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After being noticed on on PIX 11 Morning news in NEW YORK CITY, New York Fashionista, Pamela Pekerman has featured one of our team members on her blog: BagTrends!
GypsyCrochet is this weeks Mystery Monday Pic!
how cool is that?!
....hop over and check it out!!
Tuesday, July 26, 2011
Tuesday, July 19, 2011
July Monthly Challenge Voting:
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It's time to vote for your favorites in the Team FEST Monthly Challenge!
Since the Months of Augusts and July are quickly becoming as popular as June for Weddings, this Month's challenge theme is 'Best Wedding Gift' ~
Cast your vote for your favorite, poll found in right hand side bar. Voting ends on July 30th at midnight!
Good luck to everyone!!
Since the Months of Augusts and July are quickly becoming as popular as June for Weddings, this Month's challenge theme is 'Best Wedding Gift' ~
Cast your vote for your favorite, poll found in right hand side bar. Voting ends on July 30th at midnight!
Good luck to everyone!!
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| Runningwithescissors |
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| GardenWhimsiesByMary |
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| GypsyCrochet |
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| RoseArtWorks |
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| Chantalmarieliving |
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| TallyFiberworks |
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| Beadloverskorner |
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| Feedyoursoulthreads |
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| AquarianBath |
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| ChiavariDesigns |
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| Kari1121 |
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| JHAFiberArts |
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| StainsInPanes |
Sunday, July 17, 2011
Greetings From On Board The SS Tesla: 07/17/11
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Hello Fellow Team FESTers!
This is going to be a short post for me this week since I will be getting ready for the Vintage Hollywood Art Show by Art Nouveau Events. For those of you in the South Florida Area or nearby, come check it out to say hello to a fellow FESTer!
So with that in mind, I figure I would leave all of you with a nice tutorial on how to make your own Cherry Blossom Necklace, brought to you by Crochet Today.
You can also download the pdf file too!
Good Luck and Godspeed,
xoxo,
Capt. Maricruz
This is going to be a short post for me this week since I will be getting ready for the Vintage Hollywood Art Show by Art Nouveau Events. For those of you in the South Florida Area or nearby, come check it out to say hello to a fellow FESTer!
So with that in mind, I figure I would leave all of you with a nice tutorial on how to make your own Cherry Blossom Necklace, brought to you by Crochet Today.
You can also download the pdf file too!
Good Luck and Godspeed,
xoxo,
Capt. Maricruz
Thursday, July 14, 2011
Team Members Blog Happenings:
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Athena of AthenasArmoury on Etsy, one of our super team mates, has a very lovely Blog called Athena's Armoury & Apothecary
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and besides talking about her beautiful creations and her endeavors of soap making
she also posts articles about fellow Etsians and this week she has posted one about Rose of RecreationalArt, why not take some time and stop by and read up on some of her dirtly little secrets!
and besides talking about her beautiful creations and her endeavors of soap making
she also posts articles about fellow Etsians and this week she has posted one about Rose of RecreationalArt, why not take some time and stop by and read up on some of her dirtly little secrets!
Saturday, July 9, 2011
July Sizzling Summer FEST GIVEAWAY
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Summer is sizzling and so is our FEST Blog Giveaway for July from GardenWhimsiesByMary . Mary has combined her love of gardening with decorating and producing gorgeous unexpected treasures to add whimsy to your garden. Her pieces are one of a kind garden art and so colorful and fun as seen in this month’s Giveaway - a Sapphire Blue Petite Plate Flower.
Mary stacks plates for “flower” garden stakes and fits them with a holder on the back so they can be set on a copper pipe and placed anywhere. Her amazing talent for combing colors and textures is evident in all of her works of art. An added benefit is her love for bringing new life to objects that might otherwise find themselves in a landfill. Treat your garden to a touch of Whimsy!
HOW TO ENTER: Enter to win by visiting Mary at GardenWhimsiesByMary or any of the FEST Team members listed in the Member Section. Find your favorite item, share it with us and tell us why you love it. Remember to add your email address so we can contact you if you are the Winner! Winner picked on 08/07/11. Simple and Easy!
