Showing posts with label antiques. Show all posts
Showing posts with label antiques. Show all posts

Tuesday, June 16, 2020

Black Lives Matter

As my children grow older and their needs change, I'm constantly reevaluating my entrepreneurial endeavors. I rarely find time to blog.

When COVID-19 happened, the children's needs multiplied. My husband's last day of work was March 13th. Day by day I've found it harder and harder to maintain an online presence. Sales have crashed. The price of materials have gone up considerably. Etsy is now charging advertising fees. 

Oh how I wish that was the last thing I had to complain about. Just when I thought things couldn't get much worse, the murder of George Floyd happened. It was heartbreaking to discuss it with my boys. My teenage daughter was up until all hours of the night for days, enraged. She returned from protests even more distraught.

Normally I wouldn't take my blog to such a deep, dark place but I simply cannot remain silent. I've been listening, praying, asking God for healing and forgiveness, learning, and in many ways trying to unlearn.

For starters, I'll be donating 100% from the sale of this dress to the National Institute for Criminal Justice Reform. Additionally, I'll donate 10% of all sales from instagram and my vintage Etsy shop now through Juneteenth (June 19th).







To purchase the dress please comment on my Instagram post or send a direct message.

 There's so much more I need to do, to make the most of the time God has given me, but I must start somewhere. Won't you join me? Thank you for your support and taking the time to read.








Tuesday, March 15, 2016

Vintage Modern Recipe Cards Inspired by Pyrex Patterns

Awhile back I created these vintage Pyrex inspired recipe cards in a few of my favorite patterns; Friendship, Snowflake and Pink Stems. I wasn't super excited about the way they were printing on my usual kraft paper, so there they sat in digital design limbo for awhile.

Maybe it was that spring cleaning sort of feeling I have had lately that got the ball rolling again. My husband picked up some brilliant linen cardstock for me and I am so happy with the results! The bright white paper really shows off the gorgeous colors.


I love the texture of this linen cardstock. It makes for an extra thick set of recipe cards and gorgeous contrast. See for yourself on the blue snowflake pattern.


Recipes write out so nicely on them, too.

Pyrex always brings up happy memories for me. When I printed up the Friendship Pattern I thought of a good friend, and decided I just had to write out her famous sugar cookie recipe on it.


The last design I added to my Etsy shop is the Pink Stems Pattern. I've got to get myself one of those casserole dishes!


I can't decide which design I like best!


Next, I'm working on Butterfly Gold, my best friend's favorite pattern. I'm thinking after that I'll do Crazy Daisy. Dare I attempt my all time favorite, Butterprint?

You can find all of these lovelies in My Etsy Shop here:

Pick up a set for an upcoming bridal shower, Mother's Day or a friend's birthday. Don't forget to buy yourself something, too!

Friday, December 2, 2011

My Etsy Christmas List - No. 23 The Fancy Lamb

I guess doing my holiday craft fair has gotten me in the mood for antiques.
Now that I'm selling a few, I'll have room for more, ha!

Just found The Fancy Lamb.
I want SO many things. 
Like this:

Vintage Luggage .. Electric Blue Messenger Bag
Buy it here

My sister and I had a couple of those when we were younger.
They are pretty awesome. 

On a similar note, so is this:

Vintage Slate Blue Lady Baltimore Suitcase
Buy it here

I have not idea what I would do with these, but I'd figure it out!

Vintage Post Office Box Door .. Brass
Buy it here
Same for these:

Instant Collection of Vintage Sanford's Pen-It Ink Bottles
Buy it here
And this is just clever:

Vintage Treasure Pack
Buy it here

Ya'll over at The Fancy Lamb need to make gift certificates!


Friday, October 28, 2011

Meet the Artist and Giveaway: Kayla from LetterKay

Thank you all for waiting so patiently for the next giveaway.
I think you'll find it was worth the wait!

This time I've teamed up with Kayla over at LetterKay
who has graciously agreed to send one lucky reader 
one of these fantastic Made with Love stamps!

Made with Love - Hand Carved . Unmounted . Rubber Stamp
Buy it here

If you haven't yet, head over and check out Kayla's shop. 
There you'll find an assortment of hand-carved rubber stamps as well as some fun vintage finds. 

The prices are unbelievable, 
AND she does custom stamps, too!

In fact, Kayla created this fun little robot using one of my designs!
 I can't stop smiling whenever I use it, 
I can't believe my own design has "come to life" in a whole new way.

Hand Stamped Unique Robot Tags for Gift, Favors or Notes - Set of 12 - 2-1/2" x 1-3/4"
Buy it here

In addition to hand carved stamps, Kayla's shop is also full of fun vintage finds.
Craft supplies and vintage finds, all in one place?! 
It's like I've died and gone to heaven :)

Let's get to know a little more about Kayla and here shop. 
I'll be sure to give you a sampling of her fun finds along the way:

Q: Tell us a little about yourself.
A: Well, I’m just a girl who loves to make things! I live in a fairly small city where I spend my time creating and treasure hunting when I am not working. I like to do a little bit of everything. I do graphic design, stamps for etsy, search for cool vintage items, face paint, give art lessons, etc. The list is pretty long, but I wouldn’t have it any other way. I love staying busy and love having a variety of things to do! 

Q: You've got what they call "raw" natural talent. How did you get started as an artist? 
A: I have always loved creating. When I was little, my favorite “toys” were tissue paper and glue. With those two things, the possibilities were endless. During high school I began to focus more on the arts and decided to major in Studio Art. I just recently graduated and still love making things, whether crafts or fine art.

