Vintage Wednesday Etsy Picks

If you are like me, you need something to get you over the hump of the work week. And, if you are like me, you love vintage. OK, maybe not as obsessed with vintage as me (I’m not totally obsessed, mind you, I do love it, though), but maybe you like to look. Every time I see some awesome vintage thing, be it clothes, jewelry, furniture, or even a dish, I feel like I am transported to another time, another era (preferably the 30’s or 40’s). I’m wearing a slinky dress like Carole Lombard in My Man Godfrey, and my hair’s curly (really it, too, at least it was til it grew out), and I have on red lipstick for a pouty look when my picture’s taken. OK, so a little over the top. One can dream.

Oh, yeah, back to Wednesday. I am so easily distracted (that’s a problem I’ve learned to live with. I heard that one of the symptoms of adult ADHD is difficulty staying focused. That’s me. And people like that do well in hospitals, multi-tasking and all. That’s me, too! Oh shit, maybe……). Oh, back to Wednesday. There is such wonderful vintage on Etsy that I thought I would devote Wednesdays to vintage. Here goes:

Vintage is such an enormous category. Here’s some gorgeous vintage jewelry:

 Rhinestone Flower Brooch from Midnight Magnolia I love this brooch. The stones are clear and sparkling. Stunning!

Siam Niello Horse Pin by Trick 5 This is amazing! The detail is incredible. Niello is an age-old process of jewelry ornamentation that uses a black mixture of copper, silver , and lead sulphides, used as an inlay on engraved or etched metal.

Vintage home decor is so open to interpretation. There’s shabby, country, boho, Hollywood, plus a million other ways to describe old but beautiful. How you do it is up to you. Here’s some ideas to help you out:

  Pair of Vintage Fenton White Opalescent by Eclectic Revival

    Vintage French Country Nesting Hen Ceramic Planter by Ace Finds This is so cute. Why use it only as a planter? How about on the dinner or breakfast table holding muffins or rolls?

   Ten Lovely Little Lacy Crochet Vintage Doilies by ChameleonCMC

  Kachina Silver Spoon Fork Baby Keepsake Native American Vintage Set Spoon Fork with Blue Turquoise by Aztec Art

Well, that’s a small sample. What’d ya think? Like em? Let me know. Got a fave? Leave a comment.

Post by Miss Eileen aka Goofing Off

Don’t forget to check out the costume pattern sale going on now at the GoofingOff Etsy and GoofingOff Artfire shops. 40% off on all costume patterns!

Etsy shops:
GoofingOff
MissEileen
MetalWoodsnWater
GoofingOff Artfire

Congress: You Need a Budget!

I just read the most incredible news post, “Are Members of Congress Paid Enough” by Chris Moody. In it, he cites several members of congress who are having a difficult time getting by on their congressional salaries of $174,000 a year. He implied that a couple of those cited live paycheck to paycheck. While most people in the US do not have a salary close to this amount and are told to get by on what they make, I find it very difficult to feel sorry for someone who can’t make it on $174 per. Most Americans are learning to live on a budget, cut coupons, and just do without while these folks ask for more. Congress has the lowest approval ratings EVER and they are looking for sympathy and a handout? How about a drop in pay, a budget, and learn to live the Dave Ramsey way?

 

The Ticket, Yahoo News Blog, August 30, 2011  http://news.yahoo.com/blogs/ticket/members-congress-paid-enough-165641960.html

Earnest Efforts: Handcrafted and Sustainable Woodworking

Before leaving for the Pacific Northwest I wrote a blog post about the Etsy sellers up that way and highlighted a few of the shops in my weekly Miss Eileen’s Etsy Picks. The winner of that weeks picks was Earnest Efforts and their wonderful Weathered Alder Driftwood Box. Their shop is amazing. Here is their inspiring interview.

Tell us a bit about yourself (name, location, affiliations, personal stuff)

Earnie Efforts (aka Rick) has been selling his woodworking wares at the Eugene, Oregon Saturday Market (the longest-running outdoor, handcrafted marketplace in the US) since the 1980's. I, Ellie Efforts (aka Heather), joined the Market in 1994 with my fiber arts and in 1998 we got to know one another, fell in love and married in 1999. We are a community of 300 unique and self-proclaimed "unemployable" individuals who share a common goal of supporting ourselves with our artistic talents.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

    

Earnest Efforts at the Eugene Saturday Market

 What is the first thing you can remember making by hand? How and why did you make it?

Earnie & I both love wood. I tell people that I married him because he already had a complete wood shop. I'm kidding of course, but I have wanted to learn woodworking since I was a kid.  I was always gathering up the scrap materials and trying to make something. One of the very first, very unsuccessful, items I made was a book with plywood and nails. It just wouldn't open. When Earnie & I met at Saturday Market I was making books from my handmade natural plant fiber papers and they opened very well.

