Whispers Of Autumn

Autumn Fires

In the other gardens
And all up the vale,
From the autumn bonfires
See the smoke trail!
Pleasant summer over
And all the summer flowers,
The red fire blazes,
The grey smoke towers.
Sing a song of seasons!
Something bright in all!
Flowers in the summer,
Fires in the fall!

Robert Louis Stevenson


With the chill in the air this morning and the forecast calling for a cool weekend, once again fall is sneaking in . It never seems to arrive as abrubtly as winter with a blast of snow. It comes softly in the evenings with temperatures subtly falling, the sun leaving just a little early.


My quest this morning was to find some fabulous fall items on Etsy, it was hard to choose which ones to put on the blog, as always doing an Etsy search will bring many fantastic items.

This is a wonderful 1970's multi-colored handbag in near pristine condition.

It is multicolored in shades of fall colors. Very roomy inside, with many pockets. $12.00 For additional photos and information

http://www.molehilltreasures.etsy.com

These sweet, diminutive earrings are fashioned with Czech glass pumpkins and leaves, gold tone leaf charms, with gold plated accents. Earrings dangle from hook style ear wires

$8.00 at http://www.7charmingtrinkets.etsy.com

I think I just might want to live here, this is a wonderful print from a talented Etsy artist. She has captured the essence of autumn. "Welcome Autumn" is a 7" x 5" print. $9.95 http://www.KimsCottageArt.etsy.com

Rainbow jasper and gold - Pamela bracelet . this is so pretty and perfect for fall! The stones are subtle earthtones. The price is just right at $20.00 This can be found at http://www.JustTheRightTouch.etsy.com

These were a thrill to find, tempting but not my size. I had a pair so similiar in 7th grade and i remember loving them. We wore them with maxi-skirts. These are a steal at $85.00 and you can get the details at http://www.VonlenskaVintage.etsy.com

Wouldn't this look fantastic with the boots above? This is from a Michigan designer , and it's nothing short of wonderful! It's priced at $65.00 , an incredible value for a tailored sweater jacket. You can get more details and find more of her fantastic designs at http://www.StudioApparel.etsy.com

That wraps up my blog today, hope you enjoyed my finds as much as I did. As always I invite you to shop my corner of Etsy http://www.molehilltreasures.etsy.com/

If You Want To Give advice Learn to spell It

This morning I checked my site as normal, and seen there were three positive feedbacks since last night. I clicked to read which items and to be ready to leave reciprocal feedback. Even though the positive box was checked the comment left me discouraged and dumbfounded.

The item was a cheap item, the reason it was listed cheap was because it was pretty tattered, it was made of felt and rubber so no chance of breakage, and also it was purchased with other items in a sturdy box so no chance of being crushed. Okay the buyer wasn't happy that I didn't wrap it, shipping did no damage to the item, but I can live with the comment. But the buyer also gave "advise" that I didn't include a thank-you note and insuated this was expected. I do not include a thank-you card. My invoices say thank you for shopping with me. It's not that I don't totally appreciate the sales and my customers I do. My prices are quite low, I recycle packaging products, don't print out extras or buy thank you cards. If I did fancy packaging and cards prices would have to go up.



Feedback is a very funny thing, if you think long about it, it can almost be slanderous. Complete strangers can make comments about you for the whole world to see. Can you imagine going to Walmart and on the outside of the building there being nothing but comments on someones shopping experience? Comments such as these......





"Got my shampoo, lathered fine but had to stand in line too long"



"The cashier in line 3 bagged my bread poorly and it got crushed" (They didn't mention when they loaded it their trunk they put it under a case of Pepsi)



" Great experience I used coupons and saved thirty dollars"





" I won't shop here again the greeter didn't hand me a cart"



" The toy gun I paid 2.00 for broke the next day"





Okay, so you get my point. Online venues leave their sellers as open targets to any kind of comments. I think the comment section of feedback should be eliminated. If your product arrived and you're happy just checking the box should be enough, if your seller paid check the box that says positive.



