Search VMTeamWhiteSale on Etsy to see all of the shops who are featuring sales this week, January 10 - 17, 2010!
Here are a few beautiful vintage items from my shop, Gossamer Wings Studio, that are on sale this week:
Posts categorized "Featured Etsy Shops"
January 10, 2010
January 09, 2010
Nico Designs: Featured Etsy Blogger for January
Erika of Nico Designs is the featured Etsy blogger this month from the Etsy Bloggers Team. Her work is absolutely gorgeous, and I especially love her diaper bags and crib shoes. Too bad we don't have babies here at home any more, or I'd definitely love to have one of those diaper bags! Come to think of it, we do have two new grandbabies, two beautiful baby girls, so perhaps I should keep all this in mind for gift-giving ;o)
Austin Ave in Fresco Diaper Bag Set OOAK
Please stop by Erika's Etsy Shop, Nico Designs, and take a peek at all of her amazing work! The fabrics she has chosen, and the workmanship, are truly a delight. And please stop by and visit her blog, too, and leave her a comment . . . . be sure you tell her I sent you!
Sophia Baby Shoes Pink and Gray SALE
If you are a blogger, and have an Etsy shop, please visit the Etsy Bloggers team blog and join the team. There are lots of friendly Etsy sellers who are committed to building a community that is supportive and encouraging to one another, and offer an opportunity for us all to learn from each other.
So, you can't go wrong if you take time to visit Erika at Nico Designs, and make a few new friends when you join the Etsy Bloggers Team! Hope to see you there!
December 17, 2009
Eclectic Artisans Team Blog Ring: My Favorite Etsy Shops
I hope we get to do this topic again soon, because I have met so many wonderful sellers on Etsy, that I almost don't know where to start! Mostly I work on stocking my own shop, and haven't bought lots of stuff on Etsy . . .not because I haven't found anything I wanted to buy, but this year has been quite a financial juggling act with both of us being unemployed for several months. However, I have "met" lots of great, friendly, gracious, and generous people through the forum conversations that I have participated in. And then, once we start chatting, I visit their shop and discover a delightful world of incredible artisans and their work.
One of my most favorite Etsy sellers is 12Step. His photography is amazing and he is so kind and helpful! I love the way he finds the soul and spirit in images all around us in our everyday lives, but we are so often too busy to notice. He notices, and captures those images to share with others through his art.
Another Etsy seller (I have actually purchased items from her shop!) is Pamela at the Delightful Designer. Her gorgeous bridal laces, fabric flowers, and beaded trims have been used in my little studio to create the hand-embellished bridal shoes that many brides have requested. I have also used some of the beaded lace from her shop to embellish handbags, as well as a few other pairs of shoes that are just for fun! Her service is wonderful and her product is excellent!
And then I would like to recognize my sweet friend JeannetteJed. Although I have not purchased anything from her shop, I have "chatted" with her on numerous occasions and she is one of the most thoughtful and generous people I have ever had the privilege of getting to know. I realize that online acquaintances cannot be considered actual "friendships," because of the limitations of the interaction that is available through online communication, but my encounters with these three Etsy sellers has given me a great appreciation for the opportunity to have even a passing encounter with such genuinely friendly people.
Please visit 12Step, Pamela at the Delightful Designer, and JeannetteJed and tell them I sent you! Have a great Thursday, and be sure to stop back tomorrow for more last-minute holiday gift ideas. Off to finish up Grammie's Jammies ;o)
And now to complete this week's blog ring, please visit HairbowsWonderWorld to read about more favorite Etsy shops! Be sure to visit the Eclectic Artisans Team Blog, too.
November 18, 2009
So I recently met this Southern Belle . . . .
A couple of days ago, while wandering around the blogosphere, I came across Kimberley at her "Southern Belle Blog." What a sweetheart! Is that because she is from the South? Perhaps, because I know lots of people in that part of the country who are the most gracious, kind, generous, and hospitable folks you would ever want to meet. But then . . . . I guess you can find wonderful people wherever you go, you just have to look for them and then get to know them and maybe, one day, you will be friends! That is one of the best parts of blogging, in my opinion.
