It's that time! Thanks to all who entered the Handmade Kids Challenge and all who voted. The competition was steep and the entries all showed incredible diversity and talent. With close to two thousand entries and more than ten thousand votes, you cared, you really cared — and we love you for it. Join us as we congratulate the Members Choice Award winners.*

As a reminder, the Members Choice Awards are based entirely on your votes. Prizes will be awarded to the three artists who received the most votes in each category.

(7) First Place winners will each receive a $200 Etsy shopping spree.
(7) Second Place winners will each receive a $100 Etsy shopping spree.
(7) Third Place winners will each receive a $50 Etsy shopping spree.

 * The Expert Panel Awards of Excellence (as determined by our expert panel of judges) will be awarded on Wednesday, September 17.

* The Handmade Kids Sweepstakes winners will first be contacted directly, and then be announced on or before September 22, 2008.

Without further adieu, by category, the Members Choice Awards go to (drum roll please!)...

 First place with 901 votes:

 Little Bunny Shoe-Shoe Felted Merino Baby Booties by prettylittle

"I'm not sure who loves these bunnies more, the grown-ups or the babies! There's nothing like putting a pair of these on a little one and watching her face light up! Seeing those tiny fingers reach down and tug at these fuzzy ears... It's why I do what I do."

Second place with 858 votes:

Blustery Grey Petit Lamb Wool Felt Mary Janes by AureliaandAnnalise

"We, are VERY naughty little sheep! Depending on our mood, or how tired we are from a day out in the fields, sometimes we face each other, sometimes we both look the same way! Very, naughty!"

 

Third place with 720 votes:

Little Lion Costume Chunky Earflap Beanie by babaialainn

"This unique and chunky earflap beanie is made from gold and cafe brown acrylic yarn with accents of pumpkin orange yarn, with big loops forming the mane and finished with earflaps and ties. This is the perfect addition to a costume, or adorable by itself!"

First place with 1230 votes:

Berry Street Village (9 x 11 shadow box) by PetiteHouse

"Once upon a time there lived a village of gnomes on Berry Street. The air was sweet with smells of the earth, and lovely quiet bird noises were pleasant in the woods." 

Second Place with 626 votes:

Make a Wish (edition 2) by yumiyumi

"Giclee print of an original illustration done in combination with pencil, pen and ink, love and some digital tweaking. One of three different color combinations (I love color so much it's hard to decide on just one)."

Third place with 612 votes:

No Monsters Allowed Print by johnwgolden

"No Monsters Allowed is part of a series of 24 'signs' (By Order of the Management) that I created, after realizing that there are some things every parent says over and over again. Then I realized that many of these parental mandates are good rules for adults to live by too."

First place with 926 votes:

Birdie Dress or Top by allthenumbers

"It's reversible, so if she spills, just flip it over for a clean look! One side features a little red bird appliqued on a grey chamberey background, and the other side is a red Moroccan woodblock print." 

Second place with 900 votes:

Custom Fairy Princess Look Dress by HannahsTutus

"Our company started three years ago when my daughter Hannah had some fabulous pictures done in a tutu! From there I made tutus for friends... then a few other moms... then I finally made the plunge to have a website and this year came to Etsy."

Third place with 614 votes:

Marne 3 Tunic Dress, by breadandroses

"My Marne 3 Dress is inspired by smocks worn by children in rural towns along the Marne River of France generations ago. But with modern twists: exposed textured selvage/fringe on front & sleeves, this time without top stitching to create a flange with volume."

ECO-FRIENDLY

First place with 679 votes:

Sweater Ball, by handmadepretties

"This fun ball pillow was made from a rainbow of recycled sweaters. It is stuffed with fiberfill to a pleasant fluffiness. The ends are capped with wool and/or felt and hand stitched with yarn. These are super fun on a couch or for the little ones to toss about. They are huggably soft."

Second place with 631 votes:

Plum Creek Bags Snack Bags by Plumcreekmercantile

"Plum Creek Mercantile is a combination of my desire to bring creativity into my everyday life, make daily tasks more enjoyable and benefit the environment around me. My products are meant to be simple and functional while decreasing my environmental impact."

Third place with 517 votes:

Recycled Blue Jeans Cocoon by joliem6201

"I am a professional photographer and SAHM of 3 wonderful boys; 4 year old twins and an 8 month old. I love crafts and use it to make photography props for myself and others!"

FURNITURE

First place with 2622 votes:

Owyn Toy Box by modmomfurniture

"My father, a self-taught carpenter and woodworker, built most of our furniture when I was growing up in Ohio. I learned from the best tinkering around in his garage workshop. Thirty-some years later, I have my own garage workshop."

Second place with 1086 votes:

Spring Blossoms Hand Painted Armoire by madteapartyfurniture

"I am a mother of four who has a passion for painting. What started as a hobby, painting has now become a full time job. I love every aspect of painting, especially knowing that others enjoy my pieces in their homes."

Third place with 793 votes:

Mr. Turtle Step Stool by Animals

"He's lean, he's green, and he's ready to help your favorite child reach the cookie jar! This turtle stool is super detailed: he has 4 feet with individual toes, a realistic 3-D face with raised eyes, and a cute little tail."

HOME DECOR

First place with 2159 votes:

Tree Stump Floor Pillow by bebemoon

"I'm a graphic designer and most recently a mommy to our beautiful little girl. Sewing for me is a great escape... and now I have all the inspiration I could ever ask for."

Second place with 780 votes:

Wrapped Up in Words Blanket, whynottsewn

"I am someone who has quickly fallen in love with fabric and sewing. I have fully embraced the love of both, and I will admit...I am obsessed. Therefore, I decided to spread the love and put this newly found passion into creating functional pieces that put my obsession to good use."

Third place with 702 votes:

Butterfly Mobile by khamm75

"I made this for my daughter when I was unable to find a graphic mobile that really engaged her. She absolutely loves it and can interact with it through entire diaper changes and beyond! Plus, I loved having a use for all those beautiful scraps of paper I have been holding on to."

TOYS

First place with 1045 votes:

Card Table Playhouse, by missprettypretty

"The very first thing I ever sewed was a hideous tie for my dad when I was about 8 years old. Uneven stitches, fabric that never should have been used for a tie, and poor cutting skills. He wore it to work the next day! I think that was when I decided I loved to sew." 

Second place with 906 votes:

Custom Pretend Tea Set by NiftyKidstuff

"Nifty Kidstuff began when I was just fifteen as a way to make some cash without working at a dreaded fast food restaurant. Now I'm a student at the Savannah College of Art and Design. All along the way it has been an excellent way to use my creative abilities doing something I really love."

Third place with 809 votes:

Custom Little Girl Friend by dmollison

"What started out as a promotion thread on Etsy, has turned into one of the most wonderful collection of friends one could ever imagine. We laugh together, give advice, and support each other's shop. These dolls are dedicated to the wonderful women on this forum."

Congratulations to all! Winners will be contacted directly with instructions for redeeming prizes.

As always, love goes out to Etsy's international artists and designers who, though ineligible for the contest, shine just as bright in our eyes. Search the tag "INTLKIDS" to see stellar examples of their wares for the young ones.