Vintage Crochet Enthusiasits - New Site

Well, I've been offline at blogger for a while. I was starting a new site - Vintage-Crafts-Patterns-Designs.com - all about vintage crafts, patterns and designs. Obviously.

I just get tired of trying to find information and patterns online - so I'm going to write and collect information in one spot for you. I've started with vintage crochet.

The site is live, and I'm adding pages everyday.

No one comments on my blog...but if you see this post, and you like vintage crochet, and you need something specific - let me know so I can add it.

And, I also have a new store - Connie's Corner. It currently has some of my vintage patterns - and they're all on sale. So go check it out as well. Instant delivery! No waiting.

That's all for now.

Vintage Crochet Patterns - New Lower Price

For all those Vintage Crochet Pattern Lovers - I've just lowered the prices on most of my vintage crochet patterns to just $0.99! Basically, with ebay and paypal fees, I'm making nothing. Oh well - get them while they last.

I'm just re-organizing my store, so I thought I'd give everyone a break!

And, don't forget if you want more FREE vintage crochet patterns, join the Pattern of the Week Club.

Any Agatha Christie Fans?

Well, I'm back from a break. I am re-organizing my ebay store again. I just think my shipping charges are still too high. So I'm re-evaluating how I'm shipping all the items. I really don't like sellers who charge outrageous shipping charges, and I always combine shipping. So, I'm experimenting with my shipping.

I just picked up a ton of Agatha Christie books - and some are VERY vintage. So far, I haven't found any first editions - which are VERY rare - but I've found some nice collections. They will be appearing in my eBay store over the next week or so.

Let me know if you're looking for something specific - I have over 80 books, and I may just have what you're looking for.

Happy Vintage Collecting!

Now I'm off to create some more vintage crochet patterns for my Pattern of the Week Club.

Top Ebay Searches and How To Find Them

I was checking out the top searches and hot items on ebay again today. I was looking for popular crochet patterns - I'll be adding new patterns to my store next week, and I needed to know what was popular right now.

I found what I was looking for in about 5 minutes using Hot Item Finder. I use this tool all the time now for all kinds of eBay research. It is fantastic, and worth every penny. I used to use another online service, but I have found that Hot Item Finder is by far a better deal.

So what's hot right now? I'm glad you asked.

The number one searched for term right now on eBay is furniture. My favorite search term, vintage, is about number 57 overall.

So that's what's hot on ebay today. Furniture.

By the way, if you want to know how to use this tool selling in auctions, see my auction selling blog here:

http://auction-selling-strategies.com/blog/htsrv/trackback.php?tb_id=29

I'll be posting a more detailed articles about Hot Item Finder there in a few minutes.

Free Vintage Crochet Patterns

My new club is ready for you - Vintage Crochet Pattern of the Week Club. Every week, you'll get a free vintage crochet pattern. These patterns come from a variety of sources, but they are all, to the best of myknowledge, in the public domain. So you are free to use them, sell what you make from them, etc.

Here's the link:

http://ecompass.info/crochet

How to Buy Vintage Gifts and Collectibles, Part Three

Ok - welcome to part three. By now, you have chosen a general gift or item you would like to find, and have done a little research to determine what would make that item collectible.

Now - where should you buy your item?

My favorite place to begin looking is eBay. You can, of course, find everything on eBay.

When you begin looking, try to make your search as narrow as possible. We talked about that last post. Also, browse the eBay categories to find the most likely category, and then search within that category.

For instance, under Jewelry/Watches, there is another category for Vintage/Antique, and then more categories for costume, fine, new vintage, and reproductions. If you click on costume, and then search for earrings, you will be able to narrow down the listings to a more manageable level.

Now that you have some items to consider, here's what to do next.

First, look at the auction listing. If the pictures are poor, or there is very little description, or the seller can't give you at least a little information about the age of the item, then leave. Don't buy from them - there are plenty of sellers who have similar items and know how to list them. The exception to this is if you are very familar with the market, and really know exactly what you're looking for.

Second, look at the feedback. If they do not have a high rating, they may be just starting out, or they may be selling only a few items. Click on the number by their name, look at their previous sales and the comments. If there are any comments that cause you concern, don't buy from them.

Third, ask any quesions you may have before you bid or buy. Where did the item come from? How did they determine its value? Or how did they identify the item as being collectible? You want to buy from someone who has done at least a little research. Not someone who picked this up at a garage sale because "it looked old and should be worth something."

If you find a specific item you like, I always search on google for that exact item. You will find more information about it, including what other sellers and sites are selling it for.

After all that (whew) you will have found a good, collectible, antique or vintage gift.

How to Buy Vintage Gifts, Part Two

In the last post, I talked a little about narrowing your field when looking for vintge gifts. Today, let's talk a little about what makes something collectible.