I have met so many amazing people, talented artists, incredible writers, and exceptional designers and seamstresses since I started my little blogging journey a couple of years ago. BTW, I always use the word "seamstress" to describe someone who does a great deal of sewing . .. . I just feel that it has a more professional sound that "sewers." You know, that can be read a couple of different ways, and I wouldn 't want anyone to misunderstand or be confused ;o)
Well, one of the great things about Kimberley's blog, "Southern Belle," is that she has advertising opportunities available, and TODAY ONLY you can have your blog button posted on her blog for FREE! You might want to run right over and meet Miss Kimberley, and you will definitely make a new friend, for she is very friendly and sweet.
And, in addition to her great blog, Kimberley has a beautiful Etsy shop, "Tie-Me-Up Apparel" where she has a bunch of fun and funky stuff that would be perfect for holiday gift-giving. Check it out!
And last by not least, if you are looking for a new banner, button, logo or whatever else your little heart desires by way of graphic design, Kimberley can do it! Her other website,"Banner-Mart", has a huge array of graphic design goodies to take care of whatever you might need. Well, that was one of my blogosphere adventures this week . .. . . where will I land next?
June 23, 2009
Tuesday Treasure Hunt: Gorgeous Greeting Cards
I guess this has always been part of my life . . . I love to meet new people, especially those who share a love for all things beautiful, and then have the joy of getting to know them a little bit. In this fast-paced world of instant messaging and texting (neither of which I know how to do, BTW!), letter writing has almost become a lost art. That makes me kind of sad, because I remember how exciting it was, as a kid, to get something in the mail! And I watch my own children when they get a card from Grandma . . . . . it just makes them feel so special and loved! So, of course, I still like to send cards, notes, and letters to people I love. Especially when I find gorgeous, handcrafted cards like these made by Lamar Lynch! I discovered Lamar's Etsy shop through various conversations on the Etsy site, and I was so captured by the beauty and attention to detail that are evident in every one of his handcrafted cards. "I started with the dream of being my own boss. Being in control. I never really wanted to be the face of the company though, so my idea was to use my talent and maybe sell it to a company of interest. But then I thought to myself "Am I in total control or am I still just a worker?" So I decided to take my poetic aspirations and artistic skill and make greeting cards. After completing a thorough investigative research, I realized I would need help to make a great break through into the card industry. A 7 billion dollar industry with a lot of competition! This time my plan and goal was clear... I wanted to work, get my bills in order, put funds aside to carry the business and a little for myself for life expenses. My goal is to quit my day job within the next year. It's a tough market out there, but I feel many people don't realize how difficult it is to pursue your creative dreams full-time. I hope to create my own niche for marketing, which is making cards for all occasions with a 2 - 3D look, and passionately express the theme of each card."
The first thing that I noticed about Lamar's cards is his craftsmanship. Each card is created with the utmost care, and it is so obvious that he loves what he does! The next time you need the perfect card for that special person, why not stop over at Lamar's Etsy shop and find one that is just right for the occasion . . . . . these cards are definitely keepsakes, and I don't know about you, but I put gorgeous works of art like this in my family scrapbook! Make some memories, brighten up someone's day, share your heart with someone you love by sending them a handcrafted card that has been created from the heart - just like the love you are sending to that special someone. Here's a little about Lamar and his Etsy shop: "Handcrafted by Lamar: Cards for Every Occasion" -
I had my mind set that this was the key. I set up a website and bought a few images from an artist. At this time my cards were only prints. After a few months of trial and error, I realized that the lucrative aspect of this industry was in hand-made cards.
My first card was near and dear to my heart because I made it with the thought of my girlfriend (don't tell her though!). I never sold that card but, hey. My first year actually selling my cards was 2008 on ETSY.com. At the time I was unemployed, collecting unemployment, and trying my best to build this business. I spent hours upon hours on the computer, networking, blogging and chatting with like-minded people. At first, it was actually great, but life moves on, bills won't wait to be paid, and I didn't sell enough to cover my bills and keep going with my dream. So I went back to work.
