I think the first sentence of this post should be something along the lines of…That was not my proudest moment.
So here is the story.
In December I got an email from a casting company, they were given my name from one of my BFFs Beckie and wanted to tell me about this new show. I had JUST gotten back from NYC and Nate had just been cancelled and I was really upset about it. His show had changed my life, I realized how much I loved being on television and I was sort of left with the feeling that all of it might end with his show. So while I was not excited that it was a “craft show” (I consider myself a DIY/Home Blogger) it was on a major network and it seemed like something I could do.
So I chatted with them about it and it sounded really fun. They told me that I would need an assistant and a video. So that is what I did.
What do you do when you need an assistant for a show on National TV? Well, you need someone that could do everything they could possibly throw at us, someone that I trusted and loved and would have a good time with. Immediately Jilly came to mind. I have told you guys for a year to get over and follow her blog because she is AMAZING. I am sure she thought I was crazy when I called and asked her (in fact I know she did) but I LOVE HER SO MUCH! And thankfully she said yes.
So I submitted my Casting Video.
And then I waited, and waited, and waited.
And then I changed my mind. I didn’t want to do it anymore. I didn’t want to be labeled a Crafter more than I already am. So I called to back out. And they told me that I had already been cast to shoot the first episode and they loved me and I couldn’t back out.
So that was that. We were doing the show and we were going win and we were going to have a BLAST!!
The actual day of shooting was really fun, its super high stress energy which I love.
Now, lets talk about the Birdhouse.
We were told when Tori explained the rules to us (this part didn’t air) that we were being judged based on durability and how well we used the challenge materials. So my mind thought, the more you use the better your chances are. Get it girl.
One hour goes by SO much faster than you could possibly imagine. And my BIGGEST downfall is that the first 1/2 hour I was in TV demo mode, explaining things and making sure that I was working so that the cameras could clearly see what I was doing. When Tori announced that we were at the 30 min mark I wanted to DIE. We used 3/4” ply to construct a REAL birdhouse that could actually be outside. When I realized that there was no way that I could paint my panels because of this I was super bummed because I KNEW how chaotic the design was looking.
Jill and I laughed the ENTIRE time at how horrendous it turned out. This is not the birdhouse in my mind, in fact I would probably describe it as the inbred 3rd cousin of the birdhouse I saw in my brain.
If you guys have read my blog for more than 5 posts you know that I don’t believe in Craft Fails. You just need to readjust your plan and keep going SO for fun (and to redeem myself a little) I am going to be redoing my birdhouse the way I WANTED it to be. And you guys are going to LOVE it!
All crappy crafting aside, doing Craft Wars was SO MUCH FUN! I am SO glad that I did it. I had a blast with Jilly and I loved learning how this type of tv worked.
But I did get robbed a little.
What do you think? Lets discuss.
Love Your Guts, Mandi
(The Craft Wars Party post will be going up ASAP! So stay tuned for that, and if you came and have pics I would LOVE if you could send me some!)
I just became a follower bc of Becki and following her on twitter buring Craft Wars. I was drooling over your blog during the show and screaming when you were eliminated thinking HELLO he made a house out of FOAM CORE! What the heck! I love your designs, and all you do. You rocked it! your newest stalker LOL
oh Mandi Mandi Mandi… lol. First of all I’m so sorry you lost. 2nd.. after it aired last night I thought about coming and leaving you a note.. but thought I shouldn’t rub salt in the wound. and 3rd.. you totally got robbed! lol. Editing makes everyone look bad, and really I thought yours was the most creative.. if only your paint had made it to the walls, huh?? — that being said.. I had previously thought about applying for this show.. and probably won’t now. o.o
“…Inbred 3rd cousin of the birdhouse in my mind” is too funny. I can’t wait to see the reinvention of your birdhouse. Onward and upward!
I saw the show and thought you got robbed! 🙂 You and your assistant did a fabulous job! Congratulations, you showed so much grace under all that pressure.
I think you and Jilly Rocked it! I can NOT imagine how difficult it must have been to do this. Anyone who happens to be on the show from this point on can learn from you..you’re a pioneer!
I did apply, but never made it to the video selection, just as well. . .
mandi- there are great things out there for you. Happy you shared your experience with us.
gail
Oh cute girl! You are awesome!! Love your attitude and can’t wait to see your new birdhouse!!
I thought you did a great job! I am sure it was super stressful to be on that show. I would think durability was the key in that project too. It was neat to see you on there.
