Mosaic Monday: Santa Claus Is Coming To Town

Hard to believe it, but Christmas is a mere 3.5 days away! That means the big guy in red and white is prepping for leaving the great white north and leaving gifts for all the good kids. Will you get what is on your wishlist this year?

1) Santa by seventytwostitches
2) Candy Canes Print by PamLefcourt
3) Pink Plaid Bobby Pins by NightLady
4) Headphones Tote by itsastitch
5) Vegan Altered Vintage Gloves by aprilevening
6) Variety Gift Ornaments by strawberryona
7) Burgundy Czech Glass Flowers from thegoodyshop
8) Romantic Red Silk Pillow by WhiteThistleBridal

To further encourage spending the holidays with your family/friends/people you care about, the team blog/twitter/flickr will be closed from 12/24-12/28. Hope everyone enjoys the holidays! 

Wishlist Wednesday - Eileen from CreationsByEileen!

Hi LabRats! LushBoutique here. I can't believe Christmas is so close. Today's featured member is Eileen from CreationsByEileen, and I wanted to give her a big Thank You for doing this during the busiest time of the year.


Here is her selection of favorites (all from LabRats!), in no particular order.


"I am a pretty "crafty" person, so I like things that I either couldn't or wouldn't do myself. This must take tons of patience and talent. I remember everyone trying to make things in this kind of pattern out of gum wrappers when I was young. Mine never turned out very well. My admiration of the art combines with two of my other favorite things: maps and re-purposing!

I am the most remedial drawer! I did not inherit my mother's artistic talent. I love this scene and envy the ability to create something like this.

So one day, several months ago, I bought a ton of clay, a clay oven, and many "tools". It is all still sitting in a corner of my studio gathering dust. My mind just cannot comprehend how you make something this gorgeous out of those packs of clay. I decided to leave it to people like Rolyzcreations (who does it so well)!

I have loved these little textured note cards from the moment I saw them. I know that if I bought them, I could not stand to send them out. I would just want to "feel" and admire them!

I was married in February of 1980 in front of a fireplace at a friend's house. I didn't want to spend a lot of money on a wedding dress for the very small gathering. This dress is very much like the one I was married in. I sent the link to my daughter hoping she would love it. She did, but said, "Could you shorten it"? It would break my heart to shorten it, but I do hope someone finds this and loves it the way it is. It is so feminine and pretty. (By the way - still happily married!)"

Thank you so much Eileen from CreationsByEileen!! Happy holidays everyone!

Mosaic Monday: Mele Kalikimaka

Aloha! This song really reminds me of my mom's house at Christmas. I wish it was because she lived in Hawaii, but she really just likes Jimmy Buffet. Plus it's just a little change of pace in the land of red and green.

1) Celtic Moon Polymer Bracelet by celticmoonstudios
2) Sapphire the Sea Dragon by PlushWithAttitude
3) Turquoise Origami Star Ornament by SleipnirDesgins
4) Ornamental Sun Long Sleeve Shirt by rctees
5) Pugs Kissing Under The Mistletoe Stocking by cowboybunny
6) Blue Vintage Recycled Sketchbook by somavenus
7) Altered Domino Necklace by AmeRayn
8) Mod Grass Field Note Card by BirdcageCards

Try not to be too jealous of those Hawaiians during this chilly winter ;-)

Feature Friday - Welcome to New Members!

Hello! Allison from Allysattic here. This week, I thougt we'd do something a little new and welcome some of the newest members to our team.

And in no particular order, here they are:

bethanylorelle - From the shops profile information, "*bethany lorelle* specializes in fine, handmade fashion accessories. Since its founding in 2000, *bethany lorelle* has become known in the Minneapolis-St. Paul area for its popular headbands and hair accessories. In 2008, *bethany lorelle* expanded to boutiques around the country, as well as opening this shop on Etsy.com!"

gizecraft - gizecraft focuses on patchwork bags, and the shop's announcement reads that "Each bag is carefully designed by me using beautiful fabrics like popline, bombasine, felt, cotton, etc. Actually all fabrics are beautiful and when they are mixed together, they become really special."

