Retro Handmade Team

Featured Member: Joliejye

2011-08-21T13:33:00.002-04:00

1. What is your shop name?

My shop on Etsy is called JolieJye, my brand is Jye.

2. How did you first get started in your craft?

I've started crafting since I was young, I am a self-taught artist and I always enjoyed giving a second life to vintage, or creating with inspiration from the past.

3. What inspires you?

I love the pin-ups and feminine atmosphere, especially vintage fabrics like silk or lace. I am also a big fan of the Japanese vintage fabrics, which were used for kimonos. For the moment I’m in the mood for making origami barrettes, brooches, and earrings with silk.

4. What are your favorite color combinations?

My favorite color combination is light pink and ivory white.

5. What is your favorite item from your shop?

It's hard to choose since every creation from my shop is unique and fully hand-made by me. These are like my babies!

I can choose my light pink and white silk headband, because of the knot, because of the silk, and the color combination.

www.etsy.com/listing/75429472/jye-light-pink-and-white-silk-and

6. If you had to use three words to describe yourself, what would it be?

Unique, romantic, dreaming.

7. What superpower would you most like to have?

I've never thought about that. I would love to be very strong to protect people I love.

8. What is the first thing you remember creating?

Some dresses for my dolls.

9. If you could choose any era/decade to live in, when would that be? Why?

I love the technology of our century, but I hate people's selfishness. Maybe the beginning of the 1900's would fit to me but I dislike the way women were handled. It's only now that we can pretend to live as equal as men. It's a shame!

10. Where can we find you? (website, blog, etc.)

My etsy shop is here : www.etsy.com/shop/Joliejye

I have also a shop on a French website : www.alittlemarket.com/boutique/joliejye

My blog (about my two passions : cooking and fashion) is : joliejye.blogspot.com

Featured Member: 3dDoodles

2011-07-13T12:03:00.000-04:00

1. What is your shop name? 3Ddoodles

2. How did you first get started in your craft?
I started making my own jewelry off and on during the 1980s as a general response to finding things that I liked but that didn't fit.

3. What inspires you?
I draw inspiration from a lot of sources, Art Deco type forms, Celtic lettering,
Natural forms, and to a certain extent the materials themselves. I tell folks that the materials speak to me, and when I find the grouping that feels right, I go ahead and make the piece. Of course, when I'm wrong, I re-work the piece until I'm satisfied.

4. What are your favorite color combinations?
Teal and aqua blues paired with gold or silver
Sky blues paired with white
Reds paired with gold and/or black
Greens paired with gold or black
black paired with gold, greay or silver.

5. What is your favorite item from your shop?
Wow, that 's not easy as i have a lot of favorites. but here's a link to one
www.etsy.com/listing/49285140/necklace-black-grey

6. If you had to use three words to describe yourself, what would it be?
Kind, fair, perfectionist

7. What superpower would you most like to have?
I'd love to be able to change shape into any animal. Flying would be so great.

8. What is the first thing you remember creating?
That would have to be the alligator from a stick found on the playground, when I was in 4th grade. Given that I was doing this during an after-school detention, neither the teacher nor my classmates were too happy with the effort.

9. If you could choose any era/decade to live in, when would that be? Why?
I think the Roaring 20's would be a prime time for me to live in. Art Deco was the rage, there was a lot of flash and it was OK to smoke and drink and dance.

10. Where can we find you? (website, blog, etc.)
I'm here on Etsy and on Artfire and Facebook. I'm not real comfortable with blogging; I'd rather create in my limited time.

Etsy: www.etsy.com/shop/3dDoodles
Artfire: www.artfire.com/users/3ddoodles
Facebook: www.facebook.com/home.php#!/pages/3ddoodlesartfirecom/217433148279871

As I need at least 24 more likes on my Facebook page, I'm giving away a pair of earrings in a drawing when I reach the magic number.

Featured Member: Craftymamacita

2011-07-13T10:41:00.000-04:00

1. What is your shop name? Craftymamacita

2. How did you first get started in your craft?
Early on in our marriage, my dear husband took me to Hancock Fabrics for my birthday, where we saw a demonstration of sewing machines. I bought my first Singer and I still use it to this day. I made a quilt for our bed and then I moved on to girls' dresses when I had our first foster daughter. I picked a pattern that was too complicated, with lots of ruffles and interfacing and quickly gave up. Then I took a sewing class which gave me the confidence and knowledge to keep going and I finished the dress I had started years ago and made several more for my daughter. She is what really motivated me to sew more. First off, she has always been very active so I had to give up my knitting for a more toddler-proof activity. Also, she is Guatemalan-American and I had a hard time finding clothes in the store that fit her unique shape, so I started making my own clothes for her and I love how well they fit her. Right now, I am specializing in retro mother-daughter apron sets and hair accessories such as flower fabrics. I had read in a book about how women in the 1940's used leftover pieces of fabric and fabric from flour bags to make things. That in turn inspired me to use my own leftover fabric to make fabric flower hair clips and headbands. I even made a fabric flower from a tortilla flour bag once.

3. What inspires you?
I grew up in San Antonio, TX and used to visit the Rockefeller Museum of Latin American Art a lot. I was very inspired by the folk paintings I found there, and thus grew my love of old-fashioned indigenous outfits. I spent two months in Seville, Spain and was also inspired by Flamenco clothing styles, which often are very similar to 1950's American style with their love of polka dots and ruffles. I also like modest clothing, because I find them so beautiful, elegant and sort of romantic. I really like a lot of clothes from the 1950s and 40s because they are so feminine. I love making things for my daughter, my husband, and my friends. Compliments and purchases inspire me most.

4. What are your favorite color combinations?
I love blue and white, but I can also be found wearing a lot of brown and pink too. I like working with bright colors a lot, because they look great on my daughter.

5. What is your favorite item from your shop?
I love my blue and white mother-daughter apron set. It has cute frilly pockets, pleats and crisp bias tape. What more could a woman want?

6. If you had to use three words to describe yourself, what would it be?
Retro, modest, and multi-cultural.

7. What superpower would you most like to have?
The ability to multi-task. I just don't think it's possible. I can only focus on one thing at a time.

8. What is the first thing you remember creating?
I made earrings in fifth grade and tried to sell them. I think I sold one pair :).

9. If you could choose any era/decade to live in, when would that be? Why?
I think I would fit in best in the 1940's. I would grow a victory garden, knit socks for soldiers, can all the surplus vegetables and fruits, make lots of pies and cakes, hang my clothes out on the line, all while raising several children in a small home. Come to think of that, that is my life (well, except for knitting socks for soldiers and we only have one child so far).

10. Where can we find you? www.susiquetzalli.blogspot.com

Featured Member: Ladykonnyaku

2011-07-01T14:36:00.000-04:00

1. What is your shop name? Lady Konnyaku Clothing.

2. How did you first get started in your craft?
After graduating college, I was working this lame-o desk job for a huge Taiwanese corporation. At 24, I realized that working 8-5 was not my thing; I decided to become a clothing designer and work for myself instead. Sounds easy, right? The problem was, I didn't have a background in sewing, let alone the knowledge to operate a sewing machine... so I enrolled in a local fashion design school where I studied for 2 years. Those were difficult times, indeed, but now I can sew better than most people's grandmothers.

3. What inspires you?
The craziness found in Japanese street fashion. Mod clothing from the 1960s. Soul Train and Midnight Special. Kung-fu movies. Video games. The colors and textures found in vintage fabrics. Compliments and money deposited into my Paypal account (laughs).

4. What are your favorite color combinations?
I'm really into Navy blue and teal, red, white and blue, mustard and black... actually mustard and ANYTHING!

5. What is your favorite item from your shop?
Malta top--- I haven't seen anything else like it anywhere else and the colors and style are pleasing.

6. If you had to use three words to describe yourself, what would it be?
Humorous, interesting, restless.

7. What superpower would you most like to have?
I am a language nerd and speak English, Mandarin Chinese, and Spanish... but being fluent in the top three world languages is not enough! The best superpower I can think of is the ability to speak and understand every language in the world.

8. What is the first thing you remember creating?
When I was little I made a clay island called "Misland" (my + island), complete with canoe, palm tree, shack and fire pit.

9. If you could choose any era/decade to live in, when would that be? Why?
Meet me in the 1970s! Partying, polyester, and disco dancing all night... and sleeping all day.

10. Where can we find you? (website, blog, etc.)
Website: www.ladykonnyaku.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/ladykonnyaku
Etsy Shop: www.etsy.com/shop/ladykonnyaku

Featured Member: Libunnyfoofoo

2011-07-01T12:15:00.000-04:00

1. What is your shop name? My name is libunnyfoofoo but my shop's name is Headstrong Headwear. I named it that because all my designs have very strong personalities, like me.

2. How did you first get started in your craft?
Over the last two years, my father had become very ill and I had become unemployed. We set up some yard sales and one of the things left over was a bag with old jewelry and beads. I wanted to make something beautiful and useful that I could wear, but I'm not really into jewelry. Then I came up with the headband idea. Soon I had 30 headbands, more than I could ever wear and I set up shop.

3. What inspires you?
The jewelry is the inspiration; I love all the old crazy designs. Back then everyone wore brooches and big clip earrings, so it's easy to get some wonderful pieces that just aren’t appreciated anymore. It's so much fun hunting around yard sales and thrift stores for things that I can use and inspire me. I love working with anything with sparkle and flair, silly and cute things too. I also love that I'm giving some really cool, old pieces new life and keep them out of the landfills. Almost all my supplies are used, given, recycled, old, broken or are in some way unwanted. I try to do my part and keep everything eco-friendly and upbeat.

