Etsy Recyclers Guild

A Special Thank You to the Integrity of Vintage Team

2012-01-28T16:35:00.004-05:00

Reminiscent of the darling song from Rogers and Hammerstein classic film "The King and I", the wonderful Integrity of Vintage Etsy Team has reached out to "get to know" the members of the Etsy Recyclers Guild by featuring team members in their treasuries!

To thank them for the promotion they have given us, I have featured their prominent team members; and those of who created "Getting to Know You Treasuries", in this treasury for our appreciation:You Are Precisely...My Cup of "Green" Tea!

Here are the Integrity of Vintage Team "Getting To Know You" Treasuries, that I have seen, in which they have featured members of the Etsy Recyclers Guild Team!!! Please click, comment, and send your gratitude as well. ;-)

"Getting To Know You" Treasury #1

Getting To Know You" Treasury #2

Getting To Know You" Treasury #3

Upcycled Cabinets at Bench Mark Custom Signs

2011-12-26T15:31:00.000-05:00

Phil's art niche is custom woodworking out of his shop, close to Metamora, Illinois (which is ironically in Woodford County.) He was formerly trained in avionics (aviation electronics) while serving in the Marine Corps. If you look closely, you can see Marine Corps memorabilia and jet aircraft photos decorating his woodworking shop. He currently tests software by profession, so it’s not a surprise to find that his digital day job often overlaps his woodworking night life.

Maple carved plaque uses Phil's v-carving technique.

Although he learned about woodworking through classes in high school, he credits the natural abilities inherited from his father. Phil recalls, “My dad did cabinet making on the side. I was the gopher from an early age. The first project of my own that I remember was an exact scale replica of a battleship made from cut-offs from whatever project my dad was working on. I was probably 6 years old at the time so you can imagine just how ‘exact’ the replica was."Phil found himself into his woodworking endeavors when he bought a house. He says, "There are a lot of sophisticated (and costly) projects you can do yourself if you have the right tools and skill." When not creating, he writes for his woodworking web site or answering woodworking questions on Internet forums. He has been featured in Wood Magazine.

These monogram plaques run about $35 in Phils's Etsy shop

How He Designed the Machine to Make His DesignsPhil taught himself to use CAD software for his profession, and soon found it too useful to resist when doing his woodworking projects. “With CAD software, you can design or plan your project so there aren’t too many surprises at the end", he says. Over time this eventually led Phil into woodworking with CNC equipment. This equipment can be quite expensive, out of reach of most hobbyists and even many professionals. So, Phil took the challenge and designed and built his own CNC router. (I'm certain having a background in electronics and CAD helped!) Phil explains that "The CNC has opened up entirely new avenues in the areas of design. If I can draw it, I can make it.”

Family signs are a great gift for the new bride and groom.

Mission Style Meets Military Phil’s design Aesthetic on signs would be considered Mission (Arts & Crafts), Shaker, and Western Victorian. Phil says, “I just love all the old trim work and designs used in the mid 1800’s.” His CNC machine in his shop is decorated with these scroll designs, similar to those used on gun engravings reminiscent of that era.

Note the old engravings.

Phil prefers to work with native American hardwoods. Some of his stock comes from trees he felled himself and had sawn into lumber. Phil also gets some of his lumber from a local tree feller. He explains, "You cannot buy some of this wood in a lumber yard, it’s just not available at this quality level.” Phil will also use upcycled cabinetry, such as doors in some of his designs--but only if they are real solid wood, no veneer! Connect with Phil Phil is relatively new to Etsy and Facebook, and would love for you to drop him a line to say hello, critique his shop, or give him some new ideas! He is looking forward to becoming part of the Etsy community!Bench Mark Custom Signs and Wonders on Facebook Bench Mark Custom Signs on Etsy!

This post written by Ira Mency, for inclusion on Handmadeology.

Crafting Nature FREE Resource as Told By Handmadeology

2011-11-13T09:12:00.000-05:00

Okay Etsy greenies, if you sell upcycled, recycled, green crafts or products you really need to rad this great post on Handmadeology to find out how you can get your green crafts or products featured on Crafting Nature site! What a great way to help promote you for free! Thanks to Tim for finding this great resource!

How to Successfully Sell Jewelry on Etsy

2011-10-29T11:37:00.000-04:00

Lovely Bracelet by Naturally Heartfelt.

Many people jump into an Etsy shop without taking the time to learn how to be successful at it. I'm an Etsian and I love the community and ease of use of the site itself. However, it took me a year to learn all the ins and outs, tips and tricks, so I'm here to share with you a few things that I wish someone would have told me.

Educate Yourself On Selling First: Do's and Don'ts and The Storque
First take time before stocking your shop to read the Do's and Don'ts of Etsy, and review some of the "Quit Your Day Job" articles in the Official Etsy Blog, called The Storque. Not only with this prepare you for what to expect, but will give you advice and suggestions from peers on how to run your Etsy shop. Education of the Etsy universe is key. Once you are in, continually refer to The Storque, and the Forums for help.

Lovely photos, items, and creative packaging at Heaven Sent Crafts.

Stock Your Shop With Good Selection
Your shop should then be stocked with a good selection of items, ranging in price so that you may eventually find and target your market. Selling all higher-priced items at first may alienate your lower-priced customer base. At first, a good selection is key.

Good, Clear, Close Up Photos Are Key
Gorgeous photos will encourage customers to shop with you. Grainy photos, or photos that do not show detail in your work will not sell your item. Good photographs can be had with even the oldest, cheapest cameras if you capture natural light and know how to zoom in. Practice makes perfect.

Tags and Keywords Will Make or Break You
You can have the best priced, prettiest jewelry in the world, but if it's not properly tagged or categorized no one will ever find it. Read up on how to properly tag your item, and how to use all 14 tags. If you need help, search the web as many sellers discuss this.

Join a Team
Join a Team on Etsy, most are free and are based on either location or theme. You may wish to join a local team and/or a jewelry themed group. Teams band together to help promote each other's items and in turn will obtain more exposure for your items.

Be Prepared to Work to Promote Your Etsy Shop Outside of Etsy
Etsy gives you a low cost platform to sell your wares, with a free shop, charging only minimal listing and sales fees. However, the promotion and success of your shop is up to you. You must work hard outside of Etsy to get your shop noticed, by promoting it on other social networking sites like Facebook, Blogs, or Twitter so that you may drive customers to your Etsy shop.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Ira_Mency
Ira Mency sells vintage on Etsy at Retro Chalet Vintage Shop, and runs a vintage blog at Vintage Chalet .

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/6062363

Halloween Decor Etsy Recyclers Guild Style

2011-10-11T00:09:00.000-04:00

Ghost made of coffee filter with google-eyes and marker mouth hung onto a piece of thread tied to a recycled brown paper bag wrapped around a stone and twisted to make branches.

Bat made from recycled egg carton snipped and painted black with google eyes and white painted cardboard fangs attached. Also is strung onto a piece of yarn.

Check out this fabulous team treasury: Trick or Treat Down Candy Cane Lane

This blog post was a contribution by Andrea of Storybook Artifact.

Merchants Menagerie

2011-09-24T23:42:00.009-04:00

The breathtaking scene above is a picture of an vibrantly-colored painting titled "Christmas Shopping Cityscape" by Renie Britenbucher.

Christmas shoppers are already pondering over which gifts they want to get their loved ones for this years festive beloved holiday. The Etsy Recyclers Guild Team is prepared and ready to fulfill the shopper's dream as well as offer many of the hottest trends of the season; which can be found on the Etsy Blog in this month's Etsy Merchandising Desk.

In this blog article, I would like to acknowledge some of the hot trends of the season mentioned in this month's Merchandising Desk and feature Etsy Recyclers Guild Team members who have trendy, related shop items with high-quality pictures that would look AWESOME in your next Etsy Recyclers Guild Team Treasury!!!

STEAMPUNK!
"Vintage Ornate Labyrinth Art Nouveau Sterling Silver Pendant Necklace" by Etsy Recyclers Guild Team Leader Storybook Artifact

PLAID!

"Eco 13 inch Laptop Bag in Blue Black and Green Wool Plaid" by Etsy Recyclers Guild Member WrapCycle

PEACOCKS!
"60's Black Velvet Handpainted Peacock Sweet" by Etsy Recyclers Guild Member Sweet Lucies

POLKA DOTS!

"Vintage 70's Black Collar Polka Dot Dress XS Maxi Full" by Etsy Recyclers Guild Member Soulrust

HONEYSUCKLE PINK!

"Vintage 60's Honeysuckle Pink Newport Stripes Scarf" by Etsy Recyclers Guild Team Captain Eco-Friendly Freckles

LETTERPRESS BLOCKS!

"2 Piece Print Blocks Signature New Jersey Scrapbooking or Collage Mixed Media Work" by Former Etsy Recyclers Guild Team Captain RetroChalet

VIDEO GAME INSPIRED REFERENCES!

"Nintendo Notebook Journal Recycled from a Monopoly Game Board" by Etsy Recyclers Guild Member HeavenSentCrafts

OWLS!

"Large Vintage Owl Pendant Gold Pewter Metal" by Etsy Recyclers Guild Member RecycledWares

This blog article was contributed by Etsy Recyclers Guild Team Captain Jessica of Eco-Friendly Freckles

Etsy Search Ads: What Is This?

2011-09-21T20:55:00.003-04:00

Word Search Pillow from pillowhappy

Republished From the Ira Mency blog...

Etsy has revealed that they are now selling search ads to help get your item "found." These ads are based on keywords and search terms that will help your item get premium placement in Etsy searches. To make a long story short, the cost associated with the search ad is based on the number of impressions. For example, if you invest as little as $5 you can get 5000 impressions of your items (or section of items) on the creme de la creme of the search pages. Keep in mind that impressions are how many times your item will show in relevant searches.

Cons:
Keep in mind there is no guarantee that someone will click on your item. This is not a cost-per-click (CPC) campaign. This is a fee paid service.

Pros:
The pros certainly outweigh the cons in my opinion.

For as little as as $you set the rate per week it has it's benefits. For instance, you can set it at $2 or $5 or $25....For those of you who have a hard time tagging or finding relevant keywords, or unsure how to title your items this may help you get better placement and help you get your shop noticed!

There are fee tiers which means you can choose the impression plan that you can afford.

It is cheaper than the previous "showcase" slots where in the old Etsy days you could feature an item for $7 for one slot and it was for one day only.

The basis of it is simple. These impressions are ran over a week, and you can set up auto-renew and cancel at any time. Items you sell are dropped out of the impressions automatically so you won't be wasting impressions on sold items!

Starting at only $5 is affordable for the low-selling seller.

Seek Print : Canton Box Company

It is also possible depending on the algorithms (ie: calculations) used those of you not paying for such a service may be bumped out of prime slots. For instance, if you are a seller whose items were coming up high in searches lately since Etsy has redone their Relevancy searches , you may lose your slot so someone paying for this. Although you are used to having relevant keywords, tags, titles, sections etc...it remains to be seen if you now run the risk of bumped out or second slotted to someone who is indeed paying for this service. We shall see! Proof is in the search ads!

If anyone tries it and has feedback, do let us know!

MORE INFORMATION:

On Etsy about Search Ads here.

In the Etsy blog here.

Further Reading outside of Etsy:

Ad Program for Etsy Sellers or further reading on AuctionBytes

=================================
Additional Free Resources:

Check out this "Free Help for the Etsy Seller" page on VintageChalet blog which lists a ton of resources for the Etsy seller!

Check out Ira Mency Designs for free graphics and Etsy shop banners!

Promoting Your Artwork Online, Courtesy of ArticlesFactory

2011-09-20T00:00:00.001-04:00

Good 'ole Dog by Leuckit

Reprinted with Permission from ArticlesFactory

Promoting Your Artwork Online

Marketing Articles | March 28, 2005

You are a budding artist but if you don’t promote your artwork, you would probably have a hard time selling. Internet is one of the easiest and cost effective ways of promoting art. This article shows you how.

Web site:

Have a web site of your own. You can put up photographs of your art work, be it sculpture, painting etc, provide a short write up about yourself and your contact information. Hosting the website and promoting it can take some effort, which is where professional art web sites make it easier for you.
These web sites display your art work for a small fee (some even do it for free). Art dealers, private collectors and galleries regularly visit these sites looking for good quality art work. One such site is
EyeoftheArt.com

Art communities and forums:

Become a member of art communities and forums. They provide numerous resources for artists and bring artists and buyers together. Besides, it gives you a platform to make friends with fellow artists.

Email promotion:

Do not miss any chance to collect the emails of prospective buyers. Any time a prospect mails you showing interest in your art work, make sure to add him/her to your address book. Also, collect email addresses while displaying your work at the various shows. Once you have a sizeable email database, all it takes to announce the sale of your new paintings, upcoming shows etc is just a simple email !!!

Search Engines:

Getting listed in the search engines enormously increases your web presence. For example, you can submit your web site at yahoo under the “Arts” category at http://dir.yahoo.com.**

Spend a little time (atleast 15-20 minutes) everyday promoting yourself and your work. If you do it regularly, you will notice that it’ll become effortless and be very effective.

