Blog Feature

I was lucky enough to be featured on Katie Crafts!
Please check out the feature here --> Art by the Dozen Feature

In case you didn't see there is a giveaway on the feature so go there and enter!

Last month's winner for the Martha Stewart voting was Melissa!  Thanks to everyone for voting!! My mom didn't win but she was so excited to be part of the contest!
Another update to come shortly!

Vote 5 and Win!!

MARTHA STEWART LOVES LITHUANIANS!

My mom, Elaine Luschas, was chosen as a finalist with Martha Stewart Contest for "Best Use of Color" in her Good Egg Easter Contest!

Here's what to do:

1. Click on this link --> Martha's Facebook Page!

You'll need to scroll down until you see this picture:

 

 

2.  You'll see that 5 is my mom's awesome drop and pull Lithuanian eggs!!

 

 

3.  To the right is a comment bar and you will see several comments from other people.

 

4. Simply comment for "5" and maybe even make some comment about all the great eggs (especially my mom's eggs of course)

 

5.  DONE! You just voted for some awesome Lithuanian eggs and helped my mom get one step closer to winning a kick butt contest by a kick butt crafter! Marth Stewart!!!

Be quick... voting ends tonight at midnight!!!

 

 

THANKS! YOU DIDN'T JUST DO A "GOOD THING"... YOU DID A "GREAT THING"!

 

Oh and by the way!!!

 

Anyone who votes and comments on here that they voted will be put in a drawing for a free egg as a thank you from me!!!

So please vote and comment here that you voted on facebook!!!!



Warm Day Excitement!

Today is one of the warmest days this year for North East Pennsylvania!  I walked during my lunch hour and plan on going to join the YMCA with my sister today. 

Although I do not have a photo update of my egg progress, I am working hard to getting more and more eggs done and orders completed.  I was on a Engagement Retreat this weekend and as a result was not able to focus on any eggs.  I will be working hard this week on several things.  Eggs need to be etched, packages need to be mailed, rooms need to be cleaned up, windows need to be opened to let in fresh new air, and so on. 

When nice days like this happen, thoughts naturally turn to Spring cleaning.  I think when the outdoors begin looking nice, we hope to make our homes reflect that same freshness.  In the winter I burn candles daily in order to imbue the house with pleasant aromas.  Now that Spring is here I want to wash away the winter scents and bring in the floral and fresh smells only Spring can bring.

What is your favorite Spring scent? How do you best start celebrating Spring?

Etsy Update and New Photo Equipment

What Makes a Great Etsy Photo?

Recently I photographed several new egg designs.  Over the past weekend I had two craft shows.  One in Maryland and the other in the Pittsburgh area.  While at each show I made several new designs.  Each one I wanted to photograph and sell on my Etsy shop.

After completing each egg I attempted to photograph inside with a flash.  Each photograph produced a glare that made viewing the egg impossible and unappealing.  Without the flash, the egg color was dark and muddy.  I normally take photos of my eggs outside in natural bright sunlight.  I thought after moving into my house, I would have the ability to photograph wonderful pictures.  Most of the photos you see on my etsy shop occurred on a small porch attached to my apartment in Pittsburgh.  The opposite it true.  With my full time job and busy weekends, I never have time to photograph during the bright light of day outside.

How do I fix this issue and produce more photos like this?

 

You buy equipment of course!  I finally bit the bullet and bought these two products on Amazon with money I earned from Cashback Bonus!

The CowboyStudio 30-Inch Photo Soft Box Light and the Vanguard VS-82 Table Top Digital Camera Tripod received good reviews for people photographing smaller items.  Check out each product Here and Here.

I will try to use my own lights before investing in light fixtures to use with these items. 

I started wondering if the majority of sellers use items like these to create better photos.  If fellows sellers do something different, what others tips and techniques work best to improve photographs?  How does one make their items pop in a way that they are prime picks for treasuries and the front page?

