Friday, July 29, 2011

Thrifters Around the World: Marco From Italy and Amsterdam

14 comments

Italian expat Marco is a mod-obsessed thrifter who runs Mid Century Home. He loves "learning and discovering the mid-century modern design era and thrifting in Amsterdam and across Europe to share my findings with like-minded thrifters and design lovers."

After seeing photos of his thrifting adventures in beautiful Amsterdam, I had to ask him about thrifting in Italy, and all around Europe.

Tell us a little bit about yourself, Marco.

I'm an Italian expat who’s been living in Amsterdam for two and half years and loving the city so far.
I'm a mid-century modern design enthusiast -that's why I started my blog [Mid Century Home] - where I write about design, architecture, the designers of that amazing period and -of course- of my thrifting tours.

 
When and why did you start thrifting?

Without knowing it -I didn't know what 'thrifting' meant until one year ago- I started more or less 12 years ago. I used to go to a second hand store in my hometown, hunting for treasures: or as my mother would put it, ‘the weird stuff'.  

You're originally from Italy, did you thrift there? What was it like? (I lived in Naples, Italy for 4 years as a kid and miss it; there were no thrift stores, though!)

Well, in Italy, what are normally defined as thrift or consignment stores were not common until ten years ago. And still today only big cities have them.



I still go thrifting in Italy every time I have an opportunity and I especially love those fake baroque objects or amazing handcrafted early XIX Century furniture, nothing from the mid-century though.
 

(Van's Note: Oh, I remember those fake baroque objects!)

What cities have you thrifted in?

So far: Palermo -my hometown-, Rome , Berlin, London and Amsterdam; of course. 

[A beautiful summer market in Amsterdam. Imagine thrifting here!]

What do you think makes thrifting in Europe different from thrifting in North America?


I never thrifted in the US but I think people in Europe thrift having something specific in mind -something they need- rather than for the fun of collecting or looking for the design piece.

Also I believe that the kind of goods you can find are different. In Amsterdam it is really easy to find mid century German potteries for a few euros -for example- or handmade Scandinavian pieces...basically because we're in North Europe where these products were made and sold the most.


What is "thrifting" called in Amsterdam and in Italy? Any fun nicknames for thrifting?

Actually, even when I talk with my friends that I would call 'thrifters' they've no idea what thrifting means! :) I think is an American word only.

Here as in Italy, I never heard of a nickname to define 'us'.

Is there a large second-hand shopping/junking culture in Amsterdam and Italy? Is it seen as something dirty or something for low-income families?

In North Europe, in general, there is. Recycling has been part of North European culture for decades. For them the re-use is absolutely normal and socially accepted.


In Italy it is a little different. People who buy second hand objects -or take them from the street- are usually considered poor. Except for those who go to well known 'art markets' that are considered collectors. But as I told you, things are changing quickly, fortunately.

What are flea markets like in Amsterdam and Italy?

I don't see many differences between a big Italian flea market like Porta Portese in Rome or the Ij Hallen here in Amsterdam. Except that Porta Portese is weekly and the Ij Hallen monthly.

You can find a lot of rubbish in both of them but, as I said before, also local design gems. Everywhere, negotiating is a must! 


What are thrift stores like in Amsterdam and Italy?

Thrift stores in Amsterdam are more like your Salvation Army basically. People donate to the store the stuff that they don't want anymore and the store keeps the money. In Italy,instead, the stores I visited have more the structure of a consignment store. North Europeans are probably more generous.

Is there a large creative and crafting culture in Amsterdam and Italy?

Absolutely! Both the Italians and the Dutch are very creative people, albeit in different ways. The Dutch have a very long tradition in the design and art field and Italians…well you know :) 

You write about mid century design, who are your favorite mod designers?

That's a very difficult one! :D Even though I'm a fan of streamlined designs like the Le Corbusier or Walter Gropius ones - that were the inspiration of many mid-century designers- I really love Finn Juhl for the organic and sculptural forms of his pieces.  He was unconventional and brave. I like this kind of people.


What's your favorite thing to collect from thrift stores?

I'm addicted to lamps and German vases! But I'm forcing myself to stop buying them…my cellar is already packed and I keep changing my house decoration to have them around. My friends think I'm a bit weird.

(Van's Note: Such is the fate of a thrifter/collector! I think my friends are used to my weirdo collections now.)

Do you have a bad-ass collection of mid century modern treasures you've collected over the years?