Megan
To be honest…you were robbed. The show is kind of turning me off at this point because the judges are all pretty harsh. Not liking the vibe of the whole thing. I think you did great considering time constraints. 😉 I still love ya 😉
I too thought that you got robbed!!! One of the stipulations was that it needed to be realistic to be outside!! Uuuhhh…correct me if I am wrong but the other two were either made out of foam core board aka paper or the one major element was paper aka playing cards!! that in itself should have made you the winner of that round!!!With that being said, I have watched both shows and I cannot wrap my head around judging arts and crafts. Reason being, you can’t really judge art! Everybody has a different style and opinion on what is great art and what is not, and like you said there really is not craft fails!! Your style just may not have been what those particular judges like. Again, so hard to judge crafts/art! You were great and I loved that you stated true to your style so to speak!!
I don’t really like the premise of the show. It seems to me they have all these talented people but want to have them make a bunch of junk rather than showcase their true skills and creativity. It’s more like a show that makes FUN of crafting rather than celebrating it, IMHO. If they want you to build a birdhouse, then tell people to build a birdhouse and let the contestants choose the materials. Turn the crafters loose in craft or home improvement store for a period of time and let them pick their stuff. On shows like ‘Design Star’ they don’t give them the materials then tell them to make something- they give them a theme and have the designers go out and choose the materials. If they changed it to something more like that, it would be better. Don’t really care for the show but YOU were still awesome!
I would have loved to see what you did in Round 2! Good job getting out there and giving it a try even though the end result wasn’t what you had in mind. Everyone knows you are a rockstar!
I wanted to cry for you. I almost did…but my husband was watching and I didn’t think I could explain why I was crying over a craft show. We all know what you are capable of and I have no doubt the rest of the world will, too, one of these days!
Some people crapft’s is another’s treasure. I love your casting video. Can I hire you? 😉
It was horrible. I mean all the stuff you create is kind of junky anyway. Not surprised at all.
Well like they say, one man’s junk is another man’s treasure! WOOT
Anonymous,
Why don’t you be a person of integrity and put a name up besides “Anonymous”?! Mandi Gubler is the most awesome DIY blogger I know! If you don’t have something nice to say don’t say it at all!
GO MANDI!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
what?!?! Wow “Anonymous” what a complete jerk – you’re totally jealous of Mandi’s awesomeness 🙂
Well ur still looking at her blog, u must be a real loser if u only get on to leave loser comments. There is always haters the bigger u get the smaller they become. Mandi Ur the best just a matter of time before u go big time. WHAT WHAT love it
What’s wrong with you, Anonymous? Why are you even reading this blog if you feel that way? Move on and keep your comments to yourself.
I left a comment and got all of u to respond. Who’s got the power? Me!
so…this is about power? i mean…i’m not an avid reader of this blog, although it is nice, but…from what i gather, it’s about creativity and resourcefulness, not power……..
Wow, Anonymous…you are SOOOOO powerful making anonymous hate comments on a blog. I admire you so… Anyway, Mandi..you are inspiring with your diy projects. Keep rockin’ it
I am watching your Craft Wars episode, and I LOVE YOU.
Can you please make a tumblr or something, so I can follow your blog to see your updates?!
My husband laughed as I cried “NOOOOOOOooooooo!!!!” from the other room when you were eliminated. I was heart broken for you. I can’t wait to see your EPIC room makeover done birdhouse style. What?! 😉
You were awesome and the show is REALLY bad!
I agree with everyone, you were robbed and the stuff the others made was just icky junky. I loved your video submission, you are so talented and we love your style, can’t wait to see what you do next!
I think you rocked the birdhouse! Really? Who makes a birdhouse out of foam board? Loved your video intro too!
Mandi you did great (and you looked adorable!) It was the first time I watched the show and I think the format sucked and was not the best way to showcase a crafter’s talents (and certainly not the best way to showcase all your amazingness!) And yes, you were robbed. Not to bash the other contestants, but come on. One birdhouse was built of foam core and the other was covered in playing cards. Neither one was a functional birdhouse.
Mandi, you were totally robbed. That guy made his bird house out of freaking foam board for crying out loud! Of course, not having to spend time cutting wood and make it actually useable will make it easier to get done! I honestly think the show kinda of has a bad concept…one hour with a bunch of junk to make something? Why not give the contestants a little more time with some realistic material to make something great other than giving them junk drawer crap and asking them to make something out of nothing. And the way the judges critique things is ridiculous…I even thought that last week too. I was bummed you didn’t make it onto the next round…but you had a great experience that most people can’t dream of and we all know what a great DIY blogger you are. Good job!
