Vintage Indie

House & Home: How do you do vintage?

I've shown you this photo before, and I'm sill looking to get bar stools or home bar furniture. What about you? Do you have a home bar/breakfast counter that you've made vintage or used vintage materials with? I'd love to see your ideas on what you would do with this space. 

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.

On the Road with Contributing Editor Malia Karlinsky : JohnBob CoolJunk

Hello there, Vintage Lovers!  Join me for a tour of JohnBob CoolJunk's booth at Seattle's 2nd Saturdayz Flea Market.  Bob has a special way of putting things together.  Fun, festive inspiration.

 

Thank you, Bob.  If you happen to be in the Pacific Northwest, you can find more from JohnBob CoolJunk at South Tacoma Way Antiques and Collectibles.  Contact JohnBob  .

See you soon sweeties!

VI Headliner: Dolan Geiman

Vintage Indie would like to welcome Dolan Geiman as our newest sponsor. Dolan Geiman features handmade eco-friendly artwork, paintings, collages and reproductions on wood.

Visit Dolan Geiman on Etsy for these art pieces as well as many more for the art lover on your Christmas shopping list.

 

Thanks so much to Dolan Geiman for sponsoring Vintage Indie! If you would like to sponsor Vintage Indie, we would love to have you!

Exclusive Black Friday & Cyber Monday Deals: Pink Pig

Thanks so much for stopping by Vintage Indie during your busy shopping weekend! We hope you enjoy the exclusive specials you'll find here this weekend!

Please help me welcome PINK PIG!

Original Feed Sack Pillows

Black Vintage Desk

White Ironstone Pitcher

 

A special thank you to Pink Pig for sponsoring this Black Friday/Cyber Monday special feature for Vintage Indie. Visit our Disclaimer/Disclosure  for more info.

Exclusive Black Friday & Cyber Monday Deals: Flapper Girl

Thanks so much for stopping by Vintage Indie during your busy shopping weekend! We hope you enjoy the exclusive specials you'll find here this weekend!

Please help me welcome Flapper Girl!

Aprons

Garlands

Vintage Indie Readers get FREE SHIPPING! free shipping on all items
from November 26 - 29. See shop for details.

SHOP > Flapper Girl

 

A special thank you to Flapper Girl for sponsoring this Black Friday/Cyber Monday special feature for Vintage Indie. Visit our Disclaimer/Disclosure  for more info.

VI Headliner Sponsor Feature: MagnetStreet Weddings

MagnetStreet is celebrating brides with their Happy Thanksgiving Sale!

25% off ALL Wedding Stationery from MagnetStreet Weddings

Save the Dates, Invitations, Reception Items, Embellishments, Thank Yous…

Enter promo code WHAPPY25

Expires 11/29/10

 

Vintage Indie Kids: 1Crown3Tiaras

Recently I had the pleasure of taking my boys to get some formal wear, ties, dress pants and dress shoes. It was truly a delight, and then to see them all dressed up it just warmed my heart. I'm sure if I had girls, it would feel the same. Here's a little push to help you if you're looking for the perfect fall and winter clothes for your little one. 

Autumn Dress

Ruffle Neck Tunic

2010 Vintage Deer Dress

Shop these and more from 1Crown3Tiaras

Teach Me: Advent through Nature

 

Christmas is such a glorious time to celebrate and no matter how fast it seems to come though media and marketing, our eyes should be focused on the reason why Christmas is Christ-mas. Our eyes should be focused on Him. Advent seems to be a wonderful way to slow down our thoughts on gifts and purchases and direct our hearts towards Jesus.  

Recently a lovely lady from our home school co-op introduced me to the idea of "Christmas School". The idea is that you celebrate Christmas daily within your school time. Whether you're choosing a special book to read that's been wrapped like a present or creating writing prompts to reflect upon Christmas and the heart. Whatever that it is you choose to do, it's to be made special

I recently had the opportunity to get a sneak peek at another great way to focus on the reason for the season and a great idea for "Christmas School", a Nature Study Advent!

I'm talking about the new Nature Study Through the Holidays. A mini book of nature studies for advent. I don't know about you, but I'm one of those home school moms that needs directions and specific instructions on how to make school fun. I love the idea that this mini nature study by Shining Dawn Books is as easy as downloading the pdf file, printing out the pages for each child and taking off! It's full of ideas for incorporating nature though traditional advent. They've even included scripture references and hymnals along withe their nature topic.

