GeekVerse Sale!!

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas!!!

This year, Down with Plumes is participating in a multi-vendor sales event specifically for geeky items!! Starting TONIGHT (11/14) at Midnight, you'll be able to use code XMAS14 for great deals on handmade, geeky items!

Here is the FULL list of shops (with clickable links)!! See the original post here :)

A Bit Retro // abitretro.etsy.com
Discount Offered: 20% off of $20 or more
Canada based, ships internationally.

AMandPMGoods //
amandpmgoods.storenvy.com // facebook.com/AMandPMGoodsDiscount offered: 20% off orders on Facebook and in Storenvy shop.
US based, ships internationally.

Amigurumi Man //
facebook.com/amigurumiman // Amigurumiman.Etsy.com
Discount offered: 15% off of orders $30 or more
US based, ships internationally.

AmeliandaMediaStudio //facebook.com/ameliandamedia // etsy.com/shop/AmeliandaMediaStudio
Discount offered: 20% off your entire order (Excludes Gift Cards)
Located in the heart of the Midwest in Beecher, IL, USA
Happy to ship internationally, please see the rates listed in the shop.
Cheers and happy shopping!

ApareciumPrints // apareciumprints.storenvy.com/
Discount offered: 15% off
UK based, ships internationally.

A Very Potter Christmas // etsy.com/uk/shop/averypotterchristmas
Discount offered: 10% off items over £10
UK based, ships internationally.

Buttered Buns Studios // Butteredbunsstudios.com
Discount offered: 15% off
US based, ships internationally.
Questions: email butteredbunsstudios@gmail.com

CeeBee’s Creations //
facebook.com/CeeBeesCreations // etsy.com/shop/CeeBeesCreations
Discount offered: free shipping off your order of $10 or more
US based, ships internationally.

CharmingSushi // charmingsushi.co.uk
Discount offered: 20% off orders of £10 or more
BONUS OFFER: free bracelet with 3 or more charms, free charm with £20 SPEND (so £25 before discount~). Offers may be stacked!
UK based, ships internationally.

Chibi Tsubame Creations // etsy.com/shop/chibitsubamecreates
Discount offered: 15% off a $10 or more purchase
US based, ships internationally.

Crafty Chemist // facebook.com/craftychemist
Discount offered: 20% off all Facebook orders. Message the page with the code to apply it to your order!
US based, ships internationally.

CylentBazaar // etsy.com/shop/CylentBazaarDiscount offered: 20% off purchase of $20 or more.
US based, ships internationally.

Do Bats Eat Cats? // dobatseatcats.com // etsy.com/shop/DoBatsEatCats
Discount offered: 25% off everything
US based, ships internationally.

Down with Plumes // etsy.com/shop/DownwithPlumes
Discount offered: 20% off $15 or more
US based, ships internationally.

EJMK Designs // facebook.com/ejmkdesigns // etsy.com/shop/ejmkdesigns
Discounts offered:
15% off orders $20 or more regularly priced items.
20% off orders $50 or more regularly priced items.
Not valid for cost of shipping, special events, auctions, or previous orders.
US based, ships internationally.

Enchanted Karma Gifts //facebook.com/Enchantedkarmagifts // etsy.com/shop/akeendesign
Discount offered: 20% off in Etsy shop and Facebook orders
US based, ships internationally.

EVLK Designs // evlkdesigns.storenvy.com
Discount offered: 25% off entire order
Free shipping for first 5 sales
US based, domestic shipping only.

Geek Mom Designs //
facebook.com/geekmomdesigns // etsy.com/shop/GeekMomDesigns
Discount offered: 15% off
US based, ships internationally

Geeks With Scissors // geekswithscissors.etsy.com
Discount offered: 15% off your total purchase.
US based, ships internationally.

HCM Creations //
facebook.com/HCMCreations // etsy.com/shop/HCMCustomCreations
Discount offered: 25% off all items (nerdy and otherwise) on orders over $15.00 in Etsy and through Facebook message orders
US based, ships internationally.

House of Nakita // etsy.com/shop/HouseOfNakita
Discount offered: 20% off entire purchase
US based, ships internationally.

Hyperenity // hyperenity.com // Etsy.com/shop/hyperenity
Discount offered: $10 off a $40 or more custom animation cel
US based, ships internationally.

Idzerda Designs // etsy.com/shop/IdzerdaDesigns
Discount offered: 10% off orders of $50+
US based, ships internationally.

Imy & Me // Imyandme.storenvy.com // imyandme.com
Discount offered: 20%
US based, ships internationally.

