A Walk in the Woods

Vintage canteen from TheFancyLamb

By Susan from CalloohCallay

Like much of the United States, we here in the middle have had an eerily warm winter--no frozen ponds like when I was a kid, and my crocuses are up already, probably just in time to be zapped by another cold snap. But the upside to climate change, if you can call it that, is last weekend I got out for a hike along the river bluffs--just me, my canteen, and 300 other hikers, bikers, and dogs taking advantage of the weather.

Wildflower guide from TheVintageReader

I didn't see much wildlife--a few hawks circling the river, a few gray squirrels. But on a less crowded day I might have run into some deer, or even an otter or raccoon along the river bank. It was too early for the wildflowers, but in the coming months they'll be making their appearance in great numbers.

We're heading into just about the best time to enjoy the outdoors (though autumn has a lot going for it too). So, in anticipation of many hikes to come, here are a few of my favorite vintage items to take along.

Vintage Czech rucksack from PerfectlyPoshVintage

KampKing 1960s utility knife from KentonCollectibles

Vintage camp stool from moxiethrift

1912 Boy Scout book from queenofsienna

Pedometer from tippleandsnack

Vintage snakebite kit from kowgirlkitsch

Foodie Friday T is for TOMATOES

Tomatoes are truly indispensable in any kitchen. Even if you are not fond of them as is, pasta sauces, chilis and even ketchup wouldn't be the same without tomato sauce!

My all time favorites are home grown cherry tomatoes--SWEET 100 variety in particular. They do tend to flourish here in our hot summers, so aside from eating LOADS of them plain, and foisting them on the friends and neighbors, I have to be at the ready with recipes to use them in to avoid waste.

Here is a GREAT recipe that also utilizes another summer favorite: CORN ON THE COB

Corn, Tomato and Avocado Salad

For DRESSING, whisk or shake together the following:

* 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
* 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
* A pinch of sugar
* A dash of cayenne pepper
* Salt
* 1-2 tsp dried oregano

For SALAD, mix the following together in large bowl:

* 1/2 red onion, diced fine
* 3-4 ears fresh corn on the cob, previously cooked via preferred method, and cut from cob**
* 2 ripe avocados, diced
* 1-2 pints cherry tomatoes, halved or quartered if large

Pour dressing over salad and gently stir to combine. Serve at room temperature, or chilled. (if making ahead, add the avocados just before serving so they don't turn brown) I have also added canned BLACK BEANS to make it a vegan main dish. CILANTRO in place of the oregano, and LIME JUICE instead of vinegar would be great, too.

** I use GRILLED corn, but any corn will be fine.

cute tomato themed kitchen decor set from moxiethrift.etsy.com

Cast Some Magic

Ask yourself, how do you like to find vintage? What setting fills you with anticipation and makes you curious what's around the next corner? I'm guessing it's not the sterile Target store type of environment we're all familiar with.

Antique Brass Fan offered by hurstdesigns

It's the same for our customers. I run into people fairly often that tell me they hate shopping on the web. When I dig deeper, they've told me that they can't hold the item, feel it and really know about it. I hear that the web is cold, unfriendly, untrustworthy and unfeeling. 

WWII USAF Military Hat offered by marybethhale

As sellers, it's up to us to craft an experience for each item we sell. It doesn't have to be complex. It doesn't need to even be specific. We just need to give an over all feeling. A store that is consistent goes a long way toward achieving this. Find a banner & avatar you like and stick with them. Use some of the same text in each ad so customers recognize your personal stamp in each ad. For me, this means starting each ad with "Offering" and ending each ad with "Satisfaction guaranteed". 

Vintage Red Egg Beater offered by moxiethrift

Cast some magic upon the vintage items you're selling. This can be done in the specific ad listing, the banner of our store, the text sprinkled throughout your store, and your photos. When you find an item, take note of the setting. What age is the estate? Is the heir around to ask a quick question of? Gathering those tiny details & providing them can help the customer recreate the thrill of the hunt, online. 

Vintage Embroidered Bird Linen offered by ImSoVintage

My store banner tag line is "straight from the barn". I want my customers to think of a big dusty barn in the country, filled with shadows and antique treasures. Or at least, that's what I like to think of and often what I really encounter. I keep it simple and let their imaginations do the rest. If they want a blue, red or green barn, that's up to them. This simple text invites thought and inspires imagination. 