Thursday, July 7, 2011
Team Member Giveaway!
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One of our Team Members, Kelly from Melbourne of Simply Kelly Designs, is having a Super Giveaway on her Blog! So hop, skip and jump on over to meet Kelly and see her fabulous blog and then take the time to read up on another one of our Team Members, Rachel from Merritt Island of Aspiring Images : then follow the rules in the Aspiring Images Giveaway and cross your fingers to win a gift certificate to purchase one of Rachel's gorgeous pieces of artwork!!
My Fave:
YAY!
My Fave:
YAY!
Wednesday, July 6, 2011
Winner of our Team JUNE MEGA CHALLENGE!
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Meet Maria of ClassynChic:
Who are you?
I'm Maria proud mother of two beautiful children, loving wife of a very supportive husband, and creator of beautiful and original handmade items. I work full-time as an Accountant/Office Manager for a small company. There, I work with numbers all day long, so coming home to my family and to invent a piece of jewelry allows me to relax and express out loud my bubbly creative side.
What do you create?
I like to create pretty and charming necklaces, bracelets and earrings that are the perfect touch of elegance and sparkle for everyday wear. In order to accomplish that, I’m periodically learning new techniques. Moreover, I take different classes to keep up with current trends and the infinite ways to make original pieces even when I follow a given pattern
Where does your inspiration come from?
My inspiration usually comes from the colors of the bead. I picked a bead, small or big, and then design around it.
When did you know you were an artist?
Since I was a teenager, I’ve been a fan of all things handcrafted. Among my hobbies: I love to knit baby pieces and I enjoy making unique cards, invitations, thank you notes, and the like.
What does handmade mean to you?
Handmade means “made with love.” Love to create something unique for someone special or not. It means that you are putting part of you on a piece that will make somebody happy. It is so rewarding to look at the finished piece and see that somebody “loves it or just likes it”
What is your favorite material to work with?
I like to work with pearls and shells.
What is your life outside of Etsy?
Outside Etsy, I’m a busy mom with a full time job. Most of my weekends are full of soccer, cheerleader, music, pool, and kids and adult parties. Some other weekends I knit or go to the beach.
What do you enjoy "window shopping" on Etsy on your free time?
I really enjoy seeing what other artist makes. It amazes me how creative Etsians are, their original ideas, the wide variety of materials some members use. I love to “window shop” on Etsy. I usually send link to my friends.-
What other interests do you have?
Love to spend time with friends and watch movies.-
Where do you live in Florida?
How do you get out of your creative ruts?
Usually my husband come to my little oasis and takes out to go to bed or because we have to go someplace. But my creative mind is always working: sometimes I see a piece somebody is wearing and I think I can make better or different or just it gives me an idea.
Where would you like to be in ten years?
Honestly..in a new and bigger house.
If you could peek inside the studio of any artist, designer or craftsman (dead or alive), who would it be?
Carolina Herrera or Coco Channel
Where would you go if you had a time machine and why?
I would go to the 1920. Love the fashion of that time…so feminine.
What is the craziest thing you have ever done?
I have done many. Let’s just leave it at that.-
If you were a dessert what would it be and why?
A plain bar of milk Chocolate. It is good by itself and it becomes great when is paired with something else like fruits, cookies, etc. I’m good by myself, but I become great among my family and friends.
Who are you?
I'm Maria proud mother of two beautiful children, loving wife of a very supportive husband, and creator of beautiful and original handmade items. I work full-time as an Accountant/Office Manager for a small company. There, I work with numbers all day long, so coming home to my family and to invent a piece of jewelry allows me to relax and express out loud my bubbly creative side.
What do you create?
I like to create pretty and charming necklaces, bracelets and earrings that are the perfect touch of elegance and sparkle for everyday wear. In order to accomplish that, I’m periodically learning new techniques. Moreover, I take different classes to keep up with current trends and the infinite ways to make original pieces even when I follow a given pattern
Where does your inspiration come from?