When you are looking for vintage gifts, you need to know a little about value. Most of this is common sense. For instance, which has more vintage value: a 50 year old dresser, or a 50 year old piece of jewelry? Unless the dresser is unusual, the jewelry is probably more valuable. One reason for this is that the jewelry market began much later. There are many examples of furniture that is over 100 years old, even hundreds of years old. But finding jewelry from before 1900 is rare.

So, use common sense. Whatever item you are looking for, consider the market. Do a little research, and you will find very quickly what age you should be looking for.

Now, here's some tips for preforming searches. Be a specific as you can. Don't search for "vintage clothing" if what you really want is a dress from the 1920's. In that case, search for vintage 1920 dress.

If you end up with a lot of results that are reproductions, use this search phrase: vintage ITEM -reproduction. That will remove results that are reproductions.

Other search terms to use: vintage, antique, old, original, authentic.

In the final article, I'll talk about authenticity and how to decide who to buy from.

How to Buy Vintage Gifts, Part One

Vintage is big. Really big. It is frequently the number one searched for term on eBay, and it seems that everywhere you look everything is advertised as "vintage." But is it really vintage? And what if you don't know anything about vintage collectibles? Here's some suggestions on how to buy vintage collectibles, whether they are for you, or as gifts for friends or family.

First, determine what you are looking for.

Almost everything is collectible at some level. Do you want jewelry, books, figuirines, paper, toys, fabric? What does your friend like? Does the person you are buying for collect anything? Do they like to read? What about hobbies? Gardening? Tools? Computers? Just pick some general category - there will be some collectible available.

Second, consider likes and dislike. If you pick jewelry, do you want gold, silver, blue stones? Does the person you are buying for garden for flowers? Or do they like greenery? Do they read classics? Or only contemporary books?

By now, you have narrowed your focus. Now, you are going to look for something unique, and collectible in that category.

I'll have part two tomrrow, and we'll talk about authenticity and value.

More Woodworking Plans and Articles

Ebay Posting Day! There are many more woodworking plans and articles now in my ebay store. I am very careful collecting these plans, and they are all stored and shipped in archival quality heavy duty sleeves. Also, you can ship almost as many as you want for the same price - $4 priority shipping. Here's some pics of some of the new inventory listed today. Some of these will be listed lated tonight, some are there already. Happy hunting!

Vintage Advertising and Woodworking Plans

Well, today is listing day, and I finally got some vintage ads and woodworking plans up to ebay. I'm taking a break from jewelry for the moment, because I am working on my photography. It is really difficult to take really good, clear pics of jewelry. Every so often, I get the light just right and get a good picture, but mostly I have to work and work to get them well lit.

I'm also working on my set up for the ads and plans - I don't like it when the ad is tilted - so I am looking for a good light set up that I can be directly over the ads and plans. Hey - its been a while since I've had to do this... getting my skills back up.

So here's some of my current inventory.

A jewelry box/doll house plan.

A Latticework wall shelf plan.

A skilsaw ad.

You can find them all in my ebay store.

I love this picture

This was too funny - had to post it. I love this - it is the funniest thing I've seen in a long time.

It reminds me of my favorite joke:

How are a tricycle and a duck the same?

They both have handle bars.....

Except the duck.

I think its hilarious. Very few people think its funny - but if you get it, you'll understand me a lot more.

Ok. Back to business. And, Rachel, you better be reading this!

Top eBay Searches for Vintage Costume Jewelry

Here's what is hot on eBay today in the Vintage Costume Jewelry. According the eBay's Pulse, here are the most searched for terms in Vintage Costuem Jewelry categories:


Jewelry & Watches/Vintage, Antique Category

bakelite
boucher
bracelet
coro
earrings
eisenberg
haskell
hobe
juliana,
kramer
lot
necklace
parure
pins
rhinestone
rings
schiaparelli
trifari
weiss

Vintage Jewelry - Napier Earrings

One of my current auctions is for this pair of earrings by Napier. The Napier company was formed in 1875, and continued until 1999. This set of earrings is from the late 1950's. Now the question I get asked is - how do I know?

Here's the basics of vintage jewelry research.

First, find out all you can about the company. For Napier, I have a fact sheet compiled with a company timeline based on my intial research.

Next, research maker marks. In the case of these earrings, they have the word "Napier" in script, with the copyright symbol after it.

Now, put it all together. I know that mark was used from 1955 - 1988. I know the Napier brand is know for simple, classic styles, during the time James Napier ran the company. I know James Napier ran the company until 1960. Conclusion? Based on the style of the earrings, and the mark, they were probably made between 1955 and 1960.

See - easy. Well, not really, but investigations are half the fun. The other half is finding the vintage jewelry in the first place. Selling them is just icing on the cake.

