Meet Member RetroBabs : Retro Babs Vintage and ReMix

Renuxed Dish Towels!

Retro Babs is a great Etsy shop full of vintage housewares and upcycled finds. This shop is a Mother-Daughter duo known as Barb and Bec.  They stock their shop full of "a little vintage this" and "a bit of handmade that."  I love the vintage decor and practicality housed here.   Bec enjoys "remixing" things such as making ooak towels -- a lovely set of 3 can be had here for just $10.  Bec often embellishes things with her own personal touches, making them more lovely than they originally were.

My absolute favorite has to be the clocks.  Ahhhhhh, the clocks.  These are a great way to re-use vintage plates, and not to mention would be a great gift idea if you know someone who collects this particular line! There are usually several different versions in stock here.

Although I'm reportedly a kitchenista (RetroBabs stocks plenty of cool kitschy items), I find it interesting to see her mix of lovelies. Here you will find gifts for him, for her, memories for both, and wedding items.   These great gloves are only $12, a real steal for the vintage clothing lover, and would be perfect for the bride to be vintage-wedding-style.

Let's not forget the cameras, RetroBabs has some keen eyes for the hottest in vintage camera finds! I just love this 1957 Poloroid Highlander, with original case, booklets, and everything for $30.  Perhaps the photographer in you can get this working, or use it for a cool icon in your retro home.

She is a proud member of the Vintage Etsy Society Street Team, Trade-a-holics, and Etsy Recyclers Guild Team on Etsy!

Keep up with Retro Babs :

In Her Etsy Shop
On Her Blog
On Her Facebook Page

This article courtesy of VintageChalet.  and was previously published here.

Interview with Harriete of Harriete Estel Berman

Since joining the Etsy Recyclers Guild team, I have admired designs from our fellow team member, Harriete Estel Berman. Harriete makes gallery quality jewelry and sculpture pieces. All of her jewelry is made from recycled tin cans. I would like to personally thank Harriete for taking time out of her busy schedule to give me an interview for our team blog.





When did you first start crafting/making jewelry?

Actually I have been working with metal since 1971 when I took my first metals class in college. From the very beginning I discovered my material, metal. Since then besides my BFA in metals from Syracuse University and MFA from Tyler School of Art, Temple University.

I supported myself for years with my technical skills working as both a jewelry and a silversmith doing repairs. Using my technical skills from silver repairs has given me the confidence that I can make quality work with just about anything.

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

From 1980 to 1988 I made a series of domestic appliances that dealt with women’s roles in our society and social commentary. Scroll down on my sculpture page to view the appliances.

Since 1988, I’ve been working with vintage steel doll houses and recycled tin cans. That was 23 years ago, way before the current passion for recycling and thinking green.

How has your work evolved from your earlier work?

Early work was only sculpture and I only made a few pieces a year. Since about 1998, I have also made jewelry and Judacia.

Recently my use of recycled materials has expanded beyond recycled tin cans to include post consumer pencils, electronic waste, rulers, yardsticks, and plastic. Click here to view more recycled pieces.

Where do you get your inspiration?

My inspiration comes from everyday life, advertising and our consumer society. Some of the pieces are actually named from magazine ads or television advertising such as "Nice and Easy, Even if Your Marriage Doesn't Last Your Color Will," Clairol Ad and Measuring Compliance.

Projects from recent years include work about our educational system inspired by surviving as a parent of two K-12 students - Pencil sculpture .

Where are your products sold (online/stores)?

I sell a selection of pins and earrings at Harriete Estel Berman on Etsy, Object Fetish Jewelry at Harriete Estel Berman on Object Fetish and my own website.

In addition, I am experimenting with two trunk shows this spring. Past exposure for my work includes galleries, exhibitions, and museums.

What advice can you give other crafters/artists when selling their items?

I am committed to helping the arts and crafts community. Artists and makers can find years of advice, ALL FREE and available on line. They can read my blog where I provide words of experience on my blog Ask Harriete and the Professional Guidelines.

I also teach workshops and organize the Professional Development Seminar.
There will be a workshop near Harrisburg at the Pennsylvania Guild of Craftsmen on April 9th and 10th, 2011.

There will also be a Professional Development Seminar in Seattle at the Society of North America Goldsmiths on May 28, 2011.

Information from past Professional Development Seminars is available here.

ARE YOU WONDERING HOW TO PRICE YOUR WORK?

