Coffee Talk with Heather of Texas Vintage: The Interview

Texas Vintage Things:  From Houston, with love, Brooch $30

Q: Tell us all about you.

My name is Heather. I'm a mom to a cute little boy named Dominic and a five year old Akita named Hana. I am a native Texan and currently live in Houston, Texas. I went to college in Chicago for fashion design. I sell vintage jewelry, clothing, accessories and mid century modern stuff when I get my hands on it. I also make handmade items and other crafty things. I like to cook (not bake), blog, travel, go to estate sales and craft. I hate housework, although I clean everyday.

Sheer dress, $38 at Texas Vintage shop.

Q: Why vintage clothing?


I'm not quite sure really. I remember going to thrift shops in junior high and high school. I've always loved really old things. I love vintage clothing because it fits women in the right places. Especially 1940s-1950s garments. Women actually had real waistlines. I prefer the more fitted vintage garments. Not the big, circle skirt type garments and party dresses. I love looking at those garments and studying their construction, but they're not my style.

Texas Vintage Things offers everything from fashions to jewelry and then some!

 Q: What was your best find ever?

I have a few. One of my best finds was probably a 1940s Adrian suit. I've also had a few pieces of Miriam Haskell jewelry. One Miriam Haskell necklace cost me about $75, but I turned around and sold it for $750. I also found a pair of Miriam Haskell Baroque pearl earrings within a "lot" of jewelry. The woman obviously didn't understand how valuable the earrings were and sold me the entire lot for $10. I turned around and listed those earrings on auction and they sold for over $200. Pretty sweet!

Heather and son Dominic Summer 2010.

Q: What other things do you love besides vintage clothing ?

I adore vintage jewelry as well. I also LOVE mid century modern furniture. I've been replacing pieces of our furniture with MCM furniture when I find pieces I like. I also like Hollywood Regency style stuff, but it doesn't fit with our decor. I just like to look at it!

Vintage Pin

Q: When did you start selling online ?

I started selling vintage stuff on eBay during college to make some extra money, then. I started selling vintage clothing on eBay when my son was three months old (in 2007). I did pretty well on eBay this last round. I was a Powerseller for several years as well as a top rated seller. I even offered consignment to people in Houston, which actually worked out well for me. I was able to make a commission on items that I didn't have to buy, just sell. I closed my eBay shop this past fall (2010) due to continued fee increases and lack of sales.  *(unlike Etsy, who allows you to list an item for only twenty cents, gives you five free picture and a free shop and takes a very small sales fee!)

Q: What brought you to Etsy?

I have two Etsy shops :vintage which is Texas Vintage, handmade which is Mattie Reid Chicago. They  were both open a few years ago. Etsy is a friendly, happy site compared to eBay. I like Etsy because all of the shop owners are crafty and/or like vintage. eBay wasn't like that at all. I also like how Etsy has teams. eBay never had anything like that. It's a nice change.

Mod Halter Dress, $40

Q: Tell us about challenges of selling online and what you have learned....

There are many challenges to selling online. People can't see your face or talk to you in person. Since closing my eBay shop and focusing on my Etsy shops only, I've basically started all over. Traffic just pours into eBay, but it seems like you have to work so much harder on Etsy.

In order to sell online, photo's really matter. They really do. If a potential customer cannot see the details of your item, even if the item is amazing, why would they buy that item. You also have to give complete and accurate descriptions of your items.

If you are selling vintage garments, you have to measure the shoulders, bust, waist, hips, inseam, length, etc. The customer has to know that this garment is going to fit them when it arrives. It the item is damaged, you have to list that information as well. I put my reputation on everything. I want to win that customer for life, not just one sale.

A new camera in tow, Heather has been working on her pictures. I love this brooch!

Selling online is also challenging because people have to find your shop. You have to utilize or try and utilize various social sites such as Facebook, Twitter, Indiepublic, etc. You have to network with other sellers, retweet their tweets on Twitter, repost other sellers posts on Facebook and hope they will do the same for you. What goes around comes around, hopefully. I will say that I work way more for myself, selling online, than I did when I worked in a corporate job.


