Mosaic Monday - Color!

From top left, clockwise:

3princessesengraving, AngelPearls, GarageGypsy, Squier, AnEnchantedNotion, jellybeans

Treasury: HERE

Team Tag: labratsteam

A Brief Hiatus

Hello guys!

The blog will be taking a little break, as we are doing a total overhaul on it. New ideas, new look and new writers - so exciting :-D

While we are working behind the scenes on bringing you a more awesome blog (blawesome), here are some updates on what's going on.

We have LOTS of new helpers (thanks!) on all parts of the team.

Our Blog Team is:
Rose of SevenSails
Lori of GrayFlannelDesign
Erika of UniquelyEJewlery
Liz of DzyMsLizzy
Sara of BySaraLynn

Our Twitter Team is:
Jane of jmliss
Trisha of PixieDustFineries
Lisa of Paperbullet

Our Facebook Team is:
Malarie of itsastitch
Sara of BySaraLynn

Our Flickr Team is:
Miki of duckfoot
Malarie of itsastitch

Our Forum Writer is:
Sara of BySaraLynn
(sidenote: here is our April Forum Thread, come by and say hi anytime!)

I (itsa) will also continue to hold the Virtual Lab meetings, and keep up with our Team Page on Etsy. I'm also in the process of making some tutorial videos on being successful on Etsy, so keep an eye out for those in the future.

Should you have questions about a specific part of the team, or suggestions for somethings, be sure to contact someone from the above list ^ to make sure the question goes to the right people. I'm happy to take questions, but I am also only 1 person, and can forget about things from time to time.

We will NO LONGER be using our Facebook Fanpage. We are switching to a Facebook group, which will allow me to message the entire team, and is better about alerting members of discussions and posts. Be sure to request to join if you haven't already!

If you have a request for something you'd like to see on the blog, twitter or a tutorial of, post it in the comments! We always love input from our members.

Be sure you're tagging a few items in your shop with the tag "labratsteam", as well as any tweets you want the team to see with the hash-tag #sqk - doing this makes it easier for us to find you!

Thanks to everyone who offered their help in some form, I truly appreciate all the help, and if the positions were filled before you asked, I put you on a list of "back-up" (essentially), should we ever need more help or a replacement.

 

Blog Buttons, Tutorials and more!

Hello team! Hope you all are enjoying warm weather and left over Easter candy.

First things first, we need a blog button! I'm going to turn that over to you guys to create. I'll make a little contest of it, the winning creator of our blog button will get a feature on Facebook and an extended spotlight on the sidebar of our blog! The guidelines for creating our button:

• It should be relevant to "Lab Rats", whether it feature rats, science or the virtual labs - whatever the name means to you.
• It should be 200 pixels wide, and 150-200 tall.
• It needs to be turned in by Saturday, May 1st.
• To turn it in, leave a link to the photo in the comments section of THIS entry. I recommend uploading it to flickr or, if you don't have a flickr account, imgur.

Other than that, be creative and have fun! Once we have all the entries, we'll do a member poll to pick the winning design!

 Moving right along, I'd just like to let people know our little tags and stuff, in case you were new or not sure.

On etsy, use the tag labratsteam on a few items to be seen. I will tell you right now that I when I look for photos to feature on the blog, I search those pages!

On twitter, if you want the team to see something, use the hash tag #sqk. Stick it at the end of a tweet and we can find it!

And lastly, tutorials! If you can make something totally awesome, or feel like you are an absolute EXPERT on something (photos, utilizing social networking, how to approach blogs/boutiques, etc.) send itsastitch a conversation with your idea and we will work out the details!

You guys rock, keep making those treasuries and being awesome! Stay tuned for the next few weeks, we'll be announcing our SUMMER challenge and our next virtual  lab meeting.

Can't wait to see those blog buttons :-)

Mosaic Monday: A Little Silly

Before I get into our Mosaic Monday, I'd like to congratulate Lynette of LuvEweKnits as the winner of our Spring Giveaway! Thank you to everyone who entered, and thanks to the lovely members who volunteered to partake in it! We'll have another giveaway in the Fall.