Last year’s Professional Development Seminar program about pricing continues to be an extremely popular resource. The PowerPoint Presentations by our speakers and the Question and Answer Discussion with the audience were recorded and combined with the Slide Share Presentation so that you can experience the presentations that our audience saw in Houston.

I recommend that you listen to the Slide Share PowerPoint Presentation first, then listen to the podcast.
GO TO THE Professional Development Seminar page on the Harriete Estel Berman’s web site or click here.

PRICING INFORMATION CONTINUES on ASK Harriete.

With a month long series including pricing variables, understanding overhead, indirect cost, cash flow and more when pricing your work. Find all these posts on ASK Harriete .

Describe yourself in three words:

driven, energetic, creative

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

Please consider sharing the resources in the Professional Guidelines at ASK Harriete with your fellow artists and makers to make our community stronger.

You can find Harriete online at the following places:

Harriete Estel Berman on Etsy
Harriete’s own website
Facebook
Twitter
Object Fetish
Crafthaus
Linkedin
Youtube

This interview was contributed by Heather of Texas Vintage Things.

Congratulations to Petite Hermine!

At the beginning of January, we announced a blog link contest we were going to have here at the Etsy Recyclers Guild.

The object of the link contest was to blog about another blog and link their blog to your blog to create backlinks.

Timothy Adam from Handmadeology was our guest judge and announced the blog link contest winner yesterday via video. Petite Hermine was announced as the winner of our link contest. A big congratulations goes out to Petite Hermine! Thanks for participating in our blog links contest!

Meet Susan of SM.art Designing

Susan makes really amazing one-of-a-kind purses out of used book covers. Her book purses are all super cute and all have character because they're made from vintage books. She lines each book purse with lovely fabric and adds extra details to make the bags stand out.

Tell us a little about yourself:

My name is Susan Temple and I live in Connecticut with my husband Charlie and our two corgis, Peanut and Tulip. I am a Graphic Designer by profession for over 30 years. I design marketing materials for all sorts of client including banks, hospitals, even a WNBA team, and I love my job. And I also LOVE to make book purses!

When did you first start crafting?

I’ve been crafting for as long as I can remember. I always knew I would do something creative. When I was young I wanted to be the person who illustrated the sewing pattern catalogs. The ladies at the fabric shop would save the out dated catalogs for me and I would draw the pictures over and over. I learned to sew when I was 13 and I made all my clothes for years. I made coats, suits, even a bathing suit once. I love to hand make! The satisfaction of saying I made that, the choosing of the materials, the creative process, it’s all therapy for me.

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

Right now my favorite craft is my book purses. But I have gone through periods of different crafts. I do a lot of jewelry. For years I cross stitched. I love decorative painting. My husband bought me a jig saw one year! But my first love remains fabric and sewing. Although I don’t really sew the book purses, my understanding of construction has really helped.

I hunt for books in used book stores, salvation army depots, yard and tag sales. I never, ever use new books because I respect the original intent of a book. It’s meant to be read and cherished. But after that, why should it sit on a shelf collecting dust? However, rare and fist edition books are also a no-no in my book (pun intended). Those are special and should remain intact. There are some gorgeous old readers I found that would make incredible purses, but no way. They need to remain intact as a reminder of our heritage.

My creative process is Zen like... I get into a groove and before I know it hours have passed and I hardly knew it. I have a little transistor radio that I put on NPR and just zone out. I am incredibly lucky that I have a ‘craft room’. I am also extremely lucky that my husband is a very talented cabinet maker. I had a craft cabinet that was around 25 years old and it was literally falling apart. He recreated (and improved on) a new cabinet for me. And come to think of it, having that new cabinet gave me the space and comfort to really explore my craft. I am very blessed.

How has your work evolved from your earlier work?

In terms of my book purses I have become faster, my decisions are easier to make because I’ve paid attention to the process. I know what works and what doesn’t, and I know that I need to stay true to myself. I have only been doing these purses for a year and just recently I feel as if my “apprenticeship” is over and now I am reading to explore the next level. I’ve been experimenting with embellishments and options for handles. I am working on designing my own handles out of reclaimed wood. It doesn’t take a lot of fabric to make a book purse so I’ve been keeping my eye out for fabrics from thrift stores. If a shirt is made of a beautiful fabric, why not? The more recycling the better.

Where do you get your inspiration?

