My Interview with Rhonda at ShadowJewels



Rhonda with Coob



When did you start Shadowjewels? How long have you been creating your own jewelry?  Was there a particular event that sparked it?



ShadowJewels is entirely the fault of the internet. About 12 years ago, I got a new computer. Once I got online, unfortunately I discovered cybershopping. I started collecting Victorian jewelry, but that was frustrating for me because the pieces I really wanted were too expensive. Then one day I bought a necklace with a broken clasp~ a bargain! And decided to learn how to fix it. When I found you could buy vintage beads and jewelry parts online, that was the end of my normal life.

 Zowie!

'This will be much cheaper', I thought. Sure! Now I have a whole room full of the stuff. It has not been cheaper than buying the Victorian jewelry, but it sure has been more fun.

What drew you to Etsy?

Finding Etsy was like coming home for me. I love handmade, of course....and when I saw how vintage was taking off, that was wonderful!

The community here is just so creative, and positive, and eco conscious.

I'd absolutely love it if you could tell everyone about Coob. (Your avi buddy)

Oh Cooby. He's a character. When my husband moved here from France, he brought Coob with him. At first we really didn't click, because he couldn't understand me! Coob didn't speak English. "Come here boy!", "Cooby get out of there!", and "Coob, dinner!" were all met with the same puzzled, blank stare. He must have thought I was stupid ("look at thees seely woman, she does not speak a zee francais"). He learned fast though, and it didn't take long for him to become part of the family.

Now if somebody is speaking French to him, it's because he's in trouble. LOL!

You are the Queen of the Treasuries (in my humble opinion)...How do you find inspiration for your wonderful collections?

For me, making a treasury is a similar process to making my jewelry. Sometimes I'm inspired by a special item, a color, a season, mood, song, story, or poem....lately I find I am drawn more and more to Emily Dickinson, that quintessential peculiar woman. I'm right there with you Emily, getting stranger by the day!

What season of the year do you find most peaceful?

Love them all, except summer. I melt.

You create gorgeous vintage-inspired jewelry...do you ever go 'treasure hunting' for other vintage things?

Yes but I'm more of an online shopper!

What are the top three songs on your Playlist right now?

Sixties! Blind Faith~ Can't Find my way Home, Jefferson Airplane~ Somebody to Love, and Jimi Hendrix~ Machine Gun.

 Animal, vegetable, mineral.

Giraffe, artichoke, quartz. Ametrine, tourmaline, garnet, aquamarine, kyanite, labradorite.... wait a minute, what was the question?

If you could spend a day with a picnic lunch, your favorite book, and a beautiful place--what would be in the lunch basket, what book would you bring, and where would you go?

A simple lunch, some brie and fruit; the Wise Man's Fear by Patrick Rothfuss ( just started it); in Sequoia National Park. I love exploring the high Sierra, and sequoia forests are my most favorite places of all. Nothing else comes close to that feeling of sheer joy, peace, and contentment. My husband and I go out camping every chance we get. You can see his beautiful nature photography on my flickr page

www.flickr.com/photos/sierrashadow/

Any advice or encouragement for fellow artists or Etsyians?

Find what inspires you, hold on tight, and then follow your dreams. Remember to stay positive.

Instant Karma's gonna get you!

Thanks Rhonda!  For the positively wonderful interview!

My Interview with Reana from Niftic on Etsy

Reana from Niftic

It's so nice to chat with the lady BEHIND that crazy Avi…Let's start with that!

Where did you get that picture, and why did you choose it?

I am a huge collector of ephemera and found him many, many years ago. He makes me smile and actually sometimes giggle out load when I play with different words coming out of his mouth. I wanted something a tad unusual and he was the perfect fit. I’m seriously thinking of leaving him behind soon and taking on my true persona, but the word is still out on that. I would miss him terribly.

What drew you to Etsy?

I was a huge Ebay seller when my Mom became ill, I used it to help supplement my income while taking care of her. After she passed I decided to explore the internet market further and thankfully I stumbled upon Etsy. It just felt right to me, the comradery, the sense that your not alone. I opened a store right away only to close a short time later in order to do my research, it took me nearly 2 years until I felt I was truly ready to join the Etsy community. The learning continues daily I still have so much more to explore here.