Knitting4Ewe - Knitting4Ewe, as the name implies, centers on knitted goods. When talking about knitted goods, the shop's announcement reads that "There is nothing better than a soft, warm knit during the long winter months. Doesn't it seem to last forever? Scarves, cowls, hats,and gloves are a real comfort against the cold."

thecheekyprincess - This shop offers handsewn baby goods. In it you can find various baby-related goods such as slings and onsies, and other handcrafted items like crocheted wrist warmers!

mountaineercountry - mountaineercountry offers a mix of items from a woodern toy boat, handmade bath scrubbies, kaleidoscopes, and wood pens. The shop is "An eclectic mix of hand-knitted and crocheted, sewn, and hand-crafted wooden items inspired by the simple life of the Appalachian region."

Welcome to our new members! We look forward to getting to know you all.

Wishlist Wednesday - Alison from Glassali!

Hi Rats! Wednesday already?? LushBoutique here with another great Wishlist Wednesday list from one of our fabulous members.


Today's featured member is the fabulous Alison from Glassali.


Here is her selection of favorites, in no particular order.


"I absolutely adore these earring despite the fact that I have a sneaking suspicion that they are heavy and my earlobes would end up on my shoulders if I wore them for any length of time, I'd be willing to take that risk for these beauties.  Yes, that's me in the grocery store with the large earlobes.

I love the juxtaposition of an ancient craft, like pottery, and contemporary sensibilities.  And I love how smart that last sentence makes me sound even if it makes no sense at all.  Basically, I like this
if for no other reason than it's colorful.  And contemporary.

Kristin may be the first artist I stalked on Etsy.  Not in the weird way that the term "stalker" implies.  No, in a much more benevolent, "I want to make things like she does!" kind of way.  Which is still actually a little weird, I'll admit.  I make glass beads and I aspire to silversmithing, and she does both so well.

I don't think I even have to say anything about these.  I have absolutely no use for them, whatsoever.  My children are 11 and 13, it's nowhere near Halloween, and my house is cluttered.  So why do I have to use all my willpower to resist tapping that "Add to Cart" button when I see these guys?

I kind of love my Great Dane, Holy Moly, a lot.   And event though she's black, this pendant captures that Great Dane spirit so well:

All it's lacking is the drool."


Thank you Alison from Glassali!

Mosaic Monday: I'll Be Home For Christmas

Ah, one of my FAVORITES. It's pretty, warming and slightly sad all in one, I'll Be Home For Christmas is exactly how I am feeling this year (except I REALLY will be, it won't be in my dreams) so while everyone's gearing up for to big day, let's get excited for seeing friends and family at this time of year.

1) Two Red Ice Skate Ornaments by ScrapHappieAZ
2) Crimson Drop Earrings by meredithfenwick
3) Italian Fashionista Baby Carrier by BabyEtte
4) Georgette Auburn Headband by bethanylorelle
5) Books Fabric Garland by imfromthewoods
6) Red Plaid Harness Coat/Vest by TerrierTrousers
7) White Garland Tree Ornament by AuntKarensCreations
8) Leather Attache Case/Diaper Bag by missprettyperfect


Enjoy!


PS: It was really hard selecting a version of this song, there are, seriously, at least 100 different covers. I picked one I had never heard before (doesn't hurt that I am a sucker for A Capella versions of songs). Here is another for you fans of the classics.

And The Winner Is...

NIGHTOWLCRAFTWORKS!

Congratulations! Thanks to everyone who entered and voted! We will be having another challenge in the Summer, and we're planning a Giveaway for the spring! Keep your eyes peeled :)

Wishlist Wednesday -- Shelley from EvenAndy!

Hi everyone! LushBoutique here with another great Wishlist Wednesday list from one of our fabulous members.


Today's featured member is the fabulous Shelley of EvenAndy.

The first pick is from SimpleWoodenToys. "I think this is a great gift for a little girl or boy.  Since it made of genuine wood, it will last forever.  (I like that the owner is a grandpa who knows nothing about the internet.  I think that it is sweet that his kids sell his stuff for him). 

Her next pick is from fellow LabRat BabyEtte . "I have a 10 month old and slings are the greatest for doing everyday things with a baby.  I love BabyEtte's slings.  I think they are adorable!