Source: Free Articles from ArticlesFactory.com **Submit to Yahoo for Free HERE.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Chiruvan has been writing articles on ways of promoting various business online.

Featured Guild Member for September - LizzieCaye!

2011-09-15T00:08:00.002-04:00

The Etsy Recyclers Guild Member of the month for September is our very devoted Team Leader Elizabeth Caye Patel of LizzieCaye: Unique Handmade Handbags!!! To commemorate Elizabeth's hard work and dedication to the Etsy Recyclers Guild, here is her fascinating interview that will enlighten and inspire! Elizabeth has helped the guild so very much with being a profound voice and moderator in our Etsy Recyclers Guild Team Page discussions; she has also contributed her web designing skills in making our team blog as beautiful and user-friendly as it is today! Thank you Elizabeth!

Messenger Purse with Large Flower by Lizzie Caye

I am Elizabeth Caye Patel, hence the name LizzieCaye. I am located in Frisco, TX, which is a suburb of Dallas. I packed up my car and moved to Dallas when I was 20. I moved from Bismarck, ND. It took me about 26hrs to get here and I stopped twice to sleep in my car along the road for 2 hrs each time. It was a great adventure, and a beautiful change of scenery.

I am married to a fabulously wonderful man, who is completely supportive of what I do. I love the fact that he has so much faith in me. We are expecting our first child in just a few weeks and are super excited to welcome her into our world!

I started going to one of the community colleges in Dallas and got a job as a nanny. I did that for one year, and then got an office job as a general clerk. I was talented enough with computers, that 3 months later I was given a large raise and a a real title. That launched my computer career, which lasted 13 years and with the bulk of it being focused on web application design, usability, and accessibility. What that means is applications, or websites that are intuitive to use (you don't have to hunt and peck), are able to be used by everyone(including the ability for readers to work, text sizes that are able to be resized for vision issues, etc), and pretty enough to have someone WANT to use them. Then I got tired of all the issues that go along with having a corporate job and quit in 2007.

Sweet and Pink Alyssa Handbag by LizzieCaye

It took me two years to really figure out what I was going to do. I have always felt strongly about protecting the environment, and choosing something that was creative and environmentally friendly was very important to me. I was very inspired by the path Patagonia took, and that helped shape some of my ideas for my own path.

My business name is my childhood nickname. It just seemed to fit and have a nice ring to it. I started my business to earn a little extra cash, and to have something to do in my free time. I'm not much of a shopper, except for shoes and handbags. I love having a beautiful handbag to compliment my outfit. I'm a classic dresser, but love to do colourful, fun & funky shoes and handbags. It's where I like to make a statement. For me, making the handbags came natural, based on my love for them.

Large Hobo the Lizzie by Lizzie Caye

When people come to my shop, I really want them to understand that I try and use as many recycled items as possible, all the designs are my own ( I make my own patterns), everything is truly one-of-a-kind, it's all handmade, and it will always only be made in America. I try to keep everything recycled except for the interfacing. This means I hunt for all my supplies at thrift stores and flea markets. I've also gotten tons of hand-me-downs from friends and random people who needed an excuse to clean out their closet. Being that I love purses, and have owned so many of them, I feel very qualified in what makes them useable. In most of my purses, there are pockets and a cellphone pocket, for the easy grab. I also prewash all my materials, so that the buyer can also wash their purse in the event anything every stains it. There is as much thought that goes into the design of the interior of the purse as the exterior. I want people to want to use the purse they buy from me. Because of the nature of hunting for fabrics, it makes most of my items very short production runs. Max I usually only get 1-2 purses from each kind of fabric I get. I currently make everything myself. My mom has done some of the beading on the felted purses in the past as well. I feel very strongly about always having my items made locally, both as an environmental concern and as a fueling the local economy. When I get to the point of having people work for me, I feel very strongly about paying them too well for perfection. I want people to want to work for me, not because they have to. I want to be fair, kind, and be able to have super high expectations for craftsmanship.

Denim and Red by Lizzie Caye

I am inspired by beautiful things and beautiful people. I see so much beauty in nature, and much of my inspiration comes simply from that. I am blessed with some many beautiful people in my life, who inspire me daily based on their own inner beauty. It's the people who inspire me to continue moving forward, even when things seem bleak. I'd have to credit the divine for most of my designs, most of them just sort of come to me. I wake up and there is this light bulb that has gone off. I go do some sketches, and eventually it will be made into a purse.

Marketing.... I think one of the hardest things to truly figure out. I think the biggest part of it, is whatever you choose to do, be consistent. Figure out your own mission and vision and put it out there frequently and consistently. Oh, and don't give up!!

In 10 years, I'd like to have 10 people working for me, and be able to focus on the designing of the handbags and the running of the business. I'd have the 10 people do the sewing, and beading of items. As well as successful enough to move it out of my house.

I believe that buying items that are handmade and recycled is just one more way to help reduce the amount of freshly made products, and I think people value handmade items more then a factory fresh item.

The Signature Lizzie in Pretty Little Flowers in Black by Lizzie Caye

The Etsy Recycler's Guild is a great group of supportive people. Tons of good information across the groups knowledge base. I truly enjoy being able to help out group members.

I grew up around artists, and for the longest time my best friend was someone who was a good 30 years older then me and a potter. Her name is Susan Davy. She is still an inspiration because she's never quit, always been consistent, but has tons of other interests. She's a great model. I believe that if you flit all over the place, and or burn yourself out, it's going to be hard to ever find success. You have to put yourself into what you do, without killing yourself at it.

2workingwomen.com
lizziecaye.etsy.com
www.facebook.com/pages/LizzieCaye/10150119714280145
twitter.com/#!/LizzieCaye

Lady's Luncheon Luxuries and GIVEAWAY!!!

2011-09-06T22:53:00.009-04:00

Ever once in a while, ladies need to take time to confide in their friends, indulge in satisfyingly sweet treats, and delight themselves with the luxurious lovely embellishments that bring smiles to our faces and remind us of our fun femininity! Below several Etsy Recyclers Guild member feminine frills are featured that will assist the wholehearted hostess in putting together a desirable lady's luncheon; be it a bridal shower, birthday party, or maybe just for a spot of tea with the dashing dames!

But FIRST! I would like to announce that a dear friend of mine Cinderella of Cinderella Chats is hosting a BLOG GIVEAWAY for a gorgeously girly handcrafted table cloth!!!
To enter to win this adorable handmade tablecloth there are two requirements:

- Become a follower of the Cinderella Chats Blog.

-...And tell Cinderella why you would like to have the tablecloth in the comments section of her blog post.

Entries must be submitted by midnight September 30, 2011 and you may only enter one submission. The WINNER will be posted by 6pm on October 1, 2011.

"Vintage Lefton China Roses Lady Fingers Vase" by Etsy Recyclers Guild Leader Storybook Artifact
"24pc Harmony House Talk of the Town Melamac Set - Service for 6 Melamine Picnic Plastic" by RetroChalet; Former Team Captain of the Etsy Recyclers Guild

"Vintage 40's Art Deco Florentine Silver Plate Ice Tea or Dessert Spoons (Set of 6)" by Etsy Recyclers Guild Team Captain Eco-Friendly Freckles

"Four Peach and Purple Flower Vintage Linen Napkins" by Etsy Recyclers Guild Member LuvvinJewels

"Dreaming Dancer Ceramic Teapot" by Etsy Recyclers Guild Member Adrien Art

"Vintage Fifties Tablecloth Floral Harmony House Sears Roebuck" by Etsy Recyclers Guild Member Soulrust

"Vintage Mustard Yellow Sugar and Creamer, Franciscan and HH 1966 Kitschy Set" by Etsy Recyclers Guild Member RetroBabs

This blog post was contributed by Etsy Recyclers Guild Team Captain Jessica of Eco-Friendly Freckles.

Tips for the Etsy Seller : From Someone With Over 1000 Sales

2011-08-27T01:23:00.000-04:00

QACreate has these cool cufflinks for sale!

I have had several shops on Etsy, and have achieved a combined total of over 1000 sales. I get a lot of messages asking me this, or wondering about that, so I finally decided to sit down and spell it all out. Now if I had to do this in one word, I'd say W-O-R-K hard!

Work Hard by BubbleWrappd on Etsy!

Work on your shop everyday and apply the 10 Tips in their entirety I'm about to tell you. Etsy gives you a storefront, but you must do the marketing and spread your product out there. I don't care if you sell peanut containers, or jewelry or vintage items. You are doing it because you love it and making your craft because it's something you enjoy. So who better than to promote your store, your item, or your work besides you?

The Mothership, how I love her.

So, without further ado I am now going to give you the exact 10 Tips that helped me become a successful Etsy seller. I present you my free extended article of 10 Tips for the Etsy Seller!

Warning: May require some reading time! Comments are welcome and appreciated.
==========================================
Shared by Ira Mency of Retro Chalet

Think Like a Madison Avenue Mad Woman and Get Your Treasury on Etsy's Front Page!

2011-08-17T23:07:00.001-04:00

I love the show Mad Men, it takes place in the sizzling sixties on Madison Avenue...where it all happens! To be sensationally successful in advertising and gettting your treasury on Etsy's Front Page, you've got to be on the cutting edge of the hottest trends and put out an ad (in our case: a treasury) that brings forth the pizazz our client (which is Etsy) is looking for! So in other words, the monthly Merchandising Desk article that Etsy posts on their blog every month is our guideline to fulfilling the desires of our client: Etsy.

The elements of a treasury that set apart ordinary treasuries and Front Page treasuries are as follows:

The treasury MUST "flow". There needs to be a cohesive theme presented throughout the entire treasury. The BEST themes are those chosen by Etsy featured in their Merchandising Desk article...Give the client what they want! For instance, a popular theme right now is the upcoming holiday "Halloween"; in a treasury with this theme, you want to make sure that you depict the spirit of this holiday such as Ghosts & Goblins or Pumpkin Patches...Just remember not to feature an item that doesn't fit with the theme.
Complementary Colors: Feature a color or an array of colors that complement one another and are presented throughout the entire treasury. I notice that a lot of curators don't seem to take this in consideration...BACKGROUND color. So many of us are focused on making sure the colors of the items flow, but are not necessarily thinking about the background color of the item listings; these colors are just as important for the flow of your treasury. Below is an example; it is a treasury by Etsy Recyclers Guild Team Leader Andrea of Storybook Artifact. Notice how not only are the item colors of purple, red, and green depicted throughout the whole treasury, but the bright white background color is shown in every item listing in the treasury. This makes the treasury really stand out and POP! It seems to me that a bright white background is the most popular background color featured on Etsy front page...but I have also noticed charcoal grays or an ecru or beige. I would also like to add that not all Front Page treasuries feature all items with the same background color, but these types of treasuries REALLY have color flow. If most items featured have a white background with gray colored items, then it is not unusual to see a gray colored background featuring a bright white-colored item in this treasury.

"Mischievous is My Middle Name" by Storybook Artifact

Have an eclectic assortment of item categories featured in your treasury! Don't just have a treasury with a bunch of clothing and jewelry. Try to integrate furniture, kitchenware, men's interests, bath & beauty products, as well as handmade AND vintage items. Etsy likes for their front page treasuries to feature ALL sorts of items so their customers will have lots to choose from!
I know it is easiest to appeal to woman with all of Etsy's feminine clothing, jewelry, etc. However, Etsy is wanting to feature more and MORE masculine and/or unisex treasuries...so keep this in mind; creating a manly treasury might be the one more thing you need to get a treasury on Etsy's Front Page!
I find myself creating treasuries that depict a character; male or female, I enjoy trying to capture a personality within my treasury. I feel this also helps the flow of my treasury as well as fascinate the viewers. I like for my treasuries to tell a story and when I create a character, I can do just that! If my treasury is about a woman, I will often give her a name (which I sometimes feature in my treasury title) and I show item listings that portray a similar-looking woman with the same hair color...this helps capture a true singular character.
Catchy Treasury Titles! Whether you pick song lyrics, movie titles, or are just being creative; pick a treasury title that is catchy and will intrigue people to click and view your treasury.
Even more importantly...the first four items you feature in your treasury are the MOST IMPORTANT because this is what Etsy and other viewers will see before they click on your treasury. These item images need to be bright, bold, and very eye-catching...as well as capture and set the tune for the entire theme of the treasury.
Lastly, make your treasury easy to find by using ALL of the available room for tags. Pick popular searched tags by using terms found in the Etsy Merchandising Desk article of the month that fit the theme or characteristics of your treasury.

Go ahead, impress your clients with your Mad Woman Marketing Skills!

This blog article was contributed by Etsy Recyclers Guild Team Captain Jessica of Eco-Friendly Freckles

Apple Cider Vinegar Diets when Fast Food Has Taken Your Soul

2011-08-13T22:22:00.001-04:00

Photo Courtesy of Edopter.com

I was recently reading this great Etsy article on The Importance of Diet Diversity, and figured I'd share my story of how I stumbled upon Apple Cider Vinegar.

I miss my garden. Photo from ScoutRegalia.com go there to see this garden kit.

