Vintage Indie

Treasured Memories Between The Pages

Hello, Vintage Indie Readers!~~~Gabreial kindly asked me to guest blog for the next two weeks. I am delighted to do so!

Have you ever been to a book sale and found a piece of your past? It happened to me recently. I attended one of the local library book sales. This is a huge event and it brings in a lot of folks. There are quite a few book dealers who attend as well as regular folks, but I was on the hunt for a treasured memory. Is there a special book from your childhood that you no longer own? I have been looking for one particular book for several years now. There are copies for sale on line but I couldn't afford antiquarian prices. As I squeezed myself into the tiny space that house the children's books for sale, I looked up on the shelf and there it was. "A Pickle for a Nickle."

My mother read this book to me over and over again. And somehow over the years it got misplaced. But I found it for $4 and was thrilled to bits! I was so thrilled in fact that I later went on line and found a reasonably priced near mint condition of another beloved childhood book: "The Marsh Crone's Brew." Now that I have these two stories back on my bookshelf, I feel such a connection to my childhood.

I don't know why "A Pickle for A Nickel" tugs at me so much. Perhaps it's the silliness of the title or the cute boy and parrot. My son looked alot like this boy when he was little.

"The Marsh Crone's Brew" is a creepy Danish tale of a swamp family who makes spring arrive. I thought it was the coolest story ever when I was little. Still do!

So where can you find your favorite childhgood memories between the pages? Check with your local libraries to see if they have used book sales. Church rummage sales are a good source too. On-line auctions sites and antiquarian books sites will usually charge you the highest price, what the market will bear, but if you look long enough you can find a book at a price you want to pay. Major on-line book sellers can also be a good source. Have patience and you will find a cherished childhgood book. I have been looking for many years for "A Pickle For A Nickel" and there is was waiting for me. Good luck!

Elizabeth Holcombe Fedorko, aka Bethsbagz, began her checkered crafting career when at four she realized using paste on paper was better than eating it. Inspired by vintage dime store treasures, vintage fabric, and a no-fear attitude toward color, Beth crafts totes, pin cushions, wreaths, and corsages into her Dime Store Chic creations. Beth would love you to take a peek into her whimsical world at her blog.

 

Move Over Tin Man, There's A Tin Woman In Town!

Hello, Vintage Indie Readers!~~~Gabreial asked me to contribute posts for 
the next two weeks. 
I am pleased to introduce you facets of my whimsical, vintage world! 
Today I want you to meet one of my favorite artists!

Jenny Fillius of Lady Bug Circus creates humorous, colorful, and whimsical art 
from recycled tin. I had the pleasure of interviewing this talented Tin Woman 
and am delighted to share it with you.

 



Why is tin your medium of choice?

Tin is great to work with because it's so available, durable, colorful and in some 
cases nostalgic- like the old tin dollhouses from the 50's. 
(I only cut up damaged tin things and leave the pristine things alone for the 
collectors to have.) It's quintessential recycling. One friend calls it 
"quilting" for the 2000s. The tin has lived its life and now gets another in the 
form of art. Just like an old cotton dress can become part of a quilt.

Your work is so colorful and fun and has a sense of humor. 
Does the use of tin lend itself to those aspects of your work?

Tin can be used as an artist would use paper in a collage, the only difference is I use tin snips instead of scissors, nails instead of glue... you get the idea. I like to be entertained when I look at art so my work is humorous and of course I love color, so often times there is plenty of that! I painted for 10 years and my paintings weren't to unlike what I do now. Both are kinds of art are done in the narrative style. Old tin toys are great for humorous situations.

 

Do you have any formal art school training under your belt?

My first solo show of my drawings was when I was 13, years later I attended California College of Arts and Crafts, but dropped out after 2 classes. Since then I have taken many classes and workshops in a multitude of media.

Tell us a bit about your studio/workspace.

 My studio is a converted one car garage (8' x 17'), it has a skylight and heater and plenty of outlets. The walls are lined with shelving for tin storage, the top of a flat file is a cutting and flattening space.I love having a home studio, parking is free,commute time is 15 seconds and I can work in there anytime of the day or night. Sometimes at 5 AM before I leave for my other job.

 How long have you been selling your wares on etsy? Do you sell your work anywhere else?

