PaperFloDesign Keeping the 70's Alive One SVG File at a Time

PaperFloDesign on Etsy offers printaable downloadable SVG files which empower you to make the best gifts for your loved ones!

I am so excited that I recently had the chance to interview Naa Ardua on my Living a Vintage Life Podcast, her story in her PaperFloDesign Etsy shop is so quintessential Etsy 101 - how you start, maybe fizzle a little, hit some hurdles, then POOF, find the turning point.  Now, fast forward to 10K sales plus later, so, I hope you'll tune in below.  

This silhouette SVG available at PaperFloDesign on Etsy the possibilities are endless

Naa Ardua creates vintage style SVG files representational of the 70's era in which I grew up. these designs are cute, whimsical and come in downloaded SVG format which is compatible with a lot of print machines such as the Cricut. If you need a great gift idea for someone, you can quickly buy a downloadable design and apply to a tshirt, sweatshirt, cup or bag!  

What's even better than that, Naa Ardua teaches others how to get started in the world of SVG files, and has an online course at PaperFloDesigns.com

Check out her wonderful story here:

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 Christmas Stockings TheBusyElfWorkshop Giving Guide

The Busy Elf Workshop Vintage Styled Handmade Gift Stockings on Etsy, this "Equestrian" version for the horse lovers in your life!

We know, we know, Thanksgiving is right around the corner so why think of Christmas now? Simple, online shoppers are shopping now for custom vintage Christmas Gifts. Here's a gift guide  we thought you may enjoy.  Get out of heavy shopping this year by ordering a stocking and stuffing it with vintage treasures!

Get a vintage stocking for your loved ones. You can have them personalized too. Photo: Etsy shop, The Busy Elf Workshop. This sugar plum fairy $40

Step One: 
First, order a vintage stocking, or get it personalized gift stocking from The Busy Elf Workshop. They look vintage and are made resembling the vintage style of yesterday. Lovingly crafted in the USA and made so cute, that your loved one will love this modern take on vintage style. 

Kids? Heck, I know adults would love this $45 TheBusyElfWorkshop

Step Two:  Fill it with vintage goodies. Nothing says I love you like these unique gifts! Check them out and read why I selected them.

1. Whooooo said that Christmas can't be for funky vintage gifts? This retro thermometer is only $9 and would fit lovely in a stocking from SameKVintage.

2. Vintage New York City fabric is a must have for the crafty one on your list. Imagine the possibilities with this, pillows, curtains, tiny doll clothes, dish towels, you name it, it can be done! A huge steal for 2.75 yards at only $12 from TreasuresPast

3.  Vintage destash jewelry, makes for great craft projects for adults or with the kids! Make something special, this lot only $7.95 from 9thStVintage!


4. Old vintage magazines are the cat's meow. You can sew vintage patterns or have fun looking at the retro styles. These, are Burda modern magazines $8.83 each at Maxstore.

5. Twenty-five retro pinbacks make for cute gifts, give one or two on a card you made!  Or, stick them all in the stocking. only $14.00 for the lot at 5and10Vintage


6. Old keys, you can make necklaces, adorn a photo frame or make windchimes. Or, simply start a key collection. This collection with nice patina, 40 pcs only $12.95 at RetroChalet.


7. Set of four Swedish style glasses, adorable gift ideas, only $17 at EyeScandi

*Catch up with the Busy Elf Workshop on their Facebook page!

Vintage Gift Guide For the Unique Family Members

For the girl who rides horses:

Schleich bendy horse Germany

This vintage bendy horse I love , he's cute and unique, and on sale at Vintage Goodies.  What a cute little trinket to sit on the desk, and to play with when times are slow. 

For the Sporty Guy:

 

From Selected and Collected!

Nothing says I love you (ouch) like this vintage metal dart board, that comes with real magnet darts! For use to play with or as a decoration in Mr. Sporty guy's house, this will surely big a big retro hit!

For the Car Buff: 

Old Automobile Speedometer, Estate Hound.

This old vintage speedometer is just cool. I guess just sitting it there like this would be cool. You know the kind of guy or gal who are always tinkering around on the old cars or in the garage? I am sure they could find something real cool to do with this piece of industrial history!

For the Retro Girl:

SwirlingOrange11 offers this great retro clock!

Clocks in retro colors and great working condition are getting harder and harder to find. I can just imagine seeing this in my Bestie's retro kitchen.  How lovely!

For Anyone: 

Vintage Glove Molds, find them here!

Surely worth their weight in vintage porcelain, these industrial relics from yesterday prove to be cute additions to the home. Use them for jewelry display, industrial statement statues, or to funkify up a new room. Yes, I said FUNKIFY.  Find a bunch at RetroChalet.