Probably lamps, again. In my house there are more lamps than furniture probably…but at least I have the perfect atmosphere all the time ;) 


Marco's website Mid Century Home is all about "Sharing, learning and discovering the mid-century modern design era and its protagonists with other mid-century enthusiasts." You should check it out, I love the clean design fun photos, and accessible/conversational tone!

***

  If you would like to be featured in Thrifters Around the World, shoot me an e-mail.  I would love to interview you and chat about thrifting where you live.

Past Thrifters Around The World Interviews:
Daily thrifting updates, information, & Inspiration: Follow Thrift Core on Twitter and Facebook.

Thursday, July 28, 2011

Dumpster Diving Update: Inspiring You to Keep Digging

26 comments

It's been a while since I've updated you on my Dumpster Diving adventures! I don't dive often due to lack of time and space, but I fit in an impromptu dive last Friday with my pal Birdie. (Finds pictured above- excluding a vintage dining table!) I'm proud to encourage people to maximize our resources. I enjoy each kindred dumpster diving spirit I meet through this blog.

Most of my long-time best friends tolerate my eccentricities...but they all stop at the dumpster diving. They just will not join me even at the cleanest dumpsters behind tidy thrift stores.

That's the status quo, most people are above curbside hunting and trash picking. But that just leaves more for us, doesn't it?


Back in February when I wrote my Dumpster Diving Guide (Dumpster Diving Tips for the Uninitiated and Hopelessly Cheap) I received an inspiring e-mail from a Husband and Wife Lindsay and Matt (here's their blog). Matt said:
My wife subscribes to your blog and showed me your post on dumpster diving for food. I decided to give it a try and the past few nights have been a success. Thought I’d send a pic of our finds! Many things aren't even pictured! 

Behold the glorious photo of their dived bounty! I love being a sneaky little dumpster diving instigator. Yes, my friend, get thee to the trash for treasures! I'll share more of their finds in the next dumpster diving update, they've been hunting and finding wondrous goodies ever since they read my post.

(In Lindsay's last e-mail she told me: "We've gotten: a brand new carpet cleaner, new steam cleaner, a power washer, a brand new Little Tykes car for our 1 year old, tons of fresh flowers and plants, every fresh fruit and veggie you can think of, canned goods, cereal, and granola bars, soda, drinks...")

[ From Birdie's Life Journal Comic, The Haiku Life. Us at the Dumpster, finding goods! ]

Now that I've inspired you to check out the trash in your own areas, here's the tools of the trade:


  • Bright Flashlights: to easily see the goods in the dumpsters
  • Step ladder: for nonathletic shorties like myself to hop in and out of the dumpster.
  • Rainboots and Gloves: Makes dumpster diving less icky for the squeamish.
  • Sturdy Boxes: For your finds
  • Tool Box and Tools: For disassembling furniture if necessary. (I have a small car!)
  • Hand Sanitizer/Wipes: again, for the squeamish among us.
  • Box Cutter: For getting things open if necessary.

And Remember the important cardinal rules of diving:

  • Take what you want, but use what you take
  • Leave the area cleaner than when you arrived

What are your Dumpster Diving Tips and Questions? Any inspiring stories of your own to share?
Daily thrifting updates, information, & Inspiration: Follow Thrift Core on Twitter and Facebook.

Wednesday, July 27, 2011

Progress Report: What Creative Projects Are You Working On?

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I haven't slowed down all summer (as predicted in my Summer Business Goals post.) I'm busier than ever, yet my home remains relatively organized amid: working full-time, blogging, writing and marketing freelance, working on an art line, maintaining my antique store booth, thrifting, reselling, and then some!

I'm working on helpful creative business posts that will help you do it all; for now I wanted to share a quick creative biz progress report!


Creative Nights: Our Creativity Nights at 5 Points Coffee and Spice rage on. Last week we hosted two of them! Getting out of the house to draw and collaborate with my art buddies Nicole, Ed, and Birdie and others has helped me keep going with my art line. I love bouncing ideas off these guys and our silly chats about cartoons and video games, too!



Making Merch: As I alluded in a couple of Antique Store Wisdom posts, I made a big batch of grab bags to increase my booth sales. I'll write more details on it and  follow-up to let you know how they worked out soon!


