Showing posts with label Members K-Q. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Members K-Q. Show all posts

Wednesday, February 2, 2011

Interview with Gloria of Lolailo



Lolailo is a shop who believes in the importance of reducing and reusing. Lolailo is based out of Fairfield, California and is owned and operated by my Etsy Recyclers Guild team member, Gloria.








Q. Tell me a little about yourself:

When I am not unemployed, I am a winemaker. I grew up in Spain. I live near the Napa Valley, I am married to a winemaker, and I must say we drink quite well at our house. In my newly found spare time I have reconnected with my crafts, which is something that had been falling by the wayside little by little. I also take classes at the community college by my house and practice kickboxing.

Q. When did you first start crafting?

My mom is a very creative person, and I’ve been crafting since I was able to hold a pair of scissors, pretty much.

Q. Please describe your work in detail. What's your favorite type of crafting/art?

I primarily make bulletin/message boards using wine corks and old frames. My love for corks came through my job. I was fascinated by the typography and design that each producer used. I was dismayed at these very interesting and diverse corks ending up in the garbage after a tasting, so I started hoarding them. I investigated what to do with them, and of all the many crafts you can use corks for, the bulletin board was my favorite. I am a pragmatic person, so I like things that have a function. I go to thrift stores and garage sales and look for frames suited to become cork boards.















Q. How has your work evolved from your earlier work?

I have become more flexible, in that I can see more possibilities on frames that perhaps I would have dismissed earlier on. I decorate the frames, paint them, nail beer caps onto them... Anything to rescue unloved frames from the landfill.

Q. Where do you get your inspiration?

I get a lot of inspiration from the frames themselves. There is nothing standard about creating something out of a “found object”, so when I’m ready to tackle a new project, I just throw some corks into the frame and start playing with them, forming a design, changing it, and eventually I come up with a plan.

Q. Where are your products sold (online/stores)?

Online at Lolailo.

Q. What advice can you give other crafters when selling their items?

I am trying to figure out so many things myself! I find Etsy to be full of very experienced and talented artisans, who tackle crafting as a business. I read the forums and the blogs as much as I can, and try to heed their advice.
















Q. Describe yourself in three words:

Recently Etsy had a similar exercise, but we had six words! This exercise was based on Ernest Hemingway's claim that he could write a good story in six words.
I wrote:
“Spanish winemaker hates throwing corks away”

Q. Is there is anything else you'd like to share with us?

Treasuries are a wonderful way to connect with other Etsians, promote your items and develop an aesthetic eye. The fairest treasury team I know is the Pay It Forward Team. We follow the Golden Rule and try to be as helpful as possible. Please look us up! Everybody is welcome to join!

You can find Gloria online at the following places:

Lolailo on Etsy
Facebook
Twitter
Kaboodle



Tuesday, February 1, 2011

Featured Vintage Seller & Interview with Manique Depression - Spotlight

Manique Depression's shop is full of all types of vintage glassware ranging from depression era glassware to elegant glassware to collectible barware. If you go to her shop, you'll see nothing but a variety of colored glass (I love vintage glass and glass vases, by the way).

Irridescent Carnival Glass Teacup - Normandie (Bouquet and Lattice) Pattern $10

Q. Tell us a little about yourself:

I am a theatre design specialist and I've been designing costumes and sets for over 20 years. I like to collect vintage items to re-use and re-purpose and I've been using recycled materials in my designs whenever/wherever possible since I began.

Q. When did you first start to sell depression glass?

I opened my Etsy shop Manique Depression Boutique in April last year to help clear out some space and keep the treasures I don't have room for out of the landfill.

Q. Please describe your items in detail. What's your favorite type glass/antique?

The glass in my shop is all vintage and mostly antique. I am fascinated by very old, very fragile things that have traveled through the years and remain beautiful. I am particularly fond of colored glass and pressed patterns that were considered inexpensive, daily-use dishware and now seem quite elegant and extravagant.

6 Inch Candlestick in Green - Moon & Star $15

Q. How has your stock evolved from your pieces?

I have found that having a shop on etsy allows me to pick up special finds that I might have left behind in the past so that I can help them find a home. I am now able to learn more about patterns and companies that I wasn't familiar with through my own personal collection.