Indie odyssey // facebook.com/indieodyssey // indieodyssey.etsy.com
Discount offered: 20% off purchases of $15 or more.
Canada based, ships internationally.

Jedi Lizzys Geek Boutique // etsy.com/shop/JediLizzy
Discount offered: 20% off a purchase of $10 or more
US based, ships internationally.

kreative studios //
kreativestudios.storenvy.com // shopkreativestudios.etsy.com
Discount offered: 25% off $25 or more, first 50 customers!
US based, ships internationally.

Krystals kreations korner // etsy.com/shop/candiskorner
Discount offered: 15% off your order
US based, ships domestically.

Little Wonderland // littlewonderlandcc.storenvy.com
Discount offered: 20% off
US based, ships internationally.

Nerdtastic // nerdtastic.net/
Discount offered: 20% off any order, first 10 customers only!
US based, ships internationally.

PixelBeadPictures //
pixelbeadpictures.etsy.com // facebook.com/PixelBeadPictures
Discount offered: 15% off all orders over £10.00 in Etsy and custom orders!
UK based, ships internationally.

Pixel Meltdown Designs // etsy.com/shop/PixelMeltdownDesigns
Discount offered: 10% off orders of $10 or more
US based, ships internationally.

Pretty Little Tragic // PrettyLittleTragic.com
Discount offered: 20% off entire order
US based, ships internationally.

Quirkish Delights // etsy.com/uk/shop/QuirkishDelights01
Discount offered: 20% off for first 20 customers on orders over £15
UK based, ships internationally.

Scrubs of Love // ScrubsofLoveLLC.etsy.com
Discount offered: 20% Off Orders of $30 or more
US based, ships internationally.

Shabby Chic Soap Company //
fb.com/shabbychicsoapcompany // etsy.com/shop/shabbychicsoapco
Discount offered: 20% off any order of $15 or more
US based. Ships internationally except for Italy and Turkey.

Shadow Lune // etsy.com/shop/Shadowlune
Discount offered: 20% off purchase of $15 or more
US based, ships internationally.

Small Things For Sale Soaps // smallthingsforsale.com
Discount offered: 20% off orders of $10 or more
US based, ships internationally.

SparrowsTreasures //
etsy.com/shop/SparrowsTreasures // facebook.com\SparrowsTreasures
Discount offered: 10% off in Facebook and Etsy shops
US based, ships internationally.

StarkGravingMad // etsy.com/shop/starkgravingmad
Discount offered: 20% off everything
US based, ships internationally.

Sudzy Bums // sudzybums.storenvy.com/
Discount offered: 20% off $1 or more
US based, ships internationally.

TC’s Girls Crafting // etsy.com/shop/TCsgirlscraftingDiscount offered: 20% off any item in store
US based, ships internationally.

Veelightful // veelightful.etsy.com
Discount offered: 15% off orders of $20CDN or more
Based in Canada, ships internationally.

Wizards and Muggles // wizardsandmuggles.etsy.comPLEASE NOTE that the universal code isn’t working for this shop.
Discount offered: use code GEEK14 for 20% off of everything in the shop until they close for the holiday on 12/15.
US based, domestic only.

Wrights Originals // etsy.com/shop/WrightsOriginals
Discount offered: 20% off all items
US based, ships internationally–must be contacted before purchase for international purchases.

Spruce Up a Plain Tee!

This is a really easy, quick way to brighten up a plain tee shirt!

I found cute tees on clearance for $3 each and couldn't resist, but also couldn't just leave them plain. Here's what I did with one of them-

So, remember in school how you used to cut hearts with folded paper, using the fold of the paper as the center line of the heart? Okay, so apply that logic to a butterfly shape... That's how I cut my butterflies out. Except, obviously, with lace.

It wiggles a bit, so you'll need to clean up the edges before you sew them on. 

Line them up how you want them, then pin them in place. If you overlap them how I did, you'll be able to lift edges and sew them on kind of "together."

This was a really quick, easy project that added something fun and different to my wardrobe, without being expensive or uncomfortable!

Here's my finished project:

Have fun!

Prom Dress Refashion

Hello crafty friends! I've been doing some much needed cleaning in my closet and came across my prom dress. I've only gotten to wear it twice (I used it one year for a Halloween costume) and it's been sitting in a box for the last 8+ years, so I decided it was time to give it a new look and new life.

To start off, I figured out where I wanted to make my waistline and pinned all around

Next, I cut where my pins were. This dress had boning in it so I had to rip out some seams to get the boning out and be able to cut all the way around the dress. I also cut about an inch above the waistline so that I would be able to fold it over the elastic I was going to use.

