Friday, 13 November 2009

Weekend Deal


The Fashion, Design and Lifestyle Team (a.k.a FDLTeam) Today (Nov 14-Nov 16) are starting a great and fun promotion: Buy one and get a gift for free!! That means that every Purchase comes with a extra goody!!! How nice! So go to Etsy and look for the tag "FDLDEAL"
You'll find great deal and amazing sellers...Have fun and Enjoy shopping.

Tuesday, 20 October 2009

Jewel Tones


Hi,

Our apologies for the big pause in our posts here at FDL - it's been a pretty busy few months for many of us but now it's time to get back into the swing of posting regularly to this blog and keep it interesting with our new inspirations, ideas and thoughts so please check back often!

Jewel colours are our hot topic this week... no easy task in choosing some great pieces to share with you at Etsy but the stunning stained glass panel above made by livingglassart, in a cool shade of sapphire will be a good start! The image speaks volumes... all that texture and vibrancy. This next image is of a print in juicy emerald shades...


...created by stilettoheights. So decadent.


The richness in these handmade glass bead bells of transparent topaz with their dark blue rims is soooo dreamy, almost like toffee! Artisticly made by NadinArtGlass

Last but not least, this beautiful ruby red mosaic ring, made by CrookedMoonMosaics is delightful too.



I have certainly found a few favourites on this search for jewel toned items... I feel an FDL team challenge coming on.... ;-)
See you again real soon
x






































Wednesday, 10 June 2009

May Happenings

At long last, the team happenings for May! Another very busy month for this amazing team!




Delightworthyn's fantastic hats were featured in the latest issue of Altered Couture magazine. Check out her feature as well as her other creations in her Etsy shop! We are also waiting to hear more about that mysterious marriage proposal ...



Right along side her in the same Altered Couture magazine is another team member, Rebeccasartcloset. Be sure to check out her feature and amazing shop, too!



One of our resident artists had a smashing month! Kristen Stein of Kristensteinfineart found out her art will be in an upcoming movie, "The Roommate". We are so happy to know that the world will get to see Kristen's amazing art!

She was also featured in ThisMomCanShop and MyShoppingConnection, as well as being written up in Philly's City Paper. Congrats to Kristen for all this great publicity!



Alchemistart was featured on the North Georgia Team Blog in an article about Father's Day.


NoraKaren was featured on Mirkwoodcottage, landed in the the Etsy Travel Guide, and had some interesting visits from a nocturnal black cat.



Furiousdreams had an open studio feature on GlassAddictions, as well as a feature on IMadeThat.



Happiknits was featured on ScoutieGirl, as well as the front page of Etsy.




In addition, she and Hollyillustration did a fabulous collaboration this month, combining fashion illustration and the matching capelet creation. Check out both of these talented artists!



Nuvonova was in the Etsy Storque feature on Handmade Weddings. We also want to wish her great luck in her new job for a design house in London.

Capitolagirl was featured in Etsy Finds: Schools Out, Start Shopping.



Eikumpel was on the front page of Etsy.



We also spotted Atelierdesoyun on the front page of Etsy.



Allthingspretty has some big changes as she is moving from New Zealand to Australia. Best of luck!!! And congrats on your Front Page feature, too!


Love2sew made a fabulous video for the team. Check it out here!



On a final note, we are looking forward to hearing more from Peter and Jenn, of Octopedalarts, about their recent trip to Greece and any new inspiration for their creations.

Be sure to click on the links to all of these fabulous shops and features!

Till next month ...

Beth
Thirdfloor

Wednesday, 3 June 2009

Reflections


So here it is...

the reason I have been so incommunicado lately.

But I am finished and need to return Reflections to Hudson, NY, where he will adorn the streets this summer in all his mirrored mosaic glory!

Friday, 22 May 2009

Paper Dolls May edition-The Reveal

Paper Dolls May 2009:
The Reveal
It's time to reveal what readers picked for this month's virtual fashion game--where readers and FDL Team Members help to coordinate an outfit based on an inspiration piece. This month's shop round up started off with a stunning Versailles silk coat from Suite.