 

I think this is a really cute bag.  I love that rainbowswirlz offers it in a variety of colors.

 

I think this is a creative use of photography to create name art.  Lovely and unique piece by artofwhimsyphoto.

I love jewelry.  I think that this is a cute vintage style piece by ghostlovejewelry.

Thank you Shelley from EvenAndy!!

Mosaic Monday: Silver and Gold

It's the last day of November! Hope everyone enjoyed their Thanksgiving and is revved up for the Holidays (I know I am)! I'm going to have some fun with themes this month, and each week will be inspired by a song. I'll kick things off with my Grandfather's favorite, Silver and Gold.

1) Let Go by Paperbullet
2) Grey and Mustard Ponytail Holders by zomoandbara
3) Gold and Peal Bird's Nest Ring by laurabailliedesigns
4) Blue Bird of Happiness by yarnabees
5) Dolce Silver Glitter Shoes from AgelessThings
6) The Casino Necklace by lushboutique
7) Grey Circles Notecard by EvenAndy
8) Gold Fusion Christmas Bow by Advancewing

And The Nominees Are...

Thanks so much to everyone who entered our Team Challenge: Glistening Snow and Mistletoe. Each entry was gorgeous and I was so happy to see that a good number of them sold!

Since we didn't get quite as many entries as we were hoping for, we are doing a top 4 (instead of 5), and here they are!

Merry Christmas Decorated 8x10 Framed Matte Board by HeatherJaneDesign 

Small Blank Snowflake Journal by nightowlcraftworks 

 

Snowflakes Oil Lamp Bottle by ocasiocasa 

Tourmalinated Quartz Earrings by spookychandelier 

And there you have it! Our top 4 (and I promise I did not score my earrings - that was all the other 2 judges!). There is a poll on the top of the sidebar that will be open for the next 10 days (it will close Dec. 5th at 12pm EST). ALL are welcome to vote on it! And remember, the winner will receive a 4-day ad on craftcult, paid for by the judges of this.

Thanks again for entering, and Happy Thanksgiving, Americans!

Wishlist Wednesday - Angie from Cantrix Jewelry!

Hi everyone! LushBoutique here with another great Wishlist Wednesday list from one of our fabulous members.


Today's featured member is the fabulous Angie of CantrixJewelry.


Her first pick is from larimeloom. Angie says, "I love the versatility of this dress. She shows 4 ways to wear it, and I'm sure you could think of more. It's so pretty and feminine, and in jersey you know it must be SUPER comfortable!" (I agree. AH-DORABLE.)

I am head over heels in love with this necklace from briguysgirls, and I don't know why I don't just buy it for myself! These real leaves dipped in precious metals in my new obsession and if I could have a million of them, I probably would. I love how this one is layered with the pearl. It could be worn with just about every outfit!

I am a knitter and a spinner so I love just about anything made out of wool. Who knew it could make such beautiful art? This painting from SunflowerWoolArt would look so great anywhere in my house, especially in my craft room (which is overflowing with yarn and fiber!)

I love wearing post earrings. These earrings from tigerlillyshop are the perfect size and the color is gorgeous. I also love that the fabric is iridescent. I want these in every color!

Last but not least, something for the kitties. My husband and I are joking (but kind of seriously) about getting a couple of these from whiskerkisses for our cats to wear in a photo for out Christmas cards. I have a tie like this that I like to put on my cats whenever I have the chance. They look so cute and funny with them on!

Thank you Angie from Cantrix and Cantrix Jewelry. Have a fabulous Thanksgiving everyone, and good luck this weekend!!!

Mosaic Tuesday: Because This Week Is Wonky

I did actually make this yesterday, but my day was so crazy, what with the Trunk Show (which was fun!) and such, that I am posting this today.

Theme: Earth

A large collection of just some rats who are having deals this week! Look around in all the shops for great Black Friday/Cyber Monday deals abound.

Also letting you guys know two more things:

1) We will be annoucing the top 5 for the Team Challenge tomorrow afternoon/evening!

2) We will not be updating the blog/twitter Thurs-Sat, enjoy the holiday with friends and family (since the team is mostly American)!