4. What are your favorite color combinations?
I love doing my wedding headbands that have lots of ivory, gold and ecru but I also love contrasting strong colors with black and white.

5. What is your favorite item from your shop?
My favorite item in my shop is the one I haven't made yet

6. If you had to use three words to describe yourself, what would it be?
Intense, caring and funny

7. What superpower would you most like to have?
I would like to be able to grow taller when I need to so I could reach things on the high shelf at the supermarket.

8. What is the first thing you remember creating?
I have been creating things as long as I can remember. Some mediums I've worked in are: oil, watercolor, and acrylic painting, batiking, printing, drawing, pen and ink, color pencil, charcoal, architectural drawing and oil pastel, mixed media sculpture, and pottery. For crafts, I've tried: sewing, quilting, paper making, jewelry making, collage, cross stitching and mosaic. Basically anything I can get my hands on.

9. If you could choose any era/decade to live in, when would that be? Why?
I'd like to live in a small town in a time before plastic. Somewhere where I would know the butcher and the baker and candle stick maker and knoe where everything I owned came from.

10. Where can we find you? (website, blog, etc.)
Right now I'm just on etsy and I love it.
www.etsy.com/shop/Libunnyfoofoo

Featured Member: Anyasgreenbaby

2011-05-03T17:34:00.000-04:00

1. What is your shop name? Anya's Green Baby

2. How did you first get started in your craft? I taught myself how to sew in high school because I hated the fashion choices of the day. My grandmother gave me a ton of her vintage circa 1950-60s dresses and skirts so I learned how to alter them for school dances or just looking pretty! That sewing habit evolved into embroidery when I wanted to add to my sweaters and that eventually lead to my baby clothing line and hankies.

3. What inspires you? I LOVE tattoos and retro tattoo art. Many of my designs are based on vintage tattoos. I am also inspired by an organic and eco-friendly lifestyle, I try to live as close to nature as possible.

4. What are your favorite color combinations? I love the combination of orange, aqua, green and brown. Those are the colors repeated through my house and many of my designs.

5. What is your favorite item from your shop? I love my retro owl design so my favorite item is my retro owl hankie.

6. If you had to use three words to describe yourself, what would it be? Over-achiever, teacher, and hippie (but in a good way!)

7. What superpower would you most like to have? The power to divide myself at will into several different me's so I could have one cleaning my house, one teaching my classes, one sewing, one cooking and one sleeping!

8. What is the first thing you remember creating? I took apart a dress and repurposed it for a winter formal my freshmen year of high school. It turned out beautiful and everyone could not believe it had been an ugly dress before!

9. If you could choose any era/decade to live in, when would that be? Why? I love the fashion and era of the 1930s but I would never want to live through two World Wars so I would pick the 1960s so I could see the Civil Rights Movement, go be a hippie somewhere and my color choices would be totally hip!

10. Where can we find you? (website, blog, etc.) My Etsy store is Anyasgreenbaby.etsy.com. My blog is anyasgreenbaby.blogspot.com/

Aqua and yellow gift guide treasury

2011-04-17T13:43:00.000-04:00

Aqua and Yellow Gift Guide Treasury by Medusa1307

Featured Member: designedbyDiana

2011-04-05T16:30:00.001-04:00

1. What is your shop name?
My shop name is designedbyDiana

2. How did you first get started in your craft?
Well I’ve been crafting forever it seems like. But I really got into sewing a few years back when my parents got me a sewing machine for my birthday. I was never really taught to sew (my grandmother is a seamstress, so I say that sewing is in my genes), but I just picked it up and started making things. I made a purse and took it to work and sold it that same day. That’s when designed by Diana really began.

3. What inspires you?
So many things: bright fun fabrics, great mod looking patterns, the 50s and 60s aesthetic, mid-century mod, the show Mad Men, old school pinup girls

4. What are your favorite color combinations?
I love teal and red. And I’m really loving grey and yellow together too.

5. What is your favorite item from your shop?
My favorite items are the Retro D Aprons. They are the hardest item in my shop to make, but are so cute. I love that they look like a dress when you wear them.

6. If you had to use three words to describe yourself, what would it be?
Creative, friendly and fun

7. What superpower would you most like to have?
The ability to stop or slow down time. That way I would have more time to make stuff for my shop!

8. What is the first thing you remember creating?
The first thing I remember making was a blanket with gonzo on it for my little brother before he was born. I painted it with some old school paint tubes. I must have been about 5 or 6.

9. If you could choose any era/decade to live in, when would that be? Why?
I would love to live in the early 60s. The fashion, the hair, the style, the british invasion… so cool!

10. Where can we find you? (website, blog, etc.)
You can find me at my website: designedbyDiana.com
On my blog: designedbyDiana.blogspot.com
On facebook: www.facebook.com/designedbyDiana
And twitter: twitter.com/#!/designedbyD
And of course Etsy!: www.etsy.com/shop/designedbyDiana

Hot Colors treasury by Meaicp

2011-04-03T20:34:00.000-04:00

Hot colors treasury by meaicp

A Modern Soul treasury by Lady Konnyaku

2011-03-27T17:47:00.000-04:00

A Modern Soul by Lady Konnyaku

A Retro Spring Treasury by Kovale

2011-03-23T22:46:00.000-04:00

Retro Spring treasury by Kovale

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

2011-03-17T01:15:00.000-04:00

St. Patrick's Day Treasury Challenge by Retro Handmade.

Featured Member: HappyHeartbreaker

2011-03-15T12:00:00.007-04:00

1. What is your shop name?
My shop name is Happy Heartbreaker Boutique (it is technically a division of my main shop, Sweet-E Pie & Babycakes).

2. How did you first get started in your craft?
How did I get started in my craft? Hmmm, my mom tells me that I've been making stuff out of anything I could find ever since I was a little kid. As far as sewing goes, I've been sewing acessories such as purses and baby gifts/clothing for a while, but this is my first real foray into sewing adult clothing.

3. What inspires you?
EVERYTHING inspires me! Stores I go to, songs I hear on the radio, even something as random as what I've read in a book! I'm constantly looking for inspiration in the little things - you never know what might hit you in the most random of situations.

4. What are your favorite color combinations?
Color combinations depend on what I'm making, to be honest. I like the look of white, green, and brown. I tend to use that combination a lot in my children's items.

5. What is your favorite item from your shop?
My favorite item from my shop actually still exists only in my imagination! It is a really cute fitted 1950s style dress - you'll have to stay tuned to see it! (My whole line is still technically stuck in my brain, except for a few accessories. I hope to have it out by the end of April.)

6. If you had to use three words to describe yourself, what would it be?
Silly, Creative, and Hard-working :D

7. What superpower would you most like to have?
Oh my goodness, I SO wish I could fly! That would be the absolute COOLEST thing EVER! Even if I am afraid of heights :P

8. What is the first thing you remember creating?
The first thing I remember "creating" was a fort out of a cardboard box with a bookrest so I could sit in there and read without my arms getting tired. I was quite the little nerd...

9. If you could choose any era/decade to live in, when would that be? Why?
I enjoy many different eras of history, like the Victorian or Napoleonic eras. But if I absolutely HAD to choose, I would pick my grandmother's generation. She was born in 1912 - saw the Roaring 20s, the Great Depression, the 40s War Era, Big Band/Swing Music, the 50s and 60s - such an amazing time in history, full of culture and personality.

10. Where can we find you? (website, blog, etc.)

My etsy shops are:
HappyHeartbreaker.etsy.com
SweetEPieBabycakes.etsy.com

Facebook:
www.facebook.com/SweetEPieBabycakes
www.facebook.com/pages/Happy-Heartbreaker-Boutique/187929847904618

Treasury by Evelyn Pelati

2011-03-13T01:55:00.000-05:00

It's not all black and white treasury by Evelyn Pelati

Treasury by Lamarmota - In the forest...

2011-03-02T18:41:00.000-05:00

Treasury by Medusa1307 - Lovely Powder Blue

2011-03-02T12:11:00.000-05:00

Featured Member: UmbrellaAve

2011-02-24T08:30:00.009-05:00

1. What is your shop name?
Umbrella Ave.

2. How did you first get started in your craft?
When I was young and still played with dolls, I would bug my mom to sew clothes for them. But I had 3 younger sisters and my mom was spread pretty thin trying to keep up with the large wardrobe that we wanted. So one day I decided to sew something myself, my mom helped me out a bit and I just took off from there. Pretty soon I was sewing for my Himstedt doll and selling clothing to collectors through ebay. My mom and I eventually started our own website where we sold our handmade doll clothes. But I'm a restless crafter and have to continually change up my routine and focus if I want to enjoy what I'm doing. My friend Sasha, from the Gildedbee, introduced me to Etsy about the same time that I decided to make things for people rather than dolls, and the rest is history.

3. What inspires you?
Books and magazines, vintage and retro fashions, unique fabric and trims, flea markets and antique stores, as well as store displays, good graphic design work and other people's art. I like to see what the artists on Etsy are up to and use that as a platform for my own imagination to take off from. I also frequent online clothing stores such as Anthropologie and Modcloth to get ideas. Many times I'll see something there that I like, and will incorporate part of the design or idea into jewelry or accessories that give the same feel when worn.

4. What are your favorite color combinations?
I love golden yellow paired with red. Also pink + brown and grey with almost anything. Greenish blues are another favorite to work with.

