Team Interview: Best Halloween Costume

Q: What was your best Halloween costume?

Go Against the Grain- I'm actually hoping to make this year my best one ever. Bust since I don't have a picture yet, I'll share last year's! I was little red riding hood, complete with basket of real baked goods :) We all dressed up for work, it was a lot of fun.
~~~

Bella Mia Bows n Things- My favorite halloween costume was when I was about 19 or 20, I think. I was working at target, so i decided to go as a Target Guestcard =)

I took 2 pieces of red poster board and I made the front look like the front of the guestcard and the back I made to look like the back of the guestcard. I had every detail down to the tiniest thing. Then I put the two together with ribbon, I think, and put it on so I was a walking guestcard.

I won the contest that year at target for best costume
~~~

Four Harp Designs- My 1st grade costume was my favorite. I dressed up as a Cabbage Patch Kid (still in the patch). I remember my mom spending hours upon hours sewing it for me - complete with a little "patch hat" and leaves to cover my shoes. She even ironed on a Cabbage Patch Kids logo. I loved wearing it!

~~~

Belle Papillon Designs- My best costume ever was a California Raisin. I think it must have been 1987 or 88. My mom took a huge purple t-shirt and sewed tucks in it all the way around. Then we stuffed the inside with newspaper and grocery bags. We painted my face purple, and then I pulled the neck of shirt over my head (Beavis and Butthead style, though this was long before they were on TV). Paired that with leggings, white gloves, and hi-top Chucks, and I won the costume contest at my afterschool program!
~~~

Blush Printables- I have two favorite costumes.

In 1988 I was a witch. Yes, I went trick or teating with a broom in one hand and a my little pony in the other.
In 1991, I was Dorothy from the Wizard of Oz which is my favorite movie EVER. My nana sewed my costume & even bought me red shoes that we put glitter on. My brother was the cowardly lion that year.
~~~

Swish Designs- One year (about 1998 or so), me and all my friends went as the cast from
Austin Powers (the first movie). A couple of the guys bought their costumes
but my girlfriend and I made the fembot costumes. We won first place in a
costume contest. My 2nd favorite costume was in about 1996ish - I made a
cat woman costume. I had found a mask at a costume shop and rented the movie
and painstakingly drew the costume out on a black lycra full body suit. It
was super cute - didn't win first place though - my roommate did!!!
~~~

mary*mule- I was Pippi Longstocking in 4th grade. My dad bent a wire coat hanger around my head and my mom braided my hair around it so my pigtails stuck out. I had mismatched clothes too.
I won 2nd place in a costume contest at the grocery store.

Plumb Pretty Giveaway

Hi, I’m Tina and am the sole designer of Plumb Pretty Jewelry. I am a newly wed and work full time as an emergency dispatcher. I have a teenage stepdaughter who is 14 going on 25, if you know what I mean! ;) My husband and I have 4 fur babies between us, 3 dogs (Cisco, Zoe, and Pepper) and one bossy cat (Luther). Between taking care of everybody and working full time that doesn’t leave much time for my craft, but I try to make time when I can.

I love to make fun jewelry that works for all occasions. I really enjoy mixing new and vintage for a great one of a kind piece. As you can see from my shop I am in love with necklaces and pendants and that’s what I have the most of.

For Valentine’s Day I’m giving away one beautiful and sparkly silver rhinestone ball necklace on a 16 inch sterling silver chain.

I am also offering 10% off your total purchase through the month of February when you message me “LOVE” when you make your purchase. I will credit the 10% to your PayPal account after receiving payment.
Contest is open NOW until 10 pm CST TODAY when comments will be closed. This contest is open to US and Canada residents only.
5 ways to enter:
1.) Leave a comment on this post with your favorite item from Plumb Pretty's Etsy shop.
2.) Tweet about this giveaway with the following phrase: “Check out the @KNETTeam blog! Today’s freebie is from @plumbpretty #day14 http://knetetsyteam.blogspot.com/” and leave us a link to your tweet in the comments section. **MUST LEAVE US LINK TO YOUR SPECIFIC TWEET**
3.) Follow at Plumb Pretty's blog and leave us a comment telling us you did.
4.) Post about this giveaway on your blog and leave us a comment with the link to your blog post.
5.) Follow the KNET Team on Twitter and leave us a comment with your username.
FIVE entries per person! Very generous. :o)
Ready, set, go! Winner will be chosen tonight by random.org and will be announced on this blog and on our Twitter page. Winner has 24 hours to contact us via e-mail to redeem their prize at mailto:plumbpretty@gmail.com%20or or via Twitter.
Good luck and Happy Valentines Day!

