Yard sale fun

I've been trying to stock up on items for my new vintage store and with the husband out and about playing paintball with his old friends from high school, it seemed like the perfect opportunity to hit up some Sunday morning yard sales! I've never actually dropped by a yard sale before but did my due diligence and checked out what was on Craigslist, then mapped out the ones that were close to each other. It's pretty amazing how many yard sales you can find within a 2 mile radius.

It has to be said, I didn't find all that much that was worthwhile but did find a gorgeous wooden photo box (similar to this one). I've been looking for the right receptacle for photos that can be displayed in the living room and this will be perfect. I also came across a gorgeous little vintage Wedgewood trinket box, which I have now listed in my Etsy store. It's got a small fracture in it, but is beautiful nonetheless. Completely random fact is that Josiah Wedgewood was Charles Darwin's grandfather. That's some evolutionary ceramics for you right there!

I know that our HOA is discussing holding a community yard sale in our courtyard (there's only 10 units so it would be manageable) and I'm getting excited about the prospect. We got rid of a ton of things when we moved in 6 months ago, but that's not to say there isn't still a bunch of things to pass on to others via some yard sale fun.

Blast from the past

It's official, my new vintage Etsy store is open. I wasn't really planning on opening a second Etsy store (I know, one is hard enough to keep track of sometimes!) but I had a major find last week with a whole batch of vintage sewing patterns that I was able to purchase. I knew that it wouldn't work to just put them in with the rest of the Organic Stills stuff, so my husband says to me "well, just open a vintage store then". That's how Yores was born! Yes, the name is a delightfully dorky double-entendre, but I should hope you expect nothing less of me.

It has to be said, I am somewhat in love with this dress/camisole pattern. It's definitely got a classic summer style. I'm sad that I missed out on buying the fabulously retro jumpsuit pattern, but I will try to be quicker off the mark next time around.

The whole vintage shop thing has got me really excited in general and I spent the weekend rummaging around for additional things to list in my new shop along with the sewing patterns. So far I've found some pretty housewares that I'll be sharing with the world as soon as I can get the research done to date the pieces I've got. I'm no Jonty from BBC's Cash In The Attic but if any of those adorable Cash In The Attic boys want to come over and help me out, I certainly wouldn't complain!

Etsy Featured Shop - Labelstone

While reading through the forums on Etsy, I came across a wonderful shop with such a huge variety of beautiful images that I couldn't help but keep looking through everything they have to offer. Of course, they graciously accepted my request for a blog interview, so today I am happy to share with you the interview with Labelstone!

Why did you start collective vintage ephemera?
Printer's ink is in the blood, having come from a family who owned a printing company from 1879 to 1990. My father's company did not print labels, but I always enjoyed going down to the plant to watch the printing presses in action. I saw my first crate label about 5 years ago and was awed by their sheer color, beauty, intensity, as well as the myriad of themes used. From there I started attending estate sales and auctions. My collection of cigarette cards is from an album I purchased at an auction in Richmond, Virginia.

Where do you find the images that you use?
Most of my images are from my personal collection of crate labels, cigar labels, cigarette labels, trading cards and other paper ephemera. Some of the images are in the public domain.

What inspired you to combine those images with coasters?
Really, I started out with the intention of making complimentary sets as I thought it would be rather neat for people to pass around the coasters and get a different image on each one. Good conversational pieces!

Do you prefer creating a set based on one image, or finding complimentary images?
If I have a set of different yet similar themed images, then I will use all four images to create one set. If I really like an image, yet have no good complimentary images to go along with it, then I prefer to have one image on all four coasters.

What is the process from finding an image to modifying it into a coaster?
I scan my images into an image/photo editing software. I have to decide if all the image is going to be used or just part of it. After cropping the portion I want, I set about improving the color, brightness, contrast, sharpness etc. After that, there are always artifacts that need to be removed - sometimes one pixel at a time. Rarely, I have to move some lettering to the left or right to improve the symmetry of the overall design. If I need to add a background and/or border, I do so. I find this portion of the process very relaxing!