Blast from the Past and Egg Etching Time Breakdown

Watch Me Teach Egg Etching - Blast from the Past

 

I cannot believe that the above link still exists! When I lived in Pittsburgh I was asked by the "I Made it Market" Craft company to make this video.  I remember how nervous I was as well as how many times I swore when I messed something up.

 

I thought I would post this video because it explains in detail the process of etching an egg with a box cutter.

 

I am getting ready for a craft show this weekend and do not have much time to post anything.  Instead, if you watch this video you will understand what I will be doing all day long and during the course of this entire weekend.

 

Many people ask me why I charge what I do for my etched eggs.  The truth is, all the work that goes into these little treasures includes several factors.  Each egg is blown out and sterilized.  Next, every egg is washed with a vinegar and baking soda solution.  That wash helps every egg take on dye evenly.  I dye each egg for a long time to get the richest color possible.  After each egg dries fully, I then start the etching process.  It takes one egg several hours of work from start to finish. 

 

It is also important to understand that each egg design is different.  Some are more time consuming than others.  Anything that is geometric inherently takes more time.  All geometric designs have to line up in order to look perfect.  As a result, drawing each design must be exact, taking more time. 

 

How long does your craft take?  What process do you follow in order to finish your works of art?

 

 

Treasury Fun on Etsy - How Colors Sell Products

After getting back into Etsy I forgot how much fun it is!  I am in love all over again with treasuries.  The above treasury I made over my lunch break today! 

After making the treasury I started thinknig about how important color is in items.  The more rich the color (even the color ivory and have a richness to it) the more appealing it is to viewer.  I found myself taking items out and replaicing them with more and more rich colored items. 

I found myself wanting to purchase half the treasury list! 

The rule I learned after this was that if you plan to sell items online, especially on Etsy, your items must be rich in color, no matter what color your item is.  I will have to alter my photos I think to conform to this rule. 

Why else do you think people love treasuries so much on Etsy?  Do you think they really boost sales? 

Etsy Shop up and Running in Time for Easter!

I am proud to announce that my Etsy shop Art By the Dozen is once again open!
I have 100+ designs listed in the shop, including different egg sizes and colors!  I even have custom listing options should you want something different than what I have to offer.

Everything in the shop is made to order, so your items are garunteed one of a kind and of the best quality.

I am over the moon with excitement regarding my shop.  My family will tell you, that I am still etching and new designs are always developing.  My next goal is to revamp my photos with a light box.  I am already researching options.  Who knows, m birthday is in a few months, maybe that will be what I ask for.

Here are just a few eggs in my shop!

 

Now it is an important as ever for you to help me with design ideas and color preferences.  I hope to add at least 10 new designs to this shop before May.  I have at least 4 already because of past posts.  The Scottich Thistle will make 5.  The challenge will be to get 5 more designs AND to photograph them all for the shop before the end of April. 

 

Any design ideas?  Any general ideas? More flowers? More animals?  I am partial to flowers and geometric designs, as obvious as that may be.  However, I also am starting to love animals, like bunnies, foxes, and the like.  Any thoughts or opinions?  Don't leave me hanging...

 

Quick Post New Egg Design - Geometric Starburst

I completed another new design a few days ago.  Although I continue to talk about abstract and modern designs, I could not help making this traditional geometric beauty. 

I would liek to take this opportunity to mention that I am selling eggs on Ebay for Easter!

Check out these links:

 

Pink Flower for Sale

Green Tree of Life For Sale

Blue Flowers for Sale

Pink Large Flower For Sale

 

 

More eggs may be added.  In the meantime, should you want to see a certain egg color or egg design just comment below and I will certainly try to accomodate for new ideas!

 

UPDATE:
The Scottish Thistle is in the works. Hopefully a picture will be available soon!

 

New Egg Design Winner!

New Design Winner...

THE SCOTTISH THISTLE

 

The poll is closed.  After one week of voting the Scottish Thistle won by a landslide with seven votes! Tied for second place are the Modern Mermaid and Art Nouveau Woman.  Tied also for third place are the Modern Wolf and the Lithuanian Castle. 