On the Go and Eating

This summer I've just felt horrible, I've been a lot sicker than usual (I'm usually never sick) and frankly more out of shape and run down that I've ever been. I had to stop and think what may have changed this summer versus every other summer. The main factor is I have been nonstop traveling due to a heavy workload. My diet has changed in the sense that previously I could spend more time preparing fresh fruits and vegetables from my garden and eat healthier. When I did have a non-vegetarian dinner I made sure it was low fat, lean or organic. On the road however, is a bit different story.

I'm not lying when I say I've probably been at home about 3 weeks out of the past four months. My job makes me travel, work long hours, live in hotels where the complimentary breakfast is bagel and sausage links.... and eating fast food on the road has really taken a toll on me.

Fast Food is Not Your Friend

Fast Food is not your friend. I don't just mean McDonald's, I mean just about anywhere out that you can buy something. Even when I tried to choose the healthiest thing on the menu, it was loaded with sodium. Just eating like this over several months, it gave me high blood pressure, packed on the pounds, and made me feel awful--sluggish, tired, run down. I felt like I had low sugar, so I'd grab a Fountain Soda and well, what a mistake. The biggest problem I found, is that the average item I consumed has about 30 grams of fat, tons of sodium and fountain sodas loaded with sugar. See the full list here, for those of you who love to grab a bite on the road!

MY SAVIOR!

Apple Cider Vinegar Diet to the Rescue

I ended up having to make a change. I knew I couldn't go on at this rate. So, I tried fasting for a few days, resting up and cleansing my system of the impurities by using an Apple Cider Vinegar diet. Now let's just say I was a bit scared of what the cider vinegar would do to me, as it never went over well on my fries, but it has been a sheer wonder. I felt better and am hopeful when my blood pressure gets checked again, it should be down.

Apple Cider Vinegar Benefits

It is said that it's an old folk remedy for lowering blood pressure, increasing energy, and cleansing your system. Here are some things I noticed when using the Apple Cider Vinegar in my diet.

I didn't feel as sluggish, as if my energy level was increasing.
I felt like the apple cider was washing way the impurities.
I didn't feel that there were so many highs and lows in my metabolism--I felt more stable.
I didn't get those sugar crashes like I was on the road. I think it stabilized my sugar.
I lost a few pounds already, which is probably thanks to lowering my sodium intake and getting rid of excess fluids.

In actuality I have nothing bad to say about it, although the initial shock of drinking a bit of it each day sort of freaked me out. You get used to it because the benefits certainly outweigh any unpleasant tastes. (Hint: add the required dose to a glass of semi warm water and chug down) Although many health food stores sell cider vinegar , I have been using grocery store bought versions with no problems.
A friend of mine who used to work with a doctor on a Holistic Therapy show actually turned me onto it and I can't thank him enough. You should really read up on it if you too want to Cleanse and Purge the impurities out of your system using a natural remedy.

See a full list of real benefits here.

Celery or bust!

Tips for Eating on the Go

Now I take dried fruits, granola bars, bottled water, and juice on the road. If I am near a grocery store I'll buy a bag of baby carrot, some celery and go to town on some fat free veggie dip. Some ice out of the hotel lobby into my carrying pouch will usually extend my leftovers until the next meal. Anything is better than eating fast food, even if you have to not eat at all. ♥

==========================
Post by Ira Mency of Retro Chalet.

Etsy's Front Page, A Pipe Dream or Not?

2011-08-13T00:31:00.000-04:00

Creating a treasury that makes it to the front page of Etsy doesn't have to be a pipe dream; however, I totally believe that it takes group effort among all things. This "group effort" can be that extra nudge needed for your treasury to skyrocket into fame, and can be achieved by fellow team members viewing, admiring, clicking, commenting, and promoting your treasury.

Furthermore though, what does it take? A PRETTY COLLECTION OF TREASURES! Having a treasury that flows along a theme or color-scheme is always a good start. Challenging yourself is fun; however, the broader the theme is, the easier it will be to achieve it. With a broader theme, the more likely you'll be to finding a pretty item to feature from each shop you choose to pick from. For instance, the color-scheme "blue" generally has more options per shop than the theme "Huckleberry Finn", but if you are able to pull it off, (i.e. HuckleBlueBerry Finn) all power to you. CREATIVITY ROCKS!!!

Choosing bright lighter toned images for your treasuries is easier on the eyes than dark bold images. Also, let your treasury images flow; I generally try to have the center images fade into the lighter-toned edges, but whatever works for you is what is important.

And don't forget to feature team members to get their support.

TAG YOUR TREAURIES!!! Go hog wild with your tagging privileges; fit as many words in there as possible, and try to use keywords mentioned in Etsy's Merchandising Desk for the current month.

Most of all have fun with it, and let the treasuries work for you! I have stumbled over a phenomenon that works for me: I like to feature items from people's shops who have recently favorited my shop, its items, and/or my treasuries. It is always nice to see these friendly Etsians (some team members) return to say "thank you for the feature". I also thank them for their favoriting by providing my shop's coupon code in the description of these treasuries. My challenge is to go along the theme of "pay it forward", which I have lots of fun with. :-)

This article is a contribution from Andrea of Storybook Artifact.

Featured Guild Member for August - Storybook Artifact!

2011-08-07T14:25:00.002-04:00

The Etsy Recyclers Guild Member of the month for August is our very devoted Team Leader (and twin sister to our Team Captain Jessica of Eco-Friendly Freckles) Andrea of Storybook Artifact! Here is her intriguing interview full of inspiration to commemorate Andrea's hard work and dedication to the Etsy Recyclers Guild! Andrea has helped the guild so very much with writing team blog articles, organizing/promoting team treasuries, as well as being a motivating voice in our team discussions! Thank you Andrea!

Andrea of Storybook Artifact is pictured above wearing her Vintage Indian Princess Charm Bracelet and Earrings Set that is for sale in her Etsy Shop!

1.Tell us a bit about yourself (name, location, affiliations, and personal stuff).

Hello my name is Andrea. I live in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma in cozy house with two men: my darling husband and little boy, Bobby. I am full-time “Momma”, and humble house wife with many projects and aspirations on bringing a loving and warm environment to our home. In my free time, I love visiting my twin sister, Jessica of Eco-Friendly Freckles (she is the new team captain of the Etsy Recyclers Guild); my baby boy, her little nephew Bobby, loves to spend time with his Aunt Jessy also. Jessica and I love getting together and bumping ideas off of one another on what we can do to make both of our Etsy shops better ... we work so well together.

Pictured above is Andrea's Homemade Rumpelstiltskin Cookies...Jessica's (Eco-Friendly Freckles, Team Captain of the Etsy Recycler's Guild) FAVORITE cookies!!! These delectable cookies are for sale in Andrea's Etsy Shop Storybook Artifact.

2. How did you decide on your shop name? Why did you start your business?

I like how the initials of my name “Andrea Scott” matches those of “Storybook Artifact” ... I also like to think that this name for my shop is more of an achievement of mine, and also goal for me to work towards. I want each item in my shop to symbolize that special artifact thought only to be found in storybooks or fairytales. :-)

I was introduced to Etsy by my twin sister, Jessica, who also has a shop: Eco-Friendly Freckles.

3. What are 5 things you want people to think when they see your products/shop?

Storybook/Fairytale, Victorian, Romantic, Tea Parties, Bed and Breakfast

"Is He the Man of My Dreams" original oil painting by Andrea of Storybook Artifact.

4. What or who inspires you?

My goals for myself and my shop are to be everything I hope to be: giving, thankful, playful, adventurous, kind-hearted, friendly, fun, imaginative, creative, and unique.

5. What are your best marketing tips?

I can’t say it enough: TAKE FABULOUS PHOTOS!!! Taking bright, clear, breath-taking/eye-catching photos insures visitors and treasury features. :-) It is the best and most logical promotion your shop will ever get.

6. In ten years I'd like to be…

Seeing my baby boy grow up into a generous and responsible young man; I hope my encouragement helps him. I look forward to returning to school and would like to think that I could excel in biology to become a professor of human physiology/health. I look at Etsy as a means of funding my son’s early education programs/private schooling.

"Victorian Literature Collection" Antique Little Leather Library by Storybook Artifact

7. Why should people buy handmade and vintage items?

It is the thought that counts. Handmade and/or vintage items are unique, thoughtful, one-of-a-kind gifts for loved ones to treasure through generations.

8. What do you enjoy most about the Etsy Recycler's Guild Team?

I am a big recycler here at home with my family’s trash, repurposing things/getting crafty, etc.; plus I use cloth diapers on my son. I’d like to think that my pet-pevish efforts have reduced my family’s household carbon footprint to below average. I also enjoy purchasing eco-friendly and organic products and foods.

"Woman Behind the Curtain" Original Painting by Storybook Artifact

9. What have been the most valuable lessons you’ve learned from other artists or Etsyians?

Get involved, make treasuries, be a good team member, pay it forward, be a blog author, offer to help, communicate, and be friendly!

10. What are the web addresses where people can find you? (website, etsy, blog, facebook fan page, flickr, etc.)

My Etsy Shop

My Blog

My Facebook

"Victorian Glazed Porcelain Carriage" by Storybook Artifact

Celebrating American Artists Appreciation Month!

2011-08-02T20:44:00.018-04:00

"Painter's Easel" by Woodcraft Queen

In celebration of this American Artists Appreciation Month of August, I would like to share with you all some of the great American artists and the Etsy Recyclers Guild Member American Artists with similar, complementary artistic styles of the classics! Let's take a moment to sit back and admire some great American art!Mary Cassatt was an American painter and printmaker. She lived much of her adult life in France, where she first befriended Edgar Degas and later exhibited among the Impressionists. Cassatt often created images of the social and private lives of women, with particular emphasis on the intimate bonds between mothers and children.

Etsy Recyclers Guild Team Leader Andrea of Storybook Artifact has a similar artistic style and she also loves to capture feminine beauty like Mary Cassatt. Above Andrea's oil painting bookmark "Princess StoryBookmark" is featured.

Roy Lichtenstein (October 27, 1923 – September 29, 1997) was a prominent American pop artists. His work defined the basic premise of pop art better than any other through parody. Favoring the old-fashioned comic strip as subject matter, Lichtenstein produced hard-edged, precise compositions that documented while it parodied often in a tongue-in-cheek humorous manner. His work was heavily influenced by both popular advertising and the comic book style. He himself described Pop Art as, "not 'American' painting but actually industrial painting". The Lichtenstein painting above is titled "Kiss V".
Etsy Recycler's Guild Team Captain, Jessica of Eco-Friendly Freckles introduces Lichtenstein/Pop Art influences into her hand-painted upcycled decoupage canisters; this style is particularly seen in her one-of-a-kind piece featured above titled "Paulie's Confession".

Ed Paschke was a Polish American painter. His childhood interest in animation and cartoons, as well as his father's creativity in wood carving and construction, led him toward a career in art. As a student at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago he was influenced by many artists featured in the Museum's special exhibitions, in particular the work of Gauguin, Picasso and Seurat. Above Paschke's painting "Espiritule" is featured.

Etsy Recyclers Guild Member Into the Trees has a similar since of style as Paschke; with radiantly eye-catching colors that pop and abstract influences; below is Blue Lady Palm Frond Mask Decor.

Georgia O'Keeffe (November 15, 1887 – March 6, 1986) was an American artist. She had distinguished herself as one of America's most important modern artists, a position she maintained throughout her life. As a result, O’Keeffe not only carved out a significant place for women painters in an area of the American art community that had been exclusive to and is still dominated by men, but also she had become one of America’s most celebrated cultural icons well before her death at age 98 in 1986. O'Keeffe's painting pictured below is titled "Red Cann"...this painting has always been one of my favorites. ;-) Although the artistic styles may be different, Etsy Recyclers Guild Member ColleenAttaraStudio has similar vibrantly colored floral paintings that catch your eye and warm your heart as do Georgia O'Keeffe's masterpieces.Above is Colleen's painting "Window filled with Flowers and Vases".

Edward Hopper (July 22, 1882 – May 15, 1967) was a prominent American realist painter and printmaker; he was most popularly known for his oil paintings. In both his urban and rural scenes, his spare and finely calculated renderings reflected his personal vision of modern American life. Above his painting titled "Morning in a City" is displayed.

Below is an original oil painting titled "Balancing Forces of the Universe" from our Etsy Recyclers Guild member Adrien Art; who I think has very similar artistic styles as American artist Edward Hopper.This blog article was contributed by Etsy Recyclers Guild Team Captain Jessica of Eco-Friendly Freckles.

What's NOT in Mother Nature's Cup of Tea: The Dangers of Artificial Sweeteners (Aspartame, Splenda & Truvia) and Natural, Healthy Alternatives

2011-07-24T20:30:00.012-04:00

The breathtakingly beautiful handcrafted teapot featured above is a one-of-a-kind creation from fellow guild member Adrien Art.