Four Harp Designs Giveaway

Four Harp Designs is a place to buy digital files for your custom photo card. I design birth announcements, moving announcements, birthday invitations, holiday cards... you name it! After working closely with my customer and emailing as many proofs as necessary, I email a high resolution jpeg file that can be printed at any photo printing location. I also make printable files without photos (such as bridal shower invitations, baby shower invitations, etc.). I love to do custom work, so if you don't see what you're looking for in my shop I'm happy to work with you to create your perfect photo card.

I'm giving away one free digital file. The winner of this giveaway can use their prize at any time during 2010. If you're having a baby later in the year or want to wait until the holidays to use your prize, you may do that!

Contest is open NOW until 10 pm CST TODAY when comments will be closed. This contest is open world wide!
5 ways to enter:
1.) Leave a comment on this post with your favorite item from Four Harp Designs Etsy shop.
2.) Follow the KNET Team on Twitter and leave us a comment with your Twitter username or tweet at @KNETTeam and say hello! (But remember to leave a comment on this blog either way so your entry will count!)
3.) Follow at Four Harps Design's blog and leave us a comment telling us you did.
4.) Follow the KNET Team blog and leave us a comment letting us know you did.
5.) Become a fan of Four Harp Designs on Facebook and let us know in the comments.
That’s a total of 5 chances per person! WAY COOL!
Ready, set, go! Winner will be chosen tonight by random.org and will be announced on this blog and on our Twitter page. Winner has 24 hours to contact us via e-mail to redeem their prize at fourharpdesigns@gmail.com or via Twitter.

Certainly Chic Giveaway

Certainly Chic started as a small idea after my own wedding in March 2008. As I was planning my own wedding, I began to create items that fit certain details that I wanted and couldn't find in stores. I had several brides contacting me after my wedding asking me to recreate items for them. I really enjoyed it and so I decided to branch out and make something of it!


I am currently a full time Title I teacher in Washington, DC. That "real" job certainly has its challenges and stresses so I love being able to come home and let the creative juices flow into something beautiful! Keep your eyes on my shop for some new items and new ideas coming in late spring/early summer! :)

I am giving away a hand-painted parasol in your choice of color and saying. I have done everything from "Just Married", "I Do", and "Thank You" to "Birthday Girl" and initials. Possibilities are endless!

Contest is open NOW until 10 pm CST TODAY when comments will be closed. This giveaway is open to US and Canada residents only.
5 ways to enter:
1.) Leave a comment on this post with your favorite item from Certainly Chic's Etsy shop.
2.) Tweet about this giveaway with the following phrase: “Check out the @KNETTeam blog! Today’s freebie is from Certainly Chic #day12 http://knetetsyteam.blogspot.com/” and leave us a link to your tweet in the comments section. **MUST LEAVE US LINK TO YOUR SPECIFIC TWEET**
3.) Follow at Certainly Chic's blog and leave us a comment telling us you did.
4.) Post about this giveaway on your blog and leave us a comment with the link to your blog post.
5.) Tell us what you would put on your parasol if you won! (In the comments section)
FIVE entries per person! Very generous. :o)
Ready, set, go! Winner will be chosen tonight by random.org and will be announced on this blog and on our Twitter page. Winner has 24 hours to contact us via e-mail to redeem their prize at glenlakelove@gmail.com or via Twitter.

Embellished Bayou Giveaway

 

Embellished Bayou is your source for beautiful custom home decor and gifts.  I specialize in handmade and embellished products perfect for gifts, home accents, or party/wedding favors. I started making my personalized products over a year ago when I needed a customized gift for a friend but didn't want to pay the high prices of a boutique. I have always had a love for all things crafty! I often see things for sale in stores and think "I can make that!" I try to take ordinary things and make them extraordinary...I'm always getting inspirations for new crafts so you'll find a wide variety of unique items in my Etsy shop. Many of my pieces are one of a kind, so no two things are ever exactly alike.