I've seen you mention your 'personal stash’ have you always been a collector?

I learned the secrets of collecting from my Grandmother who I cherished dearly. We would go to garage sales, church sales and the like. She would always hand over a few dollars and say, “ Find something you love, something different, something that no else has.” Her words ring in my ears every day.

What is the story behind the name of your shop?

I agonized over my name, every time I thought I had it, it was taken or too close to the one I had chosen. 

I finally came across a book of 40’s slang and there it was. 

“Niftic” was used in the 40’s as nifty or keen would be used later on. It suited me to a T.

I just programmed my time machine and you can have five minutes with anyone in history,

who would it be and what would you talk about?

By all means photographer Diane Arbus, a simply amazing woman who died in the early 70’s. Her work was of real people, the deformed, the midget, the giant, she found beauty in everything. She saw herself as somewhat of a voyeur, peaking into the lives of others. One of her most famous quotes…

"My favorite thing is to go where I’ve never been before.”

I’m fascinated with her inspiration and her feeling for humanity in general,

she was a little out there but what talent!

Favorite piece you've ever found.

I found a stunning piece at the age of 15 with my Grandmother, we where at a church sale. The necklace I’m wearing now, it just sang to me, all beautiful and glistening. I’ve never seen another piece quite like it, ever. It cost me $15, which was all the cash to my name, but I never regretted that purchase, I have treasured it for a very long time.

You are a leader of the Vesties Team-how do you juggle that along with a successful shop and other team memberships?

One cup of Joe in the morning and I’m off and running, usually up at the crack of dawn. I’ve always been a bundle of energy, especially when forced to deal with something new everyday. I spend a good 10 – 12 hours a day networking, marketing and the like. Each day has it’s own special task, which of course gets thrown out of wack quite often, but I try to stay the course. The Vesties is near and dear to my heart. I just love that team. Opendoorstudios gave me a chance of a lifetime and I am very grateful to be involved. I also became involved with the VM Team, another great group who’s true calling is vintage.

Animal, Vegetable, Mineral?

A diamond in the rough, just waiting to shine.

Seen any good movies lately?

Give me AMC or IFC anyday. I thrive on the old classics and I’m a big fan of Independent film. Tim Burton gets my heart racing, he’s an amazing talent as well as David Lynch, I love his dark brooding weirdly entertaining films.

Any advice for other treasure hunters?

Just have fun! Collect only what you love and sell only what you would purchase yourself.

Don’t be intimidated by Auctions, they are my mainstay.

Love the thrill of the hunt and hunt only what you love.

My mantra,

Give of yourself, you will get so much more in return and try to see the beauty in everything.

Thanks Reana, for reminding us to look!

My Interview with Elea from 51VC



                    

Elea from 51VC

You have so much enthusiasm for vintage, how did you get hooked?
"Working in a second hand store! That'll do it!"

Do you have an era that speaks to you the most?

"Eames Era, most definitely. But I get pretty bonkers when I come across items from my childhood a.k.a. the 1980's too."

How did you get started on Etsy?

"I was a manager for a second hand store that was not-for-profit while I was a photography and art major.

It was suggested to me by a regular customer who was an artist to check Etsy out as a place to showcase my pieces in order to supplement my income. 

She really talked it up and I had serious doubts it could be such a big deal. 

Boy was I wrong!"

http://www.etsy.com/listing/43827967/vintage-emerson-am-radio

You have three shops, two vintage and one upcycling…where do you find the time?

"Well, this is a good question. I lived in the Omaha area all of my life. Then I met my husband and we found a big house in a wee little town 40 minutes from the nearest Walmart (no, seriously). 

http://www.etsy.com/listing/60760403/rare-pyrex-dish-complete-with-lid-and

The living is easy and the houses are cheap. On top of that my husband makes a comfortable living for the area we live in. But it's actually more difficult than one would think to find time for 3 shops when you have 2 dogs, 5 cats, a Queen Anne to renovate and maintain and all of your family lives out of state." 

*exhausted laugh goes here*

If you had a box of crayons and a blank sheet of paper what color would you use first? Why?

"Teal. It's just the most inspiring color to me.... right now."

What has been your favorite find?