Vintage Ads, Plans, and Articles

Well, my vintage jewelry postings are under way - see the pics in the previous post for the first few listings. I am still completing the research, but its rolling.

In my spare time (ha, ha) I am starting to process all my vintage magazines. I have several hundred magazines from 1920 - 1970. Although the magazines themselves are not usually very profitable, the ads, articles, and plans within them are profitable. So, when I'm watching TV, or stuck somewhere, I take the magazines apart, place them in archival sleeves, and catalogue what the ad or article is, and where it came from.

I will probably start listing those in about 2 weeks. I am finding some very interesting things - some great old plans of truly vintage pieces. Things like a shaving stand, or plant stand. These are from some vintage wood working magazines.

Then there are the ads - really cool cars, and just neat looking vintage ads.

I'll start posting pictures as I take them.

Now, just a side not about my terrible spelling. For some reason, the spell check doesn't work, so my friends look at my blog and tell me everything that's spelled wrong. Well, it just so happens that I am NOT the only one who can't spell "definition" correctly. My blog spells it "defination" but now I have the number one spot on google for "Defination of Vintage." Really. And I am getting traffic from that search.

So, for now, the spelling error stays. But please, let me know if there's something else....

This week's Vintage Jewelry

I'm finally feeling better! So on to Vintage Jewelry.

Here are some of the pieces I am currently researching to list in my ebay store:

Here's a very nice pair of Trifari earrings.

These are Swarovski crystal earrings.

And a pair of Napier earring from the 1950's.

All of these earrings will be in my ebay store this week. I currently have about 25 pieces of vintage, signed jewelry. I'm re-vamping my ebay store, and jewelry business to provide better value - adding gift boxes, and nicely printed information sheets about the jewelry maker. Its taking a while to get all that in place. But I really think those 2 items will add a lot of value - especially for people who are just starting to collect vintage jewelry.

Thanks for reading!

Why I like Vintage Jewelry

Well, I'm back after an extended illness. Kind of back. Still sick.

But on with life!

Here's why I like vintage jewelry: it feels good, and looks good.

I'm to the point now in my vintage jewelry collecting that I can almost always tell by the way a piece feels if it is vintage or not. Vintage pieces feel heavier, and feel better made.

The styles are very classic as well. Although there were definate trends - art deco is decidedly different than retro - there is still a classic look to jewelry made before the 1980's.

Just a couple of reasons why I like collecting vintge jewelry.

This next week, I will be getting my jewelry back online - so be sure and visit my ebay store: http://start-your-biz.com/r/ebay_store.htm

I include a gift box with every piece, and you can get 1-3 auctions shipped for the same price. That is a better deal than any I've seen on ebay before.

That's all for now - watch for a new article this weekend.

Taking Care of Your Antiques

Antiques can be a great reminder of our family, history, or even an exotic touch from another place and time. Caring for these items properly ensures that they can be passed down to another generation or sold for their highest value.

The following is a brief overview of caring for antiques. Sites such as the BBC and Antiques-UK provide detailed information on caring for various antiques. If you are in doubt you can contact a professional conservator that specializes in your type of antique.

GLASS, POTTERY and PORCELAIN:
Wash individually in a padded washing basin to prevent chips. Use warm water - never hot or cold - and a gentle cleanser with a soft bristled brush. Never wash antique glass or dishes in the dishwasher since the extreme heat and harsh detergent may be harmful. Gently wipe glasses dry or allow dishes to air dry.

Store and display glass and dishes in a safe place away from heavy traffic. Avoid displaying on an open shelf, rail or on the wall, especially if there is heavy traffic through that area.

RUGS and TEXTILES:
Rugs and textiles require extremely gentle handling when moving, storing and cleaning.

Moving should be done slowly and carefully as antique fabrics are delicate and can easily tear or pull apart.

Rugs should be rolled with the pile facing outwards to prevent crushing or damage.

Garments should be hung on sturdy hangers and covered in white cotton or rolled with acid free paper and tied closed on either end.

Rugs and textiles can be cleaned gently with a vacuum on a low setting. Be very careful with textiles as the suction can pull fibers apart. For spills it is recommended by BBC Antiques to put white paper towels under the rug and above, replacing them until no more liquid comes out. Any other cleaning should be done by an expert. Avoid exposure to sun or humidity.

FURNITURE:
Dusting should be done with a soft, lint-free cloth. Wood furniture should only be waxed with quality beeswax. Avoid placing furnishings in bright light or in rooms which experience great changes in temperature or humidity. Be very cautious when moving antique furniture, always lifting and never dragging.

JEWELRY:
Clean with a soft brush, like a makeup brush, to remove dust. Next use windex, or other window type cleaner, and a very soft toothbrush to polish and clean. Do not use soap, or harsh abrasive.

It is a great privilege to own antiques and proper care will help your investment increase in value or enable you to pass them on for the enjoyment of your family.