WRAP UP: We can learn a few things from talking to Heather.  First, it's never too late to start over.  It may be time to take a good hard look at your Etsy shop and see what you need to work on.    Secondly, you have to work hard at your Etsy shop.  Promoting others on your blog, Facebook, or tweeting other's finds (and hoping they reciprocate) is a very good tip and something that is proven to work!    Heather also features a lot of shop interviews on this blog, and both her Mattie Reid Chicago blog and her Texas Vintage Things Blog.  If you want to do an interview, contact her!

Catch up with Heather and show some love:

Shop: Texas Vintage Things

Blog: Texas Vintage Things

Facebook: Texas Vintage Things

Shop: Mattie Reid Chicago

Blog: Mattie Reid Chicago

Facebook: Mattie Reid Chicago

Twitter:  HERE

GSArcheologist Etsy Shop: How Our Past Plays Into Our Present

Atomic Chip and Dip in the GSArcheologist shop.

I always find it interesting what people sell in their shops are a direct reflection of who they are, things they've grown up to love, and the reasons why.  For instance, someone who crochets may do so because their best memories when little was when grandmother taught them how, they continued to crochet their whole lives and are good at it.  It makes them who they are today. Same with any seller.  So I took a few minutes to interview this shop on Etsy.  They aren't a member of our team, but I thought you would find it interesting.

Tea for Twelve, the photos are lovely here in this shop, and this set at $29.95, a bargain.

Q: What does the GSArcheologist stand for, and tell me how this all came to be?

I began thrifting and garage sale purchasing when I was in college and needed furniture for my first apartment. I went to Indiana University and on the edge of town was a guy who use to buy estates and sell stuff out of his barn. For most people I'm sure it seemed like a pile of junk but for me each piece was a story that defined someone's life. I still have a few of those pieces from his barn and that was 34 years ago.

The tune tote comes with 18 records and is a great deal for $18.

Q: So after college, I assume you kept a love for antiques? 

My husband and I graduated from IU in 1979. (I am now an art teacher and my husband is a graphic designer.)  Back then, there was a recession and teaching jobs, especially in art, were not plentiful. I took a job at a high end furniture store and trained in interior design and consulting. My husband worked for a printing company. At some point I left the furniture store and retrained in graphic design. During this time we bought our first home and we still found purchasing slightly used or antique items to be the best way to furnish our home. I had a sculpture teacher at IU from Nigeria who taught us how to finish and work with wood so I began to apply my skills there. Refinishing furniture became my hobby.

Adorable picnic basket, $28 in the shop.

Q: So fast forward until now, how did your love for your antiques grow and what brought you to Etsy?
After various other jobs, I went back to teaching. My husband, who worked for Design Institute America and later as a partner in a custom furniture company, also shares an interest in thrifting and so we go often together. When my sons were going off to college I began to garage sale more actively in the summer months. I just kept doing it. I have furnished both their homes from top to bottom and probably didn't spend more then 500.00....except for mattress and box springs. When I found things that I felt would otherwise be thrown out I rescued it and sold it on ebay.

$29.95, Children's Singer Sewing Machine. It's never to late to learn to sew!

I can't remember how I came across Etsy but when I found it I thought it may make a good venue for smaller items. I look for unique items that a designer might have an eye for. I also look for items for people like me who liked and appreciated industrial design and furniture and collect items from certain eras. I rarely price things over $50.00 and the average price is from $15.00-$25.00.

And that is how an art teacher with a passion for antiques found Etsy and the "The GSArcheologist" store came to be. 


Show some love: 
Visit her shop.
Visit her blog.

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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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.

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.

Etsy Recyclers Guild Featured Items Primary Colors of G R E E N are Red, Blue, Yellow...

