European Decor at Mettlesome Means

 

Brass Gosling Duck at Mettlesome Means 

I was inspired to do a European and Cottage podcast after checking out shop Mettlesome Means on Etsy. This shop specializes in garden ware, pottery, home decor and European collectibles.  The shop is run by Abbey Lucas out of Akron, Ohio. 

Mettlesome Means found this great 2 pc Chokin set, see it in their Etsy shop.

The flow of this shop is clean, sleek, and chic. Selections of neutral tones mixed with natural elements such as flowers on pottery, such as these beautiful neutral colors by Chokin featureing a hummingbird and flowers.  This would go with any style country or cottage decor, and has a bit of Euro flair.  Much of this shop has clean sleek lines such as the solid white Pfalzgraff pieces or glass flower flogs which can be implemented in any type of home. 

Cute and charming, wood slice art at Mettlesome Means

When I think of European collectibles, I usually thing of old, wood, carved, and pictorial. Many Euro collectibles whether it be a jewelry box, an old raised relief urn, or a book tell tales of things past.  Primarily a simplistic time centuries ago can be implemented into the modern cottage or the mansion, with a bit of ease.  You can find out more about Mettlesome Means and what items are my favorites and what's hot in European collectibles and antiques, here in this podcast: 

Thriftwood Vintage Decor Clothing BoHo Finds

 Brass Box to Hold Rings and Things from Thirftwood Vintage on Etsy

Thiftwood Vintage Etsy shop offers home decor, collectibles, antiques and vintage clothing.  Unique, hippie and one of a kind items are found here.  Shop owner Emily has an eye for the vibrant and the different.  Above, an adorable brass trinket box makes for cute storage of jewelry, priced at $16.  Below, a very that 70's era pillow shows someone's handmade craftiness of years gone by.  For $19 this is sure to please.

This pillow is vibrant and sure must have been a lot of work!  Find it here.

The shop is owned and curated by Emily from Murrells Inlet, South Carolina. This is a small beautiful village near the coast which has been dubbed the Seafood Capital of the state.   Emily describes herself as a treasure hunter, who loved to go antiquing with her mom as a young girl.  Below, a 90's style Galaxy dress is still wearable and glam today, priced at only $24 would make a great gift for yourself or someone else.

Glam Vintage Dress $24 at Thriftwood Vintage Size 6 Nab it up here.

Emily explains, "Carefully curated with all things vintage, thrifted and kitschy and deliciously boho, Thriftwood is the place to go when looking for a weirdly cool pair of earrings, a statement piece....., or flowing frock to wear on Friday's date night........."     We would have to agree you can find just about anything here, spoil yourself and look around!  Prices are great in our book and you can find and ship that great gift idea for under $30!

Vintage Colorblock Dress screams Saved By the Bell! Nab it here for $20

Source:  Thriftwood Vintage on Etsy 

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Old Silhouettes are New Again Elle Yi Artist

Some of the adorable work you'll find in Silhouettes By Elle

What Once Was Forgotten Shall Return

If you have a liking for vintage antiques or collectibles, then surely you've seen an old Silhouette. Originally dating back to the  1700's , this is where artists generally cut a shape out of paper and these were quite fashionable. Often framed against a solid background, it left imagination up to the beholder as to what was originally being depicted. 

Such art has made history such as Goethe 's famous Silhouette facing a grave monument cut out of paper circa 1780.  According to Wikipedia, this was a common practice of artists yet somehow, over time this became a lost trait, until Etsy shop SihouettesbyElle  emerged. Elle Yi, straight from the Croton on the Hudson (New York) is bringing history back using age old traditions and putting them to work. Her shop has gained notice from Etsy in this article here.  

Above, hand cut bridal would work for anyone getting married! Pic: Etsy

SilhouettesbyElle answered a few of our questions.  Her shop is full of custom portraits, pet, wedding and great gift ideas.

It is incredible that Elle is reviving a lost art.  These are custom cut portraits!

Q: Why are you drawn to portraiture? 

A:  Every time people look at my elegant and unique silhouette they will surely smile, as they are flooded with the beautiful memories of their life. This silhouette art is a great way to remember special one or day. Moreover, a stunning keepsake to treasure for years to come, my custom hand cut child’s silhouette is the perfect addition to any home décor for everyday life.

Elle doesn't just do people, she also can do pets. Order a custom pet portrait here.

Q:  What do you find inspiring about creating the likenesses of strangers?
   

Classic and sweet, each of unique hand cut silhouettes is made just “for its own families”. Mostly, I have created the silhouettes of kids ranged from newborn to teens and wedding couples. Whenever I receive the special notes from loving moms and husbands when they are impressed by my silhouette projects. I am confident that my works of art will surely make moms/families/wedding couples smile as they glance upon a beautiful silhouette of a loved one each day.

