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

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.

Do You Picnik ? Easy Way to Fix Photos and Promote Your Etsy Shop on Your Website or Blog

Camera and photo from VintageSpark on Etsy.

 Many of us look at some of the photos that make it to the front page on Etsy and are in awe. Etsy's Storque blog is full of good articles on  fixing your photos in your shop.  I hate to break this to you, but most of these people just like you or I and did not take photography lessons. They have however found a way to "bond with their camera" and  found their "MACRO" zoom button.  They usually use neutral or white backgrounds, and sometimes stage props in, but more often than not use natural lighting.

Gorgeous picture, feels like you can reach out and touch it , how about giving me some lessons? Item and photo by AnBlathPaipeir

I'll be the first to admit, most of my photos SUCK.  My husband thought it time for me to upgrade from one of those "point and click" Kodak with "three functions", so when he got me one of those fancy Ashton Kutcher jobs I wasn't sure whether to thank him or cry. (Soon it was the latter).  I was and am still clueless.   I have read and reread the manual 100 times and honestly can't process it. (If it's not just point, click, zoom, I'm no good.)  So if you are thinking your photos aren't good enough, put yourself in my shoes. Imagine having crappy photos but owning a super duper camera, that's pretty bad.  I don't own those expensive software programs like Photo-shop.  Then someone told me they were using Picnik for years. I played around.  You can join the service for a small fee, but I made all the below using Picnik's FREE services.

THE MISSION:  Make a banner link for someone to add to my blog. 

BEFORE:

I had to use a photo from Modern Plastics shop.

AFTER:  I used free Picnik services to brighten it, saturate it, add text and a "museum style frame".  Now it works as the perfect "photo link" to her site. 

 

THE MISSION:  Have some fun with this picture by Ohzie, and zoom in closer to the hat.

BEFORE:

I had to use a photo from Ohzie shop.

AFTER:  I zoomed in and made it into a playful polaroid, that she could use in any Etsy listing, blog post or on any website. I thought it important to put the recycle symbol on it as her products are recycled. Perhaps seeing her name over and over will drive customers to her shop.

THE MISSION:  Spice up my glove mold photo.

BEFORE:

My photo is just blah....lacks luster and bad exposure.

AFTER: Perhaps good for something around Halloween?  Brighter and fun! I added a frame with picnic and some "free stamps" which you can move around and turn...it would have been okay just making it brighter.

THE MISSION:  Make this picture of DoLoBo Jewelry stand out for a small mention in an upcoming blog post.

The original is okay for Etsy, but we needed to add some spunk and make it artsy.

Spunky for a sidebar on his blog!  I used a saturation and grainy look on Picnik.

MISSION:  Make a collage, if you  have too many photo angles and can't fit them all into Etsy, use a collage for one of your pictures.

Here's a mini collage with only two photos!

 Photo collages are available in any size. I sharpened the dress to show more floral design, and added the writing, as you can tell I really like that font.  Photos by TexasVintageThings.  

Or you can just make basic collages if you have too many photos for Etsy. This one I made from  Modern Plastics.

I truly believe photos sell your product. All of the above are just tools to help you spice yours up a bit.  There are so many items on Etsy now, it's not hard to find a few of the same.  I would rather pay more for an item that looks prettier or better than less for an item that I can't see detail in or is grainy. So, why not have a Picnik date ?

The Correct Way to Make an Etsy Treasury

Apple of my eye APPLE from SharingBliss shop

The Etsy treasury is a helpful tool to all sellers on Etsy. Not only does a treasury allow you to promote things on Etsy , but you may just end up on the front page of Etsy if your treasury is good enough!

I'll be the first to admit that I'm not a person who always reads directions. I try to figure out how to do things on my own. What can I say, I'm a kinesthetic learner. In other words, I like to figure things out by just doing and/or performing the activity. This includes making an Etsy treasury.

Each and every treasury I've ever created, I've included one of my items. Yesterday, I created this treasury for the Etsy Recyclers Guild team . I typically only choose one item per shop, although yesterday I mistakenly added two items from the same shop. I also typically include an item of my own.

Something I have overlooked is when you go to create a treasury, on the right side of the treasury, the following info is given:


Treasury Guidelines

You can create a list of items for any purpose. Learn more.

If you'd like your list to be chosen for inclusion on Etsy's home page, here are a few tips:

* Be diverse! No more than one item per shop.
* Don't include your own items. Spread the love!
* Make it beautiful.

Treasuries should be beautiful, and have great pictures. Gloves by FlourishesHome

This morning, I received a message from a team member who's item was included in my treasury. She clarified the correct way to create a treasury, which is to only list one item per shop and not to include your own items. This led me to a Google search on how to effectively create an Etsy treasury. I found one link for Etsy’s Dos/Don’ts. The treasury section of this page states the following, "Members can feature their favorite items, items selected on a theme or whatever items they like".