I think he is on his way! And one way that we can all support one another is to shop at other Etsy shops for items that we would normally buy anyway . . . . and I know that one of the things I buy on a regular basis is cards. But none of them have ever been as beautiful as the one's in Lamar's shop, so that's where I'll be buying the next cards I need ... . birthdays, anniversaries, Mother's Day, Father's Day, Valentines Day . . . . . I just LOVE to send cards to the special people in my life ;o) Have a happy Tuesday and hope you find some treasures as you are out and about on this beautiful day!
May 14, 2009
Frugal Friday: Redecorating My Blog and an Award!
How long does it take one mama to update her blog? Really, how long does it take YOU to rearrange and redecorate your blog? It is kind of like rearranging the furniture in the bedroom, washing all of the windows and curtains in the whole house, reupholstering all of the furniture in the living room, and painting the kitchen . . . . all at the same time! I've been working on this project for a few days now (nevermind that I had about a MILLION other things that I needed to accomplish as well) - and it has just about made me crazy! Well, crazier than usual. When I start on a new "corner" of my little cyber-home, I think that this part should only take about a half-hour and when I get that finished, I'll go fold laundry, sweep the kitchen floor, and make the beds. So, I sit down and get started, and four hours later, I'm ready to take the proverbial sledge hammer to this *^&$%& computer! I guess we better take it in and have it looked at before I completely destroy it . . . . or destroy something close at hand!
So, I started to work on my sweet little PayPal widget storefront, that is just so entertaining as it shuffles pictures of my beautiful garments, shoes, and handbags and flips them over and over. I don't remember it taking this long the first time I created it! I have now worked on it for two evenings, after getting the girls settled (well, except for the 9,000 times they get out of bed to go to the bathroom, get a drink, need to tell me something that I was supposed to do before morning, tattletale on each other . . . . . ) and I just couldn't get it right. First, I couldn't figure out how to get the descriptions to "save." They just kept disappearing. Then I couldn't get the prices to "take." Guess I needed to have my "number lock" key pressed down. Then, I got all of the pictures in place, the descriptions "stuck," and the prices inserted . . . . and I did something (I have NO clue what!) and suddenly every one of the items that I had worked so hard to get into this sweet little widget, ALL said "SOLD OUT"!!!
Please go on over and visit Sonya and say HI to a new blogging friend ;o) Now, it is my job to pass this beautiful award along to 15 other bloggers (actually I was given this award last week, too, and I just haven't had the time to honor 15 other bloggers with the award . . . . so does that mean I get to choose 30 new blogging friends for this award?) Is this kind of like that Friendship Bread starter that I used to be blessed with from my friends at church? You know, the stuff that you have to do something with in the next 3 days or it will multiply and become a Yeast Monster that will devour your kitchen??? I'm trying to keep up with this, really I am, but those ^%%$* little widgets just keep me tied up for WAY too long! I promise I'll be back soon to bestow the "One Lovely Blog Award" on as many beautiful blogging friends as I can find, as quickly as possible! In the meantime, stop by my Etsy Shop, Gossamer Wings Studio and see some of the beautiful vintage / and thrift shop treasures that I've discovered this week. Actually, there is so much more just waiting for me to photograph and list . . . . . those *&&%$ WIDGETS again!!! OK, so I'm not a computer geni us - although I'm pretty good at some other things in life - but patience with computers is definitely not my gift! Well, I finally got it finished, uploaded it to this little blog of mine, and WHEW!!!! It is right! But that's ALL I accomplished in two evenings of messing around here. And I have so many other things I want to do . . . . . like paint the kitchen, reupholster the furniture . . . you know, really spiff up my little corner of the cyber-world. Well, one special event did happen today - I was honored with the "One Lovely Blog Award" by Sonya over at Dime Store Thrift. I met Sonya while I was wandering around looking for some new vintage / thrift blogs to visit. She is such a sweetheart!
