Mosaic Monday - One for the kids...furkids too :)

Little Red Riding Hood Headband by zomoandbara

Summer Dress by HappyLittleRaincloud

Dog Play Coat by TerrierTrousers

Summer Sets by thecheekyprincess

Jova Sockmunki by funkisockmunki

Almond Teddy Bear by seventytwostitches

Wishlist Wednesday -- Erika from UniquelyEJewelry!

Happy Wednesday my lovely rats!! Hope your week is going great!


Today's Wishlist Wednesday is picked by the lovely Erika from UniquelyEJewelry:


"I'm totally in a pink mood today. It must be the warmth of spring creeping into my lovely morning sunshine.

I seriously adore this dress from Ouma on Etsy. Growing up I was the epitome of a twirling skirts princess. This dress makes me want to dance the night away in my glass slippers embraced by my Prince Charming. (I really am married to my Prince Charming :) The femininity and grace of this dress is so stunning and photographed so elegantly.

These pinwheel bouquets are the most whimsical idea I have ever seen for a bridal party. I recently featured this photo in a treasury of mine and I keep coming back to it. Something about the idea makes me smile and think of fairytale weddings.

Last but not least is this stunning bouquet from Claycraft by DECO.... anyone who works with polymer clay will have a jaw dropping moment when they see this gorgeous bouquet. It's so rich in color and the flowers look completely real. Simply amazing."

Thank you so much  Erika from UniquelyEJewelry!

Wishlist Wednesday - Jen from Zwzzy!

Hola Lab Rats! Happy Wednesday. Today we have the lovely Jen from Zwzzy to tell us about her favorite picks.


"Hi! Jen from Zwzzy vintage here to gush about a few of my Etsy favs! I'm pretty picky with my hearting, so this was super fun to be able to share a few of the items I don't know why I haven't picked up for myself yet!

Duck ring! Holy crap, I just saw this the other day, and their shop is a bunch of unique rings like this. I'm a HUGE duck lover (their cheeks, eeee!) so my heart stopped when I saw this!

 So funny, I think orange and brown are my least favorite colors, but MAN they look great together! Something about the cut of this dress, with the waist belt and flowy skirt = love! 

I can't get enough of Amber Alexanders store!!! The girliness of the watercolors, the cute as hell animals, and those expressions! I love how this guy's got cake on his mouth, silly kitty!

I call these "cupcake dresses" cause I'd feel like the most frilly feminine cake wearing this!! I have a weakness I've discovered for these poofy 50's, or replicates of them, dresses!

YES. I want a space age Eames home please, thanks."


Thanks a ton Jen from Zwzzy!!! Have a fabulous week everyone!

Wishlist Wednesday - Bree from thecheekyprincess!

Hi Labrats :) Happy Wednesday!! 


Today's Wishlist Wednesday was picked by the fabulous Bree from thecheekyprincess.


"As a perputually pregnant momma, I'm always on the lookout for non-maternity pieces that will work before, during and after my pregnancy.  The Evolution Long Skirt is perfect because it's simple and has the perfect amount of stretch.  I could wear it as a maxi dress this spring, or a skirt under my belly this summer and even with boots after the baby in the fall!

I don't wear much jewelry as a busy mom with little ones around but rings are pretty harmless.  I love these puzzle rings!  They look like a great conversation starter and I bet they'd help me keep my 5 yr old busy at the doctors office!

I think I love this swim suit... can't you just see my giant baby belly peeking out from under this little number?  I probably won't be able to pull it off as a dress or with fire engine red heels but I just love the ruffles and could totally work it in some red flip flops!

So my house is a constant work in progress and with 4 little ones I'm always looking for fun ways to store all their toys and books and whatnots.  I have this empty space in my living room that NEEDS this colorful set of vintage suitcases!  One could store toys, another for books and crayons and I'd still have one left for my giant stash of magazines.

I. Love. This. Robe.  It just looks so chic, so sexy, so Hollywood!  It would be perfect for those hot summer mornings in Texas.  Uh that is of course before the kids wake up and bring my fantasy world to a grinding halt!"

Thank you so much Bree from thecheekyprincess. Have a great week everyone!!!

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 - Anika from Moonthroughfog!

Welcome back Rats! I hope everyone had a fantastic holiday season :)


Our featured LabRat today is Anika from Moonthroughfog, who sent us her picks all the way from Croatia. (Gah! Jealous!)


Her first pick is from fellow Rat Seventytwostitches. She says, "Beautiful green and off white wool pears. I would love to see them on my night stand.

Next up is a pick from our own lovely spookychandelier. I love this gorgeous black and white necklace. I would wear this with a pair of skinny jeans, high heel boots and a teal tank top.

I love clutches and at the moment I don`t have any brown leather ones, so this clutch from isewstuff be a really great addition to my collection.

White, simple and beautiful earrings from ZerbenaBoutique. Pull your hair up, put on a simple black dress...perfect.

Very romantic, very gentle. I would wear this dress from DreamsAndOutfits with a belt, over a pair of leggings. Perfect combination for a warm spring day."