5. What is your favorite item from your shop?
Currently? Clownie the Elephant! I love tiny things, elephants and circus themes........something that's very evident from looking at him. :)

6. If you had to use three words to describe yourself, what would it be?
Imaginative, eccentric, creative

7. What superpower would you most like to have?
I think it would be fun to be invisible or have the ability to fly.

8. What is the first thing you remember creating?
I remember creating things for my dolls when I was little.....blankets, miniature dolls, walkie-talkies from clay, and anything else that I wanted but didn't have the money for. The first thing I remember getting paid for, was an ugly little purse made from horrible, striped, stretch knit with a piece of rickrack for a strap. I sold it to my little sister..........poor thing. ;-)

9. If you could choose any era/decade to live in, when would that be? Why?
I think the 50's would be fun. I love the clothing and decor from that time period. But if given the choice, I would stay where I am.....I couldn't do without modern conveniences!

10. Where can we find you? (website, blog, etc.)
I have a website in the works, and when it's finished you can find me here: www.umbrellaave.com

For now I'm here:
www.umbrellaave.etsy.com
www.facebook.com/umbrellaave
www.2sewretro.blogspot.com

Treasury by Medusa1307 - Green Day

2011-02-23T11:07:00.000-05:00

Medusa1307 brings us a Spring treasury...

Featured Member: Evelynpelati

2011-02-23T08:30:00.001-05:00

1. What is your shop name?
My shop is Evelyn Pelati Jewelry. Previously my business was called La Bella Luna Jewelry, but last year I decided to rename it.

2. How did you first get started in your craft?
A friend encouraged me to join her in taking a class in metal clay with Lis-el Crowley, a well-known metal clay instructor. I had never heard of or touched metal clay before that. I was "bitten" right away–and have been working with it ever since.

3. What inspires you?
I've always been so drawn to the era of the early 20th century, especially Art Deco. I'm what you'd call an "old soul"–I just seem to gravitate old vintage, retro and antique things. But then I love to mix it up with the contemporary.

4. What are your favorite color combinations?
My favorite color of all is green, and my favorite green is that apple/peridot shade of green. For a combination, I'd have to say I love black paired with just about anything–but black with rich, vibrant shades is really the best.

5. What is your favorite item from your shop?
Right at the moment I'm very proud of my Art Deco Circular Design Black Onyx pendant. It has a unique hinged bail that I engineered and I like how it looks.

6. If you had to use three words to describe yourself, what would it be?
That's hard! I'll say designer, earnest, busy.

7. What superpower would you most like to have?
To stretch time!

8. What is the first thing you remember creating?
As a toddler I used to "draw" with crayons on the pages of my mother's books. For years later whenever you'd pick up one of her books you'd randomly come across some of my "art".

9. If you could choose any era/decade to live in, when would that be? Why?
The 1920's. It seems like it would have been an interesting time–the roaring twenties.

10. Where can we find you? (website, blog, etc.)
www.evelynpelati.com
www.evelynpelati.etsy.com
www.facebook.com/evelynpelati
If you are from Connecticut or thereabouts–I'll be selling my work at the Sugarloaf Crafts Festival in Hartford on March 25-27.

Treasury by Oh Faro - Flow / White - Black - Purple

2011-02-21T23:42:00.002-05:00

A stunning treasury from Oh Faro created on February 10 featuring some members of Retro Handmade Team.

NB: Treasuries are now snapshots created using the widget from Craft Cult so if the treasury is changed, deleted, an item is sold etc, the treasury seen here will remain the same.

Don't forget to list your treasuries on the Retro Handmade Team discussion board so they can be listed here for all to enjoy!

Holiday Primer

2010-11-22T20:34:00.000-05:00

A few things from the wildly creative artisans on RetroHandmade!

Red Jelly Beans Beaded Bobby Pins

by Retro80s

$11

Red Loopy Corsage

by seventyseventyone

$24

Red Mushroom Home

by kamatrice

$60

Burlesque Queen of Hearts Crown

by janinebasil

$149

July Mini Design Challenge for RetroHandmade

2009-08-16T12:34:00.004-04:00

Hello all! I know things have been pretty quiet within our team lately with everyone being so busy with kids, vacations, etc. There were 2 of us itching to do a mini challenge for July, so we went for it! Here is the post that went up on my personal blog yesterday, but felt it appropriate to post here as well.

So I finally have the results of the design challenge that I did with Hillary, of Happy Hippy Jewelry on Etsy. It was our July design challenge (a little belated), and my first design challenge ever. Basically, we gave each other a theme and then let our imaginations run wild. Typically, this type of challenge is done in a large group with everyone using the same theme and then a winner is announced, but we modified a bit for just the 2 of us!

Hillary's theme that I chose was "Summer Romance," and this is what she came up with. I have to say that I love that the "couple" are in my 2 favorite colors....Let's Gooooo Mountaineers!

Here's what she had to say about it: "I really tried to represent the coming together and intertwining of two separate souls with the blue and yellow wire wrapped pendant. I added the pink and floral accents to emphasize the idea of romanticism and to add a little bit more of a "summery" feel." She elaborated more on her design process by saying this, "I made the pendant first and really wanted to represent two unique persons entangling themselves and falling in love. I couldn't decide if it was finished and even asked for advice from other crafters, who gave me some great suggestions. I discovered how well the pink went with the bright blue and yellow just playing around with different things. I played with several things and ultimately went with it because it helped soften the overall impact of the high contrast colors without making them "disappear". Pink is also a great color for romance and the floral beads looked appropriately "summery" to me. Ultimately, I think I ended up with something very romantic but unusual and unique, which is what i always strive for."

The theme Hillary assigned to me was "weather." Here is what I came up with!
This is a 3-piece bath towel set that includes a full sized bath towel, a hand towel, and a washcloth. I first thought of using a cloud, sun, and raindrop. Those just didn't work well together. They weren't very much fun. Almost a little sad. So I picked the cutest of the three, the raindrop, and created around that. The umbrella and boots gave me the ability to add some color and interest into the project while still sticking to the theme. I have to say that the rain boots, I thought, were going to be a bit out of my comfort zone as far as getting them to look normal. It didn't take me too long to figure out how I wanted to attack them, and I think they turned out pretty stinkin' cute! This item is listed at my shop on Etsy, 15 Pieces of Flair.

There are 3 of us lined up to do another mini-challenge for August with a September 8th deadline. It will feature Hillary of Happy Hippy Jewelry, Liz of LiDDesigns, and me, Angie, of 15 Pieces of Flair. Our theme this time around will be the same for all 3 and will be....drumroll.......Hollywood Glam! I'm very excited about the prospect and will keep you all posted.

A Crafty Book Proposal: Your Opportunity for Free Exposure

2009-07-29T10:59:00.002-04:00

This isn't so much a "Tip for the Team" as it is an opportunity for team members. In short, I’m putting together a book of kid-themed craft tutorials, which I’m currently accepting for submission from crafters such as yourself. In total DIY fashion, I will compile, edit and self publish this book, and then market it both online and in venues that cater to the handmade community. Revenue from sales will go to publishing costs and if any profit is made it will go to the purchase of baby formula for infants in need. I currently use a portion of all my proceeds to purchase baby formula which I donate regularly to the Foothill Unity Center, a food bank located in my community of Pasadena, California.

Though featured crafters won’t receive financial compensation for their participation in this project, they will have the opportunity to have their work show-cased as well as their name mentioned along with a small bio, picture and contact info in the book, so that all who participate get due credit.

My goal here is to simply contribute to the handmade community by promoting a handful of talented crafters and sharing what they do best with the public.

Interested crafters should send the following to me at info@anisemouette.com
- tutorial
- pictures
- web site
- contact info

Please write CRAFTY BOOK PROPOSAL in the subject line and allow several weeks for response as I anticipate numerous submissions and want to give each one thorough consideration. Thank you for your participation. I look forward to hearing from all of you!

XOXO
anisemouette.etsy.com

Summertime Smores

2009-07-11T10:36:00.007-04:00

I've recently been slacking with my holiday postings and now since all of the summer holidays have passed, I thought maybe just a summer camp fire theme would be a cool little feature. Who doesn't love some smores around a camp fire? I know I do! I found a few cute little items for all of the smores lovers out there. The first is from artist CunningandCrafty and features 2 small pins/magnets with itty bitty appliques of a marshmallow and flame. The second item is from BabyLovesPink, whose shop is just about the most adorable thing I've ever seen. It's a sweet little smores set-up to rival even the most dedicated smores maker. The last is for the Do-It-Yourselfers out there. Maybe you won't have a chance to take the kids on a camping trip this year, but want to recreate the experience in your own home. Then sweetpiebakery has just what you need! A DIY camp fire set that includes patterns for everything felt needed to do some faux smores including the fire! Hmm...suddenly I'm craving some smores!

Friday Flickr Finds: Don't they look retro?

2009-07-03T16:44:00.004-04:00

These Flickr finds are from our Retro Handmade Team Flickr group pool. Please feel free to check out their Flickr pages & Etsy shops!

1. HiFi Felt Eyeglasses Case

2. Retro Houndstooth Mirror

3. Retro Earrings-Shocking Pink

4. Chelsea Ballerina Hair Ruffle

5. c-retrodeco

6. New Necklace

7. Girlie Girl Apron - Juicy

8. Upcycled VINTAGE Earrings w/ Aqua Beads and Gold Accents

9. pink halter apron 1

Hope you have a wonderful July 4th weekend! :-)

Being a Girl Scout Is Finally Paying Off – Some Thirty Years Later!