And if you want to give advice, learn how to spell it :)))

Good for the soul

I often blog about the awesome things you can find on Etsy and Artfire, things to decorate your home, decorate your body, unique gifts for others, soaps and lotions to make you smell and feel good. If you browse closely you'll find art, products and treats to nourish your soul! My first item is from an artist on Etsy, and each time I discover a new print or painting in her shop it's inspiring. I've gotten to know this artist some and she herself is inspiring and so is her art. I encourage you to bookmark her shop for new things coming!

This is so aweome, how often to we try to wait the storm out, saying when this gets better, or when that is over we will be happy again.

I love the idea of dancing through the rain, problems seem to always arise from somewhere, something or someone. We have alot of stress and heartache in our lives....It'd do our hearts good to dance a little in the rain. You can purchase this print for $18.00 or the original painting for 300.00. Visit this Michigan artists wonderful Etsy shop at http://www.artbytrudy.etsy.com/

There is something so soothing about a cup of tea, in fact right now I am enjoying this wonderful cup of cherry almond and orange black tea from another Michigander s Etsy shop. I also have black raspberry flavor I'm getting low so it's time to order. The teas offered are so rich and delicious, the prices are so reasonable. The packages come very professional packaged. If you love tea try it once and you'll be a repeat customer. You can visit Teamans shop at http://www.teaman.etsy.com/

This is just too precious to be put in a drawer to keep our clothes fresh, it would definitely have to be displayed somewhere as a reminder of the beauty of having dreams and hope. It's made from a vintage quilt and vintage buttons, lavender scent. You can purchase this item for $10.50 at Threads of Sanity on Etsy.

http://www.threadsofsanity.etsy.com/

I believe in the power of prayer this would be a beautiful item to have in our lives to remind us that there is a Heavenly Father waiting to listen to us and give us peace. This can be purchased for $18.00 at http://www.remembermeemily.etsy.com/ , wouldn't this be an awesome gift?

Tranquility" 8 x 10 Original Fine

Art Photograph..wouldn't you just love to walk on this beach? Most of the beaches I have visited are full of familes, jet skis, boats..not that these things aren't wonderful or fun...but I think I could spend some time daydreaming of this one...This wonderful artist photographer has some equally beautiful originals in her shop, please stop by and browse at http://www.candaradesign.etsy.com/

Maybe it's not your soul that needs soothed, but I can pretty much bet you know someone who could use a lift. This is an incredibly sweet card , so reasonably priced and can be purchased at http://www.grumblebeedesigns.etsy.com/

Well it's always soothing for my soul to log onto my shop and find sales, so as always you are invited to browse my items, who knows you may find a piece of vintage jewelry to soothe your soul! http://www.molehilltreasures.etsy.com/ or click on the artfire mini to the left to visit my new Artfire store...........Have a blessed day everyone!

One Year On Etsy and Artfire Beginnings

As I've stated many times I love Etsy, it's a fantastic site with much to offer. The forums are a great place to connect with other sellers and buyers. It's a great help resource, and the posts can make you laugh and sometimes send you to near tears. It's been a great year on Etsy with over 600 sales and 100 percent feedback. Etsy's seller fee's are quite reasonable compared to Ebays, but yet each month the fee is getting higher, mostly with needing to renew items to not get buried in the search pages, renewing pays off when it comes to making sales, but if i renew a $5.00 item 5 times it becomes less than a $4.00 item, and those little bitty 20 cents add up quickly. This would be my main problem with the way Etsy is set up, I do wish they would offer a flat rate fee comparable to Artfire.

I love the flat rate fee at Artfire, it makes so much sense. If you rented an actual brick and mortar space, you wouldn't be charged more for having more inventory or sales, you pay your monthly rent irregardless of your earnings. I don't know about you but the idea of keeping more of my cash is strongly appealing!

I will continue on Etsy, because I love it so but will try to establish a viable business on Artfire too it seems to be a wise business move for me.

If you haven't visited Artfire I encourage you to take a browse..it's a wonderful site for handmade and vintage

Meaning of Vintage The Debate Goes On

Does anyone really know what the word vintage truly means ? I agree it is overused and often used inappropriately. Many words have tried to replace vintage when it comes to online venues, words like retro , mid-century, mod amongst others, but they aren't as effective as the V word.



There are many , many, and many discussions arguments and down right arrogance amongst people in the Etsy forums on this issue.