Thank you so much for voting.  Here are a couple ideas I will use for inspiration to make the Scottish Thistle:

 

The goal this week is to complete the new egg design along with 12 more eggs. 

Today's goal is to etch 5 eggs and start the new design.

 

What's dying today??? Asparagus Green and Raspberry Pink!

 

This weekend I will be in Rockville Maryland as well as Unionville Pennsylvania for two craft shows.  Check out tomorrow's post for details!

Chocolate Chip Walnut Cookies (Crispy) and Egg Baths!

 Two days ago I made sure I baked some awesome cookies from a cookbook I have no had a chance to try out until now.  You will find that I have way too many cookbooks for my own good.  I took a picture a couple days ago and will share that in a later post. 

Today is a special day. It's FRIDAY! Today is the day all your boring, but smart, decisions are forgotten and instead, new decisions, not in your best interests are made.  For example... COOKIES!

All week I try to eat well.  I try to limit myself to 1/2-1 cup of coffee.  I refrain from sugared creamers or syrups.  I try to have soup or salad at lunch.  And for dinner, well I try not to go too over the top with salt, butter, and the other tasty treats that make more dinners sing.  However, on the weekend I let loose.  Baking is a passion of mine and I try my best to reign it in.  You will find that I fail at this attempt miserably. 

Plus... my mom bought me this awesome Kitchenaid mixer... I just love to use it as much as possible!



This weekend I got a head start and baked some walnut chocolate chip cookies.  This recipe is slightly different because it uses half shortening and half butter.  This difference creates a crispy cookie.  Here's how I made it:

 

Chocolate Chip Walnut Cookies (Crispy)

1/2 cup granulated sugar
3/4 cup packed brown sugar
1/2 cup butter or margarine, softened (1 stick)
1/2 cup shortening                      
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 egg                
1 3/4 cups Gold Medal® all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup coarsely chopped nuts
1 package (12 ounces) semisweet chocolate chips (2 cups)

Pre-heat oven to 375

- Beat the sugars, butter, and shortening together until smooth and fluffy.

- Add egg and vanilla.  Slowly Mix in flour, salt, and baking soda until evenly combined. I love the good Madagascar Vanilla...

- Hand mix in chocolate chips and coarse chopped nuts. 

- Make dough into 1- 1 1/2 heaping teaspoons mounds.  onto a greased pan. 

- Bake for 8-10 minutes.  (Watch cookies after 8 minutes as the shortening makes these cookies turn brown fast).

Let cool on wire rack. ENJOY!  Look at the ladies at the office enjoying these lovelies!

 

On an egg note... Yesterday was egg washing day!

"What do you mean Chrissy?  What's egg washing day?"

I'm very glad you asked.  Egg washing day is when I take all the eggs that I either emptied while baking or received from local friends who also emptied eggs for me.  I want to make sure each egg dyes evenly and takes egg dye beautifully.  I set all the eggs together, turn the water on warm, and scour each egg with a plastic scrubber (NOT METAL!).  I use vinegar and baking soda in a mixture to wash each egg.  I also use a little soap if the egg was really dirty.  

Here is my finished egg pile!

 

 

I hope to have lots of new egg photos for you in the next couple days!  Come back soon for a great creamy red pasta recipe!

Daffodils and Cocoa Almond Peanut Butter! Eggs and Recipes Continue...

Last night I started working on another old favorite egg... dandelions gone to seed.  I hope to show you a completed version of this favorite tomorrow.  While working on that egg I started wondering what new design I would create next.  I want to do something modern and fun.  I do lots of flowers and nature themed eggs.  This time I want to focus on either a human design or something so off the wall that it would be hard to put to words. 

I started looking online for inspiration.  I thought maybe a music theme.... Scrolling music bars and Lithuanian lyrics swirled around the egg.  Then I thought maybe some form of a woman face in an art nouveau style.  I also dabbled with the idea of a mermaid with hair all over the place.  In the end I could not decide on a new design or even a direction I wanted to focus on. 