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For afforbible Vintage Jewelry, Gifts and Collectibles,
Visit our eBay Store and Blog
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Looking for Vintage Jewelry

Well, I was out looking for yard sales this morning - it is spring after all. Didn't find any.

I have a good supply of vintage jewelry pieces, but now is the time I start looking for more. I have had really good success picking up signed, vintage costume jewelry at garage and estate sales. But I couldn't find any this morning. Oh well.

Slow blogging yesterday and today - my daughter has pnumonia and is really sick. But, that is the advantage to being able to work at home.

Have a great day!

Choosing Your Most Flattering Jewelry Style

Since I'm going to start talking about Vintage Jewelry, I thought I'd post an article on how to select flattering jewelry styles. Feel free to use the article if you wish, but you may not change it and must include the resource box at the end.


Choosing Your Most Flattering Jewelry Style

For thousands of years people have adorned themselves with decoration in the form of jewelry. Whether it was made from wood, wool, metal or stone the purpose was the same - to enhance or create a desired appearance.

Whenever your wear jewelry, you want it to draw attention to your best features, and camouflage less desirable ones.

Here's a guide to help you pick the best jewelry for you.

Your Necklace
Your necklace can minimize or emphasize your size - Are you tall? Average? Petite?

If you want to create or emphasize a taller appearance, choose longer necklaces and V shapes. A necklace that falls past the bustline and above the waistline will make you appear taller, while a choker style or shorter U shaped necklace resting on the breast bone will shorten your appearance.

The size of your necklace should also be considered. Fuller figures can compliment their proportions with larger, chunkier pieces that would overwhelm an individual with a smaller frame.

Your Earrings
Face shape is important when selecting earrings. Face shapes are generally grouped as: oval, rectangle, round, heart andsquare.

Individuals with an oval face shape can wear any style, while other people should look for styles that contrast their face shape. Square or longshapes will de-emphasize a round face.

By the same token, a longer, rectangular face should stay away from long, dangling earrings and choose smaller studs instead. If your face is square, you need the softness of round or hoop earrings. And for your heart shaped face, choose triangular shapes with a wide base - it will contrast a narrow chin.

Your Bracelets and Rings
You should follow similar guidelines with bracelets and rings as you did with necklaces.

Women of average build and height will find a wide bracelet most complimentary. Petite women should look for more delicate pieces. Tall or full figured women should layer several small or wide bracelets, avoiding very delicate pieces that can look lost.

When selecting rings make sure that the setting doesn't cover your knuckle, which will cause fingers to look shorter and can interfere with movement and comfort. Shorter fingers benefit from oval settings while longer fingers look best with wide bands or simple, round settings.

What You Love
Above all you should select jewelry you love to wear. Jewelry lasts a lifetime and should always feel good to wear, so ultimately make a decision based on what makes you FEEL wonderful.


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For afforbible Vintage Jewelry, Gifts and
Collectibles, Visit our eBay Store and Blog
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Why Use Vintage Crochet Patterns?

There are several reasons I love vintage crochet patterns.

One is the design. There are so many patterns out there, its hard to choose. Most vintage crochet patterns have a solid, timeless quality about them. One of my favorite patterns in my store right now is the Grape Doily.

I love the colors, and the design, and its easy to make as well. This is, so far, my best selling patterns.

Another thing I love about vintage patterns is that, as long as they are in the public domain, you can sell the patterns and the items you make with the patterns. If you use a contemporary pattern, you can't sell anything you make with it.

I think tomorrow I'll tell you while I love vintage jewelry!

The Definition of Vintage

Most people use the words "vintage" and "antique" interchangeably. There are, however, several periods of time which are defined.

According to wikipedia.org, antique is defined as:

An item which is at least 75 years old and is collected or desirable due to rarity, condition, utility, or some other unique feature. Cars for example are considered antiques in the U.S. if they are older than 25 years.


A rough defination of time periods and definitions is as follows:

Gregorian: pre- 1837
Victorian/Edwardian: 1837 - 1910
Art Nouveau/Art Deco: 1895 - 1925
Retro/Vintage: 1940 - 1980

So there you go - 1980 is VINTAGE.

And I remember the 80s. Clearly.

Welcome to the Blog....

I figured it was about time to start my own blog....I'm not the last one? Am I?


I've had a lot of fun lately working on my Vintage Crochet Patterns. I'm getting them from several sources, and making them all digital and VERY easy to use. They will print clean, they are easy to find what you're looking for. You can see them in my eBay store: http://start-your-biz.com/r/ebay_store.htm


My next project will be to get my vintage jewelry back into my store. I love collecting this jewelry - it is all signed, costume jewelry from the early 1900s through the 1980s. Hard to believe 1980 is now in the vintage catagory...I must be getting old.

So - is anyone out there?