Back to blogging...and an Etsy Anniversary Sale!

Hey there! After a way too lengthy absence, I am back at the blog!
Just a quick update right now, then hopefully a much lengthier blog later this week.
According the the Etsy site, I opened my shop with them 8 years ago. Doesn't seem that long ago!
Anyways, as a little 'thank you' to all my fellow fanboy/fangirl/geek/nerds or however you identify, I am having a 50% off all recycled comic jewelry running through August 31st. Just be sure to use the code 'GEEKCELEBRATION' at checkout!
www.etsy.com/shop/lucie39
Here's a few of the goodies available

Sunday Morning Blogging with a Spotlight Feature on LivingDeadGirlNicole!

Vacation...nothing relaxes the mind quite like it. I have to say, of all my seasonal times off from the day job, I love my fall one the best. The sights, the colors, the aromas (pumpkin EVERYTHING) the cooler weather...it is just the best.
 Plus, it is nice wind down from an extremely busy month round here. October (followed closely by June) is THE BIRTHDAY MONTH around here. Hard to believe my kiddo had his 12th birthday just last week. Since it fell on a school day this year, we had the traditional family celebration that night complete with 'Pokemon' cake.


This year his celebration choice for the following was to attend a local Renaissance Faire ,so that is what we did. Fun times and revelry were had by all (in addition to empty pockets experienced by parents. But it was worth it.)

On to today's Spotlight Feature!
Keeping in the spirit of the Halloween season, today's spotlight is on the awesome and eerie work of
LivingDeadGirlNicole
Here is a little bit about Nicole's artwork in her own words from her Etsy bio:
I find beauty in all things dark, spooky or mythical. Aspects of that are reflected not only in my style but also in my art work. When other little girls wanted to be ballerinas I wanted to be Elvira.... I still do! I'm the type of girl that if Zombies attack I want to join em not fight em. Some of my favorite things are horror movies, bats, Halloween, themed costume parties, Renaissance Faires, Muppets, Tattoos, rock music, fairy and fantasy art, Universal Monsters and The Munsters. I like to draw, paint, scrapbook, craft and do anything that gets my creative blood flowing.

One of the first things in Nicole's shop that caught my eye is that she is a talented artist. I love this portrait of Katherine Isabelle in 'Ginger Snaps'.

Love the colors in this 'Day of the Dead' barrette

Batty Burlesque!

Goblets made perfect for a Gothic-styled wedding

You can see more of Nicole's work on her own website:

http://www.artworkbylivingdeadgirlnicole.com/

and on her Etsy site:

https://www.etsy.com/shop/LivingDeadGirlNicole

Have spooky good time!

100th Post and a Spotlight on Kayla Conspiracy

In truth,I should have hit my 100th post a looooooong time ago,but hey, we finally made it!

 The last few weeks have been busy with the start of the new school year between my own classroom (I teach preschool)and my son beginning middle school and starting at a new school. Our second floor tenant moved out, leaving an apartment that needed a whole renovation before it could be rentable again.I will spare you those horror show pics.

Then,because it wasn't chaotic enough,I had shingles flare up on my face. I had always heard you could only get shingles once (my 1st episode was in July and on my side), but apparently that is NOT TRUE.I have been documenting the whole episode on my phone (the doctor loved this idea,so she could see the progression). It's been two weeks since the initial rash and it is finally starting to scab and clear,but the itch and burning discomfort remain. Maybe I will do a whole post on it someday,complete with my "Walking Dead' extra face shots,lol.

So, with a bit of sick time on my hands I have been working on few things I have been wanting to learn, such as digital drawing. Way back when I was in college, digital drawing was in it's beginning stages.Heck, the whole internet was in it's beginning stages! So, needless to say, I am a bit behind on things. I don't have the time or resources to take classes right now,but I am still a determined student. I finally found styluses I feel comfortable drawing on my Ipad with. My tools of choice are a Bamboo stylus, Nomadbrush Flex,and my favorite,the Jot Pro. I find the Jot mimics the feel of real drawing tool in my hand the best,and I love the fine point. All three work great,though.
here are some links for you interested in looking into them
Nomad Brush Flex
 The Jot Pro
Wacom Bamboo Stylus
here is a pic I did of my kiddo of when he was a baby,using the Jot Pro and the Pen and Ink app on Ipad

Not too bad for a beginner. I love a new hobby.

