Wednesday, December 29, 2010

Let's Peek into the Shops of VMTEAM Members... AnotherTimeAntiques


This beautiful 1880s watch chain with T- bar is available from AnotherTimeAntiques. Lovely as a bracelet, I have several that a wear as necklaces, either singly or layered. Watch fobs make wonderful pendants for watch chains- as would an antique heirloom pocket watch or a locket.

Wishing everyone a safe and Happy New Year from the Vintage Market Team!- retrotrend 

Monday, December 27, 2010

Treasury Challenge #15 . Resolutions, Voter, Winner Announced

                                                                    
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Hi Everyone!

Welcome to the Vintage Market Team's newest Treasury Challenge! Challenges are great because they not only allow us to promote on another, but it also allows us to stretch our creativity a bit and have some fun!

The theme for this challenge will be "Resolutions".   This theme celebrates the 2011 new year, and all of the hope and changes it can bring!

The rules are simple for treasury challenges:

1- the treasury must be put in Treasury East during the week of the challenge

2- add your treasury to the linky it will be easier to click and comment

3- your treasury must contain the tags "vmteamchallenge" AND "vmteamchallengeresolution"

4- you must use 8-10 Vintage Market Team members' items (found using the search term "vmteam" under the vintage tab)

5- your treasury must contain a mix of handmade and vintage items

6- use must use the phrase "VMTeam Resolution Challenge" somewhere in your title
,
7- the treasury must not contain one of your own items

Have fun making these treasuries! And feel free to be as creative as you want with the theme!

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Time to Vote: VMTEAM Challenge Under The Tree!

We have three great treasuries to choose from this week!  

Under The Tree by KitnandKaboodleVintage

Boxing Day - Under The Tree by ThreeOldKeys

Personal Gifts for Under the Tree by VintageMarbles
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Winner Announced!  Party Clothes Challenge!

New Year Blues and Christmas Corals by ThreeOldKeys 


Wednesday, December 22, 2010

Monday, December 20, 2010

Treasury Challenge #14 . Under The Tree, Voter, Winner Announced

                                                                     
                                                                       
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Hi Everyone!

Welcome to the Vintage Market Team's newest Treasury Challenge! Challenges are great because they not only allow us to promote on another, but it also allows us to stretch our creativity a bit and have some fun!

The theme for this challenge will be "Under The Tree".   This theme allows you to let your imagination fly! 

The rules are simple for treasury challenges:

1- the treasury must be put in Treasury East during the week of the challenge

2- add your treasury to the linky it will be easier to click and comment

3- your treasury must contain the tags "vmteamchallenge" AND "vmteamchallengetree"

4- you must use 8-10 Vintage Market Team members' items (found using the search term "vmteam" under the vintage tab)

5- your treasury must contain a mix of handmade and vintage items

6- use must use the phrase "VMTeam Tree Challenge" somewhere in your title
,
7- the treasury must not contain one of your own items

Have fun making these treasuries! And feel free to be as creative as you want with the theme!

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Time to Vote: VMTEAM Challenge Party!


We have three great treasuries to choose from this week!  

New Year Blues and Christmas Corals by ThreeOldKeys

Silver and Gold with Your Champagne by JojosRetroandVintage

Not Your Ugly Christmas Sweater! by LucyandEthel




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Winner Announced!  Gift Challenge!

Santa's Sleigh Full of Gifts by VintageMarbles


Wednesday, December 15, 2010

Let's Peek into the Shops of VMTEAM Members... Amy's Old School

Our newest feature- looking into the shops of Vintage Market Team Members. This started on our Facebook page a few weeks ago but feels more at home on the blog. Working through the team alphabetically...

The lovely Amy of PhotographicAmy has opened a new Etsy shop, Amy's Old School.


I am in lust with this red turn- lock coat, perfect for the holidays and oh so modern!

Have a great week, everyone! - retrotrend

Monday, December 13, 2010

Treasury Challenge # 13 Party Clothes! , Vote, Winner Announced

                                                             

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Hi Everyone!

Welcome to the Vintage Market Team's newest Treasury Challenge! Challenges are great because they not only allow us to promote on another, but it also allows us to stretch our creativity a bit and have some fun!

The theme for this challenge will be "Party Clothes".   Whether it is our favorite Christmas ugly sweater or vintage glam party threads, create a treasury masterpiece! 

The rules are simple for treasury challenges:

1- the treasury must be put in Treasury East during the week of the challenge

2- add your treasury to the linky it will be easier to click and comment

3- your treasury must contain the tags "vmteamchallenge" AND "vmteamchallengeparty"

4- you must use 8-10 Vintage Market Team members' items (found using the search term "vmteam" under the vintage tab)

5- your treasury must contain a mix of handmade and vintage items

6- use must use the phrase "VMTeam Party Challenge" somewhere in your title
,
7- the treasury must not contain one of your own items

Have fun making these treasuries! And feel free to be as creative as you want with the theme!

---------------------------------------------------


Time to Vote: VMTEAM Challenge Gifts

Gifts are a prevalent theme throughout the holiday season, and VintageMarbles did a great job creating a treasury around this theme! 

Santa's Sleigh Full of Gifts by VintageMarbles


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Winner Announced!

World Vintage!

Stocking Stuffer Challenge by WorldVintage

Wednesday, December 8, 2010

Meet the Members of Vintage Market Team- Beth of EdibleComplex

1- Tell us a bit about you?


I'm Beth, AKA EdibleComplex on Etsy. I'm an artist (my first degree), mom to 1 boy, 2 cats and 1 rescue lab, and live in coastal Maine. I am also a Psych RN (second + degree), hence the Freudian reference in the shop title, as well as a web designer. I love learning new things (overeducated and underemployed) and enjoy working from home. The idea for my shop came about when my husband was laid off from his job and believe it or not, my back up degree in nursing wasn't amounting to employment in this economy. I had been painting and showing full-time, but I needed to cultivate income opportunities, pronto. I've always had a good eye and intuition for treasure amidst a sea of junk and also can apply my creativity to the photography and listing process. It isn't too removed from my art because I enjoy the luminous glass and colorful pottery glazes. Their beauty feeds my eye and informs my painting.

2- What do you sell?

I mostly sell stuff I like,but not love, because I am willing to part with it. However, if it doesn't sell, I won't mind having it around.