My inspiration usually comes from the colors of the bead. I picked a bead, small or big, and then design around it.
When did you know you were an artist?
Since I was a teenager, I’ve been a fan of all things handcrafted. Among my hobbies: I love to knit baby pieces and I enjoy making unique cards, invitations, thank you notes, and the like.
What does handmade mean to you?
Handmade means “made with love.” Love to create something unique for someone special or not. It means that you are putting part of you on a piece that will make somebody happy. It is so rewarding to look at the finished piece and see that somebody “loves it or just likes it”
What is your favorite material to work with?
I like to work with pearls and shells.
What is your life outside of Etsy?
Outside Etsy, I’m a busy mom with a full time job. Most of my weekends are full of soccer, cheerleader, music, pool, and kids and adult parties. Some other weekends I knit or go to the beach.
What do you enjoy "window shopping" on Etsy on your free time?
I really enjoy seeing what other artist makes. It amazes me how creative Etsians are, their original ideas, the wide variety of materials some members use. I love to “window shop” on Etsy. I usually send link to my friends.-
What other interests do you have?
Love to spend time with friends and watch movies.-
Where do you live in Florida?
Could you recommend a fun activity near your Fl home that other members might enjoy?
Tubing on any Florida spring is a great activity for kids and adults.
What are some other sites to find out more about you and your art?
Facebook Page: http://www.facebook.com/ClassynChic
Usually my husband come to my little oasis and takes out to go to bed or because we have to go someplace. But my creative mind is always working: sometimes I see a piece somebody is wearing and I think I can make better or different or just it gives me an idea.
Where would you like to be in ten years?
Honestly..in a new and bigger house.
If you could peek inside the studio of any artist, designer or craftsman (dead or alive), who would it be?
Carolina Herrera or Coco Channel
A photo frame my daughter made in kindergarten that reads: “We’re the Perfect Pair”
Where would you go if you had a time machine and why?
I would go to the 1920. Love the fashion of that time…so feminine.
What is the craziest thing you have ever done?
I have done many. Let’s just leave it at that.-
If you were a dessert what would it be and why?
A plain bar of milk Chocolate. It is good by itself and it becomes great when is paired with something else like fruits, cookies, etc. I’m good by myself, but I become great among my family and friends.
Monday, July 4, 2011
Greetings From On Board The SS Tesla 07/04/11
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Hello Team FESTers!
This is Capt. Maricruz from the SS Tesla speaking loud and clear and I want to wish all of you a happy and safe 4th of July!
Happy Birthday America!
Good Luck and Godspeed,
xoxo,
Capt. Maricruz
This is Capt. Maricruz from the SS Tesla speaking loud and clear and I want to wish all of you a happy and safe 4th of July!
Happy Birthday America!
Good Luck and Godspeed,
xoxo,
Capt. Maricruz
Sunday, July 3, 2011
JULY MONTHLY TEAM CHALLENGE
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Team members, please post your entries to our Team Thread, add the tag JulyTeam to your listing and also add the Team Challenge to your listing title, the deadline for entry is July 15, 2011. The winner will be announced on August 1, 2011. Non team members, although you cannot participate in this challenge - if you have an Etsy shop: share a link to your items; or if you do not have a shop: let us know what items you would like to see!!!
Summer has begun!~ and although in the past June has been the most popular month to get married, statistics are now showing that July and August are growing more and more favorable to say 'I do'! So for the Team Challenge for this month we want to see which item in your shop fits this theme the best! Do you have a perfect Bride's Maid gift? Maybe some centerpieces for the occasion? how about some Groom's Men gifts? or what will the Mother of the Bride wear? Think outside of the box, tag your items properly so that buyers will find them and show them off for this challenge!!!