Scientific research has shown that artificial sweeteners like Aspartame, Splenda, and Truvia are very hazardous to our health. Aspartame, the common zero calorie synthetic sweetner, in diet sodas, sports drinks, flavored waters & teas, nearly ALL chewing gum (and I am not just talking about the "diet" ones), children's drinks, etc...is discovered to be a dangerous neurotoxin; and scientific evidence suggests that it may lead to neurological disorders like Parkinson's and Multiple Sclerosis. With my mother and twin sister both having Multiple Sclerosis (MS), I am very cautious about this synthetic ingredient. Although, my sister (who has MS yet is in very healthy shape right now) and I avoid Aspartame completely; our mother at the youthful age of 48, however, is completely paralyzed from the neck down and is living in a nursing home where she has been living for 12 years because of the debilitating effects Multiple Sclerosis has had on her body. Now, what is the one thing that our mother has been consuming daily for all of this time? Aspartame; in her diet soda and in the form of "Sweeten Low" in her iced tea...everyday. Now, I am not saying that Aspartame caused her disease, I just have a sense of concerned intuition about the safety of this ingredient. My mother strongly opposes leaving Aspartame out of her diet because she "loves it" and refuses to believe that it could be harmful to her body. I personally think that she is physically addicted to Aspartame.

There is a very informative documentary that I think everyone should watch called "Sweet Misery: A Poisoned World" that talks about the effects of Aspartame by doctors, scientists, and victims of this very common additive in our food supply. I strongly advise that everyone sit down and watch this film and show it to your friends and family. Here is a link to the full film:

Sweet Misery: A Poisoned World

Now, I know that many people believe that Splenda is a healthy sugar substitute; however it is over-processed and thus transformed into a chlorocarbon, with a molecular structure closely resembling chlorine-based DDT, the banned pesticide. Please look at this article on the Women to Women Website and these short video clips by Dr. Mercola about the dangers of Splenda:

"Sugar Substitutes and the Potential Danger of Splenda" by Marcelle Pick, OB/GYN NP

"Scientific Basis for Splenda Toxicity" by Dr. Mercola

"Is Splenda Really As Safe As They Say It Is" by Dr. Mercola

Unfortunately "Truvia" is now being advertised as a "healthy and natural" alternative to sugar; however, like Splenda, it too is overly-processed and has posed concern to scientists and doctors about it's safety. Please check out these links about the health concerns of "Truvia"...and please do your own research:

"Truvia: New Low Calorie Sweetener (Toxin)"

"Truvia Side Effects"

"Queen Bee Honey" by the Etsy Shop Queen Bee Honey!!!

You may now be asking..."What is the answer to the sugar substitute madness?!" Well, there are several NATURAL and HEALTHY choices out there for you to try. First of all, local, all-natural honey is a great and very medicinal sugar alternative (I even use honey in baking); pure maple syrup and molasses are also natural, healthy choices.

"Antique Run Away Spoons" by fellow Etsy Recyclers Guild Team Leader Andrea of Storybook Artifact.

Stevia products that you can find at your local health food stores are extracts from the Stevia plant and are very healthy for you. These places shouldn't carry Truvia I assure you...I know because I work at Akins Natural Foods Market and we don't carry it. Also, something that my husband Joe and I love to use is the actual Stevia leaf; we make our own herbal tea blends and add just a few pinches of Stevia leaf to our herbal tea blend (our favorite right now is Sassafras, Sarsaparilla, Licorice, Peppermint, Star Anise, Stevia leaf, and a hint of Cinnamon...mmm, divine)! You can find Stevia Leaf in this charming herb shop on Etsy it is called Mistical Acscents; here is their link to their Stevia Leaf listing:

"Stevia ORGANIC Natural Sweetener"Now, there is also another healthy and natural sugar substitute that I am very curious about...coconut sugar! Please check out this fascinating article about Coconut Sugar from Natural News:

"Coconut Sugar: Enjoy the New Star Among Low Glycemic Sweeteners"

My husband, Joe and I actually buy this delicious and surprisingly NUTRITIOUS (naturally contains trace minerals) Coconut Sugar by Natural News!!!

This blog article was contributed by Etsy Recyclers Guild Team Captain Jessica of Eco-Friendly Freckles.

Recycle, Repurpose, and Reorganize!!!

2011-07-19T03:00:00.003-04:00

Pictured above is the newest addition to my Etsy shop Eco-Friendly Freckles, my hand-painted upcycled decoupage canister "All You Need is Love and You Will Have Peace".

Does your home need some eco-friendly pizazz?! Do you need a decorative storage place to keep your craft supplies and other odds and ends? Well, I think I have the perfect thing for you: a beautifully hand-painted upcycled decoupage canister or tin from the featured "Guild Member of the Month" and Team Captain of the Etsy Recyclers Guild, myself Jessica Eco-Friendly Freckles! Here is a picture I took of my work desk; I am using two of my functionally artsy upcycled organizers from my shop "Sunshine on a Rainy Day" (as pictured above) and "Paulie's Confession".Since I use a lot of magazines with my decoupage art, I needed a place to store my magazines that was tidy, functional, and decorative...because I knew that whatever I would come up with would probably end up out in the open, and the last thing I want is an eyesore. However, I am also quite frugal and creative so I didn't want to go purchasing some decorative storage boxes...I wanted to figure out how to make my own. So this is what I came up with:
...I made a few of these decorative storage boxes since I have a gargantuan stash of magazines. The only materials I used to make these were: used cardboard boxes that I recycled from my work at Akin's Natural Foods Market (funny thing is, these boxes originally held our Akin's Healthy Edge Magazines...so I knew my magazines at home would fit perfectly), tape/glue or any desired adhesive, a box-cutter to trim off the top cardboard flaps of the box, a pair of scissors, and any large piece of decorative paper (wrapping paper works best; I cut a piece of see-through lacy embellished paper...I like the look of the natural brown from the cardboard popping through the lace decals). Just wrap the box like you would a gift and adhere the paper to the inside box so it is secure...and vwa la, you have created a recycled, repurposed organizing storage container that looks lovely!

July's Guild Member of the Month!

2011-07-14T00:27:00.001-04:00

The Etsy Recyclers Guild Member for the month of July is our NEW Team Captain Jessica of Eco-Friendly Freckles! Here is her encouraging and enlightening interview!

Jessica of Eco-Friendly Freckles holding her hand-painted upcycled decoupage canister "Paulie's Confession".

1.Tell us a bit about yourself (name, location, affiliations, and personal stuff).

Hello my name is Jessica. I live in Bixby, Oklahoma on a miniature horse ranch with my darling husband and two sweet cats (boy "Magnum" and girl "Nozomi") in our charming little barn apartment. I work part-time at Akin's Natural Foods Market as a cashier and in my free time I love visiting my twin sister, Andrea of Storybook Artifact (she is a team leader of the Etsy Recyclers Guild) and her precious baby boy, my nephew, Bobby. They both bring so much light and happiness to my life! Andrea and I enjoy getting together and collaborating on what we can do to make both of our Etsy shops better...we work so well together; she most definitely helps me with our wonderful team too! ;-)

2. How did you decide on your shop name? Why did you start your business?

All of my hand-painted upcycled decoupage art canisters have a glossy black background and small white freckles; which unlike polka dots are not perfectly symmetrical, hence the name "Eco-Friendly Freckles". These delightful freckles create a texture that is pleasant to feel, and a look that is unique and fun!

My grandmother found out about Etsy in a Woman's Day magazine article and she told me about it; she said that it would be a perfect marketplace for my upcycled decoupage art; when I discovered that I could sell vintage treasures too, I was so excited because I love buying and selling vintage items. Etsy has also been a wonderful venue for my organic kombucha scobies and homemade all-natural soap.

3. What are 5 things you want people to think when they see your products/shop?

Recycling, Retro, Nature-Loving, Unique, Fascinating!

"Sunshine on a Rainy Day" Hand-Painted Upcycled Decoupage Canister

4. What or who inspires you?

My twin sister Andrea, she is a loving and amazing mother and her Etsy shop is flourishing beautifully; she continually inspires and encourages me to follow my dreams. She and I have always loved recycling; when we were little girls we used to pick up aluminum cans off the side of the roads to recycle; and we carryout our same passion for keep our beautiful planet clean for ourselves and our children.

My husband, Joe, and I find "earthship" architecture very inspiring. Earthships are passive solar homes built from natural and recycled materials...We plan on building one soon someday. I love how the rammed earth walls are created by recycling old tires and packing them full of earth; the perfect, strong form and foundation for a home...imagine how many tires you could recycle! The outside of the tire walls is covered with stucco to create a gorgeous, classic adobe style look; and many earthships utilized recycled colored glass bottles as little looking-glass windows; they can be displayed in many different patterns and when the light shines through, they look like glowing gems!

5. What are your best marketing tips?

Take bright, clear, breath-taking, and eye-catching photos of your shop items and continually work on adding more shop inventory; the more shop inventory you have, the more your shop will be seen when people search for something on Etsy!

Join an Etsy Team that has a weekly team treasury challenge, these challenges have been very beneficial for my shop because you are normally required to feature six or more team members and the winner of the treasury challenge will be featured in all of the participating treasuries for the week; this this means more promotion for your shop!

Become a blog author (if you love to write) on various Etsy Team blogs; at the bottom of each of your intriguing blog articles write "This blog article was contributed by *list your name and link to your shop name*". This is a wonderful way to get your shop out there...Plus, continually strive to get your shop featured (or even better, an interview about you and your shop) on BIG blogs (with 1000 or more followers); this has proven to be VERY successful for the selling of my hand-painted upcycled decoupage canisters...my art!

Remember to not focus your efforts too far in one direction, don't get absorbed by your blog or the teams you are involved with while you neglect your shop; although everything can be beneficial for your Etsy shop, remember that "balance" is essential. Continue to list new items in your shop; and if you create your shop items, get crafty and enjoy what you do "creating something beautiful"!

Vintage 40s Art Deco Florentine Silver Plate Ice Tea or Dessert Spoons - Set of Six

6. In ten years I'd like to be…

On our family farm with two or more children! Although, my husband, Joe, and I have no children at the moment; we very much look forward to having some children someday. :-) We want to have a family farm with goats, chickens, and maybe a Jersey cow or two...along with a couple of miniature horses (since we have been taking care of miniature horses, we would love to have a couple of our own). We want to have a big organic garden and of course our earth-rammed earthship home! I hope I still have my Etsy shop and that it has flourished into a booming personal business both locally (through farmer's markets) and on the internet!

7. Why should people buy handmade and vintage items?

People should buy handmade items because they are often one-of-a-kind and made with love. You know that what you purchased was not mass-produced somewhere in a sweatshop with poor under-paid children making them...Instead you know that you are supporting an individual person instead of big corporate fat cats!

My grandmother always tells me that in her days "things were built to last" and she still has many of the same kitchen appliances and other housewares from when she was young. Perhaps she is right, in my experience, I have found this to be true in a lot of cases because the materials seem to be better...or the items just seem to be better made. Today we so much plastic instead of more sturdy, lasting materials like metal and glass. Also, when you buy vintage, I think you are essentially supporting "recycling", because a lot of these vintage items end up in a thrift store or worse "thrown out"! People are always buying "new" things", I love to explore the treasures of the past.

Vintage 80's Black Velvet Mootsies Tootsies High Heel Pumps

8. What do you enjoy most about the Etsy Recycler's Guild Team?

I love the Etsy Recyclers Guild Team because we have both handmade with recycled materials shops AND vintage shops! I also love that our team has been around for a long time and our previous team leader, Cindy of RetroChalet, has been the sweetest, most helpful mentor I could ever have asked for! She is the greatest and so full of passion; she has been the heart of the team...and as the new team captain, I strive to keep our heart beating strong!

9. What have been the most valuable lessons you’ve learned from other artists or Etsyians?

I had a kind Etsyian once suggest that I use glossy Mod Podge on my hand-painted upcycled decoupage canisters because I mentioned to her that I was concerned about the oils from peoples hands damaging the magazine clipping images of my decoupage pieces...her advice transformed my art from great to SPECTACULAR! Now, I can't imagine making my upcycled decoupage tins and canisters any other way! This was monumental advice for the quality of my art, and along with my hand-painted freckles on each piece, I think the glossy Mod Podge encompasses my signature style for my little, one-of-a-kind masterpieces!

"Shakespeare's Muse" Hand-Painted Upcycled Decoupage Canister

10. What are the web addresses where people can find you? (website, etsy, blog, facebook fan page, flickr, etc.)

My Etsy

My Blog

My Facebook

Weekly Team Treasury Challenge #6

2011-07-11T16:21:00.001-04:00

Hooray it's Monday again! Time to announce the theme and featured shop for our weekly treasury challenge hosted by the Etsy Recycler's Guild! The winner of this last week's treasury challenge is "drum roll please" ... is Jessica of Eco-Friendly Freckles with her challenge treasury entry titled Kiss Me Out of the Bearded Barley!!! So now we feature one of her beautiful shop items anywhere in the first 3 rows (NOT as an alternate in the fourth row) of your treasury. This weeks treasury theme is "DESIRE", and remember that it can mean anything to you so have fun and express yourself within your challenge treasury!

You have until Wednesday, July 13th at midnight...