3- Favorite decade for vintage?

Art Deco/Midcentury Modern/Scandinavian Modern-hmmm, just one decade-never!

4- Favorite vintage item you own? Or regret having sold in the past?

My favorite vintage items that I own are some new Figgjo Flint china in the Lotte pattern (my rescue dog's name is Lottie), and my Bjorn Wiinblad plates. I will probably regret selling my Hermes 3000 typewriter, Midcentury Modern leopard swing coat and my Imperial Free Hand Glass. Sorry, I can never respond with just one answer ;)

5- Favorite item you are currently selling? And why?

Love the Imperial Free Hand Glass. They were my mother's. They are very rare and gorgeous!

6- Best advice for newbies?

You need to enjoy learning, love the whole process, and be driven to put in the time and effort. Plus, you need to have patience. Mysteries can take a lot of time to solve. It is really good to learn from others, and not just do endless Google searches.
Also, don't get stuff with anything but the mildest signs of wear, if any. No chips, cracks or repairs or you'll be stuck with it! Unless you are selling shabby chic or rustic. :)
Lastly, something only has value if people like it. Just because something is old, doesn't mean people want it.

7- Favorite web sites? Or blogs? (Clickable links, please.)

The members of the VMTeam have wonderful blogs. The following list may not be from team members, but they have beautiful pictures.

http://www.matteart.blogspot.com/
http://www.drawpilgrim.com/
http://www.cdiannezweig.blogspot.com/
http://www.hisforhomeblog.com/
http://www.kulturfinds.blogspot.com/
http://www.alamodern.com/

8- Favorite movies? Or TV?

Grosse Pointe Blanke, High Fidelity, Rushmore, Shopgirl, I Heart Huckabees, Being John Malkevich, Tapeheads, Harold and Maude...

9- Favorite music?

Wilco, the Clash, Joe Strummer and the Mescaleros, Elvis Costello, the Rolling Stones, the Jerry Garcia Band, Joan Armatrading, The Modern Lovers, Johnny Cash, The Ramones, The Cure, Coconut Records, The Strokes, The Shins, Weezer, Phoenix, Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros, the Indigo Girls and Cool and Bebop Jazz, just to name a few.

10- Favorite books? Authors?

Barbara Kingsolver, Amy Tan and ton of non-fiction. So much to learn!

11- Where do you see yourself in ten years?

Ten years? I can't even tell you one year from now! I imagine I'll be much more knowledgable about antiques & vintage so the amount of time researching is cut down! I imaging having a more streamlined approach to handling the shop and the marketing. Maybe I'll even have a blog by then! I wish to have more balance, so that I can have an equal amount of time for my painting. Getting up and running in my first year of this business has been all consuming.

12- What else should we know about you/ your business?

I try to find the unusual, but that also makes identification and pricing difficult. I spend a lot of time trying to solve mysteries. This is fun, but ultimately I want to get to the answer!

13- List your (clickable) links.

http://www.ediblecomplex.etsy.com/
http://www.twitter.com/zeediblecomplex
http://www.flickr.com/photos/ediblecomplex/
http://www.vintagemarket.ning.com/profile/ediblecomplex
http://www.iantiqueonline.ning.com/profile/EdibleComplex

Monday, December 6, 2010

Treasury Challenge # 12 . Gifts!, Voter, Winner Announced

                                                             

Hi Everyone!

Welcome to the Vintage Market Team's newest Treasury Challenge! Challenges are great because they not only allow us to promote on another, but it also allows us to stretch our creativity a bit and have some fun!

The theme for this challenge will be "Gifts".   We should create a MILLION treasuries this week!

The rules are simple for treasury challenges:

1- the treasury must be put in Treasury East during the week of the challenge

2- add your treasury to the linky it will be easier to click and comment

3- your treasury must contain the tags "vmteamchallenge" AND "vmteamchallengegifts"

4- you must use 8-10 Vintage Market Team members' items (found using the search term "vmteam" under the vintage tab)

5- your treasury must contain a mix of handmade and vintage items

6- use must use the phrase "VMTeam Gift Challenge" somewhere in your title
,
7- the treasury must not contain one of your own items

Have fun making these treasuries! And feel free to be as creative as you want with the theme!

---------------------------------------------------


Time to Vote: VMTEAM Challenge Stocking Stuffers

Stars are a prevalent theme throughout the holiday season, and the VMTeam did a great job creating treasuries around this theme! The top three are listed below. Don't forget to cast your vote for your favorite!

Voting is open until 6pm EST on Friday, December 3rd!

Stocking Stuffer Challenge by WorldVintage

Stocking Stuffers by VintageHand

Gone Fishing for Stocking Stuffers by ThreeOldKeys


--------------------------------------------------------


Winner(s) Announced!

LucyandEthel 

A Gift Guide for Your Inner Geek by LucyandEthel






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Wednesday, December 1, 2010

Meet the Members of Vintage Market Team- Laurie of ThreeOldKeys

1- Tell us a bit about you?


I raised 2 amazing kids; they are now amazing adults. I've been a stitcher and quilter for years, stacking up fabric and sewing supplies. I've been a basketmaker, stacking up basketry stuff. I've tried many other crafts and they've stacked up too. And books? Oh yes.

Since January 2010, I've been having a great time with Mr. ThreeOldKeys. The vintage shop was his idea, and we ramble around on the weekends, always on the hunt for interesting pieces. And yes, we've even sold a few things from those stacks.

2- What do you sell?

Our daughter gave me this advice: "Sell what you love." She was right. If it's listed in ThreeOldKeys, it's something I'd be happy to keep. Wood. Enamelware. Letterpress. Old linens. Books. And one-of-a-kind oddities that make me speculate on their history.

3- Favorite decade for vintage?

I plead guilty to combining decades. It's been a lot of fun researching and learning. Maybe we'll eventually narrow our focus to the 1930s and 1940s.

4- Favorite vintage item you own? Or regret having sold in the past?

Our favorites are possessions passed down from both sides of the family. Whether they are valuable antiques or kitschy mementos, we'll never sell those. The skeleton keys that go with 3 old cabinets have become our shop symbols and frequent photo props.

Regrets? Oh, there's a tiny tinge of regret every time I let loose of a book. Any book.