       Wood Jewelry Box, Desk Organizer, Salvage Black Walnut Orchard Tree

What are your favorite materials?

Our favorite materials come from the Coquille River near Bandon, Oregon on the coast. We travel 65 miles to the coast to gather our driftwood for the boxes. I would be perfectly content with a table filled with driftwood boxes, but as much as he loves the driftwood, Earnie rightly prefers more variety than this. The driftwood is amazing. There is such an incredible story to tell from each piece we gather.

 Wood Box, Treasure Box, Salvaged Oregon-Myrtle wood Wood, Secret Hiding Place

What inspires you?

What is our inspiration? The amazing stories that surround us in nature. The history of a piece of wood found in reading the growth rings bring calm to the mind and takes us on a journey. Running your fingers over the grooves left behind by a beaver is the soundtrack to the story. We can touch and see the lid of a box chewed to a point by a beaver to bring the tree down and the teeth marks remain very obvious in the dark inner bark patches. By enjoying the beaver's teeth marks we are able to make this close connection to a remarkable mammal that only the lucky will ever witness.

Beaver Chewed Alder Driftwood Box





River Driftwood Box, Beaver Chewed Oregon Ash Wood, Salvaged



Apart from creating things, what do you do?

What do we do when we're not working? That is a good question because I think Earnie would agree with me that we don't work very often, but our family & friends would say we work all the time. I guess, when you love what you do with your whole self, "work" is not in your vocabulary. Last night we got to giggling in the garden because we were looking around thinking look at our life - surrounded by sunflowers and the hum of our beehive coming up from behind the divine comfort of our swing that glides softly, hidden beneath the cascading branches of the walnut tree. We're surrounded by trees, creeks, birds, amazing, clean food, Myrtle Efforts, the wonder dog, and one another. We're living the hippy dream - the American dream, the humans of Mother Earth dream...

Natural Baby Rattle, Teether, Madrone Wood, Heirloom Teether, Eco Friendly Infant Toy

 What are the Web addresses for your work?

earnestefforts@msn.com

www.earnestefforts.com

www.earnestefforts.etsy.com

www.facebook.com/EarnestEffortsnaturalwoodworking

www.earnesteffortsnaturalwoodworking.blogspot.com

Apart from creating things, what do you do?

Last year we officially announced our promise to plant at least twenty native trees every year. We are serious about caring for Mother Earth and making conscious decisions relevant to social and environmental issues. Earnie was a tree planter in the 1970's and has never stopped planting trees. Maybe by publicly announcing our promise we will inspire others to plant trees as well. We are also committed to using eco-friendly and reusable packaging for shipping our orders, buying products “Made in the USA” whenever possible, and in the last year, we also made a commitment to buying used, making repairs, and buying handmade. Neither of us are big shoppers, but making these conscious decisions reduces impulse purchases and allows us to use our imaginations and support the imaginations of others.  Lastly, the materials we use are non-toxic, sustainable, and eco-friendly. Hopefully the choices we make will inspire others and the next generation. Learn more about eco-friendly Etsy shops and eco-friendly lifestyle choices at our Eco Etsy Team's Blog at www.ecoetsy.blogspot.com

Thank you for that incredible interview. I love your commitment to buying used, repairing, and buying homemade. I hope others will feel the same.

Post by Miss Eileen aka Goofing Off

Don’t forget to check out the costume pattern sale going on now at the GoofingOff Etsy and GoofingOff Artfire shops. 40% off all costume patterns!

Etsy shops:
GoofingOff
MissEileen
MetalWoodsnWater
GoofingOff Artfire

Barley Girl Fashions

As a seller of sewing supplies, I often wonder what happens after the pattern or fabric leaves my shop. Is the pattern something held dear by a collector or a fashion someone loves and wants to create? Is the fabric turning into pillows or dresses? What happens???!! Well, Katherine Wells, of Barley Girl Fashions must have read my mind. A while back she bought this pattern 

used it as a reference, and made the most incredible creations. Here’s a sample from her site, Barley Girl Fashions.
    


Thank you, Kathy, for showing me your creations. I love what you are doing!

Don't forget the costume pattern sale going on in the GoofingOff Etsy and GoofingOff Artfire shops until October 1. Big selection for adults and children.
Post by Miss Eileen...just goofing off.

Back to School Miss Eileen’s Etsy Finds 8.26.11

Morning everyone! It’s time for Miss Eileen’s Etsy Picks for the week of 8/26/2011. With all the talk of Hurricane Irene I need something to distract me a bit and I can’t think of anything better than looking through Etsy. Are the kids back in school now? Getting ready? My first day of 1st grade was delayed by a hurricane. Looks like a few other kids will have their first day delayed, too.