Team members, please post your entries to our Team Thread, add the tag JulyTeam to your listing and also add the Team Challenge to your listing title, the deadline for entry is July 15, 2011. The winner will be announced on August 1, 2011. Non team members, although you cannot participate in this challenge - if you have an Etsy shop: share a link to your items; or if you do not have a shop: let us know what items you would like to see!!!
Friday, July 1, 2011
JUNE MONTHLY TEAM CHALLENGE WINNER
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CONGRATULATIONS TO Gena Semenov for winning this months Team Challenge!
Since the Month of June was National Flag month, the challenge was to post an item within the theme of 'Old Glory, the American Flag' and this stupendous work of art won!
Sunday, June 26, 2011
Greetings From On Board The SS Tesla: 06/26/11
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Hello Team FESTers!
I apologize for the lack of posts last week. I am getting ready to go back to school very soon and my hands have been very tied for the last month or so. Keeping that in mind, this will be a short post today. Today's do it yourself is brought to by Gothic Beauty Magazine:
If you enjoy fortune telling, or even just the artwork, you can easily amass more decks than you know what to do with.Tarot cards come in so many varieties these days, just like everything else in the era of personalization. Rather than letting your less used cards collect dust, you can turn them into a unique fashion accessory.


I apologize for the lack of posts last week. I am getting ready to go back to school very soon and my hands have been very tied for the last month or so. Keeping that in mind, this will be a short post today. Today's do it yourself is brought to by Gothic Beauty Magazine:
Tarot Card Tote Bag
June 6, 2011 11:46amMelissa Lytton
Supplies: Empty cereal box, Colored duct tape, Tarot cards, Scissors, Ribbon, Mod Podge & paint brush, Eyelet kit (including hammer & solid surface to hammer on).
Starting with the empty cereal box, first cut down the middle of one of the long side panels. You can completely remove the panel if your cut gets too messy, but folding the excess cardboard down around the inside edges will add extra stability. Tape those edge flaps down, and then use more tape to reconnect the top panels of the cereal box, where it was originally opened to pour the cereal out.
The next step takes a little time and patience, so you may want to pop something entertaining on in the background. You need to cover every inch of the box, inside and out, with the colored duct tape of your choice. It might seem tedious, but it serves two important functions. Not only will it add durability — which is important when working with such thin cardboard — but it also gives you a blank canvas to work with. If there are any gaps between the tarot cards, intended or otherwise, a nice solid color will show through rather than cereal logos and nutrition information.
Once the box is totally covered, test a few ways to arrange the tarot cards as decoration for the box. You can overlap cards to completely wallpaper the box, or arrange them as distinct cards that tell a specific fortune. You can use the art on the back of the cards or the front, cover the sides or inside of the box, or even cut out shapes from the cards to use. Just make sure you're happy with your design before you even open the glue.

Depending on where you're working, you may want to cover your work surface for the next step. Use the Mod Podge to glue the cards in place as you arranged them. For the best stick, coat both the back of the card and the surface of the box. It dries clear, so don't worry if you can see some excess around the edges of your cards. Depending on how your cards are arranged, you may have to hold them in place while the Mod Podge dries. Time between coats averages about twenty minutes, so again, plan something to occupy you during the hands-on downtime. When everything is dry, put a top coat of Mod Podge over the entire exterior of the purse. This will keep rain from damaging the artwork, and it also adds yet another layer of reinforcement. If you want to add more decoration, you can build up little peaks of Mod Podge to accentuate details in the art, or you can use glossy Mod Podge to give the whole thing a bit of shimmer.
After everything is completely dry, get out the eyelet kit. Use the scissors to poke two evenly spaced holes on the front and back of the box, near the lip. This is where the handles will be threaded through, and the exact positioning will vary depending on where all the cards are placed. The holes should be just big enough to accommodate an eyelet. Place an eyelet in one of the holes, finished side facing outward. Position your hard surface under the unfinished side of the eyelet, which should be inside the box. Due to the box shape, a counter corner is ideal. Put half of the eyelet tool between the hard surface and the eyelet, and the other half between the eyelet and where the hammer will be. Strike the tool with the hammer a few times, and the back of the eyelet should split and spread, securing it in place. Repeat with the other three holes.

