Hottest Trend this Holiday Season: Take the Handmade Pledge

All of you out there who know (and love) etsy.com understand the importance and value of the handmade crafted goods - be it clothing, jewelry, furniture, art, or even baked goods. The Handmade Pledge is a pledge that you sign on-line at http://www.buyhandmade.org/ . Basically you pledge to buy and give all handmade gifts. Not only does this open up the door for artists of all kinds, but especially with times so tight for many people, giving a unique gift of high quality will have a much longer lasting effect than quantity.

Here at the FDL team, I think it's to assume that most of us will be giving or creating gifts ourselves for our loved ones.

We are such a talented group (to toot our own horn) that has a large variety of items to choose from. Many of us are offering holiday specials...wink wink.

So I hope that some of our readers consider signing this pledge if you haven't done so already. I can tell you honestly that everytime I buy a gift the first place I come is to etsy. I know that if I am not giving a friend a piece of my jewelry, that I can find them something awesome here. :)

Fashion, Design and Lifestyle Blog Revamp.

Just in case you're wondering if you're on the wrong site, you're not! The Fashion, Design and Lifestyle blog has recently been refurbished and we are all very happy with the new look! Here is a screen capture of how it used to look before the revamp, and what a difference!We would also like to give big thanks to hollyillustration, an FDL Team member, for letting us use one of her beautiful fashion illustrations.

Enjoy the new look!
-nuvonova

Paper Dolls (Edition 4): The Big Reveal

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

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

It started out with a vintage Inspiration Piece from Rebecca's Art Closet:


--------------------------------------------


Burlap British Bunchie from melin.etsy.com
(suggested by delightworthyn.etsy.com)
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Autumn Cream Wrap from maryandangelika.etsy.com
(suggested by rebeccasartcloset.etsy.com)
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Sleeveless Gathered Front Top by garnish.etsy.com
(suggested by glorioushats.etsy.com)
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Cranberry Dangles from blacksheepdesigns.etsy.com

(suggested by rebecca)
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Ruffles Party Ring from viridian.etsy.com

(suggested by rebecca)
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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 Fifth Edition of Paper Dolls is coming soon!

Shop 'til your Fingers Drop!

WOW!  The Fashion, Design and Lifestyle Team is on fire for the holiday weekend and Cyber Monday sales!  You can get all of your holiday shopping completed from our team shops on Etsy!  Buy truly unique and special gifts this holiday season - go handmade!  Check out all of these sales ...

Thirdfloor has a 20% discount on all items, excluding shipping!  And free domestic shipping (50% off international) for all orders over $50!  Offers good 11/28 to 12/1.

Kristensteinfineart has great price reductions in effect that were recently made for the VAST art sale.  All sale prices are good through 12/31.  Free shipping on all items in her shop for a limited time.

Delightworthyn is offering free shipping until 12/1.  She has also just added some great items to her Sale section!

CelesteCraft is offering 20% off all orders of $20 or more (excluding shipping).

Love2sew has a Christmas sale on doll clothes - 3 for $30, or $10 each.  Check out the section in her shop!

Asianexpressions is offering free shipping for all items from 11/2 to 12/1.

Jinxydv8 has items in her Sale section at 50% off!  Also, free shipping if you mention your blog!

Mylittleaura is offering free shipping from 11/28-12/1.

BarbaraLousBoutique is offering free shipping on 11/30.

Eikumpel is offering 15% off items in her shop from 11/28 to 12/1.

Daintycrochetbyaly is offering free domestic shipping and 50% off international shipping from 11/28 t 12/1.

Amysfunkyfibers is offering free shipping on items in her shop from 11/28 to 12/1.  Please convo her before ordering.

Happiknits is offering free shipping with the purchase of 2 or more items; 50% off international shipping.

Rebeccasartcloset is offering free shipping on all orders over $50!

Norakaren has 15% off on any order $30 and over,  and free shipping on orders of $150 or over.  Please convo her so she can adjust the invoice.

uvlightstudios has 2-5ft Cosmic landscapes on sale now!  These are printed on removable/reusable vinyl, no tacks, nails or glue necessary.  Many images ranging from $60-$130.  Check them out!

Just click on the shop name to see all the wonderful items that our team members have to offer!

If you have any questions about these promotions, please contact the shop directly.  Thank you.

Have a lovely holiday weekend!

Beth

Third Floor Designs

Paper Dolls (Fourth Edition)

Welcome to Paper Dolls (Fourth Edition)

Do You Play?

I love wearing skirts, so for the Fourth Edition of the FDL Street Team's Paper Dolls game, I looked to my FDL Team Members on Etsy for virtual outfit inspiration. This edition's Paper Dolls inspiration piece is this ultra-wearable a-line skirt from FDL Team Member, RebeccasArtCloset.


Now... its your turn readers! Put your most fabulous fashionista hat on and help me create a memorable outfit fit for a diva!

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--hats, jewelry, belts, scarves, shawls, purses, bags, shoes, hair accessories (and any other item(s) that you think would complete the look inspired by this skirt!).

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.

Team Happenings 11/21/08

All the little FDL team elves are getting busy for the holidays!!! Watch for news next week of all of the holiday sales going on in the team's shops.

Nuvonova was featured so many times for her great Advent Calender Pouches. PoppyTalk, MightyGoods, TheRedThread, FancyPicnic, and MyFantasyHouse. WooHoo! Great press for nuvonova!