Anyway, onto Mosaic Monday - it feels like forever since I put one of these together! In honor of April Fools Day (coming up on Thursday) our items are just a little silly and whimsical, for a smile.

1) Cookie Monster Brooch by CuteButGeeky
2) Ahoy There Sailor Suit from zwzzy
3) Winkie Emoticon Decal by Squier
4) Just Dance Greeting Card by 2ndcoming
5) Please Don't Pee Pee On Me by mizkatie
6) Kung Fu Kitty by TexasBeadz
7) Wannabe Punk Rocker Necklace by glassali
8) Bunny Fingerless Gloves by funkisockmunki
9) Bottoms Up Blank Birthday Card by SimplyInvitingCards

Enjoy :-)

Spring Giveaway 2010: Post Entries HERE!

Finally! The time has come to officially open entries for our spring 2010 team giveaway! In case you didn't read the mini-reviews or missed a few, here is a quick rundown of ALL the goodies that will be given away to 1 lucky winner in TWO WEEKS! 

1) A custom stamp (OR scarf) of your choice from lemonadesun.
2) A zipper animal pouch AND 2 buttons from funkisockmunki.
3) A necklace from MichMade.
4) An 8x10 print of your choice from jellybeans.
5) A custom word album of up to 8 letters from SimplyInvitingCards.
6) An Isadora headband from bethanylorelle.
7) A crocheted gray elephant from seventytwostitches.
6) A water bottle from PrettynPreppy.

Nearly $200 in free, fabulous and handmade goodies! 

HOW TO ENTER:
-- Leave a comment on this blog entry.
-- Include your NAME and E-MAIL in the comment, no e-mail means your name will not be added to the mix.
-- ONE entry only.
-- Anyone may enter, team member or not. Feel free to invite others to enter.

WHEN YOU CAN ENTER:
GIVEAWAY IS CLOSED! THANKS TO EVERYONE WHO ENTERED :-)

Spring Giveaway Feature Artist: PrettynPreppy

Hello all! Sorry the updates are a little off, I (itsa/Malarie) just moved to a brand new state, in a brand new apartment, so getting the internet has been interesting. Should be totally back to normal tomorrow.

ANYWAY, today we're talking about the awesome mother/daughter team of Janet and Jennifer (respectively) of PrettynPreppy!

What is your craft and how long have you been on Etsy?
We make water bottles, travel mugs, tote bags, eye masks, key fobs, wallets, etc. and we have been on etsy for less than a year! We opened in June of 2009.

Where are you located and how do you spend your free time?
South Louisiana (:Lafayette). Free time? I didn't know there was such a thing anymore! When we do make time, we love spending time with the family.

What will they be giving away?

 One of their pretty water bottles!

Spring Giveaway Feature Artist: lemonadesun

Hello and happy March, rats! Today we are having a mini-feature on Melody of lemonadesun!

 

 

What is your craft and how long?

Being a crafter from birth, I often have my fingers in a bit of every kind of craft, but for the shop I concentrate mainly on designing and creating hand carved stamps. You'll also find jewelry, crocheted items and my new line of longjohns cards listed as well. After many years of prodding and convincing by friends and family members, I decided to take that giant step of faith and become a budding business woman by starting a shop on Etsy in November of 2008.

Where are you located and how do you spend your free time?

Originally from the little ski town of Whitefish, Montana at the base of Big Mountain, I now reside in the small farming community of Harrisburg, Oregon (just north of Eugene) with my wonderful husband and fabulous four kiddos. I love entertaining and my husband and I spend most of our time creating excuses to host huge parties, planning camping trips, organizing cross country adventures, inviting friends over for barbeques, and even arranging the occasional romantic get-away for ourselves. We guard family time like a treasure (because it is one) and work hard to make fun memories with our kids.

What will she be giving away?

A custom stamp for your shop

OR

A snuggly scarf - your choice!