Since this dress had multiple layers of fabric, I pinned the layers together and then sewed a straight line the whole way around to secure them together.  Then I zig-zagged over the edge to keep it from fraying.

Next I started securing my elastic to the dress. This was kinda tricky because I didn't want the dress to bunch up any in the front, so I pinned the 2 ends of the elastic to the dress and then started pinning around as I went. I made sure the front of the dress laid flat and that all the bunch was going to end up in the back. The tricky part about elastic is that you have to stretch it as you sew.




Ta-Da!! Elastic secured!

After I sewed the elastic in, I folded the excess fabric over and sewed it down to create the waistline.

And that's it! I hope you are able to use this refashion to get some more life out of an old dress that you have floating around.

I'm feeling this skirt is a little plain, so I'm thinking of adding pickups to it to give it a different shape and make it less plain. Stay tuned and happy crafting!

Featured Crafter- Taryn's Treasures

Happy Tuesday, friends!! Man... Christmas is coming up fast, right?! Craziness.

As much as I love winter (and I do), my skin just does NOT agree. It hates the cold, but most of all, the switch in the weather.

I live in California, and even today- in the beginning of November- the sun is out and people are wearing tee-shirts. I personally think they're taking it a bit far with the tees, but hey, it's not my arms that are freezing off at the elbows.

This review for Taryn's Treasures couldn't have come at a better time! My skin is dry and cranky, and I'm not too pleased with it. Taryn's Treasures to the rescuuuuuuuue!!!!

She sent me the most gorgeous little package, filled with bubblegum sugar scrub, a shave bar and bath salts!

 First, the shave bar. Carla sent me an unscented bar, which I'd assume wouldn't have much scent to it (#logic). In that case, I would be wrong.

It isn't necessarily "scented", either, but it does smell amazing. It smells fresh, clean and crisp, while smelling almost outdoorsy. Think "fresh fallen rain on soft earth."

I used the Taryn's Treasures bar to shave my legs, and it takes very little soap to make enough lather to shave with. This 2.9 ounce bar is going to last quite a long time! I also found that I like the shave bar more than traditional shaving cream. 

Man shaving cream smells like man, and lady shaving cream smells sooooo fruity/sweet/girly, I could choke. The shave bar is a beautiful middle ground where legs are clean-shaven without overwhelming fumes of "I'm trying too hard" smells. And they foam up so much, I always end up with 5 bazillion times more than I need in my hand.

*Note- I know a lot of people like those smells, and that's great. It's nice to walk past someone who smells like that. I just really would rather not be that person, you know? Moving right along...

The bubble gum sugar scrub. Oh. My. Word. 

I have never used a sugar scrub before, so prior to using these, I called my sister to ask her what to do with them. Turns out, it's as simple as it seems. I learn something new everyday.

For those of you in the dark, as I was, sugar scrub is an exfoliant that you, well, exfoliate with. Simple as that.

So these little pink orbs... They look inconspicuous enough. They're just little round, pink, somewhat sticky balls. When I initially opened the package, they smelled pretty strong, so I have to admit, I was a tad hesitant at first. 

Once I got one bubble gum scrub out and started exfoliating with it, the true scent of the scrub was released. As I said- Oh. My. Word. They smell amazing. Like, truly awesome. They're a little cinnamony, which I really like. It's that heart-warming, relaxing kind of smell. 

And on to our final item- the Patchouli bath salts. I'm more familiar with bath salts than the sugar scrub (I'm not a total boob), so I was really excited to use them! They release a wonderful smell into the bathroom while you're in the tub. Like the shave bar, the scent is very natural and clean, but the smell of the salts filled the whole room. 

Even after I was done in the bath, I could go back into the bathroom and smell the wonderfulness that is the bath salts smell. I can't say that I noticed them doing much else, but if you're wanting a relaxing bath after a crazy day working/running around/chasing children/wranglin' cattle/doing nothing, these will help get'cha there.

And they look so pretty!

Overall, I have relatively sensitive skin. Not super sensitive, but my skin doesn't like stuff that's different. It reacts unpredictably and fiercely at times, but that was not a bit of issue with Taryn's Treasures. Her bath items come packaged beautifully with care and love. They're labeled in easy to identify ways and live up to, if not exceed, expectations.

I highly recommend having a peek through Taryn's Treasures! Carla is a wonderful, happy lady who is really easy to communicate with. Her shop offers many more items than what's been shown here (including many scents and even baby items).

Yes, you can go shop now ;)

Winter Gift Ideas

 Winter holiday shopping can be a drag, especially when you don't know what to buy! Have no fear, The Gangstress Ladies are here to help!