Eating Right! After a final week of popcorn-dinners before rushing out the door for a meeting or errand, I finally made a healthy menu and went grocery shopping. I cooked a healthy breakfast, lunch, and dinner for three days in a row this week! (A milestone!)

[Webcam snapshots taken while waiting on a Skype meeting. Sketchbook ready for Creativity Night afterward. Busy, busy!]

I'm going to keep hitting it, tackling the monstrous to-do lists, reaching my goals, and getting ahead. I'll be back with specific helpful creative business tips, but until then, check out the posts from my Creative Business Month for help and inspiration.

[By the way, the first photo is of my brand new laptop. A friend gave it to me for free, it was just lying around at his work! Thrift Score of the year! Now I can be even more of a workaholic productive on-the-go. Always ask around before you buy something, a friend my have a spare that saves you hundreds!]

What Creative Projects are You Working On? How Do You Balance it all?
Daily thrifting updates, information, & Inspiration: Follow Thrift Core on Twitter and Facebook.

Tuesday, July 26, 2011

Huge Vintage Haul Giveaway from The Recycle-ista! (+ Reselling Tips!)

92 comments

Shannon is a vintage hunting extraordinaire that blogs at The Recycle-ista and resells quirky vintage housewares in her Etsy Shop Vyeshi. Today Shannon is offering a Giveaway for Thrift Core Readers that includes all of the vintage goodies pictured above!

[You can win it all: a 6-inch brass penguin figurine, a vintage sewing basket with assorted notions, a 1967 Betty Crocker Hostress First Edition Cookbook, and a Swedish Dala Horse Trivet!]

Details on how to win are below, but first, I had to probe Shannon and get her secrets on consistently making sales reselling vintage items on Etsy!

[Vintage Brass Alligator Decorative Figurine Paperweight only $12.00 from Vyeshi]

1)
When did you start thrifting and what keeps you inspired to hunt?


Right after high school, a Goodwill opened in my town. I couldn't believe the unique clothing I walked out with, for just a few bucks. It was over. I was a Thrifter from then on. I continue today..probably for the same reasons. The unique finds, the value, and like everyone else...the thrill of the hunt! The rush of walking into a yard sale or thrift store and wondering "What will I find today?"

[A Whale of a Brass Hook only $8.00 from Vyeshi]

2)
What story are you trying to tell with your Etsy shop Vyeshi?

I rewrote this answer 3 times, but I guess what it comes down to is that I find things that I like. And I'm just taking a gamble that other people will like them too. I want people to see the value in vintage things. Why buy disposable new junk when the old junk is better??

3) How do you balance working on the shop with your busy home and family life?

Ah..balance...the age-old dilemma. I still struggle. Working at home demands that you set limits.
Otherwise, it takes over. But it's also about taking advantage of any opportunity to work. I hit a thrift store while I'm running errands. I list a few items when my son is occupied with grandparents. Everyday has it's own pattern. But I love it. I love not working 9 to 5.

4) What are your top three tips for successful selling on Etsy?

Let's see...photos, photos, photos! Yes, photos are important. You need to catch people's attention on Etsy and they are a talented bunch of people. Use natural light whenever you can.

Spend time on Etsy, seeing what other people like and are selling. Quirky and kitschy sells well. If you see something out thrifting and you think "that's weird, but I kinda like it", chances are it will sell.

And this is nothing new, but it's true. Keep listing. It's true on every venue. People like selection. And they can't buy it if you don't list it!


5) How do you keep your stock of merchandise organized?

Ha! Organization. Another ongoing battle. Well, I like to enjoy my finds for a little while, so I try to display my favorites while I'm waiting for them to sell. Other than that, I use the ubiquitous reseller plastic bin system. I constantly remind myself (and my husband) that I'm not a hoarder if I'm willing to sell it all. :)


How to Enter and Win Vintage Goodies from The Recyclista!

The vintage goodies you'll win from the Recycle-ista includes:
a 6-inch brass penguin figurine, a vintage sewing basket with assorted notions, a 1967 Betty Crocker Hostess First Edition Cookbook, and a Swedish Dala Horse Trivet!

1.)
Shop Vyeshi, and select your favorite item.

2.) Leave a comment on this post telling me what your favorite item is!
3.) Make sure to include your e-mail so I can contact you if you win.
4.) Follow The Recycle-ista blog and leave a comment on on this post for an extra entry.
5.) Follow The Recyle-ista on Facebook and leave a comment on this post for an extra entry.
6.) Follow Thrift Core and leave a comment on this post for an extra entry.

