink-knits.html

    annabell_lee_dk (at) yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  46. Email subscriber.

    annabell_lee_dk (at) yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  47. I love the Rococo Shawl - Luxurious and Elegant Knit Cotton and Merino Wrap

    lejn05@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  48. My daughter inspires me!

    lejn05@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  49. follow the rikrak studio blog

    lejn05@yahoo.com

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  50. i like the blossoms and fruit, crocheted lariat - i'm in love with crochet necklaces lately!

    kateandoli@gmail.com

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  51. wow!! i love the Winterberry Scarflette, very royal 8) i have a long neck and could really rock this!

    http://phranne.etsy.com
    phranne[at]yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  52. the love of my friends truly inspires me 8)

    http://phranne.etsy.com
    phranne[at]yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  53. i follow them on twitter! @FlamingBlingy
    http://phranne.etsy.com
    phranne[at]yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  54. I LOVE her shawls. The lightly ruffled trim makes them elegant without being too frilly.
    aschertle at yahoo dot com

    ReplyDelete
  55. following
    aschertle at yahoo dot com

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  56. What inspires me? Mostly colors. I look at everything in terms of what are the color combinations: green moss next to golden autumn leaves, carrots and celery on a platter,
    aschertle at yahoo dot com

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  57. I love the Luxurious Pure Wool Neckwarmer Scarf, The Bridget Cowl because purple is my absolute favorite color!

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  58. Recently, Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers musicals have been inspiring me.

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  59. I follow Elena on twitter, username slowclublover.

    ReplyDelete
  60. I tweeted: http://twitter.com/slowclublover/status/9542985006

    ReplyDelete
  61. Waaaoo! She has such beautiful pieces! I looove the Rococo Shawl II - Luxurious and Elegant Knit Merino Wool, Alpaca and Silk Wrap. The shapre and color is simply gorgeous!

    lagringa_009@hotmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  62. I am constantly inspired by color. I love seeing different color combinations from places such as flowers, sunsets, and people. Its very inspiring.

    lagringa_009@hotmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  63. Following Elena on twitter! (http://twitter.com/thejoyoffashion)

    lagringa_009@hotmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  64. i love the Winterberry - Luxurious Knit Scarflette in Merino, Alpaca, Pure Wool!

    jellen814 at live dot com

    ReplyDelete
  65. i love the Winterberry - Luxurious Knit Scarflette in Merino, Alpaca, Pure Wool!

    jellen814 at live dot com

    ReplyDelete
  66. i am inspired by portrait photography...catching an emotion in one frame.

    jellen814 at live dot com

    ReplyDelete
  67. I love the Claudine Knit Merino and Cashmere Neckwarmer Scarflette. I love it because it looks so warm and soft, and also so pretty.
    BETH
    bethnaf at hotmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  68. It's tough to pick bc she has so many wonderful (and well made!) items. I like the Luxurious Knit Wool and Bamboo Collar - Victoriana Scarflette because it seems like a great and effortless way to make sure my neck stays warm & yet, elegant! It would really match my winter jacket very well!

    http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=37124764

    Ronit
    internationalgiveaways[at]gmail[dot]com
    http://internationalgiveaways.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  69. What inspires me? Nature! I love the sounds, smells and views of nature, especially when they are completely untouched by civilization. And there's nothing quite like the deep silence of the mountains!

    Ronit
    internationalgiveaways[at]gmail[dot]com
    http://internationalgiveaways.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  70. I'm following elena on twitter!
    @intlgiveaways

    Ronit
    internationalgiveaways[at]gmail[dot]com
    http://internationalgiveaways.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  71. I blogged about this giveaway! Here's the link:

    http://internationalgiveaways.blogspot.com/2010/02/cuff-from-tickled-pink-knits.html

    Ronit
    internationalgiveaways[at]gmail[dot]com
    http://internationalgiveaways.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  72. I follow the rikrak studio!

    Ronit
    internationalgiveaways[at]gmail[dot]com
    http://internationalgiveaways.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  73. This comment has been removed by the author.

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  74. She has beautiful pieces!
    I love the Toasty Textured fingerless gloves, because I am obsessed with fingerless gloves right now;}
    I ♥ her shop!

    ReplyDelete
  75. My son ispires me to be a better person not only for him, but for mylself too;}

    ReplyDelete
  76. following Tickled Pink on twitter;}
    @Ma21cuteboy

    ReplyDelete
  77. i follow and subscribe to the rikrak;}

    ReplyDelete
  78. http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=37157800

    Love this gray wrap - a bit out of my price range though. Great work.

    ReplyDelete
  79. I love the Winola Knit Fingerless Gloves in Pure Merino Wool!

    ruricloth[at]yahoo[dot]com

    ReplyDelete
  80. I love the Genevieve III Cowl Kid Mohair Blend Knit Neckwarmer / Scarf

    SamneneD@aol.com

    ReplyDelete
  81. Children inspire me because they are like little sponges and amaze you with their wisdom, especially my grandchildren.

    SamneneD@aol.com

    ReplyDelete
  82. What a great giveaway! I love this wrap: http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=37203730 - The ruffles are just very subtle and add texture. It's very romantic and looks very cozy and warm. I love a wide scarf for winter. Of the colours, I liked this berry red the most because it is a warm colour for winter.

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  83. What inspires me - I love to mix up paint colours and combinations and think about what I could draw while using them. I'm also greatly influenced by what I see through a camera lens. Somehow it is just so different from what I see with my eyes.

    ReplyDelete
  84. I'm following Elena on Twitter! My user name is SomewhatHip.

    ReplyDelete
  85. And I just twittered your giveaway :)

    ReplyDelete
  86. And now I'm following your lovely blog.

    ReplyDelete
  87. I pick the Elegant Cotton Blend Knit Wrap - The Meringue Scarf

    lusizova(at)gmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  88. OMGosh, I just love the
    Jasmine Green Tea Knit Shrug - Elegant Luxurious Organic Cotton Handmade Knitwear. It is so delicate. And the colors are wonderful! Thanks for a chance at winning a cuff!

    ReplyDelete
  89. i love the Romantic Knit Wrap - Rococo Shawl - Custom Material and Color because the color reminds me of love!

    Roxy
    hockiemack at hotmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  90. i'm inspired by people!

    Roxy
    hockiemack at hotmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  91. follower!

    Roxy
    hockiemack at hotmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  92. Elegant Knit Wrap - Rococo Shawl - Custom Colors and Materials is my absolute fave! I love shawls! Especially the one in Photo 4. Gorgeous!

    reviewsbyabby at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  93. Music inspires me. It makes me happy and chases the blues away. It is like another world

    reviewsbyabby at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  94. I am a blog follower!

    reviewsbyabby at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  95. Loving how unique the design is on the Buttercup Luxurious Knit Scarf - Baby Alpaca and Silk. The fabrics are to die for too! I'd love to have this.

    Thanks!

    shiki6210 at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  96. I am a old follower

    shiki6210 at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  97. I am inspired by, nature! And animals, and plants.

    shiki6210 at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  98. Love the Darting Diagonals Fingerless Gloves - Custom Knit Fingerless Mitts in Merino Wool

    ReplyDelete
  99. I'm inspired right now by reading crafty blogs

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  100. I love the red orabella fingerless gloves because of the cable in the middle i love cables vbarton24 at gmail dot com

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  101. i love the red fingerless gloves with the cable so pretty vbarton24 at gmail dot com

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  102. I'm following Elena's tweets!

    ReplyDelete

thanks so much for your comments, nicies!
it's a joy to read what everyone writes here.
thank you!