Vintage Metal Lunchbox offered by Niftic

Descriptions of your items go a long way to helping your customer have a complete shopping experience. What is it made of? What does it smell like? What are the measurements-height, length, depth? What does it weigh? Now these terms won't apply to all your items, but saying your book smells fresh and is from a non smoking environment will help your customer experience it all the more. 

Vintage Owl Couple on Driftwood offered by TheOwlLady

Details help your customer make your item their own. While it may be tempting to list an item and say "in good condition for its age", resist. That doesn't help your customer in the least. Would you want to hear that about yourself? Ack! Provide the information they would gather if they were holding the item in their hands. Give them an experience. Cast some magic.

Fresh Picks: Mellow Metals

The cool, clean look of industrial style decor takes on a more serene dimension if you choose true vintage relics like these. When form follows function, these delightful finds are equally suited to organizing your work space or adding an artful touch to your living space.

Industrial Desk Lamp. Vintag... CheekyChicVint... $125.00	Vintage Kwik File Industrial... calloohcallay $52.00	Vintage Stenciled Metal Supe... TheFancyLamb $42.00
Vintage metal wire basket - ... moxiethrift $21.50	19th Century Bicycle Head La... Nachokitty $175.00	Vintage Student School Desk ... glasspanic $125.00

Treasury tool by whalesharkwebsites

The Nuts & Bolts of Owning a Business

Is selling on Etsy just a hobby or is it your business? Do you do it for enjoyment with little regard to year end profits or are you concerned about boosting revenue? Are you keeping records that will help out in case of an audit? 

15 Quart Pyrex Bowl by beppiebags

These questions matter, especially at tax time. Unless you're trying to keep your business under the table and operate on a cash only basis (Which I highly discourage), you'll need to keep records. Keep in mind that Paypal will report their records if you're audited. 

1970s Hummingbirds Dress by PersonalPursuits

The first question is hobby or business? It's an important distinction. If you are planning on calling your Etsy shop a hobby, read up on the restrictions. Let's assume for the sake of this discussion that you're a business. 

The Skin of Our Teeth offered by TheOldBarnDoor

Are you keeping track of your expenses? Are you keeping records? Here's a few of things I keep track of: 


A. Receipts from thrift stores, estate sales, etc. 
B. Mileage to estates, thrift stores, etc. 
C. Excel Spreadsheets of what it is, what it cost, where I got it, what it sold for, and any shipping losses. 
D. Excel Spreadsheets of all my consignment sales.
E. Costs of business insurance.


That's all I worry about. I could get into deducting costs associated with my home office, but I've heard those kind of gray area deductions can trigger further investigations. 

Vintage Wall Mirror by moxiethrift

Some ways in which I practice sound business management: 


I keep a separate bank account for my business. It's a business account, not a personal one. 


I keep records about each consignment client and keep them up to date on their sales for their own tax records.


I keep detailed inventory lists to stay organized, to know who owns what and in order to find things quickly once they've sold. 


I keep track of all my in state customers for sales tax. Check with your state and see what your requirements are. 


I keep track of the rules surrounding Self Employment tax & Social Security and pay accordingly. 

Victorian German Silver Purse by justbecauseshecan

While I'd prefer to just focus on finding the next cool item, I've found that taking a little time each day to maintain records saves me a lot of wailing and gnashing later on. Now while this is what I do, please know I'm not a tax expert, I don't claim to be and I'm just sharing my personal experience. 

What's Trivial to You May Be Vital To Your Customer

When you have an item right in front of you, it's often easy to overlook the obvious. That's why it's always important to pretend you're looking at your item from your computer screen. If you only had a 2 dimensional view, what kinds of questions would you want answered about it?

1960s Sterling Modernist Dove by mascarajones

Take for example sterling and gold. Most listings I see think about these objects in terms of color and condition. I suggest you consider weight as well. With silver hovering around $30 an ounce and gold around $1400, it's worth mentioning what these items weigh. I use a digital kitchen scale to measure ounces.

1904 US Coin Gold Quarter by FascinatingHobbies

If you're not sure if your item is gold, I suggest testing it. For what gold is currently selling for, it's worth that little bit of effort. eHow has suggestions on how to test for gold. If you're listing items that are made of precious metals, I suggest checking that days price per ounce, just so you price accordingly. I'm not suggesting you judge a vintage item just on the per ounce value! Certainly not. But knowing the baseline is always good information to have.

