October Design Challenge - The War of the Worlds!

What would you do if you scored an awesome vintage record of the story of The War of the Worlds -- one that comes with a book/magazine with lots of incredible images, as well as a pretty amazing album cover? Frame it? Sell it on eBay? Put it on a shelf with your other vintage treasures?

Not if you are Christine of PinupPixie! What did she decide to do with this awesome find? Offer it up to the ETC team for our October Design Challenge!!!

Christine scanned the pages of the book/magazine and posted them to one of our team sites, and members were challenged to create something using these images or their own interpretation of The War of the Worlds.

In Christine's generosity, she also made the record and album cover available to ETC members to create the prizes for this Challenge. Beth of ByBethStudio, Cindylee of FattyCornersQuilts, and Cathie of SweetWolf were the first three to correctly respond with the original radio air date of The War of the Worlds (Oct 30, 1938) and were thus selected to create the prizes for this Challenge.

Entries for The War of the Worlds Design Challenge include:

War of the World Bot - Sterling Silver Pendant
Created by ApacheMoon

Sterling Silver Bird from Outer Space Pin (Take Me to Your Feeder!)
Created by BeachcombersCove

War of the Worlds Mixed Media Canvas Book
Created by ByBethStudio
NOTE: This item is available as one of the prizes for this Challenge!

War of the Worlds Digital Art Print
Created by Carapace

Black & White Print Bracelet
Created by FabFrills

War of the Worlds Mixed Media Quilt
Created by FattyCornersQuilts
NOTE: This item is available as one of the prizes for this Challenge!

Crochet (& Glow-in-the-Dark) Spaceship & Aliens
Created by LavenderLizard

War of the Worlds Halloween Earrings
Created by MotsDots

The War of the Worlds Wallet/Card Holder
Created by ReFabulous

War of the Worlds Upcycled Lamp #1
Created by SweetWolf

War of the Worlds Upcycled Lamp #2
Created by SweetWolf

War of the Worlds Record Bowl
Created by SweetWolf
NOTE: This item is available as one of the prizes for this Challenge!

War of the Worlds Charm Necklace and Bracelet Set
Created by Thistlecraft

For more information on each of the above items, as well as more pictures, be sure to click on the title of each entry to transfer to its Etsy or Flickr listing.


Two addtional prizes (for the 4th and 5th place finishers) have been provided by Christine of PinupPixie -- she was unable to get them ready by the deadline to be included in the Challenge poll, as she was "caring for two cootiefied kids" this past weekend. Here are Christine's prize offerings:

War of the Worlds Wallet

Sparkling UFO Pendant/Cell Phone Charm

Thanks, again, to everyone who has participated, and special Thanks to all our voters!


NOTE: Due to technical difficulties, the voting deadline has been extended through midnight, Thursday, Oct 30th.

Welcome & Thanks Bunches!!!

Welcome to our new blog, and thanks so much for your patience as we transferred information from our old blog to this one. There are likely a few more "tweaks" that need to be made, but this is now our "official" blog!!!

This has been a busy time for ETC!

We have a new team site, which includes:
1. A list of our team members - this list currently includes names, locations, shop descriptions, and Etsy minis and will eventually include information about other locations (both on the web and in the real world) where members can be found
2. A calendar of team events
3. Our membership map
4. A resources section with links to several guides & articles, as well as downloadable items for our team
5. Groups for each of our mini teams, providing them with their own announcement page, comments wall, and forums!
6. And of course, there is a forum and chat room feature, as well as a link to this blog!

I have heard from many of our members that this new site is much easier to navigate, and they love the fact that it links all of our other sites together.

Stay tuned for more updates on what all we've been up to these past few months!

First Monday Sales & Specials for August

Originally posted on August 4, 2008

It's time for another amazing ETC First Mondays Sales Event! The weather here in Texas is HOT, and so are our sales this month!!!

♥ With almost 70 ETC shops participating this month, there's something for everyone, including LOTS of great deals! But don’t daudle . . . these sales and special offers are only available from 12:01 am to 12:00 Monday, Aug. 4th, Central Time (that's 1:01am Monday to 1:00am Tuesday, Etsy Time).

♥ Please join our mailing list & receive our monthly newsletter to hear about that month's sales & other events, plus get a special "newsletter-only" coupon valid on purchases from our team shop. The subscription box is to your left!

♥ To find our creations, search Etsy for our team tag of TeamEtsyTx.

♥ Here’s the awesome sales list for this month -- please wait for revised invoices unless sales listing specifies that items are already marked down (or gives other instructions).