2009-06-27T11:44:00.001-04:00

I think everyone will agree that sales have been slower than slow these past few months, no matter how much interest we are able to generate. Relisting, twittering, chatterboxing, whatever… Nothing seems to be working with any consistency. So, what am I doing, you ask? Doing my best to prevent this economic bust from getting me down by challenging myself to work with new mediums. And in doing so, learning a new skill, or rather, in my case, relearning a new skill, has kept me busy as well as rekindled my love for handmade.

While I must admit that I was hardly the model Girl Scout (I hated camping then and I hate it now), my competitive nature motivated me to work towards earning as many badges as I could before dropping out (I think I lasted a year). One badge, specifically, required I learn to embroider. To fulfill this requirement, we had the option of taking a class from one of the scout’s mothers who was a whiz with a needle and thread. And she showed us how to do a number of stitches which I remember practicing, over and over, until I had them all down pat.

So, did I ever utilize those embroidery skills that I worked so hard to perfect some thirty years ago? The answer is, no, at least not until a couple of weeks ago when I decided to buy some felt after stumbling upon some really cute felt work on Etsy. At first, those skills I learned in that one embroidery lesson did not come to me with ease. In fact, it wasn’t until my third or fourth attempt that I even remembered earning that Girl Scout badge. But when I did, everything started to click and my ability to embroider started to improve. I can’t tell you the names of the stitches I’ve been using to make some new items for my shop. But who cares? The point is that I have generated new interest in my wares, from people who might have not checked out my shop otherwise, simply because I am working with a new medium, or rather, a medium I hadn’t worked with in over three decades.

So, my tip for you is to try something new, something totally different, and see what happens. If you’re lucky you’ll not only generate new business but have a lot of fun in the process and perhaps even find a new passion.

Good luck!

To see my new felt items, feel free to browse my shop: http://anisemouette.etsy.com

Friday Flickr Finds: Bright, Colorful, & Retro!

2009-06-19T19:04:00.007-04:00

These Flickr finds are from our Retro Handmade Team Flickr group pool. Please feel free to check out their Flickr pages & Etsy shops!

1. Stacked Button Earrings,

2. Untitled,

3. Moonstone Necklace,

4. Ladybug Picnic Flirty Apron,

5. Untitled,

6. Candy Floss Silk Buttons,

7. Red and White Gingham Rose Bobby Pins,

8. Memories in Au,

9. Sneak Peak

Hope you have a great weekend! :-)

Featured Member: Littlegreenthings

2009-06-16T08:30:00.001-04:00

1. What is your shop name?

littlegreenthings

2. How did you first get started in your craft?

My crafts really took shape when I bought a large stack of 1940's Family Circle magazines at a yard sale a few years ago. Those old ads just screamed "make me into something fun". Decoupage glue + old light switch plate + vintage magazine pic= great response. The ideas snowballed from there.

3. What inspires you?

I am consistently inspired by unabashed laughter and joy, old couples in love, wide and boundless landscapes, others' words that bring order to my thoughts, honesty, truth, being genuinely understood, friendly strangers, unconditional love, unexpected surprises, courageous hearts, whimsy and play, spontaneous fun and positive minds. Every day, though, brings new inspirational surprises.

4. What are your favorite color combinations?

My color combo of choice is most definitely real-deal red with anything. Red and turquoise, awesome. Red and chocolate brown, beautiful. Red and yellow, exciting. Red is just so feisty and energetic and stimulating.

5. What is your favorite item from your shop?

I love my 1970 yearbook light switch plates. Their kitschy oddball nature captures my humor and style perfectly.

6. If you had to use three words to describe yourself, what would it be?

Contemplative, playful, hopeful.

7. What superpower would you most like to have?

I have always dreamed of having a magic wand that could turn negative into positive, hate into love.

8. What is the first thing you remember creating?

My second grade teacher was all about creative writing. My first memorable story was unencumbered fantasy made from unicorns, princesses and mermaids.

9. If you could choose any era/decade to live in, when would that be? Why?

The present is where I'd like to be. Right now is beautiful and refreshing.

10. Where can we find you? (website, blog, etc.)

the shop: www.littlegreenthings.etsy.com

tweeting: www.twitter.com/lilgreenthings

facebook: www.facebook.com/pages/littlegreenthings/68879260729?ref=ts

And The Winner is... { June '09 Design Challenge }

2009-06-15T13:25:00.006-04:00

16) Flower Power One Pocket Wallet or Coupon Holder by DollfaceJanel

First Runner-Up:

1) Hippie flowered drees OOAK by Dcartesianos

Second Runner-Ups (It's tied again!):

5) Retro Radio Necklace by RosyRedDesigns

11) Flirty Girl Apron - Fleur by Sweetthings3

Friday Flickr Finds: Cool Picks of the Week

2009-06-05T12:22:00.004-04:00

These Flickr finds are from our Retro Handmade Team Flickr group pool. Please feel free to check out their Flickr pages & Etsy shops!

1. Mommy & Me "Kitsch"en Magnet,
2. Inkjet Printing on Fabric Test ,
3. New Framed collage Art,
4. The Melanie Bag,
5. THE GRADUATES - Pomp and Circumstance Series,
6. Marilyn Monroe

Hope you have a great weekend! :-)

Vote for June '09 Design Challenge: 70's Colors

2009-06-03T21:44:00.008-04:00

Last month, we had so much fun participating for our May '09 design challenge and decided to do another one for June '09. There were a lot of great retro inspired handmade items that we ended up with a winner and four (4) runner-ups! Read more about it on this blog post. Also, Retro Handmade Team wanted to say thank you for casting your vote for last month's design challenge!

--- This month's theme is 70s Colors! ---

How to cast your vote:
There is an online poll on the bottom of this blog post that you can vote anonymously. The voting deadline is on June 12th at midnight EST (Eastern Standard Time).

--- Vote for your favorite item/seller! ---

1) Hippie flowered drees OOAK by Dcartesianos

2) Dress/tunic unique Swedish 70s, size 1-2 years by Vurm

3) BELT BUCKLE foxy ski lady by Littlegreenthings

4) Beaded Wall Art Batik and Sequins by Haannh

5) Retro Radio Necklace by RosyRedDesigns

6) Retro Deco Pin by Hippybeads

7) Giant Yellow Hibiscus Buttons by LiDDesignsSupplies

8) French Blue Cami by FallingLeafDesigns

9) Brown and gold napkin set, 8 pieces by Bipedalhumm

10) Maria by 3dDoodles

11) Flirty Girl Apron - Fleur by Sweetthings3

12) 8x10 - PRINT - Bellbottoms and Heels by Drunce

13) Catch You On the Flipside Necklace (Unique) -Vintage and Felted Wool Beads and Chain in Shades of Brown by Threepeats

14) All About The Bead. Yellow Agate Sterling Silver Choker Necklace by Rachellucie

15) Set of 2 (1 pair) - That 70s Barrettes - Mix or Match by Retro80s

16) Flower Power One Pocket Wallet or Coupon Holder by DollfaceJanel

17) Fancy Feather Earrings by BeautifulStranger

18) Vintage Revamp- Keepsake or Jewelry Box - OOAK - Kitschy Chic in Brown and Pink by KitschDesigns

Featured Member: GeminiMoonMosaics

2009-06-03T08:30:00.003-04:00

1. What is your shop name?
Gemini Moon Mosaics

2. How did you first get started in your craft?

My first mosaic was made from paper. For a Communications Design class we had to design and then make a mock up of a sign for a fictitious store named “Mudworks”. I wanted my sign to be a mosaic. My mock up was made from hundreds of colored paint swatches (thank you Home Depot) cut into tiny squares and glued down on foam core board. We had to research and write about the actual process of creating the sign. I spent hours reading about mosaics and thinking I could do this! And eventually I gave it a try and loved it.

3. What inspires you?

Many of my designs are inspired by the patterns on the vintage plates I use. Most of the time I design my mirrors around a particular plate focal, piece of jewelry or even a color scheme I find on vintage fabric or wallpaper. A trip to the thrift store or a flea market is inspiration in itself. I am also very inspired by music. There is never a moment when I am in the studio that there isn't music on.

4. What are your favorite color combinations?

It is a tie between orange, green, yellow & red, and aqua, blue & green.

5. What is your favorite item from your shop?

I really love this one:
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=14639433

6. What superpower would you most like to have?

Super strength would come in handy so I could nip plates with no problems.

7. What is the first thing you remember creating?

What stands out most to me is not a drawing or craft project, but setting up my Fisher Price people and animals for a “family portrait”. They were in perfect height order and composition in front of their farm and I also added scenery I built out of these really cool blocks we had. My sister still teases me about it and jokes that even then at 5 years old, I was obsessive compulsive and arranging things in a Martha Stewart like fashion.

8. If you could choose any era/decade to live in, when would that be? Why?

I am drawn to so many things from the 60’s. The music, fashion, home décor. I also think it would have been amazing to be part of a culture that began to stand up and question what was going on. Although there was so much turmoil, there was a generation with a voice that paved the way for change and progression.

9. Where can we find you? (website, blog, etc.)

I have a website http://www.GeminiMoonMosaics.com and a bloghttp://www.GeminiMoonMosaics.blogspot.com. You can also check out my fan page on Facebook, where I offer fan only specials and giveaways too.
http://www.facebook.com/home.php#/pages/GeminiMoonMosaicsetsycom/75508525150?ref=nf

Retro vs. Vintage ~ What Exactly is the Difference?

2009-06-02T08:00:00.006-04:00

As a proud member of the Retro Handmade Team on Etsy, I have decided to write a post that clarifies (hopefully) the difference between vintage and retro items that are for sale on etsy. To qualify as "vintage" (according to etsy), items must be at least twenty years old (made before 1989) and must be listed in the vintage category. The word vintage comes from wine terminology, and is a much more elegant-sounding term than "old". Vintage items can be new or used but because of their age are usually used! They become "antiques" when they are at least 100 years old.