Before we go, Elle has received notes from customers about her art and how rare it is to find work so wonderful.  In her shop you will find sizes ranging from 4"x 6" custom portraits to oversize (larger than 11"x14") and with a quick convo she will speak to you about accommodating your needs.  

Catch up with Elle: 

Etsy
Twitter
Facebook

Vintage Bar Coasters Wall Art at StartStop on Etsy

32x9 Wall Art : British Barware Coasters are transformed at StartStop

Wow, what a great concept, StartStop on Etsy uses old bar coasters to make interesting abstract art for the wall. Not only are these little collections of art colorful but a great piece of vintage history.  It's amazing to see just how many vintage barware coasters survived, since most were made out of heavy paper or cardboard.

Our favorite are these rare 60's coasters mounted and would make a lovely addition to your wall!

StartStop is a new store on Etsy and ships from Canada. What a great way to recycle vintage items into useful decor.  We love these coasters (above) which feature 1960's British Champagne Bubbly girls name Mary, Kath, Vicki and Ann. They are adorable retro diva style.

Big or small, find something interesting to adorn your wall at StartStop on Etsy.

Find out more at StartStop. 

RoryLaRue Vintage Clothing and More on Etsy

Rory LaRue added the personal touch to these Cowgirl boots, $84

Certainly worth mentioning is Rory LaRue's Vintage shop on Etsy. It's curated with everything and anything vintage. Though the overall theme suggests clothing we've found much more waiting to be had.  Boots, dresses, mugs, and house decor are just a few things.

These $45 and so worth it.  These boots just got much more stylish!

We found it chock full of cool western wear including cowboy / cowgirl retro vintage boots. Rory LaRue has obviously made these boots a bit more hip and trendy by hand painting art on them.  From swallows to roses these are worth mentioning. the artwork has been sealed for durability and make these vintage couture!

Vintage BOHO Shorts in Suede are $63

This shop is worth bookmarking because you never know what you will find here. From 70s cowgirl to 50's retro floral to 60's Bohemian, the mix is superb for a vintage picker! Although the overall vibe is a mid western feel you will find other styles for your perusal.  The shop is curated by Marissa in Phoenix, Arizona.

This floral find is stunning, size small, circa 50's a gorgeous find only $48

Visit RoryLaRueVintage on Etsy!

The Cute Hunter Vintage Bags Purses Accessories

Adorable Travel Bag,  airlines memorabilia, only $16 from TheCuteHunter on Etsy

Etsy shop The Cute Hunter is run by Kate out of Raleigh, NC.  Among her shop items are kitchen and housewares and vintage, but in my opinion she finds the best bags , purses and accessories. Here are some vintage bags and purses I selected from her shop.

The Cute Hunter found this Rainbow Velcro wallet use for a standalone purse only, $16

The Cute Hunter offers this great vintage bag only $20 on Etsy!

Now,I love old vintage travel bags. I use them to haul around my work or for overnight bags. Nothing turns heads more than having a bag that stands out from the rest.  I throw my iPad, iPod and all my paperwork in these bad boys and hit the road. Be unique and different with a vintage travel bag!

As for cute, well, TheCuteHunter has that too.  You just have to look in her shop to find it. Right away I remember my little brother running around in his He-Man belt.....yep, this was it:

Super cute He-Man vintage belt at TheCuteHunter on Etsy, only $6

Kate is new to Etsy but has always had an eye for hunting. She's just getting into reselling vintage.  The "cute" exists in her shop, like this Vintage He-Man belt . Gosh, I'm getting old, I so remember this.

Check out her finds here:
TheCuteHunter

London Particulars Steampunk Jewelry Neo Victorian @steampunkshoppe

Retro creation Steampunk Butterfly Necklace $55from London Particulars!

Steampunk Craze : Vintage Broken Parts Meets Artist Lora for Upcycled Love  

What do you get when you combine broken jewelry and watch parts with someone for a keen eye for all things vintage, period and artsy? New recycled from old handmade steampunk jewelry creations by London Particulars that's what! Hence, you have a very cool and chic Etsy shop run by Lora from Seattle who has been selling Steampunk jewelry since 2008.

Gorgeous Ring $55 Upcycled jewelry creation by Lora at London Particulars

This particular ring above features a Waltham Oval Vintage Swiss 15 Ruby Jeweled Watch Movement which has been upcycled from it's former states. It's set upon an intricate filigree adjustable ring which reeks of Neo-Victorian style.  Lora certainly has an eye for the unique,the creations are affordable priced and no two are exactly alike. Here is your chance to wear that one of a kind necklace, bracelet or ring you've always wanted.

Simplistic yet elegant and screams Victorian is this bracelet, $62 at London Particulars on Etsy

With the amount of vintage watch parts floating around, and the creative mind of Lora, there seems to be no lack for new designs. 

Connect with London Particulars:
On Etsy
On Pinterest
Facebook Page
Tweet them @SteampunkShoppe
Google Plus Them!