5- Favorite item you are currently selling? And why?

We have a couple of Hall China refrigerator ware pieces listed now. One is a yellow Westinghouse lidded dish, and the other is a blue Hotpoint water server. Their colors, shapes and history appeal to me.

6- Best advice for newbies?

DO NOT LISTEN to yourself or anyone else who says things like this:
You're not computer savvy enough. So don't even try.There are already so many shops on Etsy. You'll never be seen.You're a lousy photographer. Don't list anything until you get really good at it.You think you have wonderful items to list? Don't trust your own taste.If you're not on the Front Page or in other big features, you can't possibly be successful. When someone makes a purchase, don't waste time writing a personal note. Don't think about the enjoyment a customer feels when opening an attractive, well packaged box.Don't bother getting your spreadsheets or accounting system set up yet. How hard could it be to catch up later?Keep your skills to yourself. Don't share your ability to help feature and promote your fellow team members.This ain't supposed to be any fun.

7- Favorite web sites? Or blogs? (clickable, please)

Rikrak's blog: http://rikrakstudio.blogspot.com/
The Elephant Sanctuary: http://www.elephants.com/
And VMTeam members' blogs & shops, listed on the team blog.

8- Favorite movies? Or TV?

Recently I smiled at a few episodes of The Rockford Files and Magnum P.I.

9- Favorite music?

Happy Holidays .... Mannheim Steamroller, of course.

10- Favorite books? Authors?

Anything picked off the shelf by a certain little GrandBunny. It's been awhile since I've read some of my favorites like Larry McMurtry and Ann Tyler.

11- Where do you see yourself in ten years?

My house will have fewer stacks. It will be a masterpiece of organization. Mr. ThreeOldKeys and I will still be bopping around antique stores and flea markets.

12- What else should we know about you/ your business?

My first shop is Loneweever, where I've sold a few pincushions, garlic baskets, gift bags .... etc. since 2008. I confess it's been seriously neglected in 2010. I'm hoping to gear it up again. I miss sewing, and I admire people who run multiple shops!
13- List your (clickable) links.
Vintage shop:
http://www.etsy.com/shop/threeoldkeys
Handmade shop:
http://www.etsy.com/shop/loneweever
The blog I said I'd never do but I'm liking it:
http://www.threeoldkeys.blogspot.com/

Monday, November 29, 2010

Treasury Challenge # 11 . Stocking Stuffers! , Voter, Winner Announced


Hi Everyone!

Welcome to the Vintage Market Team's newest Treasury Challenge! Challenges are great because they not only allow us to promote on another, but it also allows us to stretch our creativity a bit and have some fun!

The theme for this challenge will be "Stocking Stuffers".   There are endless possibilities with this theme!

The rules are simple for treasury challenges:

1- the treasury must be put in Treasury East during the week of the challenge

2- add your treasury to the linky it will be easier to click and comment

3- your treasury must contain the tags "vmteamchallenge" AND "vmteamchallengestocking"

4- you must use 8-10 Vintage Market Team members' items (found using the search term "vmteam" under the vintage tab)

5- your treasury must contain a mix of handmade and vintage items

6- use must use the phrase "VMTeam Stocking Challenge" somewhere in your title
,
7- the treasury must not contain one of your own items

Have fun making these treasuries! And feel free to be as creative as you want with the theme!

---------------------------------------------------


Time to Vote: VMTEAM Challenge Stars

Stars are a prevalent theme throughout the holiday season, and the VMTeam did a great job creating treasuries around this theme! The top two are listed below. Don't forget to cast your vote for your favorite!

Voting is open until 6pm EST on Friday, December 3rd!


A Gift Guide to Your Inner Geek - by lucyandethel

Here Comes the Sunburst by threeoldkeys


--------------------------------------------------------


Winner(s) Announced!

It was a three way tie! 


Slow Cooking Party by threeoldkeys


VMTeam Challenge Recipe by vintagemarbles


Open All Night by virgosvintage


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Wednesday, November 24, 2010

Meet the Members of Vintage Market Team- Debbie of Bumper Stickers N More

1- Tell us a bit about you?


My name is Debbie and my shop name is Bumper Stickers N More, I just had my one year Etsy Anniversary last week. I live in Ohio and I started selling vintage because of a find in the attic of a property that I bought a few years ago.

2- What do you sell?

Mostly vintage vacation bumper stickers but I have a lot of school items too. The stuff I found is like a time capsule from the 50’s through the 70’s. A schoolteacher used to own the property and luckily for us he was a pack rat and loved paper ephemera items.

3- Favorite decade for vintage?

I guess the 70’s because that’s when I grew up and it just makes me feel good to see those items with the bright colors and happy hippie vibe.

4- Favorite vintage item you own? Or regret having sold in the past?

I regret selling my Desperately Seeking Susan Madonna jacket last year. I bought it new in the 80’s from a magazine ad and it sold on ebay auction to a London Madonna fan club president, so I guess it went to a good place but it’s such a rare item I kind of wish I’d kept it sometimes.

5- Favorite item you are currently selling? And why?

I guess my favorite item is the Tiki Gardens bumper sticker. We used to take family vacations to Florida a lot in the 60’s and 70’s but somehow we must have missed this place cause I sure don’t remember it and it looks so special, I wish I could have gone there. Everyone else’s favorite seems to be the Woodsy Owl poster, which is cool too.

6- Best advice for newbies?

I’m a newbie myself, so got any for me? LOL. I don’t have all this figured out but I read the success stories and tips, I guess just read all you can about what other successful sellers have done and try to implement as may suggestions as you can.

7- Favorite web sites? Or blogs? (clickable, please)

http://home.earthlink.net/~tikigardens/page1.html
http://www.roadsideamerica.com/
http://www.retroroadmap.com/

8- Favorite movies? Or TV?

The Education of Little Tree, The Doe Boy, Somewhere In Time, Dark Shadows and all of Johnny Depp’s movies

9- Favorite music?

Jeff Buckley, Elton John, Robbie Robertson, Concrete Blonde/Johnette Napolitano, Korn

10- Favorite books? Authors?

Interview with the Vampire, Anne Rice
Brave New World, Aldous Huxley
Black Elk Speaks, John Niehardt
The Education of Little Tree, Forrest Carter
The Outsider, Colin T. Wilson

10- Where do you see yourself in ten years?