Do fun things like explore your neighborhood by candle light and discover all the reds and greens you can find on a winter walk. I think this Nature Study would make a great addition to any home whether you home school or not. Create a new tradition this year and learn more about nature while you focus on the true meaning of Christmas.

Visit Shining Dawn Books to purchase this down-loadable ebook for only $5.00!

Truth in Review: Shining Dawn Books did provide me with a digital copy of their Nature Study Through the Holidays. I was not paid for the review or required any certain context within my review. All reviews posted by me are truthful in content and not bought. Gabreial Visit our Disclaimer/Disclosure  for more info.

 

Through the Lens: Cristy Beck Images

{ Through the Lens } { Independent Photography } {Inspired by Changing Seasons }

 

SHOP

Cristy Beck Images

Entertaining & Parties: Any Reason to Celebrate

I could think of many reasons to celebrate this Thanksgiving Holiday and many more throughout the Christmas season but any one will do if their is cake bunting involved!

Swoon!

Shop Kiki La Rue for The Original Cake Bunting.

 

 

Sponsor Black Friday & Cyber Monday Holiday Gift Guide

The deadline to sponsor the Black Friday & Cyber Monday Holiday Gift Guide has been extended to the 24th, but don't delay! There won't be another extention! 

Is your business looking to amp up the holiday sales a bit this Black Friday & Cyber Monday? Well, we have just the thing for you! Sponsor Vintage Indie on Black Friday/Cyber Monday and be included in a four day weekend specially designed for you. Black Friday features will only include those of sponsors and remain in Vintage Indie's archives forever. Your features will also remain on the top page for the full four day weekend. They'll also be easily found through links in the Vintage Indie categories.

This is your time to shine, share your sales, specials and holiday offers. Each listing includes one specific feature just for you. A 300x300 pixel logo image, and up to 4 product photos. (each is limited to editing by the editor for size purposes).

To purchase your space in this special Black Friday/Cyber Monday Holiday Gift Guide 

Email

Subject: 2010 Holiday Gift Guide

Price is $15.00 per feature.

Deadline for photos, logo & inclusion is November 23rd.

We look forward to a fabulous Holiday season with you!

Gabreial Wyatt

Editor

The Daily Swank: The Bib Necklace

The bib collar necklace is such a wonderful addition to recent jewelry design. I love the ideas and intricate details that some of them entail. Today's Daily Swank is from True Rebel Designs and I think these would make a great addition to holiday attire. 

 

Visit True Rebel Designs to see more one of a kind designs.

Deck the Halls 2010: Activities Advent Calendar

Tis the season! Aren't you excited! This time of year brings cold weather and I'm the last person to really enjoy cold weather, but I do fancy Christmas. This year's Deck the Halls series starts our with the topic of Advent with the first creative calendar coming from Etsy Shop YouAreMyCupOfTea.

 

"This handmade advent calendar is a series of coin sized envelopes, one for each of the 25 days leading up to Christmas! I have included 3 pre-filled out Christmas activity cards, and 25 blank cards for you to fill out with your own activities!"

I think this is such a great idea instead of sweet treats for advent. Each evening you could sing a song together, read a scripture, tell a story or even a family craft together.

Head over to YouAreMyCupOfTea to purchase this delightful Advent calendar.

VI Headliner Sponsor Feature: Katie Kay

Good afternoon lovelies, please help me in welcoming our newest sponsor Katie Kay to Vintage Indie.

Can you tell us a little bit about yourself? - My name is Katie Kirby. I am an actress and writer. I am currently working on my website KatieKay as well as writing a t.v. series and I just finished writing my first play.

What do you hope Vintage Indie readers gain from your website? -  I started the website to display what I do in regards to writing, but also because I have travelled a lot and I love hearing recommendations myself, I wanted to do the same, whether it's a book, an exhibition, a store of interest or anything,



Do you have any vintage inspirations? - I love vintage clothing. That is how I found your website and I love your recommendations. My favourite vintage items are hats and scarves. I can never get enough! 

 

Thanks so much to Katie Kirby for sponsoring Vintage Indie! If you would like to sponsor Vintage Indie, we would love to have you!

Sponsor Black Friday & Cyber Monday Holiday Gift Guide

Is your business looking to amp up the holiday sales a bit this Black Friday & Cyber Monday? Well, we have just the thing for you! Sponsor Vintage Indie on Black Friday/Cyber Monday and be included in a four day weekend specially designed for you. Black Friday features will only include those of sponsors and remain in Vintage Indie's archives forever. Your features will also remain on the top page for the full four day weekend. They'll also be easily found through links in the Vintage Indie categories.