May 13, 2009
Wednesday's Renaissance Treasure Hunt in the Rain
Apparently I don't really fit into either the exclusive "vintage" club, and I don't think I fit into the "flea market" category, but somewhere in between. In any case, I have quite a few happy customers who have ordered items from my Etsy shop and absolutely LOVE their purchase. So I continue on, looking for my niche in the cyber world community of online sellers. By the way, one thing I have noticed everywhere I go, looking for sites that sell vintage, thrift shop items, flea market communities, etc . . . . . there are lots of people who are trying their hand at offering quality items for sale, but they are struggling with how to set up a shop, write descriptions, take pictures, edit pictures, and market their little shops. I've even received emails asking me for ideas about how to improve their little corner of the cyber world. Maybe that will be my next eBook! We woke up this morning to a gloomy, misty, rainy day . . . . but that was alright with me because I had a treasure hunt scheduled for this morning! I went out with a friend from work so she could show me all of her favorite "thrift shops" and little vintage treasure haunts. And I've recently been trying to determine if "vintage" only means "old and classic," "high-fashion," "couture," "movie star" and "exclusive designer" garments . . . . oh, and also "very expensive," or can it include beautiful, well-made, classic garments that happen to be "not brand-new." I'm discovering that there is that "vintage" community that has very limited criteria for inclusion. So, I'm thinking that I should designate my "style" as "Renaissance Boutique." I think that says what I'm trying to create: restyled, upcycled, and reconstructed garments from any era, that are gorgeous, well-made, and stylish all while offering my customers the opportunity to show off their fashion sense and STILL be able to pay the bills and feed the kids!
PS This little lime green top with the black piping just sold! I listed it and then came over her to post, and when I went back to grab the link, it was gone! But for today, this rainy Wednesday, I want to show you a few of the Renaissance Treasures that we found on our adventure . . . . . somedays you can find so many wonderful treasures, and other days there just doesn't seem to be anything out there. Well, today was great fun, because we found the kind of things that are just perfect for our little shop. We found dresses, and shoes, and old bottles, and purses. We found some beautiful cropped pants in white for summer; a little sequin shrug sweater; a couple of funky shirts with fringe and embroidery; and a bunch more wonderful items that I will be listing in my Etsy shop. I'm also working on setting up shop on several other marketplace sites that feature vintage and / or thrift shop treasures.
I know that there are all kinds of people out here who love the look of beautiful, well-made garments, shoes, and accessories but who also want to be wise about the use and abuse of our resources. Renaissance Treasures are the perfect answer! We are gorgeous, we are stylish, we have attitude . . . . . but we also have the determination to do our part in keeping our little world less cluttered. A simple lifestyle can be yours with Renaissance Treasures!
May 04, 2009
What would you do? New "stuff" or vintage "stuff" or just go take a nap!
How annoying can it be anyway? Do you ever have this problem . . . . . there are just TOO many ideas in my head of things to create and write, and then when I don't have the time to work on all of the "stuff" that's spinning around in my brain, I get really wierd. I mean, stranger than usual. I'm always distracted, trying to figure out if this design will work, and how to make it happen - and then when someone asks me a question, I guess I look at them like I have no clue what they just said. Because I don't. And I am even annoyed when the telephone rings, and I have to stop thinking about what I want to think about and shift gears mentally to think about what the person on the other end of the telephone wants me to think about. I resent that ;o) If I wanted to talk to them, I would have called them!
So, here is a new day, the sun is shining and it is a perfectly perfect spring day here in northern Indiana. Yep, I have a couple of responsibilities today (do kids and husbands fit into this category?), but I'm also looking forward to a day of opportunities to work on what is in my head. The problem? Where should I start? I've got several vintage reconstruction projects started that I really should finish, and I wanted to take some photos to post here and in my Etsy shop of other designs. I get kind of bogged down when I think that I should do THIS, but then I really want to do THAT, and I can't forget to finish up all of THESE projects. OK, I need to focus! Perhaps if I write some of it down, it will clear out the fog in my brain. But it is so scary to actually write all of this stuff out in black and white! You will think I'm kind of wierd . . . . didn't I already say that? So here goes:
1. Finish the vintage reconstruction summer top for the weekly creativity challenge at "Creative Construction: Life and Art." Needs to be finished and submitted by Tuesday night.