Versailles Silk coat

(from Suite)

A lovely outfit has been fabulously completed with these suggestions from FDL blog readers and FDL Team Members...

Petite Emmanuelle ring


(La petitepuce jewelry)



Tea dress

(Sohomode)

Etienne Aigner vintage pumps

(jessjamesjake)

Pinks Earrings








Misha headband


(Lovemely)






The Keeper




Vintage Suitcase


(Norakaren)






Buttercream headband


(chicallure)


and because I am all about color... Chiffon scarf

(Amysfunkyfibers)

Thanks to everyone who participated and the Lovely creators of all of thes beautiful items. Take a moment to visit their Etsy shops!

Saturday, 2 May 2009

Paper Dolls: Time To Play (May Edition)



Paper Dolls (May Edition):Do You Play Paper Dolls? Welcome to May. It's time for another round of Paper Dolls here on Etsy's Fashion Design & Lifestyle Team Blog. This month's virtual fashion game (where you help us coordinate an outfit based on an inspiration), starts off with this Super Funky coat from Suite. She was inspired by Marie Antoinette! I am so honored that Jennifer from Suite is joining us this month on paper dolls. Jennifer was on season 5 of Project Runway! Us ladies here are all huge PR fans! Thank you Jennifer!

Versailles silk coat

from Suite

(www.suite.etsy.com)

Now... its your turn readers. Put on your most fabulous fashionista and help coordinate a memorable outfit based on the inspiration piece.

Do You Want to Play Paper Dolls?If so, here's how the Paper Dolls game works:

1. Check out this week's inspiration piece.

2. Browse ANY shop on Etsy (http://www.etsy.com) and hunt for coordinates to complete the fashionable look, using the Versailles Silk coat from Suite. You may look for boot/shoes, jewelry, accessories, bags, and any other items any Etsy shop (including your own).

3. Once you've found some items that match, come back here and leave a comment with an item listing link.

We will be selecting the items you list in the Comments below and revealing a complete outfit in two weeks-- so be sure to come back to the FDL Team Blog then for the outfit reveal.

This post was written for the FDL team by Becca from www.happiknits.etsy.com

Thursday, 30 April 2009

April Team Happenings!

Here we are again, approaching the end of April. So many things have happened in the team this month!Amysfunkyfibers' scarves were included in a 'Spring in to Spring' fashion show held in Indianapolis. Amy's fibers do indeed look funky!CelesteCraft submitted her first patterns ever for publication at e-patternscentral.com, remember her name! Her Etsy shop also passed the 300 sales mark, congratulations!Mylittleaura has added two more collections to her Etsy shop - Organic and Upcycled, my favourite is the Upcycled Angora Sweater! ... Her new collections are a lovely follow up from Earth Day a couple of weeks ago.

Kristensteinfineart has been a real busy bee! Her painting 'Welcome Spring' was included in one of the top 5 decorating trends for Spring 2009 on ImageKind and was chosen to represent Nature. It's perfect! She also signed on with two Philadelphia galleries to show her artwork (Square Peg Artery near Rittenhouse Square and the Mew Gallery on 9th in the Italian Market District.) and she still has a few pieces at Moderne Life Interiors in Jenkintown, PA. Make sure you check her out if you're local! But I haven't finished there yet, she was invited to show her work in a gallery in Canal Fulton, Ohio and received an invitation to show her work at the Picasso Restaurant in Media, PA, for their 2nd Saturday Art Stroll which will be on display throughout May! AllThingsPretty reached the 100 sales milestone, congratulations!Eikumpel released a new line of pins called 'Kumpel Dolls' that you can take anywhere you like, they're adorable!
She also has a stall at a Flea market being held at the Bristol Folk House in the UK on the 9th May.Norakaren opened a new shop on Etsy called HerenciaVintage .. good luck with it!Capitolagirl broke the 150 sales mark and got a small press mention in her local paper, The Santa Cruz Sentinel.And lastly, thirdfloor is officially the original Superwoman (sorry, FDL team joke! - will share eventually!)