My frames are all handpainted and adorned with rhinestones, bows, authentic vintage jewelry or buttons, or a fun silk flower. My antique tins are also handpainted and embellished with rhinestones. All the frames and tins can be customized with whatever color, design or personalization you choose!

My soaps are all made in small batches by my mother using natural ingredients. All the soaps are vegetable or mineral based, therefore, no animal products are used. Soaps are available in a variety of scents and make great party favors and hostess gifts.

I am giving away one 6"x6" handpainted antique tin ceiling tile.  The tile has been painted deep brown and dry brushed with gold.  A handstamped  gold and pearlized fleur de lis accented with Swarovski crystals adorns the center.   The tin hangs from a double satin ribbon hanger so it is the perfect addition to a wreath, front door, or wall.  Other designs are also available for purchase in my Etsy shop.

Contest is open NOW until 10 pm CST TODAY when comments will be closed. Due to shipping costs, contest is only open to US residents.

5 ways to enter:

1.) Leave a comment on this post with your favorite item from Embellished Bayou's Etsy shop.

2.) Tweet about this giveaway with the following phrase: “Check out the @KNETTeam blog! Today’s freebie is from @embellishbayou #day6 http://knetetsyteam.blogspot.com/” and leave us a link to your tweet in the comments section. **MUST LEAVE US LINK TO YOUR SPECIFIC TWEET**

3.) Follow Embellished Bayou's blog and leave us a comment telling us you did.

4.) Post about this giveaway on your blog and leave us a comment with the link to your blog post.

5.) Follow Embellished Bayou on Twitter, and leave us a comment with your Twitter username.

That’s a total of 5 chances per person!

Good luck!

Ready, set, go! Winner will be chosen tonight by random.org and will be announced on this blog and on our Twitter page. Winner has 24 hours to contact us via e-mail to redeem their prize at embellishedbayou@comcast.net or via Twitter.

Become a fan of Embellished Bayou on Facebook:  http://www.facebook.com/embellishedbayou

Bella Mia Bows & Things Giveaway

Bella Mia Bows & Things happened out of need for cute and affordable bows and clips for my daughter. I started learning how to make them prior to the birth of my baby girl, fully expecting lots of hair and a need for lots and lots of clips. I definitely counted my chickens before they hatched because my adorable Gabriella was born with not-so-much hair. The irony is grand, isn't it? But, even without the need for hair bows/clips I found I couldn't stop making them. It was addicting--buying ribbon, learning new techniques, putting something beautiful together.

Before I knew it, I had tons of clips and no baby to attach them to =) I couldn't even do the fun trick of slipping them into a crocheted headband, because my feisty baby did not keep it on! So I put the clips down and resigned myself to a life full of people asking how old my "son" was. Even though I wasn't making the clips, I continued to buy ribbon. This should have been my first clue that I was a closet ribbon addict. Patterns, solids, holiday ribbon....if it was on a spool, I wanted it. Trips out of the house almost certainly ended up at the craft store, where my bald baby and I would walk out with bags of ribbon. Then, it happened! The ribbon started taking up more and more space! So, the inevitable happened--I started making clips and bows again in anticipation of my daughter's hair quickly growing in. It really wasn't until her first birthday that there was enough hair to justify using a clip to keep it back. By then, though, I had tons of clips and I had started making them for friends and family.

Then one day, I was on my local NJ board on The Nest and I kept seeing the term Etsy come up. I sort of knew what Etsy was but I had never really looked into it. I decided to go exploring. Once I discovered what an awesome place Etsy.com was and I showed my husband my newfound happy place, he mentioned maybe putting the clips I had made online and making a little room in the house. With a little prodding from him and a quick trip to the craft closet to see just how many bows/clips I had, I bit the bullet and created a storefront.I came up with the name Bella Mia Bows & Things based on a name I called my daughter in a lullaby I had made up when she was born, Bella Mia (which in Italian means, my beautiful one). Little by little I started filling the shop up with clips and bows made from all that fun ribbon I had bought before and voila my Etsy shop was born.