Spring Giveaway Feature Artist: BethanyLorelle

The first installment of our Spring Giveaway Feature Artists! We have 8 shops who will be giving something away, and 4 weeks for mini-features. First up is Bethany of bethanylorelle!

What is your name and your shop's name?
My shop (and real) name is Bethany Lorelle.

What is your craft?
Since 2001 If have been making hair accessories and wedding jewelry, and since Fall of 2008, have been doing so full time.

Where do you live and how to you spend your free time?
I live in beautiful downtown St. Paul MN with my wonderful and supportive husband Kyle.
I love spending my free time reading, going to the theater (Stage and movies), eating out at unique resturaunts, and playing scrabble.

What will she be giving away?

Her Isadora headband - a top seller and absolutely gorgeous!

News and Things To Expect

Happy February, Rats! Instead of Mosaic Monday, I'm going to give every a run down of upcoming events, and team links that you may have missed.

In case you missed our last virtual lab meeting, we discussed things we would like to do/see more of in 2010. As some of you know, we already have a team forum thread on etsy, feel free to post whatever you'd like, whenever you'd like!

Are you on Twitter? Follow us, and even better, want other rats to see your tweets? Include #sqk in them, it's our team hash tag on there!

How about Flickr? It's a photo sharing site, and we have our own group on there. Just request to join, and you'll be approved, usually same day! Once your there, you can upload your photos to the team for other members to see.

The team also has a Facebook Fan Page, post any thing you'd like - photos for critiques, exciting news, questions or ideas.

And lastly, I started a google group specifically for the rats, where you can, more privately, discuss things that you may not want in the Etsy forums.

Our NEXT virtual lab meeting is scheduled. It will be Tuesday, February 16 at 3:30pm EST! This meeting's topic is Tag and Title help/critiques and improving your SEO (search engine optimization). Come by for help or to give help!

Now, as for 2010. We have lots of awesome things in store!

First up, our Spring Giveaway! I have already notified those who will be participating this time around, but thanks to everyone that applied! I'm so thrilled that people were so eager to help out and have a little fun. We have 8 shops that will be giving almost $200 worth of free swag! How awesome is that? In two weeks, we will start revealing who they are, with mini-interviews with the artists, too.

We will also be having another challenge in the summer. Feel free to contact me with any ideas you have for  the challenge, including theme or prize. This won't begin until mid-spring, so back of the mind it ;-)

Also look for more How-Tos and craft tutorials this year. If you would like to make a video or write an article (or both!) on a specific technique that you have down, shoot me a convo or e-mail and pitch your story! I'd LOVE to have other people teach how to do things (even if it's something like properly utilizing twitter, or sewing a button, I'm open). Should it be really involved or super neat, I may even ask for you to hold a Lab meeting!


Speaking of pitching stories, I am also opening the Lab Rat blog to ideas for articles/ghost-writers. If you have an article related to Etsy, creating, promotion, crafting, etc, send a rough draft to our team e-mail and we can discuss.

Finally, remember our trunk show? We will be having another one near Christmastime this year, but I am planning on contacting other team leaders to see if they would be interested in holding a multi-team trunk show, allowing more, fresh eyes and potential customers to see what each other's teams have to offer! I will begin contacting them in the summer and want to make this big, organized and tons of fun!

 A big thank you to lushboutique (Jenni) and nightowlcraftworks (Sally) for being amazing co-leaders! Without them, this team would never be as on top of things (or successful!) as it is right now. You ladies are amazing :-)

 

Mosaic Monday: Vacation, All I Ever Wanted...

In the midst of walking into the grocery store, bundled up and chattering yesterday morning, I said to my boyfriend, "A vacation would be wonderful". He reminded me that we have one... to NYC... In February. Not exactly what I was thinking BUT, never the less, looking forward to a break from the routine.

I can PRETEND that I am visiting the Caribbean though.