In June of 2007 I started selling on Etsy, then in 2009 I created a website and have sold some work off it as well. My work has been in shows, group and solo. I prefer cafes and coffee shops because they generally don't take a commission which keeps my work affordable.

Thank you, Jenny!~~And thank YOU for stopping by Vintage Indie today!

Elizabeth Holcombe Fedorko, aka Bethsbagz, began her checkered crafting career when at four she realized using paste on paper was better than eating it. Inspired by vintage dime store treasures, vintage fabric, and a no-fear attitude toward color, Beth crafts totes, pin cushions, wreaths, and corsages into her Dime Store Chic creations. Beth would love you to take a peek into her whimsical world at her blog.

Collecting Vintage Clothing: An Introduction

Hello Vintage Indie readers! Gabriel kindly to ask me to contribute a couple guest posts about my favorite topic: vintage fashion. Growing up I was surrounded by old things; my mother had a love for antique furniture and clothing, and my grandparents were antiques dealers. While vintage clothing wasn’t the main emphasis for anyone, the appreciation I gained for older textiles and clothing began early. Although I still don’t consider myself a formal “Vintage Clothing Collector”, I have spent a bit of time working on my small “stash” of pieces and refining my eye for a good find. I get many emails asking me “where do I begin?”; hopefully I can shed a little light on the matter!

Vintage clothing is magical; it not only evokes the look and feel of a certain era, but many times pieces feature textiles, patterns and embellishments that you are hard pressed to find on modern clothes. Many garments were also well made and have stood the test of time, making vintage a good investment on pricey and special occasion items. But this wonderful and tantalizing world of past fashion can also be extremely overwhelming--there are so many styles to choose from! Determining what era or style you want to focus your collecting on can be a big help. It can be broad in terms of buying mostly pieces from the 1930s, or mid-century day dresses (which can mean anything from the 40s through mid 60s), or maybe pieces created by a certain designer or brand that span several decades. Or perhaps you’d like to be a bit more narrow, collecting pieces that were only made during the early 1940s, or dresses of a certain color (that would be fun!), or Victorian undergarments. Don’t forget the exciting world of accessories either: hats, costume jewelry, handbags, shoes, scarves--it’s and endless array of colorful temptations!

So where do you start? Ebay is an obvious choice; the vintage categories are a treasure trove of expensive museum-quality pieces as well as hidden gems that can be had for a song. It’s one of those marketplaces that requires a willingness to spend time looking and waiting for the right piece, as well as setting a budget so you don’t get caught up in a bidding frenzy! Etsy is my second favorite spot; even though it’s original purpose was for handmade items, vintage has become a large category. It takes a bit of digging, but you can find gorgeous, curated shops that offer some beautiful pieces with a bit of search-keyword know how! (Plus groups like the Etsy Vintage Team help locate shops.)

Another up-and-coming vintage clothing site is Market Publique, which is a sort of cross between Ebay (auction) and Etsy (instant purchases), and is definitely worth a look!

Other online groups and professional organizations is another place to start your search for online dealers who may not be on Ebay or Etsy, but have independent online stores. The Vintage Fashion Guild has been around since 2002 and had a large variety of members who focus on many different eras and types of vintage.

Want to shop brick and mortar shops? I have found that doing a simple Google search with my town or zipcode can turn up hidden treasures I had no idea existed! Part of the fun of vintage is trying it on and seeing it in person; I have spent many an afternoon going through the racks at my favorite vintage shops. Also make friends with your local shop owners; let them know what sort of pieces you’re looking for. They may be able to keep their eyes open for your specific search when they get new inventory, or even have something in the back room!

Don’t neglect other sources for vintage that may require a bit more footwork for you: thrift shops and flea markets are plentiful. While the competition at these spots has increased over the years as interest in vintage has gained, diligent searching can sometimes yield amazing finds. Again, a Google search or a stop by Thrift Finder (one of my favorites!) can help you locate stores in your town. Craigslist is another great spot to find both vintage clothing for sale, as well as potential vintage hot-spots like church rummage sales and estate sales. Just remember though that many of these items will need to be cleaned (either professionally or by you; just be sure to research what is appropriate for the garment and fabric!) and possibly mended.

Vintage clothing and accessories can be a fantastic way to enrich your wardrobe. Whether you tend towards 100% authenticity in recreating the look of an era, or just want to add a fun hat into your modern wardrobe. It’s worth a look!