How long does that generally take?
From 30 minutes to hours upon hours. If I really like the image, I will persevere. There have been plenty of times that I have just abandoned an image because I know it will not improve no matter what I do!

What is the story behind this set?
This set is from 4 vegetable can labels that I have, which date back from the late 1890's to the 1920's from the canning factory, Olney & Floyd. They used local produce as their goods, made their own cans and hand applied their own labels. The labels convey a sense of freshness and goodness, which is a good selling point for their product. Can and crate labels were used not only to identify the product, but advertise them as well. These labels are truly a work of art with intricate butterflies, beautiful flowers, ornate frames and interesting lettering.

What other hobbies/crafts do you enjoy?
I love to cook!

Do you have a day job? If so, what is it?
In my previous life I was a nurse and then returned to college to become an accountant. Unfortunately, ill health forced me to retire.

What about your surroundings inspires you?
I live in the country and love the woods, wildlife and peace.


You can find more of these gorgeous coasters at Labelstone's Etsy and Cafepress shops.
http://labelstone.etsy.com
http://www.cafepress.com/labelstone

Etsy Featured Shop - Jules Mae Clothing

Etsy is a wonderful place to find vintage items. I've never been one for getting those magnificent finds at the thrift store, but have always been jealous of those that have the ability to hunt down treasures. Jules Mae Clothing is a store that fascinates me because Julie not only has an obvious talent for finding vintage items, but also giving them a new lease on life. She has unique style and an eye catching way to display her products that's definitely worth checking out.


How long have you been creating garments and how did you get started?
Well, I grew up around it all. My mom was a magnificent seamstress and specialized in formal gowns. So, I suppose you could say that I was doing it as soon as my mom would let me have at her sewing machine (which is as long as I can remember.)

How would you describe your style? It’s an outward expression of what ever whimsy I may be experiencing at the time, usually vintage inspired. Past eras are enchanting.

What do you look for when shopping for vintage items to reclaim?
I try to envision the possibilities with any particular item. I suppose like most other designers I find that the fabrics sort of speak to me. They serve as the platform for inspiration.

Do you buy vintage items with a concept in mind or does the item generate an idea?
It depends, but usually I would have to say that I let the items inspire me. It feels like a more organic/natural process … sculptural, you could say.

What inspired you to use vintage men's ties to create pieces for women?
The ties themselves. It’s an empowering thing to find new uses for old items, especially when taking something that was made with men in mind and transforming it into something more feminine.

Working with vintage items, do you feel like they are telling a story?
Hmmm, I suppose all design is telling a story in one way or another, regardless of the materials used. So, yes. I also find humor in injecting small phrases into my work to evoke some kind of imaginary story the consumer can play out in their own mind. See my “He Walked Me Home and Then I Passed Out” headband. [inset right]

What's the story behind this item?
This little number was my own original design definitely inspired by the fabulous hobble skirts of the early 1900s. I included pin tucks down the front to emphasize a lengthy leg and the kick pleats in the back to capture that enchanting vintage elegance. The fabric was from a collection that my mother had tucked away for maybe a decade or more. When she passed away I got all of her bins of sewing paraphernalia. So, I suppose you could say that this piece (and all of my work, really) is an ode to her.

Do you craft things other than clothing?
I’m an artist at my core, so anything that crosses my path runs the risk of me altering or “enhancing” it in some way. I’m also a freelance illustrator -*cough* shameless plug – www.candyappleillustrations.com

Any tips on how to find a deal when shopping vintage?
Shopping vintage is pretty hit and miss, but mostly great deals are easy to find if you frequent the right places. Many thrift stores have a “fill a bag for $5” sale from time to time, especially the smaller local type stores. When buying vintage, try to imagine what it could become with a few minor alterations or enhancements. Move the hem up, take the sleeves off, add some beading or ribbons or other embellishment. The possibilities are endless.

If you could live in any era, what would it be and why?
I like this era just fine. It’s fantastic to live in a time when women are recognized as equals to men (more or less in our culture) and have access to all of the fabulous and inspirational art pieces (fashion included) of eras gone by. I don’t suppose I could trade “equality” with the glamour of the 40s, or the free love of the 60s, or the (what were we thinking) style of the 80s.