According to the Free Online Dictionary by Farlex vinatge is:





vin·tage
play_w2("V0108300")
(vntj)
n.
1. The yield of wine or grapes from a vineyard or district during one season.
2. Wine, usually of high quality, identified as to year and vineyard or district of origin.
3. The year or place in which a wine is bottled.
4.
a. The harvesting of a grape crop.
b. The initial stages of winemaking.
5. Informal
a. A group or collection of people or things sharing certain characteristics.
b. A year or period of origin: a car of 1942 vintage.
c. Length of existence; age.
adj.
1. Of or relating to a vintage.
2. Characterized by excellence, maturity, and enduring appeal; classic.
3. Old or outmoded.







Will we ever agree on the meaning of vintage? probably not, I believe vintage means something different to each age group. There are many who feel items from the 80's are not vintage, yet in the 80's we who were raised in the 80's considered the 60's vintage (can't remember the term used then for vintage) . So now it's 2009 and the 80's items will come into play as collectible vintage , being balked by those of us in our 40's....Is it the fact that if we say the the 1980's is vintage is admitting we are getting older....or that we really don't want stone-washed blue jeans and big hair to come back in style.



The heated debate will go on in the forums, people will argue that their vintage is better than others.





From the meanings above my heart agrees with "Characterized by excellence, maturity, and enduring appeal; classic" and in that case vintage can have many meanings, what appeals to one person will not appeal to everyone, so if you see a vintage seller doing really well selling 1980's glam, and you're not moving your antique 1940's dinnerware, it doesn't grant the right to complain.





In four short months 1990 will be allowed on Etsy, it will be allowed to be called vintage and the debates, discussions and flagging will continue in the forums.

For The Love Of Boho

There seems to be alot of different meanings to boho, I love boho it's my favorite in vintage. I did an Etsy search searching for shops to feature in my Boho blog. Honestly it was very disappointing , there was 374 pages in the search and I found very few items that met my definition of Boho. Maybe I'm the one with the wrong impression of what Boho is.

I have opened a shop on Artfire called "Little Bit Boho" I am so excited to designate an entire shop to boho and will be working on building my inventory over the next few weeks. If you have a different opinion of what Boho is please feel free to comment.

You can find the first three boho items at http://www.artfire.com/users/littlebitboho

$15.00 and Under

The following items were found on Etsy through searching Boho , each defines the term Boho to me.

The beautiful boho dress can be found at http://www.violetfolklore.etsy.com/ . It is priced at $48.00 .

Boho Macrame Medallion Beaded Necklace http://www.zanzibargains.etsy.com/ is a great example of boho accessories. A steal at 6.99.

If I didn't already own 2 dozen handbags I would've ordered this great boho straw bag. This is an incredible find at $14.00. this is from http://www.landpiranhavntg.etsy.com/

Last but not least a true 1970's Painted Ceramic and Wood Bead Necklace . $23.00 You can visit this shop at http://www.whimsicalvintage.com/

Thanks for reading todays boho blog, not everyone loves boho, so be sure to check back for the next blog when I search for vinatge pink!

Tribute To New Etsy Sellers

Last August 19 I opened my Etsy shop. I had been selling on Ebay for 7 or 8 years and was so tired of the increasing fee's the mass produced new stuff and the basic anything goes. That is perfect for alot of people but it wasn't working for me. I did a search using the term Ebay alternatives, I discovered Etsy (I had never heard of it before)...I waited 9 days before I made my first sale. My first sale was August 28 of the victorian girl framed print. It's been a fantastic year, and there's not much about Etsy that I don't love.

The following items are from Etsy shops awaiting their first sale, I remember the first week thinking "oh what a waste of my time" it certainly wasn't . It just can take a little time to get going. I'm sure these shops are going to thrive with the creative and wonderful products they are offerring.