I was inspired to create my first book purse by my sister, who is an avid reader and aspiring writer. For her birthday her husband gave her a Kindle. My thought was-- what a perfect way of transporting a Kindle than in a purse made from a book cover. I gave her the purse as a gift and she loved it. Her reaction made me decide to make a few more, just for myself. But then an obsession was born! What keeps me inspired are the covers of the books and fabrics, some are plain but to me I see the possibility of adding this fabric and that ribbon, envisioning the final purse. Nature inspires me, I find the seasons in New England to be my inspiration lately.

Where are your products sold (online/stores)?

I sell my book purses online in my Etsy shop. They are also available at a gallery in New Haven, CT called Elm City Handmade. And I am very excited to announce that they will also be available this spring at The Flying Pig Gallery and Greenspace in WI. I also sell by word of mouth, and through connections on Facebook. It’s growing everyday.

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

I’ve sold things that I’ve made on occasion, but nothing I made was ever accessible enough to market. My father was always encouraging me to sell my crafts, but it’s really hard to make any money from crafting. You have to work super fast with materials that don’t cost a fortune to be able to meet a price point people can afford. My book purses were the one thing that put me where I could make a modest profit and put out an affordable product. But the best thing about any craft is the enjoyment of doing it and I really enjoy making the purses. It marries all my skills as a graphic designer and crafter in one unique item. Plus my love for books! If there is one thing I am guilty of it is I WILL judge a book by its cover. As a graphic designer I just can’t help it.

One thing I know for sure is if you want to succeed, you must love what you do. You also must be the best at it and price it correctly. Never, ever sell work you are not proud of.

Describe yourself in three words:

I was going to say Very, Very Loud... but instead... Caring, Logical and Talented

Is there is anything else you’d like to share with us?

I think the best thing I learned about this particular journey is to overcome my fears. I worried that people wouldn’t like my purses, or they wouldn’t be good enough. I really had to move though that in order to set up my Etsy shop. My friends and family are incredibly supportive with their advice and compliments, which really helped. I cannot stress this enough-- do what you love. If you love it, and that’s all you get out of it, then you are far ahead in the game. That’s my advice... Oh and always keep a bowl of ice water on your craft table when using a glue gun! Happy crafting.

You can find Sm.art Designing online at the following places:

Sm.art Designing on Etsy
Sm.art Designing on Facebook

This post was contributed by Heather of Texas Vintage Things.

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

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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

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


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


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.

Meet The Recycle Ben by LEUCKIT

Good Ole Dog $110


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


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


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.

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

Meet Red Umbrella Design Etsy Shop! ( RedUmbrellaDesign216 )

 

It's time to meet the very talented Marina Marquez,  with help from collage artist hubby George Potts from Cleveland Ohio.  Marina's shop, RedUmbrellaDesign216, brings us whimsical upcycled arts and home decor!  Marina says, "I'm a stay home mama who gets to play with my daughter Luna everyday. She is my inspiration and also our future. With this in mind, I enjoy making art, functional art, such as, owl mobiles, T'OWLS (owl stuffies), children's clothes, and collages out of organic, reclaimed/recycled materials. Packaging materials are also eco-friendly."

Screech owl mobile!

Marina was actually a sculptor who worked in metals, plastics, and recycled materials. Due to some of the techniques required for making her sculptures, she had to suspend the making of them during her pregnancy, which allowed her to explore other crafts such as these great "Scrappy Owl Mobiles" and TOWLS (stuffed owl pillows!)

Scrappy Owl Mobiles are so adorable, and she has a wide variety of species!

TOWLS are stuffed owl pillows!

Mini towls!

She explains, "The T'OWLS are made from reclaimed/recycled 100% cotton towels, stuffed with organic bamboo fiber, and hand stitched. They are 100% environmentally friendly! Care involves a gentle wash cycle & air dry!"

Not My Cup of Tea, Really (Collage, 2008)

Among other whimsical things you will find original collage prints, like these--these particular ones printed from her husband George Potts' original collages which can be bought framed or unframed. This collage art is wonderful and I admire his talents so.

Domestic Violence II (collage, 2008)

Be sure to welcome Marina to the team!

Catch up with Marina :

Blogs/links:
On Her Blog
On Her Main Blog
On Facebook
Twitter
Etsy Shop

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 TWITTER,  ETSY, and check out her Personal Photography Website!