Taxco Inlaid Silver Earrings by YesterdaysSilhouette

Another piece of information to provide is the makers mark. If you can, always provide a photograph of it. Always. I know five photos often doesn't seem like enough for some vintage items, but that makers mark is critical. Even if you describe it, most people just want the visual confirmation. Think of how much info you glean from a makers mark-provide that same data to your potential customers.

Chadburns Engine Telegraph CheekyChicVintage

Along with that, try to show an interior shot of the entire inside. I have had some nasty experiences with partial shots. I invested in a Dansk cooking pot last year and trusted the sellers "good condition" and partial photo. The hidden corner was badly rusted out. Again, let your customers trust their eyes. Give them the same amount of information they would have if they were holding the item in their hands.

Dansk Paella Pan by bitofbutter

When describing items, be very specific. Don't just say "great condition". Condition is variable with too many definitions. One thing I now try to remember is be very clear. I'm wary of customers who just skim the page. I used to say "there are no chips, cracks, crazing, etc". Now I say: "there are no chips, no cracks, no crazing, blah, blah, blah." That extra no makes a difference.

Federal Eagle Wall Mirror by moxiethrift

Lastly, try to mention the potential flaws that are NOT present.

For metal: there are no dents, no cracks, no repairs.
For ceramic & glass: there are no chips, no cracks, no crazing and no hidden repairs. (this will require black light testing-something I highly recommend)
For paper items: there are no wrinkles, no fading, no writing, etc.

Providing this level of detail will build confidence in your potential buyer. It will also cause you to examine your items even more closely, which can help with hidden flaws you might have missed. A little extra time spent when listing, means no wasted time & money after the sale.

It's The Small Things That Count!

How did the little die get into the Miniature Bottle? You'll have to ask 'Vintage In Bloom'.



Tiny Pixie Shoe from Such And Sort
is a nice fit for your collection of miniatures!

When I was a little girl I was fascinated with the shadow box on my grandma's livingroom wall. It had a delightful assortment of tiny things that I couldn't resist poking at, picking up and playing with. Little ceramic animals, tiny glass bottles, a dusty feather, wee dolls - items that made me ask a hundred questions and made by grandma call me 'nosey'. You can find all sorts of mini's and tiny's from Etsy Vintage Team members. One member, Moxie Thrift, even has the shadow box to put them in!



Vintage Japan Tiny Porcelain Birds from TParty
will bring a song to your shadow box!



Dandelion Girl offers wee sips from this pair of
Vintage Miniature Amber Bottles Wheaton Glass Tonic Bitters.



Foodie Friday: Don't Clean & Throw a Dinner Party Anyway

Hello, Nachokitty here. I'm stepping in to guest blog today.

I love to cook. I have over 100 cookbooks that I read for fun and inspiration. That said, I never follow the recipes. I like to see what base ingredients are necessary and then mess with them to see if I can improve upon the dish. I love serving these creations to those willing to risk all with me.

Get courageous! Throw a dinner party & send invites by bontonvintage

Sauces and soups are easy to play with and add to. The new thing I've decided to conquer is fondue. Style be damned. I don't care if it's trendy-it's delicious. And it's flexible and easy to do. I found an amazing recipe that was fairly simple to do from the Melting Pot restaurant. This link goes to Bourbon Bacon Cheddar Fondue. Yum. It can be doctored quite easily.

A great way to get out of your winter rut (admit it, we all fall into one or two ruts!) is to have friends over. I know, the house is messy, you're busy, you see dust bunnies the size of a VW bug under your table. Ignore it. Dim the lights, light some candles, uncork some wine and cook fondue. Your friends will love you for it and you'll have a great time. What better way to chase away the Old Man Winter blues?

Hip Vintage Fondue pot by jenscloset

Fondue set by jenzee09

Avocado green Fondue pot by moxiethrift

Retro Fondue pot by kitschcafe

Get stylish about it. The kitsch factor of a vintage fondue pot will only add to the charm and whimsy of the event. Have a wonderful weekend!