1) Origami Star, Fairy tale by SleipnirDesigns
2) Seafom Bubbles Card Cozy by HazelHoney
3) Aquamarine Heart Studs by CreationsByEileen
4) Garden Club Hand-dyed Yarn by Cantrix
5) Ruffle Butt and Tuxedo Onesie by thecheekyprincess
6) Soothing Eye Mask in Optic Blossom by PrettyNPreppy
7) Golf Outing Button Bracelet by milanddil
8) The Hug Print by jellybeans

Can't you just feel the island breeze?

First Meeting of 2010!

Hello hello, my good friends!

Just a quick reminder that we have a lab meeting TOMORROW afternoon (Thursday) at 3:30pm EST.

We will be discussing goals for our shops, as well as goals for the team, and I'll  happily take any questions people have on, well, anything!

As always, if you can't make it, I'll just kill you..... kidding. It's not a big deal, just feel free to e-mail/convo me any ideas you have for the team in 2010.

Alsoooo, I will be contacting people for the spring giveaway sometime next week! We have had lots apply, but you still have time to send in an entry for selection for our Spring team giveaway! Just fill out these questions, and leave a comment:

1) Your name & shop name(s).
2) What you create, how long you have been doing it, if Etsy if full time or a hobby and your inspirations.

3) Where are you located, how do you enjoy your free time?
4) What item would you like to offer for the giveaway?

Wishlist Wednesday - Amanda from Verabelle!

Hi Rats!! Lush Boutique here. Hope you are all managing to keep warm! Today's Wishlist Wednesday was chosen by the lovely Amanda from Verabelle.


"As someone who is inspired by vintage fashion and who uses it as my canvas, how could I not be in love with Retro Repro's handmade hats? I always love a good accessory, and these are so wonderfully unique and fun! I think this one would go great with my wardrobe and dark hair.

I have been eyeing these for a couple of months now, and I think it's just time I finally added them to my Etsy shopping cart! I easily admit to being a chocoholic, and I am always intrigued by the pairing of interesting flavors. Lavendar honey sounds amazing! (And the purple doesn't hurt, either.)

This collection of mixed nuts puts a smile on my face. They're so unexpected and playful, and the stark whiteness brings your attention to the beautiful shapes of these natural objects. These would find a perfect home on my coffee table.

Slowly, I am becoming more of a tea than a coffee drinker. And the more I drink, the more I realize I am in need of a tea pot! I would like to carry this one with me to my sewing room to keep my cup full of warmth while I am working away.

I have been in love with Hare and Drum's Etsy shop for some time now. Not only are the embroidered designs lovely, but I adore the story of the makers. It's a mother and daughter team; the daughter creates the designs, while her mother does the handiwork with needle and thread. It's a reminder of how these types of crafts have been traditionally shared among a community and passed down through the generations. The Dragonflies and Thistles piece is one of my favorites, from the colors to the composition."

Thank you so much Amanda from Verabelle!! Have a great week everyone :)

Mosaic Monday: Blueberry Cobbler

Yummy food, yummier items!

1) Porcelain Blue and White Earrings by duckfoot
2) Season's Greetings Blank Card by SimplyInvitingCards
3) Brown and Gold Bracelet by PixieDustFineries
4) Double Layer Toffee Baby Ring Sling by BabyEtte
5) Royal Blue Kid's Cape by peapodray
6) Outer Space Switch Plate by rathina
7) Amber and Sterling Silver Earrings by MariaLuna
8) Pinup Dahlia Hair Clip by sweetsnstuff


Tasty :)

Mosaic Monday: Golden Glitz

Happy 2010, rats! Hope you guys rang in the new year & decade with a bang and looks fabulously glitzy doing so.

1) Glam Vintage Clutch from cowboybunny
2) Lemon Yellow Vintage Maxi Dress from zwzzy
3) Original Circles Oil Painting by moonthroughfog
4) 1000 Ways Vintage Necklace from ohvotrecoeur
5) Lemon Quartz Lotus Ring by ladnamedfelix

Welcome to the new decade :)

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 ;-)

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.

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

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!