I also found this link on the Etsy Storque explaining how to make a treasury. In June of 2010, Etsy treasury went from beta version to the current version. You first need to decide on your theme, if you have a theme (or a color scheme). Then you go and search for items that will go with your theme. I always try and search for people on my team. Next, I see what they have in their inventory and choose items from different shops that will compliment my theme. I know many users go to the poster sketch, but I honestly don't think that is a necessary tool any longer with the new way the treasury is set up. Once you have all of your items chosen, you'll want to name and tag your treasury. Notify all of the people you included in your treasury. Ask them to post on their Facebook and Twitter and possibly their blog. The more places the treasury ends up, the better chances you have at selling something. The directions in the Storque article are a bit outdated, but you can get a basic idea of what you are supposed to do.

Everything we do in life is a learning process. Mr Bentley learns to read by Iota Illustration.

I have learned a valuable lesson from this and will try and read how to do something before diving in and just doing it. I think a little shameless self promotion is okay every now and then, especially when you are taking time out of your day to create something as simple as an Etsy treasury.

Treasuries are a great way to promote your team and should be utilized as such!

This blog post was contributed by Heather of Texas Vintage Things. All views and opinions expressed in this post belong solely to the author.

It's never too late to learn says HOOT the owl by Noble Upcycling.

FOLLOW up by Ira Mency:  Thanks to Heather for sharing this information as we all would like our treasuries to make it to the front page.  Remember after creating any treasury, to also share it outside of Etsy for maximum exposure driving traffic!c back to the treasury member's shops. Although you may not make the front page with your treasury, it can go "viral" by  sharing it on Facebook, Twitter, or your social networking sites--and to do this easily you can find the buttons are right next to your treasury on Etsy!  If you would like to embed the treasury like we do on this blog, use the WhaleSharkTreasury Tool or CraftCult's treasury widget that I'm using below.

xoxoxo
Your Team Captain
Shamelss Self-Promoter as seen below: Treasury by Wandering Lydia.\
 

Interview with RE Recycled Fashion (Relogyyy)

Black Jersey Blouse with alternative circular decorations $50


Shop name: RE Recycled Fashion

Name: Giota Kaiopoulou

Location: Europe

Red Recycled Origami Clutch $55

Q. Tell me a little about yourself.

I'm a fashion designer. I always search for innovative elements in fashion so that I can excel and walk forward to new challenges and inspirations. I love art and nature. I studied Fashion Design in Greece and I have been exposed to public several exhibitions of art and fashion. I have also taken part in the 13th Biennale of Young Artists from Europe and the Mediterranean back in 2008 presenting my project- fashion collection "Origami Flowers". Recently, I have re-arranged this collection trying to transform it to foldable recycled plastic garments made up from layers of plastic bags. One of them in 2010, "Origami REvolution" has been exposed to the Center of contemporary art in Thessaloniki Greece. As you see I love origami and geometry very much because I find beauty in mathematics.

Q. When did you first start crafting/designing?

I remember me back to my teen years collecting several stuff, beads ,buttons, fabrics, clothes and all the vintage leftovers from my mama and friends. I still have a lot of stuff! At the time of my teenage years, I was mostly making jewelry and bags, handmade gifts for friends and family. I remember a year that I've made elements for the Christmas tree with packing paper and glitter it was a success we still use them!
Professionally I've started this past year to sell my first clothes and accessories to shops and e-shops.

Black A line Dress quilted in geometrical structures $75


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

I start with inspiration that is the most important for me. I try to follow the trends and i draw some figures just to have an overview of lines that I will use as the basics to continue and materialize my collection. I keep this work in mind and then I visit some friendly ateliers, and other fashion businesses to look for fabrics or decorations leftovers that they were planning to throw away or they don't know what to do with them because they have such a small amount. I also buy stock or defective fabrics and second hand outfits of high quality that have something challenging and inspiring for my concept. Sometimes I try to collect cut outs of other garments and keep them for applique and other decorations. Some of my garments didn't need pattern making only sewing because I've used the ready cut outs and I've made with no more cutting a whole new outfit. I do not throw anything to the bin. Everything can be useful. Recycling fabrics amazes me in a way that a piece of cloth, a cutout leftover can always transform in strange ways and be whatever the shape that is left like...new strange decorations emerge like they knew where their position is and perform art! I only choose the beautiful position and then I sew! One the mannequin the cloth embraces the body and reinvents new shapes and lines using only the shape that is left. I love this procedure, fashion re-innovating in a chic and arty way is my passion. I love fashion, I love art. My new challenge is to draw on some leftover vintage silk pieces for summer, Ι'm thrilled to finish!!!

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

I'm always trying new ways to work with different supplies. Quality razed through the years with the good searching of supplies. I'm more feminine now in my collections and more commercial. My clothes are for everyday, but many of them are formal too. My earlier works were mostly art, fashion art craft, but now I think I cover more people with my lines that are wide easy and fit plus sizes. Designing one sized outfits was a big challenge for me but I'm hearing good feedback.