We've come together and pulled the best of the best out for this list. Each item is sure to generate big smiles when opened! Peek through our list of adorable items for kids and adults, at all price points!

This darling dress will make any little girl feel like a princess. Perfect for the family holiday photos! 
The skirt is a red fabric with reindeer and a touch of sparkle. The bodice is green with a gold mini polka dot. The front band and tie backs are a gold sparkled chevron. 
Elastic sleeves and neckline.
A poinsettia flower accents the band.
100% cotton. Machine wash, cold, gentle cycle. Tumble dry low.

Prices start at $30.00.
Shipping: $4.50. US only
Sizes 2 t-8

Note: This dress can be made in infant sizes. 3mo-18 mo.
Contact me for prices.

https://www.etsy.com/shop/SweetpeadesignsbyDee?ref=hdr_shop_menu
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Sweet-Pea-Designs-by-Dee/1385724894983241?ref=bookmarks

Adorable gingerbread man apron. Available in sizes 2t-6.
$18.00-$21.00
https://www.etsy.com/shop/SweetpeadesignsbyDee?ref=hdr_shop_menu

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Sweet-Pea-Designs-by-Dee/1385724894983241?ref=bookmarks

Sweet sweet Mary Beth. She is such a sweet, loving little girl who would be a perfect addition to any family. Mary Beth isn't one to get into trouble or make messes. She's always polite and does the right thing. Whichever family Mary Beth ends up living with will be so lucky to have her in their lives.

Mary Beth comes with removable hair bows, a removable skirt and a birth certificate. Her face is machine embroidered.

Price $45.00 + shipping
Www.etsy.com/shop/theplushplumdolls
www.facebook.com/theplushplum

Allison is one of those sweet little girls who wants to grow up way too fast. She loves fashion, shoes, and always has a perfect side ponytail. Allison needs a good home that will not only love her, but show her that it's okay to still be a kid.

Allison comes with a removable skirt, birth certificate, and a blush kit. Her face is hand embroidered with love.

Price $55.00 + shipping

Www.etsy.com/shop/theplushplumdolls
www.facebook.com/theplushplum

These hooded towels are a perfect gift for the Frozen fan! They are machine appliqued and use bath towels for the "body". Anna and Elsa come with yarn braids. Each towel also has a matching phrase embroidered on the back. I can add a name for $5 extra.

I can also make other characters if you'd like.

Frozen Hooded Towels: $25 + shipping.
https://www.facebook.com/LilMonkeysHandmade?ref=bookmarks
https://www.goodsmiths.com/lil-monkeys

These cute kitty and doggy scarves will keep your little one's neck warm this winter! They are made of soft fleece. Faces are embroidered. I can add a name for $5 extra. I can also do these in any color you wish.

$12 +shipping
http://lilmonkeys.storenvy.com/
https://www.facebook.com/LilMonkeysHandmade

Custom - Made to order

Chunky Pearls Collection from W(e)il'd Hair & Accessories

www.facebook.com/weildhair

www.etsy.com/shop/weildhairaccessories

Wood Bead Mint and Gold Colorblock Chunky Necklaces - Ready to ship from W(e)il'd Hair & Accessories
www.facebook.com/weildhair

https://www.etsy.com/listing/197694931/mint-gold-wood-bead-chunky-necklace-boho?ref=shop_home_active_4

This conversation piece is a jewelry set fabricated from upcycled 45 caliber shells. Slip these beauties on and you’re certain to hear “Nice brass!”

Custom orders and ready-to-ship pieces are available. We offer bracelets, rings, necklaces, several styles of earrings and cuff links. We've recently added wine glass charms, and we'll be listing key chains and tie clips soon.

http://lisiespieces.com/product-category/jewelry/bullet-shell-casings/

www.lisiespieces.com

www.facebook.com/lisiespieces

“Mi Nidito” – Custom Personalized Family Tree Print

What’s “Mi Nidito?”

The Mi Nidito (“my little nest”) line of family-inspired artwork is custom made with subtle details that represent your unique family: Initials & Wedding Date “carved” into the tree trunk and your Family Name cleverly twisted into the roots of the tree.

These are 11 x 14″ color prints. They are not matted or framed, however they are shipped on a sturdy 3/16″ foam core backer. You may also choose an 11 x 14″ canvas option.

