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.

Random Act of Kindness: Beat Up Creations & Article Writing Sales Tips

I'm proud to salute Angela, our very own Team Member's shop Beat Up Creations as she was featured in this little blurb I wrote in Environmental Graffiti, a UK online publication that's gaining more and more exposure every day. 

It's nature related, and a great way to talk about recycle artists...more team members coming soon.

There's a place to share the article on Facebook, so show some love for your team member. 

SELLING TIP FOR YOU:  Writing articles on sites like this isn't going to get you rich, -- articles must get ZILLIONS of page views to really pay off.  However, EXPOSURE if what really matters.  Spreading the word like this will raise awareness for team members and in turn, drive traffic back to you and your shop.  So why not write an article about a shop that does not sell what you sell, and in turn help each other out.   TranzendentalArts was writing for her local Examiner paper.  Contact Cynthia  for tips!   Don't know how to write articles about stores, no problem.  Maybe you are good with recipes, craft ideas, or pet knowledge...just about anything is a go at places like Ezinearticles.com  and GoArticles.com, wherein you write free articles in exchange for putting a blurb on the bottom about YOU and there you can link your STORE or WEBSITE.


Promote each other!

Tranzendental Arts

Shop Name: Transzendental Arts

Owner Name: Cynthia

Location: Lawrence, Kansas

Etsy Shop Link: http://www.etsy.com/shop/TranzendentalArts

Transzendental Arts is home to Cynthia, a theatre design specialist with experience in costume, set, lighting design and directing. She believes in recycling, and using reclaimed materials. Her shop consists of custom fashionable designs ranging from hats to bell bottoms, to other accessories. Cynthia says, "Sometimes the materials I use retain their original form, but often they are integrated and not readily recognizable. I enjoy the challenge and spend a great deal of time dissembling items to make use of as many elements as possible in my process."

Just look at these lovely creations:

Check out Cynthia's great shop HERE.

NOTE: Special thanks to Cyn for coming up with out team tag WASTENOT!