Here’s my picks for the week:

     Custom Back to School on the Yellow Bus Pillowcase Dress 6/9M-5T by Autumn Rose Boutique                                        

What a cute dress! Just right for the first day of school!

 Back to School lunchbox notes with Dainty Bumble Bee I love these. A wonderful way to let your child know you are thinking of him or her during the day. My husband puts notes in my lunchbox now and each one puts a smile on my face.

 

Funky Leather Journal Medium Size from Christine Marie Ford Older children are going back to school, too, not just the little ones. Going to new schools and away from home is exciting and scary, too. Lots of emotions happening at once. A journal is a good way to harness some of those emotions, and good to look at later.

 Shark Backpack by Heavenly Creatures Art Almost all children carry backpacks nowadays and a shark backpack is so cool for cool boys.

 ipad 2 case, ipad case, Kindle DX, padded in Michael Miller  “dandy damask" by MoBoogie Lovely way to protect that I Pad or Kindle.

 

 Large Personalized Piggy Bank College Fund by J Davis Squared 

Let’s face it, it’s never too early to start saving for college. Here’s a good way to keep the interest going.

 Back to School Headband by Baby Bow Bling Things  So many schools require uniforms today. Having a headband that matches the uniform attractively and keeps hair under control…..wow!

 Insulated Eco Lunch Bag by Organi Luxe What a beautiful way to pack a lunch! It doesn’t have to be for the kids, ya know?

Well, that’s my picks for the week. Don’t forget to vote for your favorite. Poll will be in the upper Right corner.

Congrats to last week’s winner, KissMyMutt  and the Green Knot Garden Bed. Watch for the interview.

Post by Eileen Patterson

Post by Eileen
Etsy Shops
GoofingOff


MissEileen


MetalWoodsnWater
and
GoofingOff Artfire

Don’t forget to check out the costume pattern sale going on now!

BOO! Announcing the Pre-Halloween 40% Off Costume Pattern Sale

Thinking about making a costume for Halloween festivities? Maybe using a costume pattern for a period-style bridal gown or a re-enactment? Or maybe clowning around is your style and a new costume is in order? Now is the chance to snag a costume pattern and start sewing. All costume patterns in the GoofingOff Etsy and Artfire shops are on sale starting NOW until September 30. Just use the coupon code HALLOWEEN  for 40% off all costumes. Good time to pick up a bargain or two before they are all gone. Here’s a sample of what we have in the shop:

         McCall's 6376 Misses' Renaissance Dress Bust 31- 44

   Simplicity 0544 Disney Fairies Costumes Pattern For Toddlers

  Simplicity 0551 Costumes for Dogs Clown, Prison Stripes, Bunny, Top Hat and Tails Uncut Complete

   Simplicity J0793 Robes and Tunic Harry Potter Misses', Men's, and Teen's Robe and Tunic Uncut Complete

  McCall’s 284 Girls’ Costumes

     McCall’s 232 Costumes for Dogs

There are patterns for everyone, men, women, adults, children, and babies. Check them out now for the best choices.

Remember, the sale is on NOW at GoofingOff Etsy and GoofingOff Artfire until October 1st. Don’t forget the discount code HALLOWEEN for 40% off.

Bringing Sassy Back: An Interview with JitterBag

I love handbags and I love fur. I especially love when old furs that have been hanging in vintage shops or estate sales are repurposed and brought back to life. JitterBag does that. She has an incredible sense of fashion and, finding inspiration in fabric and fur, makes the most incredible bags. Jitterbag, or Debbie, won a blog interview in the Etsy Picks for July 8. Here is her interview and some of her beautiful creations.

Tell us a bit about yourself (name, location, affiliations, personal stuff)


My name is Debbie Neely and I live part time in both Melbourne, FL and Waynesville, NC with my husband Ken and dog, Kirby. I have two adult sons, Chris and Jeff. Chris and his wife Sarah, introduced me to Etsy and helped me get Jitterbag set up. They have a really cool shop named GoodBonesVintageCo.




Funky Cute Tote



What are your favorite materials?

Fabric of all kinds has been an interest of mine for as long as I can remember. Vintage furs and leathers are at the top of my list at the moment... I try to use reclaimed and rescued materials as much as I can. I love taking something old and making something totally new and different from it!



Vintage Blue Leather Coin Purse

What is your favorite color combination?


It really depends on the moment. There are days when I really enjoy muted and simple tones and then there are days when my girly girl at heart needs her pink!!! I enjoy working with all colors and pride myself in co-ordinating many different colors and textures for a one of a kind piece of art.



Handmade Leather Mink Purse Upcycled Handbag


What is the first thing you can remember making by hand? How and why did you make it?