Hopefully retired from my day job and selling vintage and handmade full time

11- What else should we know about you/ your business?

I enjoy hearing from customers about their memories of the places my bumper stickers came from and it’s nice to know that a lot of the sales are gifts, I’m happy to ship these to the recipient’s address without an invoice, I’ll even gift wrap for free upon request.I’m an artist and jewelry maker who also runs another shop on Etsy featuring Native American style hairpipe chokers.

12- List your (clickable) links.

http://www.etsy.com/shop/bumperstickersnmore
http://www.etsy.com/shop/SweetgrassValley

Monday, November 22, 2010

Treasury Challenge # 11 - Stars! Voter, Winner Announced

                                                                      


Hi Everyone!

Welcome to the Vintage Market Team's newest Treasury Challenge! Challenges are great because they not only allow us to promote on another, but it also allows us to stretch our creativity a bit and have some fun!

The theme for this challenge will be "Stars".

The rules are simple for treasury challenges:

1- the treasury must be put in Treasury East during the week of the challenge

2- add your treasury to the linky it will be easier to click and comment

3- your treasury must contain the tags "vmteamchallenge" AND "vmteamchallengestar"

4- you must use 8-10 Vintage Market Team members' items (found using the search term "vmteam" under the vintage tab)

5- your treasury must contain a mix of handmade and vintage items

6- use must use the phrase "VMTeam Stars Challenge" somewhere in your title
,
7- the treasury must not contain one of your own items

Have fun making these treasuries! And feel free to be as creative as you want with the theme!

---------------------------------------------------


Time to Vote: VMTEAM Challenge Recipe

Recipes are a prevalent theme throughout the holiday season, and the VMTeam did a great job creating treasuries around this theme! The top three are listed below. Don't forget to cast your vote for your favorite!

Voting is open until 6pm EST on Friday, November 26th!

VMTeam Challenge Recipe by VintageMarbles

Slow Cooking Party by ThreeOldKeys

Open All Night by VirgosVintage


--------------------------------------------------------


Winner Announced!

Favorite Candlelight Treasury! -   VintageFrocksOfFancy!

Glowing Just Like Candlelight


 

Wednesday, November 17, 2010

Meet the Members of Vintage Market Team- VirgosVintage

1- Tell us a bit about you?


I am a graphic designer by day, vintage collector/seller/lover by night! Originally from the Finger Lakes region of New York, I moved to Northern Virginia in 2004. Last year my wonderful husband and I purchased our first house—a 1949 rambler in the heart of Fairfax, Virginia. We live there with our dog, Abby, and cat, Lady Meow Meow. I am active and always looking for something to take up my time. In addition to Virgo's Vintage, I like to sew, quilt, crochet, cook, and generally be creative. But my true love is the thrill of seeing what great finds are at thrift stores, yard sales, flea markets, and rummage sales. I started "building my inventory" in late 2009 and opened Virgo's Vintage in January 2010, so I am fairly new to selling vintage and still get excited every time I make a sale.

2- What do you sell?

I sell a little of everything, but I love, love, love vintage jewelry! I love chunky pieces with bold color...and enameled brooches make me swoon!

3- Favorite decade for vintage?

Items from the 60s always seem to catch my eye, and I love art deco and art nouveau pieces from the early 1900s.
4- Favorite vintage item you own? Or regret having sold in the past?

I am a sucker for punch bowls (I have three sets) and anything Pyrex (again, I have three sets). I haven't sold anything that I regret...yet.

5- Favorite item you are currently selling? And why?

Everything I sell I love. But, if I had to choose an item that I wouldn't be upset if it didn't sell, it would be my "Vintage Good Day, Bad Day Figurine". I think it is hard for people to see online, but his hat flips back and forth to show a happy and mad face underneath each side. I think he is just the cutest thing! He's sitting right next to my computer at home.

http://www.etsy.com/listing/51195885/vintage-good-day-bad-day-figurine

6- Best advice for newbies?

I am pretty new myself, but I guess I would say to maintain your page, respond to emails and orders quickly, and take a little time when packaging. I usually use a jewelry box with a ribbon around it and write a quick thank you note on the packaging slip.

7- Favorite web sites? Or blogs? (clickable, please)

Better After: http://betterafter.blogspot.com/
Not Martha: http://www.notmartha.org/
Ravelry: http://www.ravelry.com/

8- Favorite movies? Or TV?

Movies: The Big Lebowski, The Fifth Element, and the Lord of the Rings Trilogy

TV: Mad Men, Project Runway, American Pickers (my mom met them at a picking site in New York!)

9- Favorite music?

Anything classic rock—from Led Zeppelin to Fleetwood Mac.

10- Favorite books? Authors?

Currently reading the Sookie Stackhouse novels, but I loved the Happy Potter series and I especially like Kurt Vonnegut and David Sedaris.

11- Where do you see yourself in ten years?

Living back in Western New York with my husband and family, working as a freelance graphic designer and selling vintage!

12- What else should we know about you/your business?

I think my love of thrifting started when I was in junior high school and the grunge look was in. I would go to the Salvation Army and find all the old-men-cardigans, dirty jeans, and souvenir t-shirts I could for $20. I could spend hours! What beats that?

13- List your (clickable) links.

http://www.virgosvintage.etsy.com/
http://www.suziofthestars.etsy.com/
http://www.suziofthestars.blogspot.com/
http://www.facebook.com/virgosvintage

Tuesday, November 16, 2010

Tuesday Tip ~ Week 36


Flowers
Have you ever picked some beautiful flowers but didn't have quite enough to fill out your vase?
Here is a neat tip for keeping your flowers from drooping.
Throw a few corks into the water! The corks will keep the flowers standing up.
Tip Extra: put a pinch of baking soda into the flower water to keep your flowers fresh longer.
Submitted by: TheVintageButtonJar
Do you have a great vintage tip? Send it to us and we will include it in an upcoming Tuesday Tip post.
Send tips to: TheVintageButtonJar

Wednesday, November 10, 2010

Meet the Members of Vintage Market Team- Alison of BitOfButter


1- Tell us a bit about you?