This is your time to shine, share your sales, specials and holiday offers. Each listing includes one specific feature just for you. A 300x300 pixel logo image, and up to 4 product photos. (each is limited to editing by the editor for size purposes).

To purchase your space in this special Black Friday/Cyber Monday Holiday Gift Guide 

Email

Subject: 2010 Holiday Gift Guide

Price is $15.00 per feature.

Deadline for photos, logo & inclusion is November 23rd.

We look forward to a fabulous Holiday season with you!

Gabreial Wyatt

Editor

Paper Arts with a Vintage Feel with Contributing Editor Malia Karlinsky

Hi There!  I recently attended a paper crafting show in Seattle. There were loads of lovely things to see but one booth in particular felt very vintage indie. Crafty Secrets offers retro and vintage crafting supplies that also feel fresh.  Head Designer Vicki Chrisman shared some of her favorite products and projects with us:

 

For more inspiration visit the Crafty Secrets website and blog.  Check out Vicki Chrisman's personal blog too.  Lots of vintage loving beauty. 

 

Malia Karlinsky is a wife and a Mom to two cute kids.  She enjoys elegant upcycling, finding vintage treasures, sewing, photography and writing.  Oh and tap dancing which she isn't good at but really loves.  In her previous career, Malia was a television writer and producer. Visit Malia  on her blog Yesterday On Tuesday

 

Teach Me with Games: Solitaire Chess

It's that time of year again! Time for Christmas gifts, and boy do I have a great one for you. Recently Timberdoodle Co. gave my family the opportunity to review Solitaire Chess.

I have to tell you, from the get-go it has been a hit. My oldest son has found a love for the traditional game of chess, so he was very excited to learn about this new game. After a quick overview of the instructions,ThinkFun Solitaire Chess was packed in our travel bag for our recent 14 hour car drive. The game conveniently includes all of the pieces in a handy self contained storage box making it perfect for travel. 

My oldest love playing Solitaire Chess at our condo on vacation. I do want to point out the video game on the side (not being played)

As somone who hasn't played chess or know anything about chess I have to say, this is a nifty game. My youngest son has already memorized the chess pieces and is already diving in to play.

Solitaire Chess is a great way to sharpen your chess skills practicing only traditional chess moves. From the website;

This logic game, based on the rules of chess, will not only help you learn the game, but also greatly improve your ability to "think chess." Fast-paced Solitaire Chess includes 60 challenges from beginner to expert, ten chess pieces, and a storage bag. Ages eight to adult.

My husband has also been finding some time to play and says that once you move through the basic beginner stages of the game, it starts to pick up and provide quite a challenge. Learning happens all of the time strategy is great for the brain and teaches patience and thinkiing skills. It makes me smile to see all three of them huddled around the game board working on a strategy together.

Since there are four of us in the house, we each gave it a thumbs up or down. This game got a full four thumbs up from our family. Check out Timberdoodle Co. for ThinkFun Solitaire Chess, or more family and educational games. If you are a homeschooler be sure to also check out their free catalog. 

Truth in Review: Timberdoodle Co. did provide me with ThinkFun Solitaire Chess 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/Disclosure  for more info.

VI Headliner: Wedding Paper Divas

Vintage Indie would like to welcome our latest sponsor Wedding Paper Divas to Vintage Indie. Please join me for a brief interview below with Joreen Bones of Wedding Paper Divas.

How did Wedding Paper Divas come about?

Wedding Paper Divas was created by three friends who share a love of giving and receiving high quality stationery. Seeing paper and hand-written notes increasingly taking a back seat to email and digital communications, we set out to restore the excitement and the days of announcements, invitations and "just-because" notes in everyone's mailboxes. Having worked in ecommerce in Silicon Valley for many years and sharing a passion for new technology that makes people's lives easier and more convenient, we were inspired to build a website that made shopping for paper fun, easy and even better than the store shopping experience. As recent newlyweds ourselves, we were especially drawn to the wedding market after personally going through the frustrating experience of trying to shop for unique, high-quality wedding invitations online.

Wedding Invitations: Vintage Magnolias


Since our parent company, Tiny Prints, launched in Spring 2004, we have been very fortunate to serve our very loyal and passionate customers who share our same appreciation for giving great stationery. We love what we do and find great joy in helping brides-to-be find the perfect design and paper that inspires and leaves a lasting impression.

Wedding Paper Divas, a recent addition to the family to Tiny Prints, offers only exclusive designs and stationery found nowhere else online or offline. We work with well-known to up-and-coming artists who design wedding invitations, bridal shower invitations and thank you cards just for Wedding Paper Divas. And because we use the latest in digital printing technology, you are guaranteed the highest quality printing and extremely fast turnaround.

Can you tell us something unique about your company that other similar companies don't offer?

Save the Date: Vintage Poster
 
What We Do Differently
Unique, Modern Products from Top Designers

We are obsessed with designing the finest, highest quality stationery that is unique, simple and modern. Unlike many other stationery companies that simply provide an extensive, something-for-anyone offering, Wedding Paper Divas works with talented artists all over the country to design truly unique products that match current trends and styles. We are proud to offer products from both seasoned veterans in the industry, as well as younger, fabulously talented designers. Many of these newer designers have not sold their products online to-date and are thus making their first entry into the online world with us at Wedding Paper Divas.

Thank You Cards: Vintage Profiles

We believe it is important to let you easily personalize and preview an invitation before ordering. You can let our suggested wording and layout guide you, or you can create a card entirely from scratch in the font types, sizes and colors of your choice! Either way, you will be able to preview your invitations and approve the exact look prior to ordering. We have built a powerful set of tools to help make this process fun and convenient.

Great Product Information

Social stationery can and should reflect every family's personal taste. For the discriminating customer, finding the perfect design may take a little time and effort. We are committed to ensuring you have all the information and support to help you pick just the right design for your special occasion, including close up product shots, design descriptions and the fine details about the paper.

 

I couldn't run Vintage Indie without sponsors like Wedding Paper Divas and I truly appreciate their support. If you would like to sponsor Vintage Indie, we would love to have you! 

Sponsor Home School Mom's Night Out Swag Bags!

 

La Poule Blance

Photo Copyright © HoneyTree

Good afternoon fellow indie businesses. This year I'm helping plan a Mom's Night out for our home school co-op. Our co-op consists of 42 mama's and growing. I'm looking to introduce them to the world of independent small businesses like yourself. I'm looking for canvas bags, totes,gift cards, gift tags, wrapping paper,ornaments, samples and full sized products. If you or your business is interested in sponsoring and getting your name out there to a fantastic group of mamas, wives, daughters and friends this is a great opportunity.

Items will need to be shipped to me by November 30th. For your support I will be featuring a "What's in the Swag Bag" article here at Vintage Indie, including links to your businesses! 

If interested please email me Gabreial Wyatt Editor of Vintage Indie with the subject line Swag Bags.

Thanks so much for your support and we look forward to supporting you in return.

Gabreial Wyatt

 

I've missed you!

Hello lovelies,

How is everyone doing? Did you miss me while I was away? I hope you enjoyed my special guests, Casey of Elegant Musings and Elizabeth Holcombe. I sure did enjoy reading their features when I returned. Please help me thank them by visiting their sites. They are all a chock full of vintage goodness.

My family and I just returned from a trip of a lifetime. We had a wonderful time with great friends. We've never ventured out of the U.S. before and took the plunge this past couple of weeks.  My camera was ruined during our cave tubing adventure in Belize, but thank goodness for the boys DSi's, I captured some beautiful scenery (although a bit grainy). I thought I'd post a few here if your like me and facing the cold weather season, boo right!

Costa Maya

Costa Maya

I could move to the beach or an island for that matter. I love me some sunshine!

I hope to show you more of our trip including a few from our cave tubing adventure. You have got to meet Dave of Cave Tubing R Us!

Have a great day everyone,

Gabreial

Vintage Indie Life: Auction Hunters Coming to SPIKE Tomorrow

We don't watch a lot of T.V. around here, but when we do it is usually something educational or something hubby and I are both interested in. When I got wind of Auction Hunters, a new show starting tomorrow November 9th on Spike, I added it to our calendar. Auction Hunters is similar to other shows in the same respects as going on a treasure hunt, but there's a catch. They have no idea what could be behind the doors of the abandoned storage units. Have any of you ever bid on one of these before? I've been curious, but nervous about what I was spending my money on. Wouldn't it be great to land a unit full of vintage treasures!

 

Every day in America, there are over ten thousand abandoned storage units that are put up for public auction. Each unit has the potential to be a goldmine or a bust for those who make their living hunting unclaimed property. This eight half-hour episode series follows two of the best prospectors in the business, Clinton "Ton" Jones and Allen Haff, in their quest to win auctions, acquire treasure and sell it for profit.

 

If you happen to catch the show, let us know what you think!

Auction Hunters Trailer | SpikeTV | SPIKE.com

 

Truth in Review: This is a paid review, however All reviews posted by me are truthful in content and specific wording is not bought. An embeded video was required for the payment. Gabreial Visit our Disclaimer/Disclosure for more info.

Holiday Advertising is Upon Us!

Hello friends,

It's that time of year again! The holidays are upon us and the shopping season begins. As always here at Vintage Indie we encourage you to shop with independent small business owners as much as possible for your holiday gifts.

For those businesses who are ready for the shopping rush, we'd like to encourage you to book your ad space here at Vintage Indie soon. Spacing is limited and filling up!

 

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 same pricing 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

Accessories: Vintage Fabrics Find New Life As Jewelry Organizers

Hello, Vintage Indie Readers! Gabreial kindly asked me to submit posts for the past two weeks and I am delighted to do so!

I would like you to meet Suzy Spence of Georgia Peachez ! For over ten years Suzy has created fabulous purses and other useful totes from the coolest vintage fabrics, buttons, and trims! I spoke to Suzy recently about some of her latest creations, jewelry organizers!

Suzy, why jewelry organizers?

My passion is vintage textiles and I love to find new ways to bring these lovely linens of the past to a modern use.

I also love jewelry and I've found a way to combine the vintage textiles and jewelry by making pretty little totes for my jewelry when I travel.

How are your jewelry totes different from your other tote bags?

My jewelry totes are just like a bigger tote but only about 9" x 7 " they have a plastic organizer that slips inside to hold earrings and small necklaces, bigger necklaces just drop right into the tote. 

 

Suzy, these are so pretty!

 

I think the vintage textiles combine nicely to make a pretty patchwork for these little totes and a very stylish way to take your jewelry on the road.

Thank you to Suzy for sharing her stylish one-of-a-kind ideas for recycling vintage fabrics and trims! And thank you, Vintage Indie Readers, for stopping by!~~~Beth

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.

 

 

Deck the Halls: Shiny and Bright Vintage Find

Hello, Vintage Indie Readers! Gabreial asked to me to contribute posts over the next two weeks and I am happy to do so!

When I was a little girl my father was in charge of stringing the lights on the Christmas tree he bought from the parking lot of the Jaycees Men's Club. The tree was usually a balsam with sparse branches and a fragrance to match no other! The lights my father put on the tree had large bulbs and these wide flower-shaped aluminum light reflectors. Our skinny balsam filled out in such shiny glory once the lights came on and illuminated the shiny ruffled surfaces of the reflectors.Today I have some of those aluminum reflectors for our Christmas tree, but I have collected lots more at flea markets and estate sales. These shiny flower-shaped reflectors are a fun addition to holiday crafting!

You can usually find these shiny beauties at a few for a dollar or much less. Often you can find a whole box with dozens of them for a few dollars!

One of my favorite things to craft with the reflectors are wreaths. The reflectors are the perfect "cup" to hold small vintage glass ornaments and bits of tinsel, glued securely down and attached to a tinsel-covered wreath form.

Here is a detail.

This is the perfect time of year to score some of these reflectors for yourself. The thrift shops are putting out Christmas goodies and there has to be some reflectors in the mix.

Good luck and happy holiday crafting! Beth

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.

 

 

Vintage Fashion Forward: Snuggle Up With Wintage Looks This Autumn

Hello Vintage Indie readers! Gabreial kindly to ask me to contribute a couple guest posts about my favorite topic: vintage fashion.

With the weather turning crisp in many parts of the Northern Hemisphere (oh! how I envy you all as I’m in sunny and still warm Florida!), my mind has turned to fall dressing. I love putting together little outfits utilizing vintage and handmade finds, especially when they revolved around a theme. So here are a handful of outfits from independent shops on Etsy all with a distinctly vintage autumnal flair, mostly inspired by 1940s and 50s styles. What looks are inspiring you this fall?

snuggle up for november: angora ahoy sweater at 1stlove, sleepy owl bracelet, 1940s black cord bag, 30s/40s black leather oxfords & blackwatch plaid skirt.

autumn farmer's market: little flared red dress, multicolored carpet bag, copper pinecone earrings, 50s brown wool felt hat & auburn leather riding boots.

afternoon walk in the park: 50s paisley dress, detachable lace collar, ode to france charm bracelet, vintage cut out oxfords & sand bow belt.

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.