Orders should be placed by December 5th to ensure holiday delivery.

http://lisiespieces.com/shop/custom-personalized-family-tree-print/

www.lisiespieces.com

$14.95 Handmade Moms LLC's HANDmade Handhugged "Dottie" Doll Stuffed Doll Stuffed Animal Glove Doll

https://www.etsy.com/listing/188815974/handmade-handhugged-dottie-doll-stuffed?ref=related-1

We can make these in other glove colors with other color hair. Ordering more than one doll hands you a deal 

Our lovable HANDmade Handhugged "Dottie" Doll would be a cute companion in a child's room, college dorm, office, home, classroom, and as a get well, love you, or thinking of you gift. The stuffed animal glove yarn doll is Handmade with a black knitted glove handstuffed with poly fil stuffing, hand stitched button eyes, black and white polka dot ribbon bow and black and white yarn hair.

Not recommended for a small child under 3 due to the small parts.

$15. Handmade Moms LLC's HANDmade "Handy Notes" Memo Board https://www.etsy.com/listing/183705240/handmade-handy-notes-memo-board-wall?

We can do this memo board in any theme to fit a holiday, hobby, sports team, interest, etc 

This useful HANDmade "Handy Notes" Memo Board is perfect for a teacher or educator who can use for daily notes. This note board makes a perfect end of the year, birthday, or teacher appreciation gift!! HANDmade with a 5 X 7 chalkboard, wooden ruler, wooden apple cutout, "ABC" blocks, and ruler ribbon for hanging. The memo board would also be cute in a playroom or art room at home.

Owl Phone Purse $15
www.facebook.com/BeeBeeandJack

https://www.facebook.com/BeeBeeandJack/photos/a.449186568519423.1073741835.433695783401835/607152416056170/?type=3&theater

Personalized Merry Christmas Tags from My Family to Yours.

$5 plus $3.25 shipping worldwide

Holiday Season is upon us. It's the season of gifting. Tag or label your gifts with these sweet gift tags, personalized with your name or family name, or a text or you choice. You decide! 

You will receive 12 Personalized Christmas tags. "Merry Christmas!" text is a standard text followed by your text, circled by a pretty green border. A textured polkadot paper in red is used. Each tag is hole-punched and prestrung so all you need to do is tie it to your wrapped Christmas gift.

Each scallop tag is 2 inch or 5.08 cm in diameter. Green baker's twine or green ribbon is used based on availability.

Link to purchase:
http://www.artfire.com/ext/shop/product_view/adorebynat/4086412
 

Santa Claus Party Cupcake Food Picks for Holiday and Christmas

$5 plus $4.25 shipping worldwide

Holiday season is upon us. It's the time to have a holly, jolly good time with family and friends. If you are planning for a Christmas party, then you may need these lovely food picks. Vintage Santa Claus cupcake picks are perfect to adorn your cupcakes or cake served on the Christmas Party.

You will receive 12 holiday mini toppers, a mix of images in red and green.

Each pick is 1.25 inch or 3.175 cm in diameter.
Wooden picks are used.

Link to purchase: http://www.artfire.com/ext/shop/product_view/adorebynat/7774099

"Thine Own Self" hand stamped bracelets. These bracelets are a way to celebrate what makes us unique. You can select from phrases like "my books are my best friends" or "life is too short for cheap yarn". Each cuff is hand stamped and shaped on either copper or nickel silver bands.

$18 plus shipping

https://nerdtastic42.storenvy.com/products/10261443-thine-own-self-life-phrases-cuff-bracelet
 

Blueberry Corner Quilts has created this awesome coupon code for us! Peruse Blueberry Corner's adorable quilts as a gift for your little ones or friends' little ones!

Receive 25% off any one in-stock item Black Friday - Cyber Monday. Use promo code THANKS14 www.etsy.com/shop/blueberrycornerquilt

Stay warm on those cool Autumn evenings with this stylish crochet bolero and boot cuff set. The rustic red will pop during the fall months of the year. 

The open stitch allows breath-ability in the wrap, but the warmth of the yarn will keep your shoulders warm when it is chilly. 

Stay stylish with the coordinating boot cuffs. Wear both items together for a complete ensemble or separate to really enhance your wardrobe.

Bolero will fit up to 20" shoulder width. Boot cuffs will fit most.

https://www.etsy.com/listing/198756348/crochet-bolero-and-boot-cuff-set

Another gift certificate for those hard-to-buy-for people! When you order a gift certificate from Down with Plumes, you'll receive $25 store credit for only $20!!

https://www.facebook.com/DownwithPlumes

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

These adorable hand-painted penguins are ready just in time for winter! All three are bisque figures hand-painted with acrylic paint. Each has a touch of shimmer on his cheeks and has amazing details!

These adorable little guys are $30 each, including shipping, or $75 for all three!

https://www.facebook.com/DownwithPlumes

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