I'm Alison and I live in Seattle with my husband and two cats. I recently finished my dissertation on medieval manuscripts so obviously, I love old things. More than that though, I love putting old things in context, whether they are 12th century manuscripts or 1960s enamel teapots. I especially love doing research about the items in my shop and I try to know as much as I can about each and every item I have for sale.

2- What do you sell?

The bulk of my shop is dedicated to 1950s-1970s home-goods and kitchenwares. My predilection is for items with clean lines and a modern feel. Honestly though, if I like something, I get it for the shop. And my husband is the co-creator of the store, so his taste for vintage steampunk accessories and mid-century electronics is also represented.

3- Favorite decade for vintage?

1960s!

4- Favorite vintage item you own? Or regret having sold in the past?

Oh goodness, I try never to regret anything I sell. I have to let things go or else my house would be bursting at the seams! I would say my favorite vintage item is my Drexel Declaration room divider/hutch. My husband and I got it for each other on our 5th wedding anniversary. We keep a few shop items in the cubbies (like the Dansk dutch oven), but most of the items are from our collection. (http://www.flickr.com/photos/52168366@N07/5064201858/)

5- Favorite item you are currently selling? And why?

That's hard! I would say it's my copper coffee pot and creamer set right now. It's so shiny and its lines really exemplifies the clean lines of the 1960s that I love. (http://www.etsy.com/listing/58013682/danish-modern-copper-coffee-pot-and)

6- Best advice for newbies?

Sell what you love. Folks can tell if you're not passionate about what you do!

7- Favorite web sites? Or blogs? (Clickable links, please.)

Food: http://www.davidlebovitz.com/

Design: http://www.designspongeonline.com/

Fun: http://hyperboleandahalf.blogspot.com/

8- Favorite movies? Or TV?

I love foreign films. A few of my favorites are Nowhere in Africa (Nirgendwo in Afrika) and Together (Tillsammans).

9- Favorite music?

Dar Williams is my favorite singer!

10- Favorite books? Authors?

Given my Ph.D., I am constantly reading, so much so that I don't really have a favorite book or author.

11- Where do you see yourself in ten years?

Hopefully, working at a research library or teaching at a college and still running my shop on the side!

12- What else should we know about you/ your business?

I'm always willing to look for an item for someone. If you are dying to find a certain something, I'm happy to keep an eye out!

13- List your (clickable) links.

My blog: http://www.bitofbutter.com/

My etsy shop: http://www.etsy.com/shop/bitofbutter

Tuesday, November 9, 2010

Tuesday Tip ~ Week 35



Vintage Leather

If you find a great piece of furniture with a leather seat here is a simple way to make that old leather shine.

Rub with a soft cloth dipped into the white of an egg.

Submitted by: TheVintageButtonJar

Do you have a great vintage tip? Send it to us and we will use it in an upcoming Tuesday Tip post!

Send tips to: TheVintageButtonJar

Monday, November 8, 2010

Treasury Challenge # 9 - Candlelight! Voter, Winner Announced

                                                                           

Hi Everyone!

Welcome to the Vintage Market Team's newest Treasury Challenge! Challenges are great because they not only allow us to promote on another, but it also allows us to stretch our creativity a bit and have some fun!

The theme for this challenge will be "Candlelight".

The rules are simple for treasury challenges:

1- the treasury must be put in Treasury East during the week of the challenge

2- a link to your treasury must be re-posted here in the comments section

3- your treasury must contain the tags "vmteamchallenge" AND "vmteamchallengecandle"

4- you must use 8-10 Vintage Market Team members' items (found using the search term "vmteam" under the vintage tab)

5- your treasury must contain a mix of handmade and vintage items

6- use must use the phrase "VMTeam Candlelight Challenge" somewhere in your title

7- the treasury must not contain one of your own items

Have fun making these treasuries! And feel free to be as creative as you want with the theme!
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Time to Vote: VMTEAM Challenge Music

Music is a prevalent theme throughout the holiday season, and the VMTeam did a great job creating treasuries around this theme! The top three are listed below. Don't forget to cast your vote for your favorite!

Voting is open until 6pm EST on Friday, November 12th!

Turn the Radio On and Listen by vintagemarbles

Gift Guide for the Music Lover by vintagefrocksoffancy

Music is my Radar by retrotrend


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Winner Announced!

Favorite Jewel Tones Treasury! -   VirgosVintage

Jewel Tones - A VMTeam Challenge

Wednesday, November 3, 2010

Meet the Members of Vintage Market Team- Style in Colors

1- Tell us a bit about you?


I am a singer/songwriter, musician and actor.

2- What do you sell?

I sell ALL things vintage.

3- Favorite decade for vintage?

Anytime (:

4- Favorite vintage item you own? Or regret having sold in the past?

I love them all. I have never regreted anything I have sold.

5- Favorite item you are currently selling? And why?

My first pair of shoes, becuase they are my first!!!

6- Best advice for newbies?

Don't look to far into it, because it is fun and easy to do.

7- Favorite web sites? Or blogs? (Clickable links, please.)

My favorite websites are http://www.facebook.com/ and http://www.etsy.com/

8- Favorite movies? Or TV?

My favorite movie is The Last Song, and my favorite TV show is NCIS, and NCIS: Los Angeles

9- Favorite music?

My favorite music is pop, and hip hop.

10- Favorite books? Authors?

The Maze Runner.

11- Where do you see yourself in ten years?

I see myself as a celebrity or forensic scientist.

12- What else should we know about you/ your business?

I do etsy because I am trying to make money so I can go to california, and so that I can keep making my songs and stuff.

13- List your (clickable) links:

http://www.etsy.com/shop/StyleInColors
http://vintagemarket.ning.com/profile/styleincolors
http://facebook.com/haylieedema

Tuesday, November 2, 2010

Tuesday Tip ~ Week 34


Cleaning Clay Pots
To clean clay pots and saucers fill a sink with cold water and 2/3 cup of vinegar.
Soak for 30-60 minutes.
If needed scrub with a scrub brush.
Rinse and let air dry.
Do you have a great vintage tip? Send your tip to us and we will use it in an upcoming Tuesday Tip post!
Send tips to: TheVintageButtonJar

Monday, November 1, 2010

Treasury Challenge #8... Music! Voter and Winner Announced!


Hi Everyone!