Q. Where do you buy your items?

I find my items at garage sales, thrift stores and even the trash sometimes. I have friends and acquaintances that will either give or sell me items or have me sell the items for them.

Q. Where are your products sold (online/stores)?

Currently I am selling my glassware through my Etsy shop. I am working toward getting a gallery opened with a friend who re-sells architectural salvage and furniture called "Simone's Vision Garden" as well. We will offer all sorts of architectural elements and home furnishing with a gallery full of displays adorned with antiques and glassware. I'm very excited about the possibilities!

Large Irice Perfume/Cologne Bottle - Art Deco - Art Nouveau $49

Q. What advice can you give other vintage sellers when selling their items?

Learn as much as you can about the pieces you find and share it with your potential buyers. Half the fun is learning the history and collectors are usually very intrigued by it as well!

Q. Describe yourself in three words:

Energetic, artistic & detail-oriented (does that count as four?...)

Q. Is there is anything else you'd like to share with us?

I opened Manique Depression Boutique to help me keep my other etsy shop, Tranzendental Arts , focused on handmade, original designs and vintage clothing. I have a hectic schedule working in the theatre acting, directing and designing. I feel like I've found the perfect "day job" in offering my creations and finds through these shops and love working for myself and meeting more artists and entrepreneurs along the way.

Block Optic Teacup - Green with Angled Scroll Handle or Pointed Handle $9

To find out more about Manique Depression, you can find them online at the following places:

Manique Depression on Etsy
Tranzendental Arts on Etsy
Tranzendental Arts own website
Blog
Twitter

This post was contributed by Heather of Texas Vintage Things.

Monday, January 31, 2011

Meet LC Vintage

Lindsay Van Cleave is the mastermind behind LC Vintage Jewelry . She randomly created an Etsy treasury a few days ago and included one of my 1950s vintage brooches. I took a peek at her shop and fell in love with so many of her pieces. I asked Lindsay if she would be interested in doing a blog interview and she gladly obliged.






Custom Vintage Brooch Bridal Bracelet $175
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Photo taken by Tyler Wirken of Wirken Photography

Q. Tell me a little about yourself:

My name is Lindsay Van Cleave, I currently live in New York City where I work in advertising and am passionate about developing my jewelry business, LC Vintage. I have loved design and crafts since I was a little. I was always the girl who had a special craft to make as a party favor for all my birthday parties. My designs are inspired by vintage fashion and my grandmothers – Ida, Constance and Sara – whose vintage jewelry I still wear today. I love the stories behind finding vintage pieces to blend with modern high-quality materials to create a new chic look that can be timeless.

Q. When did you first start selling/creating vintage jewelry pieces?


I have always been fascinated by vintage pieces, but started selling my jewelry three years ago by word of mouth and now I am working towards building a larger business.

Q. Please describe your favorite eras in detail:


I have always been fascinated by the 1950s. The polished ladylike look, beautiful jewels and big full skirts make me melt! My interest in the era was initially peaked by my Mom who talks about my Grandmother, Constance, who passed before I was born. My mom always talked about how she worked in a dress shop, was so fashionable and always wore the big beautiful full dresses of that era. I have been in love ever since! I think it's so lovely that during those days, people took time to dress up for the theater or even just a shopping trip. Since I live in New York, I always find it fascinating to Google pictures from New York in the 1950s to see how the women and men dressed. They just look so dapper. I love it! I use a lot of old pictures and jewelry advertisements from the 1950s as inspiration when designing my jewelry. Of course, I love when I can incorporate time pieces from that era into my pieces. The 1950s feels timeless, sophisticated and elegant.

Goldstone Brooch Triple Strand Necklace $50
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Q. Where do you buy your vintage items?

I try to support fellow Etsians by buying vintage brooches and odds and ends on Etsy. I also LOVE A grain of sand. They are based in North Carolina, which I have a sweet spot for since I went to college there, and they always have new unique vintage goodies for crafting beautiful pieces. I also like the thrill of the hunt at flea markets and antique shops. You never know what you will find.