My first sewing experience was around six years of age when I was making outfits for my Barbie dolls!

What inspires you?


The fabric itself inspires me!!! It could be a piece of leather from and old car, a mink stole I picked up at an estate sale, silk kimono, upholstery fabric, just about anything and it will inspire me.



Vintage Leather & Mink Wallet

 Where do your ideas come from?


Again, the fabric "tells" me what I can do with it. It sounds crazy, but, I wake up at 3:00-4:00 A.M. with ideas I can't wait to create!


Who is, or was, your greatest inspiration?


In high school an art teacher was a great inspiration for me. She assigned us a project to use a 36" square piece of natural burlap stretched on a canvas stretcher, We were instructed to create an original design using as many fabrics and textures as we could . My teacher encouraged me to enter mine in a contest and it won first place and was sent to Washington, D.C. to be displayed at a museum!


What is your favorite thing to do with your creativity?


Making new designs, as all of my work is one of a kind.




Zebra iPad Sleeve faux fur Trimmed with Leather


Why should people buy handmade? Any tips of wisdom on selling handmade items?


Handmade one of a kind items are made with an individuals creative thoughts. Each piece is thought-out carefully and then constructed with pride, patience and the love of creating a unique piece of art.


Repurposed Vintage Mink & Leather Eyeglass Case Handmade




What have been the most valuable lessons learned from other artists?


I have learned from fellow artists to believe in your craft and create what you have a passion for.

Apart from creating things, what do you do?


Apart from working with fabrics, I enjoy entertaining family and friends. I love to cook and play golf. I also enjoy spending time and helping care for my father.



Handmade Belt Wallet, Wood button, Embroidered Lining


What are the Web addresses for your work?


I'm really just getting started, so...it's just www.etsy.com/shop/jitterbag

Are you offering my readers any specials?


I'd love to offer your readers a 15% discount. The coupon code for the discount is Jitter2011.
Thanks!!!

Deb


Post by Eileen
Etsy shops:
GoofingOff
MissEileen
MetalWoodsnWater
GoofingOff Artfire

8.19.11 Miss Eileen's Etsy Picks: I've Gone to the Dogs

Summer. The days are long and the heat seems unbearable at times. I look forward to that cool breeze, or a hot one when I am desparate, to bring me some relief. July and August are the dog days of summer. I've read several reasons for the name. According to the all-knowing Wikipedia, "the name comes from the ancient belief that Sirius, also called the Dog Star, in close proximity to the sun was responsible for the hot weather." Could be. Could also be my dogs don't want to do much when it's this hot, except chase fish in the pond, but that's another story. In any case, here's to the dog days of summer! Let's celebrate them with Etsy picks about our four legged friends and the wonderful creations made for them.




Luxury Pet Loungers, dog bed, cat bed by Hip byHand

I love the idea of luxury pet beds made from vintage drawers and suitcases. Totally upscaled. Great idea! My Annie, the Poodle Posse Diva, would love this.




Little Lion Man Dog Costume by Gypsy Eyes Clothing

Too Cute!! My littlest guy, Salty would love this. He growls and huffs like the Cowardly Lion from the Wizard of Oz, too. Great costume for the Halloween parties coming up. Maybe just take the little one trick or treating.



 Green Knot Garden medium dog bed - Eco-Friendly  by Kiss My Mutt

Love this dog bed! Machine washable and the filler made from recycled plastic bottles.




Cut the Bulk blond natural braided and beaded kangaroo leather show dog lead by Kangalulu

   Dog shows are the ultimate way to show off. I buy me something new to celebrate special days and achievements, so why not do the same for my dog? This lead is beautiful. What a wonderful way to celebrate!



Original Sausage dog/dachhound cushion cover by The House Sparrow

This is so cute and just the right thing for the dog lover. Sweet look!



Dog Tail Leash Holder Triple Paw Paws by APlomb Designs

Good way to keep those leashes organized. You can even get this leash holder personalized.





Elevated Dog Feeder Oak 6 Inch High Two Quart Stainless Steel Bowls by Satauri

An elevated dog feeder makes clean up and sweeping a little easier and the dog bone legs on this feeder are so cute! The stain and personalized name are included, too.



24 inch Dog Crate Cover by Bow Wow Beds 

The cover is a wonderful idea. Protects the little guy from drafts and helps to keep the crate warm in the winter.

Well,  there's my picks. What do you think? I've gone to the dogs? lol, maybe. Don't forget to vote for your favorite. Winner gets an interview on my blog.

Post by Eileen
Etsy Shops


GoofingOff


MissEileen


MetalWoodsnWater

and
GoofingOff Artfire


                                                                   The Poodle Posse                

Fred




Princess, Annie's daughter



Salty