Welcome to the Vintage Market Team's newest Treasury Challenge! Challenges are great because they not only allow us to promote on another, but it also allows us to stretch our creativity a bit and have some fun!

The theme for this challenge will be "Music".

The rules are simple for treasury challenges:

1- the treasury must be put in Treasury East during the week of the challenge

2- a link to your treasury must be re-posted here in the comments section

3- your treasury must contain the tags "vmteamchallenge" AND "vmteamchallengemusic"

4- you must use 8-10 Vintage Market Team members' items (found using the search term "vmteam" under the vintage tab)

5- your treasury must contain a mix of handmade and vintage items
6- use must use the phrase "VMTeam Music Challenge" somewhere in your title

7- the treasury must not contain one of your own items

Have fun making these treasuries! And feel free to be as creative as you want with the theme!
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Time to Vote: VMTEAM Challenge Jewel Tones

Jewel tones are prominent colors throughout the holiday season, and the VMTeam did a great job creating treasuries around this theme! The top three are listed below. Don't forget to cast your vote for your favorite!

Voting is open until 6pm EST on Friday, November 5th!

Blue Holiday by WorldVintageBooks
Jewel Tones by VirgosVintage
Treasure Chest by VintageMarbles

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Winner Announced!

Favorite Leaves Treasury -

A Tounch of Frost on the Leaves by WorldVintageBooks

Wednesday, October 27, 2010

Meet the Members of Vintage Market Team- Anne of VintageAndSuch

1- Tell us a bit about you?


I am constantly in a state of reorganization! I like to save things that remind me of events, occasions, etc. I also love yard sales and thrift shops. I have learned how to determine if something is meant for me... If I know right away what I plan to use an item for, then I'm allowed to let myself buy it. If I have to stop and think 'hm, what could I use this for?' and if I don't get an answer right away then I leave it behind. Once in a while I have regrets but they are far outweighed by the savings in both money and space by items I wisely left behind. My other rule is a two year limit so that I try not to keep things forever and never ever get around to using them in the way planned. If approximately two years go by I try to decide if it's time to let go. Recently I've finally admitted to myself that I simply don't have the space to display these items so I wrestle with the thought of keeping things in storage or not keeping them at all. When the decision is to not keep them, my Etsy customers win! Because I list them in my Vintage And Such shop.

2- What do you sell?

A wide variety of vintage items! From military collectibles, Girl Guide or Girl Scout treasures, postcards, patterns, Canadiana, magazines and more! In addition to my 'Vintage And Such' shop, I have two other Etsy shops, one for quality handmade gifts called 'ennadoolf' and the other for supplies called 'Patterns And Such'.

3- Favorite decade for vintage?

I've never really thought about it... there is so much to appreciate in each decade! I am going to go on to the other questions and if I think of something I'll come back. If you're reading this and I've not added anything then you'll know I just love something about so many decades that I couldn't decide on a single one!

4- Favorite vintage item you own? Or regret having sold in the past?

I still have my original Barbie - she's not the very first Barbie ever made but she's an early 1966 American Girl brunette Barbie. She's dressed in an original creation by me - she lost her original vintage wardrobe quite some time ago.

5- Favorite item you are currently selling? And why?

The Dutch tiles. http://www.etsy.com/listing/27118142/vintage-dutch-tile-windmill-and-swans
I am of Dutch heritage and love the colour and pictures in these tiles. I kept them for the longest time hoping I'd find the perfect spot for them in my home but I finally had to admit that they simply had no spot here. I do have other Dutch items on display and know that whoever buys one or both of these will love them.
http://www.etsy.com/listing/27118648/vintage-dutch-tile-windmill-and-horse

6- Best advice for newbies?

You can't sell it if you don't list it.

7- Favorite web sites? Or blogs? (Clickable links, please.)

Websites:
http://americansguide.ca/
http://www.vintagegirlscout.com/index.htm - especially the Canadian pages
http://www.e-guiding.com/
http://www.girlguides.ca/

Blogs:
http://64thguides.blogspot.com/
http://allthingstangled.blogspot.com/
http://www.ctpubblog.com/
http://dzfantasy.blogspot.com/
http://hershbergerhuff.blogspot.com/
http://nattyknitter.wordpress.com/
http://ohcanadateam.blogspot.com/
and of course the Vintage Team blog as well as the many blogs of our members!
8- Favorite movies? Or TV?

Movies - Anne of Green Gables, Robin Hood Prince of Thieves
TV - I watch way too much tv but for a good reason - I knit while I watch tv! The ones I tape to be sure I don't miss are Amazing Race, Survivor, The Mentalist, Big Bang Theory and Dancing with the Stars

9- Favorite music?

Almost all types of music and tend to listen to radio stations that play a good mix. I love to fill my ipod with seasonal music in December and listen to it all month long.

10- Favorite books? Authors?

I have a collection of Anne of Green Gables books by Lucy Maud Montgomery and there are some I have not yet read. I thoroughly enjoyed the Harry Potter series and still need to read the last one. I have six books on the shelf behind me that I bought last year to read and I'm part way through Pride and Prejudice - I tend to read magazines lately so that I read smaller articles rather than books because I seem to be more focussed on my sewing and knitting at this time in my life.

11- Where do you see yourself in ten years?

Spending my days at leisure! Sometimes knitting or sewing or reading, sometimes browsing thrift shops and such, sometimes driving through the countryside with my hunny maybe stopping in to see museums and other local places of interest.

12- What else should we know about you/ your business?

You never know what you'll find in my Vintage And Such shop as it will always have variety!

13- List your (clickable) links.

my Etsy shops:

Blog:

Facebook:

Tuesday, October 26, 2010

Tuesday Tip ~ Week 33


Polishing Furniture
If you ever find yourself out of furniture polish and you need to get that great vintage find cleaned up here are a couple of recipes for making your own.
Recipe 1:
Mix 1 cup of olive or vegetable oil with 1/3 cup of vinegar.
Recipe 2:
Mix 1 cup olive or vegetable oil with 1/2 cup lemon juice.
For both recipes once the ingredients are mixed place them in a squirt bottle.
Use on a soft cloth to polish your wood furniture to a beautiful shine.
Submitted by: TheVintageButtonJar
Do you have a great vintage tip? Send it in and we will use it in an upcoming Tuesday Tip post!
Send tips to: TheVintageButtonJar

Wednesday, October 20, 2010

Meet the Members of Vintage Market Team- Vintage Dazzle


1- Tell us a bit about you?