Q. Where are your products sold (online/stores)?


My goal is to get into boutiques, but right now I sell ready to ship and custom pieces on Etsy and Wedzu. The links are below:
LC Vintage Jewelry on Etsy and
LC Vintage Jewelry on Wedzu


I also have a Facebook page if you want more behind the scenes peaks at my creative process. Besides jewelry, I post links and images that inspire me.

Seed Bead Vintage Brooch Necklace $130
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Q. What advice can you give others who are interested in selling vintage/vintage jewelry?

I would say to make sure you do your homework and research the time periods so you know what you are getting is good quality vintage items. If you like to create, mix and match vintage pieces to create a new look. If you want to sell a piece as is, just make sure you give buyers detailed information on the era so they know it's a reputable piece.

Q. Describe yourself in three words:


Personable, Ladylike, Fashionable

Q. Is there is anything else you'd like to share with us?

Along with the pieces that I design and create, I love doing custom work for Brides and everyday. It's always so nice to incorporate a family heirloom into a brand new piece that you can wear everyday or on a special occasion. I am getting married in October and am incorporating parts of my Grandmother's jewelry into my necklace to keep them with my on that day and also design something extra special for my walk down the aisle. Thank you for letting me share my story!

This blog post was contributed by Heather of Texas Vintage Things.

Wednesday, January 5, 2011

Meet The Recycle Ben by LEUCKIT

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Good Ole Dog $110
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Shop Name: The Recycle Ben by LEUCKIT

Name: Donna Provo Leuck

Location: West Lafayette

LEUCKIT says, "I became an artist when I was five years old. The draft sent my brother to Vietnam. I drew him a picture everyday. Unfortunately, they where all of “Bozo the Clown.” He still has them so, they must be good. I have since broadened my horizons. I grew up in “the region.” That is Northwest Indiana. I put myself through college. I attended The American Academy of Art in Chicago. I had the privilege of studying under some very awesome teachers (Mr. Dowdy, Mr. Thiery, Mr. Cushing, Mr. Parks, and Mr. Shapiro) and the privilege of learning along side some very awesome students. (Bobular, Steve Tarpey, John Figler, Nathan Greene, Amie’ Lamair, Amy O’Brien etc.) I work from my home. I have a very patient and understanding husband and three very talented children. I do not limit myself to one medium. I love to take something that nobody has use for and reinvent it into an art piece that will be useful or at least bring a smile to your face!

Whose your favorite clown $110
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Her shop announcement states, "Welcome!!! Thank you for your interest in my artwork. i love what i do. So, every piece i make is a labor of love. Hopefully you will see something you just can't live without."

It's Not Easy Going Green $110
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You can find The Recycle Ben by LEUCKIT on Etsy here and her blog can be found here.

This blog post was contributed by Heather of Texas Vintage Things.

Saturday, January 1, 2011

Meet Mattie Reid Chicago

Lovely rhinestone ring used to be an earring!

Shop Name: Mattie Reid Chicago

Location: Houston, TX

Owner: Heather

Heather says, "Mattie Reid Chicago came about back in 1999 when I was living in Chicago and attending school for fashion design. We had a project where we had to create a design name for ourselves. I could not think of anything, but my great grandmother. Her name was Mattie Reed. I changed the spelling of her last name to Reid and added Chicago to the end. Wa la! Mattie Reid Chicago was created. I design and develop accessories, often made of vintage fabrics and trims as well as clothing that is inspired by designs from the past."

Feather Headband is lovely.


Heather sold a lot on Ebay for the past few years, but has recently been stocking up her Etsy stores, both this, and Texas Vintage, which offers eclectic vintage clothing, housewares, and decor.
"Summer is Beautiful" onesies.

Heather's known for her onesies. They are unisex, and have playful embroidered designs and appliques on them. explains, "Right now, I mostly focus on baby apparel however, I am going to branch out soon and possibly add in toddler designs as well. With regard to the onesies, I can make anything requested. If you don't see it, send me an email and I can make it! I love special orders!!"
 

Heather's Mission?  "Made with love!, and to incorporate onesies, accessories made from vintage trims, paper goods-a little bit of everything!"

Adorable Hair Barettes with Vintage Adornments!


