Fall in LOVE with Vintage... And the VMTEAM!

Make an on-line slideshow at www.OneTrueMedia.com

Love is in the air! Valentine's Day is just around the corner and we want you to Fall in LOVE with Vintage... And the VMTEAM.

Over thirty participating stores, just search under"vintage" for "VMTEAMLOVE". Or click here to see the fabulous offerings. Remember, each member sets their own discounts and terms, so see shop announcements for details.

Sale runs from February 1st through the 14th, so don't delay- buy vintage today! XOXO

Treasury Challenge # 20 Old Fashioned Romance, 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 "Old Fashion Romance".  Love is in the air!

AND THE RULES HAVE CHANGED A BIT!

Now the winner of the previous weeks' treasury challenge will have one of their items picked to be included in this week's treasuries! Last week's snow winner was Indoor Games for Icy Conditions by RetroTrend  All entries must include this 1960s Pucci slip  from RetroTrend.

The rules:
1- Follow our blog!

2- Link back this blog post in your treasury comments. This helps others find the challenge and enter.

3- Add your treasury to the linky so visitors can find it easily.

4- Your treasury must contain the item shown above, in one of the first three rows.

5- Tour treasury must contain the tags "vmteamchallenge", "vmteamchallengeromance" and "etsyteamtreasury".

6- When tweeting your treasury, use the hashtags #EtsyTeamTreasury and #VMTEAM .

7- You must include at least 8 Vintage Market Team members' items (found using the search term "vmteam" under the vintage tab).

8- Your treasury must contain a mix of handmade and vintage items - AND NOT ONE OF YOUR 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 Soldes Challenge!

We have three great treasuries to choose from this week

SOLDES SALE by AmysOldSchool

All on Sale and Beautiful by ThreeOldKeys

A Hint of Color by TheLogChateau

Friday Photo Tips from Amy'sOldSchool

CRITIQUE TIME!

Let me preface this by saying the following photos I'm using in the critique below are not VMTeam members and I am not going to tell who the shop owners are in order to avoid embarrassing anyone! However, all of these photos are from current listings on Etsy!

LIGHTING LIGHTING LIGHTING 

Why put Lighting 3 times above, you ask? Because, lighting can't be overstated! The above image is an extreme example of an image that is way too dark. But, the below image is just a bit to dark and this person paid $7 to feature this item! With a slight investment both of these images could be fixed without the use of Photoshop. 

Go to your local hardware store and pick up 2-3 metal clamp lights which cost $3-6 each, and buy a light bulb that is a bit diffused, not a bright florescent, and two extension cords. Then clamp one light on the back of a folding chair on the right and one on the back of a folding chair to the left of the items. Adjust the distance from your subject either closer or farther away to see what your shadow situation looks like. Now, place yourself in between the lights, be sure not to stand in front of them or your shadow will loom across your subject. 

ADOBE PHOTOSHOP ELEMENTS

If you have a bit more money to invest you can pick up  Adobe Photoshop Elements for as little as $66 online! This program allows you to adjust things like lighting if you didn't capture your image perfectly. 

I did one simple adjustment to both of the photos- which took less than one minute. I opened them both up in my Photoshop Elements program and  clicked the "Enhance" button and then the "Auto Smart Fix" and the program adjusted the lighting automatically. Now neither image is perfect yet, but they are improved. Except now we see that the little figurine is sitting on a dirty counter! 

But, that brings us to another topic for another day, Attention to detail. What is in the background of your image? 

*Thanks to Amy'sOldSchool for another awesome Friday Photo Tip! You can follow her on Twitter, and on Facebook.

Let's Peek into the Shops of VMTEAM Members... AuntBonnie'sCloset

I've got a crush on these sweet etched glasses from AuntBonnie'sCloset. Three great colors, and a nice addition to any barware or juice glass collection.

Thirsting for more? We'll be back next Wednesday with new picks! XOXO- retrotrend

P.S.- SOLDES is going strong, with over 1,200 items on sale. Check individual shop terms for details.

Tuesday Tip 2011, Week 2

Washing an Old Quilt

When cleaning an old, fragile quilt, place a bed sheet on the bottom of your bathtub to rest the quilt on. Soak with your favorite detergent for at least 6 hours. Do not agitate. Let dirty water drain.

Fill tub again and soak overnight. Rinse, Rinse, Rinse. Use the sheet to lift the quilt to prevent the fabric from tearing. You'll need lots of towels.

Place quilt between towels while pressing to transfer some of the water. On a bright, warm sunny day, gently place outside on the lawn to dry.

This great tip was submitted by VMTeam Member Vintagelinens.

We're always looking for ways to take care of our precious vintage objects.  Share your methods for cleaning, stain removal, storage, protection, etc.  Submit your tips to ThreeOldKeys, and we'll use them in future Tuesday Tips.