Retro, short for retrospective, refers to contemporary, newly-made items that imitate the style of a previous era.

The Retro Handmade Team sellers create new items that resemble items from the past, are often described as "funky" and having a vintage "feel" or "vibe." Some team members actually use vintage materials such as beads or fabric in their designs.

For more information about the Retro Handmade Team, visit the Retro Handmade blog.

(Originally Posted by Suzanne of Threepeats on her Threepeats Jewelry blog on June 1, 2009.)

A GREAT BIG THANK YOU to all who voted in the May Design Challenge

2009-06-01T09:18:00.004-04:00

I was finally able to snag an Etsy Treasury and honor those that voted in the May Design Challenge at Retro Handmade. Please come view their terrific products and leave a comment. We love to help get the word out about our team and these wonderful folks that have joined us in celebrating our creativity! Let's get everyone to go RETRO!

http://www.etsy.com/treasury_list.php?room_id=62020

Friday Flickr Finds: Accessories & Apparel

2009-05-29T23:01:00.004-04:00

These Flickr finds are from our Retro Handmade Team Flickr group pool.

1. raspberry freshwater pearl oxidized sterling silver bracelet,

2. Giant Turquoise Hibiscus Cotton Buttons,

3. Diadema nueva,

4. Wonderland 1,

5. Sweetheart Retro Apron,

6. skirt1

Congrats!

2009-05-28T20:28:00.011-04:00

The winners of the NikkiMichele giveaway are... Judybrittle and Kyndra!

Judybrittle won the Blue Angel Bamboo Tile Pendant

and

Kyndra won the Little Bit of Faith Treasure Bottle.

NikkiMichele has sent both of you an e-mail! :-)

There will be another giveaway starting on June 8th until June 15th.

Featured Member: Vurm

2009-05-28T08:00:00.005-04:00

1. What is your shop name?
My shop is called vurm, vurm is a Swedish word for obsession, just how I feel for creating.

2. How did you first get started in your craft?
Texil studied in high school many years ago. A few years ago I went to a course in wool felting and discovered that I really wanted to start sewing again. Then I also started blog about sewing and got a lot of encouragement!

3. What inspires you?
I am usually inspired by the fabrics, I buy lots of fabrics in vintage stores and new mostly Japanese. The fabrics, is the biggest source of inspiration.

4. What are your favorite color combinations?
I love all bright colors, and has no favorite combination, but the other day, I combined red/white dots and yellow it was a delight to the eye :)

5. What is your favorite item from your shop?
My favorite..just been sold from my Swedish homepage, so I have deleted it from Etsy, my favorite at the shop right now is a bag sewn of recycled fabrics.

6. If you had to use three words to describe yourself, what would it be? I am spontaneous, happy and full of ideas.

7. What superpower would you most like to have?
Super Power .. if it can be called super power I would choose not to sleep, I want to have more awake hours of the day.

8. What is the first thing you remember creating?
I remember inherit a couple of large leather pants that I cut apart and sewed a leather jacket of when I was 13? That was probably the first thing I sewed on my own. But I have always creating, when I was a child I love to paint.

9. If you could choose any era/decade to live in, when would that be? Why? If I could go back in time it would be 60's, would be very inspiring.

10. Where can we find you? (website, blog, etc.)
You can find me here on Etsy and on my Swedish blog http://sytt.blogg.se
and my Swedish homepage http://vurm.se my blog and my homepage has the translate-tool from google so you can read it in any language.

Boost Your Sales by Selling Your Wares at Brick & Mortar Shops

2009-05-24T13:13:00.003-04:00

Often, it takes more than just your Etsy shop to get your handmade wares noticed and, ultimately, sold. In addition to selling online, you can do quite well by consigning your items at select brick and mortar shops that cater to crafters. I found a list of such shops on the “links” page of Handmade Galleries, a shop in Los Angeles where I rent a booth to showcase and sell my wares. The list was originally compiled by Oak of Boston. Be sure to check out their website (http://www.oakboston.com/catalog/) and Etsy shop (http://www. oakboston.etsy.com) as they deserve due credit for taking the time to search out all of these shops. To note, after stumbling upon this list, I was successful in making immediate contact with a handful of shops that are now carrying my retro-inspired tees and totes. Good luck!

http://bohemiatucson.com/
http://www.handmadegalleriesla.com
http://www.andelimited.com/
http://www.fancytiger.com
http://www.rainydaypaperback.com/
http://beehiveco-op.com/
http://www.uniquefreaque.com/
http://www.aurora-il.org/publicarts/museumshop.php
http://tangokdesign.com
http://www.renegadehandmade.com
http://www.sageanddaisy.com/
http://www.ilovethemakery.com/
http://lunaboutique.net/
http://www.deescrafts.com/
http://www.myspace.com/cherrybomblouisville
http://www.edithandedna.com/
http://www.oakboston.com
http://boutiquefabulous.com/
http://lushbeads.com/
http://magpie-store.com/
http://www.corazononline.com
http://www.coolplanetgoods.com
http://www.designcollectivempls.com
http://www.justplaincountrystore.com/
http://cricketsnest.com/
http://raredevice.net/
http://sodafine.com/
http://www.artezn.com/
http://www.handmadenyc.com
http://www.handmadenyc.com
http://www.whollycraft.net/
http://vixemporium.wordpress.com/
http://www.mewgallery.org
http://artstarphilly.com
http://www.mymy.us/store/
http://www.texasartspot.com
http://www.umedesigns.com/
http://theredthreadstudio.com
http://www.justplaincountrystore.com/
http://www.ashowofhands.biz/Site/Home.html
http://www.torpedofactory.org/
http://www.thesewingloungeburbank.com/

Be sure to check out my Etsy store if you haven't already: anisemouette.etsy.com
Also, look for new "Kitschy Craft" how-to tutorials on my blog: anisemouette.blogspot.com

Friday Flickr Finds: Pink, Coral, & Aqua

2009-05-22T08:15:00.000-04:00

These Flickr finds are from our Retro Handmade Team Flickr group pool.

1. The New Claire Wristlet

2. Twisted Red

3. Celestrine

4. Sweet & Dainty Halter Apron

5. Falda patitos

6. Suzie Homemaker 1

It's Not As Simple As B and W

2009-05-21T11:56:00.005-04:00

Suzanne (Threepeats) just snagged a treasury list featuring retro inspired handmade items from members' shops! Please check out her treasury list, add a comment, click away, or better yet... shop retro handmade!

Treasury Title Name: It's Not As Simple As B and W
Curator: Threepeats
Expiration date: Saturday, May 24 at 4:24pm EST

Link: http://www.etsy.com/treasury_list.php?room_id=59576

Have fun browsing! :-)

Featured Member: DCartesianos

2009-05-18T14:00:00.022-04:00

1. What is your shop name?

dcartesianos.etsy.com

2. How did you first get started in your craft? There has been always a sewing machine in my house, my mom and grandma made me my clothes, and my dolls' clothes... and by the age of 12, I started feeling envious of them, got a yard of fabric, and tried to do what they, with so much fluency, did.

3. What inspires you? Everything, a film, a flower, a forgotten piece of fabric in the drawer, something I've seen on TV or in a magazine...

4. What are your favorite color combinations? My favourite colour combination is turquoise and ruby red, it's shocking and reminds me of the "Wizard of Oz", but I also love emerald green with silver grey (that combination is much more for special events).

5. What is your favorite item from your shop? My headbands, I do love each of them, I make them one by one, choosing carefully the patterns, buttons, and bows, just for a perfect combination. I have lots of them for me, because I think they improve any outfit.

6. If you had to use three words to describe yourself, what would it be? Crafty, active and creative.

7. What superpower would you most like to have?

To control time, stop it, rewind it....

8. What is the first thing you remember creating?

The first thing was this skirt

http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b205/luripop/DC5.jpg

I made it when I was 14 years old, and I remember I put the fabric on me and made two pleats on the front, and two pleats on the back, to adjust it. Some ribbon, a zipper, and DONE!

9. If you could choose any era/decade to live in, when would that be? Why? The 60's in the US, (in Spain, the 60's came in mid 70's), because I love the clothes, the music, the spirit, rock n' roll way of living, the furniture and architecture... almost everything.

10. Where can we find you? (website, blog, etc.)
This is my website www.dcartesianos.es
my blog (sorry, in Spanish): dcartesianos.blogspot.com
and my personal flickr: www.flickr.com/kidsdoitbetter

Featured Blog Giveaway: Nikkimichele

2009-05-18T08:00:00.004-04:00

Kitsch to classic, fun to funky, bizarre to brandish, vintage to vixen! Have we covered it all?

Our company is all about Nikki and Michele: thirty-something moms and cousins who, after years apart just due to life itself, have rediscovered their friendship and decided to channel their creative energies into making daringly different handmade products and gifts!

Convinced that chic is a personal matter and a matter of personality rather than something dictated by the mainstream world of fashion, we chicks have developed a line of “totally bitchin’ bling” meant to meet the adornment addiction of every woman’s taste and style.

For the giveaway, please stop by our site at http://www.nikkimichele.etsy.com and vote on the item you love the most and you may win it!!!

Giveaway Details

The giveaway will run from today Monday, May 18, 2009, until next Monday, May 25, 2009 at Midnight EST (Eastern Standard Time). The winner will receive an item from Nikkimichele’ Etsy shop. This giveaway is open to the US only.