As a result I am begging for help in the matter.  To the right of my posts please find a poll with numerous choices for new egg designs.  You may pick as many design ideas as you like!  By the end of the week I hope to have a design voted on that I can work on over the weekend.  Thank you so much in advance for your help!  The challenge has been made... help me get out of this designing funk!

Next let me reveal my newest egg design... the daffodil!

I love how this egg has both elements of the traditional with the scalloped borders, but also a touch of modern with the very realistic daffodil!

Finally... a recipe of some kind...

I was very tired last night.  My weekend was full of cooking and baking.  I am dying eggs every day.  I am still attempting to keep most rooms of the hose in decent shape.  The last thing I wanted to do last night was cook something big.  Actually I didn't want to cook at all.  One box of instant rice and a pre-assembled stuffed pork later, I decided I must make something to blog about...

Then it hit me... I love peanut butter.  I love Nutella.  I love almonds.  However, I am trying to not eat Nutella until I lose 7 more pounds and almonds get boring after you munch on a few.  Eureka! I decided to make... DRUM ROLL PLEASE...

Cocoa Almond Butter!

Yes I took simply these Ingredients:

One Bag of Almonds, about 1/4 cup walnuts (just for fun) and a little less than 1/4 cup chocolate wafers.

Then I dumped everything in the food processor.  Finally... I processed...

And I processed...

And I processed...

Finally... this amazing smell of warm chocolate almonds filled my kitchen! This was the easiest and best thing for me to make last night.  Dip fruit, cookies, even celery in this perfect snack accessory!

Enjoy!

AND VOTE FOR AN EGG DESIGN!!!!



 

New Easter Egg Design and Balsamic Steak

Today we continue with the new egg design unveiling as well as the sharing of a new recipe - Balsamic Steak!

First and foremost:

Here is yet another traditional new egg design! This tulip is on a chicken egg dyed red.  The egg had some natural speckles which I think really enhanced the color. 

This tulip like flower also has a lot of lines throughout the egg which is also very common in more traditional egg designs.

 

 

The leaves border plays into the nature theme of this egg.  Nature themes are very strong in Lithuania and pays homage to the pagan ties of the country. 

I enjoyed making this egg and I think it will make a great new addition to my egg catalog.  What do you think?

Next up... Balsamic Steak!



I used two New York Strip Steaks.  First i pat dried the meat.  I rubbed a combination of salt, pepper, garlic, fresh chopped rosemary, onion powder, and so salt seasoning. 

Next I chopped one medium onion.  I heated my cast iron skillet with some olive oil.  Once heated I threw in the two steaks.  I cooked each side for 2 minutes tops (I like my steak medium - with some pink in the center). 

Once cooked I set the steaks aside to rest. 

With the meat bits and oil still in the skillet I threw in the chopped onion and about 1/2 cup chicken stock, and 2 Tablespoons Balsamic Vinegar.  I cooked everything until it reduced in size by half. 

 

 

 

 

SIMPLE! This recipe is easy and you will look like a chef to your friends, family, children, husband, boyfriend, or just yourself!

 

Enjoy.... We did!

 

So Far So Good! Egg Etching and Weekend Yummies with Sis...

 

This past weekend was all about getting office work completed as well as working on eggs at home for some relaxation. 

 

My post two days ago talked about cleaning and completing some etched eggs (including creating a new design or two).

 

I am happy to announce that I completed 8 eggs over the weekend, created three new designs (one will be revealed today), cooked a fabulous meal with my sister, AND was a part of the creation of one of THE BEST good for you cheesecakes I have ever tasted!

 

Today I will share one recipe from Carol's and my success and one photo of my new egg creation.

 

First Thing's first:
Olive Oil and Bacon Brussel Spouts:

 



 

Carol and I found this lovely recipe:

 



Ingredients:
1/2 pound lean bacon, finely diced
1 medium yellow onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 pounds Brussels sprouts, trimmed
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
2 cups chicken broth
4 tablespoons butter

Directions

In a heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat, fry the bacon until crisp. Remove the bacon and drain on paper towels.