Next up, let's get to our spotlight feature! Today we are turning the spotlight on The Kayla Conspiracy
Kayla makes some pretty awesome geek inspired chic fashions. Here's a bit about Kayla from her bio:

Kayla Conspiracy Clothing & Accessories is a mother/daughter operation specializing in geeky and novelty fashion and jewelry.

From Avengers dresses to Harry Potter jewelry, we've got something for you!
We also are happy to do custom orders so if you need something in a different size, don't hesitate to ask!

I am loving this Shield Inspired Skirt

Pretty superhero inspired combs with bows

fun jewelry like these Harry Potter inspired Lightning Bolt earrings

and I LOVE these superhero styled overskirts

Kayla Conspiracy can be found on their Etsy shop Tumblr and Facebook

Be sure to check them out!!!

'Geek Girls Of Etsy' Spotlight on FDart Studio!

It's been a hot one here this week on the east coast,we saw temps in the mid 90's all week with heat indexes in the 100's. It was a great week to be on vacation,though. The kiddo and I hit the beach, festivals,took in a few movies ('Despicable Me 2': very cute. Loved the minions.' Pacific Rim': everything a giant monster movie should be.Loved it!)
All good things must end, though and it's back to the daily grind tomorrow--hopefully with lower temperatures. What makes it bearable is the next vacation is only 28 days away :)

On to our 'Geek Girls Of Etsy' Spotlight of the day. Today we shine the light on an awesome father/daughter team,Floro Dery and Flor Dery who have combined into one awesome,artistic Etsy shop!

Here is their shop bio:

Floro Dery is an artist who has worked in animation for over 20 years. His work includes original concept designer for The Transformers: The Movie, illustrator for the syndicated Sunday Spider-Man with Stan Lee, and storyboard artist for the Spider-Man: The Animated Series.

Flor Dery is the daughter of Floro Dery. She is a major fan of anime and prefers to draw in anime style. Her art and crafts are a side hobby from her full time profession. Her work includes fan art, pins, magnets, handwoven bracelets, nail art, and keychains.

It is apparent that artistic talent runs deep in this family. Here are just a few of the awesome items in their shop.

https://www.etsy.com/listing/151772930/female-kingslayer-signed-print-of

This hand-painted pendant is double-sided. Here is the reverse side:

https://www.etsy.com/listing/125971934/reversible-unicornmermaid-red-pendant

https://www.etsy.com/listing/157321444/unicron-decepticon-hall-of-heroes-signed

So many great beaded bracelets, but this is my favorite :)

https://www.etsy.com/listing/154774416/wonder-woman-beaded-bracelet

There are so many great items in this shop--be sure to go check them out!

https://www.etsy.com/shop/FDartstudio

Vacation,and a 'Geek Girls Of Etsy' Spotlight on SquirrelPhoto!

Ah,vacation.
We work all year to get to this point that we love. This is my 'stay at home' vacation. Kiddo is in a summer program he loves for a month,so day trips instead. My days this week are filled with relaxation,iced coffee (of course!),jewelry making,supply shopping,organizing and cleaning (which I actually do enjoy when I don't HAVE to do them). I will be hitting the annual festival at the park up the street later today. My bead vendor pal from Florida is there with her usual AWESOME selection and I am itching to do a little shopping!
We tried to go yesterday,but were drenched by downpours that came out of nowhere. According to doppler radar,it wasn't even raining in our area.Yet this was the view from where we took shelter...welcome to summer in New England...

I hope to get lots of better pictures of the festival today,if the kiddo ever gets up!

On to our 'Etsy Geek Girls Spotlight'! Today it falls on the awesome photography of SquirrelPhoto!
Here is a bit about the shop:

Kitschy urban retro geek-chic fine art photography. Prints and Greeting Cards. Please message me for any special requests -- I'm happy to accommodate!

And a little about El  herself from her Etsy bio:

I've been doing fine art photography for over 20 years with a range of film and digital cameras and darkroom development. I"m a critical care registered nurse (and part-time tutor for Microbiology and Anatomy) and have a passion for science, books, old top hats, squirrels, the atomic 50's, and capturing the creatively quirky pulse of life in New York City.

El's visions are freaky,gorgeous and amazing. See for yourself (all photos copyright of the artist)


https://www.etsy.com/listing/111464332/sheep-mask-5x7-fine-art-photograph


https://www.etsy.com/listing/104856773/suspended-dolls-5x7-fine-art



https://www.etsy.com/listing/105036974/classic-coney-island-burger-boy-5x7


https://www.etsy.com/listing/104919380/coffee-cups-nyc-winter-christmas-window

El states she takes custom orders as well. Be sure to check out El's amazing works here:
https://www.etsy.com/shop/SquirrelPhoto

Have a great weekend!