To Enter:

• Official Entry: Choose your favorite item from Nikkimichele' Etsy shop that you hope to win. PLEASE leave a comment with the name of chosen item from Nikkimichele and a way to contact you (i.e., Etsy shop username).

• If winner does not respond to the winning convo / email within 72 hours, a new winner will be chosen.

Thank you so much! :-)

Friday Flickr Finds: A bit of retro

2009-05-15T16:37:00.001-04:00

These Flickr finds are from our Retro Handmade Team Flickr group pool.

1. Raglan Dress

2. The Teresa Purse

3. with the wishing fish

4. Vintage flower pattern

5. The Peggy Sue Handbag

6. Retro and Shwe Shwe Pillow Covers

And The Winner is... {May '09 Design Challenge}

2009-05-12T18:15:00.000-04:00

Green and Green - Braided Ribbon Barrettes from Retro80s

First Runner-Up:

Retro GREEN GREEN GREEN Button Bouquet by RetroReDesign

Second Runner-Ups: (It was tied)

1) Organic by Liddesignsboutique

2) Retro Telephone Kitsch-en Magnet by Anisemouette

3) Kiwi Atomic Tiki Moderne Retro Eames Barkcloth SLOUCH BAG by AtomicLivin

Off to the Emerald City

2009-05-12T17:30:00.000-04:00

Steph (TartDeco) created a treasury list of top 16 vote-getters from May '09 Design Challenge. It is called "Off to the Emerald City." Have a look - it expires on Friday, May 15 at 6:34am EST.

Congratulations to Retro80s, RetroReDesign, Liddesignsboutique, Anisemouette, AtomicLivin, FallingLeafDesigns, BeautifulStranger, Vintagecookie, Haannh, KnottySisters, Bipedalhumm, Threepeats, FartsyArts, Funusual, MyFriendAmy, and WendyBirde.

Congratulations!

2009-05-12T11:18:00.000-04:00

The winner of the Threepeats giveaway is... Mr. Bean!

Mr. Bean won the Jungle Orchid Necklace from Threepeats (see the photo above).

Suzanne of Threepeats have sent you an e-mail... you have until May 14th at 6:30AM EST to response back or a new winner will be chosen!

There will be another giveaway starting on May 18th until May 25th.

Twy a Twibe on Twitter

2009-05-09T09:27:00.000-04:00

What is a Twibe, you ask? Twibes are groups of people on Twitter with a common interest. Instead of wading through all those posts on your home page, you can simply go to a specific Twibe page to read Tweets about a specific topic. Several Twibes are already in effect, and you can search through a list on Twitter to find ones of interest to you: http://www.twibes.com/twitter-groups. You can also start your own Twibe, as I did for all of you interested in making retro-inspired handmade wares. Just go to http://www.twibes.com/group/RetroHandmade to join.

The benefits are really worth the effort, which is only a click of your mouse: you can begin to network with more individuals who share a common interest; you are able to see Tweets relevant to a specific group without having to track them down individually; and, the group itself acts as a marketing tool as it can provide a wealth of information for a larger audience interested in specific content.

If you do indeed decide to join the Retro Handmade Twibe, be sure to include “retro,” “handmade,” or “etsy” in you tags so that they show up on the Twibe’s member page.

I'll be checking in regularly to check out your new posts!

anise mouette
http://anisemouette.etsy.com
http://twitter.com/anisemouette

Friday Flickr Finds: Nostalgic Whimsy

2009-05-08T18:23:00.001-04:00

These Flickr finds are from our Retro Handmade Team Flickr group pool.

1. 1970s Play Projector Tote, 2. Retro Style Deco Mirror, 3. Alice in Wonderland, 4. The flappers dancing the Charleston., 5. Necklace, 6. Spring Love

Featured Blog Giveaway: Threepeats

2009-05-04T08:58:00.000-04:00

~ Win your Favorite Item from Threepeats Jewelry ~

Guess what? You get to choose your favorite item from Threepeats' Etsy shop that you hope to win. Also, PLEASE read her giveaway details at the bottom of this blog post.

Suzanne of Threepeats has been an active member of Retro Handmade Team since New Year’s Day of this year. Why don’t you get to know Threepeats better by reading the interview?

How did you started creating recycled jewelry?
One summer I decided to see if I could use some of the beads and chain from broken pieces I had to create a necklace I would actually wear...one that was long, light and versatile. When I got compliments on the necklace, I started creating them as gifts for family and friends and got more compliments. Threepeats was born!

Tell me a bit about your retro inspired creations.
Threepeats carries three section necklaces made from recycled vintage chains and beads. They are long and light and can be worn in a variety of ways. They all slip over the head and are hand assembled (no soldering!) Dangle earrings that are also made from recycled vintage chain and beads are available. I enjoy repurposing vintage materials into wearable modern jewelry pieces.

Check out her Etsy shop!

Giveaway Details

The giveaway will run from today Monday, May 4, 2009, until next Monday, May 11, 2009 at Midnight EST (Eastern Standard Time). The winner will receive an item from Threepeats’ Etsy shop. This giveaway is open to the US only.

To Enter:

• Official Entry: Choose your favorite item from Threepeats' Etsy shop that you hope to win. PLEASE leave a comment with the name of chosen item from Threepeats and a way to contact you (i.e., Etsy shop username).

• If winner does not respond to the winning convo / email within 72 hours, a new winner will be chosen.

Thank you so much! :-)

Help Yourself By Helping Others: Promotional Ideas that Don’t Cost a Dime

2009-05-03T21:26:00.000-04:00

Offering others my help has been my most successful networking tool. When conceptualizing ideas to market myself, I try to think of ways I can offer support. Don’t get me wrong. My underlying objective is to market myself. Mother Theresa I am not. However, when I take others’ interests to heart, I seem to benefit more than when I put my interests first. Included here are a few things I’ve started to do on a regular basis, all of which have increased interest in my handmade wares.

- donate a portion of all my proceeds to a local charity
- post how-to craft tutorials on my blog and other networking sites like Craftster
- post networking tips on my blog and other networking sites like byhand.me
- provide feedback and tips in forums on Etsy, among others, on a regular basis
- offer my wares or time for charitable donation
- promote fellow crafters via networking sites like Facebook & Twitter

To note, my most recent blog post, “50 Free Promotional Sites for Crafters,” has been my biggest networking success to date. In return for the list, readers of my blog were urged to follow me on Twitter. And sure enough, within 48 hours of posting, I noted some 200 plus new followers (and the number continues to increase). In turn, this exposure has lead to more than triple the daily views I was receiving in my Etsy shop. No Etsy showcase, banner ad, or even press clip about my shop has awarded me near the same amount of exposure. And it didn’t cost a dime.

http://anisemouette.etsy.com
http://anisemouette.blogspot.com

Team Blog Giveaways

2009-05-03T16:20:00.000-04:00

Retro Handmade Team is hosting two (2) featured blog giveaways per month starting tomorrow, May 4th. Each featured blog giveaway will provide their own giveaway details on how to enter the contest. Remember, everyone's different - it doesn't mean everyone's rules are same from one to another.

How can I keep up with your team's blog giveaways?
Good question, you can sign up for our email newsletter to stay informed. To subscribe, you can enter your email address via the form, which can be found under the section "Subscribe via Email" on the top of 2nd right-side navigation bar.

Image by amanda bel via Flickr

You will be informed as soon as we posted a new blog giveaway - it will be sent to your email inbox automatically. Just like that... (snap fingers).

As for this month's upcoming giveaways, we are proud to host Threepeats from May 4 to 11 and NikkiMichele from May 18 to 25.

Have fun entering! :-) Also, don't forget to vote for May '09 Design Challenge - it ends on May 9th at midnight EST.

Vote for May '09 Design Challenge: color GREEN

2009-05-02T11:36:00.000-04:00

Guess what? This is our first monthly design challenge, and we are excited about showing you our creations for the design challenge and hoping that you would cast your vote for us!

--- This month's theme is COLOR GREEN! ---

Please view our entries before voting:
You can view the entries by visiting our “Favorite Items” page via this link:
http://www.etsy.com/favorite_listings_public.php?user_id=7147456

How to cast your vote:
To cast your vote by leaving a comment on this blog post or on this Etsy forum thread via this link: http://www.etsy.com/forums_thread.php?thread_id=6137721

Voting deadline:
The voting deadline is on May 9th at midnight EST (Eastern Standard Time).

Voters’ Prize:
The voters will be featured on the treasury list at Etsy! Who doesn’t like being featured on the treasury list? :-)

Upcoming Team Events & Craft Shows

2009-05-01T16:25:00.000-04:00

We have a calendar now! That way you'd be able to keep up with our team events and members' upcoming craft shows. To subscribe to this calendar, click on "+ google calendar" button below.

Member Spotlight: John Met Betty

2009-04-30T16:09:00.000-04:00

Congratulations to a member of Retro Handmade, John Met Betty, who made it to an Etsy Featured Seller this week! You can check out her Etsy Featured Seller article to learn more about her shop.

If anyone else out there on the team is ever featured on Etsy, you can always contact us via convo!

Flickr Finds of the Week - 3

2009-04-23T11:14:00.001-04:00

These Flickr finds are from our Retro Handmade Team Flickr group pool.

1. Pink Ladies -- by Variation

2. Scrapcraft- Barkcloth Book Mark- Atomic -- by Kitsch Designs

3. New! Cafe Au Lait Glass on Antiqued Brass -- by Mosaicroro

4. bobbi redux II -- by The Pairabirds

5. Bouquet_mini_3 -- by Retro ReDesign

6. Retro Earrings-Atomic Green -- by Beautiful Stranger

Shop Retro Handmade: Happy Earth Day!