Challenge Requirements:

1. Include an item from this week's Featured Shop "Eco-Friendly Freckles", anywhere in the first 3 rows (NOT as an alternate in the fourth row).

2. Do NOT include any of your own items, or more than one item from the same shop.

3. In addition to the Featured Shop Item, your treasury must contain at least SIX items from the Etsy Recyclers Guild members. These "team-related" items can be placed anywhere in the treasury. For a list of team members, click here ... or you can also find them by searching the our team tag "recycleguild" in Etsy.

4. Tag your Treasury "recycleguild" and "recycleguildchallenge6" (#6, NO spaces). If your treasury isn't tagged correctly and doesn't show up in the Treasury search results by the judging deadline, it may not be judged. In case their are difficulties finding your treasury by searching the treasury tag, please also leave a link to your treasury in the comments of this blog post. Highly recommended! There is also a thread on the Etsy Recyclers Guild Team page where you can post a link to your entry challenge treasury. All of these things really help others find your treasury more easily.

6. Include a link to this blog post in your Treasury description (or in the first comment). This is very IMPORTANT! This is what helps get the word out about our Challenge! If you're not sure what to say, feel free to copy and paste this:

This is an Etsy Recyclers Guild Treasury Challenge entry! Anyone can play!
Find out how to participate: http://etsyrecyclersguild.blogspot.com/

Recommendations:

1. Follow this blog!

2. If you have recycled/upcycled or vintage items in your shop, join the Etsy Recyclers Guild Team! We'd love to have you!

3. Message the shops featured in your Treasury, letting them know about the Treasury and the challenge!

4. Promote your treasury and the challenge! Tweet, Facebook, and share with friends. And don't forget to visit the Etsy Recyclers Guild Facebook page, and share your Treasury link on our Wall!

5. Use themes from Etsy's July Merchandising Desk, to increase your chances of getting a Front Page Treasury!

6. Support other participants! Click, comment, and share other "recycleguildchallenge" treasuries.

Important Notes: Only shops that abide by Etsy's Rules & Regulations are eligible to win. Past winners are eligible to win again.

This challenge ends (you must submit your completed challenge treasuries by) Wednesday, July 13th at midnight.

We will vote for the winner from the three most popular challenge treasuries on Friday, July 15th.

The winner of the challenge will be announced and the next challenge will begin on Monday, July 18th.

Photos Featured From Top:

_Jessica's winning treasury titled Kiss Me Out of the Bearded Barley.

_Jessica styling a fellow Etsian's handmade jewelry: HippieChicJewelz.

_One of Jessica's shop's items titled Why is a Raven Like a Writing Desk; on of many lovely items of Eco-Friendly Freckles. :-)

Time to Vote for Your Favorite Recyclers Guild Challenge Treasury!!!

2011-07-09T01:02:00.002-04:00

Just like passionate love letters from your sweetheart, these romantic treasuries featuring the theme word "KISS" from the Etsy Recyclers Guild are enchanting! Please check out the three finalists for the week and make your vote for who you think has the best challenge treasury for the week (sorry we are a bit late announcing the poll this week). The winner will be featured in all of the challenge treasuries for next week!!! Your three finalists to choose from this week are...

1. "True Love's Kiss" by Storybook Artifact
2. "Retro and Recycled Jewelry" by Retro Babs
3. "Kiss Me Out of the Bearded Barley" by Eco-Friendly Freckles

You can place your vote in the poll on the right-hand side bar of this team blog. Thank you everyone for your participation in this week's challenge...we have had some beautiful participating treasuries in this week's team treasury challenge! It has been a lot of fun! The three finalists in the poll are the three "most popular" treasuries (with the most views and lots of "hotness"). In this week's treasury challenge we featured fellow team member JessieKatz of the Etsy Recyclers Guild.

This blog post was contributed by Jessica of Eco-Friendly Freckles; the new team captain of the Etsy Recyclers Guild!

Do It Yourself: Lovely Handmade Napkin Rings

2011-07-07T00:15:00.000-04:00

I had my twin sister (new team captain Jessica of Eco-Friendly Freckles) out for tea and blueberry pancakes earlier this year, and I had to take pictures of her handmade floral napkin rings that I used for the occasion. Jessica will be coming over tomorrow to help me out with making handmade decorations for my son's first birthday, and I just got to thinking about how crafty we can be. Getting crafty is what we "twin sisters" do best. ;o)~ Back to the napkin rings ... they are so simply lovely! I hope to use them again for breakfast in the morning.

Jessica is quite the innovative artist! I love how she is resourceful with the materials she chooses to use; these napkins rings are made out of left-over paper towel cardboard rolls and satin ribbons. Jessica doesn't have her hand-made napkin rings listed in her Etsy shop, but she does recommend that you give this craft a try for yourself! Grab a friend, a child, or throw a craft party, and don't forget to have fun! You can see all of Jessica's other eco-friendly and artful creations by checking out her shop at: http://www.etsy.com/shop/ecofriendlyfreckles

Jessica recommends that you check out these two short instructional videos if you are interested in making easy hand-made napkin rings yourself:

http://www.youtube.com/embed/hyKFLCYmfUY

http://www.youtube.com/embed/Cz7Ff4YljkU

Purple is my favorite color! Thank you again Jessy for these lovely napkin rings; what a beautiful and thoughtful gift. I love how these napkin rings match with my place settings too! :-) "xoxo"

This blog post was contributed by Andrea of Storybook Artifact.

Weekly Team Treasury Challenge #5

2011-07-04T22:04:00.005-04:00

Happy 4th of July!!! It's Monday again and time to announce the theme and featured shop for our weekly treasury challenge hosted by the Etsy Recycler's Guild! The winner of this last week's treasury challenge is "drum roll please" ... is JessieKatz with her challenge treasury entry titled "Pizza and Fireworks" !!! So now we feature one of her beautiful shop items anywhere in the first 3 rows (NOT as an alternate in the fourth row) of your treasury. This weeks treasury theme is "KISS", and remember that it can mean anything to you so have fun and express yourself within your challenge treasury!"Red & Blue Teardrop Earrings" by JessieKatz

The Etsy Recyclers Guild Weekly Treasury Challenge is open to EVERYONE and not just team members so feel free to join us! You do NOT have to belong to the team, to participate or win the challenge! The Winner of the Challenge will have their shop items included in every treasury for next week's team treasury challenge!

On Fridays we will all get to vote for the best challenge treasury in a poll that will be featured on the right-hand side of the team blog; there will be three participating treasuries to choose from (these will be the most popular of all of the treasuries in the challenge...the treasuries with the most views).

You have until Wednesday, July 6th at midnight...

Challenge Requirements:

1. Include an item from this week's Featured Shop "JessieKatz", anywhere in the first 3 rows (NOT as an alternate in the fourth row).

2. Do NOT include any of your own items, or more than one item from the same shop.

3. In addition to the Featured Shop Item, your treasury must contain at least SIX items from the Etsy Recyclers Guild members. These "team-related" items can be placed anywhere in the treasury. For a list of team members, click here ... or you can also find them by searching the our team tag "recycleguild" in Etsy.

4. Tag your Treasury "recycleguild" and "recycleguildchallenge5" (#5, NO spaces). If your treasury isn't tagged correctly and doesn't show up in the Treasury search results by the judging deadline, it may not be judged. In case their are difficulties finding your treasury by searching the treasury tag, please also leave a link to your treasury in the comments of this blog post. Highly recommended! There is also a thread on the Etsy Recyclers Guild Team page where you can post a link to your entry challenge treasury. All of these things really help others find your treasury more easily.

6. Include a link to this blog post in your Treasury description (or in the first comment). This is very IMPORTANT! This is what helps get the word out about our Challenge! If you're not sure what to say, feel free to copy and paste this:

This is an Etsy Recyclers Guild Treasury Challenge entry! Anyone can play!
Find out how to participate: http://etsyrecyclersguild.blogspot.com/

Recommendations:

1. Follow this blog!

2. If you have recycled/upcycled or vintage items in your shop, join the Etsy Recyclers Guild Team! We'd love to have you!

3. Message the shops featured in your Treasury, letting them know about the Treasury and the challenge!

4. Promote your treasury and the challenge! Tweet, Facebook, and share with friends. And don't forget to visit the Etsy Recyclers Guild Facebook page, and share your Treasury link on our Wall!

5. Use themes from Etsy's July Merchandising Desk, to increase your chances of getting a Front Page Treasury!

6. Support other participants! Click, comment, and share other "recycleguildchallenge" treasuries.

Important Notes: Only shops that abide by Etsy's Rules & Regulations are eligible to win. Past winners are eligible to win again.

This challenge ends (you must submit your completed challenge treasuries by) Wednesday, July 6th at midnight.

We will vote for the winner from the three most popular challenge treasuries on Friday, July 8th.

The winner of the challenge will be announced and the next challenge will begin on Monday, July 11th.

Time to Vote for Your Favorite Recyclers Guild Challenge Treasury!!!

2011-07-01T23:02:00.005-04:00

We hope you all have a HAPPY Fourth of July! Sorry we're a bit late this week, getting the poll up on the blog for the treasury challenge...yet not it is up and it's time to vote for the winning Etsy Recyclers Guild Challenge Treasury for the week! The winner will be featured in all of the challenge treasuries for next week!!! Your three finalists to choose from this week are...

1. "Paulie Want a FireCracker" by Storybook Artifact
2. "Pizza and Fireworks" by JessieKatz
3. "Fire and Ice" by LizzieCaye

You can place your vote in the poll on the right-hand side bar of this team blog. Thank you everyone for your participation in this week's challenge...we have had some beautiful participating treasuries in this week's team treasury challenge! It has been a lot of fun! The three finalists in the poll are the three "most popular" treasuries (with the most views and lots of "hotness"). In this week's treasury challenge we featured fellow team member Ecstasea of the Etsy Recyclers Guild.

This blog post was contributed by Jessica of Eco-Friendly Freckles; the new team captain of the Etsy Recyclers Guild!

We're Going Mobile at the Etsy Recyclers Guild

2011-06-30T12:50:00.000-04:00

I'm happy to report that Etsy Recyclers Guild blog has gone mobile. Just point and click into your Smartphone to read the latest posts from us. How cool is that?

Posted by RetroChalet.

Weekly Team Treasury Challenge #4

2011-06-27T14:28:00.002-04:00

Hooray it's Monday again! Time to announce the theme and featured shop for our weekly treasury challenge hosted by the Etsy Recycler's Guild! The winner of this last week's treasury challenge is "drum roll please" ... is Eco-Friendly Freckles with her challenge treasury entry titled Her Dizzy Head is Conscience Laden!!! So now we feature one of her beautiful shop items anywhere in the first 3 rows (NOT as an alternate in the fourth row) of your treasury. This weeks treasury theme is "FIRE", and remember that it can mean anything to you so have fun and express yourself within your challenge treasury!

The Etsy Recyclers Guild Weekly Treasury Challenge is open to EVERYONE and not just team members so feel free to join us! You do NOT have to belong to the team, to participate or win the challenge! The Winner of the Challenge will have their shop items included in every treasury for next week's Team Challenge, as well as have five items from their shop tweeted about throughout the week on our Team Twitter!

On Fridays we will all get to vote for the best challenge treasury in a poll that will be featured on the right-hand side of the team blog; there will be three participating treasuries to choose from (these will be the most popular of all of the treasuries in the challenge...the treasuries with the most views).

You have until Wednesday, June 29th at midnight...

Challenge Requirements:

1. Include an item from this week's Featured Shop "Eco-Friendly Freckles", anywhere in the first 3 rows (NOT as an alternate in the fourth row).

2. Do NOT include any of your own items, or more than one item from the same shop.

3. In addition to the Featured Shop Item, your treasury must contain at least SIX items from the Etsy Recyclers Guild members. These "team-related" items can be placed anywhere in the treasury. For a list of team members, click here ... or you can also find them by searching the our team tag "recycleguild" in Etsy.

4. Tag your Treasury "recycleguild" and "recycleguildchallenge4" (#4, NO spaces). If your treasury isn't tagged correctly and doesn't show up in the Treasury search results by the judging deadline, it may not be judged. In case their are difficulties finding your treasury by searching the treasury tag, please also leave a link to your treasury in the comments of this blog post. Highly recommended! There is also a thread on the Etsy Recyclers Guild Team page where you can post a link to your entry challenge treasury. All of these things really help others find your treasury more easily.

6. Include a link to this blog post in your Treasury description (or in the first comment). This is very IMPORTANT! This is what helps get the word out about our Challenge! If you're not sure what to say, feel free to copy and paste this:

This is an Etsy Recyclers Guild Treasury Challenge entry! Anyone can play!
Find out how to participate: http://etsyrecyclersguild.blogspot.com/

Recommendations:

1. Follow this blog!

2. If you have recycled/upcycled or vintage items in your shop, join the Etsy Recyclers Guild Team! We'd love to have you!

3. Message the shops featured in your Treasury, letting them know about the Treasury and the challenge!

4. Promote your treasury and the challenge! Tweet, Facebook, and share with friends. And don't forget to visit the Etsy Recyclers Guild Facebook page, and share your Treasury link on our Wall!