I saw beyond excited to see you on TV. Win or no WIn. I really wanted to see the patio set you would have made. So if you could also do that for my entertainment, I would apperciate it.
I love you MANDI and you were totally robbed.
PS I noticed something on both episodes–I maybe be wrong BUT it seems like they go back and dub in words that Tori and the judges are saying AFTER the fact. Like they didn’t really say them at all they recorded it later and added it in…shady seeming.
Much love from TEXAS!
I think the show is a little ridiculous – I mean an hour is NO time at all – especially when you have to talk to Tori and explain things for the camera, eek! I think you did a good job 🙂
I wouldn’t feel bad, Mandi. The show is actually quite stupid and gives crafters a bad name IMO. This is the kind of stuff that people think all crafters do: make crap out of crap and try to pass it off as something good. That’s not fair. I know of many crafty people who can take things like toilet paper rolls and turn them into works of art. They can take a Twister game mat and make it into a raincoat. THAT’S what crafting is about. I don’t think this show is going to last because it’s just ridiculous.
I was so bummed you ended up out after the first round. If durability was part of it, then Kevin’s bird house HAD to be eliminated. And the chimes under the other one were crazy … those really would scare a bird away. So bummed but still loved watching it … you were completely classy. Can’t wait to see your birdhouse fix!
SO sad 🙁 Your bird house was tons better than Kevin’s. I think all you needed was one coat of white spray paint, and a red roof. Did not like the house of cards with the wind chime – looked like something you’d find at a white trash garage sale.
I was upset because, “foam core” really? But even without sour grapes because I’ve been lurking on your blog, I’ve watched the first two episodes and haven’t loved the show. I thought it was going to be different and more fun to watch. The judges are a bit annoying and silly, and the project concepts haven’t been that interesting. But glad you had fun doing it.
Ugh. I’ve always felt like I would never want to be on a reality TV show because you never know what will happen in the edit! Glad to hear you had a great time anyway.
(But yeesh with hatred on crafters. I just don’t get the need for this kind of condescension.)
It seemed like an hour long Michael’s commercial, and on the 2 episodes I’ve seen, it seemed kind of scripted–they send Tori over and she makes some critical comment and then that is what the judges ding you on.
I have always been called “crafty” but I don’t particularly like making junk out of junk…I like being able to make things I want or need and can’t afford or find..I didn’t really like this show very much.
ahhhh didn’t get to see Craft Wars, but I’m totally going to watch it now!! I loooove your attitude and your video made me smile the entire time 🙂 So wish we lived closer…I feel like we’d be BFFs!!!!
My best friend and I were both watching your episode & texting each other about what we thought. We both felt that you totally deserved to go to the final round and shouldn’t have been eliminated. The simple fact that your birdhouse could be used outdoors and the other 2 wouldn’t withstand the elements. I think you got robbed! But, I’m glad you had fun doing it! Love your blog!
Dude! you are the cutest chick EVER! FYI I’m totally digging that PVC pipe dresser! LOVES IT!!!!!!!!!!!!
Yep, robbed! I agree with everyone in that the show is harsh and critical. The ONLY rules they gave you were use the junk and make sure the bird house can go outside. You are the only one who did that! Foam Core? It looked like a diorama from elementary school! And all the other girl used were playing cards. How un-imaginative. I, too, screamed NOOOOOOOOOOooooo!!!!!! when they eliminated you. I wanted to turn the TV off at that point.
You are so precious and talented and amazing. Who needs them, eh?
i love your video, so fun. i watched the show, you should have totally went on to round 2. you’re awesome and we all know it, keep at it girl – you’re super inspiring and i’m sure your next tv gig is just around the corner 🙂
Here is my issue. In the first episode they eliminated the girl with the most creative design because they thought that hot gluing the racket want “functional”. Then they eliminate the only “functional” one in the second episode. If they are judging something as subjective as crafts they need to use the same criteria.
Hi Mandi, I love your blog so I HAD to watch Tuesday night. I was crushed when you were eliminated. But I have to say that I really dislike the whole show. Tori is annoying and the judges seem so fake. And why wouldn’t they give the contestants more time to really create something nice? They are gathering all this talent and all of the supplies and then they set you up to fail with that tiny timeframe. The show could be much better. And BTW, no one created a decent birdhouse. So, thanks for the entertainment and I was routing for you the whole time. 🙂
I have to admit I yelled at my TV when you were eliminated! Then I pouted and refused to watch the rest of the episode until today. 🙂 I love your blog and you!