What are some of your favorite vintage sources online? Please share in the comments below!

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Casey is an ardent vintage lover, spends her free time sewing and knitting (usually vintage patterns), cooking and spending time with her husband and rascally rabbit. She blogs from sunny Florida about her interests and pursuits at Elegant Musings.

Got Lunch? Fun Vintage Storage!

Lunch boxes. The vintage ones made of printed tins with TV shows, movies, and celebrities of the past. I love them! Recently while foraging my favorite local flea markets I found two lunch boxes which featured flowers. The Aladdin Company made lunch boxes markewted for girls with these lovely pieces: Debutante and Lacey Flowers.

I particulary love Debintante because the handle is on the top like a picnic basket. How fun! These floral cuties adorn my studio and hold millinery flowers I use in my creations.

The fact that the lunch boxes have a floral theme reminds me of what is stored inside. You, too, can find your own lunch box storage solutions. I paid a dollar for Debutante and despite her scuffs and scars, she is so lovely in my studio, and well worth a dollar. Lacy Flowers cost me a tad more at $15. but she is in lovely condition and about as cute as can be!~~You will find a fun vintage lunch box too for the price you want to pay. Just keep looking!~~~All My Best, Elizabeth Holcombe

 

Holiday Advertising Early Deadline (October 22nd) for November

Hello friends,

I just wanted to let you know that if you were looking to book a November ad/sponsor space we will need to book those and publish by This Friday October 22nd (those ads will run October 22nd - November 22nd). or all November ads will have to be started on November 8th. We're sorry for the inconvenience, but we will not have computer access the first of November to publish new sponsors. 

 

We have a passion for quality and uniqueness unlike any other blog. We feel it's important to support indie designers, work at home moms, dads and entrepreneurs. We feel it's also important to continue to keep our blog up to date as well as bring traffic to you.

 

Rates are not going up for the Holiday Season this year so take advantage of this offer soon as we can't promise that we will be able to offer this next year.

Visit our advertising page for blog traffic and further pricing details. Book 3 or more months and receive 15% off!

Gabreial Wyatt

Editor in Chief

House & Home: Bar Stools for a Breakfast Counter

As some of you know, we have our house on the market. We've dubbed this area our breakfast counter for sales purposes and currently use our dining room pub table chairs to sit at the breakfast counter. However, I've always wanted some bar stools here to make this area more complete. What do you think? Should we go with the "pub chair" style or something a little more diner-ish with the rounded cushion top and silver legs?

 

Truth in Review: The above link is a promotional link provided by CSN stores. A gift card was exchanged for this feature and an upcoming product review of a CSN store product.  CSN Stores did require a link to their coffee table store in exchange for the gift card.  All reviews posted by me are truthful in content and will be truthful in nature when I do the future CSN store product review. -   Gabreial Visit our Disclaimer  for more info.

Teach Me: Essential Atlas of the World by Usborne

As home-schoolers it never ceases to amaze me the adventures that a single book can take you on. Just recently we received a copy of The Usborne Essential Atlas of the World to review. It took us on a fantastic journey all over the globe. 

When we opened the book pages four and five started out our journey with Maps & Atlases. Teaching us the difference in Maps and Atlases. This book also happens to be an "internet-linked" book which means it provides you with internet-links to learn even further about the subject. After learning the differences, we moved on to learning what a map key is as well as a map scale.

Those two really peaked their interest. By the time this exploration was finished my boys were excited to create and outline of our living room including a map key. Only two pages in, and we've already learned so much. Next up we plan to move to pages six and seven to go over longitude and latitude since we covered that last year and start looking into the Earth with Satellite Movement, Remote Sensing and Satellite uses.

If you've never picked up an Usborne book before, you are in for a real treat. Usborne books are informative and visually pleasing no matter what the subject. Usborne books aren't just for home schooling. They have many books including readers for beginners, lift and flap books, travel books, puzzles and so much more. Visit Usborne-Books.com for this book and the other topics mentioned.

Have fun learning!

Truth in Review: usborne-books.com did provide me with a copy of this book to review including shipping. I was not paid for the review or require any certain context within my review. All reviews posted by me are truthful in content and not bought. Gabreial Visit our Disclaimer  for more info.

 

 

Through the Lens: Mindy Strauss Photography

{ Through the Lens } { Independent Photography } {Inspired by Pumpkins }

mmmm... I love the rich and warm colors of fall. Don't these pumpkins look delicious. 