2. Take some photos of my vintage "stuff" to put in my OTHER Etsy shop, Gossamer Wings Studio.
3. Gather up bunches and bunches of buttons, beads, ribbons, lace, fabric, and other treasures to list in my Etsy shop as well as to work on one other project this week . . . . embellished cuff bracelets.
4. Perhaps I should also tidy up my studio so I can find all of this stuff!
5. START one new vintage reconstruction garment . . . . maybe a dress this time.
6. Finish at least 5 pages of my eBook on making crazy patch journal covers. 5 pages . . . . I can do this!!!
Well, at least that gets some of the "stuff" out of my brain, but of course there's tons more. Just writing it down makes me feel less wierd. That's progress!
April 19, 2009
Fashion Bailout: A New Way to Think About Your Wardrobe
What’s YOUR style? Have the current economic trials affected your fashion awareness? I wonder what it must be like for people who have always had the resources to buy whatever they wanted. You know, just go into a mall and shop for a new outfit. I suppose that it would be hard to adjust to the limitations that so many of us are experiencing during this economic downturn. Of course, this won’t last forever, and one day we will all look back on these days of financial struggles and remember what it was like “back then.” Kind of like the memories that my mama used to share with me of her childhood. Being a kid during the Great Depression was not easy . . . . being an adult during the Great Depression was even harder. But they got through it. And so will we. But in the meantime, there are some days of financial struggle ahead for all of us.
One of the wonderful lessons that I learned early in my life, was to appreciate the beautiful things in my world, even if they were hand-me-downs. Of course I always had the beauty of my little neighborhood, where I played in the woods designing imaginary houses. And the wonder of a springtime morning when the mist was rising from the lake and I played beneath the Weeping Willow tree with my dollies. As an only child, I learned to play alone and I learned to love the simplicity of life in a small town. I’ve discovered as I gotten older, though, that not everyone enjoys those seemingly mundane, ordinary events in life. And if you are used to being able to go out to dinner and a moving or to go shopping for a brand-new outfit when you need one, then discovering that you just can’t do that right now, might be difficult for some people.
I've had great fun lately to search through the Etsy shops and discover beautiful, classic, high-quality clothing at prices that more people can afford. Since I’ve been selling on Etsy, I’ve discovered that there is quite a market for “vintage,” “retro,” and reconstruction garments. That can be anything from last year’s styles that have been donated to a thrift shop, or truly vintage garments that are discovered at an estate sale, or even gorgeous treasures that have been stashed away in MeMaw’s attic for twenty years. And since I have so much practice “making something out of nothing,” as my mother-in-law used to say about me, I’m having great fun searching for and discovering some of the wonderful garments and accessories that are available in a variety of Etsy shops. If you are looking for a “new” outfit, Etsy is a great place to start!
Here are just a few of the fun items I found this week . . . . . I always like to start with the foundation garment for an outfit. Here is a beautiful spring and summer dress that has so much versatility! You could dress it up for an elegant evening occasion, or keep it simple for a daytime outing. This sweet dress is from Turquoise Heaven and it is only $26.00!
Once I find the foundation garment for an outfit, then it is really fun to find all kinds of stuff to mix, match, and coordinate. The next thing I start searching for is a great pair of shoes that will add some pizzazz, or class, or charm . . . depending on the style of the outfit. For this beautiful dress, I was looking for shoes that would really enhance the classy, femine look of the outfit, but be just a little bit sassy, too. I found these gorgeous summer slides that pick up the rosey pink in the dress, and they are simply classic, but those little bows really say "personality"! I found these at vjones1 for just $20.00!