Connect with Heather:
On Twitter
On Facebook for Mattie Reid
In her Etsy Shop for Mattie Reid Chicago
On her Website
Or...in her Texas Vintage Shop

Friday, November 19, 2010

Amanda Bess Allen Jewelry Creations Are Here: Manda 216 on Etsy

I adore the colors in this cuff bracelet.  Amanda makes them all unique.
Amanda Bess Allen comes to us out of   Dexter, Michigan. She's a vegan jewelry maker and crafter in the Manda216 shop on Etsy. She uses upcycled and recycled goods in her work and designs.  Amanda's creations are unique, spunky, and the color palettes she chooses for her work, flow together lovely.

This necklace demonstrates Amanda's amazing ability to use different components for a unique look.
Surely wearing one of these pieces would have people asking, "Who designed that?"  Her work is on display and available in the Mona Lisa Salon in Dexter, Michigan.
Click here to visit the salon for hours and more info. 






Amanda says, "Recycling is an important part of my life. Many of my shop items are made with recycled paper or vintage parts. I like to recycle or reuse anything that I can, and I love to makeover old pieces and give them a fresh start."

Natural shells really set this necklace off. 
 She says, "I like making all different types of things and working with different materials.
 I love color, and I love pieces that are funky and unique."
Handmade Paper Beads and a gorgeous color palette adorn this necklace.
When not making jewelry, Amanda is finding the beauty in nature and taking wonderful photographs like these gorgeous pumpkins....

Photography by Amanda Bess Allen, click HERE to visit photo gallery.

Find Amanda on TWITTERETSY, and check out her Personal Photography Website!

Thursday, October 7, 2010

In the Spotlight: LizzieCaye


It only seemed appropriate to spotlight Elizabeth Patel, for October, who is wonderful in more ways than one.  Not only  has she been such a wonderful addition to our team, and helping grow this site--but even more so, her handmade Lizzie Caye designer bags are amazing.
The "Classic Lizzie" in blues and pinks
Without her the blog as it is today would not be possible.  I often wonder, as I look at her pretty creations  how does she do it?  Where does it all happens?  Originally from North Dakota, now transplanted in Dallas, Texas, Liz is happy creating what she loves--and this love shows in her craftsmanship and quality original designs. 
This recycled purse was a quick seller.
Ruffles add flair to her sophisticated designs. This one comes in many colors like pink.
Careful detailing means everything.
Here is where the magic happens.  Her sewing machine is often covered with remnants of a work-in-progress.
Creations kept in eco-friendly totes aka cardboard boxes! A bag holds recycled scrap paper for packaging materials.
 Liz explains, "A normal day with me involves a ton of running up and down the stairs. Let me regress for a moment to explain how I got my very own giant studio in my home.  About 2 1/2 years ago my father-in-law passed away.  My mother-in-law does not drive, or make any form of decision without her husband.  It became obvious that she would need to live with us.  She didn't live incredibly far from where we did, but long enough that it would have been harder to take care of her from a distance, even if the distance was only 15 miles. We looked for existing homes, and couldn't find anything that wouldn't have needed a major overhaul.  So we decided to build in a planned community (meaning we had a set of home plans we could choose from).  We picked this community because the specifically had a plan that had a bedroom with its own en suite bathroom.  While we were making all these plans we decided to add the 1/2 story option of a game room upstairs, so that my hubby wouldn't ever have to look at my mess again....."

This wire mannequin proves to be a good note board for Liz. 
Thanks to the addition of her mother-in-law, Liz was able to have her very own space and a built in computer niche in which she explains, " I can create as I desire."  She says, "I have a nifty entry to the attic where I store all my boxes for shipping and LOADS of other stuff.  This really has helped me keep my room a bit neater.  Beyond that I use a ton of paper grocery bags to sort out my fabric and felt. "
Sometimes the best organizational system, is a simple one.  

So, amidst the cardboard boxes and paper bags of fabric and felt,  add some of  Liz  keen eye for design and out comes unique and eclectic designs like this Knock 'em Dead Purse!!
Liz prides herself on using upcycled and reclaimed fabrics in her LizzieCaye Etsy shop .
For more information on Liz, please visit her personal website HERE.

