Sunday, July 21, 2013

Blog Giveaways- I'm a Winner x 2!

How many online giveaways have you entered? I randomly enter giveaway contests on blogs I follow-- mostly because I want to support the artist of the product being given away. I never count on winning and have made practice of favoriting the Etsy shop or website, so I can return later when I have extra cash or a holiday rolls around. 


This past month though, I won 2 giveaways! (happy dance) I want to share my handmade prizes from two creative gals with you... 


Lauryn Green Giveaway

Laura over at Lauryn Green gave away 2 packs of her adorable art prints. I have been eyeing her fox illustrations for a long time, so needless to say, I was beyond ecstatic I won.

SarahSynapse Instagram

There is just something about woodland creatures, particularly foxes, doing cute things that I simply cannot resist! I still need to find the perfect frames for my new prints, but I cannot wait to hang them in the house.




Laura is genuinely sweet, and her designs are sure to brighten any room. Check out her Etsy shop and Portfolio website. She designs a variety of products including blog headers, custom portraits, and tote bags. Plus, her comfy-cute style is right up my alley. 


Moss Love Giveaway

Jacie, the creator of Moss Love Terrariums, hosted a giveaway on the Lazy Explorers blog. She makes whimsical, little terrarium worlds that you can purchase ready-made or as DIY kits from her Etsy shop.

There are several 'habitants' you can choose from- unicorns, cows, dragons- I chose the dinosaur terrarium as my prize! 

 

The packaging was well thought out and made it even more fun to open and explore. After fluffing up the moss and giving a quick spritz of water, it's time to add the terrarium dwellers.

 The dinosaur (now named Luke) was included with the giveaway prize, and I added a little someone extra...Wolverine! Hopefully they live in peace together.

Now to find a perfect home for my new terrarium. I think I'll bring it to work to liven up my desk!


Thank you again Laura & Jacie! Go show these talented ladies some internet love.



:) Sarah Jean

Wednesday, July 17, 2013

I Love Handmade: Cute & Nerdy

I could watch The Office anytime on repeat because of Michael & Dwight. How could you not want a Dwight paper doll?


Now that my new business cards are printed, it'd be so neat to keep them in a leather, heart card case. I love the deep blue color!


This dainty golden triangle necklace would be perfect with a classy dress or a simple touch to an over-the-top outfit.


For some reason, this glasses holder reminds me of 'Clarissa Explains It All' - must be the colors. It's the perfect quirky touch!


I am a much bigger Picard fan, but look at this Kirk Captain's Log Star Trek print! Too funny...and the way he's caressing it!



What's caught your eye online-shopping?

Nerd Love,
Sarah Jean


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Thursday, July 11, 2013

My Top 3 (Geeky Character) Celebrity Crushes

Girls often dish about what guys they think are attractive or who are the hottest celebrities. Most of the names they mention...I have no idea who those men are.


Ryan Gosling?   Nope- I had to google him. 
Channing Tatum?   Umm..maybe I saw him in an internet meme?

So who are my celebrity crushes? Well, I have a 'thing' for movie characters, rather than the real-life person. You don't have to have six-pack abs or be a former sports star to make my list. 


Here goes. You might think I am a weirdo with my Top 3 choices or maybe some of you will completely relate. Either way, I am not ashamed, and if you have not seen these movies, go watch them now!




1. Garth AlgarWayne's World

Actor: Dana Carvey

Garth is shy, but in a fun-loving I'll-zap-you-at-a-concert way. He is a loyal friend, always has a good time, and has mad, drum skills. He can thrust in rhythm to "Foxy" for me anytime. Could I be your Dreamwoman, Garth?



2. Phil "Duckie" DalePretty in Pink

Actor: Jon Cryer

Duckie is an emotional, free spirit with an edge of whimsy who genuinely appreciates people's personalities. Andie may not have given him a fair chance but his lip-syncing performance to "Try a Little Tenderness" at the record store just makes me melt with giddyness. 



3. Jack Kelly- Newsies

Actor: Christian Bale

Before he was Batman, he was the charming and mysterious, Jack Kelly- a brave yet sensitive revolution-starter. Even with an accent and slight lisp, Jack's singing and dance moves are irresistible. (Plus, he loves Davey's sister, Sarah. Hey, that's my name!)




....and if I could go back to being 12, I hope I would have had a crush on Paul Pfeiffer from The Wonder Years. Because seriously, look how cute and quirky he is! If I have kids, I can only hope they'll be as rad as Paul. 
Actor: Josh Saviano


Am I crazy?
What is it about these late 80s and early 90s characters that have nurtured my growing crushes over years and years? I am sure you noticed some similarities. Before now, I somehow did not notice, because I normally only think of each character in his respective movie. 


So what's my type? A dorky, singing, non-conformist sweetheart.

Ready for the shocker? The man in my [real] life totally fits that description.  
He doesn't tie a flannel shirt around his waist like Garth, but he does sing and play guitar.  
He doesn't make rash decisions like Duckie, but he does say some of the most hilarious one liners. 
He doesn't dance in the street like Jack, but he does have big ideas and a big heart. 



Well this post took a different turn...shout out to my boyfriend, Dan, for being just as weird as my favorite movie characters!

Yes, that's Spock, Space Invaders, and Iron Man within one photo

Who are your strange crushes? Any similarities to your partner? 

Nerd Love,
Sarah Jean

Saturday, July 6, 2013

Lately at Synapse HQ

It's been one busy spring/summer at the Synapse to Synapse headquarters!

I have been stitching like mad and added tons of new items to the shop including Hunger Games, Mario Bros, Star Wars, and Arrested Development

I am also super excited about my new minimalist, Disney Princess necklaces...




Our cute and nerdy image got a makeover! New business cards were printed and packaging was revamped with colorful, product labels. Have I mentioned how much I love the illustration of me stitching by Laura Caldentey? Gah- it's so perfect! 





There was a lot of stitching and preparation for a local, Vegas outdoor market, which turned out to be a gorgeous day (despite the insane early-morning wind...I had to tape things to the table!). We met awesome local nerds who appreciated our obscure references. Success!








We also hosted a giveaway with the International Geek Girl Pen Pal Club, where geeks sign up to be assigned a pen pal and also post all the quirky things they love. Who wouldn't want to bust out some Lisa Frank stickers and talk about Sherlock? I sure do!

 The winner received a one-of-kind IGGPPC pin plus got to choose any pin from our shop. Our lucky winner from Canada picked a Star Trek pin.






We also made a few quick weekend trips out of state, which I'll have to tell you about soon! Now to brainstorm, sketch, and stitch more new items for you! (and play Animal Crossing)

What would you like to see in the Synapse to Synapse shop?


Nerd love,
Sarah Jean