Thank you so much Anika from Moonthroughfog! Have a fantastic week everyone!

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 ;-)

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!

Wishlist Wednesday: Malarie of itsastitch/spookychandelier

Hey guys! I know it kind of seems like I am hogging the spotlight here, but we had some hiccups with today's original poster, I'm going to throw up my (current) top 5 favorite things from Etsy that I wish so badly I could buy.

 

Lately, I have had a real obsession with vintage shoes, and these Tan Oxford Platforms from mellowdayss are no exception. The would look adorable with a little jumper and tights, after a few sales, I'm pretty sure I'm going to snatch these up!

  So, I am a pretty big geek, as is my boyfriend. When I stumbled on these nom nom cat dishes my basic reaction was: DO WANT. All of gabizoidal's things are super cute, and I have loved her shop for quite sometime. I have two of these on my Christmas list!

I always feel kind of silly considering buying jewelry on Etsy, but there are so many different styles out there that I know I SHOULDN'T feel silly. paintedmetal has created these effing GORGEOUS relic stacking rings in mixed metals. I can imagine wearing these, pretty much, every day. With everything. Everywhere.

So, after hearing that carolhannah (designer on this season of Project Runway) was on Etsy, I, like any other semi-savvy watcher, searched for it. And her clothes are A-FREAKIN-DORABLE. It was pretty much love at first site when I saw her Bookstore Browing Dress. This has MALARIE written all over it, I would wear this with above shoes and rings and be the cutest in town.

Until Etsy, I never really thought about how I would decorate my wedding. I just assumed I would settle for things, because "my style" didn't exist. Well. HOLD THE PHONE. It does now. bunnywithatoolbelt totally understands how to design for someone a little more offbeat, her giraffe Bride and Groom cake toppers are so perfect for me, it hurts. I have them hearted, and everytime they sell, I go and re-heart the new listing. I hope she is still making them in a few years when I can actually buy them!

Mosaic Monday: Birthday Wishes

Well, I'm kind of combining Mosaic Monday and Wishlist Wednesday (although, there will still be a WW). My (itsa) birthday is tomorrow, yay! So, today's theme is some things I really want from my fellow rat's shops.

1). Fly Toward Love by elizabethnormand
2). 2010 16 month Calendar by jellybeans
3). sea. love. ring by WorksInProgress
4). Green Lace High Waist Skirt by ZidishaLuxe
5). Mexican Maroon Leather Boots from zwzzy
6). Gray/Blue Gnome at Dusk Pillow Cover by Pixelknit
7). The Brentwood by lushboutique
8). Keep on growing in pink by moonthroughfog


I will accept any and all as birthday gifts tomorrow :-P

Mosaic Monday: Warm & Cozy

The lovely BabyEtte selected this week's Mosaic Monday!

1). Chunky Deep Purple Scarf by yarnabees (free shipping on this one!
2). Goose Crossing Sweater from zwzzy
3). Feminine White Scarflette by strawberryona
4). River Rocks Handwarmers by funkisockmunki
5). Red Orange and Grey Cowl by SevenSails
6). Altered Vintage Leather Gloves by aprilevening

Stay warm, rats!

Wishlist Wednesday: littlebitofpretty

This week Kim (aka: littlebitofpretty) was selected to choose 5 items from etsy that she would buy in half a moment's time if she could. Take a look at her gorgeous collection!

1). Kim's first pick comes from our very own rat, moonthroughfog! Kim says the original acrylic painting has great texture and lovely colors, and loves the zebra-like print to it. She REALLY wants to buy it!

2). This wooden bracelet comes from 3dots is Kim's next pick, she said she loves this bracelet so much she's included in a treasury and really just adores the whole shop.

3). Since Pride and Prejudice is Kim's favorite book, the Mr. Darcy Proposal mug from Brookish is right up Kim's alley. Jane Austen is her favorite author, and she says she might just have to buy the whole set.

4) Despite having nowhere to wear it, Kim really wants isadoraclothing's Chameleon Full Length customizable gown. The material (rayon jersey) would be super soft and it comes in lots of colors. I might fight you for this one, Kim. This dress is killer!

5) Finally, since Kim is from Canada, she frequently experiences sweater fever and she just wants to buy every sweater and shawl she sees. The Rococo Shawl from TickledPinkKnits is no exception! In a luxurious merino wool/alpaca/silk blend, she really feels like it's self explanatory why she loves it.

Fabulous stuff, littlebitofpretty! I leave you with my favorite item from Kim's shop:

Feature Friday - Shirley of ScrapHappieAZ, RomasMasion, and PeaPodRay

Hello all! It's another fabulous Friday! Today's feature seller is Shirley, who runs three great shops - ScrapHappieAZ, RomasMasion, and PeaPodRay.

1. Tell us a bit about yourself, your shop, and what brought you to the Etsy community.

I have degrees in Fashion Design and Microbiology and Health Administration. I guess you might say I have a balanced brain, both strongly creative and analytical sides. Sounds balanced but it can create a bit of chaos. I have a hard time focusing on just one process.I want to do it all!