I've been interested in antiques and vintage my whole life. My first venture as a seller was in an antiques mall. Did that for a couple of years, but I much prefer doing it online. I actually started on Etsy as a craft seller featuring a few vintage items, but the vintage kind of took over (as vintage is wont to do!) My "day job" is writing romance novels.

2- What do you sell?

Mostly jewelry. I am particularly attracted to rhinestones and sterling silver (not necessarily together) but lately the mod 1960s stuff has been calling to me. I also sell scarves and small knick-knacks--whatever appeals to me!

3- Favorite decade for vintage?

Probably 1920s, though it's hard to find jewelry from that era at a reasonable price.

4- Favorite vintage item you own? Or regret having sold in the past?

I have a huge, sterling Victorian locket that I found at an estate sale tangled up with so me cheap costume jewelry. it was solid black with tarnish. What a thrill to take it home and discover I had a really nice piece!

5- Favorite item you are currently selling? And why?

I love this 1950s Space Age cigarette or trinket box: http://www.etsy.com/listing/47979338/space-age-cigarette-case-or-trinket-box because it belonged to my parents. I have many lovely things to remember them by so I have to let some things go. But I remember this from my childhood.

6- Best advice for newbies?

Be patient and try lots of strategies. Wander around on Etsy and other sites a lot to see what others are doing to promote and sell their goods. What works for one person may not work for another, so it's usually a matter of trial-and-error to discover what works for you! Also, even if you specialize, try to have a few diverse items in different price ranges. You never, I mean NEVER, know what is going to catch on.

7- Favorite web sites? Or blogs? (clickable, please)

http://www.ulixis.com/ is one of my favorite blogs. She does handmade on Etsy, but her blog features wonderful items from other sellers that she likes as well as food and recipes. You never know what you'll find there.

8- Favorite movies? Or TV?

Favorite movie of all time: Paper Moon. Favorite TV show: At the moment, Glee.

9- Favorite music?

Classic rock, jazz and blues

10- Favorite books? Authors?

Since I'm an author myself, I love me! Okay, seriously. Love Janet Evanovich, Jasper Fforde, T. Jefferson Parker, Laura Lipman ... well, the list changes day to day.

11- Where do you see yourself in ten years?

I hope my house will finally be renovated. I hope I am a New York Times Best-Selling author, selling screenplays, and I hope I am still selling stuff on Etsy 'cause it's sooo much fun.

12- What else should we know about you/ your business?

I've probably told you plenty! Nothing more fun than blathering about myself.

13- List your (clickable) links.

http://vintagedazzle.etsy.com/
http://karalennox.etsy.com/
http://karalennox.wordpress.com/

Tuesday, October 19, 2010

Time to Vote: VMTEAM Challenge Halloween

The promotion of Halloween items is one of Etsy's big focus this month and the VMTeam did a great job creating treasuries around this theme! The top three are listed below. Don't forget to cast your vote for your favorite!

Voting is open until 5pm EST on Thursday, October 21th!

Tuesday Tip ~ Week 32


Vinegar Cleaning Solution

Vinegar is a great all purpose household cleaner that you can use on most hard surfaces in the kitchen and bathroom and on glass and mirrors.

How about making cleaning with vinegar smell like your favorite herb?

It is really easy to infuse vinegar with herbs.

Just take the leaves of lavender, sage, mint, thyme, oregano, lemon balm or rosemary and place them in a large glass jar. Next pour vinegar to cover the leaves. Close the lid tight and let it sit for 4-6 weeks. Strain the mixture and put into a spray bottle.

You now have a great smelling cleaning solution.

Submitted by: TheVintageButtonJar

Do you have a great vintage tip? Send it to us and we will use it in an upcoming Tuesday Tip post!
Send tips to: TheVintageButtonJar

Monday, October 18, 2010

Treasury Challenge # 6... Leaves


Hi Everyone!

Welcome to the Vintage Market Team's newest Treasury Challenge! Challenges are great because they not only allow us to promote on another, but it also allows us to stretch our creativity a bit and have some fun!

The theme for this challenge will be "Leaves".

The rules are simple for treasury challenges:

1- the treasury must be put in Treasury East during the week of the challenge

2- a link to your treasury must be reposted here in the comments section

3- your treasury must contain the tags "vmteamchallenge" AND "vmteamchallengeleaves"

4- you must use 8-10 Vintage Market Team members' items (found using the search term "vmteam" under the vintage tab)

5- your treasury must contain a mix of handmade and vintage items

6- use must use the phrase "VMTeam Challenge" somewhere in your title

7- the treasury must not contain one of your own items

Have fun making these treasuries! And feel free to be as creative as you want with the theme!

Saturday, October 16, 2010

Treasury Champ is....WorldVintage!!

Congratulations to WorldVintage! Her treasury was voted our FAVORITE treasury created for our woodland treasury challenge! If you didn't see it the first time check out the photo below or click here to see the original treasury! Congratulations from all of us on the Vintage Market Team!

How did WorldVintage make the voter list? Her treasury ranked in the top three of Etsy's "hotness" scale when searching our "vmteamchallengewood" treasuries created using the "Geometry" theme. Try to get yours on the list by:
*tweeting your treasury FREQUENTLY
*post it on your facebook page
*post it on your blog
*contact each seller you included in your treasury so that they view it and leave a comment

~VMTeam~

Wednesday, October 13, 2010

Meet the Members of Vintage Market Team- Ismoyo of Ismoyo


1- Tell us a bit about you?

I'm Ismoyo Green, people call me Issey. Born and raised in Amsterdam and moved to NY a couple of years ago. Married to my Love who lets me bring in way too much cute and pretty vintage items!

My first treasure hunts were playing over at my grandparents houses. I could watch time tick away on the travel alarm clocks of my grandfather. Play with all the pretty figurines in my grandmother's house. And breakfast always tasted better when eaten from the fifties dinnerware at my other grandma.

In my teens, my friends were always laughing when i used to tell them "Don't throw that away, it might be worth something later!". I would inspect everything that looked anything close to a collectible!