Sunday Morning Blogging,Coffee and a New 'Geek Girls of Etsy' Spotlight on Wyrd And Wired!

I have to say, I love summer Sundays. We don't have to get up too early(although I still seem to anyways). I can relax, sip my iced coffee, spend time having an actual conversation with my kiddo,browse the internet,work on orders for my Etsy. It's nice to not have to adhere to a schedule, especially after the busy week we have had between graduations and birthdays
.
My youngest kiddo graduated from elementary school on Monday. I am both happy and sad the same time. SO very proud of his accomplishments,but not really sure where all the years have gone? Seems like just yesterday I was dropping him off for his first day of kindergarten.

Also this week, our oldest turned 21! Her dad and I met when she was in kindergarten,so I was not there for that first day of school for her but I remember all the others. It goes by in the blink of an eye,really.
She had to work the day of her birthday (as is life in the real 'grown up' world) so we had her celebration last   night. This is one of the dinner guests she invited over...
 

and her red velvet cake with cream cheese frosting being melted by all those candles...


So as said, BUSY week. Enjoying the opportunity to sit down right now,have a cup of iced coffee --Green Mountain Breakfast Blend with Coffee Mate 'Thin Mint' creamer via my Kuerig Vue...and yes, it is as yummy as it sounds. Even better in these cute mason tumblers I found at Walmart.


Sit back, relax and enjoy a cup of coffee while we check out our 'Geek Girls Of Etsy' featured shop of the day. Today our spotlight falls on Wyrd and Wired!
Here is a little bit about Cynthia is her own words--

I graduated from college with a degree in studio art and a concentration in computer graphics, but quickly found that I missed getting my hands on my work. A California vacation for graduation led to a flash of inspiration, which led me to a spool of craft wire and some craft glass. Once I discovered the joy of wire wrapping, I was hooked.

My jewelry art is constantly growing and changing, but some themes will always remain the same. I love the sparkle of sterling silver wire and how old things - be they techniques, images, or objects - can be made new again. From knit wire to reused game pieces, I hope you will find something in my collection that you love as much as I do.

And here is her shop intro:

We're never too old to play, and my jewelry reflects that. Recycled game pieces, old comic books, and more go into each fun piece. Dice earrings, comic jewelry, and other playful pieces remind us that there is always time to play. Old and new, whimsy and beauty, go hand and hand in my earrings, pendants, and other jewelry. Many of my materials are reused in new and creative ways.

There are a lot of great items in Cynthia's shop, and I love how she is recycling old items into new and exciting pieces. I think one of the things I liked most about her work was how it was focused on written words.I am a sucker for anything that gives new life to old comics,books and magazines. These are a few of my favorites.



https://www.etsy.com/listing/124944359/comic-book-pendant-poker-chip-necklace


https://www.etsy.com/listing/124150897/steampunk-necklace-recycled-comic-book


https://www.etsy.com/listing/126730435/thesaurus-word-necklace-recycled-book


https://www.etsy.com/listing/126156153/thesaurus-word-ring-recycled-book

Be sure to check out the rest of the wonderful items Cynthia has in her Etsy shop
https://www.etsy.com/shop/wyrdandwired
and you can also find her on Wordpress
http://craftygeeks.wordpress.com/

Thanks for checking in, and enjoy your weekend!

New 'Geek Girls Of Etsy' Spotlight on Crystalcat1989!

Today's feature shines the spotlight on our own 'Geek Girls Of Etsy' team captain, Crystalcat1989,a.k.a. Crystal Simpson!

Here is Crystal's Etsy bio:
Who am I? I am a creative, fun loving geek. I love to read whether its a book, comic or manga. I also love video games, role playing games (DND), and board games. Since I was young I always loved doing crafts. Over the years I have learned to knit, crochet, cross-stitch, rug hooking, and some bead work. Everything I sell at this store is made by me and I hope that you enjoy my creations as much as I did making them.


I have a huge soft spot for needle-felted sculptures,and Pokemon...and when I saw this Jigglypuff it was love at first sight...



and THIS...most adorable Dalek ever!


Her bangle style,crocodile stitch cuffs are lovely and she hand spins her own wool to fabulous effect!
Love them.


Crystal also does some great cross stitch. I am a huge Pixie fan.
She had a lot of other choices listed as well.


you can check out Crystal's shop for more awesome and geektastic items here:
https://www.etsy.com/shop/Crystalcat1989
Have a great weekend!