ETC TEAM SHOP - Loaded with Texas goodies!
20% off all items in shop

%-Off Sales: Discount does NOT apply to shipping unless specified

2MuchStuff2Day - Hand-knit cloths, swiffer-esque covers, baby items and felted bowls along with natural stone jewelry
20% off all items in shop
AngelsAndOutlaws - A Place for the Romantic Cowgirl in Us All
25% off all items in shop
AngieHallHaviland - Beaded, collaged and mixed media ART creations
15% off all regular priced items in shop, and as always Free Shipping on all ART
ApacheMoon - Jewelry of many colors
20% off all items in shop
ArtByJC - Original paintings, painted on leaves, ACEOs , bookmarks, wood & metal
15% off all items in shop
AWPhotography - ACEOs, note cards and fine art prints from original photography.
20% off all items in shop
BarbsGarden - Fine Art at reasonable prices
15% off all Studio sale items in shop, 10% off all other items in shop
BeautifulMemories - Beautiful, lifelike Reborn dolls
10% off all items in shop
BrandyRatliff - Quilts, Blankets, Afghans, & More
10% off all items in shop
ByBethStudio - OOAK Quilted Art-Journals, ATC/ACEO, Mini-Quilts, Wall Hangings, Postcards, Bookmarks
20% off all items in shop
CarylsCreations - Embroidery kitchen towel sets & applique magnets, Dish Soap Bottle Aprons, Fleece wraps, Tote bags, & Glass Slippers
15% off all items in shop (excluding custom orders)
ChristinasMagic - ACEOs, handmade jewelry, handpainted clothing, decorative ceiling fan and light pulls
10% off all items in shop
ClayTiger - Funky, Chunky Copper, Silver & Polyclay Jewelry
20% off all items in shop, plus Free Shipping - does not include collaborative items (raku crosses)
Crossties - handmade fashion and home accessories
15% off all items, plus Free Shipping on all sales totaling $50 or more after discount
DuctTapeAndDenim - Vintage papers, ephemera, fabrics, & mixed media collages
20% off all items in shop
ElephantDreams - Eclectic Art Photography
20% off all items in shop
EmilyDeweesJewelry - Vintage Buttons, Glass drops, Portrait photo pendants
20% off all regularly priced items in shop
FabFrills - Handbags created from recycled and new materials, and art dolls with attitude
20% off all items in shop
FindersKeepersThings - Inspired Charms, Repurposed Jewelry & Original Art
25% off all items in shop
HandmadeWhimzy - Fun unique jewelry, bookmarks, and handpainted decor
15% off all items in shop
ItsMeCheri2098 - Handcrafted jewelry, home decor, gifts, and more!
10% off all items in shop (except items currently on sale), plus Free Gift with purchase (1 per customer, please)
JMDay - Felt toys, blankets & accessories
25% off all items in shop
Judy49 - Filet Crochet, Machine Embroidery, & Sewn Items
15% off all items in shop
KillerBeeDesigns - Business Card Holders, Textile Art, Purses, Wine Bottle Carriers, and ACEO's
20% off items in shop (Not including quilts/textile art larger than 6"x8")
LavenderLadybug - Handmade and Commercial Supplies & Destash
20% off all items in shop
LucyBlueStudio - Eclectic jewelry and art
15% off all items in shop, and as always, Free Shipping on all purchases
Margeeta - handmade goods featuring original art
20% off of all items in shop
MiaSophia - Handmade Jewelry with a Twist of Fun, and Stained Glass Panels
20% off all items in shop
MoonsHarvest - Fresh handcrafted Bath Bombs, Bubble Bars, Glycerin and Lye Soaps and products for your pets
25% off all soaps in shop, plus Free Bath Bomb of your choice with purchase (1 per customer, please)
MyDesignCollectibles - Polymer clay items and Kelly’s Crosses (handcrafted crosses made with barnwood and various decorations)
10% off all items in shop
ReFabulous - Recycled items are blended with new materials to create one-of-a-kind, hand-made articles
20% off all items in shop
RHRadcliffeDesigns - Watercolors, photographs, jewelry, and prints
20% off all items in shop
RWenCreations - Shower gel, glycerin soaps, book angels, It's a boy/girl door mum, etc
10% off all items in shop
SerendipityRose - All kinds of Jewelry and Beaded Gifts
20% off all items in shop
ShansShinies - Handmade wallets, bags, coin purses, and other stuff
25% off all items in shop (does not include custom orders)
SimplyCynful - Pillowcase dresses, bows, tutus, socks, burp cloth and onesie sets, and more
10% off all items in shop, including clearance
Sophiecls - SubEarthan Cottage Handmade soaps, jewelry, shopping bags and more
5% off all items in shop, in addition to currently running Summer Clearance sale of 20% off all items, for a total discount of 25%
SparklyStrandz - Beaded jewelry, baby jewelry and crochet baby onesies and gifts
15% off all items in shop
SugarLoveHoney - Tutus, wreaths, baby & wedding corsages, pillowcase dresses, blankets
10% off all items in shop
SweetWolf - Funky handmade bags, pouches and accessories, also pincushions, eye pillows and home decor
25% off any item and free domestic shipping
Thistlecraft - Handpainted glass & window clings, CD collage cards, crochet scarves, & other fun stuff
20% off all items in shop (except Standing Sunflowers) , plus Free Gift with purchase (1 per customer, please)
TPDesign - Handmade home decor & paper goods
10% off all items in shop (except accordion books), plus Free Gift Wrapping if requested
UltraTrixie - Vintage finds, destash supplies and other random whatnots
25% off any item in shop, or Buy One, Get One 50% off
VictoriaB2007 - Jewelry, stationary, prints, hand stitched items, wine charms, leather items
20% off all items in shop (except PIFs), plus Free Shipping (as always)