Thursday, July 29, 2010

Vintage Ephemera Galore at the Paper Picker

I have an extreme love for all things vintage, especially paper.  Today I spent some time getting lost in one of our member's shops, PaperPicker. 

 

This shop is full of fantastic finds in paper. (One of three very cool shops from the lovely Nerrissa, straight out of Fort Worth Texas.)   In an effort to separate her handmade clay treasures, and growing vintage finds, this third store contains all things paper!






From vintage greeting cards to retro wrapping paper, this is a paper lover's dream come true.  Collage artists, scrapbooking lovers, artists, vintage junkies, and paper recyclers will love this shop.



One could certainly spend a lot of time in this shop, browsing the advertisements, book pages, wrapping paper, vintage playing cards, books and zines, vintage greeting cards, and so much more.  Affordable pricing and great selections make this shop a must see!

Check this shop out!
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http://www.etsy.com/shop/paperpicker
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All images and funky link courtesy of Nerrissa, Recycled Wares.

Tuesday, July 6, 2010

The Megan Leone Shop - Interview

by Jo Ferris
Look at this beautiful necklace!



Look closer!



Megan Leone's creative use of upcycled zippers make for an unusual and beautiful piece of art that you can wear.

Her use of color is stunning.



Megan's creativity shows a fun, vibrant and interesting product that is not only eco-chic but stylish as well.




People who are concerned for the environment and the amount of waste being produced by the human species, need not settle for less when it comes to fashion.

Sometimes we just need to look a little further than the closest or easiest place we usually shop and we will find something unique, something beautiful, something that inspires us.

Digging a little deeper into The Megan Leone Shop there are also these fabulous bracelet purses.


She has a whole section of these great purses each is one of a kind and made primarily from upcycled vintage materials. You'll be sure to find something to match your wardrobe among these pouches.



Whatever your favorite color combo or style choice, I'm sure you will be inspired by browsing through the handbags, earrings, necklaces and belts in The Megan Leone Shop. If you decide to purchase anything from her shop you can rest in the knowledge that you have made a great choice for the environment and for the handmade movement. Also you will own a piece that really is a work of art.

Q. What inspired you to begin making accessories made from salvaged materials?

A. It was natural for me to choose vintage and repurposed materials. I have always preferred second-hand items. There are so many benefits to purchasing vintage and repurposed materials... nostalgia, the thrill of the hunt, quality, and most of all making a kinder choice for the earth. I became very aware of how wasteful and unkind we humans were to the earth at a very young age after my parents decided we would clean up a 10 mile stretch of road. That experience really opened my eyes.

I have also enjoyed the thrill of the hunt since I was a little girl. I can remember clearly the first rummage sale I went to with my Mom where I was free to wander on my own. There is just something about second-hand items that new can not emulate. I do spend a lot of time searching for my materials, but it is so worth it! I get so much variety that way. A lot of times the materials inspire me to create something around them which leads to a wide array of designs. It is a rewarding purchase as the items never come in a shrink-wrapped package and I am often helping a local business or charity out with each purchase. It feels good to keep the men and women who sell at flea markets in business because without them a lot of those things would end up in landfills.

Q. What other steps in your daily life do you take to reduce your footprint on our earth?

A. I recycle, of course. It is the least we can do. I always take things that are no longer useful to us to a thrift shop, list it on sites like freecycle/craigslist or put it on the curb with a "free" sign. I enjoy shopping locally at farmer' markets and thrifting for most of our personal items. When purchasing new, I check labels for post-consumer products and how far the item traveled. I am willing to pay more knowing that my purchase is a vote.

Q. What do you hope people will learn from you, or what message are you trying to get across with the items you sell?

A. I have never thought of myself as a teacher. I am just trying to offer beautiful products that were made with care and love while being good to the wonderful place we live.

Q. How much do you LOVE the Etsy Recyclers Guild Team?

A. Etsy has a LOT of different sellers, it is so nice to have a place to go where like-minded designers are making things with the kind of labels I like to find on my purchases. I am honored to be among them!

Thank you Megan Leone for offering your items as a wonderful choice for the environmentally conscious.