"Most recently, a pair of moon boots.  They were one size too big. :("

http://www.etsy.com/listing/68759364/vintage-shark-necktie-free-shipping

Where do you find your best stuff ? 

"I find the best things at the places most likely to get one in trouble.

The places where your motto becomes, "well I can't afford NOT to get it". Those places usually end up being community-supporting shops.

And that only adds "justification" to the motto. They're the most dangerous places.

But they make you feel like a thrifting superstar!"

Current favorite guilty pleasure.

"Staying up late to list and make treasuries only to end up watching two hours of 
'What I Like About You' re-runs on Teen Nick."

Animal, Vegetable, Mineral?  "Vegetable! C'mon Spring Time!"

http://www.etsy.com/listing/58831874/fruit-bushel-basket?
ga_search_query=basket&ga_search_type=user_shop_ttt_id_5583309


You have such an upbeat positive attitude. What keeps you going when you start to lose steam?

"GOD, my husband, my kitties, my mom, and my fellow Etsy'rs- all of whom are super supportive!"

Let's say you have a totally free day, and a personal jet
ready for your destination input.
Where do you go, what do you do?
"I'd fly to South America and zip-line among Mayan ruins and then take a nap on a beach somewhere."

http://www.etsy.com/listing/47936960/lady-tiki-bikini-glasses-3?ga_search_query=beach&ga_search_type=user_shop_ttt_id_5583309

Any Advice?

"I just would like to add a tip I've had to recall recently when dealing with 'tricky' customers. "You don't always know the right thing to do but you always know the wrong thing."

It's hard to take the high road but you'll save yourself a lot of energy if you keep this motto in your back pocket. It applies to life in general pretty well too!"

In Reflection..."I'm one of the lucky ones who've been able to make Etsy my full time job.  
It takes alot of work to get there."

http://www.etsy.com/listing/60738587/disinterested-owl-planter

  Thank you Elea, for your wit and wisdom!  

                              Elea and I are both members of the Vestie Team on Etsy.
               ----Use the couponcode 51Love at Elea's shop this week for 15% off!

Lucite

Remember to check out my interview with Rachel, and sign up for this week's giveaway from her terrific Etsy shop!

Recently I have started a love affair with Lucite.  That fabulous clear material that has provided submariners with ocean views, police with shatter resistant protection, Salvador Dalí with a surface for his genius, and the 1950s and 60s with some stunning pieces! 

Here are a few of the very finest I've found.

Fabulous Farmhouse Style Table from PeterandGrove

                                           http://www.etsy.com/listing/68848543/vintage-lucite-farm-table

Sit Pretty with this Vintage Stool from ModFurnishings

                                            

                                      http://www.etsy.com/listing/55989705/sale-vintage-lucite-vanity-stool-mid

                                         
                                 Talk all day on This Sweet Looking Phone from Biscuitblues   

                                   http://www.etsy.com/listing/54564610/sale-one-sweet-vintage-lucite-and-chrome

                          

                           Plexi- Glass Slippers Anyone? These are from Frauleinmarlene       
                                    

                                       http://www.etsy.com/listing/66542005/aaamazing-1950s-vintage-lucite

               This trio from VintageQueen are SO WONDERFUL, and the reason for this article!
                                              

                                              http://www.etsy.com/listing/66166591/vintage-mid-century-trio-of-lucite

                                            And at the risk of shameless self-promotion,

                                          here's some Trifari Earrings from Beteabon
                                       http://www.etsy.com/listing/67596371/vintage-trifari-clear-lucite-and-gold

                                                How great is Lucite?!  Go get some!
                                                         (Before I beat you to it!)

My Interview with Rachel @ CuriousCrowVintage



Meet Rachel



How did you discover Etsy?

I’ve known about Etsy for awhile and even had a shop a couple of years ago, but I never really did much with it. I can’t even remember what the name was. At this moment in my life, I have the luxury of being able to put all my attention to a self-employment endeavor, so I decided to start two Etsy stores. One for my art and one for my vintage finds.

You have multiple shops, where do you find the time? Lately, I’ve been working about 18 hours a day, seven days a week. A lot of my time is spent in front of the computer either researching or putting new things in my shops, and I’ve been known to spend half of a day taking photos of my shop stock. As soon as my shops are up and running a little more smoothly (read: making more money), I’ll relax a little and won’t be such a workaholic… I think.

