An Etsy Owls Halloween

Yep, yep! It's that time of year again! To celebrate one of our favorite holidays, we're having a Halloween challenge, how exciting! That'll be posted tomorrow, but for today, we're going to share some of our Halloween love. Anyone want to help us figure out what Figaro should be for Halloween?

Deck out your accessories with this Ipod case from gadgetgear

Whoever thought Frankenstein wasn't cute had no idea, did they? Get Frankie by Lalala08 to complete your Halloween look!

Keep your coffee/tea warm while you take the kiddos out for Trick or Treat with this Halloween Cozy from Zemphira.

Got Steak? Squarejane does, and you could have some too! Dare to be rare this Halloween!

Owls August Travel Challenge

Kudos to SquareJane who came up with the theme for this month's challenge. The objective is simple: Make an item that reflects your favorite travel destination.

Vote for your favorite item in the poll on the left. Votes will be taken for one week, and the item with the most votes on the 31st will be this month's challenge winner.

Thanks to all of you travelling Owls who entered the contest, and good luck to all! Individual item listings can be seen by clicking on the names below.

anadiazarte
ickydogcreations
jonikay52
lalala08
squarejane
taw0106

Burrowing Owls OMG TOO CUTE!!

You know you've found that little special something on Etsy that makes you squee, giggle, and stare at your computer screen. lalala08 has been exploring that side of owlies. There's no lacking of owls on Etsy, but only a few of the owl items can get the OMG THAT'S SO CUTE! reaction.

Here, a few of her favorites (if it's tiny and/or has ginormous eyes, she's smitten!)

Little wee baby barn owl by fantiny
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=24638112

Owl Mama by needlings
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=24314296

Kitschy Owl Figurine by EmmaDear
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=18787989

Owly Earrings in Green by yellowtangerine
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=24634134

Owl Groom Ornament by ytlou
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=22368729


Rusty Wildflower Uncommon Owl by theuncommonkid
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=22052578

Happy Baby from the Owls!

This post is in honor of everyone who is expecting a little Owlet in the coming future! We'd especially like to say congrats to Zemphira who has a new one coming any time now and also to one of our newer Owls AlexanderRose who is due in June! Happy Baby from the Owls!!

lalala08 recently spent some time conducting an Etsy Search baby shower, and compiled this list of things perfect for that ultimate hospital trip! So shop for yourself, or shop for that loved one or friend of yours who's getting ready to welcome a new bundle of joy!

1. A big, beautiful bag to carry all those things you can't do without! Bonus -- doubles as an ultra gorgeous diaper bag later. Amelia Large Tote Bag by urbanharmonie


2. Hello, lip balm! Helps keep your lips looking and feeling beautiful as you shout at your partner for doing this to you. (just kidding!) Ananda Organic Vegan Bliss for your lips in Dandelion by jewelalchemy


3. Stay hydrated! Opt for a pretty mug or cup to keep your ice chips in instead of the icky styrofoam ones! Polka Dot Mug by BMLangPottery


4. Find a focal point! Why not bring along a picture of something calming to help you focus between contractions? Vintage Art Deco Wooden Picture Frame by RobertaGrove


5. So, hospital socks...yeah, ew. Bring along your favorite pair of slippers instead!
Spring Equinox Flat by HydraHeart


6. Don't forget your robe, too! Hospital gowns get the same "ew" factor as the socks!
Knee Length Kimono Style Robe by plumprettysugar


7. Wash cloths/baby wipes/nursing pads/whatever! You will be glad you packed these.
Pack of 6 Single-Ply Hemp/OC Reusable Cloth Wipes by sewfussy


8. Something cute for your wee one to wear home, or for the hospital pictures!
Bird Onesie and Burp Cloth Set by valeriya


9. Don't you love when chic and functionality come together, like in this dress made with nursing moms in mind? Don't forget to bring something simple, comfortable, and lovely to wear home yourself! This Floral Life sweater dress by replicca

Walk Now for Autism with lalala08

It's not often that on an April morning in Pennsylvania, it's 60 degrees outside before 9AM... but that was exactly the case this past Saturday when my fiance Chris and I arrived at Walk Now for Autism in Allentown, PA. Others had been arriving since 8AM (some even camped out the night before), so parking was already scarce. We ended up having to park pretty far from the festivities, but it was a nice warm-up for the Walk! When we came over the hill towards the park, there were people everywhere -- every age, every gender, every race... and they were all smiling (minus one or two crying babies!). The sun was shining, and we were all ready to go!