Use your body to measure a length of ribbon for the handle. If you want a long handle, run the ribbon over your shoulder and back down to the level you want the purse to rest at. Or drape some ribbon over your palm to measure out a smaller handle. Use your first cut of ribbon to measure an identical second length. Finally, simply thread the ribbon through the eyelets and tie a knot on each end, on the inside of the purse, to keep it from popping back out.
Now you have a tote bag that not only looks one-of-a-kind, but is made to fit your unique measurements too. (Photos by Billy Crum)
Check out the magazine, they have so many wonderful craft ideas for everyone!
Good Luck and Godspeed
xoxo,
Capt. Maricruz
Wednesday, June 15, 2011
JUNE MONTHLY TEAM CHALLENGE
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It's time to vote for your favorites in the Team FEST Monthly Challenge!
Since the Month of June is National Flag month, the theme for our Monthly challenge is 'Old Glory, the American Flag' ~
Cast your vote for your favorite, poll found in right hand side bar. Voting ends on June 30th at midnight!
Good luck to everyone!!
Vintage Veterans of Foreign Wars of the US Pin of GENTLEMANS EMPORIUM
http://www.etsy.com/listing/25749097/patriotic-flag-fabric-postcard
http://www.etsy.com/listing/75391701/fest-june-team-challenge-old-glory-usa
http://www.etsy.com/listing/75421810/we-are-the-change-we-seek
http://www.etsy.com/listing/75448554/liberty-team-challenge
http://www.etsy.com/listing/75911238/love-the-usa-june-team-challenge
http://www.etsy.com/listing/72226125/red-white-blue-ribbon-plus-9-handmade
http://www.etsy.com/listing/76060369/zipster-pouch-and-mini-one-snap-wallet
http://www.etsy.com/listing/76065456/patriotic-eyeglass-holder
Since the Month of June is National Flag month, the theme for our Monthly challenge is 'Old Glory, the American Flag' ~
Cast your vote for your favorite, poll found in right hand side bar. Voting ends on June 30th at midnight!
Good luck to everyone!!
Vintage Veterans of Foreign Wars of the US Pin of GENTLEMANS EMPORIUM
http://www.etsy.com/listing/75421810/we-are-the-change-we-seek
http://www.etsy.com/listing/75448554/liberty-team-challenge
http://www.etsy.com/listing/75911238/love-the-usa-june-team-challenge
http://www.etsy.com/listing/72226125/red-white-blue-ribbon-plus-9-handmade
http://www.etsy.com/listing/76060369/zipster-pouch-and-mini-one-snap-wallet
http://www.etsy.com/listing/76065456/patriotic-eyeglass-holder
Tuesday, June 14, 2011
HAPPY FLAG DAY!
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Our Newest Member SoapmakerMonica put together this gorgeous Treasury, perfect for today: Flag Day!!!
'Florida salutes 'Old Glory' by SoapmakerMonica
As the opening to the New World, Florida has had many titles laying claim to this tropical paradise, this month Florida Celebrates 'Ole Glory ye be best flag yet....All hale the mighty USA! Happy flag day everybody.
Kickin' Back with G... $18.00 | Patriotic Red, White, a... $25.00 | We Are the Change We Se... $20.00 |
Patriotic One-of-a-kind... $18.00 | Patriotic Flag Fabric P... $7.00 | FEST June Team Challeng... $19.99 |
American Flag TUTU $20.00 | Old Glory Glass Tile Pe... $15.00 | Resin Pendant, Rustic F... $20.00 |
Born in the USA photogr... $ | Handmade Patriotic Pin $10.00 | Playing Card Wallet - U... $17.00 |
Beautiful "I Pledg... $24.95 | American Flag Pin $6.00 | Stars and Stripes Ballo... $6.00 |
Red White and Blue Fabr... $67.50 |
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