Feature Friday - Shelley from EvenAndy

Feature Friday - On a Monday because my internet still doesn't work at home! :)

Shelley from EvenAndy is our current Featured Lab Rats Team member.

My name is Shelley Worsham. I just moved to Brooklyn, NY from Boston. I am a stay at home mom with a very active 9 month old. Before becoming a stay at home mom, I was a Chemist and Pathology Technologist. I just recently started exploring my creative side. I enjoy making stationery and paper products. When I got the nerve to share my work, I decided that Etsy would be a great environment for sharing. When my son was first born, I decided that I needed something to do during the day while he slept. I decided that I wanted to learn the Adobe Creative Programs (Illustrator, Photoshop, inDesign, Flash). As I started to learn, I became extremely interested in creating things. My husband is an Art Director and he would honestly critique my work. I just love doing it.

I get ideas through things around me. They come from things I read, from things I saw while taking walks with my son, from things I saw on television, or from a song that I heard. I normally start my day around 5AM. I start printing out things and preparing them to be photographed. My normal day is filled with forum chats, taking pictures, posting items, tweeting, looking for promotion sites, completing orders (if applicable), and attending virtual labs. I get this done during my son's naptime. I also do a lot of work (designing) at night when everyone is asleep.

I think that my items are for those people who still like receiving and sending mail. It is for the person that likes the personal aspect of writing out a letter.

3 Favorite Books: Great Gatsby (F. Scott Fitzgerald), Beloved (Toni Morrison), Things Fall Apart (Chinua Achebe)

3 Favorite Songs: Yesterday (Beatles), No Women, No Cry (Bob Marley), Imagine (John Lennon)

3 Favorite Television Shows: Seinfeld, Desperate Housewives, The Biggest Loser

3 Favorite Websites: www.evenandy.etsy.com, www.google.com, www.twitter.com,

In a year, I hope that my shop will be more visible. I hope to have steady sales (at least one a day). I want at least 150 items available at all times to give customers a large selection.

I am currently working on reorganizing my shop. I was recently told that I should separate my items into flat and folded cards. I am currently in the process of doing just that.

If I could have one superpower it would be regeneration. That would be great to know that no matter what, I would be like brand new.

Thank you to Shelley and to all of you for being patient with me (at least I haven't received any angry e-mails) while I finalize unpacking in the new house and getting the internet going. The guys from CableOne are coming out today, so hopefully, everything will be as right as rain once again.

Here's one last item from Shelley's beautiful shop:

Trunk Show Information

This was sent out as an e-mail, but I'm posting it here, too!

TRUNK SHOW
Gallery in the Virtual Labs
7pm (EST)
Monday, November 23

A trunk show, in real life, is when a group of crafters get together and have a small show for people they invite or whoever happens to come by and see. It works almost the same in the virtual labs, only... well, it's virtual!

I'd advise coming around 15-30 minutes early, and getting settled, and start chatting up your deals and what you will be offering. Invite EVERYONE. The more eyes, the more likely a sale.

Which brings me to my next point, think up some kind of discount or sale to offer to people in attendance. Free shipping, BOGO, 10%/15%/25%/however much percent off. It'll be a great way to encourage multiple sales and make people want to stay and buy more.

What will you actually do? Well, I will be allowing other members to to on their webcam (but PLEASE REMEMBER to wear headphones, you get horrible echo if you don't!). If you don't have one, that's totally ok, you don't need one. I just feel like it makes it a little easier to communicate! We will be taking turns, probably in a 5-10 minute frame, of showing off items (via item cards) and you will explain what sale is being offered, who it would be a great gift for and if there are any other items in your shop that would go well with it.

If you're offering discounts in the trunk show, I don't really advise against changing the listing, in case other buyers are in your shop and they might get a deal on not knowing. If someone is interested, my best advice, is just to refund them back through paypal. If you're offering BOGO, either select an item everyone will get (a free gift sort of deal) or tell them to pick out an item and reserve it for them.