LOL!! Oh you poor thing! How horrifying to be on tv, given too short a period of time to do something you love and then have it displayed for everyone to see. Wow, are you ever brave and am I NEVER ever going to do that myself. Not that I think anyone would ever offer me the opportunity, but I’m glad I know what you know now.
Your projects are fabulous. And that little birdhouse is totally cute, I can just imagine where you would have taken it from there. xox
I was so excited to watch you on craft wars. It was crappy that you were booted. I say you need a do-over…make a new one but paint it the way you envisioned. Then you can compare side by side to see if you still feel you were robbed. Either way, please please please don’t give up on your dreams. Really, nothing has changed from how you felt the day before the challenge. You are still an awesome DIY/ Home decor talent. Don’t feel discouraged because of a little crafting catastrophe…it has happened to us all!
I think your creation would have been awesome if you’d had time to paint it!! The premise of the show and the competitive nature of it doesn’t really do it for me. Segments with crafters or DIY-ers like yourself completing a project would be way more interesting than harsh critiques and timed situations. It was worth a watch though, and here I am looking at your blog which I may not have found without Craft Wars!!
I think you rocked it. II have had mixed feelings about this show. I think you need to be one of the judges. People actually know who you are and you are more fun and cute than any of them!
I’m really not impressed by the show so far – Yes, it looks fun and some of the projects have come out pretty rad, but crafting isn’t about “how fast can I get this done?” and one hour is NEVER going to be enough time to execute a television-competition-worthy craft. The end.
In the end, I love your blog because of your style and fearlessness – not your ability to build a birdhouse out of a bunch of crap in under an hour 🙂
Watched it Mandi and couldn’t believe you were out in the first round…. You were great! Your ideas are great and you have a great TV personality. and heck, foam board won’t hold up in the rain for very long!
I loved you on Nate’s all stars…. He really liked you! Good luck with everything Mandi!
Susan
Homeroad
And I love you, the end.
I watched Craft Wars only because you were on the show. I don’t like the show. I definately thought yours was the only one that could be used outside and hold up to the elements. That is what was asked. I guess I would prefer a craft show where I was learning a new technique or something. I am Just not into the 1 hour competition thing I guess. Was hoping to get Ideas and Inspiration. I guess I will keep reading blogs and leave the TV off. I love your blog!
I had a good laugh at your post. Your bird house definitely did NOT do your work justice and that’s the unfortunate part of the Craft Wars format. 🙂 Luckily your readers know how talented you are! Keep on keeping on sister. Love your blog!
In my opinion, they wanted the foam-core guy to move forward to round 2 because they knew he would use his welding skills and meet the challenge in a different “crafty” way, thus giving the show variety. Yes, folks, I believe they rigged the judging. I am sure they were stunned when he stupidly built out of foam core, as it was supposed to be durable. DUH! Suddenly, that didn’t matter to the judges anymore. Now it was about creativity. It had a porch light! Wow. How inviting for the birds! Too bad they will fall to their death when the foam core house falls apart!!! And by the way, he used like 2 things from the junk drawer. I also agree with the person that said they script Tori’s comments and dub comments in along the way. Mandi, your bird house was the only one that was realistic AND durable for the hour time frame!!!! You rock.
I was so excited when I saw you on Craft Wars! You did such a great job… I know I couldn’t do any better in ONE HOUR!!! At least yours was durable (compared to the other two). 🙂 And I totally saw your vision; made me think “Louise Nevelson”.
You were totally robbed! You know I love you and all your epic ideas. Thanks for sharing your episode with all of us in party form. We were all rooting for you and were sad when you were eliminated. I know you heard my extremely loud reaction. Sorry, I can be a bit loud. Anyway, your DIY ideas kick everybody’s trash. So, there you go!
I’m a new follower, but i’m borderline obsessed with EVERYTHING you do! You’re AhMazing! I watched the episode with my husband (yeah he liked it, but don’t tell him i told you;) you were totally robbed! Tell me how foam core and a deck of cards is durable to ‘the eliments’? hmmmm…..I’m saying rigged and robbed! Still happy to watch you on the show and i’ll keep following your every design!
Okay, honest time, even though your birdhouse was going to be the most durable, it was not my fave. Well, none of them were so it was a coin toss who went home for me….but I was rooting for you to stay!