Shop these beautiful prints by Mindy Strauss Photography on Etsy.

Vintage Collections: Silhouettes

This is one of the greatest silhouette collections I've seen in one shop.

An instant collection for you if you'd like to begin one. Wouldn't they all look great together on the wall?

 
Grab these already framed pieces at French Quarter Mercantile

 

 

Do you collect anything vintage? If so, we'd love to see your collection here at Vintage Indie. Send your submission to me Subject Vintage Collection

Handmade Crush: Milk Glass Acorn Posts

Shop these earrings at Saylor Rose!

My Vintage Pad: Cindy and Steve's Place in Kirkland, Washington

 Hi Sweet Friends!

I recently got to spend a magical afternoon at the home of a Kirkland, Washington couple who literally sparkle.

Just like the wonderful treasures in their home.

Cindy and Steve are high school sweethearts.  

This husband and wife share a love of all things vintage and whimsical.

A sentiment we can all relate to

This is their front porch

Cindy's creative touches are everywhere

How fun to sit here and enjoy a cool glass of lemonade

The Living Room
   

Cindy's Collection of Vintage Bride and Groom Sets

The Fireplace

 

The Mantle

This retro blue phone makes me long for the days we used to gab on the line for hours

   

A chandelier in the kitchen

Cindy makes these fantastic flowers

And these tiny chairs crafted from champagne stoppers

I love the idea of a clipboard/box combo   

The Family Room

Little displays everywhere

Life of luxury

 

The ceiling in the guest bedroom is a giant map

 

The Master Bedroom

 

 Some of Cindy's jewelry

So pretty

Doesn't this make you want to pull out your pearls? 

Steve has his own special spot...

 

It's a place to hang with the guys and there's an amazing vintage vinyl collection to boot 

Perfect place for a dude to kick back

Back in the main house-- Cindy and Steve sand little sand samples from all their trips

 We'll complete the tour with this sweet sign

Thanks Cindy and Steve, for letting us take a tour of your amazing home!  This cute family (along with daughter Jody) don't have a shop... yet.  Don't you think they should open one?

Hugs, Malia

VI Headliner Sponsor Feature: Whoopsie Daisies

Vintage Indie would like to welcome our newest sponsor Whoopsie Daisies!

 

Whoopsie Daisies shop is brimming with delightful handmade autumn creations like these Retro Fabric Pumpkins.

They've also whipped up all kind of autumn kitchen accessories like this Upcycled Apron.

My favorite pick are the Retro Hot Pads!

Thanks for your support Whoopsie Daisies!

SPONSOR SPECIAL: 10% discount to VI readers.  Make your purchase, then wait for a revised invoice or make a purchase and payment and wait for a refund.

The Daily Swank: Honey Pie Design

Honey Pie Design is just one of those shops that creates housewares that make you smile. 

Shop their pillow collection for these or to customize one of your own.

Honey Pie Design

Through the Lens: Joy St. Claire

{ Through the Lens } { Independent Photography } {Inspired by Autumn }

I never get tired of ranuculus, I think they're one of God's most beautiful creations.

Shop Joy St. Clair's prints at her Self Titled Etsy Shop JoyStClaire

Copyright © Joy St. Claire

Whole Living: Review & Giveaway Real Food on a Real Budget by Stephanie Langford

Over the past couple of years our family has made a genuine effort to change our eating habits. With that has come many hours of research and thought provoking ideas on what is healthy and what's not healthy. The conclusions I've come to and I'm still searching, are across the board. One thing I've learned for certain is that our food is not at all what it once used to be, even when talking about whole foods. Real Food on a Real Budget by Stephanie Langford came at a really great time in our life as prices are on the rise and eating the healthy way my heart desires was becoming overwhelming.

Stephanie opens the book introducing her charming family and her heart strong desires to feed her family with real, wholesome foods on a practical budget. Even though Stephanie and her husband Ryan live in Canada, almost every single aspect of the book can be applied to lives and budgets here in the U.S.  In her book she approaches you as if you were sitting at her "worn, oak kitchen table, with a plate full of nutritious goodies".

 

I loved the warmth and encouragement in her voice as you travel throughout the pages. The first few chapters break down budget, options and meal planning which are all very important to eating real food on a budget. These are key to your success after reading the book and highly suggested that you don't skip over. If you are a foodie like me, it is easy to want to dive ahead to the chapters specifically talking about food, like Homemade is Best. 

As you proceed through the book you'll find helpful topics like "Can Coupons Work for You" and "It's the Little Things that Count. Each one bringing fresh and new ideas to this "budget friendly" way of thinking when approaching whole foods.

 

Another one of my favorite aspects of the book is the "Wisdom from Women" sections. These are snippets of great information from women around the globe offering their special secrets on how to make real food on a real budget successful. 

 

I thoroughly enjoyed the book and give it my personally recommendation. I'm thrilled to also offer one reader a chance to win a copy of Real Food on a Real Budget by Stephahie Langford. 

 

To win a copy, please visit Stephanie's blog/website Keeper of the Home and share one thing you learned from her Real Food & Nutrition Category. (this step is mandatory) 

 

For additional entries;

1. Publish a post on your blog linking to this review and giveaway

2. Publish/link to this post via Facebook

 

One winner will be chosen Monday October 18th. Good luck to you!

Truth in Review: Stephanie Langford did provide me with a copy of the book Real Food on a Real Budget to review including shipping. I was not paid for the review or require any certain context within my review. All reviews posted by me are truthful in content and not bought. Gabreial Visit our Disclaimer  for more info.

Submission Request: In Your Hometown

 

October is such a wonderful time. Small businesses are preparing for the holiday shopping season and getting ready to do what they do best, serve you! How about giving them a boost by showing off your "hometown" favorites. Snap photos, interview owners, or just send us a link to your favorite Vintage Hot Spot, Indie Business, Speciality Shop or Family Businesses.

All submissions will be considered, but may not be inculded. Please email submissions Subject Line: My Hometown.

 

The Daily Swank: Industrial Distressed Vintage

Weather it is shiny antique silver you are after or like today's daily swank industial distressed vintage, you really can turn anything into a vignette or collection.

Shop and find these items at VintageSeventyFive

Oh, it's Monday!

Hey there,

Sorry I missed you this morning for Making the Most of Monday. We've been deep into school books today with a full schedule of nothing but school work until my Zumba class this evening. Speaking of Zumba, anyone ever try it? It is so much fun and a great workout. I hope your week has gotten of to a great start. I'd like to take a moment to welcome our Featured Sponsor for October.

MagnetStreet has been a great supporter throughout the year and we couldn't have done it without their support. Please take a moment to visit their website. It isn't to early to start thinking about family photo Christmas cards, wouldn't a magnet be fun!

 

If you'd like to advertise your small business or blog, now is a great time. We start ads all throughout the month and are happy to extend your ad into the next month. Our rates will not be going up for the holiday shopping season. We know how tough it has been the past couple of years for small businesses.

Thanks so much, see you back here soon!

Gabreial

On the Road with Guest Amber Strehle at Creative Connection Minneapolis

Style:  A quality of imagination and individuality expressed in one's actions and tastes.

Hello fashionistas!

I’m fresh home from a simply AMAZING trip to Minneapolis for the first EVER Creative Connection. This event was sensory overload in so so many ways.  Of course I could not help myself, and just had to snap a few pictures of this ever talented group of ladies, and (of course!) what they were wearing.

 

A little fashion inspiration from The Vintage Barn!

 

Kecia from Lemoncholy’s is not only a VERY talented artist, she looks just plain FAB!

 

Becky & Holly from All that Glitter!

 

Oh my! Look at these shoes! Sweet Candy Creations

 

Let’s talk about this sweet girl! She had a story to go with her guitar, everything on it had a special meaning or reason it was there. If you look closely you can even see Ree Drummond’s autograph! What a talented lady!

 

Happy girls!

 

Elaine  & Rolane from Barn Baby all dressed up for the welcome dinner on Friday night. These ladies went ALL out! Loving all the time and attention that went into these outfits.

My girlfriend said, “Really these types of events are just about the only place we can all dress totally free and not even get a funny look, but rather, “Oh!! I just love your outfit!””  I could not agree more.

 Amber  loves  (just to name a few)  Zach, her 4 children, friends,  stacks of books, photography, God,  coffee and deep conversation. What she does not love is, dirty toilets, folding laundry and when the person in the Starbucks Drive-Thru does not pull up all the way.  You can find her on her personal blog Tres Birds.