Wow, talk about bringing back memories. I think I'd like one of these custom made hula hoops just to hang on my wall! These are bright, fun, and what awesome excersize! You can get your own Jam Striper at http://www.thehiprevolution.etsy.com/

Shhhh, Please don't tell my Sadie or Keyote that I didn't order these yet. My dogs love peanutbutter too and would go crazy for these treats. They come with a reusable treat bag that I'm sure my dogs would soon recognize! You can find this wonderful pooch gift at http://www.poocheze.etsy.com/

I just love the cards on Etsy! Who doesn't want to give something unique to say congrats! This shop is new and has alot of really terrific unique cards offerred. You can view this item and a great selection at http://www.creativitycards.etsy.com/

I could spend hours browsing through all the Etsy jewelry artisians. This new artist has some fantastic items it was hard to chose which one to add. You can view the whole shop and pick your favorite at http://www.urbanartifaks.etsy.com/

This is a new shop on Etsy. I love this cat. There was such an awesome selection. Paintings ACEO's and cards...this is one to browse http://www.amyelyseneer.etsy.com/

This ring is called Orange Crush, and the title fits! This new seller has reasonable prices and offers free worldwide shipping. Delightful colorful jewelry. Think Christmas gifts when you browse this shop. http://www.serendipitylicious.etsy.com/

How romantic is this? The colors are so soft and gentle, the good news is there is alot more of this romantic and spectacular jewelry to chose from. http://www.musehill.etsy.com/

Well the time has flown by on this blog, and the fellows are saying "Are we having dinner tonight?" So best I close (wish I could find dinner on Etsy) this with a thanks to the new sellers for allowing me to blog their shops!

Mid Life Crisis AKA Menopause

How Ironic, up again at 4:30 am. This has been going on for so many months. The problem is I don't have to be up at this hour. I'm self-employed, I could sleep till noon . Two years ago I had my thyroid ablated with the little "glowing" radio-active pill. That's a whole different blog, so I'll save it till I'm in the mood , but anyways, between the thyroid levels not wanting to stabilize, and being well ..Uh-hum...not in my early 40's no more, they call it perimenopause, I am sleep deprived, I try to convince myself this is the best time of the day.



Anyhow I am checking my emails for notification of payments, orders etc, and from my best friend Jayne (also not in her early 40's any longer) is this forwarded email. I had to hold back the giggles for fear of waking all the non- perimenopausal men in the house up.



Hope you enjoy it, and if you happen to be in your twenties in a tube top, please take no offense. you'll most likely get there someday.



Here's the email:





"Mid-life is when you can stand naked in front of a mirror and you can see your rear without turning around.
Mid-life is when you go for a mammogram and you realize that this is the only time someone will ask you to appear topless.

Mid-life is when you want to grab every firm young lovely in a tube top and scream, 'Listen, honey, even the Roman empire fell and those will too.'
Mid-life brings wisdom to know that life throws us curves and we're sitting on our biggest ones.
Mid-life is when you look at your know-it-all, cell phone-toting teenager and think, 'For this I have stretch marks?'
In mid-life your memory starts to go. In fact the only thing we can retain is water.
Mid-life means that your Body By Jake now includes Legs By Rand McNally--more red and blue lines than an accurately scaled map of Wisconsin .
Mid-life means that you become more reflective. You start pondering the 'big' questions. What is life? Why am I here? How much Healthy Choice ice cream can I eat before it's no longer a healthy choice?
But mid-life also brings with it an appreciation for what is important. We realize that breasts sag, hips expand, and chins double, but our loved ones make the journey worthwhile. Would any of you trade the knowledge that you have now, for the body you had way back when? Maybe our bodies simply have to expand to hold all the wisdom and love we've acquired. That's my philosophy and I'm sticking to it"









Thanks for the giggles this morning Jayne

That 70's Stuff

My Enesco Dog Bank, circa 1970's it can be found in my artfire studio , http://www.artfire.com/users/HomelyHenrietta

This morning during my coffee and a browse I decided to search the 70's. The items from this era intrigue me. The colors, the fun styles, the uniqueness, the fringes, maybe I am a bit boho in a flourescent sort of way! I decide to share the love this morning with artfire as well as Etsy. My favorite of all these is the rooster brooch. I have a love for chickens alive or figural!

This awesome rooster and enamel earring lot is found in bonjourmadame 's artfire studio, they have so much very cool enamel jewelry from the 70's, if that's what you love the shop has great prices and a nice selection.I actually didn't find alot of 70'as stuff on Artfire, but they are a newer venue and over time there will be more I'm sure. On Etsy there was a big selection. Here is a couple of the items that I really liked.