I opened my shop in June 2009 and since then I have added more and more inventory including newly added paper products and scrabble tile pendants, as well as different kinds of bows and clips. I sometimes have bow-holder or two and I plan to add more adult-themed clips in the future. I have even made a couple bows for a fellow Etsian's adorable pup. What started out as a little hobby to make some bows for my daughter has grown into a side business, allowing the creative side of me to flourish and grow with it. I am constantly looking for new products to make and add to the shop, as well as looking for fun new ribbons to create with. Not to mention, it has also caused my new addiction to paper.

I hope you have as much fun looking in my shop as I have stocking it. And as a token of my appreciation, I am giving away a set of 4 clippies, made with Valentine's Day in mind!

Please visit me at my shop: www.bellamiabowsnthings.etsy.com
You can also find me on facebook: www.facebook.com/bellamiabowsnthings
on twitter: www.twitter.com/bellamiabows
and in the blog-o-sphere at www.bellamiabowsnthings.blogspot.com

The following set of 4 bows is today’s prize:

Contest is open NOW until 10 pm CST TODAY when comments will be closed. This giveaway is open to US and Canada residents only.


5 ways to enter:
1.) Leave a comment on this post with your favorite item from Bella Mia Bows & Things Etsy shop.

2.) Tweet about this giveaway with the following phrase: “Check out the @KNETTeam blog! Today’s freebie is from @bellamiabows #day4 http://knetetsyteam.blogspot.com/” and leave us a link to your tweet in the comments section. **MUST LEAVE US LINK TO YOUR SPECIFIC TWEET**

3.) Follow Bella Mia’s blog and leave us a comment telling us you did.

4.) Post about this giveaway on your blog and leave us a comment with the link to your blog post.

5.) Follow Bella Mia on Twitter, and leave us a comment with your Twitter username.

That’s a total of 5 chances per person! WAY COOL!

Ready, set, go! Winner will be chosen tonight by random.org and will be announced on this blog and on our Twitter page. Winner has 24 hours to contact us via e-mail to redeem their prize at bellamiabowsnthings@gmail.com or via Twitter.

ChristieCreations Giveaway

ChristieCreations: Making Gifts That Bloom was created as a practical alternative to the ever popular diaper cake. Baby Clothing Blooming Bouquets and Baby Cupcakes allow the mom to be to wash each item before being used on her precious baby!

Introducing the Baby Cupcake! Each cupcake is lovingly made with high quality baby basics like bibs, onesies/bodysuits, and washcloths. Handrolled to look like a whipped cupcake and presented in a bakery box all set for presentation. Perfect for baby shower or hospital visits!

This giveaway is for a custom made four pack of cupcakes containing a combination of:
Carter's Waterproof Lined Feeding Bibs - Extra Large (various designs/colors available) and…

Baby Washcloths
We will "bake" a four pack just for you!
Surprise the Mom to be with the sweetest gift!
“Flavors" available include:
*BOY, GIRL, and UNISEX/GENDER NEUTRAL
*Pink, White, Blue, Yellow, Green Washcloths
*Printed Washcloths, Onesies, and Bibs

Contest is open NOW until 10 pm CST TODAY when comments will be closed. Due to shipping costs, contest is only open to US residents.

5 ways to enter:

1.) Leave a comment on this post with your favorite item from ChristieCreations Etsy shop.

2.) Follow the KNET Team on Twitter and leave us a comment with your Twitter username or tweet at @KNETTeam and say hello! (But remember to leave a comment on this blog either way so your entry will count!)

3.) Follow at ChristieCreation's blog and leave us a comment telling us you did.

4.) Follow the KNET Team blog and leave us a comment letting us know you did.

5.) Follow ChristieCreations on Twitter and leave us a comment with your Twitter username.

A whopping five entries. Good luck!

Ready, set, go! Winner will be chosen tonight by random.org and will be announced on this blog and on our Twitter page. Winner has 24 hours to contact us via e-mail to redeem their prize at babybloomingbouquets@gmail.com or via Twitter.

BellePapillon Giveaway

BellePapillon, created by fabric-obsessed stay-at-home mom Amanda Daurity, is headquartered in NC and made its debut on Etsy in the spring of 2008. While the bulk of the shop's product offerings are geared towards gifts for parents-to-be and children under the age of 1, BellePapillon also offers fully customizable, personalized Birthday outfits for boys and girls ages 1 to 5.