VMTeam cannot be responsible for any damage caused by cleaning suggestions    shared here.

Treasury Challenge # 19 . Soldes, 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 "Soldes". This theme promotes sale items.


AND THE RULES HAVE CHANGED A BIT!


Now the winner of the previous weeks' treasury challenge will have one of their items picked to be included in this week's treasuries! Last week's snow winner was White Out by VirgosVintage!  All entries must include Half off Sale Vintage Sarah Coventry Earrings from VirgosVintage

   



1- Follow our blog!


2- Link back this blog post in your treasury comments. This helps others find the challenge and enter.


3- The treasury must be put in Treasury East during the week of the challenge.


4- Add your treasury to the linky so visitors can find it easily.


5- Your treasury must contain the item shown above, in one of the first three rows.


6- Tour treasury must contain the tags "vmteamchallenge", "vmteamchallengesoldes" and "etsyteamtreasury".


7- When tweeting your treasury, use the hashtags #EtsyTeamTreasury and #VMTEAM .


8- You must include at least 8 Vintage Market Team members' items (found using the search term "vmteam" under the vintage tab).


9- Your treasury must contain a mix of handmade and vintage items.


10- The treasury must NOT contain one of your own items.


11- Submissions are due by Friday at 9 pm EST.


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 Winter Sports Challenge!

We have three great treasuries to choose from this week

Fashionable Skates by LucyandEthel

The Home Team by ThreeOldKeys

Indoor Games for Icy Conditions by RetroTrend



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Friday Photo Tips from Amy'sOldSchool

Last week I talked about how you can create a recognizable "brand" to your shop by using a unique color to your background, a few select recognizable models and/or specializing in a few select items. If you missed this and would like to read it HERE is the link. 

Anyone can take a photo of a What's-it but creating an image of a What's-it that is interesting and draws people in is completely another story. There are some techniques you can draw upon that will add that extra  touch that will help your customer base grow. 

STILL LIFE

Vintage Flexo GMI Drafting Desk Lamp by: Lisa B Retro Style

A still life takes this from an image of a light to a STORY of a person who has been reading under this lamp and has taken off their glasses and stepped away for something. It only takes a few extra minutes to add plants, flowers, books or other interesting items to create a still life that shows viewers what this would look like in their house. The added effort shows and gives the customer confidence that this shop owner has attention to detail and will treat them in the same manner. 

SPLIT IMAGE

Vintage 1960s Brown Wool Tweed Day Dress with Matching Tweed and Knit Cropped Bolero Jacket by: Pineapple Mint

Making your first image a split one gives the customer the ability to see multiple perspectives of an outfit. In this example we can see a close up of the color and pattern next to an overall view. This is a great technique for giving more information quickly. People often scan through a page of items for sale and this gives you two images for the price of one. Doubling your photographic benefit is a great technique to use for clothing. 

ANGLE

Vintage Electric Smith Corona Electra 120 Gray By: Sarah Anntiques

Angling your item rather than using a straight forward image is often much more visually interesting.  This draws the eye into the image rather than "plopping" it in front of you.  Compare the above angled image which Sarah used for her first image compared to the straight on one.

Both  show a really cool typewriter but the first one  has more depth and interest to it.  Certainly use straight images in your remaining photos but consider using one on an angle for you  primary choice. 

CROP

Vintage Ingrid Red Picnic Ball with Nesting Dishes By:  Rutabaga Six

The tight crop of the above picnic ball creates intrigue by only illuminating part of the item leaving the customer wanting more and drawing them in to click. When I see only a part of this item the first thing I think is "what a fabulous red!" the second thing I think is "what is that?" Sometimes only giving part of the story is better, a teaser. If you have an item with a unique color, pattern  or shape consider using a cropped image that only shows part of your item as your first image. 

Take a look at your images and consider using some of these techniques in the future to create more dynamic photos! This will help draw people in which will in turn translate to more sales! 

 Ask your team friends to critique your images. We all have areas we can improve and our team is a great support system for this! 

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

Love ballet? These tiny dancers from AtticRat would be perfect as cake toppers (Ummm, cake.), as earrings or part of a collage necklace, tied to gift ribbon or hung on the Christmas tree. If ballet isn't your thing, there are found objects galore to browse through.

Tuesday Tip 2011, Week 1

Beware the Dishwasher!

We all come across vintage dishware that has lost its color. The bright red Pyrex dish is now a dull orange ...      or the vivid cartoon character glass has faded to pastels.

Blame it on hot water and harsh dishwasher detergents! If a glass or ceramic piece has the design or color applied to its surface, take the time to wash it by hand.

VM Team members are always looking for ways to take care of our precious vintage objects.  Share your methods for cleaning, stain removal, storage, protection, etc.  Submit your tips to ThreeOldKeys and we'll use them in future Tuesday Tips.