Q: When did you come up with the idea of carving your own stamps? Where did you learn this craft?
A: I can’t remember the project I needed a stamp for, but I know I was making something for one of my friends or family members and I decided to make my own design for it. I first learned how to carve a wood/linoleum block in school and the same techniques apply to carving rubber stamps. I have loved it ever since.

Q: Hand carved stamps have become VERY popular on Etsy. How do you set yourself apart from other sellers, what makes your work unique?
A: Hand carved stamps have gotten more popular and it is a bit surprising in some ways. I feel that designing my own unique stamp designs is important. I also feel that my stamps feel and look natural – a look people are beginning to appreciate more. Other than that, I just try to work hard and make as many stamps as I can J

Script Font Initial Rubber Stamp -  Your Choice of 1 Initial Stamp - Hand-Carved
Buy it here
Q: I love your packaging. Where did you come up with this great idea?
A: This is terrible, but I can’t really remember how I got the idea. Yikes, I need to work on my memory. I believe I started searching first for organza bags, but then I kept researching and found the muslin bags which I feel has a much more natural look which really compliments the stamps. I love giving the customer a custom hand-stamped bag for their special stamp.



Q: Do you sell your stamps anywhere beside Etsy? 
A: I have tried selling my stamps on other sites similar to Etsy, but Etsy has proved to be the best place so far. It is also hard to keep up with several different sites. You can sell more if you focus on one online venue. However, I have sent stamps for consignment to a few local shops.


Q: What stamp or design holds the most personal meaning to you and/or which stamp in your shop is your favorite? Which is the most popular?
A: Hmm…that’s a tough question. I am really like the faux wax seal stamps that I have recently designed. I just love dressing up a simple letter or envelope! The most popular stamp is definitely the Custom Logo Stamp.

Fleur de Lis Wax Seal Rubber Stamp
Buy it here
Q: Any new designs in the works?
A: Yes! There are many new designs brewing around in my head! I am trying to come up with more custom designs. People love custom, it means more to them or the person that they are giving it to. Any ideas for things you’d like to see would also be greatly appreciated. After all, I am not just designing for me.


Q: You've been very successful in a relatively short period of time. Any advice for new sellers looking to increase their sales?
A: Putting the time into it is the biggest thing for me. If you want your Etsy shop to be successful, you have to put the time into it. It really is like a second job. I come home from my day job and then work on Etsy orders or coming up with new ideas. I’ve also made some sales by joining teams I was interested in and meeting people. Also, tell your friends about it! Local sales are great!


Vintage Yellow Rose Brooch/Pin
Buy it here
Q: Just for fun, what is you're favorite treasury feature?
A: I am not sure I really have a favorite. I think they are all great! The vintage treasuries are very fun because you learn a little about something each time, like this treasury

Kayla would like to offer my blog readers an exclusive coupon code!
Use the coupon code MODERN15 at checkout for 15% off your purchase 
now until the end of October. This can be used on ANY item J 
Have fun shopping and please let Kayla know if you have any questions.


When you're done shopping at n   LetterKay or ordering your custom stamp,
be sure to head on back and enter the giveaway!



How to Enter the Giveaway:

1. Follow this blog (Mandatory)
and leave a comment here saying you did.

2. Heart LetterKay on Etsy or an item from her shop
and leave a separate comment here about your favorite item.



3. "Like" LetterKay on Facebook and let her know I sent you
and leave a separate comment here about it.


Make sure to bookmark my giveaways page if you haven't already, 
and READ THE FINE PRINT

Fine Print:
Only 3 entries per household please
Giveaway ends November 7th at midnight PST
Winner will be chosen by random.org
Entries will be validated
Winner will be announced here
Winner will have 3 days to contact me, 
after which a new winner will be chosen
Must be 18 years of age or older to enter

Recently I have had to choose a second winner for quite a fewgiveaways 
due to lack of an email response from my winners. 
If you really want to win, check your SPAM folders often, or better yet 
add moderntypography@aol.com to your address book. Good luck!

Tuesday, July 5, 2011

Giveaway Sponsor #1: Modern Typography

(That's Me!)

Everyday I will be featuring a seller who has donated items for the New Beginnings Giveaway. First off, I thought I'd let you get to know me! I am giving away my owl mobile nursery print:
I Love You to the Moon and Back - Nursery Print 8 x 8
Buy it here
I am Melanie, the creator of Modern Typography. I actually started out selling antiques on Etsy, which was a blast. I have a thing for Pyrex, Fire King, melamine and just about anything old made out of glass. My collection of antiques has grown quite large, and with 3 children I just can't keep as much of it out as I'd like to.

Now I am selling custom art prints on Etsy. While pregnant with my newest addition I browsed the pages of Etsy and fell in love with the adorable handiwork of the many talented sellers. One day I decided to start trying my hand at graphic design. So far I have come up with over 15 unique designs. The most popular design in my shop is my custom family tree print.
Buy it here

I love working on family trees. I just finished doing a custom tree with 7 branches, too fun! I can customize the trunk, branches, leaves or add birds, owls, you name it! Add your own quote or verse and make this item really special.

I also really get a kick out of working on custom birth announcements. I enjoy the bright colors and playful graphics. I just  finished designing robots for a new set coming out:


To keep up with the latest on what's happening in my shop follow this blog by using one of the links on the top left. I am also on Facebook

As a special treat, Sweetbriers, a gorgeous shop full of handmade crocheted delights has decided to issue 2 special discount codes during our New Beginnings Giveaway. The first buyer to purchase an item from my shop before 7/11 will receive a 50% of coupon code for Sweetbriers shop, the 2nd 45% off! 

Don't forget, all of my sponsors including myself are also having a 10% off sale during the giveaway. Use the coupon code MODERN10 at checkout, expires 7/11. 

Best of luck and happy shopping!