BOGO SALES – Discounts apply to item of equal or lesser value & discount does not include shipping unless specified

BeckyMae - Handmade purses and jewelry from vintage finds
Buy One piece of Jewelry, Get Matching Earring Free, plus Free Shipping (as always)
HappyDay - Beautifully designed knitting patterns and homemade baby/momma supplies
Buy One Pattern, Get One Free - Just let her know which pattern you pick for your second in the "Notes to Seller" box during checkout
JaChloMi - jewlery, kids' clothes, and lots of other stuff
Buy One, Get One 50 % off
LavenderLizard - Crocheted Crafting Tools, Scrubbies, Accessories & More
Buy One, Get One 50% off
Raevyn77 - Handmade beaded jewelry. Earrings, necklace, bracelets, watches and more
Buy One, Get One Free
SassySoapsNSuch - Handcrafted Melt/Pour Soaps - Fun & Unique and Smells so YUMMY
Buy One soap, Get a second soap Free (free soap will be same as soap ordered - no need to wait for adjusted invoice)
Scribbles - Beaded pens and pencils
Buy One, Get One 50% off (excludes custom orders)
SimplyRaevyn - Intricately hand beaded jewelry, using primarily seed beads
Buy One, Get One Free
StarmekCreations - Beautiful handcrafted jewelry
Buy One, Get One 50% off
TiddlyInks - Original, one of kind illustrations created in watercolor and ink, as well as cards and custom nameplates
Buy one item under $30, Get One Free (excludes items over $30 and items already on sale)

FREE SHIPPING

AtticMemories - Vintage Photographs and Other Personal Memorabilia
Free Shipping for orders over $40, Plus Free Gift with all purchases (1 per customer, please)
BeachcombersCove - Bright, Fun Tropical Art & Jewelry
Free Shipping on all purchases, plus Beachy Bargains sale section in shop
Carapace - Jewelry and Original Illustrations
Free Shipping (Continental US only)
GrandmaMarilyns - Beadweave and Strung jewelry and beadwork
Free Shipping on orders over $20
JoyceWeaver - Original Handcrafted Bears, Dolls, Mixed Media, and Watercolor
Free Shipping on all purchases
MarysMadness - Jewelry, Photos, Magnets, & More
Free Shipping for orders over $40, Plus Free Gift with all purchases (1 per customer, please)
PrincessBammBoutique - Hairbows, headbands, ribbon shirts, tutus
Free Shipping, plus Free Gift with purchase (1 per customer, please)
TheAlteredBlackSheep – Off-the-Wall Supplies for Your Off-the-Wall Artworks
Free Shipping for orders over $40, Plus Free Gift with all purchases (1 per customer, please)
TheYellowRoses - Bags & Purses, large & small, and Mosaics
Free Shipping on all purchases
TimelessDesigns07 - Gemstone Wire Jewelry
Free Shipping on all purchases, plus 20% off orders over $60

OTHER SALES & SPECIAL OFFERS

APunkinCardCompany - Handmade personalized stationery and custom wedding invitations
Free card with every order (1 per customer, please)
LaurenMinco - Fun art for children and adults, both prints and originals
Free ACEO with purchase (1 per customer, please)
PumpkinsBoutique - Toppings for your pumpkin pie - Handmade children's and baby accessories
Free Shipping with purchase of any two items
UnkamenGifts - Unkamengifts from an Un-common family - Chainmaille jewelry, Accessories & more
Free key chain of our choice with orders over $20

♥♥♥ Happy Monday, everyone, and Happy Shopping! ♥♥♥

Design Challenge - Summer Delights!

Originally posted on July 28, 2008

As part of our team's Spend Your Mondays with ETC program, we would like to take today to show off interpretations of our monthly Design Challenge. This month's theme was Summer Delights!