This print is from justgivemepeace shop on Etsy. Her art is called singleton art. This shop has been a favorite of mine to browse since I started on Etsy.



















Lovin' this purse , my husband teases me because I love purses, change them often and have a stack of them to chose from. This one can be found for a very reasonable price at
http://www.harbordistrict.etsy.com/

Well, there was alot more that I found, but my coffee is getting cold, my stomache is growling for breakfast, and I need to work on one of my shops this morning. Have a great day !

Why You Should Be Shopping On Etsy

Besides the fact that it is a wonderful venue of creative people who share their talents and hobby's, here's the top reasons from Etisians themselves.

• 
  jwms00 says:
  Unique gift ideas!
• Poocheze says:
  There are a lot of sellers on Etsy that are doing what they can to ensure a greener, more eco-friendly world.
• 
  talchen says:
  you can buy things from anywhere on the globe
• 
  SeaconnetLoft says:
  Shopping at Etsy means you're shopping for something that is refreshingly awesome -- not merely mass-produced.
• 
  bloomsburygroup says:
  Because I'm here (lol) Seriously: Unique designs!
• 
  LaurasJewellery says:
  Buying handmade and keeping crafts alive
• 
  debhillart says:
  Best prices for original art direct from the artist!
• 
  starless says:
  Support someone who is doing what they love-Quality items made with care-Unique items you won't find anywhere else-Items made with a conscience- earth-friendly, organic, fair trade materials, etc.
• nomadcraftsetc says:
  Great individual customer service! You are more than just a number to us, you are our friend and we will take good care of you!
• 
  andrewsreclaimed says:
  Better quality in generalOriginal and one of a kind giftsBetter quality controlPersonalized gift cards with purchaseThe crafter's care in creating and designYou can even buy gifts from someone you know personally
• 
  PookieandPierre says:
  Ability to connect with and learn about the artist behind the product.
• 
  starless says:
  -Awesome and friendly individual service from sellers-So many sellers willing to work with you to customize items .

There you have every reason to shop Etsy!

If you have other good reasons please post below.

Early Morning Browsing Handmade

Every morning I have my coffee at the computer I check for sales (do a happy dance when I have them) Then settle in to read the forums and browse the shops. There are some wonderful items and talented people on Etsy if you haven't found Etsy it's worth the click. This print I've fallen in love with , I love the colors ,the sentiment, and the fact that I always wanted a VW when I was high school. Click on the link to visit this artists' shop.
http://www.artbytrudy.etsy.com/

No need to explain my loving this. And yes I want it, it's on my list to purchase someday!

http://www.kimmsmith.etsy.com/

http://www.happybead.etsy.com/

These are the sweetest and very reasonable in price! I think this shop is going to do well.

Signed up for a blog page now what?

Well I finally caved in and decided I needed a blog too. Now the problem is my life is quite , well the word boring doesn't apply, so let's call it serene. I live in a small town in Michigan. We live in the country and have a mini farm. Right now I have 15 chickens, a loud mouthed lovable rooster, a viscious guinea hen, two dogs Sadie and Keyote , and a big clumsy pygora goat named Sam, who is spoiled beyond belief.

My vintage collecting was instilled at birth, both my parents were avid collectors when they were younger and have a houseful of beautiful antiques and unique treasures.

My favorite item in vintage has to be jewelry, I seldom wear it, seldom keep it but each piece no matter how intricately beautiful , sparkly or simple has a history and quality that I find so appealing. Of course the mystery is also there, was this given as a gift? Chosen special for one outfit? Handed down from a grandmother? If a broach could talk it would most likely have some fascinating stories to tell.


My second love is vinyl 45's and Lp's, again I don't often keep these. They take up alot of space, and for me are inconvienent to listen too, it's too easy to sift through the 20 music stations on the television and select one, or stick in my favorite cd. I love to find a box of 45's at a sale or auction go home and research them . Occasionaly you find a real valuable one and of course the cash that it brings is always welcome.

Right now my main shop is on Etsy, I have a quadzillion books to load on my second Etsy store that I'm in the process of building, and I have a new one on Artfire.

To visit my shops here are the links:

http://www.molehilltreasures.etsy.com/
http://www.keyotejo.etsy.com/
http://www.artfire.com/users/littlebitboho