2- What do you sell?

I started out on Etsy as a handmade artist a couple of years ago. During that time i also published a craft book, "100 applique motifs". I loved being a crafter, but while craft supplies were taking over my work room, so were my vintage items taking over the entire house! It started out as just putting a couple of vintage items for sale to de-clutter a bit, but quickly my whole shop turned vintage. I try to only sell items I love myself, let my shop be a reflection of me. So what is in there? All things cute and pretty from the 1950’s to the 1970’s. Home décor, figurines, kitchenware, toys, childrens books, those sort of things.

3- Favorite decade for vintage?

My eye goes to the designs of the fifties, the happiness of the sixties and the colors of the seventies.

4- Favorite vintage item you own? Or regret having sold in the past?

I have a couple of vintage collections that I wouldn’t want to part with ever. Like my huge big eyed art collection. Our livingroom looks somewhat like a museum! And my rubber dolls, I might have sold a few to justify new purchases, but I will never part with the group.

And I have a thing for vintage childrens picture dictionaries. I used to do a lot of illustration work and still do from time to time, and these books are such inspirations to me!

I try not to regret anything I sell in my shop. But there was this sweet fuzzy haired Berrie figurine that I sold to one of my favorite customers a long time ago. Afterwards I thought I wouldn’t have mind keeping that. But then, one day, the thrifting gods were shining over me and I found a whole box of different early 1970s Berrie figurines! Including the one I had sold before!

5- Favorite item you are currently selling? And why?

This adorable vintage doll. She is too cute for her own good. Now that I’m looking at her again, I’m thinking that I might have to take her out of my shop again and keep her here! http://www.etsy.com/listing/48853364/cute-vintage-redhead-blue-eyed-baby-doll

6- Best advice for newbies?

Don’t underestimate the work that goes into building your business. And do your research. Try to enjoy doing research.

7- Favorite web sites? Or blogs? (Clickable links, please.)

Cathy of California for all the scans of vintage craft books: http://cathyofcalifornia.typepad.com/
Vintage childrens books my kid loves, if you love those illustrations as much as I do: http://www.vintagechildrensbooksmykidloves.com/
Thriftcore, Van is a sweetie who is obsessed with thrifting and shares tips and her scores: http://thriftview.blogspot.com/

8- Favorite movies? Or TV?

I love the old Ginger Rogers Fred Astaire movies, but I also like movies like Julie and Julia and 500 days of Summer. TV? Mad Men, of course. American Pickers, of course. I loved the Sopranos when it was still on. I also like shows like Top Chef, Project Runway and HGTV’s Design Star. But I won’t stay home for it.

9- Favorite music?

Can I plug? Have to say Gregg Green. Yes he’s my husband, but I really, really love his music. Would love it even if I didn’t know him personally.You can listen to a lot of his work on youtube http://www.youtube.com/user/gregoryggreen Plus his music brought me to Tokyo, which other musician did that for me?

10- Favorite books? Authors?

“The Earth’s Children” Series by Jean M. Auel, “The Alchemist” by Paulo Coelho and “Mutant Message Down Under” by Marlo Morgan.You will also find me reading those vintage mushy romance novels if I can’t get to sleep.

11- Where do you see yourself in ten years?

Probably still selling because I will probably still be buying and going on treasure hunts! But by that time hopefully with one or two kids running behind me.

12- What else should we know about you/ your business?

I love hazelnut iced coffee and Juniors Cheesecake.

13- List your (clickable) links.
http://www.etsy.com/shop/ismoyo
http://www.ismoyo.com
http://blog.ismoyo.com
http://www.twitter.com/ismoyo
http://http//www.facebook.com/ismoyosplayground
http://www.flickr.com/photos/ismoyo

Tuesday, October 12, 2010

Tuesday Tip ~ Week 31


White Spots
Here is a tip to remove white spots from mahogany wood pieces.
Spread a thick coat of Vaseline over the spot(s).
Let it stand for 48 hours.
Wipe clean.
(vmteam is not responsible for any damage caused by using this cleaning method)
Do you have any tips for caring for your vintage items? Send them to us and we will use it in an upcoming Tuesday Tip post.

Monday, October 11, 2010

Time to Vote: VM Team Treasury Challenge: Woodland


The promotion of woodland items is one of Etsy's big focus this month and the VMTeam did a great job creating treasuries around this theme! The top three are listed below. Don't forget to cast your vote for your favorite!
Cast your vote for your favorite of the three and that Etsy seller will get a shout out on our blog later this week! Voting is open until 5pm EST on Wednesday, October 13th!

WorldVintage:


funretro:

VirgosVintage:

Sunday, October 10, 2010

Treasury Challenge #5 ... Halloween.


Hi Everyone and welcome to the Vintage Market Team's newest Treasury Challenge! Challenges are great because they not only allow us to promote on another, but it also allows us to stretch our creativity a bit and have some fun!

The theme for this challenge will be "Halloween". This is keeping in line with Etsy, which is actively promoting this theme this month. The rules are simple for treasury challenges:

1- the treasury must be put in Treasury East during the week of the challenge
2- a link to your treasury must be reposted here in the comments section
3- your treasury must contain the tag "vmteamchallenge" AND "vmteamchallengeboo"
4- you must use 8-10 Vintage Market Team members' items (found using the search term "vmteam" under the vintage tab)
5- your treasury must contain a mix of handmade and vintage items
6- use must use the phrase "VMTeam Challenge" somewhere in your title
7- the treasury must not contain one of your own items

Have fun making these treasuries! And feel free to be as creative as you want with the theme!

Friday, October 8, 2010

Treasury Champ is....WorldVintage!!

Congratulations to WorldVintage! Her treasury was voted our FAVORITE treasury created for our Geometric treasury challenge! If you didn't see it the first time check out the photo below or click here to see the original treasury! Congratulations from all of us on the Vintage Market Team!



How did WorldVintage make the voter list? Her treasury ranked in the top three of Etsy's "hotness" scale when searching our "vmteamchallengegeo" treasuries created using the "Geometry" theme. Try to get yours on the list by:
*tweeting your treasury FREQUENTLY
*post it on your facebook page
*post it on your blog
*contact each seller you included in your treasury so that they view it and leave a comment

~VMTeam~

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