However, you would have soooooooooooooooooooooooo totally rocked the main challenge.
as for the diy label or crafter…you are both and this show is really trying to bring arts and crafts out of the stereotypical macaroni and bean masterpiece genre and into what it truly is, art, so run with it
I actually love that you failed so epically. It showed that you are human 😉 it was great to see that not every idea you have is a good one. It makes the rest of us feel like there is hope…even if we attack a project and fail miserably we still might have some genius deep down inside 😉
I loved that you were using all the stuff from the junkdrawer like you did and I didn’t mind the junk not being painted. You followed the rules, so those who didn’t, won. Hmmph.
BUT, you just devastated me – Nate was cancelled!?! NOOOOOOOOOO! It was the only thing worth watching on OWN and I loved his show. I hadn’t heard it until now! It’s another rule in life, if you really like a show, they take it off.
Keep the faith, I love reading your blog!
Not a Tori fan…think she is bad for the show…Loved the bird house you made….dont think the show will last….very disappointed in it….Tori has no idea of everyday crafters and our crafts….no reality for her….she was rude in the way she was talking to you….
Ok, I feel ya sister! I totally thought that the more creative you got with the challenge materials the more points you would get. I was TOTALLY wrong too haha. Just glad I’m no longer the only first looser on the show. I kind of agree. I am a crafter but mostly I refurbish furniture and fix up homes… we all know that you are a BAD A$% so even if your birdhouse didn’t make the cut you still rocked! You were way too cute on the show and I love you even more for it!
I have to say I was shocked you were voted off. I told my husband how awesome yours was. Seems durability was important to the judges on your episode but not on Mandi’s…..hmmmm……
Hi There
Personally I think you should have stayed because your bird cage did not chase the birds away with a wind chime and you had a solid roof. Don’t be discouraged though because all you needed was the exposure and now you have new fans! Me included. It takes courage to do what you did on national television and for that you should be proud. Some of us just watch by the sidelines while people like you play the game of life. While I like the show I do think the challenges are quite outrageous and leaves out people like me who make simple cards and paper flowers.
In closing I just wanted to say everything you do has a lesson andI think one of the lessons for you is to stand firm in your beliefs and your talents. If ou loved your birdhouse, then love it, no matter what the world says. Take care and wishing you all the best!
I had never heard of you or your blog before the show, but I thought you were so cute that I googled you and found your blog which I have been pouring over for days now!! so what that you made an ugly birdhouse, everything else you touch turns to gold and i’m sure you’re going to get tons of new readers from this exposure.
Mandi, I only watched Craft Wars to see you, I can’t stand Tori Spelling. I yelled at the TV and the judges…. morons. They asked everyone to make a bird house out of stuff from the craft drawer and you did that and more. The other ones sucked and would not have lasted outside. I turned it off after you left, totally lost interest. As far as I am concerned you should have your own show. Your so cute and so funny, I love your bubbly personality. And you have more talent in your baby finger than that whole panel of judges. I hope you are not down about it, if you are, you need to go back and read all of these comments. You rock Mandi and you have a following of people that are inspired by you and your talents and your great ideas. Forget about Crappy Wars we want to see Mandi Wars, hugs Tobey
I saw the first episode but missed the one you were on. Honestly, the judges . . . I didn’t love them! Sounds like the birdhouse episode was quite the adventure! You don’t really want the bird inside anyway, do you? Thanks for sharing!
You were robbed and we will always love your guts….
Okay I was watching this and I was like I think I follow her blog! She looks familiar! I thought you did great!
-Amy
https://theblankpagesblog.blogspot.com/
I was so PISSED when they cut you! They went on and on about how they wanted something FUNCTIONAL, and then went and cut they ONLY one that was actually functional. Of course the bit about the hole being too small didn’t air. I can maybe sorta understand that, but I still think you should have made it to the next round!
Mandi, my husband and I totally feel you were robbed. My husband is not one to REALLY watch these type of shows (he did not have a choice this time b/c I had control of the t.v. (lol). He said to me, “WHAT….are you kidding me?” I was sad to see you go and once you did the t.v. was turned off!!! I love your blog b/c it inspired me to try some diy projects around our home and for that I am Thankful to you. Everything happens for a reason and at the moment we may not understand but God will reveal when the time is right! On another note, I am also upset that the Nate Berkus show has been cancelled!! That is where I first saw you and began following your blog. Keep doing what you’re doing, those of us who follow look forward to seeing your creations.