2009-04-22T10:25:00.000-04:00

Almost every member on the Retro Handmade Team makes recycled items. Since this list is long, I thought I would just give you some examples of what our members specialize in. I hope these finds encourage you to shop green in honor of celebrating Earth Day this week!

Ruffled Purple Vinyl Record Necklace
by Elizabeth Normand Designs.

Antique Recycled Book Purse--1946 Hymnal
by Green Pocketbooks, Etc.

Just Too Tulle Dangle Earrings (Unique) - Recycled Vintage Beads and Fabric in Green and White
by Threepeats Jewelry - Recycled Vintage Beads and Chains.

Starlet .... Marilyn Monroe Bottle Cap Earrings
by Queen Beed.

frenchblues...necklace by Retronym.

Rush Vinyl Record Purse or Magazine holder
by Retro Grandma.

Flickr Finds of the Week - 2

2009-04-16T16:03:00.000-04:00

These Flickr finds are from our Retro Handmade Team Flickr group pool.

You can visit these members' shops by clicking on their shop title names next to their Flickr photo links below.

1. aloha! -- by My Friend Amy

2. Vintage Lovers -- by Rachel Lucie

3. Aunt Bucky mOdern Shadow Pillow: Moosey + Alfalfa -- by Aunt Bucky

4. Harley the Hedgehog Hand Towel -- by 15 Pieces of Flair

5. eiffel tower earrings with bows -- by Erica Leigh Designs

6. IMG_2078 -- by Marjorie's Cracked

Member Spotlight: Fancy Clothing- Part II

2009-04-14T20:21:00.000-04:00

As a follow up to the Member Spotlight with Fancy Clothing I wanted to pass along some information that Arielle shared with me. I know I have always been curious about how all those great artists and crafters end up as Featured Artists on Etsy and I thought some of you might want to know how the process works too. The following is an excerpt from several emails between Arielle and me.

Just as a curiosity question from a fellow team member and Etsy shop owner I was wondering…did being a Featured Seller boost your sales? Or, any other aspect of your shop (hearts, alchemy, inquiries, etc)?

To answer your question-- Yes! To all of those things! The feature made things INSANE-- I jumped about 1500-2000 hearts in just a few days, and I received over 100 convos [which I finally caught up with days later], and many, many custom order inquiries. I think that I ultimately had about 30-45 purchases (which is pretty decent for me). The attention was great, a huge boost to my shop! At this point I wish that I were a faster, more skilled seamstress, and was able to crank out product at a faster rate. Before the feature I was actually as busy as I could reasonably manage, and this has increased business, certainly. I also received many consignment and wholesale inquiries, which were very exciting to have! [I'm not sure which opportunities I will inquire further about first.]

Did you submit a request to Etsy or where you randomly chosen to be a Featured Seller? How did that happen?

I was contacted by Etsy Admin about 2 months before the suggested date of the feature, asking if I would be interested in being featured. Of course I said YES, YES, YES, and they proceeded to convo with me with the standard list of questions you see used in the Feature interviews. Admin advised that I start really preparing and stocking up my shop, saying that they really prefer sellers not completely sell out on the front page. There was really no campaigning for the Feature, it was more of an offer and assent sort of situation. I don't really know for sure, but I imagine that positive feedback, an active, maintained shop, and good pictures are all keys to being picked.

Such good advice and helpful information! Thanks Arielle!

So, it sounds like being a Featured Artist on Etsy really is a great honor since you have to be “discovered” and asked to be a part of this group. How exciting for Arielle! I also have to agree with her last statement about feedback, active shop, and great pictures being the ways to stand-out and get noticed.
Hope you all have enjoyed this glimpse into the process of obtaining a Feature on the Etsy front page. If any other members have ever been featured or have any other questions about the process please leave a comment and we will do our best to find the answer.

Flickr Finds of the Week - 1

2009-04-09T16:58:00.000-04:00

These Flickr finds are from our Retro Handmade Team Flickr group pool.

You can visit these members' shops by clicking on their shop title names next to their Flickr photo links below.

1. Louise Brooks -- by Silents and Talkies

2. Ruffles Collection - Bird of Paradise -- by LiD Designs Boutique
3. Purple Retro Pillow Cover -- by Freshly Found
4. Love Tea -- by Jess and Belle
5. Girls Rule -- by Gemini Moon Mosaics
6. The Melanie Bag -- by Hands Full Creations

Shop Retro Handmade

2009-04-06T16:31:00.001-04:00

Here is a list of members' shops under shop categories that they specialize in:

A BIT OF EVERYTHING
Anisemouette
Bipedalhumm
Blueberryshoes
Dcartesianos
Katiepatatey
KitschDesigns
Mosaicroro
Oddartist
Punkscrapper
Retrograndma
Royaloaker
Shopgloriosa
Sweetthings3
Vurm

ACCESSORIES - A bit of everything
BeautifulStranger
DollfaceJanel
Elizabethnormand
KarenFabiano
Littlegreenthings
Memorycollector
Missrubysue
Mjhkubik
Veryvintage
Victorianbustle

ACCESSORIES - Fascinators, Hats, & other Headpieces.
aMuseMents
ClaraBowsBoutique
Gabbeyxxx
Guerillagranny
LiDDesignsBoutique
RachelPearl
TartDeco
TheSavageCabbage

ACCESSORIES - Hair Accessories
Cherrycanary
Retro80s

ACCESSORIES - Handbags & Coin Purses.
AtomicLivin
Greenpocketbooksetc
Handsfullcreations
JohnMetBetty
Juliewheat
Pearmcgee
Rastaina
SewBitchy
Tippiecanoe
TissyDesigns

ART, ILLUSTRATION, & PHOTOGRAPHY
Drunce
GeminiMoonMosaics
JoannaGoldman
Lsheely
Silentsandtalkies
Tasherajea
Thepairabirds

CHILDREN & Handmade TOYS
AuntBucky
Myfriendamy
Peanoonies
Redpossum
Swellkid
Variation

CLOTHING
Heartandsowdesigns
JerryLeeSews
Knottysisters
Lilybrush
LuckyStrikes
Mimisaprons
Necessityisthemother
TheSparklingCocktail
Wendybirde

FABRICS & HOME DECOR
15PiecesofFlair
FreshlyFound
Funusual
Haannh
Majidesign
OnkieBazoobie
Soadypopdesigns

JEWELRY
3dDoodles
Antebelle
BurlesqueBabe
Ericaleighdesigns
FallingLeafDesigns
FartsyArts
Florabond
Hippybeads
Illustrious
Jessandbelle
Joyella
LaCometaLab
Lookingglasshouse
Marjoriescracked
Nikkimichele
Queenbee92026
Rachellucie
Retronym
RetroReDesign
RosyRedDesigns
StarfishStratagies
SunsetSurf
Threepeats
Vintagecookie
Wickedgems

PAPER GOODS
Englishcookies
Recyclemania
Sweetlifepaper
Vivavariety

NOTE TO SHOPPERS: This list will be up-to-date once a week with new members' shops. By searching for new members' shops, they would be appeared in bold for up to two weeks. (Last updated: Monday, May 25, 2009)

Also, you can search for them via our team tags at Etsy (retrohandmadeteam).

Have fun browsing and shopping! :-)

rhymes with Orange Treasury by Karin at LookingGlassHouse

2009-03-29T12:44:00.000-04:00

Karin (LookingGlassHouse) just posted a bold Treasury on Etsy featuring several of our team members and some other wonderful Etsy sellers. Please check out her selections, add a comment, or click away and buy!

http://www.etsy.com/treasury_list.php?room_id=49028

Easter Egg-cellence

2009-03-26T20:33:00.000-04:00

Hard to believe that Easter is just around the corner, but I assure you that it is a mere 2 1/2 weeks away! To help inspire some creative decorating, or maybe even just fuel your imaginations, I have selected a few items that were retro at heart.

The first is an item near and dear to my own childhood. I recall playing with these at my grandparents house each year before Easter. This set of 3 crocheted chicken egg covers from Meisharay's shop would certainly warm any lonely plastic eggs that happen to be rolling around your home. When I emailed her about featuring this item, she told me that her mother, who is 85, actually makes these for her. It's easy to see she has passed her crafty genes on!

Next was this super funky purple bunny wreath from Flecto's shop. I don't know what it is about those little flocked animals that takes me back to my grade school days, but I just can't help but smile when I see them.

The last item I chose was an extremely cool set of decorative eggs from Goose Grease. I love how simple and chic they are! Have a happy Easter everyone!

Member Spotlight: Fancy Clothing

2009-03-21T15:08:00.000-04:00

Congratulations to a member of Retro Handmade, Fancy Clothing, who made it to an Etsy Featured Seller this weekend! You can check out her Etsy Featured Seller article to learn more about her shop.

If anyone else out there on the team is ever featured on Etsy, you can always contact us via convo!

Featured on Indie Fixx!

2009-03-16T14:53:00.000-04:00

Guess what? When I was reading Indie Fixx blog, I came across their post "Team Etsy!" I was surprised to see that Retro Handmade was on their list! So exciting... I wanted to share this news with you!

Thank you so much, Indie Fixx!

Tips from the Team: Searching for your Treasuries

2009-03-12T20:26:00.000-04:00

Are you getting tired of searching for the "gold stars" to see if your shop is being featured in new Treasury lists? Your treasury hunting days are over... because of these two websites.

Craftopolis: They have 'treasury hunt' and 'gift guide search' to see if your shop is being featured in any of them. Pretty neat, huh?