Now that I have the dress and the shoes, it's time to search for some accessories. It is just so much fun investigating all of the little shops on Etsy! I just enter the search term "pink purses" and I found so many totes, handbags, purses, and wristlets that would go perfectly with this outfit. But I thought THIS one was the best! This sweet pink purse can be found at nickandnessie's for $16.00. So now our outfit total is up to $62.00. How does that compare to shopping at the mall?
Or here's a cute little purse from my own shop, Gossamer Wings Studio, that would go perfectly with this outfit. And this one is only $14.00!
My final treasure hunt was for jewelry that would go perfectly with this outfit. I was looking for something that would carry out the pink theme, of course, but also jewelry that would really tie it all together. I searched for vintage and retro, simple and elaborate, sweet and elegant. It was so difficult to decide on just one piece of jewelry, so here are a couple of choices. Which one do you like best? This sweet set is from gilligansgate for $18.99.
And these adorable little button earrings I discovered at smallearthvintage for just $14.00!
So, depending on your choice of jewelry and handbag, your entire outfit could cost you as little as $60.00 - $75.00 or as much as $80.99. Maybe it is just me, but I'd sure rather spend less than $100.00 on a beautiful outfit that is "new" to me, than whatever it would take to get similar items at a department store in the mall. When you are looking for that special outfit for an upcoming event, please take a minute to browse the shops of Etsy. You just might find exactly what you are looking for and still have enough money to buy groceries this week! Stop back later this week for another feature on more gorgeous vintage and retro items from the sellers of Etsy! Have a wonderful week living the vintage life and experiencing the joy of simplicity in your life ;o) Nina
April 15, 2009
Audrey and Grace: A little bit country, and a lot of class
Being a seamstress myself, I can truly appreciate all of the time, energy, and love that goes into creating such a gorgeous dress. I discovered Audrey and Grace's little Etsy shop while searching for items and sellers to feature in my Thrifty Thursday series. Well, the beautiful designs of Audrey and Grace do not fit into that category, but I just had to share them with you! And they are definitely worth the prices that are on them - the time invested in making such a work of art would be impossible to calculate accurately. Garment like the dresses you will find in Audrey and Grace's shop are fashion treasures today, and heirlooms of tomorrow. Just take a few minutes and visit Audrey and Grace's shop and see all of the wonderful, whimsical dresses they have in stock. And maybe convo Lesha and send her some Etsy friendship!
One of the things that has surprised me in the past couple of years, is the discovery that handmade garments are so "trendy" or "fashionable." When I was growing up, if you wore handmade clothing, it was because you couldn't afford to buy new clothes from the store. As I was raising my older children, I made most of their clothing, as well as my own, not so much then because I couldn't afford to do anything different, but because that was just the way I grew up, I was used to it, and I loved to sew. So, when I realized that "handmade" was a good thing, I decided to see if there was a market for my handcrafted children's clothing. And there was! The only problem I encountered, was that I couldn't sew things fast enough to keep up with my orders . . . . which was a good thing in some ways, but it was wearing me out.
The other thing that I discovered, that was also a bit of a surprise to me, was that there were LOTS of younger women who wanted to learn how to sew for themselves and / or their children. As I began to get more and more emails asking for advice and help on how to make certain design elements, or just how to get started sewing, I began to write up my eBook patterns. That way I really felt like I was making a contribution to the lives of other women who had never had the opportunity, or had not been interested earlier in their life, to learn how to sew. Writing my eBooks, of course, takes more time initially than to sew a dress or an outfit. But . . . . once it is written, I can make it available to lots and lots of women! Perhaps Lesha will decide one day to share some of her secrets with other women who might like to learn how to create such amazing dresses, too. But until she does, if you are looking for a dress that is unique and will be the fashion statement at your next Big Event, be sure to stop by and visit Audrey and Grace's Etsy Shop. Tell Lesha I sent you!
Nina Newton
Artsy mama who sews, quilts, writes eBook patterns, and loves to go thrift shopping!
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