Treasury Challenge # 18... Winter Sports (AND NEW TERMS!), 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 "Winter Sports". This theme celebrates cold weather activities.

AND THE RULES HAVE CHANGED A BIT!

Now the winner of the previous weeks' treasury challenge will have one of their items picked to be included in this week's treasuries!  Last week's winter romance winner was Amys Old School!  All entries must include 1974 Bowl and Score Game from AmysOldSchool

1- Follow our blog!

2- Link back this blog post in your treasury comments. This helps others find the challenge and enter.

3- The treasury must be put in Treasury East during the week of the challenge.

4- Add your treasury to the linky so visitors can find it easily.

5- Your treasury must contain the item shown above, in one of the first three rows.

6- Tour treasury must contain the tags "vmteamchallenge", "vmteamchallengesports" and "etsyteamtreasury".

7- When tweeting your treasury, use the hashtags #EtsyTeamTreasury and #VMTEAM .

8- You must include at least 8 Vintage Market Team members' items (found using the search term "vmteam" under the vintage tab).

9- Your treasury must contain a mix of handmade and vintage items.

10- The treasury must NOT contain one of your own items.

11- Submissions are due by Friday at 9 pm EST.

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 Snow Challenge!
We have three great treasuries to choose from this week!

Pure White by AmysOldSchool

White Out by VirgosVintage

Apres Ski by LucyandEthel



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Friday Photo Tips from Amy'sOldSchool

Are there any Etsy sellers you recognize simply by seeing a photo? I can think a some VMTeam members who I immediately know without looking at their shop name! Why does this even matter you ask? 

Recognition is a great way to market your "brand". We are a band of treasure hunters who wear many hats. We are purchasers, photographers, shippers and marketers to name a few. Recognition will help the people who love what you sell see you quickly as they search. There are many ways to stand out in the crowd that is the vintage category on Etsy. Here are a few of them: 

COLOR

Blocks By: JHerrmann

JHermann always photographs against this striking blue wall. This is a unique color that really pops off the page. It is bright and vibrant which helps pull people in and see what else is in the shop. I see this blue wall and I know for a fact it is a JHerrmann item! 

 

MODELS

   dress by: Jojos Retro and Vintage

Jojo often uses the same fabulous model for showing off her great vintage clothes. Using the same few models helps create consistency which will help people remember you. When I see this model I immediately know who is selling this item. Who wouldn't want to buy this dress?

SPECIALIZE

Camera by: Falcon and Finch

One other way to create recognition is to specialize in a few items. Falcon and Finch specializes in cameras and silver. She has some other items but her main focus is on these main items. This helps create a following of people who like to collect the same things. 

In order to become recognizable by a photo alone you can use any one or a combination of these three suggested techniques of using an interesting color for a background, having just a few select models and/or specializing in a few distinct items!  Go to your favorite sellers and take a mental note of what technique they use and see what you can incorporate into creating your own "Brand" of vintage! Etsy is a leading trend setter and it can be challenging to stand out from the crowd but these three techniques can help! 

Other ways to help draw people into your shop on a photograph alone include lighting, creating a story with your picture and cropping to name a few but that is for another day! 

Many thanks to Amy'sOldSchool for these great hints! You can follow her on Twitter and Facebook. Looking forward to next week's Friday Photo Tips! - retrotrend

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

I'm utterly charmed by this bracelet from ArtistiekEndeavors! Lovely costume jewelry abounds in this great shop. If you're snowed in or looking for a little sparkle, check out this shop.

Have a great Humpday and rest of the week! - retrotrend

Treasury Challenge # 17 - Snow!, 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 "Snow".   This theme celebrates all thing snow and ice!  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 "vmteamchallengesnow"

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 Snow 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 Winter Romance!

We have three great treasuries to choose from this week!

Winter Wedding by AmysOldSchool

Blue Wedding by WorldVintageBooks

Winter Romance by VintageMarbles


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Winner Announced!  Resolution Challenge!

New Year's Resolution - Weight Loss! by JojosRetroandVintage

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

I'm in love with this super- MOD dress, from the lovely ArtDecoDame. The blod and bright florals scream summer! Her shop has a wonderful mix of clothing and accessories, including some killer items for gents.

Have a great first week of 2011!- retrotrend

Treasury Challenge # 16 - Winter Romance, 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 "Winter Romance".   This theme celebrates winter romance and winter weddings  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 "vmteamchallengewinterromance"

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 Winter Romance 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 two great treasuries to choose from this week!  

New Year's Resolution Weight Loss! by JojosRetroandVintage


To Diet or Not to Diet That is the Question by VintageMarbles


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Winners Announced!  Under the Tree Challenge!

Personal Gifts for Under the Tree by VirgosVintage


In On and Under the Tree by VintageMarbles