Retro vs. Vintage ~ What Exactly is the Difference?

   

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.)

Featured Blog Giveaway: Threepeats

~ 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! :-)