Wednesday, 22 April 2009

Happy Earth Day

Happy Earth Day from the Fashion, Design and Lifestyle team. We had a special challenge to create something Earth friendly. As a global team we may live in different places, have different customs, speak different languages. But together we have a common thread. A likeness. We all have the same home. Her name is Earth and she is beautiful. She needs care just like anything else. It is our responsibility to care for our home. To band together and nuture and love her. This wonderful global team has created some stunning items that are eco-friendly, though provoking, inspirational, and artisitic. So today, even if it's only for 5 minutes, stop what you are doing and look around you. Breathe in the air, glance at the trees, marvel all that is living around you. Be thankful for your home, treat her kindly. This lush painting is by Furiousdreams, proving that she does indeed dream in color!





First up we have a lovely market bag from Thirdfloor designs. This is perfect for trips to the grocery. Just say no to those plastic bags.

This stunning vest from Allthingspretty, so bohemian! I love it very in fashion, and what a great use for all those old school doilies!


This lovely eco and organic bag from Atelierdesoyun. I am in love with this! Perfect for toting whatever with you.


All the girls were raving over this awesome redo of a t-shirt from Lovetosew. Very cool! Release your inner wild child!


These shoes from Norakaren are to die for! Have those leftover dyeables from that wedding? Convo Nora, she'll turn them into something worth keeping! Lovely!


This piece of art from Kristensteinfineart sums up Earth day in a lovely way. Beautiful work Kristen!


Wedding season upon us and Nuvonova has some awesome bridesmaid, shower gift ideas. Lovely Clara!


Cuffs are very fashionable and Mylittleaura has created a pretty and feminine wrist decoration!



I (Happiknits)made this little Earth Friendly flower brooch from a recycled denim skirt, vintage lace and buttons and some fabric scraps.


This awesome necklace from Daintycrochetbyaly Lovely work Aly! What a great use of camo!


To find more earth friendly challenges pieces search fdlearth on Etsy.

Monday, 20 April 2009

Paper Dolls (April Edition - The Reveal)


Paper Dolls April 2009:

The Reveal

It's time to reveal what readers picked for this month's virtual fashion game--where readers and FDL Team Members help to coordinate an outfit based on an inspiration piece. This month's shop round up started off with a bold, black and white graphic print tube top from FDL Team Member jinxydv8.


CBGB Top
from Jinxedasposed Clothing
(jinxydv8.etsy.com)

Her tube top (made from an upcycled black and white printed shower curtain) has been fabulously finished off with these suggestions from FDL blog readers and FDL Team Members...


About Paper Dolls
Paper Dolls is a new virtual fashion game being hosted by the FDL Street Team blog. In each edition of Paper Dolls, an FDL Team member picks a fashionable inspiration piece and writes a blog post seeking coordinating item suggestions by readers. Reader suggestions can be from ANY seller's shop on Etsy, and are left in the Comments area of the blog post along with links to matching items. Then, when the author has a completed outfit (based on the inspiration piece and the author's picks from the comments), the author writes a follow-up blog post to reveal whole outfit.

Come join the FDL Team again, the May Edition of Paper Dolls is coming soon!


This edition written by FDL Street Team Member Susan of Capitola Girl Jewelry and the Capitola Girl blog.

Sunday, 5 April 2009

Paper Dolls: Time to Play! (April 2009 Edition)


Paper Dolls (April Edition):

Do You Play Paper Dolls?


Welcome to April. It's time for another round of Paper Dolls here on Etsy's Fashion Design & Lifestyle Team Blog. This month's virtual fashion game (where you help us coordinate an outfit based on an inspiration), starts off with an uber-hip, punk-inspired, eco-chic tube top with a bold, black and white graphic print. And, since the top is upcycled from an new shower curtain, its been lined
with grey taffetta for wearable comfort.

CBGB Top
from Jinxedasposed Clothing
(jinxydv8.etsy.com)

Now... its your turn readers. Put on your most fabulous fashionista and help coordinate a memorable outfit based on the inspiration piece.