This giveaway is for a pair of Belle Ballet Slippers in black and hot pink. These shoes come in 3 sizes: Newborn, 3-6 months and 6-9 months. They are sewn from an adorable 100% cotton black and white fabric and include a coordinating hot pink 100% cotton lining and satin ribbon. These are sure to please any new mommy of a baby girl!

Contest is open NOW until 10 pm CST TODAY when comments will be closed. Due to shipping costs, contest is only open to US residents.

5 ways to enter:

1.) Leave a comment on this post with your favorite item from BellePapillon's Etsy shop.

2.) Follow the KNET Team on Twitter and leave us a comment with your Twitter username or tweet at @KNETTeam and say hello! (But remember to leave a comment on this blog either way so your entry will count!)

3.) Follow at BellePapillon's blog and leave us a comment telling us you did.

4.) Follow the KNET Team blog and leave us a comment letting us know you did.

5.) Tweet the following phrase and leave us a link to your SPECIFIC tweet: “Head over to the @KNETTeam blog 4 giveaways from Feb 1-14! @ByBellePapillon shoes are today's prize! #day2 http://knetetsyteam.blogspot.com/”

That’s a total of 5 chances per person! WAY COOL!

Ready, set, go! Winner will be chosen tonight by random.org and will be announced on this blog and on our Twitter page. Winner has 24 hours to contact us via e-mail to redeem their prize at bellepapillondesigns@gmail.com or via Twitter.

Mada’s Place Giveaway

Mada's Place is pleased to kick off KNET's 14 days of giveaways.

Mada's Place and Mada's Place {Baby} offer fashionable styles for women and kids at affordable prices. With so many functional items in a variety of fun designer fabrics, you'll be sure to find something you are sure to love. Also, check back often so you don't miss out on the launch of the newest line of scented products from Mada's Place {Scents}. Candles and lip balms are now in stock, and more yummy smelling treats are coming soon.

Now for the fun part! Today's giveaway is for one fashionable and functional key fob of choice from Mada's Place. Key fobs are an easy way to keep track of your keys. You can loop it on your wrist to keep your keys close at hand while juggling kids and bags, or quickly retrieve them from the bottom of even the largest of bags. Check out what a recent customer said about her recent purchase:

"I just have to tell you how great the key fob is. It has made my life with a 2 year old so much easier! It never fails, my keys fall to the bottom of my purse and I'm left standing at my car in the parking lot, wrestling with my daughter and digging for my keys. Now, even if they do fall to the bottom, they are so easy to find."

Want to win one? Check out the rules below!

Contest is open NOW until 10 pm CST on February 1st, 2010 when comments will be closed. Due to shipping costs, contest is only open to US residents.

5 ways to enter:

1.) Leave a comment on this post with your favorite item from Mada's Place Etsy shop.

2.) Follow the KNET Team on Twitter and leave us a comment with your Twitter username or tweet at @KNETTeam and say hello! (But remember to leave a comment on this blog either way so your entry will count!)

3.) Visit Mada's Place and browse the designs, then leave a comment here saying which one you would choose if you won this fabulous keyfob.

4.) Follow the KNET Team blog and leave us a comment letting us know you did.

5.) Tweet the following phrase and leave us a link to your SPECIFIC tweet: “Head over to the @KNETTeam blog for awesome giveaways from Feb 1-14! #day1 http://knetetsyteam.blogspot.com/”

That’s a total of 5 chances per person! YAY!!

Ready, set, go! Winner will be chosen February 1st after 10 pm CST by random.org and will be announced on this blog and on our Twitter page. Winner has 24 hours to contact us via e-mail to redeem their prize at madasplace@gmail.com or via Twitter.

Meet the team!

Check out the stores of some of the members of the Knottie&Nestie Etsy Street Team (KNET for short!) and get to know what your fellow ladies are making! Just search "knetteam" on Etsy to see more!

Green Beaded Fern D... karmascreation $7.00 Handaltered Embelli... EmbellishedBayo... $16.00 1 set of 15 Elegant... DamaskDiva $6.00 Doggone Cute Clippi... MopTopMaven $3.75 Gold Mexican Spoon ... plumbpretty $21.50 PINK VELVET GLAM- s... bellamiabowsnth... $4.00 Peony Wedding Invit... GoAgainstTheGra... $75.00 The Kelly and Tim F... jujubee455 $6.10 Etsy: Your place to buy & sell all things handmade jannypie.etsy.com