Mandi, I only watched this show because you were on it. I could kinda tell by the commercials that you were out in the first round because they didn’t show you much. I agree with the others that you got robbed and that the premise of the show is seriously flawed. It’s the epitome of why I don’t call myself a “crafter”, either. People DO think crafters make crap out of crap and this show just emphasises that belief. I thought the birdhouse made with the cards was just as “messy” looking and the fact that it wouldn’t last outside should have had them axing it and her. You did great, though and you WILL have your own show some day. I just hope you get to choose the premise…
Yes, you were robbed but I wouldn’t feel too bad. I think the show is stupid! Why are they piling up a bunch of NEW ridiculous unrelated products to use? As someone above suggested, why not let the contestants choose their own supplies so that they can repurpose some things rather than cutting up brand new products? Who is going to have – or buy – 100 boogie boards to make a lounge chair?? I’m so disappointed in the show. P.S. I think Tori Spelling is obnoxious and the judges are not much better. Blog on.
Totally talked all about the show with my girlfriends during lunch yesterday and we all agree that the rules should have been more clearly defined. I think they still have a lot of kinks to work out with the show. Gotta say that you looked beautiful Mandi and you seem like such a natural on television!
I was so bummed when you were cut! I thought the durability of the foam core bird house was ri-dic-u-lous! I mean, the first rain and it would be sad! And since the only part that saved the guy was the light, well, that’s just laime! I was so excited when I saw you though, I told my husband, “I know her! I know her! Look, her blogs right here!” – even though I’ve never met you but I read your blog and have conversations with you while I read my blog so I FEEL like we’re friends! You looked great and I think you were robbed but it’s awesome that you gave it a shot!
awww, i dont have cable so i couldnt watch it. (hint- could it be posted here?) but i know how stuff like that works- i hope they didnt edit you into ridiculous-ness!!! your submission video was great!
I agree with pretty much everyone else. Why did they say having it work outside was one of the most important parts when yours was the ONLY ONE THAT WOULD WORK OUTSIDE!!? So frustrating. I was sure the foam core guy was gonna go home. Better luck next time girlie! And I’m sure there will be a next time!!
Come on Amanda just “google” foam core birdhouse and there are quit a few other DIY bloggers with instructions/templates for them. The reason they must have editted out the durability instructions from the show was because your birdhouse was so crappy how could they keep you on for the second project… it could withstand a mormon snow storm thou right? I can understand all the support for a friend and follower, and I know this is the new America where everyone gets a medal… so Mandi you get first… first loser! Congrats
Hateraide medal of the day goes to anonymous. Mandi was the first Loser on the show and your a loser in real life anonymous.
Wow, anonymous…were you dropped on your head as a baby? Only a complete loser would bring a religious insult into their comment…
If you like being on TV so much, send some demo tapes to the TV stations nearest you. Salt Lake City, and Las Vegas? Everyone needs CONTENT. Follow up. Gear your tapes to a holiday, or back to school, etc. Don’t give up! Also make some nice videos and put them on YouTube. Don’t give up! Love your guts Mandi, now show us what you are made of! You were great on Nate. Find a friend to analyze your videos, or send them to me. I’m critical, but also I know if the instructions are good. Martha Stewart convinced me I could plant a tree. AnnWilson
I thought you looked familiar when I saw you on the show! Yours was the best house, I think. Yes, maybe painting it would have been good, but I loved the ‘junky’ look of it. Love your guts for going on TV!
Hi! I’m actually new to your blog- I decided to search it after watching craft wars. I really liked your personality 🙂 You know, you’re right- sometimes you lose. I loved where you were going with the birdhouse idea. It reminded me of a collage. I think if you had finished, you would have stayed in. Unfortunately, as it was, it really looked disjunct as a whole. Contrary to many of the other commenters, I think Kevin deserved to stay. It was a good design, and I think in the right place it would be durable. Now, the other lady (can’t remember her name) made a pretty birdhouse, but I thought the functionality problems made it a tough decision between you two. I mean, a wind chime, really? Wow. Anyway, I do understand why they eliminated you, but I wanted to let you know that your personality shown through better than your loss. 🙂
As a quick side note, I think Craft Wars is trying to copy food network’s Cupcake Wars. I think the idea is cool but needs some tweaking. The only thing I can’t stand is the host- she’s kinda creepy lol.
Anyway, I look forward to exploring your blog!
Robbed…durable…crafty(cringing) That show is ridiculous. The judges don’t have a clue. The panels of “junk” you used were pretty on trend with the current salvage decorating. Also unless you were using low temp glue or were hanging it in the desert your glued bits would have held much longer than playing cards and foam core. And when you impose the gimmick of one hour – HELLO – paint and glue dry times, what do you expect? Other than the chunk of change and a few more minutes exposure you didn’t miss much. Hold your head high Girl, creative trumps crafty any day of the week. Besides the most mesmerizing part of the show was how shiny TS’s lip gloss was! Linda
I was super bummed! I didnt even finish watching the rest of the show. I knew that you were gonna re-do your bird house! that just shows your awsomeness!! You did amazing girl!!
love ya!