Do You Want to Play Paper Dolls?
If so, here's how the Paper Dolls game works:

1. Check out this week's inspiration piece.

2. Browse ANY shop on Etsy (http://www.etsy.com) and hunt for coordinates to complete the fashionable look, using the CBGB Top from FDL Team Member, jinxydv8. You may look for boot/shoes, jewelry, accessories, bags, and any other items any Etsy shop (including your own).

3. Once you've found some items that match, come back here and leave a comment with an item listing link.

We will be selecting the items you list in the Comments below and revealing a complete outfit in two weeks-- so be sure to come back to the FDL Team Blog then for the outfit reveal.

This edition written by FDL Street Team Member Susan of Capitola Girl Jewelry and the Capitola Girl blog.

Friday, 3 April 2009

SPROUTS

The March challenge for the team was Sprouts where we assembled a moodboard of inspiration including a colour palette that we could all follow. Photos courtesy of peertje, Lala, and gareth.barlow.
We thought of green and spring and new wonderful life sprouting in the earth. As always, this exceptionally talented team was inspired to create amazing pieces! Here are just a few.
Daintycrochetbyaly always creates beautiful crocheted items, no matter what the season.

This challenge inspired CelesteCraft to create a whole new line of Sprouts hats.

Even from the southern hemisphere, AllThingsPretty was able to create this exquisite headpiece for the challenge.

The colors of this felted scarf by Amysfunkyfibers makes you feel the warm air.

Knittingguru created this lovely spring floral piece to wear, regardless of the weather.

Leave it up to Kristensteinfineart to bring spring to your home with her nature inspired paintings.

For your little sprout, Barbaralousboutique has created this absolutely adorable dress.

These earrings by capitolagirl just scream spring.

Nuvonova uses gorgeous spring colors in her journals.

Here's my new favorite t-shirt from Octopedalarts.

Love the Victorian style of these wrist warmers from Happiknits.

And I have to sneak in my own creation for the challenge, from ThirdFloor.

Well, maybe that is more than a few but this team created so many amazing things, I has to treat your eyes to more than a few! Search "fdlmarch" on Etsy to find more great Sprouts challenge items from this team. Search "fdlteam" to see all of the team's wonderful creations.

Till next time,

Beth

Saturday, 28 March 2009

March 2009 Team Happenings!

It's the end of the month and here is a round up of what has been happening within the Fashion, Design and Lifestyle team!
DAINTYCROCHETBYALY and some of her stunning fascinators were featured on Dramatis Personae blog! The one featured is crocheted lace in brown colors accented with feathers and red wooden beads which is available here.Mylittleaura is holding a SALE where everything is only $10! She has also launched her Spring Collection and now has her own dot-com: mylittleaura.com One of our newest members, Furiousdreams sold three original paintings - amazing!!Another one of our team painters and again, one of our newest members is aliherrmann who made the much sought after position on Etsy - The Front Page! ... and also sold a total of eight pieces of art this month!Norakaren has had a wonderful month with finally reaching her goal of over 70 sales and 800 hearts! She was also featured in the Teens Gift Guides and the St Patrick's Day Gift Guide.AllThingsPretty received a custom request to produce a wedding dress, which also happens to be her forte!Capitolagirl had fabulous news to share with all of us - her Silicon Gallies glass tile computer key pendant necklace was featured in ELLE Magazine's March 12, 2009 Trend Report showcasing Graphic Patterns. We were all incredibly excited for her!Kristensteinfineart is currently exhibiting artwork at Comcast Center, Philadelphia and a solo exhibit at Milkboy Cafe, Ardmore for month of March. She was also accepted into the Juried "Arts in The Park Festival" for June in Elkins Park, PA and featured on a few handmade/handcrafted websites/blogs as a March featured artist.
And finally, we had our first Trunk Show presentation, which was very successful, we can't wait for the next one!

Monday, 23 March 2009

Colors of Spring Fashion, Design and Lifestyle Trunk Show This Thursday!