Q. Where do you get your inspiration?

I'm following trends in fashion and accessories mostly with books and internet. I look up for innovative news in architecture, design, art and illustrations. I'm following blogs and designers just to get inspired. Anything geometrical and mathematical draws my attention. I love them! My great love is nature. Nature is the one and only inspiration that includes mathematics geometries. It's the primary way of constructing things creating beauty. Origami shows the way that nature creates. That's why i love it so. I always try to draw inspiration from nature's structures like scales, flowers, marble water or cymatics. I try to research the theme I'm interested in and I collect a lot of pictures. I always make a concept board to refer to that keeps me in trends and in my inspiration.

Black Top/Dress Interlock jersey with Boucle insect decoration $54


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

I sell most of my items in local fashion shops for now. I recently opened my Etsy shop. I hope it will go well!

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

About Etsy, I'm not a specialist, but selling needs a lot of promotion. If you don't have the outstanding things to sell with connections and a lot of exposure in craft fairs, posting and talking about your work, things start happening. Sometimes the work itself speaks and all you need are some customers to start and others speak for you. The most important thing is to have the concept and the way to accomplish great innovative things. Sales will come sooner or later. But, keep in mind that your concept must have it's own audience. Try to calculate what your audience will like and have the money to buy your concept. Be realistic.

Q. Describe your self in three words.

RE, Innovative and love

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

Challenge yourself. Everyday we walk one step forward to inspire others to a better and sustainable world with love and art!!! Don't stop dreaming!!! Don't stop sharing recycling ideas and art!

You can find Giota online at the following places:
Facebook
Flickr and
Twitter

This post was contributed by Heather of Texas Vintage Things.

Meet Le Petit Reve

Henrietta The Owl. Hootie Plush Toy / Pillow. Eco Friendly. $81.14


Shop name: Le Petit Reve

Location: Toronto, Canada

Le Petit Reve says, "With attention to detail and whimsy; herein you'll discover some of what one needs for swaddling, wearing, soothing, playing, biting/chewing/goobering on, home & nursery decor. Created as much as possible from reused/recycled and/or organic/non-synthetic materials. Each item is almost as unique and beautiful as the babes and mama's they are created for.

Specializing in custom orders, this is the place to stock up on layette for new babies, salves and teas for both mama's and babes. Gift-giving from le petit rêve truly says 'I love you'. You are special. You rock my world. YOU - are the bomb diggs.

Baby Cheeky Bum Salve - All Natural, Organic Ingredients - 4oz. $10.40


I believe that toys/pillows for babies and children should be bright, colorful, high in contrast, safe and environmentally responsible. That dreamcatchers make THE BEST mobiles. I believe that the that First Nations languages, ceremonies, traditions and teachings from our elders should be passed on to our children and shared with other cultures.

catch their dreams and let them snuggle in close...
upcycled, handmade treasures for mama and babe!"

Bear / Beaver Baby Mobile. 3D Dreamcatcher Ball. $130


You can find Le Petit Reve at the following places:
Blog
Etsy
Twitter
Facebook

This post was contributed by Heather of
Texas Vintage Things

Meet Retreauxgirl

Sharon- Repurposed Jade Moonstone Necklace $50


Shop name: Retreauxgirl

Name: Leslie Kibodeaux Venable

Location: Nederland, Texas

Retreauxgirl was created by Leslie Kibodeaux Venable. She's a stay at home mom who recently left retail after 25 years. She currently works on "re purposed" jewelry and also sells vintage items in her Etsy shop.

Bow-Mont Repurposed Bow with Charm Necklace $55


Her Facebook page says, "I make repurposed jewelry from treasures found at Garage Sales, Estate Sales, Flea Markets and Trade Days." Leslie joined the Etsy Recyclers Guild Team in December 2010.

Lisa Repurposed Key Charm Necklace $40


You can find Retreauxgirl at the following places:
Etsy
Facebook
Twitter
Retreauxgirl blog

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

Vintage gifts make the best gifts

We're well into the holiday season and I honestly can't believe Christmas is a little over a week away. I don't even have all of my shopping done. Vintage gifts make the best gifts. There's something about old items that make them special. Perhaps because they have history? I always think about the person who used to own the item. Who were they? What were they like? (Please click on any of the images below to be taken directly to the item)

I think this little Vintage Czech Beaded Purse is so cute and it's only $8:


I love Renoir MATISSE jewelry. Most Renoir pieces I've come across are all amazing copper pieces with enamel. This set is no different and would make a great gift for $149.99. It's vintage and looks very contemporary and artsy:


What about that "hard to buy for" person who loves vintage and collects mushrooms? Well, look no further. This cream/sugar/salt/pepper set would make a great gift for only $35 (salt & pepper not pictured):

Whatever your vintage holiday shopping needs are, look no further than items from Etsy's Recylers Guild Team. Just search WASTENOT under Etsy's vintage section (or click the WASTENOT hyperlink I've just included). Happy holidays from all of the Recyclers Guild team members!

This post was contributed by Heather of Texas Vintage Things.