CraftCult's Heart-o-matic: It's not just about shop hearts, item hearts, single item hearts, and item views. They just added a new tab called Featured, which it would let you find out if you have been featured on the Front Page today and if any of your items are currently in a Gift Guide.

In a meantime, I hope you have fun hunting for your treasuries!

We are at Twitter too!

2009-03-12T15:19:00.000-04:00

It's true. Retro Handmade just joined Twitter yesterday. Please feel free to follow us on Twitter to keep up with our team updates and promotions. Also, there is a new blog section added to our sidebar navigation called Twitter Updates for anyone who's interested in our up-to-date team news such as new team treasury lists, featured members, vintage-inspired indie finds, and many more!

New Treasury Up!

2009-03-11T17:19:00.000-04:00

Thanks to KitschDesigns, we have a brand-spankin' new treasury up today. I don't know how to do a beautiful screen capture, but please click on the link and click away. Also, don't forget to leave a comment! ***I just realized that someone has been quite busy posting away and making treasuries! I've been so out of the loop. Thanks Kitsch!***
And for anyone looking for a bit of fun on St. Patty's Day this year, I found these fantastic "nipple tassels" on Etsy by CheesecakeBurlesque. She has tassels for every occasion imaginable! I never knew nipple tassels could be so fun!

Luck of the Irish for Babies Too!

2009-03-11T17:10:00.001-04:00

We have a second team Treasury for March! This one is devoted to baby items in shades of green. Because, let's face it, babies need the luck of the Irish too!

http://www.etsy.com/treasury_list.php?room_id=45657

Lucky Green, Eco and Retro Too!

2009-03-08T20:08:00.000-04:00

We just scored another Treasury on Etsy. This one features members that sell items to wear. Each item is in a lovely shade of green, made from recycled, upcycled and/or repurposed items. Be sure to pick up one of these great finds to keep those St. Patty's Day pinchers away!

http://www.etsy.com/treasury_list.php?room_id=44832

Enjoy!
Kitsch Krafts

Artfire Item of the Hour!!

2009-03-04T17:40:00.000-05:00

Our very own LiDDesigns is featured RIGHT NOW on Artfire! One of her lovely hats is currently listed as the "Item of the Hour" on the front page. For those of you that don't use Artfire yet, it is a newer site similar to Etsy, but with a little bit easier to handle fee system. They don't have the same popularity yet as Etsy, but they are definitely gaining. They have lots of great features and work to really promote their sellers.

If you catch this in time go check out LiD's pretty pink hat!

Our Team Facebook Page

2009-03-03T14:39:00.000-05:00

We created a Facebook fan page for our team, Retro Handmade, for anyone who would like to be our fan and keep up with our team updates such as promotions and events. Our members' business fan pages can be found under "Favorite Pages" on our fan page if you would like to be their fan too. Also, our blog posts are being imported onto our fan page - that way you won't miss out on anything. Come on, be our fan today and tell your friends too! :-)

Spring Treasury!

2009-03-02T10:07:00.000-05:00

Erika (Kitschdesigns) just snagged another treasury list at Etsy for Retro Handmade Team featuring members' spring themed handmade items. Thanks so much, Erika!

Be sure to check out our team treasury list before it expires on March 3 at 5:40am.

Feelin' the Love!

2009-01-01T13:20:00.000-05:00

As we enter into 2009, my thoughts are already turning towards the upcoming Valentine's holiday. I know that I am not nearly as prepared business-wise as I would like to be, but I chalk that up to this being my first year still having a shop. I constantly feel like I'm playing catch-up with the holidays. So for those of you who are in the same boat, I felt some I needed to share some love! I found some great retro-inspired items this morning while partaking in my favorite pasttime...looking for awesome things on Etsy!

The first great thing I found was this super cute Flirt Apron from etsy seller perdoozy. She has a variety of original retro-styled aprons that would be sure to please any lady on your list this Valentine's day.The second thing I stumbled across was Fifi's Excursion necklace by etsy seller Soulcharm. Not necessarily for Valentine's, but certainly feminine, retro, and romantic, this necklace would be perfect for those on your list who love life and don't take things too seriously. Maybe someone needs a little levity added to their everyday and this would be the perfect way to provide that!The last little tidbit I came across that I just had to share, was this adorable digital print from etsy seller swellkid. It made me think about the days when Valentine's cards weren't all about the latest trend in kids' trends like Hannah Montana or Dora the Explorer. What every happened to a little bit of originality?Well, I hope this has gotten you into "feelin' the love" a little bit more for the upcoming lover's holiday. Don't forget to support the handmade movement and shop Etsy for tons of fabulous, personal gift items!

Retro (Handmade) Holiday Treasury!

2008-11-26T09:53:00.000-05:00

Last night I snagged a Treasury West for Retro Handmade Team featuring members' handmade Holiday items. Check it out - it expires on November 28 (Black Friday) at 7:00am Eastern (NYC) time zone!

http://www.etsy.com/treasury_list_west.php?room_id=33858

Vintage Christmas Inspirations

2008-11-22T18:21:00.000-05:00

I'm sure many of you out there have been asked, "Where do you get your ideas?" It's a hard one to answer. Everyone's creative process is so different. For me, seeing certains styles or colors tends to influence my creativity. This year I have decided that I am in love with vintage Christmas decor. I've done a lot of shopping locally at antique shops and have found some great bargains, but the biggest source I have found is right here at home on Etsy! Here are some of the fantastic finds I have come across in recent days there. First, is a fantastic vintage red flocked reindeer from Girl Land. I recently purchased 2 of these only in white and have a craft project in progress that I hope to post on in a few days when it is completed. Next, is a charming Christmas vignette wall hanging from Retro Gal. In the pic, it looks like it is small enough to be an ornament, but it is actually 5 inches by 6 inches. I'm sure you've seen lots of little kitchsy scenes like this one in antique shops. I always see little nativity scenes, but never any quite as cute as this one. Last up, is a fabulous lighted santa and tinsel tree topper from Treasure Hunt Vintage. This is one of the most fantastic specimens of a vintage tree topper I have seen in quite some time! I purchased a similar one without an adorable santa last year and was very dismayed when I learned that it simply would not sit on the top of our tree! So now it is resting in its' vintage box awaiting an idea of how it can be best displayed. So these are some of the things that have been inspiring my line of creativity lately. I'm hoping some of you out there get some inspiration from these things too. If not for creative purposes, maybe you just found the perfect next Christmas decorations that you have to have!

Holiday Treasury

2008-11-20T16:32:00.000-05:00

One of our members, Kitschdesigns, just snagged a treasury list at Etsy for Retro Handmade Team featuring our members' holiday themed items. Thanks so much, Kitschdesigns!

Check it out! :-)
http://www.etsy.com/treasury_list.php?room_id=22296

New Retro Handmade Treasury!

2008-11-03T16:11:00.000-05:00

LiDDesignsBoutique snagged a treasury at Etsy for Retro Handmade Team featuring newest members' items. Thank you, Liz! :-)

Please feel free to visit new Retro Handmade treasury - it expires on November 4th at 10:07pm (Eastern Timezone - New York City).

Retro Handmade snagged a team treasury!

2008-09-16T21:42:00.000-04:00

We want to say thank you to LiD Designs Boutique, a member of Retro Handmade Team, for snagged this team treasury even though it was being curated by MissKnits. Yes, you heard that right... there was a glitch at the Treasury last week. Both of them snagged this treasury list at same time. They were not the only ones...I heard same thing that has happened to other Etsians.

Those hand-picked items were added by LiD Designs Boutique not knowing it was being curated by someone else. Fortunately, MissKnits was really nice for letting LiD Designs Boutique to keep her hand-picked items on MissKnits' treasury. Thanks! :-)

Treasury Update:
Our 2nd team treasury was expired on September 11, 2008. Sorry for late news. Next time I will let you know right away.

What is Retro Handmade Team?

2008-09-15T20:57:00.000-04:00

Retro Handmade is a group of Etsy sellers who specialize in handmade vintage-inspired items that resemble things from the past or create things that have retro vibe. They are brand-new handmade items, not items that we all have had for a long time, which would consider vintage. We also use vintage beads and fabrics to make things with.

We hope to introduce Etsy sellers who would like to bring retro mainstream to the world and share their love of all retro and funky.

Please feel free to visit our members' shops and blogs (their links are listed on the right side navigation bars). Keep your eyes open for upcoming events and new topics to read.

Our first Retro Handmade Treasury!

2008-08-25T20:08:00.000-04:00

Hi everyone! I finally set up our first team treasury list at Etsy...yay!! :-) Feel free to check it out and leave a comment to show your team spirit! Go, Retro Handmade, Go!

If you don't see your item on this one, then not to worry because you will be on next one! We have so many talented artists on our team...wish I could show off everyone's items on the treasury at same time. :-)

Treasury Update:
This was taken on April 22, 2008. I am just moving older posts from our old blog (formerly known as Retro Etsy Street Team) over here at our newest blog! :-)

Team Tag

2008-07-23T15:53:00.000-04:00

*drum roll* (opening the envelope)

The winner is... "RetroEtsyTeam"

After I read the article about the team tags at the Storque, I asked Sara (a.k.a. sarawearsskirts) which Retro Handmade team tag is more suitable for Etsy's search engine. She picked "RetroEtsyTeam" as our new team tag because all Teams tags should have the word Team in them now and that most acronyms are not as easy to remember as a short group of words.

Be sure to include "RetroEtsyTeam" as a tag for your handmade vintage-inspired items if you are a member of Retro Handmade Team.