EVENT: Colors of Spring through Fashion, Design and Lifestyle
A Trunk show by the FDL etsy team!
Date: Thursday, March 26, 2009
Time: 7:00pm - 8:00pm EST
Location: Etsy's Virtual Lab- Gallery room

Desciption:
Members of the Fashion, Design and Lifestyle team (fdlteam) will host an online Trunk Show "live" using one of Etsy's virtual lab rooms. The designers and artists will present a wide range of fashion, art and jewelry inspired by the beauty of Spring. Many of the artists will be on hand to chat with the viewing public about their design process. So please join us for an evening of colorful items and commentary. We hope to see you there!

For an advanced look at some of FDL's talented members, please visit our blog.

Or, search etsy for 'fdlteam' to view our current listings.

See you on the 26th of March at 7pm EST in the virtual labs.

-kristen

Wednesday, 18 March 2009

Paper Dolls (March Edition): The Reveal

FDL Paper Dolls: March Edition
(The Big Reveal!)

The suggestions for the Fifth Edition of the Paper Dolls are in...and here's our fifth virtual fashion outfit a la FDL's Paper Dolls.

It started out with our inspiration piece...

This sassy Boho Gypsy inspired piece designed by FDL Team member Debra (at the AllThingsPretty shop on Etsy).

Yellow Garden Bird Dress
from AllThingsPretty
~~~

And has been paired up with these great Etsy finds:

EcoAnkle Corset Cuffs
from greenbelts
~~~

About Paper Dolls
Paper Dolls is a new virtual fashion game being hosted by the FDL Street Team blog. In each edition of Paper Dolls, an FDL Team member picks a fashionable inspiration piece and writes a blog post seeking coordinating item suggestions by readers. Reader suggestions can be from ANY seller's shop on Etsy, and are left in the Comments area of the blog post along with links to matching items. Then, when the author has a completed outfit (based on the inspiration piece and the author's picks from the comments), the author writes a follow-up blog post to reveal whole outfit.

Come join the FDL Team again, the April Edition of Paper Dolls is coming soon!

The edition written by FDL Team Member Susan of the Capitola Girl shop.

Wednesday, 11 March 2009

After the Frost


Hello Fellow FDL Members!

As some of you know, I live in upstate New York, where the weather can change drastically in the blink of an eye. And today it did just that! I awoke to a cold, rainy drizzle and now it's clear blue skies and milder temperatures. A stroll around the back garden shows some signs of early spring....premature lily sprouts and some early garlic greens pushing through the wet sponge of earth. We've pushed the clocks ahead and have some early evening light. Soon the crickets will chirp and the buds will be forming on the trees. Yes, spring is my favorite season for sure. As an homage to the woes of winter and the early arrival of spring, I present to you 'After the Frost', an original watercolor and ink rendering.

Friday, 6 March 2009

Happy Birthday Barbie

Barbie Turns 50

Whether you love her or hate her, many girls at one point or another have probably played with her. I'm talking about Barbie, who is celebrating her first 50 years as an American fashion icon.

In more than 150 countries around the globe, approximately 1 billion Barbie Dolls have been sold since she was first introduced by the Mattel company on March 9, 1959.

With her trademark pink dress, high pony-tail and sassy pink corvette, the advent of Barbie's birth has the Fashion Design and Lifestyle team thinking PINK this weekend.

So, in the spirit of a pink open-toed salute to America's best-known doll...I hope you enjoy today's pink showcase:

Monday, 2 March 2009

It's March! Time to Play Paper Dolls

Welcome to the FDL Team's Paper Dolls Game ...Do You Play?


It's time for another round of Paper Dolls here on the FDL Team Blog. This month's game starts off with a sassy Boho Gypsy inspired piece designed by FDL Team member Debra (at the AllThingsPretty shop on Etsy). Her flirty and feminine vintage slip dress features hand-dyed elements in shades of yellow and retro orange, brown and yellow flower fabric edged in hand-dyed yellow lace.



Now... its your turn readers! Put your most fabulous fashionista hat on and help me create a memorable outfit fit for a Boho Hippie Diva in Spring!