We met up with Chris' work team, Koch's Kids, where they had a group picture taken, and then we wandered around for a bit. We picked up some free drinks and refreshments, including tiny pretzels shaped like puzzle pieces! We pet lots of cute dogs, and admired the other teams and families all around us. This year's Miss Pennsylvania sang the National Anthem, and then Darth Vader and some Storm Troopers appeared on top of the bridge over the starting line and we all counted down to the beginning of the Walk -- it was very exciting. We passed through a large balloon arch, where life-size Crayola crayons, Darth Vader, Darth Maul, and some Storm Troopers greeted us as we began the Walk. Cheerleaders from a local school cheered everyone on as they walked. There was laughter filling the air, and a live band played back at the main grounds.

Those who stayed behind enjoyed the music, met local businesses and organizations, and watched as children jumped around in giant blow-ups! We walked along the Lehigh River with the sun at our backs and a cool breeze in the air. It was really lovely. We passed over a covered bridge, trekked up rocky hills, and watched as fishermen cast their lines into the river. There was a shortcut for those who wanted/needed one, but we were doing fine so Chris and I continued on. We paused only once to look at some bass calmly swimming in the river. Once we finished, Applebee's had tents set up to give everyone some free snacks (boneless chicken wings, pasta salad, and fresh veggies and fruit! yum!). We sat and enjoyed our treats as we reflected on what we had just accomplished. I am proud to say that I didn't really feel the burn until we had to go back up over the hill to our car! It was such a great day, and for such a great cause!

If you would like to make a donation, you can do so through August by visiting the Walk Now for Autism website. Additionally, the EtsyOWLs still have some amazing items available in the team shop! And I have decided to extend to 4/30 my offer of donating 10% of every purchase from my shop to the Walk! Check out my shop here! Thank you to our friends, family, and everyone for all of your support! Together we can all make a difference!

Still want to donate? Lehigh Valley's gearing up for their 2010 walk, info available here

April Rain Challenge

The theme of our April's Challenge was to create based on a word. The team submitted words and then we voted, and 'rain' won the most votes. So, several team members submitted rainy items :) See them all here or check out the end of the post for the individual item links on Etsy.

To vote for your favorite, use the poll on the left. Voting will go for 1 week.

Important: Some voters have problems with the Blogger poll. If it doesn't work for you, please post your vote in the comments on this post. Be sure to let us know that the poll didn't work for you when you post or your vote will not be counted!!

Here are the item links:

blackcatmima: Rain Cloud Barrette

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=23916978

gypsyeye: Cascade Earrings:

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=23918230

lalala08: Raindrop Earrings:

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=23931275

lovealisa: April Showers Market Tote

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=23951190

shisie: Rainy Days Are For... (wall hanging)

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=23920953

Squarejane: Spring in Vancouver (painting)

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=23954842

WeiOpenSecret: Rain Glass Necklace:

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=16224846

The Owls on Sale!

We're having a team sale this weekend from Friday 4/17 until the end of Sunday 4/19. Shops are offering anywhere between and off on either certain sections or their entire shops! Check out each seller's listing below to see sale specifications and make sure to check shop annoucements to see if the sale is going on at the time you're shopping. Happy Shopping!

BlackCatMima

10% off STOREWIDE
Wait for a Paypal invoice before paying!

CagedBirdSings

20% off STOREWIDE! Please wait for a Paypal invoice before paying!

GypsyEye

20% off All Bracelets All Weekend, Prices already adjusted for easy checkout!

Bracelets Section: http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5696240§ion_id=5455745

HollyStott

20% off STOREWIDE!!!

IckyDogCreations

15% off storewide! Prices are original prices - after you purchase, I'll send you an updated invoice. Please wait for the updated invoice before paying.

KnitandPearl

40% Off STOREWIDE!

lalala08

10% off ALL EARRINGS! Prices have already been adjusted for your convenience so shop away!

Earring Section: http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5871867§ion_id=5528770

An additional 10% of your purchase from http://lalala08.etsy.com/ will go directly to benefit Lehigh Valley's Walk Now for Autism. See shop annoucement for details.

LuckyTwentyOne

10% off STOREWIDE! Please wait for a Paypal invoice prior to paying!

PresentsforPirates

Buy Any Two items, get a third for 100% off! That's FREE! Buy two, get one FREE! Free item must be of equal or lesser value of purchased items.