Team members who accepted this Design Challenge and listed items pertaining to this month's theme include the following:

EtsyTexasCrafters - ETC Team Shop, loaded with Texas Goodies
AngelsAndOutlaws - A place for the romantic cowgirl in us all
ApacheMoon - Unique & Custom Silver Jewelry for a Joyous Spirit
AWPhotography - Cards & Prints from Original Photography
ByBethStudio - OOAK art quilted items such as fabric postcards, ATCs/ACEOs, bookmarks and journals
CarolBradley - Bead and wire jewelry
CarylsCreations - Novelty embroidered items: magnets, dish soap bottle aprons, squares for quilts, "glass slippers", flour sack kitchen towels
Chido - Fused glass pendants, earrings and bowls
ChristinasMagic - Wearable Art, Paper Goods, Paintings, & ACEOs
CindyJoy - Unique, High Quality, Stylish Baby Gear
EcoFab - Fabulous fabrics and finds
ElephantDreams - Photographs from around the world
FabFrills - Unique handbags, sassy art dolls & other fab things
FandangoMoon - Greeting cards, notes, bookmarks and tags
FindersKeepersThings - Inspired Charms, Repurposed Jewelry & Original Art
FriendlyBanter - Cute crochet accessories
GreerDesign - Whimsical Pet & Wildlife Art
HandmadeWhimzy - Unique Jewelry, Beaded Bookmarks, Painted Items
ItsMeCheri2098 - Handcrafted jewelry, home decor, gifts and more
KillerBeeDesigns - Business Card Holders, Purses, Textile Art, Wine Bottle Carriers, and ACEO's
MayzBeadz - Handmade Lampwork Beads
MiaSophia - Stained glass panels and jewelry
PumpkinsBoutique - Custom Accessories for Your Little Pumpkin
RevolutionArtPhoto - Fine Art Photography
SerendipityRose - All kinds of Jewelry and Beaded Gifts
SimplyCynful - Custom Bows, Headbands, Socks, Flip Flops, & Tutus
SpiritMama - Spiritual and Nature Inspired Art & Jewelry
SweetWolf - Funky Handmade Accessories for You and Your Home
Thistlecraft - Handpainted glass & window clings, CD collage cards, crochet scarves, & other fun stuff
TimelessDesigns07 - Wire Sculpture & Custom Jewelry
TinaLewis - Handmade pottery and ceramic art
Tulip36 - Beaded Jewelry
UnkamenGifts - Jewelry and Dolls

Here are just a few of our Design Challenge Creations...

ETC Has Secrets!

Originally posted on June 29, 2008

Celebrate this rare 5th Monday of the month with the Etsy Texas Crafters, finding our Secrets! Our team mascot, Armadillo Tex, is hiding in several of our members' shops…. Find him and purchase the item in which he is hiding, and you will receive a FREE gift as your reward!

ETC Secrets are only available from 12:01 am to 12:00 Monday, June 30th, Central Time (that's 1:01am Monday to 1:00am Tuesday, Etsy Time). Each Secret in which Armadillo Tex's picture appears will specify the free gift to be received with the purchase of that item. This will vary from shop to shop, and possibly between items in the same shop. There will be no more than 2 Secrets in each of the participating shops.


ETC Members with Secrets this month include:
ArtByJC - Original paintings, painted on leaves, wood, paper, metal, etc
AWPhotography - Note cards and fine art prints
BellaLunaCoffin - Mixed media jewelry & accessories
CindyJoy - Unique, handmade baby gear
EtsyTexasCrafters - ETC Team Shop, loaded with Texas goodies
FabFrills - Unique handbags, sassy art dolls & other fab things
FriendlyBanter – Crocheted items
HandmadeWhimzy - Unique jewelry, beaded bookmarks and decorative painting
KCKnits - Handspun yarn, spinning batts and handknit items
KillerBeeDesigns - Purses, Business Card Holders, Artwork and More
LavenderLizard - Crocheted Accesories, Scrubbies, Supplies & More
MayzBeadz - Handmade Lampwork Beads
MiaSophia – Handmade Glass Jewelry With a Little Fun Added
PreciousLinks – "A memory in every link" custom jewelry
Raevyn77 – Simply Raevyn Beautiful Handmade Beaded Jewelry
SerendipityRose - Handcrafted Jewelry and Beaded Gifts
SimplyCynful - Custom Bows, Headbands, Socks, Flip Flops, & Tutus
SimplyRaevyn – Hand beaded jewelry
SocoCreative - Stylish, decorative prints of original digital artwork
Sophiecls - SubEarthan Cottage: Soaps, jewelry, and other unique gifts
SweetWolf - Funky Handmade goodies for you and your home
ThePaperElephant - Greeting cards, paper favors, promo items, and supplies
Thistlecraft - Handpainted glass & window clings, CD collage cards, crochet scarves, & other fun stuff
UltraTrixie - Random whatnots and other interesting stuff


Need help finding Tex? Search Etsy using the tag "ETCSecrets" and keep and eye out for listings with Tex's picture in them -- only the ones with his picture in them include FREE gifts! And, yes, some items have been tagged that do not include a picture of Tex -- we didn't want to make this too easy for you!