Thursday: Be Inspired by Team EcoEtsy

http://ecoetsy.blogspot.com/

 

I just fell in love with the EcoEtsy Team. I didn't know there was a team dedicated specifically to recycling and upcyling. When I started selling antiques, right out of college, my goal was to market them as environmentally friendly furnishings. I've spent the better part of ten years really developing that aspect of my business.

I love the fact that the items I sell have been saved from a dismal life of sitting on warehouse shelves rotting away. It's a wonderful feeling to know my wares are about to become something fabulous, every time I make a sale. I always feel a bit silly when people ask me, "What do you make with all of these wonderful things?" Mainly because I don't sew. But also, because my only answer is "Nothing. All of my time is taken up finding, sorting, measuring and prepping everything so you can make something." It is the truth, but I really wish I had the time to create some fabulous upcycled goodies.

So, I challenge you all! Next time you're about to start a project, be inspired by Team EcoEtsy. Look around and see what you can reuse or salvage. Stretch your imagination and make something beautiful out of what many people would throw out with the trash..

Breaking My Practice of Tunnel Vision

gold digger lot , originally uploaded by InWiththeOldVintage.

I've developed a keen ability over the years to block out items that aren't in my specific genre of collecting. I've honed my skills so much, that I now have the ability to make it through an entire flea market or antique co-op in under an hour. (This does come in very handy when shopping with two little ones!) Until a few days ago, I never really thought about what I was missing. Now, I don't want to think about all of the treasures I've probably passed up. One of those treasures, most likely, was big lots of vintage buttons.

I've found myself, over the past few weeks, pouring over listings of vintage buttons on Etsy. I know, I know... I shouldn't be browsing when I'm supposed to be working, but you know you're guilty too. To my surprise, I really love vintage buttons. I've been buying buttons for a few years now, but always for a specific customer, and never with any intention of keeping them. A little light has definitely turned on in my head.

So, in response, I've been adding some fun vintage buttons to my shop. I'm enjoying pouring over boxes that have been in storage for years. Now, you can find great sets and small collections of buttons in my shop.

After over ten years of selling antiques, it's exciting to find a new interest. This week, I learned to turn off the tunnel vision. Next time I shop, I'll try to slow down, enjoy the browsing, and look for some new inspiration I may have been missing.

Etsy Treasury..... Friend or Foe?

Of course the treasury is a wonderful tool for showcasing artists and sellers on Etsy. I love that the curator is in absolute control, creating a beautiful collage of items they've painstakingly scoured the website for. I myself have recently started to mark favorite items, as treasury ideas start to form in my little head. And this.... is where the foe part comes in.

I'm afraid I'm becoming a treasury junkie. I've now created two in the last week and already have #3 in cue. Precious time I could have spent adding items to my own shop, has been spent endlessly searching for that elusive item that will make my list complete. I'm really curious, how much time do you treasury lovers spend creating your lists? Hopefully I'm not the only one who is slowly becoming treasury mad...

With all this said...
Here is my latest:   SEARCHING FOR SARAH (literally!)

 

http://www.etsy.com/treasury_list.php?room_id=111226

 

SNOW STORM SATURDAY

 Well I guess they weren't kidding about the monumental amount of snow that is dumping down on us this morning. Thank goodness for my neighbor and his quad  that has a plow attached. Very minimal shoveling is in my future. Our neighbors truly rock!!!!

Anyway, here are some beautiful photographs I found while browsing Etsy  and sipping some coffee laced with Baileys.

Images by Troy McCullough Idle Type Photography

There is something familiar and comforting about this wonderful shot. It makes me want to start singing "Sunny days, everything's Aye O.K., on my way to where the air is sweet......."  Amazingly, this shot was taken in N.Y., so I guess anything is possible. It may have to be one of my next purchases.

 

Image by Splendid Photography Splendidpix Fine Art Photography 

Don't you wish this was the stunning view from your window. It's so whimsical I just couldn't resist including this gorgeous shot!

Image by Valiant Studios Fine Art Photography 

Finally, this endearing ACEO, called Mother and Child, warmed up this chilly morning for me.

Well, I guess I should put down the coffee, stop playing on the computer and get back to cleaning up the mess from last night. We had some friends and their children over for dinner to celebrate my hubby's birthday. Happy Birthday honey!!! It's a shame those last few dishes didn't clean themselves. At least they didn't multiply while we were sleeping. Happy Saturday everyone. Enjoy the snow day!

Treasury Tuesday: For All of the Lace Lovers Out There

I finally got my first treasury after quite a few disappointing misses. It's funny how your children always know when you're about to do something that doesn't involve them being the center of the universe. Today, the house was quiet as the treasury opened. At last, I have a place to show off some of my favorite lacy lovelies.
I hope you enjoy it as much as I enjoyed making it!

Lace Lovers Dream (click to enlarge)

Here's the link if you'd like to visit my treasury or view any of these wonderful items that are for sale.
http://www.etsy.com/treasury_list.php?room_id=110264

Coffee Break Monday

Finally, I found a few minutes for a new post. I just wanted share some sweet things I recently found during my Monday morning coffee break. Yes, both my little ones are occupied for a few moments. So, I hope you enjoy these finds as much as I did.

 

Fuzzy Lobster just listed this darling vintage pin. Who could live without this?

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=39769056&ref=cat1_gallery_2

 

 Cherries Jubilee... from Fabgabs. Doesn't this dress make you long to be a housewife in the 50's. On second thought, maybe just play one on T.V.   I absolutely LOVE, LOVE, LOVE this dress.

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=38669500

And Finally...

 

this Vintage Globe Pin Cushion by paivacrafts.

This is just one of the great items you'll find at this new  up and coming Etsy shop, that has a little something for everyone.

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=39770343

Well the naps are over, so back to the fun with my little ones. Happy Monday everyone!

Happy Halloween

I spent my Halloween sorting through amaing boxes of yarn that I purchased months ago and never had a chance to examine. If I only had the time to list them all. I bought about 30 apple and banana boxes full of vintage yarns. Most of them are European wools, mohairs and other natural fibers including cashmere. I can't wait to dive into them again. Hopefully, I have the chance to list them all soon. That means having a huge "Yarn Sale" in my shop.  http://inwiththeoldvintage.etsy.com/.

I was able to take my 2 yr. old trick or treating for the 1st time.  I missed last year because I was at the International Quilt Festival in Houston, TX. We had a blast . She caught on pretty quick. At first she refused to wear her costume, but when she found out there was candy involved, she couldn't get in it fast enough.

I took the time to make her costume, since I missed out last year. She went as a flower fairy. We also decorated the house with homemade ghosts, jack-o-lanterns and monster hands. Max sat quietly through most of the commotion. We skipped the costume this year since he's only 2 months old. He did seem to enjoy wearing Kate's hairband though. All in all, it was a great few days leading up to Halloween.

Well, back to listing new items.  Goodbye for now.