Capitolagirl had her Silicon Gallies featured on Geek Mom Mashup. Susan's necklaces have been receiving quite a bit of press, also. They were recently featured on the coveted Storque at Etsy. You go girl!

Formfireglassworks, kristensteinfineart and Amysfunkyfibers were all featured on the Front Page of Etsy this week! You all looked fabulous there!
Delightworthyn was featured on Capitola Girl's jewelry blog feature, The Devil Wears Etsy. Her featured hat was immediately sold! Hats off to you both! Sorry, I could not pass that pun up.

Be sure to check out two new blogs from our members: Barbara Lou's Blog and Third Floor Design's Blog.

Wishing all the American team members a wonderful Thanksgiving! I wish all members good health, the love of family and friends, and a moment to remember that for which we are most thankful.

Till next week,

Beth

Third Floor

A Pair of Aces

Here is our newest feature! "A Pair of Aces" allows team members to showcase a listing in their shop - maybe a new one or an old favorite - and pair it with another item on Etsy that coordinates! Watch over the next few weeks as we pair up some wonderful items that work well as holiday gift ideas! Ode to Leann Earrings

I made these lovely earrings in honor of Leann's win on Project Runway. I loved her color scheme - soft and feminine, and such a stand out!

Leann Capelet

If I were to wear these earrings, I would definitely match them up with this capelet from Happiknits! Again, the colors are soft and feminine. Becca from Happiknits has managed to create a totally unique piece, with angles and ruffles, soft and funky. Perfect for the bleakness of winter ahead!
Check out these items and others from the Fashion, Design and Lifestyle team on Etsy searching on the tag "fdlteam".

Beth
Third Floor

Team Happenings 11/14/08

Here's a collection of two weeks worth of great Happenings on the team!
Aly of Daintycrochetbyaly was featured on the Be a Peacock blog. Peacocks are all the rage and the peacock creations made by Aly, along with fellow FDL member Nora of Norakaren, are getting so much press. They were also featured on the front page! You go, girls! What a team you are!One of our newest members, Colleen from uvlightstudios had a great feature in JN3 Woodworks' blog. We are all just loving her fabulous creations, especially those QuantumLytes! Glad to have you on the team, Colleen!HappiKnits was featured in the Etsy Storque last weekend. Her shop was in the weekend deals post that is written each week - then her fabulous Incognito Cowl became the face of the Storque article! WooHoo, Becca!!!We had so much FP activity this week it was hard to keep track. In addition to the creation from Aly and Nora, GildaPearl had a spot. And Amy, of amysfunkyfibers, appeared twice this week!! Etsy is loving this team!Have a great weekend!

Beth
Third Floor

FDL Paper Dolls: Third Edition (the big reveal!)

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

The suggestions for the Third Edition of the Paper Dolls are in...and with so many fab finds suggested...deciding on this week's choices was tough!! But, we did make a decision. So, without further ado, here's our third virtual fashion outfit a la FDL's Paper Dolls (and its hot!).

It started out with a vintage Inspiration Piece from theabomb shop:

Beautiful Black Velvet Vintage Puffed Sleeve Cachet Dress

from theabomb.etsy.com
(suggested by capitolagirl)

And is fabulously finished off with these accessories from Etsy shops:

This fanciful and feathery Jolee Fascinator
from boringsidney.etsy.com
(suggested by Becca at happiknits.etsy.com)

These dangling delights Very Unique 80's Crystal, Pearl, Gold and Ice Dangling Earrings
from theabomb.etsy.com
(suggested by FDL blog reader, alex)

This exceptionally elegant Faux Fur Victorian Cape
from ellita.etsy.com
(suggested by Beth at thirdfloor.etsy.com)

This sassy statement Vintage Kremetz Seahorse Rhinestone Pin Brooch
from vintageday.etsy.com
(suggested by FDL blog reader, Kelly at kellyww.blogspot.com)

This classic clutch (complete with cameo) Dayna Black Ostrich Clutch
from traceyvanderbeck.etsy.com
(suggested by silverdotjewelry.etsy.com)

And...these perfectly patent 1960s Gorgeous Patent Leather Shoes sz 7.5
from pantastic.etsy.com

(suggested by blog reader, alex)

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 Fourth Edition of Paper Dolls is coming soon!

Paper Dolls (3rd Edition-Vintage): Do You Play?

Welcome to Paper Dolls (Third Edition)

Do You Play?

I'm a big fan of Vintage clothing, so for the Third Edition of the FDL Street Team's Paper Dolls game, I looked to the Vintage sellers on Etsy for virtual outfit inspiration. So, this edition's Paper Dolls inspiration piece is this beautiful Black Velvet Vintage Puffed Sleeve Dress (shown below) from theabomb shop at the online marketplace, Etsy.

Now... its your turn readers! Put your most fabulous fashionista hat on and help me create a memorable outfit fit for a diva!

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--hats, jewelry, belts, scarves, shawls, purses, bags, shoes, hair accessories (and any other item(s) that you think would complete the look inspired by this outfit!).

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, click the "Stumble It!" link below so other can stumble across our new game too:

Stumble It!

I will be selecting items for the completed outfit soon -- so be sure to visit the FDL Team Blog next week for the big reveal! And, in the meantime, tell your friends about Paper Dolls and let them know they are invited to come play too.

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