Saute the onion and garlic in the bacon fat over low heat until soft, about 3 minutes. Add the Brussels sprouts and stir them around so that they are coated with the bacon fat. Season with salt and pepper, to taste.
Add the broth and cook, covered, over low heat until the sprouts are easily pierced with a fork, about 12 to 15 minutes. Stir in the butter and transfer the sprouts to a serving dish. Garnish with bacon bits and serve.


DID YOU GET THAT?

Here are a few photos of our finished product:



Carol was very excited about the steaks and brussel sprouts!  Do not worry, I will give you the scoop on the steaks in time.

A few pointers about the brussel sprouts.  We quartered or halved the sprouts depending on size.  I personally wanted to quarter them but Carol left a bunch halved.  This turned out o be a great idea.  The halved sprouts were just a little firmer than the quartered sprouts.  This added a great texture.  They were not crunchy, but they had more substance to them.

Also, we added more bacon to the recipe (Duh!).  This made the need for salt much less.  I would recommend mincing some extra garlic to enhance the flavor.

In the end, this side is a must have for many many weekend and weekday dishes!
Okay... one more cooking photo:

Albbie and I enjoy the finer things in life... like red meat, roses, and a couch.  More on the red meat another day.

NOW FOR AN EGG UPDATE:

As most of you know, this blog is primarily an egg blog.  I etch eggs in my spare time and have a lot of fun doing it.  Since I have been etching eggs for well over 13 years now, I have created countless designs.  It is now a challenge to create different works of art.  Last night I banged out a few eggs, all of which were new!

Here is one of the newest designs:

 

This egg is more traditional Lithuanian.  As much as I love bringing this ancient art into the 21st century, a few traditional folk designs here and there are refreshing in their own right.

 

 

I will be working on a few dress eggs this week in the hopes of creating yet another Lithuanian girl egg that will be a new favorite at the upcoming spring craft shows.

 

 

Here is a look at my egg dying station before signing off fr the day:

 

The purple, pumpkin, and light blue eggs are coming along.  Next I will be dying pink, raspberry, mushroom, and hopefully Granny Smith. 

 

 

How are your Spring plans coming along?  Are you trying anything new?  Gearing up for Spring Cleaning perhaps?

 

 

I think that the first day of Spring is a much better day to make your New Year's resolution.  Now that the days are longer and warmer, I feel we are all more likely to attempt and stick to a resolution to better our lives! 

 

Any thoughts?

 

Thanks for reading! Have a creative and yummy day!



 

Spring is in the Air

After a long winter, full of snow and ice, it is great to know that Spring is officially here!  Now we can all focus on flowers, fresh air, walks, and spring cleaning!  I personally am focusing on building up my egg supplies.  As we speak, I am scouring the internest for Dover classic stencils and pictures of bunnies and flowers to spark my imagination.  Even with this full time job during the week days, keeping a house together during the week nights, I try to make time to let my creative juices flow on the weekend.

Today I am in the office, but I hope to work on eggs once I return home.  Here's the plan:

-  Get some work done in the office. (halfway through checking this one off already... woohoo!)

-  Dye 3 dozen eggs (the colors this week are Royal Purple, Tropical Blue, and Pumpkin)

-  Scratch at least 9 eggs (all designs from my order book)

-  Create 1 new design (much harder than it sounds since I am so picky about my designs)

-  Clean up the kitchen island (this sounds easy but you have no seen my kitchen.  This project may be a bog post in itself)


I have no been on here for a long time, but I plan (as I have said in the past) to make regular posts again.  The more I update this blog the more I hope to keep in touch with my egg designs and maybe my house will end up a little cleaner too (probably not).

WISH ME LUCK!
GOOD LUCK IN YOUR SPRING PLANS!

What Spring goals do you have this week? Leave your comments and maybe we can all accomplish something together!