Do You Want to Play? If so, here's how the Paper Dolls game works:

1. Check out this week's inspiration piece.

2. Browse ANY shop on Etsy (http://www.etsy.com) and hunt for haute, hippie couture coordinates to complete the boho look--boot/shoes, jewelry, accessories, bags, and any other items from ANY Etsy shop.

3. Once you've made a match, come back and leave a comment with a link to your coordinating items from Etsy.

4. (Optional) If you like this game and want to help the FDL Street Team pass the word on...add our Paper Dolls badge to your blog.

I will be selecting the items you list in the comments section and revealing a complete outfit in two weeks-- so be sure to come back to the FDL Team Blog on Monday, March 16 for the outfit reveal.

This edition written by FDL Street Team Member Susan of Capitola Girl Jewelry and the Capitola Girl blog.

Wednesday, 25 February 2009

Casablanca


Casablanca ... just the word conjures up wonderful images. Love stories, classic black and white movies, Humphrey Bogart and  Ingrid Bergman at their best, "Play it again, Sam", fabulous 40's fashions, exotic colors and smells.


Casablanca is the theme for our February team challenge.  Members of the FDL team can use anything related to the classic movie or Morocco or whatever they imagine for our theme this month.


Check back next week to see some of the items from our Casablanca challenge.  Search on the tag "fdlteam" to find other great items on Etsy from this fabulously creative international team!

Thanks,

Beth

Monday, 9 February 2009

Paper Dolls: Fifth Edition (The Big Reveal!)

FDL Paper Dolls: Fifth Edition
(The Big Reveal!)

The suggestions for the Fifth Edition of the Paper Dolls are in...and here's our fifth virtual fashion outfit a la FDL's Paper Dolls.

It started out with our inspiration piece...

A ravishing red custom-made Yukata kimono robe/swimsuit cover up created by FDL Team Member, Uyen, at the AsianExpressions shop on Etsy.



And has been paired with:






About Paper Dolls
Paper Dolls is a new virtual fashion game being hosted by the FDL Street Team blog. In each edition of Paper Dolls, an FDL Team member picks a fashionable inspiration piece and writes a blog post seeking coordinating item suggestions by readers. Reader suggestions can be from ANY seller's shop on Etsy, and are left in the Comments area of the blog post along with links to matching items. Then, when the author has a completed outfit (based on the inspiration piece and the author's picks from the comments), the author writes a follow-up blog post to reveal whole outfit.

Come join the FDL Team again, the Sixth Edition of Paper Dolls is coming soon!

Monday, 2 February 2009

The FDL Paper Dolls Game (Fifth Edition)



Welcome to Paper Dolls (Fifth Edition)

Do You Play?


WELCOME to February!

The count down to Valentine's Day has officially begun. It's the Fifth Edition of the FDL Street Team's Paper Dolls game and we're kicking off this romantic month by looking to the color red for virtual outfit inspiration.

This edition's inspiration piece is a gorgeous, custom-made Yukata kimono robe/swimsuit cover up created by FDL Team Member, Uyen, at the AsianExpressions shop on Etsy.


Now... its your turn readers! Put your most fabulous fashionista hat on and help me create a memorable outfit fit for a diva on Valentine's Day! I'm looking for a cute chemise, fluffy slippers, sexy swimsuits, and other fine accessories to go with this swirly red kimono.

Do You Want to Play? If so, here's how the Paper Dolls game works:

1. Take a good long look at this week's inspiration piece.

2. Browse ANY shop on Etsy (http://www.etsy.com) and hunt for haute coordinates--I'm looking for suggestions for the whole ensemble--slippers, swimsuits, lingerie, jewelry, hair accessories (and any other item(s) that you think would complete the look inspired by this kimono!).

3. Once you've found your items, come back and leave a comment and be sure to leave a link to your recommendations by including the item URL from Etsy.

4. (Optional) If you like this game and want to help the FDL Street Team pass the word on...add our Paper Dolls badge to your blog!

I will be selecting items for the completed outfit next week-- so be sure to visit the FDL Team Blog then for the big reveal!

This edition written by FDL Street Team Member Susan of Capitola Girl Jewelry and the Capitola Girl blog.