Vintage finds and retro handmade--a sweet mix I know you'll love.

This is my blog. To visit my stores, click the Etsy or Artfire links above, or the product images on the right column of the screen.

Saturday, April 30, 2011

A Royal Kind of Wedding!

Like many all over the globe, I stayed up to watch the royal wedding.  In my time zone, it started at 2 am. and ended at 8 am.!  I didn't do it because I have any dreams of becoming a princess someday, and I didn't watch because I have any particular interest in European royal families.

I guess I was watching because I was curious about the setting and the whole mood and sense of the wedding, from the order of the ceremony, to the bridal party's style of dress, to the hats the guests wore.  It wasn't anything remotely similar to my own personal experience.  In fact, I may never even get to visit London in my lifetime.

I decided to make a collection of my own items in honor of the royal wedding, and all the other royal weddings that will be taking place all over the world this time of year.  After all, isn't every bride a bit like a princess at her own wedding?

Friday, April 22, 2011

Major Trends, According to Elle Decor

I got my latest copy of Elle Decor magazine a little while ago, but I forgot to log on here and talk about it.

The magazine is mostly photos and full-page advertisements of designer rooms and tchotchkes to achieve the style in your own home.  I won't cover all of the magazine (obviously), but I thought I'd show three samples to illustrate some of the main trends, which I saw repeated in almost infinite variation throughout the magazine.  My comments are drawn in red on the photos.
Textile trends.  See them on clothes, rugs, furniture, and more.
This next page seems to hit most of the trends at once.  It really works together, too.
I dub thee, "Globe Trotter" trendy!

Here's a new one I hadn't heard of before: the tropical trend.  I had heard that tropical colors like yellow, orange, chartreuse, and honeysuckle pink were really sought-after for summer wardrobes.  I like the fresh look, and all the great textures.  The exciting thing (for me, anyway) is that I can make this trend with my printmaking skills, especially those bright fruits at the top of the page.  Their examples are so cool!  I want some!
Sweet and bright colors!

I'll be back here soon with something else interesting to share. 

Wednesday, April 13, 2011

Vintage Ladies' Scarves for Every Taste and Style

I have an extensive collection of ladies' scarves, made of silk, acetate, nylon, and polyester.  I even have quite a few men's pocket handkerchiefs (used mostly as pocket squares).  I just wanted to share with you today a selection of what I have available in my shop already.  I actually left out around a dozen scarves and hankies that are currently available.  If you are curious, I hope you'll click through to my studio and have a look around.  Each product image takes you to the listing.  Also be aware that some of these may sell fast!


The best thing about vintage scarves is that it is difficult to find two that are identical, even if you look through a thousand.  You don't have to worry about someone matching you...it seems about as likely as getting struck by lightning!

I am sharing this today because I looked at my inventory last night and found a bunch of scarves, still unlisted, that really fit the modern trends: Tribal/Turkish, colorblock, sporty stripes, and more.  I think it is time for me to make them available to the public!

By the way, I have three more trendy scarves in my other shop as well, over on Etsy (Colorblock, Nautical, 60s Nouveau Revival). Here's the link to that section: Etsy Scarves.

Thanks for reading!  More updates to come.  If you have any special requests, just leave me a comment and I will respond quickly.

Saturday, April 9, 2011

I've Been Busy....Want to Know What I've Been Up To?

Sorry I haven't been updating here as much as I had planned.  I've been busy with other tasks, such as running the official Artfire Vintage Guild thread these past two weeks.  If you like vintage wares, hop on over to the thread to see what we are sharing today.  Here's the link to the "Promotions" section in the forums.  Look for any thread beginning with "VINTAGE [WEEKDAY]" and see what everyone else is promoting today, along with my posts.  The most popular thread these past two weeks has been yesterday's "post the alphabet" thread, in which sellers took turns posting images of their products beginning with consecutive letters of the alphabet.

Meanwhile, I've been faced with a bit of a predicament.  Most of my inventory is fairly small items, but most of my boxes are large.  I've also got some vintage vinyl LPs (like this original Bambi soundtrack), but I can't find boxes anywhere in those dimensions.  Rather than buy a bundle of boxes, which can cost a lot of money and generates more for the landfills, I think it's time for me to experiment with resizing boxes.  The added challenge with LPs, for instance, is the need for extra reinforcement against warping or crushing the box.  I believe I have enough that I can waste a few boxes until I learn this skill.

Yesterday, I photographed several trendy items and a few books.  I got this very impressive elephant listed in my Artfire store already, and finally listed my wire vanity basket (remember this from my French vignette?) in my Etsy store.  I still have this nautical themed plaque and a 40s-era copy of Tom Sawyer left to post from my photo session yesterday.  Pretty cool, huh?  I like how the yellow pine this fellow carved it on shines a very golden brown color.  I think it's pretty cool.  What do you think?

Off to get ready for my mother's birthday celebration.  Thanks for visiting!