FOODIE FRIDAY--G is Also For GARLIC

I LOVE garlic. We consume at least a head every week. Seems nearly every recipe calls for garlic, and why add 1 clove when 3 or 4 will further enhance the flavor? We also enjoy it in a dipping sauce for bread---chopped and mixed with balsamic vinegar and good quality extra virgin olive oil. So much better for you than butter and well, YUM-MO!

DEFINITION--From whatscookingamerica.net: garlic - The pungent, segmented bulb of the perennial plant Allium sativum, a member of the Lily family, closely related to the onion. Among the oldest known cultivated plants and most universally popular cooking herbs, garlic appears extensively, both raw and cooked in the cuisines of southern Europe and is considered essential to many dishes in Italy. The peeled cloves can be preserved for short periods in jars of oil.

Garlic is good for you!!! Check out the HEALTH BENEFITS--http://www.garlic-central.com/garlic-health.html

And, if the taste, aroma and health benefits aren't enough to make you a garlic fan, don't forget that it can ward off vampires! :~)

Foodie Friday-- E is for EGGS

from moxiethrift

Ah, the "incredible, edible egg"~~~indispensable in baking, perfect for just about any meal, and so very many EASY ways to prepare them.

With th holidays quickly approaching, and many bound to have overnight guests, I thought I'd share an easy and delicious recipe that works as an appetizer, for breakfast, brunch, or add a salad and some bread and you have dinner!!

ARTICHOKE FRITTATA

INGREDIENTS:

1	can (14 ounces) artichoke hearts, drained and chopped
3	teaspoons olive oil, divided
1/2	cup minced green onions
5	eggs
1/2	cup (2 ounces) shredded Swiss or Mozarella cheese
2	tbs grated Parmesan cheese
1	tbs minced fresh parsley
1	tsp salt
1/2	tsp black pepper

PREPARATION:

1. Heat 2 teaspoons oil in 10-inch skillet over medium heat. Add green onions; cook and stir until tender. Remove from skillet.
2. Beat eggs in medium bowl until light. Stir in artichokes, green onions, cheeses, parsley, salt and pepper.
3. Heat remaining 1 teaspoon oil in same skillet over medium heat. Pour egg mixture into skillet. Cook 4 to 5 minutes or until bottom is lightly browned. Place large plate over skillet; invert frittata onto plate. Return frittata, uncooked side down, to skillet. Cook about 4 minutes more or until center is just set. Cut into wedges for a meal, small squares for appetizers.

from 10karri

Vintage Buzz: Duck, Duck, GOOSE!

Do you remember sitting in a circle, all giddy and giggly, waiting and hoping to be bopped on the head and called 'Goose!' so you could jump up and chase after the cute little boy with the peanut butter breath? It was the ultimate social stigma for a five-year-old to never be called 'Goose'!
Play your own game with these fine aquatic feathered friends from the Etsy Vintage Team, or click to search for a duck, a goose or a flock of geese.

1930s Child and Goose Plaster Bookends
from Deer Path Vintage hold your books sweetly.
This little Vintage Children's Hankie from the 1940s
is a sweet treasure from Treasure Hunt Vintage.

This Vintage Cloisonne Style Duck Trinket Box will happily hold trinkets or your secret stash of chocolate!
(Don't you love his little feet on the bottom!?)
Visit Dandelion Girl for more vintage essentials!
This Vintage Ceramic Planter is the ultimate in 1970s ceramics class kitsch,
offered by Moxie Thrift.

This Vintage Kids Costumes Pattern is just in time for Halloween!
From Retro Threads it's just ducky!
For a bright, vintage Disney room, try this Very Vintage Donald Duck Chenille Bedspread
from Haute Country Vintage.

Winter Wonderland Featured Shop - 11.28.08 - moxiethrift

happy day! today's shop of the day is moxiethrift. to enter for a chance to win a $10 gift certificate to her store: visit her store, pick your favorite item and comment on this post. how about this super sweet vintage pink child's ironing board. very vintage modern!

for a complete 'how to' on this giveaway, read this. there is a new store and a new chance to win a $10 gift certificate each day for the next month...so check back and enter daily!

shopping vintage for christmas? type etsyvintageteam in the search box on etsy. you will find high quality and neato vintage goods.

sorry, esty vintage team members are not eligible for this giveaway {i know, bummer, right?}. but hey, team members...why not drive traffic to this blog and this giveaway? remember to plug it on all your online outlets. the more the merrier right?