March Team Challenge: "Rise of the Machines"

Welcome to RNEST's March Team Challenge! The theme for this month was 
"Rise of the Machines"

Earlier this month, we asked our RNEST members to get creative and make items representing an interpretation of the theme...and now YOU, our loyal blog readers, get to pick the winner!  Here's the list of our contestants!

DIP Switch Necklace Earring Set by k5art

"These earrings are DIP Switches and are approximately 1" in length. The wires on the back have been bent flat and covered in a hard glaze for a smooth protective surface. FUN FACTS: DIP stand for Dual Inline Package Switch. Normally DIP switches are found on motherboards, expansion cards or auxiliary cards. They consist of tiny rectangular components that contain parallel rows of terminals (terminal pins) and a connecting mechanism to the circuit board."

Robot Nubbin by KiraArts

"Much more snuggley than your typical robot! (because they're made of fleece and felt instead of steel!) Just like classic Nubbins, Robot Nubbins love to be squeezed...and make great stress relievers! Just give them a squeeze, or throw them across the room, they'll love it! They make great cubical buddies!"

Robot Wool Felt Sewn and Needle Felted Stuffed Animal by PeachesProducts

"Taking a walk on the digital side, Peaches Products manufacted a robot. Robot body, legs and arms are made of sturdy wool felt, and his face is needle felted on. Measures about 10" tall, and stands up on his own. He won't vaccuum the floor or really do much of anything you might want a robot to do around the house, BUT he will look freaking awesome on your couch, bookshelf, or desk. Perfect gift for the man in your life who has everything, because I guarantee you, he doesn't have one of these!"

Laptop Key Pendant by SunshyneSilverwear

"This unique pendant is made from an actual recycled laptop keyboard key. The key is coated with resin to give a lustrous look that also protects it. The one for sale is a silver 'B' (approx 20mm square)"

Cast your vote for your favorite on the poll in the upper, right corner of the blog! 

(Deadline to vote is by midnight on March 7th)

Jack's Pick: Hercules by Dan Bentley

Each Friday I select an item created by a member of the Rochester NY Etsy Street Team(RNEST). What criteria do I use? I look for great looking items that I think are well made offered for a great price!

This week I would like to introduce Hercules, a robotic sculpture from the creative mind of Dan Bentley, one of the newest members of RNEST.

Dan Bentley have been building and deconstructing toys and tools since his childhood. Dan's mission is to feature the aesthetics of manufactured products in unique sculpture. Hercules is a great example of this mission.

Hercules arms are made from two vintage Black and Decker electric drills. His head is made from an old alarm clock. You quickly begin to realize Dan's genius in finding complimentary curves, colors, and shapes in putting together these found objects. In his descriptions of his creations, you begin to realize this robot IS the sum of it's parts, with each element telling an incredible story of design and function.

Dan wisely recruited the aid of his daughter who captures a mood for each of these robots in her stunning photos.

You can see more of Dan's work on his website, and in his etsy shop.