5. Use themes from Etsy's June Merchandising Desk, to increase your chances of getting a Front Page Treasury!

6. Support other participants! Click, comment, and share other "recycleguildchallenge" treasuries.

Important Notes: Only shops that abide by Etsy's Rules & Regulations are eligible to win. Past winners are eligible to win again.

This challenge ends (you must submit your completed challenge treasuries by) Wednesday, June 29th at midnight.

We will vote for the winner from the three most popular challenge treasuries on Friday, July 1st.

The winner of the challenge will be announced and the next challenge will begin on Monday, July 4th.

Using Recyclable Materials in Your Samples

2011-06-26T00:33:00.001-04:00

I love to include free samples/gifts and plenty of embellishments in my customers' packages. I also find that this is a great opportunity for me to take advantage of recyclable materials. I find myself reusing packaging stuffing (styrofoam popcorn, bubble wrap, air pockets, etc.) along with other embellishments (i.e. ribbon or chiffon drawstring bags) from packages that I have received from Etsy shops or other online purchases.

My latest craze, however, has been to utilize and get creative with materials that I generally don't find in packaging. I love to make little wrapped candy-eyed treats for my storybook cookie samples. Pictured above is a sample of one of my Cow Jumped Over Macaroons.

I simply wrapped the cookie in cellophane/plastic wrap, and then re-used a mesh/netted veggie sack that I cut to size and tied off with ribbon.

This blog post was contributed by Andrea of Storybook Artifact. :-)

Time to Vote for Your Favorite Recyclers Guild Challenge Treasury!

2011-06-24T18:34:00.006-04:00

It's time to vote for the winning Etsy Recyclers Guild Challenge Treasury for the week! The winner will be featured in all of the challenge treasuries for next week!!! This week we only had two participants...hopefully for the next challenge we will have more. Remember everyone that ANYONE can participate in the Etsy Recyclers Guild Treasury Challenge; not just members of the guild. ;-) Here are our two finalists this week...

1. "Dizzy" by Ecstasea
2. "Here Dizzy Head is Conscience Laden" by Eco-Friendly Freckles

You can place your vote in the poll on the left-hand side bar of this team blog. Thank you everyone for your participation in this week's challenge...we have had some beautiful participating treasuries in this week's team treasury challenge! It has been a lot of fun! The three finalists in the poll are the three "most popular" treasuries (with the most views and lots of "hotness"). In this week's treasury challenge we featured fellow team member Storybook Artifact of the Etsy Recyclers Guild.

This blog post was contributed by Jessica of Eco-Friendly Freckles; the new team captain of the Etsy Recyclers Guild!

Alice in Recycle-Land!

2011-06-22T23:56:00.010-04:00

The adorable image above is a picture of an "Over-sized 7 inch Queen of Hearts Playing Card" by fellow Etsy Recyclers Guild member Paper Picker.

The Etsy Recyclers Guild has some delightful Alice in Wonderland themed items and there is even a sister shop SALE going on within the guild! Oooh, curiouser and CURIOUSER!
I love this original antique book print titled "Drink Me From Alice in Wonderland" by fellow Etsy Recyclers Guild member Art and Everything Else!

...and this darling "Alice in Wonderland Cheshire Cat Scrabble Tile Necklace" by IslandGirlzJewelry:
...And now for the Alice in Wonderland Etsy Recyclers Guild SISTER SHOP SALE!
My twin sister and Etsy Recyclers Guild Team Leader, Andrea of Storybook Artifact, is offering her Vintage Alice Flowers and Birds Cake Topper Candle Holders Set for FREE with the purchase of my new hand-painted upcycled (Alice in Wonderland themed) decoupage canister "Why is a Raven Like a Writing Desk"!!! Have a very HAPPY "Un-Birthday" with this FREE gift sale! This offer ends at the end of this month of June.
This blog post was contributed by the Etsy Recyclers Guild Team Captain Jessica of Eco-Friendly Freckles.

Weekly Team Treasury Challenge #3

2011-06-20T21:25:00.005-04:00

Hooray it's Monday again! Since this week we have a tie vote, the treasury challenge winner is selected by whose challenge treasury has the most views (is the most popular)...Thus fellow team leader Andrea of Storybook Artifact is the winner with her winning challenge treasury "Slippery When Wet and Wild"! Now it's time to announce the theme for our weekly treasury challenge this week hosted by the Etsy Recycler's Guild! Remember in your challenge treasury to feature one of Storybook Artifact's shop items anywhere in the first 3 rows (NOT as an alternate in the fourth row) of your treasury. This weeks treasury theme is "DIZZY", and remember that it can mean anything to you so have fun and express yourself within your challenge treasury!The Etsy Recyclers Guild Weekly Treasury Challenge is open to EVERYONE and not just team members so feel free to join us! You do NOT have to belong to the team, to participate or win the challenge! The Winner of the Challenge will have their shop items included in every treasury for next week's Team Challenge, as well as have selected items from their shop tweeted about throughout the week on our Team Twitter!

On Fridays we will all get to vote for the best challenge treasury in a poll that will be featured on the right-hand side of the team blog; there will be three participating treasuries to choose from (these will be the most popular of all of the treasuries in the challenge...the treasuries with the most views).

You have until Wednesday, June 22nd at midnight...

Challenge Requirements:

1. Include an item from this week's Featured Shop Storybook Artifact, anywhere in the first 3 rows (NOT as an alternate in the fourth row).

2. Do NOT include any of your own items, or more than one item from the same shop.

3. In addition to the Featured Shop Item, your treasury must contain at least SIX items from the Etsy Recyclers Guild members. These "team-related" items can be placed anywhere in the treasury. For a list of team members, click here ... or you can also find them by searching the our team tag "recycleguild" in Etsy.

4. Tag your Treasury "recycleguild" and "recycleguildchallenge3" (#3, NO spaces). If your treasury isn't tagged correctly and doesn't show up in the Treasury search results by the judging deadline, it may not be judged. In case their are difficulties finding your treasury by searching the treasury tag, please also leave a link to your treasury in the comments of this blog post. Highly recommended! There is also a thread on the Etsy Recyclers Guild Team Page where you can post a link to your entry challenge treasury. All of these things really help others find your treasury more easily.

6. Include a link to this blog post in your Treasury description (or in the first comment). This is very IMPORTANT! This is what helps get the word out about our Challenge! If you're not sure what to say, feel free to copy and paste this:

This is an Etsy Recyclers Guild Treasury Challenge entry! Anyone can play!
Find out how to participate: http://etsyrecyclersguild.blogspot.com/

Recommendations:

1. Follow this blog!

2. If you have recycled/upcycled or vintage items in your shop, join the Etsy Recyclers Guild Team! We'd love to have you!

3. Message the shops featured in your Treasury, letting them know about the Treasury and the challenge!

4. Promote your treasury and the challenge! Tweet, Facebook, and share with friends. And don't forget to visit the Etsy Recyclers Guild Facebook page, and share your Treasury link on our Wall!

5. Use themes from Etsy's June Merchandising Desk, to increase your chances of getting a Front Page Treasury!

6. Support other participants! Click, comment, and share other "recycleguildchallenge" treasuries.

Important Notes: Only shops that abide by Etsy's Rules & Regulations are eligible to win. Past winners are eligible to win again.

This challenge ends (you must submit your completed challenge treasuries by) Wednesday, June 22nd at midnight.

We will vote for the winner from the three most popular challenge treasuries on Friday, June 24th.

The winner of the challenge will be announced and the next challenge will begin on Monday, June 27th.

Time to Vote for Your Favorite Recyclers Guild Challenge Treasury!

2011-06-19T19:21:00.004-04:00

Sorry we're running a bit late this week! It's time to vote for the winning Etsy Recyclers Guild Challenge Treasury for the week! The winner will be featured in all of the challenge treasuries for next week!!! Your three finalists to choose from this week are...

1. "Slippery When Wet and Wild" by Storybook Artifact
2. "Slippery State of Mind" by Soulrust
3. "Slip 'n Slide into Summer" by Eco-Friendly Freckles

You can place your vote in the poll on the left-hand side bar of this team blog. Thank you everyone for your participation in this week's challenge...we have had some beautiful participating treasuries in this week's team treasury challenge! It has been a lot of fun! The three finalists in the poll are the three "most popular" treasuries (with the most views and lots of "hotness"). In this week's treasury challenge we featured fellow team member Ecstasea of the Etsy Recyclers Guild.

This blog post was contributed by Jessica of Eco-Friendly Freckles; the new team captain of the Etsy Recyclers Guild!

Weekly Team Treasury Challenge #2

2011-06-13T14:07:00.001-04:00

Hooray it's Monday again! Time to announce the theme and featured shop for our weekly treasury challenge hosted by the Etsy Recycler's Guild! This last week's winner is "drum roll please" ... is Ecstasea with her challenge treasury entry titled Farewell!!! So now we feature one of her beautiful shop items anywhere in the first 3 rows (NOT as an alternate in the fourth row) of your treasury. This weeks treasury theme is "SLIPPERY", and remember that it can mean anything to you so have fun and express yourself within your challenge treasury!

The Etsy Recyclers Guild Weekly Treasury Challenge is open to EVERYONE and not just team members so feel free to join us! You do NOT have to belong to the team, to participate or win the challenge! The Winner of the Challenge will have their shop items included in every treasury for next week's Team Challenge, as well as have five items from their shop tweeted about throughout the week on our Team Twitter!

On Fridays we will all get to vote for the best challenge treasury in a poll that will be featured on the right-hand side of the team blog; there will be three participating treasuries to choose from (these will be the most popular of all of the treasuries in the challenge...the treasuries with the most views).

You have until Wednesday, June 15th at midnight...

Challenge Requirements:

1. Include an item from this week's Featured Shop Ecstasea, anywhere in the first 3 rows (NOT as an alternate in the fourth row).

2. Do NOT include any of your own items, or more than one item from the same shop.

3. In addition to the Featured Shop Item, your treasury must contain at least SIX items from the Etsy Recyclers Guild members. These "team-related" items can be placed anywhere in the treasury. For a list of team members, click here ... or you can also find them by searching the our team tag "recycleguild" in Etsy.

4. Tag your Treasury "recycleguild" and "recycleguildchallenge2" (#2, NO spaces). If your treasury isn't tagged correctly and doesn't show up in the Treasury search results by the judging deadline, it may not be judged. In case their are difficulties finding your treasury by searching the treasury tag, please also leave a link to your treasury in the comments of this blog post. Highly recommended! There is also a thread on the Etsy Recyclers Guild Team page where you can post a link to your entry challenge treasury. All of these things really help others find your treasury more easily.

6. Include a link to this blog post in your Treasury description (or in the first comment). This is very IMPORTANT! This is what helps get the word out about our Challenge! If you're not sure what to say, feel free to copy and paste this:

This is an Etsy Recyclers Guild Treasury Challenge entry! Anyone can play!
Find out how to participate: http://etsyrecyclersguild.blogspot.com/

Recommendations:

1. Follow this blog!

2. If you have recycled/upcycled or vintage items in your shop, join the Etsy Recyclers Guild Team! We'd love to have you!

3. Message the shops featured in your Treasury, letting them know about the Treasury and the challenge!

4. Promote your treasury and the challenge! Tweet, Facebook, and share with friends. And don't forget to visit the Etsy Recyclers Guild Facebook page, and share your Treasury link on our Wall!

5. Use themes from Etsy's June Merchandising Desk, to increase your chances of getting a Front Page Treasury!

6. Support other participants! Click, comment, and share other "recycleguildchallenge" treasuries.

Important Notes: Only shops that abide by Etsy's Rules & Regulations are eligible to win. Past winners are eligible to win again.

This challenge ends (you must submit your completed challenge treasuries by) Wednesday, June 15th at midnight.

We will vote for the winner from the three most popular challenge treasuries on Friday, June 17th.

The winner of the challenge will be announced and the next challenge will begin on Monday, June 20th.

Time to Vote for Your Favorite Recyclers Guild Challenge Treasury!

2011-06-10T19:38:00.006-04:00

It's time to vote for the winning Etsy Recyclers Guild Challenge Treasury for the week! The winner will be featured in all of the challenge treasuries for next week!!! Your three finalists to choose from this week are...

1. "Farwell" by Ecstasea
2. "Farewell to Routine...School is Out for Summer!" by Colleen Attara Studio
3. "Farewell Captain......." by Into the Trees

You can place your vote in the poll on the right-hand side bar of this team blog. Thank you everyone for your participation in this week's challenge...we have had many beautiful participating treasuries in our very FIRST team treasury challenge! It has been a lot of fun! The three finalists in the poll are the three "most popular" treasuries (with the most views and lots of "hotness"). In this week's treasury challenge we featured former team captain of the Etsy Recyclers Guild Cindy of RetroChalet.

This blog post was contributed by Jessica of Eco-Friendly Freckles; the new team captain of the Etsy Recyclers Guild!

Guild Member of the Month - Cindy of RetroChalet!