Your art is so unique (really big fan of Oliver to Infinity plus 1), what inspires you?





http://www.etsy.com/listing/66315231/oliver-to-infinity-plus-1-mixed-media

  Tim Burton and Edward Gorey are two of my favorite artists. I’ve always been drawn to dark, yet still cute, art. I am definitely not a fan of blood and gore. Most of my art is based on someone I’ve known at some point in my life (more often than I’d like to admit, it’s myself). A lot of the time, I don’t even realize who it is I’m creating until I’m partially finished with the piece. My art evolves during the creation process and sometimes ends up being something entirely different from my initial vision.

Best vintage treasure you've ever found

Just this week I found three, first edition Tasha Tudor books, including her very rare first book, Pumpkin Moonshine. The best part is that I only paid seventy-five cents for the lot of them. When I looked up their value, I almost hyperventilated. They will most certainly be sold. I think my favorite find that I’ve kept is my 1940s wire dress maker’s dummy. I love it so much I even named it. Her name is Olivia and I dress her (usually just a hat and scarf) for seasons and holidays.

Ok, has to be asked for the Sci-fi geeks...you live in Eureka Springs. Do you watch the show, Eureka?

As much as my very geeky, sci-fi loving boyfriend wishes I were into the sci-fi thing, I’m not. I’m still a geek, just not a science fiction fan.

What times of day do you find yourself creating, collecting?

http://www.etsy.com/listing/68579149/vintage-1967-spinnerin-knitting-pattern

When garage sale season starts (hopefully soon), I’ll be up early to get the best deals. Right now, I do my thrifting in the afternoon and most of my art is created in the evening. There’s something about that quiet, unrushed time of the day that makes creating much easier for me.

Animal, vegetable, mineral.

Vegetable. Preferably ripe tomatoes fresh from the garden.

Where did you come up with the name of Curious Crow?

I am absolutely fascinated by crows. I think a lot of people view them as pests, but they’re really much smarter than people realize. They’re the bad boys of the bird world. I knew I wanted “crow” to be in my name somewhere, and I also knew I wanted an alliterative name. I started going through a list of adjectives that started with the letter ‘c’ and when I got to curious, I knew it was perfect.



http://www.etsy.com/listing/68740376/vintage-1960s-peacock-brand-black-patent

 What books/magazines/etc are you reading right now? Who has time to read? I’ve typically been a voracious reader my entire life, but it seems like in the past year or so my reading has tapered off. I still read Martha Stewart Living and Country Living religiously. And when I have the time, I’ll flip through the latest Art Doll Quarterly. Actually, I did read an entire book the other day. All 48 pages of it, half of which are pictures. It was The Stinky Cheese Man and Other Fairly Stupid Tales. Even though it was published in 1992, I’ve only just now discovered it. It’s a retelling of fairy tales and I laughed until I cried. It’s definitely recommended reading.

Let's say you have a clear day, no responsibilities a full tank of gas--where do you go, what do you do? I would take out a map and mark off a 150 mile radius, close my eyes and pick a spot. Then I’d spend the day exploring all of the small towns in between here and there. Some of the coolest places and best places to eat I’ve ever experienced have been discovered this way.


http://www.etsy.com/listing/67677380/turquoise-house-abstract-painting


Any advice for other etsians or artists?

Don’t be afraid to be yourself. I think a lot of time as artists we want to produce what we think will sell instead of just producing what needs to come out of our heads and heart. Also, don’t be scared to support other artist and sellers on Etsy. Oftentimes, we think that if we shed light another artist or shop, it will detract from our own, but the opposite is true. The more we help others, the more we’re helped. One of my favorite sayings is by Erin Majors and is, “A candle loses nothing by lighting another candle.”



http://www.etsy.com/listing/68163694/vibrant-vintage-ladys-pride-expandable




Thank you Rachel, for that interview and for sharing your talents and treasures with us!!  
Rachel and I are both members of the Vestie Team on Etsy.  Go Vesties!



Good luck to everyone in all your endeavors

        – no matter how big or how small.

               Be happy!