'Primary Colors : Wastenot By the Recyclers Guild' by RetroChalet

Etsy Recyclers Guild shows love with primary colors, Read more on http://EtsyRecyclersGuild.blogspot.com

Blue Deer Toddler Jumper Dre... Brokenghostcou... $49.00	Cute Red, Blue, and Yellow L... beadsbuttonsan... $12.99	Shabby Chic Shelf Red prettydarncute $24.00
Yellow Orchid Hair Clip emilygracesuit... $14.00	Vintage 1960s Handmade Calic... luvvinjewels $25.00	Blue Colored Vinyl Record Cu... colerainecreat... $14.95
Eco Passport Cover with Red ... wrapcycle $16.00	Cute 60s Vintage Textured Ve... TexasVintage $20.00	Yellow Wool Cashmerel Blend ... FeltedWoolies $3.75
Vintage Baltimore Maryland B... RetroChalet $14.95	Yellow. Red, White and Blue ... HarrieteEstelB... $375.00	Vintage 50s 60s ITALIAN Glas... HHDollhouse $19.99
COBALT BLUE Sea Glass Heart ... lakeeriebeachg... $50.00	ONE OF A KIND Purse or Lunch... lzubal01 $18.00	The Edna in Teal and Vintage... lizziecaye $89.95

Treasury tool is sponsored by Lazzia.com.

HH Dollhouse: Vintage Green Upcycled Jewelry

Time to Meet HH Dollhouse!   This shop is from St. Paul, Minnesota!

Rhinestone Pendant, $14.99

"HH stands for Healthy Hands in recycling vintage garments, jewelry, and accessories of the past into today's modern woman or man. We sell earth friendly items: vintage, natural fabrics, and vintage made in USA items.! There is no additional carbon footprint because we're upcycling items!"

Modernist Brooch, $19.99

HH Dollhouse sells earth friendly items: vintage, natural fabrics, & vintage made in USA items. Jewelry is abundant in this shop and at great prices!

Bohemian Style Earrings $4.99

HH Dollhosue is also a member of the Independent Fashion Bloggers network, a few other teams on Etsy and does her part in recycling and being eco friendly!  Advice from HH Dollhouse in taking care of the earth is this:

1)You care for the land and water it; you enrich it abundantly.
2)Do not pollute the land where you live.


You can read more on her "Diary of a Vintage Lover " blog here.

Catch her:
On Etsy
Facebook

Website

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 Clone Hardware

Caramel Orange Upcycled Computer Component Necklace $49.99


Shop Name: Clone Hardware

Location: Hamilton, Ontario, Canada

Clone Hardware says, "After university (several thousand years ago) I decided to pursue a career in graphic & web design. But during the years of slaving / working in that field my creative energy was being slowly stifled.

Then one day I stumbled into the warehouse of Pothast Technologies, with boxes and shelves filled with beautiful and unique baubles, bits and pieces I had a lightbulb moment. I had never really been interested in conventional jewelry and with all these lovely and interesting things within my grasp I became inspired and empowered to create.

Clone Hardware was inspired by the constant influx of computer hardware and electronic devices that have entered our lives and sadly departed as well. The problem of e-waste has recently been the focus of many businesses.

With our partners, Phrenic Systems Inc. and Pothast Technologies we aim to extend and re-use technology as much as possible. By creating beautiful and unique pieces of wearable art out of what would otherwise end up in landfill, we hope to educate. Our landfills are still being overloaded with these products, and it’s up to us to dispose of them properly and try to reverse some of the adverse effects on the environment created by this modern waste.

The majority of the jewelry I create is made from salvaged computers and electronics, some is surplus/unused parts."

Black Computer Ribbon Wire Upcycled Cuff with White Snaps $17.99


Clone Hardware's shop banner states, "Kickass Industrial, Ultra Cool Steampunk, Super Spiffy Pretty, Simply Modern, Wearable Art Jewelry."

Copper Computer Hard Drive LOCK and KEY Pendant with Wire Necklace $25.00

You can find Clone Hardware on Etsy here, on Facebook here and online at their own website here. Lastly, you can find their blog here.

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