Feel free to announce in your shop the Lab Rat Trunk Show, I will be! I WOULD wait until maybe Saturday evening or Sunday afternoon to announce it, or else people may wait and get a discount rather than just buy the item. I've gone ahead and typed up and example, if you'd like to just copy and paste:

LAB RAT TEAM TRUNK SHOW
Looking for some great holiday gifts, along with some holiday sales?
Come to the Etsy Virtual Labs Monday, November 23 at 7pm (EST)
Art, jewelry, baby items, paper goods, crochet, vintage and so much more!
Everyone is welcome!
Look for the Gallery, in black.
http://www.etsy.com/virtual_labs.php

Here, is an example, of what you might do, should you attend:
- prior to, talk it up with everyone (in person, on twitter, on your blog, facebook, in your shop).
- Enter room, about 20 minutes early. Chat with everyone about the 15% off all items you have going on tonight.
- itsa turns cam on, selects you to go.
- you annouce your sale, give a link to your shop, and soon, people start putting in item cards from your shop.
- you mention something would make a great gift for those ever elusive teenagers or a Mother In Law.
- someone sees something they want, they purchase it. (yay!)
- you (after doing the happy sale dance, it's required) refund them the 15% back through paypal.
- you pick the next person to go!
- No sale? Bummer. But you still get to pick the next person.

If you have any other question, don't hesitate to ask! Nothing is too silly or stupid.

Can't wait, hope you can make it!

Wishlist Wednesday - Lynn from TexasBeadz

Hi everyone! LushBoutique here with another great Wishlist Wednesday list from one of our fabulous members.

Today's featured member is Lynn of TexasBeadz. 

Lynn's first pick is from BijouxOdalisque. She says, "This woman creates masterpieces with tiny jewels hand selecting the colors, placing them every so perfectly. If you look at the shop, each piece is very unique and you could just scoop them all up and take them home. Now would they go with my denims and flip flops, probably not, but every once in a while this casual soul has to wear her pretties.

Our fellow Rat, WhiteThistleDesign, is an amazing talent! She creates designs from very high end fabrics and makes bags, pillows and now has a Bridal division creating the most amazing ring bearer pillows. If I had an entire page, I will tell you all her talents and you would be blown away. This is most definitely a woman to be admired.

I have been on a labradorite kick for some time and these haunt me. Heck, Lynn, just break down and buy them! LittleBug is very innovative and creative and works non stop on her shop, photo work and designs. I just love to keep watching to see what she thinks up next!

EcoChic is a newbie Rat but long time Etsian from Dallas YeeeHaw! She is an art director so the creative juices ooooze thru her veins. Everything she picks up turn in to fabulously creative items, mostly from recycled or repurposed goods. Can you imagine sitting and folding magazine paper for days on end?? So very patient and talented.

I'm saddened that I can only select 5 favorites because my list is a mile long. Polestar has to be in my top 5 and in fact, I just featured her in my blog as an artist to be admired. Polestar is climbing to the top very fast with 1493 sales in just a little over a year.

So when my ship comes in, I win the lottery or we strike oil (or better yet, gold) these top 5 will be well looked after! I hope you enjoy looking at their fabulous finds as much as I do."



Thank you Lynn from TexasBeadz! Have a great week everyone!

Mosaic Monday: Not All Those Who Wander Are Lost

I have been looking at places far off from here, day-dreaming about seeing the world. This mosaic monday is inspired by travel!

1) The Flight Bag by ohvotrecoeur
2) 99 luftballoons by WorksInProgress
3) Harbor Patrol Bathtub Toy by mountaineercountry
4) Glass Art Necklace by somavenus
5) Little Pink Houses by SunshineandRavioli
6) Postcard Ring by itsastitch

Happy trails!

An Apology and My Weekend without the Internet

Hello all -

As some of you may have noticed, I did not do my weekly Feature Friday post this past week. The reason is that I did not have the internet beginning about Thursday mid-morning at home. I still don't have the internet, so I wasn't able to post it over the weekend either. Hopefully, the cable company will be able to fix my internet either tomorrow or Wednesday. Ah, the joys of moving into a new house and having the internet switched over and it not working and the cable company being completely booked and being too busy at work to do the posting there.....*sigh*

Anyway, I'd like to apologize to everyone about missing the Feature Friday post, and especially to EvenAndy, who was going to be the featured person. I will be featuring EvenAndy this next Friday, Nov. 20th.