Squarejane

20% off STOREWIDE
Wait for a Paypal invoice before paying!
(Sale is going until April 25th)

suenosdejmi

50% off STOREWIDE! Lots of items under $10! Plus, free US shipping on orders over $20 (after discounts) and free WORLDWIDE shipping on orders over $30 (after discounts) Prices do not reflect discounts. Please wait for an adjusted Paypal invoice to reflect discounts (and shipping adjustments, if apply








WeiOpenSecret


the pendants and necklaces under For Your Neck section are currently on sale for 10% off. All items in that section are listed under their ORIGINAL prices. After you make the purchase, I will send you a new invoice reflecting the correct discounted total, thank you!

http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=97413&section_id=5214645

Owls find bacon!

Welcome to our first OwlFinds feature :) The theme for this feature was chosen by lalala08 and she selected all the featured items as well. Enjoy!



Pictured from top to bottom, left to right, are:

Bacon Surprise T-shirt by SappyMooseTree
Bacon Love Tags from ThePoint
Bacon Upcycled Journal from IvyLaneDesigns
The Best Bacon Ever Print by Erina68
Bacon Bracelet by Diffraction
Bacon Scarf by BerniceSutherland

Owl Spotlight, lalala08: Adventures in Consignment

Last year I decided to take my crafting business one step farther -- I was leaving my comfort zone of outdoor festivals, craft shows, and private jewelry parties and entering the world of consignment. Dun dun dunnnnnn!

When a friend of a friend got the opportunity to open her dream store, it was mentioned to me that she was looking for local crafters and artists to sell their work on consignment. I resisted at first, hesitated to call her…I even panicked and got all of my vintage clothing together in a bag to sell to her instead. But eventually, with the unfaltering encouragement of my fiancé, friends, and family, I mustered up the courage to set up a meeting with the owner to show her some of my work. I went through all of my pieces with my mother and fiancé, and fought with myself over what was the best, what I was most proud of, and above all – what I thought would sell. And on a sunny afternoon, I packed my new pretty little jewelry display case and grabbed my plastic garbage bag of vintage clothing, and headed to my meeting.

My heart was racing, I was so nervous! But I figured hey, worse case scenario -- at least I cleaned my closet out, right? Well I don’t know what on earth I was so worried about, because every piece I pulled out she loved and wanted for the store, and couldn’t wait to see what else I would bring!

I felt so proud on opening day to see my pieces displayed in an actual store, and even prouder the first day I saw a stranger wearing one of my pieces! Now that was a first for me – typically I was always the one making the sales, meeting each customer face-to-face, but then…there I was…waiting in line to order coffee…and the woman behind the counter was wearing something I had made! It was REALLY awesome!

And my positive experience with doing consignment with the store led me to consider doing consignment with the gallery above it. In November of 2008, for the first time in my life, I saw my own paintings in a gallery, next to other artists, and I got to see them sell with great enthusiasm! What a rush! It’s been so much fun and so rewarding that I plan on setting out to do more local consignment (and maybe outside of the area too, any takers?!).

If you are ever in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, be sure to check out my goods and the rest of the awesome store that is UnderWired! Tell Lisa that la la la sent you!

Some of my little owl paintings at UnderWired

My handmade earring display at UnderWired.

Some of my jewelry on display at UnderWired

.

The artist behind lalala is Janessa, and other than in her Etsy shop and at Underwired, you can also find her online at her blog and also follow her on Twitter @lalalajanessa

The OWLS take on Valentine's Day

The winner of our previous challenge HollyStott, got to choose the theme for this challenge! Congrats Holly and great job on the last challenge! She decided to do Valentine's Day, but with a twist. The main objective of this challenge was to make an item you would give to your best friend for Valentine's Day, but back in high school! So thse items are all silly and fun (and by the way, would make a perfect gift for that young one in your life *wink, wink*)

The entries are shown below, and each have links to their listings on Etsy. Vote for your favorite in the poll over on the left hand side of the screen. Please note that only votes in the poll will be counted, comments do not count as votes! Thanks for visiting, and Happy Valentine's Day from the Etsy Owls Street Team!

HollyStott's Love Monster

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=20452591

LoveAlisa's Conversation Hearts

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=20495530

Lalala08's Owl Love Notes

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=20514119

Jonikay52's After the Rain 8x10 Photograph

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=8741256

WeiOpenSecret's Emergency Valentines

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=20515770

RaynaE's Unicorn Rainbow Barf Candy Bag

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=20513145

StripeyMonkey's Luv U Ipod Cozy

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=20487971

Suenosdejmi's Ribbon Bracelet

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=20151151

Also, be sure to visit this gorgeous Valentine themed treasury and also search etsyowlsteam for a bunch of great Etsy Owls items!