2011-06-09T02:24:00.004-04:00

Honey I'm Leaving - Vintage Doll Assemblage Ira Mency Original Altered Art Statue

The Etsy Recyclers Guild Member for the month of June is our beloved former team captain Cindy of Retro Chalet! Here is her awe-inspiring interview!

1.Tell us a bit about yourself (name, location, affiliations, and personal stuff).

Hi my name is Cindy. I live in the big city of Baltimore, MD but I'm a country girl at heat sneaking away to my cabin in the tiny town of Danforth, Maine whenever I can steal a moment. I left the corporate world 7 years ago to be my husband's Promoter and Marketing Agent. That is a job and a half. When I'm not helping him run his busy business, I like to write (I'm a published book author), I collect funky relics and make assemblage art out of recycled goods. Etsy is my stress-relief time!

Mannequin Head Industrial Display - Miss Molly Urban Chic Recycled Go Green Gal

2. How did you decide on your shop name? Why did you start your business?

I used to have an antique booth in a brick and mortar antique mall. I tried several locations, my last in Bel Air, Maryland. Since I am on the road so much this didn't really work for me--no time to go and straighten out my wares. I will also state here that I with Ebay since it started, but had stopped selling on them long ago due to rising fees, and an over-saturated market. When I joined Etsy there wasn't a big focus on vintage, and quite honestly there was a point where I wasn't sure if Vintage was on Etsy to stay. Since there weren't yet a ton of vintage shops I had a lot of name options. I wanted something that summarized what my shop would be. I came up with Retro Chalet after mulling around 10 different names with a friend, whose mother went "ding ding, Retro Chalet is so you."

3. What are 5 things you want people to think when they see your products/shop?

Funky, Retro, Unique, Mod, Upscale Junque!

4. What or who inspires you?

I'm inspired by a lot of people. Artists like Harriete Estel-Berman, Leo Sewell, who use recycled products in their wares. Andy Warhol because of the "phenomenon". I'm inspired by Rob Kalin who founded Etsy, and Seth Godin who founded Squidoo--both for the visions they had. Tim Adam, a welder and jewelry artist who decided to start Handmadeology, just proves you can do what you believe in, or create a need for something that's not there. I am also inspired by strong women who reinvent themselves to stay in the limelight for generations, yet do so much for charity too such as Sharon Osbourne and Madonna. I am inspired by my husband who did what he loved and became great at it. Most of all I'm inspired by nature - when I'm at the lake looking at the lovely mountains and majestic colored skies , the sound of the whispering leaves through the tall old trees, this is where I do my best writing and creating.

Instant Collection 3 Vintage Porcelain Glove Molds German Curved Hands

5. What are your best marketing tips?

You are your own best marketing agent. In other words, no one can explain or express your products like you. I learned a long time ago, not to compromise your vision or your voice.

As far as selling on Etsy, you have to work hard at it. You have to build a customer base and market your store. There are million of products here so make sure people are finding yours. You should be using tools such as Facebook, Twitter, and Blogs to get your product out there. It requires time and dedication.

My #1 tip would be to cut down on this time by using "cheat" applications like "Networked Blogs", which you can link your blog posts to auto-publish to your Facebook and Twitter account. You will do less work but have all three areas covered.

My #2 tip is that everyone should blog and have a visible link to their Etsy shop at the top of their blog. Here's my article on it.

My #3 tip is that practice makes perfect.

Boontonware Mod Orange Floral Melmac Set 4pc Boonton New Jersey Rare Duck L'Orange

6. In ten years I'd like to be…

Looking out at my lake, working on book #5, and still selling on Etsy :)

7. Why should people buy handmade and vintage items?

Reusing vintage not only for decor but for functionality keeps these items out of the landfills. Many vintage items I find were made here in the USA, and they remind me of a time and era where people worked hard and this country was something grand. My Uncle took over my Grandfather's masonry business so that's 5 decades of masonry work in and around Baltimore. I can ride by the homes and say "My Grandfather build this..." or, "my Uncle built that wall." It makes me proud to see that kind of work.

When people can work so hard and produce something so wonderful with skill and pride, why not buy those products over mass imported products? Not to mention we have no way to regulate just how imported products are being made or if the work conditions (ie: child labor, chemical environmental issues, unsanitary conditions) are being met as these factories are in other countries. Sure--these products may be cheaper, but they also may be harmful to our environment and look at all the recalls. I feel if we continue the mass import trend and import cheaper products that aren't made here, that America is in real trouble because we've succumbed to giving up the ability to learn skills, trades and products. I'm so glad Mike Rowe addressed the Senate on this very topic. dsc.discovery.com/fansites/dirtyjobs/mike-rowe-senate-testimony.html

I would think most countries share that same perspective about their own wares. I'm so glad Etsy has a community where you can buy handmade and vintage goods.

8. What do you enjoy most about the Etsy Recycler's Guild Team?

Mostly I love the fact you can network with people that share the exact same views as you.

Vintage Pool Balls - 16 pc Billard

9. What have been the most valuable lessons you’ve learned from other artists or Etsyians?

That you have to find your niche clientele, and that takes time.

10. What are the web addresses where people can find you? (website, etsy, blog, facebook fan page, flickr, etc.)

I'm all over the place:
VintageChalet.com
Melmac Central Retro Chalet Blog
IraMency.com
Facebook for Retro Chalet
RetroChalet.com (goes to Etsy shop)
twitter.com/IraMency

Weekly Team Treasury Challenge #1

2011-06-06T11:38:00.006-04:00

Hooray it's Monday! Time to announce the theme and featured shop for our weekly treasury challenge hosted by the Etsy Recycler's Guild! This week we are honoring our wonderful former team captain Cindy of RetroChalet; so feature one of her beautiful shop items anywhere in the first 3 rows (NOT as an alternate in the fourth row) of your treasury.This weeks treasury theme is "FAREWELL", and remember that it can mean anything to you so have fun and express yourself within your challenge treasury!

The Etsy Recyclers Guild Weekly Treasury Challenge is open to EVERYONE and not just team members so feel free to join us! You do NOT have to belong to the team, to participate or win the challenge! The Winner of the Challenge will have their shop items included in every treasury for next week's Team Challenge, as well as have five items from their shop tweeted about throughout the week on our Team Twitter!

On Fridays we will all get to vote for the best challenge treasury in a poll that will be featured on the right-hand side of the team blog; there will be three participating treasuries to choose from (these will be the most popular of all of the treasuries in the challenge...the treasuries with the most views).

You have until Wednesday, June 8th at midnight...

Challenge Requirements:

1. Include an item from this week's Featured Shop RetroChalet, anywhere in the first 3 rows (NOT as an alternate in the fourth row).

2. Do NOT include any of your own items, or more than one item from the same shop.

3. In addition to the Featured Shop Item, your treasury must contain at least SIX items from the Etsy Recyclers Guild members. These "team-related" items can be placed anywhere in the treasury. For a list of team members, click here...or you can also find them by searching the our team tag "recycleguild" in Etsy.

4. Tag your Treasury "recycleguild" and "recycleguildchallenge1" (#1, NO spaces). If your treasury isn't tagged correctly and doesn't show up in the Treasury search results by the judging deadline, it may not be judged. In case their are difficulties finding your treasury by searching the treasury tag, please also leave a link to your treasury in the comments of this blog post. Highly recommended! There is also a thread on the Etsy Recyclers Guild Team page where you can post a link to your entry challenge treasury. All of these things really help others find your treasury more easily.

6. Include a link to this blog post in your Treasury description (or in the first comment). This is very IMPORTANT! This is what helps get the word out about our Challenge! If you're not sure what to say, feel free to copy and paste this:

This is an Etsy Recyclers Guild Treasury Challenge entry! Anyone can play!
Find out how to participate: http://etsyrecyclersguild.blogspot.com/

Recommendations:

1. Follow this blog!

2. If you have recycled/upcycled or vintage items in your shop, join the Etsy Recyclers Guild Team! We'd love to have you!

3. Message the shops featured in your Treasury, letting them know about the Treasury and the challenge!

4. Promote your treasury and the challenge! Tweet, Facebook, and share with friends. And don't forget to visit the Etsy Recyclers Guild Facebook page, and share your Treasury link on our Wall!

5. Use themes from Etsy's June Merchandising Desk, to increase your chances of getting a Front Page Treasury!

6. Support other participants! Click, comment, and share other "recycleguildchallenge" treasuries.

Important Notes: Only shops that abide by Etsy's Rules & Regulations are eligible to win. Past winners are eligible to win again.

This challenge ends (you must submit your completed challenge treasuries by) Wednesday, June 8th at midnight.

We will vote for the winner from the three most popular challenge treasuries on Friday, June 10th.

The winner of the challenge will be announced and the next challenge will begin on Monday, June 13th.

Recycling and Welcoming

2011-06-03T11:47:00.000-04:00

Jessica and I as little girls.

Greetings to All,

My name is Andrea and I am Jessica's (the new team captain's) twin sister; you may have seen me mentioned in some of Jessica's welcoming discussions/convos. Yes, I am the newest member to the team, and proud to be a part of this fabulous movement of "recycling"! I love to recycle! You can just ask Jessica about it; I always come up with new ways to use my family's "trash" (glass jars, yogurt cups, rubber bands, old shirts, wrapping paper, etc.) or if all else fails, I put this trash of mine away for my husband to take to our local recycling service.

With "vintage" being the new "green", my shop (Storybook Artifact) and I are ready to be a great addition to this team! I look forward to helping out as new team leader. Feel free to contact me with any questions or need of assistance; I'd love to help. :-)

Eco-Friendly Freckles Decoupage Art Canister (Baby Inspiration)

I just wanted to feature one of Jessica's decoupage canisters to show how our new team captain's art can be so versatile and elaborate! This one (featured above) is titled Baby Inspiration. I will be taking this as a gift for an upcoming baby shower (that I'll be attending this weekend) for a friend of mine. I am so happy to have picked out
this personable piece from my artistic twin sister's Etsy shop (Eco-Friendly Freckles). Wrapped inside, Jessica fixed me up with some of her luxurious handmade soap also. This little addition to the shower gift really has made the gift extraordinary! I love the detail in Jessica's art: absolutely breathtaking! I look forward to seeing this baby shower gift unwrapped and "cherished"; the word cherished is elegantly featured on soap's tag, which I think truly accentuates the thoughtfulness behind this playful "welcome baby" gift. I added a smily rattle to help play along the theme as well.

Just a Friendly Reminder to All Etsy Recyclers Guild Team Members: to please change your team tag on all your shops items to recycleguild. Thank You. :-)

_Andrea
www.storybookartifact.blogspot.com

Designosaurus Interview with Eco Designer Jessie Katz: Jewelry and More

2011-05-30T17:53:00.001-04:00

Jessie Katz makes wonderful upcycled jewelry in her DESIGNosaurus shop, which actual on Etsy under her name, JessieKatz.etsy.com. From Nyack New York to the Today Show, Jessie tells all and even gives a bonus coupon code in the end!

Upcycled teardop earrings, lovely, $15, HERE.

Q: What fuels your passion for making sustainable jewelry?

The environmental benefits are one obvious reason why I strive to make sustainable jewelry. It wastes less energy to REUSE something than to recycle it. So even though some of the plastics I use could be recycled, its saving energy to reuse them in my sustainable accessories.

Even more exciting for the customer, I love when jewelry can tell a story – its fun to see people try and figure out what gift cards make up each piece. The jewelry becomes a conversation starter, telling a story about where the gift card or scrap wood came from. And as an artist its more fun to create things from an ever-changing inventory of supplies, and you get that when working with recycled, found materials.

Jessie Katz's Designs are lovely and professionally displayed!

Q: What is your favorite piece and why?  

My newest piece is always my favorite, whatever I haven’t been staring at as long. Currently one of my favorite pieces is this nautical inspired pair of earrings:

Nautical Earrings, $20, Here

Q: What does Etsy mean to you?   

I love that Etsy fosters communities of artists. Communities based on product, location, or mission; like those of us passionate about reusing materials in the Recyclers Guild! Plus, Etsy means I’m able to spend more time creating and less time marketing. …Ok… maybe not that much less, but it makes those marketing and selling tools readily available and easy to use, it would be much harder to start from scratch.

From Nyack with love...

She is so very talented!

See this full size on her BLOG.

Q: Tell us how your earrings came to be on the Today Show!  

Etsy and Green is Universal sponsored Art of ReUse, a contest for artists who create handmade products with repurposed materials. I heard about the Art of ReUse contest from my friend Jess, another Etsy seller. (Plug: Check out her shop at Some Fine Folks!) I entered my gift card earrings and was blown away with the support from my customers, friends, and new fans who voted for my entry! As one of the top ten finalists my gift card earrings were featured on the Today Show. It was a really exciting experience; from addressing the package to 30 Rockefeller Plaza all the way to seeing my earrings live on TV.

WATCH THE VIDEO HERE:

Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

Q: What are some of your favorite things, and who is Jessie Katz?  

I grew up in a very small town, which really helped foster creativity, especially when it came to repurposing materials. We couldn’t just take a quick trip to the art store, so when I wanted to start a new project I had to find materials outside or around the house.

Hartford Art School.

