Now usually I’m not one for following patterns or kits, but this was different. For the first time EVER, I was actually inspired to follow all the directions provided to a T! Originally being the craft rebel that I am, I intended to make something completely wacky, like another animal or a purse. However after watching the DVD, I was so inspired to create the pure classic sock monkey just like how Ana showed me how to do it in her DVD! She joyfully demonstrates this fun and easy sewing project and offered up lots of practical tips throughout the process!

In the video Ana mentioned the idea of designing customized sock monkeys inspired by specific people. That concept really ignited my creative juices! As you may already know, Betsey Johnson is my ultimate lifetime creative muse! That’s putting it lightly. She is far and away the most inspired, creative, passionate and stylish designer in the entire world! I have never seen a single BJ design that wasn't absolutely incredible! I actually had the clandestine honor of meeting my muse on a beach in Mexico and told about the experience in one of my first blog posts. Words cannot express my love for Betsey!!!! I aspire to be the “Betsey Johnson of the craft world”! So naturally I decided to create my sock monkey in honor of the spectacular Betsey Johnson! The kit provided included a pair of the Original Rockford Red Heel socks. In conjunction with the DVD Sock Monkeys Go BanAnas, Rit® Brand Dye supported the blog hop with Liquid Dye in the colors of our choice (Aquamarine, Fuchsia and Violet)! I experimented with tie dying my sock monkey parts (prior to assembly) and I must admit that even though I opted not to read the directions on the dye the colors came out great! Perhaps my being from Woodstock, NY I have the tie-dye gene? Some participating craft designers also received adorable sock monkey stamps from blog hop supporter Judikins to incorporate into their designs! After creating the basic form, I channeled my inner Betsey Johnson with the hair, accessories and clothing. The eyes are made from plastic water bottle tops filled with glitter and buttons and sealed with Mod Podge Dimensional Magic. Found this great thick Mexican yarn in my stash for the hair and put it up in a beautiful high ponytail, one of Betsey’s signature looks! Her hair actually looked this way the time I met her on the beach! Included are a couple of sequined Duck Tape dreadlocks thrown in just for good measure! In the DVD Ana even teaches you how to make pants for your sock monkey using another pair of socks! I just so happened to have an amazing purple and aqua leopard pair of Betsey Johnson socks that became the jumpsuit embellished with fabric, sequin trim, buttons and applique. Finally I had an absolute blast creating all of her little accessories out of buttons, broken jewelry and Duck Tape. I particularly love the little shoes made out of gold Duck Tape!

If you’d like to enjoy this same fun project and the DVD, you can buy the whole kit online at the WCK mall! Click here to order!

To see all of the designer’s creative interpretations of the Sock Monkey, simply click “Hop Forward” on the Designer Crafts Connection icon in the sidebar of our blogs!

There is also a great contest that you can enter, the deadline is December 19th! You could win the whole Sock Monkey Kit worth over $40.00 which includes: the Videobook "Sock Monkeys Go BanAnas", One Sewn Sock Monkey Ready to be Stuffed, One Pair of the Original Rockford Red Heeled Socks, Button Eyes, Needle, Floss and Stuffing! To enter: