One Dress, Two Dress
10 Apr 2012 1 Comment
in Accessories, Handmade, Outfits, Vintage Accessories, Vintage Apparel Tags: handmade, handmade jewelry, handmade necklace, roper boots, vintage, vintage accessories, vintage boots, Vintage clothing
Usually when I find the base inspiration for my vintage outfit creations I know exactly what I want to do with them. But, when I stumbled across this amazing 1950/60′s wiggle dress I was completely stumped. One side of my brain was screaming PUNK! while the other CLASSY! This dress is so versatile (as you will come to find out!) and to state it plainly, presents to many styling options! Which is great when you think about it. Buy one dress, get multiple outfits! So, going with that, I decided not to torture myself any longer and do both Punk and Classy. And, as you can see, I had so much fun! Check out what I came up with:
(What would you do with this dress?)
I am absolutely in LOVE with this 50′s/60′s Vintage Peach Cocktail Dress from RococoVintage! It’s so amazingly unusual! Clean, simple lines with an adorable cap sleeve in front and then in back, a dramatic plunging back with dramatic waterfall ruffles. This dress will elicit stares of lust and longing wherever you tread! Perfect for upscale cocktail parties, for weddings, for romantic (and sultry) evenings out, or for any other especially special event. Unique, daring, and truly darling all at once!
I am ALWAYS on the search for a pair of good Roper Boots. Especially ones that are actually in my size! Which, is extremely hard. There are plenty of 9′s, 10′s, even 8′s, but when it comes to 7/7.5 FORGET IT! It’s like finding a needle in a haystack! HOWEVER, last night I got lucky when I stumbled on these 7 1/2 Classic Vintage Black Roper Boots from GrannysBootery (Love that shop name!). It’s the small things that make my heart flutter! These no fuss, straight up plain old roper boots are what I consider a “wardrobe essential.” Tim Gunn would probably argue with me, but these would be my staple and I would wear them with EVERYTHING. In great condition, you’re search (or mine if you’re not quick!) is over if you’re on the look for one of these beauties!
Favorite feature on this Vintage Elastic Belt from LarkVintage? The butterfly clasp! It’s so adorable and unique. Usually when I am looking for belts on Etsy, especially black ones, I get a lot of studded leather belts or woven belts, which I love, but I was looking for a belt that was different and not indicative of the accessories I usually feature with outfits. And that’s exactly what I thought when I saw this vintage beauty. It’s charming, eclectic and actually puts a smile on your face when you see it. It could go punk or classy and you don’t have to worry about it wearing down because it is elastic! Now that I think about it, I have a friend who LOVES butterflies and she would be head over heels over this!
Besides my love of owls, antique keys and Polaroids, I adore long chain necklaces with wing pendants. I know, it sounds odd and I can’t explain, I just know I love it. Although, now that I think about it, it might have something to do with the fact that I loved studying Ancient Roman/Greek history and their mythology in school and when I see wings I always associate it with Pegasus….. Ok, that was probably more information than you ever needed to know about me and why I love wing necklaces! More about the actual necklace: It is a Silver Angel Wing Long Chain Pendant by ZaraTaylor, a jewelry maker on Etsy (who I will be doing an interview with and posting soon!). It comes with no clasp as it is long enough to go over your head, which I prefer! It just makes it easier when you’re getting dressed! Perfect for any boho or rocker outfit!
1940s + Suede + Pumps = Vintage Treasure. That would be the best word to describe these leather soled Vintage 1940s Pumps in buttery soft chocolate brown suede from RococoVintage. An absolute Treasure. The seller describes them better than I can! Here’s what she says: This classic pair of pumps from the 1940s are just breathtaking — they are some of the most perfect shoes from this era that I have ever seen! In a deliciously rich shade of chocolate brown, these shoes will provide the finishing touch to a whole variety of outfits, while the metal taps on the heels will create the most satisfyingly audible sound as you walk and dance! Absolutely wonderful, and in just shy of pristine condition! This beautiful designer shoes were made over 60 years ago and are in phenomenal condition — they are truly a treasure and very rare!!
So, I had to go Handmade on this belt. I was looking for something super specific because I knew I wanted a bow belt to tie together an adorable outfit perfect for work or a classy night out. This Soft Leather Bow by ManoBello fit that bill. It’s simple, easy and versatile. It’s not to “kidish” and won’t make your perfectly pink ensemble match your 5 year old niece’s favorite dress! And it’s not so obnoxious that it takes away from the outfit. It’s just right.
This Freshwater Pearl Necklace by VirginiaGeigerJewels is labeled as a “Wedding Necklace,” BUT I think they can be worn with either your new “Pretty in Pink” outfit or any one of your fun, girly ensembles. I appreciate the spaces between the pearls, giving it a lighter, more romantic appearance rather than the heavy or bulky look that sometimes full pearl necklaces can have. And the small gold leaf just adds to the charm of the handmade necklace. Here’s what the seller says: This lovely golden flower pendant is wire wrapped off center with large freshwater pearls and is completed with a delicate gold fill chain. Also available is silver!
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Stripes Are The New Black!
03 Apr 2012 2 Comments
in Vintage Apparel Tags: etsy vintage, summer fashion 2012, vertical stripes, vintage, vintage apparel, vintage dresses, vintage fashion, vintage skirts, vintage tops
So, I was poking around Facebook a few weeks ago and came across a post from one of my fashion buddies that I found to be rather interesting. Apparently, and I totally missed the boat on this one, VERTICAL stripes are in! NOT horizontal, VERTICAL. Who would’ve guessed it, right? I was not prepared for that one at all. Of course I remained a bit skeptical as I hadn’t yet seen any evidence to support this fashion prediction, BUT the MINUTE I went shopping I was attacked by stripe fever! They were everywhere! How I didn’t know about this before, I have no idea. Maybe it is because I’m not really a stripes person. But, fashion is fashion and it is my job to keep you not only informed, but to find fabulous vintage pieces for the fashion present. Kudos to you, Cara Bloom of Me So Savvy for bringing this style to my attention!
| BadJames Vintage |
Thrush |
Southwest Vintage |
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70s Multicolor What the Seller Says: What an interesting skirt! So fun and full of life – we couldn’t help but pair it will all black. A white tee in the summer would also be superb! Features Red yellow blue colors, Midlength, Clasp waist, Veritical stripes. Tag says Size 6. Fits like S/M |
What the Seller Says: Adorable vertical stripe vintage dress. Super comfortable and light weight. Features: Two front pockets, two side belt loops at the waist, and front/ sleeve button closures. Has the original ILGWU tag still attached. *Brand: Suburban Corner
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What the Seller Says: Vintage 80′s black and white vertical striped blazer. The blazer is double breasted with four buttons in the front. It also has two pocket in the front. The sleeves are long and tailored to be cuffed. The fabric has a linen texture and the jacket has shoulder pads that can easily be removed if desired. The jacket is in good vintage condition.
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| BlessThat Dress |
BlessThat Dress |
RedPoppy VintageShop |
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What the Seller Says: Dead stock vintage high-waisted, beneath the knee length skirt. A very flattering design. Vertical stripes in biege, blue and gray. It has front pockets. |
Vintage Multicolor What the Seller Says: Dead stock vintage multicolour striped blouse. It has a cute mao collar. A colorful, girly and versatile garment that can give a unique touch to any look! |
What the Seller Says: Super cute a line dress with multi-color vertical stripes. Size: best fits size S/M (ask about measurments) |
| Sunflower Seamstress |
Artfully Urban |
Vonlenska Vintage |
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What the Seller Says: A super cozy navy and white striped sweater with red embroidery on the front. |
What the Seller Says: 100% silk sleeveless blouse *Tag size: Medium |
What the Seller Says: Vintage 60s sleeveless navy blue and white space age mod shift dress with all over circle texture, white stripe across the shoulders and down the center front, and a zipper down the back to close. In excellent vintage condition. Shown belted in first photo. Will best fit a size LARGE No tag |
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Wish I Could’ve Seen…
09 Mar 2012 3 Comments
in Vintage Other, Vintage Photography Tags: 18th amendment, 1920s, 20s, 20s speakeasy, black and white, prohibition, vintage, vintage photography
The Speakeasies of the 20s! Bottoms up!
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Vintage Belts For Your Vintage Trousers…
08 Mar 2012 Leave a Comment
in Vintage Accessories Tags: etsy vintage, hand tooled belts, vintage, vintage accessories, vintage belts, vintage leather belts
It’s funny to think that when I was a kid I HATED belts. My stepmom would always try and make me wear them and I would cry dramatically that I thought they were uncomfortable because they pinched my stomach. Then she would try her hardest to reason with a stubborn 8 year old that belts weren’t just for holding our pants up, but they were fashionable. This of course went completely over my head and I would still shout that I hated them. What 8 year old understands fashion? All I cared about were climbing trees, gymnastics and making forts in the woods. What did I know about fashion? I think my mom purposely put me in the most generic of clothes because she knew the next time she saw me I would be covered in dirt. But, needless to say, my stepmom was right. It took me a couple of years to understand it, but now, as I am writing this, I have to agree with the woman! (Don’t tell her I told you so!)
Lets face it, you can have the most uber-fabulous vintage outfit, but without the proper accessories it can fall flat. The easiest accessory to help you with the finishing touches on your ensemble is the belt. Of course, knowing me, it can’t just be ANY old belt, but a unique, detailed oriented totally original vintage belt. A belt that you wouldn’t be able to find in any old corporate chain store (not to say that I don’t love to pop into them every one in a while!) So, where do I head to find some amazing belts? ETSY! You had to know the answer to that one! There was such an amazing variety of belts, that I almost felt overwhelmed. But, through the hour of searching, I think I narrowed it down to some pretty amazing finds and I tried to get as much of a variety as I possibly could! Check it out!
| Tarantula Sisters |
Thrush |
PineApple Mint |
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“70s Brown Braided Leather Belt” What the Seller Says: Awesome 70s braided leather belt with cool rectangular silver buckle with medallion and paisley design. In excellent condition. Marked size M, but can fit smaller as there are no belt holes, you just clip the buckle through the braided leather. |
What the Seller Says: Classic vintage 1960′s wide braided leather belt with a large buckle. Made of genuine leather with intricate braiding detail.
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70s Striped Orange What the Seller Says: 1970s waist belt. Made from orange leather and orange, teal, navy blue, and brick red woven striped fabric, which feels like cotton. |
| OmniaWears |
RoadTrip VintageShop |
Gregarianne |
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Vintage Two Retro wide canvas belt with burgundy suede trim and smooth brass buckle. 10 metal eyelet holes for adjusting. Looks great on the hips or the waist! Excellent condition |
What the Seller Says: Vintage leather belt measures about 2″ wide. |
Vintage Hand What the Seller Says: This is a vintage hand tooled leather belt, hand tooled warm tan, darkened edging, with red flower and green leaf motif, square brass buckle. It’s so pretty. Marked 32 just under the buckle. Measures 39 1/2 inches from buckle to end. |
| VintageHunts |
LuvStoned Vintage |
Jean Jean Vintage |
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What the Seller Says: 80s leather belt with a gold tone buckle in very good condition. Design is southwestern, Native American. No size shown on belt but most likely small. Would make a great cinch/waist belt. Size: S |
What the Seller Says: d.e.s.c.r.i.p.t.i.o.n. m.e.a.s.u.r.e.m.e.n.t.s. |
Vintage Leather What the Seller Says: This great little belt is a woven combination of brown leather strips, twine, and a natural colored hemp-like material, with a brown leather buckle and brown leather 6″ strip for belt holes. |
Desert Boho Style..
07 Mar 2012 1 Comment
in Vintage Accessories, Vintage Apparel Tags: southwestern, southwestern clothing, vintage, vintage accessories, Vintage clothing, vintage jewelry, vintage sandals
With the anticipation of warm weather coming (I know, I’m jumping the gun here!) I am becoming more obsessed with finding the perfect outfits for the summer. And sticking with my new favorite southwestern print, I scoured Etsy to try and find some amazing pieces and succeeded! Check it out!
Adorable vintage 90s crochet top from Heirra Vintage . What the seller says: Functioning crochet buttons down the front. Label: DKNY Jeans. Size tag: Medium. Modern Size: Small, Medium. Fabric Content: 53% Cotton, 47% Rayon. Care: Hand Wash. Vintage Condition: Excellent.
Super comfy Boho Hacienda Style Highwaisted Gaucho Skirt Shorts from BadJamesVintage. What the seller says: We LOVE these. Not quite shorts, not quite a skirt. But 100% RAD. A western boho flare for a super hip chick. Features red, black and ivory color, side button waist and POCKETS!
Vintage 70s Bohemian Etienne Aigner T-Strap Sandal from FiveStonesVintage. What the seller says: A resort-worthy pair of vintage designer sandals! Classic t-strap thongs in a honey brown leather with a khaki canvas trim.
Gold Aigner A logo on the front with a buckle closure on the back strap.Labelled a Size 6M, fits a 5.5, 6 or 6.5 well.
Insole length is 9.5″.
Vintage western silver hearts wide leather belt from OmniaWears . What the seller says: Wide chestnut saddle leather belt with burnished metal heart medallions – each has a different engraved pattern. Rounded southwest metal buckle and end cap. The metal has patina and discoloration; leather is worn in but very strong. Fits a S/M on the waist.
Vintage 1960s Sterling Turquoise Ring from LuckyVintageSeattle. What the seller says: Vintage 1960s hand crafted sterling silver southwestern ring. Chunky green matrix turquoise marbled stone. Rope and circles design. Pretty etched band. Unmarked but tests positively for sterling. Excellent pre-owned condition. Recently polished. Size- 6 1/2.
Vintage 60s Silver and Turquoise Necklace from Thrush. What the seller says: Vintage 1960′s necklace with a large faux turquoise center pendant and four smaller side pendants. Strung on a long silvertone chain. The chain is 24″ long and the pendant is 2.5″ long. In excellent vintage condition.
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The Vintage God of a Dot Com World
22 Feb 2012 1 Comment
in Vintage Apparel Tags: vintage, vintage apparel, vintage boots, vintage coats, vintage dresses, vintage roper boots, vintage sweaters, Women's Vintage
So, I know I have been SUPER lazy with my posting lately and I feel SUPER bad! It’s the wedding! I’m telling you the truth! It’s sucking all the spare time out of my life! Which, while I am enjoying all the painstaking planning of minuet details, I miss being able to sit down in front of my computer and share all my favorite vintage finds with you guys. So, until I get my time back I’m going to make mini posts. Short, sweet and to the point! Hope you still enjoy them as much and I promise to get back to my usual vintage self after my little fiasco is over!
But, back to the actual post! I was shuffling through my favorite online vintage shop, Thrifted and Modern, and I was once again amazed at their vintage selection. They offer so much in the way of eclectic and one of a kind vintage accessories and clothing. I’m sure as you can guess from the post title, I consider them the PREMIER shop of the vintage net and if I was rich I would be spending most of my funds here! Every item stands out, has a distinct personality and is definitive of the girl who picks it up. Absolutely special this store is; taking the time, the care, and the effort to only pick those items which define their store. A bit about them: Thrifted and Modern is an online vintage and independent designer women’s apparel retailer based in the San Francisco Bay Area. We began in 2009, selling a few vintage pieces from our own closet, and have quickly become a staple for fashion insiders with a growing list of celebrities, stylists, and high-profile designer clients. Emphasizing rare and unique hand-selected vintage pieces, we offer some of the best cutting-edge and fashion-forward vintage clothing found anywhere on the planet. Our vintage collection is hand-selected for personality, pre-screened for quality, and is updated daily with one-of-a-kind items that are guaranteed to turn heads.
Check out a couple of my favorites:
$160
Gorgeous 1950s black silky full circle party dress with a full sweep. Unlined. Side metal zip closure. Good vintage condition with minimal signs of overall wear. No tears, stains or damage.
$85 (ABOVE)
Hand knit wool fisherman sweater in cream. Unlined. Good vintage condition with minimal signs of overall wear. No tears, stains or damage.
(LEFT)
$88
Heavy duty oversized cardigan sweater coat. Unlined. Single front button closure. Front pockets. Good vintage condition with minimal signs of overall wear. No tears, stains or damage.
(RIGHT)
$88
Oversized black and white cardigan sweater sure to keep you warm in the colder months! Unlined. Front button closure. Front pockets.Good vintage condition with minimal signs of overall wear. No tears, stains or damage.
(LEFT)
$195
Heavy duty all wool Navajo-inspired blanket coat by Woolrich. Concho detailing with genuine leather fringe tassels. Partially lined. Shoulder pads may be easily removed, if desired. Front snap closure. Good vintage condition with minimal signs of overall wear. No tears, stains or damage
(RIGHT)
$225
A-line coat in cranberry wool with a beautiful fox fur collar. Total vintage ice princess coat. Fully lined. Front button closure. Side pockets. Embroidered monogram “MMD” on the lining. Genuine fox fur collar with wool body. Good vintage condition with minimal signs of overall wear. No tears, stains or damage.
(LEFT)
$118
Vintage burgundy leather lace up roper boots by Justin. Hard leather made to last! Leather interiors. Good vintage condition with signs of overall wear. Heavy scuffing to the bottoms and some wear to the interiors.
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Vintage Jewelry is a Girl’s Best Friend..
21 Feb 2012 3 Comments
in Vintage Accessories Tags: etsy vintage, vintage, vintage accessories, vintage bracelets, vintage jewelry, vintage rings
And so the song goes that “Diamonds are a girl’s best friend..” But, in MY reality, it goes, “Vintage Jewels are a girl’s best friend..” And as a vintage lover I’m sure you would agree! Check out some of the amazing jewels I found over the last couple of weeks!
| Blood Milk |
Johanna Vintage |
Riordan Studio |
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What the Seller Says: A emotive ring featuring two unique components, a vintage feather ring has been married to an inverted “diamond”, both cast immortal in stunning sterling. the temple has been polished to achieve a satin finish: matte and pale and ethereal, while the extraordinary ring shank has been oxidized to the gloomy gray/ black |
What the Seller Says: Vintage art deco cocktail ring, size: 8 1/4 USA
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What the Seller Says: This is a beautiful Platinum and Diamond Engagement Ring from the Edwardian Period. It was such a romantic and carefree time (1901-1910) and the jewelry reflected that sentiment. Diamonds and platinum were all the rage, used in delicate floral inspired designs. Zoom in and enjoy! This diamond was graded (as always at RiordanStudio) by a GIA Graduate Gemologist and Accredited Jewelry Professional. |
| Basement Safari |
JessJamesJake |
The Greedy Seagull |
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This ring is done in the early Faberge style. It may also be part silver, as well as rose gold These diamonds are cut uniquely, maybe an ‘old style’ brilliant cut in very bright white, with the center one being rose-cut.
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What the Seller Says: Fabulous yellow cocktail ring, in a classic deco styling, with a lovely brown cat-eye stone, adjustable sizing and stamped ©Vogue on the interior. Adjustable Fit, ideal for ring sizes: 6 1/4 – 8 1/2 In great vintage condition, with only minor signs of age, with 3 missing stones. The gold has slightly rubbed down in certain areas exposing the silver under-layer. |
What the Seller Says: Antiqe circa 1910-1920 sterling silver and dragon’s breath opal (also called a jelly opal) small little pin with a safety catch closure in back. An unusual find in excellent condition, measures 1 1/8″ and unsigned.. |
| Heirra Vintage |
Shop Vintage Revival |
Jean Jean Vintage |
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What the Seller Says: Vintage oval bracelet with gold watch stretch band. Unique inlaid crushed stones – moss like texture. Pretty brick & olive tone. Label: U.S.A |
What the Seller Says: From the “Distorted Time” collection, metal inner clock workings stacked on top of each other mounted on a brass adjustable ring to give you…Distorted Time! Adjustable brass ring |
What the Seller Says: A flapper-era cocktail ring set with a black glass cabochon and complemented with sparkling marcasites. The ring is set in pot metal, or “white metal,” which was a popular jewelry metal before WWII. The face of the ring is wide and showy with a classic Art Deco design. A ring of marcasites frames the black glass feature stone, with scalloped corners (also set with marcasite) adding another border to the setting. The stone itself is cabochon cut with a flat, open back. There are a couple of chips on one edge of the cabochon, as well as some light nicking on the dome, but the stone is absolutely secure (no wiggle) and the overall appearance is outstanding. There are no marcasites missing and the band of the ring is well-shaped. |
Handmade Stamps For the Handmade Heart
01 Feb 2012 1 Comment
in Handmade Tags: etsy, handmade, handmade stamps, save the dates, stamps, wedding invitations
I have recently decided that I have an inappropriate obsession with stamps. I love them. I want to put them on everything and I’m sure if I could I would design some sort of crazy contraption that I could transfer my handwriting to and stamp for the rest of my writing life! I know, it’s that serious. But, it’s not my fault! It’s the wedding! All I can think of is crafting and thinking of fun and unique ways to create all of the “little things.” A.k.a Save the Dates, Invitations, Placecards, yada yada yada! The one I’m working most diligently on now is my Save the Dates. For the past couple of weeks I have been avidly searching in stores and on Etsy for the PERFECT stamps to cover my Kraft paper envelopes. Finally after hours of painstaking research and tear you heart out decisions I FINALLY found stamps on Etsy that I loved. Well, I found dozens that I loved, but I had to choose just one! Check out some of the shops I found along the way and see what stamps I went with!
What drew me to this amazing shop? The adorable “to” stamp with package tape! So cute and perfect for any occasion envelope (especially a rustic wedding!). Seriously, I almost bought this stamp for my Save the Date envelopes, BUT I needed it a bit sooner than could be arranged. ANYWAY! You would not believe how difficult it was to find a shop that had already designed “deliver to” stamps. And this was after I already shopped around some of your usual craft big box stores. I guess you could buy a “t” and an “o,” place them side by side, draw some lines for the address and call it a day, but who wants to do that! Why not buy a fun stamp and cut the work in half! Ampersandity offers you just that and is one of the only shops on Etsy that carries these pre-made “to” stamps. You can choose from a few styles, all rustic in design and there is even a Christmas “to” stamp! How cute would that be on your handmade Christmas Card! Order early though because these handmade stamps take a couple of weeks to carve and ship. Besides the “to” stamps, Ampersandity also carries some beautifully hand carved address stamps. Quirky, original and rustic the address stamps come in unique designs and prints. Oh the prints! They’re precise, unique, fun and 100% custom! Trust me, if you like things that have a vintage feel to them, you will love these stamps! Something to keep in mind about this shop: Custom orders are welcome and the owner is happy to work with you to meet your specific design needs. Check them out!
There is only one word to describe this shop…ADORABLE! Seriously, check Cupcake Tree out and you will see what I mean. Olga, store owner, has made the shopping easy for you; creating equally cute categories to match her sweet handmade stamps. Animal stamps (owls!), food stamps, teacher stamps, you name it, she has it! The cutest category? MINI STAMPS! You will seriously grab your heart and gasp when you see these mini-me stamps. It’s not just their size that makes them so irresistible, but it’s what Olga does with them that makes you say,”Now that’s different.” Check out this mini-stamp set and you will see what I mean: Mini Cupcake Set. If you don’t want to buy that just to play with it, then you may want to get your heart checked! But besides Olga’s fun handmade stamps shaped in simple, joyful shapes, Olga can also make custom stamps. A fact that I know to be very true because she made one for me! Like I mentioned before, I was in a desperate search for a “to” stamp and could not find one that I could get shipped ASAP. So, I asked Olga to carve one for me and she so generously did AND she did it EXACTLY how I wanted it! And talk about fast! Oh my goodness, I received my proof the same day and Olga had it carved and shipped within a day and a half and I got in the mail within 3 days. You know if you are a bride or have been one, time is of the essence. So the faster, the better! How did I find out about this awesome shop? Funny you should ask! Olga actually helped me with my Save the Dates. Coordinating with another seller, MonkeysontheRoof, a shop that crafts tree stump magnet Save the Dates, Olga created a personalized stamp for my fiance and I to go on our tree stump magnets. I just got them in the mail last week and let me tell you, I was beyond ecstatic and I am so excited to send them out! Bottom line is, you need to check this shop out. Olga is super nice and will work with you on anything you need. And lets face it, what can this woman not do with stamps! Happy shopping 
[Check out the end of this post for pics of my stamps and Save the Dates!]
Savethedate is another shop, like Ampersandity, that specializes in lovely self-inking and wood handle address stamps. They were actually the first shop that caught my eye when I was searching for address stamps for my Save the Dates mainly because I loved their designs. They’re not especially grand or anything, but their simplicity is utterly adorable and the print is the main attraction. If you are like me and like that vintage look that exists with typewriter print, rigid lines and simple shapes, then you will know what I mean when you view the stamps. Understated and unique, I had a ridiculously hard time choosing what stamp design I wanted. There were just to many that I would of been happy with and that would fit with my vintage theme wedding. Not only that, but my Kraft paper envelopes (which I also got off of Etsy)! So in my desperation, I actually brought my fiance in and asked him what his favorite was! And would you know it, I ended up buying the one he liked! Go figure. Then from there I designed my “to” stamp which Savethedate also custom designed for me! (I know, I have two “to” stamps! I wanted a bigger one and a smaller one. What gives! I’m a bride, I can do what I want! Hehe..) Tiffany, one of the store owners, was unbelievably patient with me considering I changed the design like 50 times and she had to keep proofing it! But, she was super fast about it and when all my stamps were finalized and carved, she had them shipped and I had them within a week. Which, I was surprised about because I was under the impression that it was going to take longer! I did mention a few million times I needed them ASAP, so Tiffany may have pushed it through faster, but either way, I am a satisfied customer. The best part is that my stamps look exactly like the product shown on Etsy and how I proofed it was how it was handcrafted. And talk about quality! Fabulous! I’ve never had a self-inking stamp before and it is so addictive! I highly recommend taking a gander at Savethedate if you are in the market for address stamps! [Check out my stamps below]
My Stamps!
One Sheet…A Million Possibilities!
31 Jan 2012 3 Comments
in Handmade Tags: coffee paper, etsy, handmade, handmade journals, handmade paper, handmade stationary, journals, paper goods, scrapbooking, stationary, weddings
On my search for quality handmade paper for my Save the Dates (I know! More wedding stuff! It has consumed me!) I came to the harsh realization that either you buy expensive handmade paper from an independent retailer OR you buy your basic cardstock from a Big Box store such as Michaels. Neither of which obviously appealed to me at all and I began to give up on the idea I would be able to find affordable handmade paper. But Alas! There is hope! In a last ditch effort, which I don’t know why it wasn’t even my first thought, I signed on to Etsy and searched for my desired scrolls of papyrus. Of course it was no surprise when 10000 products popped up! But when I specified my search a bit more, I stumbled upon some beautiful paper and some must mention stores. And not only beautiful, but affordable! I mean, really, what doesn’t Etsy have? I think I’m just going to start shopping for all my needs there! Check out the amazing products I found and find out which one I bought to create my Save the Dates!
FYI: There are endless possibilities when it comes to paper. Scrapbooking, Card Making, Sign Making, Place Cards…name it and you can do it!
How awesome is this handmade paper from torielliot! Made from recycled yellow pages paper, this handmade paper comes in packs of 4 and is perfect for scrapbooking. Original and ornate, these sheets of collaged scraps of paper are in themselves a work of art. To beautiful for you to write on? Stick them in an old frame and spruce up your walls. Imagine the conversations that would arise from them! The best part about these colorful sheets is that they are super affordable. Have a piece of handmade awesomeness for only $3.50 a pack! Amazing!
Freshly brewed coffee paper! I loved reading that description when I stumbled across this coffee dyed handmade paper by secondhandwhimsy. It made me feel all warm and cozy on the inside just thinking about freshly brewed coffee. Well, more the smell really considering I don’t drink coffee. But not for a lack of trying! I just never took to the taste. Back to the paper though! Handmade from recycled office materials (talk about conserving!) these parchment sheets can be made with or without grounds embedded. Sold in packs of five and hand tied with twine. How cute!
Besides being pretty, these beautifully twined handmade sheets of paper put the “eco” in “eco-friendly.” Combining the usual leftover scraps of our paper worked lives, this lovely stationary includes a rather unique feature….flowers. Yes, dried flowers. That’s what those little specs of color you see are. How cool is that? Not to mention that sheepstreetdesign also creates its handmade papyrus with tea; an indulgence that I could not live without! Perfect for scrap booking, card making or whatever fun project you may have in mind!
Bare witness, my friends! These are the sheets of handmade goodness that started this whole debacle! I was in a desperate search for paper that would make my Save the Dates POP! And cardstock was just not giving me the effect that I wanted at all. Way to rigid and it was just not fitting in with my vintage theme! So, I realized that I needed some amazing handmade paper…something that would scream rustic. And after searching in shops, I realized I should just try Etsy and VOILA I find my perfect match at WhiteDragonPaper! Made from 100% cardboard, paperboard, and scraps of magazine pages this set of brown handmade paper is 4×5 and comes in a range of pack sizes. To give you an idea, I got 40 sheets for $10! How amazing is that! I never thought that I could get quality handmade materials for affordable prices! So excited to get started on my Save the Dates when it arrives! Fun detail about shop: If you accumulate lots of scraps, send them to me for up to 25% off any item in my shop!
If I was a goat, this delectable handmade cotton paper would be my Filet Mignon! Available in 5 delicious colors, these sheets are ” solid,” as the seller puts it. What the seller says: These papers are what we call luster, which means they glisten just slightly, nothing too overpowering, but enough to add the wow factor to any project you might be working on. Paper size is 19″ x 25″ and has 4 natural deckles. The paper is one hundred percent cotton, internally sized and buffered, a heavy wight paper great for a range of artistic purposes. Just imagine the possibilities!
Journal writing is a favorite past time of mine and I always challenge myself when finding a new journal to purchase something unusual and unique. Just like me I love buying leather bound or handmade journals, but they naturally be super expensive. So when I stumbled across this handmade paper journal from hyperdoggie I was relieved! Beautiful and priced well, this journal is handmade inside and out. The book has a lovely cover with natural paper made from gourd vines, and decorative papers and beads have been added in natural tones to dress up the cover. 20 pages inside are sewn as signatures, and each has graceful deckle edges. Lovely.
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Christmas Tree Oh Christmas Tree!
15 Dec 2011 6 Comments
in Vintage Other Tags: christmas, christmas decoration, christmas ornaments, glass ornaments, handmade ornaments, ornaments, silk ornaments, vintage, vintage ornaments
I would have to say that my favorite part of Christmas is the decorating! And not just any kind of holiday decorating, but Christmas Tree decorating! Ever since I was a kid this was the one thing that I looked forward to. Sure, I can’t deny that the presents were a nice little bonus, but for me, Christmas was about the Tree. It was about the family trip to Boone (which we still take) to a Christmas Tree farm to find the perfect tree. It was about the chopping of the tree, the hot cider drunk to battle the cold and the excitement of the hayride up and down the mountains. It was the reward that at the end of our trip we would get home, place the tree in its appointed Christmas corner and wait in anticipation as the tree slowly settled its prickly limbs. The smell of pine permeated the entire house and even today when I smell pine, I think of Home, of Family and of heartfelt Christmas memories. I swear I would walk in out of the room where our tree was held just to get whiffs of the mountain pine.
Finally after staring at the tree for days, waiting for it to be ready I would be able to help my mom decorate it. And my mom wasn’t the sort of mom who was super particular about decorating and she didn’t try and make it all Martha Stewart like. The Tree was filled with mismatched Christmas balls and handmade ornaments. It was about the fun of creating and the joy of being with the ones you loved the most. And it’s still about this. Now I have all the ornaments my mom purchased for me every year I have been on this Earth. And she’s still buying them! (Hopefully for a long time too if you know what I mean!) Somehow I manage to make sure that every one of them have a place on my tree. Imagine what it will look like in 20 years! Not to mention that I also like to buy ornaments myself! Yikes! I might need to buy a bigger tree just to fit all of them! But, I would if they were like some of these amazing vintage ones I found:
The first thing that caught my eye about this colorful Vintage Polish Ornament from TheBeesKneesPlease was the word “Dreamcatcher” in its description. I don’t know about you, but when I was a kid I was enamored with dreamcatchers! From the first time my mom told me the story behind the dreamcatcher I was hooked. I actually had one above my bed to “catch” all my nightmares! And I would love to add this beautiful feather “dreamcatcher” to my Christmas Tree! It might not rid bad dreams, but it would defiantly add some glitter and shine! (BTW this shop has 15% off discount code! Check it out!)
Vintage AND Handmade? You’ve stolen my heart you gorgeous Cranberry Christmas Ornament you! Hand blown to perfection, this vintage ornament from MsTookesMuzes is hand painted in 24 K Gold Leaf in traditional Christmas design. With no scratches or cracks, this fine piece of Christmas Cheer would make a delightful addition to your Xmas collection!
I have to say that I love satin covered ornaments. Not only do they have a smooth shine to them, but I can’t break them! And if you knew me, you would know that one quality would be a major selling point for me! I’ve broken at least two ornaments every Christmas since I’ve had my own tree. I’m just super clumsy! But, this handmade lace ornament with snowflake design (which I adore!) from SnappyTatter would not be in danger of my slippery fingers! Check out the sellers site to find out what this limited edition ball is made of! You won’t believe the quality and care put into this little guy. You could even gift it if you wanted!
So I know that when you usually think of ornaments you automatically think of the traditional Christmas ball. But, what about the other nontraditional ornaments? Like this vintage Lucite Snowman Ornament from OceanSideCastle. How could you not want this adorable snowman on your tree? He’s so jolly with his striped scarf and cocked hat! Makes me think of Frosty actually! Ornaments like these add such a unique feel to your Christmas Tree and are super fun to decorate with. Plus, they’re great conversation starters!
Ummm..this is probably one of the coolest things that I’ve stumbled upon lately! Vintage Crocheted Christmas Ornament Covers from Padurns. How did I not know about these goodies sooner? Take any old Christmas Ball, slip on the patterned cover and VALAH! you have a brand new ornament. Pretty neat huh? We have coozies and covers for all sorts of things, why not ornaments? Such a fun idea! Thanks 1980s!
Satin AND Beads, oh my! Unbreakable and refreshingly original. You know I love it. These beautifully crafted Satin and Velvet Vintage Ornaments from MellowMermaid are in pristine condition. Beaded by hand these ornaments would look beautiful not only on your tree, but even on display on your dining table or hung around the house. They would actually be really pretty on a wreath interweaved with gold ribbon. I would defiantly be proud to hang that outside my house! What would you do with them?
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