Later I attended Hartford Art School, where I graduated in 2007 with a BFA in Visual Communication Design. After a couple in-house design jobs I’ve found working as a freelance graphic designer affords me the creative flexibility and variety I crave. When I’m not working on these graphic design jobs, I make time for my own projects including sustainable jewelry for DESIGNosaurus and hand drawn typography for my other Etsy shop, TriSERIFtops.

Jessie is quite talented, this "all occassion" card is found in her second shop!

Name Branding is important.

Q: What are some of your favorite things?

Festivals and craft fairs. Collecting materials from thrift stores and flea markets.
Experimenting with repurposed materials I haven’t used before. Typography!
Sketching outside or at a café. Coffee. Reorganizing and redecorating my apartment. Autumn. Good vegetarian food! TV comedies!

Special Savings for Fans of Sustainable Art:

I’d like to offer you all a coupon code for 5% off in either of my Etsy stores, valid until June 30th, 2011: Green11

CONNECT WITH JESSIE:

On her Facebook Page!

On her Blog!

In her Etsy Store!

In her Second Etsy Store!

Tweet with her!

Boost Your Health With Kombucha!

2011-05-30T16:22:00.012-04:00

The delightful image above is an original oil painting titled "Lightness Becomes You" by fellow Etsy Recycler's Guild member Adrien Art.
Feel energized, detox your body, and boost your health with kombucha tea!
Kombucha Tea is a biological active product fermented with a living culture ("scoby") to become a natural living food high in enzymes. Scientific research shows the benefits of Kombucha, whose high concentration of probiotic-rich acids can provide a powerful energy boost, as well as detoxify and cleanse the blood of disease-causing toxins, allowing the body to alleviate a wide spectrum of ailments and conditions; from the mildest indisposition to the most serious diseases.

Drinking Kombucha tea regularly has been shown to benefit the human body by:

* balancing the metabolism
* cleansing the blood and regulating pH levels
* improving liver, gall bladder, and digestive function
* detoxifying the body and enhancing the immune system
* raising overall energy level
This summer while the heat is intense and you're enjoying some fresh air, have yourself a cool, refreshing glass of kombucha and detox while you hydrate!

If you are interested in making your own kombucha at home, I have organic kombucha scobies in my Etsy shop for making this delicious and nutritious probiotic beverage; with this kombucha scoby all you need is some black or green tea and you are on your way to kombucha-making success. Also, with each order of my kombucha scobies, I send a step-by-step picture tutorial that I have made to assist you in making your first batch of kombucha tea!

This blog post was contributed by Jessica of Eco-Friendly Freckles.

Cha Cha Cha Chia! Raw Chocolate Chia Pudding Trifle Recipe!

2011-05-24T16:54:00.001-04:00

Chia Seeds are so very healthy for you...they aren't just used to grow cute chia pets! They are a favorite staple ingredient amongst raw foodists...Here is an informative video clip telling you all about chia seed and it's health benefits:

http://www.naturalnews.tv/v.asp?v=F99BA7CA912165275467CC90764F2738

I LOVE chia seed; it is AMAZING! It is great for my digestion and it makes some delicious and nutritious desserts (it is also a great ingredient to implement into many different recipes). Here is the recipe for a "Raw Dark Chocolate Chia Pudding Trifle with Strawberries and All-Natural Vanilla Wafers" that my husband and I made this weekend!

Raw Dark Chocolate Chia Pudding Trifle with Strawberries and All-Natural Vanilla Wafers

Ingredients-

Pudding:

1/2 cup chia seed
1 1/2 raw goats milk (any milk will work for this recipe)
6 tablespoons raw cocoa powder (any cocoa powder will work for this recipe)
3 raw egg yolks; preferably from local farm fresh pastured (NOT pasteurized!) eggs
1/3 cup - 1/2 cup chopped dates (or as sweet as you would like it; "to taste")
1 - 2 tablespoon raw local honey (or as sweet as you would like it; "to taste")
2 tablespoons coconut cream concentrate (We got ours from Tropical Traditions)
1 ripe banana
1/4 tsp. sea salt
A splash of Captain Morgan's Spiced Rum (optional)

Meringue:

3 raw egg whites ; preferably from local farm fresh pastured (NOT pasteurized!) eggs (we used 4 egg whites because we wanted more meringue for layering)
organic cane sugar ("to taste"...we used Organic Florida Crystals)

Trifle Remaining Layering Ingredients:

sliced strawberries (preferably organic)
all-natural vanilla wafers (we used used Organic Vanilla Wafers from Country Choice)

Instructions:

Add the milk to the chia seed in a medium sized mixing bowl, stir, and let sit until the chia seed absorbs the milk and has a gelatin consistency (about 10-15 minutes). Add six tablespoons raw cocoa powder and stir into the milk and chia mixture. Separate three egg yolks from three egg whites and add the egg yolks to the chia seed mixture; set the egg whites aside for meringue. Now you can pour the chia mixture into a blender or Vita Mix, and add coconut cream concentrate, banana, sea salt, and honey...slowing add the chopped dates while pulsing the blender (add a splash of spiced rum if you want...we did!) and then blend the pudding up til smooth.

Make meringue by beating the three (or four) egg whites with the sugar until the mixture forms soft peaks.

Layer the bottom of your trifle dish with all-natural vanilla wafers, putting some decoratively propped up on the sides of the dish as well. Then add a layer of your raw chocolate chia pudding, then a layer strawberries, then meringue, then repeat the layers until you reach the top and put meringue and sliced strawberries on the very top. Vwa la...Enjoy!!!
This blog post was contributed by Jessica of Eco-Friendly Freckles.

How to DIY your curtains by ThreadBanger

2011-05-22T09:31:00.000-04:00

Heather brings us another cool video she found on Youtube, from Threadbanger. Enjoy!

Living Green in Louisiana Dijon's Olde World Originals

2011-05-20T00:34:00.000-04:00

Originally I wrote this for Handmadeology, I wanted to show Dijon some more love on Etsy!
Woodworking Olde World Style

Adorable coffee cart reminiscent of days gone by,
made with reclaimed woods by Dijon's Olde World Originals.

For some of us, crafting is a pastime, hobby, or stress relief! For others, it's a part of who we are--and I'm focusing on a short series where these individuals will tell you, it's part of their heritage. They are upholding generations of tradition and the beauty shows in their work.

Take for instance, Dijon's Olde World Originals, coming to us from Baton Route, Louisiana. Dee"Dijon" Jones comes from a long line of carpenters and welders, and believes in using "olde world" techniques when making his furniture. You will find no mass production here. His goods are made from reclaimed wood and timbers including but not limited to old doors, structure beams, architectural grates, garden gates, tin roofs, and balcony rails. This ensures you are getting something with history and rest assured, no two will be alike.

Gorgeous Cypress Dining Table

Dijon was born in Plaquemine, Louisiana and raised in Brusly. He's got a Cajun accent and began woodworking at an early age. His grandfather was a carpenter, and his mother also. His father is a welder. It's no wonder he inherited his family's traits. He explains, "I learned from all three of them. I started making furniture and other items for family and friends. Many of them suggested I should open my own company and I finally did just that. I love using Louisiana products, especially old cypress and vintage architectural pieces, to make new items for the home and garden."

This cart was used as a movie prop and can be found in their Etsy shop.

His wife Suzanne explained to me that the mighty Cypress trees are now more protected now and less timbered, but they still find reclaimed pieces from swap meets, reclaimed yards, and antique stores. She says, "Dijon can custom make anything you want, to fit in any size space and keep the authentic look of "olde world styling."

Part of his Cajun-Louisiana heritage are Dijon's mini piroque's.

Another indicator of his heritage is the fact he makes mini decorative "Pirogues", which were boat vessels native to the area used for fishing in the swamps. Now Dijon's miniatures are a hit at crawfish parties or for serving beverages out of on a hot summer's day. I could see this on my deck with flowers in it!

Find these in the Lagniappe section!

Kudos to Dijon for sticking to family traditions, using olde world processes, and reclaiming woods. In addition to the above you'll find objects for any purpose including lamps, home decor, tables, planters, garden decor, mirrors, clocks, and more. You can connect with him more on Etsy , his website, or Facebook to check it out.

Stay tuned for more from this series, including an artist from Germany using old enameling techniques, and an artist from Baltimore dating their wire wrapping skills back to Transylvania days. If you have a similar story or know of one like this, connect with me.
RetroChalet.etsy.com

Inside Etsy Vintage Seller's Shop : RetroBabs

2011-05-16T10:31:00.001-04:00

RetroBabs brings one of a kind eclectic finds, and a touch of ReMix too!

RetroBabs, or Barb, as her friends know her ventured onto Etsy one day with the help of her daughter, Bec. It seems there was no turning back. I took some time to interview her to find out how her "RetroBabs Vintage and ReMix" shop came to be.

How did you find Etsy start?

Barb says, "Bec was constantly telling me to go to Etsy because there was things she wanted me to buy. I started searching the site and realized they had vintage. I had been a big collector for years and I loved all the shops. I decided it was something I could do and a good project for Bec and I to do together."

Baby Quilt, found HERE.

What role does your daughter, Bec play in your shop?

"She told me she wanted to be a silent partner (then having been a newly wed and all-married in June of 2010). I supply the vintage fabric and Bec makes what she wants out of it. She is a talented seamstress." *Read about Babs and Bec here*

So how did you prepare for your "grand opening" in August, 2010?

"I started to collect some items to put in the shop. I went to resale shops, antique stores, searched through my own collections, flea markets etc. I decided to start listing items and it was then that I realized it all had a theme of sorts. Mostly mid-century modern stuff. "

Lovely Desk Accessory, Found Here.

Mid Century Modern seems to be THE theme in your shop?

"I was drawn to mad men, rat pack type items, and also desk accessories were selling. I have many male customers they buy things like york barbell weights, martini shakers and Ice -o-matics. At Retrobabs we also sell a lot of fabric items from towels, apron, curtains, linens, and gloves. "

Lovely Seashell ReMix frame!

What is the "ReMix" end of things?

Barb explained that Bec re-mixes items that would normally be discarded into functional can-use items mixed with original artwork. You will find everything from Baby Bibs to plates fashioned into clocks, or hand sewn dish towels incorporating older fabric remnants. She explains, "Bec's items are finally starting to sell. It took a while for the ReMix to catch on. We have sold three clock/plates to date. "

Juicy Strawberry Pitcher. Find it Here.

What is your personal favorite item in your shop?

"Right now my favorite item in the shop is our Juicy Strawberry ceramic pitcher and the Mad Men type barware set of glassses with its groovy metal tray. I want to keep them myself but I think my husband will make me move out of the house!"

Temporama cups by WhatsNewontheMantel

Do you collect anything?

"I have to admit I am a collector of many things, atomic dishes, (I love Temporama), pottery, hand blown glass, elephants..... "

What have you learned from your experience on Etsy?

"When I first made my shop I thought you were supposed to keep everything separate from your personal life. Privacy wise I tried to separate my art life from the Etsy life. Many of fellow Etsians including encouraged me to let people know who I am and what my art is. With RetroChalet's help I started my RetroBabs blog and set up one for my personal artwork. I now try to link everything together so folks get the full picture of our shop and us."

Etsy Teams ROCK!

What is your favorite part of being an Etsian?

"My favorite part of Etsy is the community and the customers. I did not expect this, such camaraderie and fantastic friendships. I have 57 positive comments and customers write me letters, send photos and one actually sent a thank you gift to my home!! I then joined the Vesties team (focused on vintage) and that really helped me hone my shop and I picked Martha's brain (Team Captain of Vesties) at a local meet up."

Barb is a member of several teams, all of which help curtail her Etsy experience in positive ways. Catch up with RetroBabs:

RetroBabs Shop

Check her Facebook Page out!

RetroBabs Blog

On Barb's Art and Pottery Blog

On the Vesties Team

Offerings from the Etsy Recycler's Guild : Treasury Time

2011-05-15T06:54:00.000-04:00

'WasteNot Unite' by bottlehood

Live smart, think green...

Dark Home Decor - Pentacle ... Ametista $12.00	Amphibian Camo Snack Sak - R... WasteNotSaks $
RARE Frosted White Sea Glass... lakeeriebeachg... $52.00	Crochooley $
NAKED Two Inch Yellow pages ... AnBlathPaipeir $10.00	Map Pillow Box Gift Set with... TheWeepingWill... $6.00
Squid scarf ONE jersey knit ... decomp $26.00	Kissing Meditation Tea Bowl AdrienArt $20.00
FREE SHIPPING Red Recycled O... Relogyyy $62.00	Set of 3 Vintage Walnut Woo... TexasVintage $30.00
Big Kelly Letterpress - indu... RetroChalet $15.00	Vintage 1971 Postal Scale by... AlpenglowVinta... $75.00
Vintage 1940s 1950s Brown Be... luvvinjewels $10.00	Burgundy Leather and Silver ... QuercusSilver $35.00
Holy Stone and Sterling SIlv... Heartsail $	Vintage Sap Bucket Floral Va... VintageHillbil... $18.88

Treasury tool by Red Row Studio.