Allison (Allysattic)

Lab Rats In The Storque!

Hey guys! I was so proud and excited to see our team made it into Etsy Find's: The A-Team, which showcases a few teams and some upcoming events/discounts they have going on.

We will be having a trunk show in the Virtual Labs on Monday, November 23 at 7pm, so be sure to come by, as this is FANTASTIC promotion for it! Sure to be some buyers in the house (myself being one of them).

Congratulations, team!

Some Notes

Hello! Just a few quick notes for you all.

-Meeting tonight! 7:30pm (EST) Shop Critiques in the Sky Room. Come if you're able to - I'll try to get to as many shops as I can =)

-Challenge! We only have a few entries for the Team Challenge, so I wanted to remind/make sure everyone is aware. There are 9 days left to enter, here is where you can read up on/leave your entry. Great stuff, so far!

-News! The lovely, wonderful and talented lushboutique is now our 3rd team "captain" (I don't know what we're officially supposed to be), but she will be taking over Wish list Wednesdays from here on out. Yay! And thanks so much to everyone who has extended their services/help to me. I'm TERRIBLE at asking for help, so it's truly appreciated. I plan on adding another one or two leaders to the team to run other things, so just sit tight and keep your eyes peeled.

-Open a second shop? Great! Just let me know and I will add it to the group, no need to fill out the application again.

-Etsy Team Profile Update. We now have some stricter rules for applying and some more links to check out on our profile if you haven't seen them yet. I love when rats recommend others, just make sure they read through the profile page first!

Thanks and hope to see some of you tonight!

Wishlist Wednesday - Toni from rctees

Hi everyone! Allysattic here with another great Wishlist Wednesday list from one of our fabulous members and also an announcement.

Jenni of lushboutique has graciously accepted the task of heading up the Wishlist Wednesday postings on the blog beginning next Wednesday. Malarie will still be going Mosaic Mondays, and I will still be doing Feature Fridays.

Onto the Wednesday Wishlist! Today's featured member is Toni of rctees.

Toni's first item is from another of our great members, 1022SeaShellAve. Toni writes that "I love anything “beach” so when I found 1022SeaShellAve I knew I had found a friend. Kim has amazing original, hand painted seashells. I am already the proud owner of one of her shells and now I have my eye on this beauty for my ’09 Christmas ornament, the Golden Sea, wall ornament." This beauty is titled "Golden Sea View (2) Authentic Hand Painted Sea Shell Art Decoration".

The second item on Toni's wishlist is from another one of our member shops, zwzzy. Thsi dress, titled "Gothic Black Vintage Sexy Olga Maxi Slip" caught her eye because "I love old fashion and Zwzzy has a great eye for truly amazing vintage. I would absolutely love to have this sexy black slip gown…but not half as much as my hubby would love it. – hehe Wonderful shop!!"

Toni's third wishlist item is something to help her work through the loss of "my friend of 10 years, my kitty Marcus. Searching pet portraits I found sharonlamb. Her work is unbelievable and her prices are very affordable."

This listing is titled "Commission Pet painting Life Like custom Pet Portrait Of Your Cat Dog Horse Bunny". What a great way to memoralize a beloved pet!

The next item on the list is this great vintage emerald ring offered by SmallsbySunny. This "18K Gold Vintage Emerald Ring" is on Toni's list because "I’m a big fan of the emerald and because this is a vintage setting, to me it is even more attractive." Toni's trying to "figure out how to share this “discretely” with hubby. Any ideas?? haha."  :)

And, last, but not least, is this fifth item on Toni's wishlist, a great handpainted mug by houseofharriet titled "Amsterdam cats - Big Handpainted Mug - Free shipping." Toni writes that "Being a lover of cats (and dogs) and also a coffee connoisseur, I’ve had my eye on this lovely since day one. Houseofharriet’s Amsterdam cats mug is something that I could treat myself with and not feel one ounce of guilt. I simply love it!!"

Thanks for yet another great Wishlist Wednesday! Have a great day everyone.

And, if I were to put together a wishlist of my own for this week, I could include this tote by Toni at rctees in my list: