Fresh Picks: For the Love of Dad

We like to say vintage makes a unique, one-of-a-kind gift. But when it comes to Dad, you may ask how you can express your love with vintage? These finds are true treasures that he will cherish for many years to come!

by ReBopShop

Cocktail Shaker Ice Bucket M... LoveMyVintageB... $40.00	Mens Vintage Silk 1930s Neck... AnnaLeesAttic $24.00	Buren Imperial 21 Jewel Open... KentonCollecti... $215.00
Vintage Alabaster Horse Book... BirdinHandVTG $125.00	Vintage Schmidt Beer Cooler ... RedRiverAntiqu... $135.00	Vintage Mid Century Mod Bran... jenscloset $34.50

Treasury tool supported by the dog house

Foodie Friday -- W is for WINE

Thought I would share some "factoids" about WINE.

** Wine is #1 among the world's fruit crops, in number of acres planted.

** 30 million gallons of wine were lost in the 1906 San Francisco earthquake.

** It takes 4-5 years to harvest a commercial crop from newly replanted grape vines.

** 10,000 of wine grapes exist worldwide.

** A bottle of opened wine stored in the refrigerator lasts 10X longer than it would if stored at room temp.

** CA, NY and FL are the top three U.S. states in terms of wine consumption.

** Red wine accounts for 55% of restaurant wine sales.

** There are approximately 20 billion bottles of wine produced worldwide each year.

** In Ancient Egypt, commoners drank beer and elite drank wine.

** You can find the word vineyard(s) more than 100 times in the King James Bible.

*******

Vintage glasses look lovely on your table, and I am certain wine (or any beverage) tastes better when served in vintage style. Here are 2 lovely selections available from etsyvintageteam members:

Lastly, a FAB vintage WINE RACK to house those precious bottles:

Fresh Picks: Pastoral Pleasures

Bring the serene simplicity of a rustic farmhouse to any domicile with these charming weathered relics of days gone by. These fabulous finds seem to have stories to tell, and an aesthetic quality that raises them to fine art status.

Shabby chic primitive farmho... wonderdiva $78.00	Vintage Trio of Ball Eclipse... marybethhale $30.00	French Vintage School Poster... LeTrip $21.00
Antique Pulley, metal barn p... hurstdesigns $43.00	Antique Shmalz Dairy Farm Cr... ingenuityondis... $30.00	Antique Vintage Industrial C... birdie1 $109.00

Treasury tool by whalesharkwebsites

Beat The End of Winter Blahs & Sell!

It's that blah time of year. The weather is overcast, likely chilly and seems like it's been the same for days. Combine that with tragic events in Japan and it's easy to see why people may not be buying.

What do you look for at the end of Winter? A change. Cheerfulness. Gardens. Moving homes. Rearranging furniture. Spring cleaning. Freshening up. Summer vacation planning. Weddings. Graduations. Mothers Day. Fathers Day. Anniversaries.

Green Enamel Brooch & Earrings by reconstitutions

Why not provide what people are yearning for?


Brighten up your shop. Look at your shop with an objective eye. Stand back from your computer by 5-6 feet. What primary color do you see? Brown? Grey? White? Just like everyone loves the feel of crisp white sheets in the Spring, they'll be attracted to your shop if it feels light and bright. Make it feel fresh, alive.

Vintage Cake Pan by CheekyChicVintage

Make your shop feel all new, ready to be discovered. You can either re list items or use the custom sort feature. Think of it like a treasury-give your customers a reason to come back to your shop. I like to swap out my featured items every 2 days and rearrange the front page every 3-4 days. I have noticed the featured items get marked as favorites every time I change them.

Vintage Suitcase by MellowMermaid

Rephotograph older items to give them a new look. While your old photos may be fabulous, if the item is still in your shop, perhaps it needs a new perspective. I recently bought OTT lights. Wow. My lighting has improved 100% and so have my photos. I'm now slowly going back and redoing all my original photos. It's been working! Several items I've done this with have sold within 10 days.

Citrus Litho by vintagegoodness

Raise your prices! While this may seem counter intuitive, it's actually quite sound logic. As I've blogged about here before, it's vital to know who you're marketing to. Since we can't read minds, you can operate with some general information. What's the pricing comfort zone for an item to decorate the home? If you're drawing a blank, look at Potterybarn.com or CrateandBarrel.com. Both are very popular with the 30-50 age group. Both companies are blatantly copying vintage designs-and you're providing the real thing! Raise your prices and show that your items are worth it. Nothing causes the "what's wrong with it?" suspicion more than prices that are too low.

Pear Pottery Bowls by Shoptastic

Provide companionship. Are you talking to your Facebook fans? Do you treat them as potential friends or just as an audience to sell to? No one likes to be advertised to all the time. Stop just showing them your new listings and treasuries. Ask them questions. Tell them an anecdote about yourself. This also works well on your blog. Everyone likes a conversation to contribute to, especially in these bleak last days of Winter.

Seed Starting Tray by birdie1

Think of all the catalogs that come out this time of year. They likely arrived a few weeks ago to get you in the mood. The scenes in them are staged differently for each season. Spring is about bright colors, a fresh palette and a clean slate. Update your shop and see your customers respond!

How to Jump Vintage Hurdles

The Psychology of selling is a fascinating thing. We've all experienced it in one form or another. The trick is how to master it and get ahead. Take for example, lots. If you were to see 3 pieces of Metlox Poppytrail china in a sale for the right price, you'd snap it up. But if you ran across an estate with 150 pieces, would you? Maybe you would. But I'll bet once you got it home and stared at it awhile, it would lose its luster.

Lot of Victorian Ephemera by tparty

Another example are items that you can't find anything out about. You list it for a price that suits the unique nature of it and it just sits there. You lower the price. Nada. You try to price it so it's a give away. Nothing. You decide you hate it and pack it away for another day. Days, weeks or years later, you discover that the widget you have is a blankety blank and worth bucks! You unpack it lovingly and list it again with total enthusiasm.

Antique Aurora Dater Machine by jenzee09

What about boring items? I mean items that sound good in theory but end up looking very intimidating. Piles of postcards. Boxes of linens. Photographs. You get the idea. Buying those 500 postcards seemed like such a great idea at the time! But now they look daunting as you consider scanning every single one.

Lot of Antique Photographs by FancysVintageStore

So we like what's new and different. We like selling to be interesting. The best days are those when the items in the box are all different, unique & easy to photograph. But that isn't the way it works most of the time.

Vintage Street Sign by TheFancyLamb

I've suffered from these maladies in various guises over the years. All that red and white enamelware was so adorable at the flea market. Now I know why the dealer had such a gleam in her eye!

Antique Folk Art Primitive by birdie1

There are a few ways to master it. One: develop a will of iron and overcome any petty mental issues like fear of boredom, monotony and ironing. I admire you greatly if you can do this. I know some of you are doing it-I've seen your shops. Kudos to you.

Vintage Cow Milk Kitchen Towel by in2vintagecloths

Two: ignore your instincts. Meaning, it makes total sense to want to list like items at the same time. If a buyer comes in that likes one piece of enamelware, chances are they'll buy two! But if you have a pile of thingamabobs staring you down, ignore that instinct. Parse the items out. Tell yourself you'll list x number of them every day, or every other day. Do a little bit at a time and you'll get a great sense of achievement. And you'll also make more progress than you would have.

Vintage Red & White Enamelware by calloohcallay

Three: sell it in different ways. Put the ten best on Etsy, a lot of them on Craigslist and a lot on an auction site. Sell some of it locally. Do whatever you can to break the mental lock.

Vintage Tablecloth by DoadandStelley

Now that I've written all this down, I'm motivated. This week I have committed to washing, ironing and listing my gazillions of vintage linens. If I've inspired you at all, join me. Let's see what we can accomplish!

Member Spotlight: Bird in Hand

With a variety of different styles, from shabby chic, to industrial, to mid century modern, Bird in Hand is an Etsy shop offering home décor with a little clothing, upcycled, and supplies thrown in. We recently spoke with Laurie, who runs Bird in Hand.

Q. How did you come up with the name for your shop?

Well, the Geico commercial wasn’t out yet, but I’m always getting comments about it. I think most “Etsians” know me as “birdie1,” which was my off-the-top-of-my-head user name when I first became a customer on Etsy and before I opened my shop in spring of 2008. My shop name, Bird.in.Hand, comes from my love of birds, my pet bird Maisy, and Psalm 145. The message is “the time to buy vintage is when you see it!”

Vintage paper cutter

I love being able to offer high-quality vintage items and also show new and innovative ways to incorporate them into the way we live today. There’s nothing like original, authentic vintage accents to add personality and warmth to your surroundings. Bird.in.Hand strives to offer an ever-changing selection at reasonable prices so you don’t have to be afraid of taking a creative risk. It’s important to keep it fun.

Q. What is the very first vintage item that you remember buying for yourself? Do you still have it?

My first ever vintage purchase was a mail-order 1941 Mercury dime from The Littleton Coin Company when I was 11 years old. Up until that time, my coin collection consisted of found pocket change stuffed into too-small, coin-shaped slots in my Whitman cardboard folders. I regularly popped them out upon hearing the ice-cream truck approach our house.

Yes, I still have the dime and my childhood coin collection. Somehow, the old coins failed to thrill me as much as, say an old rusty farm funnel repurposed into a candlestick or an old clock factory wood drawer with cool hardware repurposed into a bookcase or shadowbox.

Vintage specimen desk organizer

Q. Tell us what you do in your day job, and how you balance that with your Etsy shop. What else do you do for fun?

In my previous career life I was a clinical dietitian at a Chicago hospital and then a sales rep for “the-age-of-getting-things-done” drug (rhymes with Niagara), among others. After I got laid off (blessing in disguise) I began substitute teaching in my local school district, working on Habitat houses and started Bird.in.Hand. Our income isn’t what it used to be, but I’ve adjusted to being content with less stuff (unless it’s vintage stuff).

Vintage alarm clock from Germany

When I’m not digging in dead people’s basements and shoveling Midwest snow, I’m a member of the Elgin Men’s Garden Club (they’re letting women in now) and enjoy distance cycling, wine, kayaking, bird watching—lately bald eagles on the river—and, did I mention, wine? I’m interested in almost anything related to science. I’d stay home to watch “Fringe” if the DVR broke and “24” if only it were still on. My husband is just like Jack Bauer only he’s thinner, less violent, and a science teacher. He enjoys most of the above activities unless anything sports-related is available.

Think Outside the Halloween Box

I love Halloween. Vintage Halloween goodies are always on my radar. I hunt high and low for the real deal. But I only get to take them out once a year! I try to bring them out in early September, but my resident housemates (children and husband) just tend to roll their eyes at me. So I wait patiently until October 1st.

The colors of Halloween are so classic. While I don't want to have a spooky pumpkin looking down on me in the middle of Spring, I wouldn't mind an offbeat reminder of my favorite time of year. As a seller and a buyer, think about how items can be used throughout the year. Market them that way, and they'll sell, regardless of the season.

Vintage Cultivator Claw Tool Offered by Birdie1

For example, I love to be organized. What better way than with a magazine rack that doubles as a creepy Halloween prop? I can have it up all year and then hang all manner of creepy crawlies on it at the right time. It would look great with a bunch of flowers laying in it in the Spring! It's farmhouse charm.

It doesn't even have to be that dramatic. Perhaps a stapler can be a workhorse with attitude. The color is right and blends in any time of year. But come autumn, a little orange will offset it nicely.

The Scariest Stapler in the World by BitofButter

In the dining room and kitchen, Halloween decorating can be a bit tricky. (no pun intended!) How to keep hip, useful, year round cookware that doesn't scream "seasonal"? This mid century modern serving piece can be cheerful in Spring and Summer, but worthy of serving a frightening feast in the Fall. 

Mid Century Chafing Tray offered by TheWhiteMole

Now of course, most everyone loves owls. An owl looks quite at home among books and can infuse even a small library with character. Whooo will watch over you carefully regardless of the season? A pile of pumpkins are sure to come to life with an owl lurking nearby.

Vintage Lucite Owl offered by Susantique

Bud vases are always useful and creative ones like these can really bring a tablecape to life. Flowers are sweet, but if you truly want to spook things up, fill these with colored water-red, orange, black, green, etc. A mad scientist is welcome at the best haunted homes! 

Scientific Beakers offered by PolkadotHOME

Think outside the box. What else can your item be used for? What can be turned into? Can it represent something other than it's intended purpose? Can you leave it out and not have it take up precious storage space? That's a big plus for anyone! It's all about creative marketing.

The Best Halloween Costume Ideas Begin With Vintage

You are invited to a costume party. Whatcha gonna do? Spend your disposable income on a disposable packaged costume? Fork over big bucks for a costume rental? I have a win-win solution: start with authentic vintage clothing for a brilliant costume, and add a great piece to your wardrobe forever!

Let’s start with what promises to be a popular theme again this year: Mad Men. Recreating the swank atmosphere of an early 1960s cocktail party is easy with these swell threads, clockwise from left: pink suit from 11karri Formal to Grunge Shop; floral skinny sheath dress from Flannery Crane; tucked waist dress from Vintage Goodness; and boucle jacket from Retro Threads.

But why not dial it back a decade or two? With the right hairdo (or wig) and makeup, these gorgeous 1940s-1950s day and evening dresses will transform you into your favorite star of the silver screen: Lena Horne? Lauren Bacall? Marilyn? Elizabeth Taylor? Sophia Loren? Doris Day? It’s your fantasy….have some fun!

From left: knit sweater/skirt set and party dress, both from Catseye Vintage; black chiffon/velvet cocktail dress from Jonquil; full-skirted day dress by General Whimsy.

Midcentury not your cup of tea? No problem! Whether you’re thinking Cyndi Lauper, Dynasty, or any Pop Tart of that decade, I found some killer Awesome Eighties choices.

Dresses from (left to right) Erstwhile Style, Haute Country Vintage and Ikonic.

In the 1970s, men were peacocks, so this is a great era for the guys. Think outside the white 3-piece suit for some authentic Disco Era gear.

Clockwise from top left: Bold blue print disco shirt from Runz With Vintage; leather jacket from Bird-in-Hand Vintage; abstract leaves disco shirt from Kitsch Wear; and nerdy scoop neck sweater vest from Beta Por Homme.







Some vintage clothing invokes a specific character. I managed the rental department of a huge Chicago costume shop for four years, and every October we needed to “name” our period costumes and true vintage clothing. See if you see what I see in these!

Clockwise from left: This authentic 1940s dress from Flannery Crane makes the ultimate Lucy! Next, color block 80s sweaters, like this one from Beta Por Homme, are perfect for Cliff Huxtable (The Bill Cosby Show) or Sam Malone (Cheers). Several years ago, Three Amigos was a popular costume theme. That may have passed, but this adorable and authentic child’s mariachi costume from Nacho Kitty is still spectacular!

Back to the grownups (who are kids at heart), the sweet pink vintage baby doll dress from Beta Boutique is perfect for Shirley Temple, just add sausage curls and a big lollipop. Last, but not least, say it with me: Marcia, Marcia, Marcia! This drop-waist 60s dress from Three Chicks Vintage just screams The Brady Bunch.

Maybe you’re in the camp that believes Halloween is for sexy? Sexy witch, sexy vampire? These luscious dresses will fit the bill for Halloween, then stay at the ready year-round for the next time you want to attract attention.

Potentially scary and definitely vampish dresses from (left to right): Dusty Rose Vintage; Runz With Vintage; and DaisyToad’s Vintage.

In my experience, a lot of guys just want something simple. We have that covered, too. Here are some sweet pieces that make instant costumes.

From left: this vintage mohair cardigan from 11karri Formal to Grunge Shop works for Ward Cleaver (Leave It To Beaver) or even Kurt Cobain. Next, what guy doesn’t want to be Hugh Hefner for a night? With this smoking jacket from Catseye Vintage, you can do Hef with minimal effort. And this Hawaiian shirt from Cowgirl Junk works for Jimmy Buffett, a Beach Boy (or any surfer dude), or add a camera 'round your neck and black socks with your shorts to be Tacky American Tourist!

Vintage clothing not only makes an easy costume, but a versatile one, too! Lots of 1970s-80s styles harkened back to earlier times. So these gowns can be a different costume every year, simply by changing your hairdo, makeup and accessories.

From left: Gunne Sax gown from Flannery Crane could be Karen Carpenter or a hippie bride this year, then add a Gibson Girl wig for Victorian next year; another Gunne Sax from Haute Country Vintage that could be totally 80s or Edwardian, depending upon how you finish it; and this ruffle embellished prom gown from Minicoops Vintage would make a delightful southern belle with the addition of a hoop skirt.

Here’s another tip: if you wear your vintage clothing plum out, you still have a great costume. Just shred it, cover it in fake blood, and you’re a Zombie!

Let‘s face it, Halloween is about fantasy. Many a mild-mannered woman steps out in something she wouldn’t wear in public any other day of the year. So I want to close with some spectacular vintage lingerie I discovered. Whether you are creating an 80s Madonna look, an old-time saloon girl, Liz Taylor’s famous scene in Cat on a Hot Tin Roof, or just want to take Prince’s advice and “wear lingerie to a restaurant,” these pieces will make you feel beautiful.

Vintage lingerie (clockwise from top left): black lace teddy from Theda Bara; pink crinoline slip from Haute Country Vintage; sheer black full slip from Cemetarian; red lace bustier from Fancy Pants and More; and hand-dyed camisole by Lagelle.

Whew! That’s a lotta vintage. And I didn’t even touch on vintage hats, neckties, jewelry, handbags and all the other goodies that will make yours the most spectacular costume ever. Or….if you’re lucky enough to be a talented seamstress, you can purchase vintage patterns from Etsy Vintage Team members to create a Halloween costume that’s both authentic and brand new. So let loose, have fun and go Vintage this year!