From My Etsy Shop - Click on "hmmosko" to enter

Sunday, August 28, 2011

Buxton, Mele and Farrington...oh, my

I have always had a little thing for pretty jewelry boxes since I was a kid. The top of my dresser was a collection of trinket boxes I bought every time I went somewhere, a heart-shaped one made of pink stone from Florida was my personal favorite.

My collection started young, my first jewelry box looked something like this one shaped like a cottage that's currently in my etsy.com shop.

And apparently I am not alone in my obsession because leather-like jewelry boxes, particularly those made by Farrington, Buxton and Mele, have been good sellers.My most recent sale was the first men's jewelry box I've come across. I bought this at a retirement community fundraiser, it was from the 70's but was in such great condition it looked like it was brand new.
This little leather travel case in red I bought at a thrift shop and is now enjoying world travel...lucky jewelry case.



I bought this pink Farrington box at an auction filled with costume jewelry. It was actually the first thing I ever bought at auction and I paid more than I had originally wanted (the lady next to me was bidding too and I just couldn't let her win - mine...mine...mine).
The jewelry inside was the best part about this box. Here are some of the fun novelty earrings I found inside and sold as part of a collection.



I think this Lady Buxton was the most elegant and largest of all the jewelry boxes I've had in my shop.My theory is that people enjoy these vintage boxes because they just make you feel like a pretty, pretty princess...or that could just be me.

Wednesday, August 24, 2011

Props

Last March I was so excited when an antique metal tool-box I had in my etsy shop was purchased by the props department of the show CSI.

See my past "Stage Mom" blog ...
http://twoblondsandavan.blogspot.com/2011/03/im-ready-for-my-close-up.html

And a few days ago some cute little canning jars were bought by a prop manager with an intriguing email address that has me thinking they may be heading to the set of Mad Men.Just think, these were all things that were basically discarded at a donation center for a thrift store or one step away at a garage sale - just about in the old dumpster -- then the next thing you know, they are being used on a Hollywood set of a big-time show. A twist of fate for a vintage thingy.

In case any other prop managers are looking for items for their sets, I have a few suggestions from my shop...




twoblondsandavan.blogspot.com


Tuesday, August 16, 2011

Please don't put me on "Hoarders"

In the far, back corner of my basement is a room that was once called my "craft room." It held a computer, antique drafting table, sewing machine and old cabinets containing various arts and crafts supplies for the kids and I. A place we could go and create and then leave if we were in the middle of something without having to clean up, so we could continue on with our creating.

Now, not so much.

When I started the etsy.com shop I decided this area would be a good place to store my merchandise - the boys are not into doing "crafts" with mom anymore and I was taking a break from writing so I wasn't visiting that computer as much either -- and at first, I kept everything fairly tidy and organized.

Now, not so much.

This summer has been a whirlwind and I have been running in and out of this backroom either grabbing something that needs to be shipped or throwing in a pile of stuff I just bought at a yard sale. There is no more order, only chaos.

This highlights a pitfall to this business, the ever-present possibility that you will make the transition from someone who is finding "merchandise" to sell, to someone who is a hoarder. I do not like a lot of clutter around me. That is not to say - as anyone who has entered my house will attest to -- I'm not a clean-freak, nor am I a minimalist with one Eames lounger in the middle of the floor and a white canvas on a white wall...I have some stuff around.

But there is, for me, an acceptable level of stuff. I have crossed that level and am at the threshold of freaking out and throwing everything away. I know if I just spend a day in the basement sorting, organizing and cleaning, my instincts to throw it all away (or just burn the house down) will calm. I just have to find that day.

That will probably come on August 30th...the day the boys return to school. Which will probably be a good day to distract myself from the fact my oldest "baby" will be going to high school and taking another big step in his size 12 Converse towards adulthood.

I do want to get rid of the clutter. And we are all ready for school to start. A clean, uncluttered, quiet house is coming...of course, there will have to be some chaos, just keep life interesting.

Wednesday, August 3, 2011

Summer Travels and an Anniversary

I have been remiss in my blogging of late; I have been off and running with my boys (excuse me, young men) this last month and haven't stopped long enough to sit down and put two thoughts together.

My excessive wanderings have been prompted by the realization that this July is really the end of an era for my sons and I. Carefree summers with easy schedules are coming to a close.

By next summer we will probably all have jobs (in addition to the etsy shop) and sundry sports and Boy Scout activities that are already making way more black marks on my calendar than I care for...life flows on.

However, in all our activities of this last month - as I squeezed out as much fun and memories as I can possibly fit into this precious summertime -- you know I've made time for some pickin' too.

On our camping trip to New Hampshire, I found this great, hand-tooled leather briefcase in a thrift shop. It sold two-weeks after we got home.
A few weeks ago, I was able to go out in the van with Linda, her mom and my aunt to a tiny burg in south-eastern PA, their community center was having a fund raising sale. I found this, one of the prettiest pieces on Milk Glass I've ever come across...shaped like a bird's nest.
The boys have found a few nice things too on our travels. Will picked up this green, Russel Wright baking dish.

Evan found this fun 70's ice bucket.


And while I was off camping, my one-year "etsy anniversary" passed. On July 8th my etsy shop had been open 365-days, and I had sold 408 items...yay. My goal had been to average an item a day and feels very good to have passed that goal.

I do love etsy.



twoblondsandavan.blogspot.com