When I was laid off from my job in the healthcare industry, I decided to go back to my creative roots. This is when I decided to join the artisans of Etsy. I love the resurgence of creativity.

2. Besides creating beautiful things for your shop, what do you spend your days doing?

I am addicted to Buzztime Trivia and my husband and I play at least three times a week at a local restaurant.

I am the mother of three adult children. Two daughters and a son. In Nov my first grandson is due so I am excited to make some baby clothes for the new addition to the family.

I also love to cook, read and awwwh heck I just love to create, whether it is crocheting, cross-stitch, scrapbooking, refinishing furniture.
 

3. What sources do you draw your inspiration from and what is your creative process(es)?

My grandfather was a professor of architecture at Syracuse University and I believe some of my artist tendencies come from him. He found beauty and inspiration in butterflies, a simple ceramic vase or in the ornate Westminister Abbey.

Much of my inspiration comes from different periods in fashion history: The Victorian ages, the Pinup girl days of the 1940s and the roaring twenties when my mother was growing up.

I also try to find inspiration in nature and all things around me. I feel that I am ever evolving, I may not have found my niche but I will continue to grow.

I believe that women are so busy with jobs, children and their home they become overwhelmed and forget to enjoy those things that use to bring joy such as cooking and being in the kitchen. That is why I believe that there is such popularity in cooking shows. Women want to be feminine in their kitchen and so I want to make these awesome aprons to show off in the kitchen.

4. What market (group of people) do you see your items being for?

My market is mainly cooks, women, mothers, new brides and other local crafters and artisans who want upscale trendy items. I will be adding some more men’s BBQ aprons in the future.

5. Name your top three:

- Books

Anything by Patricia Cornwell and Jeffery Deaver.
Recently, I am loving the books by Anna Godbersen based in turn of the century New York socialites

- Music (song or artist)

I love most all music so I don’t want to narrow it down to three. This week it may be country, next week rock, then some rockabilly.

- Movies or Television Shows

NCIS, CSI, HOUSE, GREY’S ANATOMY and Project Runway.

- Websites

Google Earth

6. What are your favorite features on Etsy? What new features would you like to see added?

I like the new rearranging feature but my favorite is being able to link to facebook. I network with Facebook directly. This is fun to update for all my Facebook fans.

I would like to be able to build a listing and save it before I actually complete for public view.

This way I can spend a day writing the listings and then add pictures another day. It would help my organization.

7. How do you market your work? What has or hasn’t worked for you in the past?

I am trying everything: Facebook, Twitter, Etsy forums, Featured Seller Chat rooms, local networking, craft shows and Etsy Teams. I am new enough that I won’t say something has not worked yet. In the future I want to start a blog but I have not taken that plunge yet. My goal is before Halloween.

8. What do you like most about the Virtual Labs?

I enjoy the sense of community and support that most Etsians offer. I have met so many helpful and amazing people. I want to continue meeting and helping new members of Etsy.

9. What topics or events would you like to see added to the Virtual Lab offerings?

I would like to add more ship critiques. So many people want their shops critiqued and there never seems to be enough time. Perhaps smaller and more frequent one and one critiques.

Annoucements and Such

Just popping in to say a few things!

• Our very own rctees is in the Etsy Voter! Please be sure to vote for her Mighty Oak Tee!
• Our meeting is next Thursday! Please be sure to come by the Virtual Labs' Moon Room at 7:30pm on the 24th to get to know members AND discuss preparations for the holidays.

Stop by tomorrow for some great items in Wishlist Wednesday!

Mosaic Monday: Cherry Cordials

Today's Mosaic Monday is inspired by yummy chocolate covered cherries. Tasty!

 

1. Red Lacy Mini Clutch by AuntKarensCreations.

2. I'm in your picture frame Earrings by Katiesbasement.

3. Merlot Floral Headband by BabyEtte.

4. Hummingbird Vase by firepotter.

5. Ruby Red Ruffle Nightie from zwzzy.
6. Crimson Glass Ring by itsastitch.
7. Naked - MM Original by mizkatie.
8. Recycled Sketchbook by somavenus.


Delicious stuff, rats!

Labor Day Weekend Sales

It's Labor Day Weekend, the (in my mind) last summer weekend. Pools will be closed, weather will get a bit chillier, the sun will set earlier and everyone is back to the daily grind.

It's also a 3-day weekend for most, so in honor of that, some rats are having sales! Check out these shops for some deals:

zomoandbara
15% off ALL aprons, just enter "weekend sale" in message to seller to be refunded through paypal.

DesignsByShellie
10% off entire order, refunded through paypal!

MichMade
Buy any item and receive these earrings, free!

spookychandelier
ALL earrings are marked down 15% from Friday evening-Monday Evening.

LushBoutique
Technically not a sale, but a giveaway! Win your choice of ANY earrings from her shop by entering HERE!

If anyone else is having giveaways, don't be shy! Tell us in the comments.

Happy Long Weekend, Rats!