Just have to say my daughter Lily and I had fun watching the show, and I loved seeing a fellow blogger competing, even if you didn’t win. Good for you, taking on the challenge. And I love your positive attitude about the whole experience! 🙂
Mandi, I loved the idea behind your bird house. I was so disappointed in their making such a huge deal about how it had to be “functional,” then completely lying about it! It either has to be, or it doesn’t! Sheesh! I agree with many others. I’m getting tired of their inconsistency, and it’s very frustrating! I DID however write your name down, and googled your blog because I watched the show, and really wanted to see how wonderfully talented you are! So some good things happened because of it! I can see why you wanted to back out! Oh, and I hadn’t heard Nate’s show was cancelled. Now I’m REALLY bummed!!!
just read the part that nate is cancelled???sickening. i have been waiting to see when the next season of new episodes will begin and then seeing that.’
i realize the show was the first episode but it seemed a little discombobulated. did it feel that way from inside?? you have a great camera presence so i am sure there is another door waiting for you.
Hey, Mandi, just saw your show (OnDemand) this morning. My critique of the show, in general, is that they are really trying to model their judging after the whole Nigel cut-a-person down judging. Seriously, it was a bit crushing to hear people being told theirs wasn’t good enough…or sloppy….or whatever. We’ve all seen your work on here, along with that awesome casting video, and that 1-hour of “SHOCK” crafting is no indication of your talent and creativity. Keep doing what you’re doing, and use it as a stepping stone to move on to the next thing!
Serena
Thrift Diving
http://www.ThriftDiving.com
I watched it on demand today, too. Knowing all of the freaking amazing things that you can do…and that this show did weird stuff that was not like the amazing things you do, I was very interested. I will grant you, as you say, that it was not your BEST work, BUT that said…THEY DID NOT EVEN FOLLOW THEIR OWN RULES WHEN JUDGING! Although the other two birdhouses were cute, they would NOT have lasted through a rain/wind storm. Let’s just say that to start with, so shame on those judges. That being said, I was surprised there wasn’t more color to your birdhouse, but the truth is…MANDI, you are so much more amazing than “crafting”. You inspire people every day with your awesome projects (like me…I was being a spray paint ninja this morning after I watched your episode). THANK YOU for doing what you do every day. If it helps, you definitely get the style points out of the three contestants, although I have to admit that the dude that won did a freaking amazing job on his patio furniture made out of beach stuff! You are fabulous! Never forget it! And it was fun to see who Jill is, too!!!!
I’m disappointed the judges let you go when a competitor used foam board to make a birdhouse AND I’ve never seen a bird that would care if there was a porch light! Really?!? However, because of Craft Wars, I decided to check you out online and you now have a new follower in me! I can’t wait to see what you do next!!!
I started to fallow your blog after watching you on Craft Wars, and now all I want to do is to go buy a can of paint and stencils and go redo my master bedroom. You do have a great talent don’t let that show and some bad comments over here bump you down !!! Cant wait to see how you birdhouse redo will look like!
So, funny story. Last week I was reading your tutorial on the teapot lamp. Didn’t even really notice your picture or anything. And this morning I was watching my DVR-ed episode of Craft Wars and saw that lamp in your quick intro. And I knew it had to be you. So yeah, I totally came back to re-read. On the whole, I was sad the foam core bird house beat yours out, but his patio set thing was so awesome that maybe it just had to be. BUT! Even though you’re not $10K richer, any press is good press. And I came back to see you after watching it, even if you didn’t win. So all isn’t lost. 😉
I actually liked your birdhouse and thought it was the most functional out of the three. [Shrug] But I wasn’t one of the judges, so there ya go!
So, I thought they picked wrong in the first round. Really, a foam core birdhouse with nothing but some paper flamingos on the front? I would have picked you ladies to move forward. Then I knew you would have blown them away with the outdoor furniture. Your taste is impeccable and you would have won it hands down.
Oh, and did you notice that in the final round that they criticized the guy (can’t remember names) for not having a shelf on his bar, but never said anything positive about the ladies bar because it did include the shelf. All the male judge kept harping on was how she tied the boogie boards to the back of the sofa with rope. Well, would hot glue held them on over time? Noooooooooo. Although the man was handier because of the welding, I think the lady had better ideas. Oh well. I am so glad you had the chance to do it and got to experience the process.
When they were voting you off, all I kept thinking was “Do you not know who this young lady is?” “Nate Berkus said she has a big career in front of her in design!” Then in my head I blew a raspberry at them.
Jenny
I personally enjoy reading your blogs after seeing you on Nate. However, I don’t think you were robbed. Maybe other people really enjoy flamingos and playing cards 🙂 Sometimes that is just the way things go. A humbling experience is good for all of us now and then. Moving on and upward!!!
I’ve watched Craft Wars a little now and I’m not too impressed overall. The show doesn’t seem to flow well. The schoolhouse play house one was cool though. But unlike all the other fans, I would have to say that your birdhouse, like you said, wasn’t good. Sorry. But that’s not your forte, really, so you shouldn’t worry about it. You’re great at decorating and that’s more fun to see and that’s what I’m here to be inspired by!
I really want to like Craft Wars and while disappointed in the first episode, I was sure that the second episode, starring my favorite DIY Blogger, would rock my socks. Well, maybe if my socks matched the homemade 1990s beaded t-shirt the other competitor wore, they would have been rocked. (was that rude? Sorry, but the other lady embodies every negative stereotype “crafters” get) I mean, OK, if I have to be completely honest, you ran out of time before you could make something as Mandilicious as you always do. But even so, the judges harped on durability and practicality, both of which your bird house was. Foam core? A wind chime that would discourage birds from lighting? Paper roof? None of those are durable or practical. Whatevs. I was SO mad you didn’t get to go on to the second round (you know, cause we are like super fun friends who, um, well, have never met) and even while the judging was going on and the hubs was saying “I think your girl is going home” I was in denial.
Anyway, I don’t get the format. It’s like they took Cupcake Wars and tried to twist it to use crafters. It’s exactly the same! Some ridiculous 1 hour challenge (make cupcakes with bacon, relish, or squid/make a bird house from junk drawer items) and then the winning two get “helpers” to make some big display for the cupcakes…er patio equipment or playhouse. The format is off. It doesn’t work. Hey anything MANDI can’t win HAS to be off, right???
I recognized you in the previews and so watched the show. Your’s was the only bird house that followed the rules. I think you were robbed. May not watch the show any longer but will continue to follow your wonderful blog. I love your guts!
I was so excited a blog I follow was going to be on craft wars… i thought your bird house was terrific when it came to following the directions they provided… so just because they changed their mind about what they were looking for you got screwed… good job on what you did! Don’t let these haters get you down either… what is wrong with people these days… leaving comments just to be mean… shaddy! Keep up all the great stuff you do Mandi! There are way more of us lovers of you than haters! 🙂
Oh, MANDI! I felt the EXACT same about my duffle bag from the pop craft challenge! I didn’t care about winning the prize, I just wanted to show that that was NOT a reflection if my work! Even after I won, I totally balled during my exit interviews because the bag I made was NOT the bag I wanted to make! I have a million ideas of how I could have constructed it differently to get the look that I wanted with out so much time! I feel so conflicted about it AND I WON the darn thing! Total surreal mind trip! Anyway, you were/are adorable and I liked yours better than Kevin’s (sorry dude, congrats your bar WAS amazing)
I just watched the show. Well let’s say that I just watched your segment. How could they kick you off? You actually have style…and then there are some people with appliquied and beaded t-shirts with matching scrunchies. You are full of talent and spunk and definitely on your way to bigger and better things than junk drawer bird houses.
Dude – I will totally say {out loud} what I think I would say if I were in your shoes. I think it’s REDIC that they only gave you guys that little of time. They should have either given you more time or given you a pre-constructed birdhouse that you simply could deconstruct or decorate from. I was friggin shocked when you lost. And I did totally freak when I saw you on the previews (I knew it was you at first sight! – awesome fan moment). At least your birdhouse followed the rules that it had to be an outside birdhouse. there is no way that playing cards would last one season outdoors. I don’t think the judges thought this one threw. You are definitely better than this stupid show.
When we were at Evo and I did the Lowe’s challenge I felt the same way! We had 90 minutes. We spent the first 20 just trying to come up with an idea! Our table didn’t win, and in pictures it’s pretty cute, but in person it was not so much. Had we had more time it would have looked much better. I’m not so sure I’m totally on board with the Craft Wars concept. It’s almost making a mockery of those that truly have artistic talent.