Good Luck! You have until August 2, 2011 to enter for a chance to win vintage swag from The Recycle-ista! 

* The Recycle-ista is a Thrift Core Sponsor. Click Here to read more about becoming a Thrift Core Sponsor or contact me.
Daily thrifting updates, information, & Inspiration: Follow Thrift Core on Twitter and Facebook.

Giveaways, Advertise in August, and Thrift Core Updates

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It's already nearly August! I am not pleased! Busting my ass for June Business Goals and working just as hard for July has made delicious summer fly by! It's already time to let you know I have advertising space available for August!

You Should Sponsor Thrift Core, And Not Just Because There are Dinosaurs, and We Love Dinosaurs...

As a Thrift Core Sponsor you receive 24/7 Support and I'll design your advertising banner if you don't have one.  Remember, I make a living improving websites. A copywriting campaign I launched recently earned my employer well over $53,850 in three months. When I look at the numbers for July alone I've earned a client $9,900. My advice earns my employers thousands, and I'm giving it to you for free when you buy an ad on Thrift Core.

Simply send me an e-mail and we'll chat about what advertising plan is right for you!

Testimonials From Happy Sponsors:

" I've doubled my friends on Facebook in 3 days...yay! Your blog has been a real boost for traffic on the website, too!" 
-Jolene, JoRetro
"Sponsoring thriftcore has been a great experience, I've seen my traffic go up, and Van is the greatest host. When she says you can write her whenever if you have to ask something she's not lying. She will give you the attention she promises! I'm really happy since I've been working with her, and you will be too. Sponsoring thriftcore feels like your 2nd home!
-Cindy Lou, eLousions 
 "Thanks for being so easy to work with!" 
-Hillary, HGTV
"Van, you have been amazing every step of the way! I love being a part of this site and mostly and thankful for your friendship. You're awesome! :D"
         -Marcia, Art by Marcia Furman
"Because Van has such a dedicated readership that trusts her, there was no question that Thrift Core would be a natural and organic way to introduce our website."
         -Jessica Blackman, Krrb


I am responsive, friendly, and helpful. Just ask any of my sponsors, they'll back me up. :) 

By the way, on the Krrb Giveaway Winner: The winner of last Tuesday's Krrb Giveaway is a frequent Thrift Core commenter and fellow 80s-90s pop culture lover, Sir Thrift A Lot! Thank you for participating!

And About Giveaways.... I have Giveaways booked for every Tuesday for a few weeks. If you're interested in a Thrift Core Giveaway, contact me.  If you want to enter a Thrift Core Giveaway, just stop by and follow the rules every Tuesday!


Do you like the Giveaways? Any requests for future ones?
Daily thrifting updates, information, & Inspiration: Follow Thrift Core on Twitter and Facebook.

Monday, July 25, 2011

Thrift Haul: Robots, Owls, Dinosaurs and 50s Goodness

30 comments

I was so busy this weekend that I was only able to do a little bit of hunting at two flea markets. I still came home with a plethora of fun vintage kitchen accessories and toys. I've been avoiding thrift stores and hitting up the flea markets more and more, I've been finding more vintage at better prices!


After we all seemed to agree that owls were falling out of vogue, I avoided most owl objects this weekend. The one pictured above was an exception, it seemed unique (and large) enough to capture someone's attention in my antique store booth.


And then there were cute vintage plates, $1.00 for this set of two bird plates.


$1.00 for this pretty mod plate. I love the mod starbursts. (Salem Hop Scotch Turquoise)


$1.00 for this vintage pyrex casserole dish.


$1.00 for this groovy 60s tin file box. I love flea market pricing, It's been hard for me to make it back to a conventional Goodwill after the Flea Market!


A favorite find is this huge dinosaur print. It looks like something you'd see hanging in the kid's library section, discreetly displayed next to the shelf full of 5th grade biology books. I'm a sucker for vintage academic art, so it had to be mine! Now I just need my own study to hang it in! Perhaps next to a kitschy taxidermy T-Rex head. Or Giant dinosaur toys...


And I found another Megazord! To get an idea of the scale, you can see me posed with the first one here. The one on the left is the one I found this weekend. I love finding giant toys, they're getting harder to come by these days!

What did you find this weekend?

Daily thrifting updates, information, & Inspiration: Follow Thrift Core on Twitter and Facebook.

Friday, July 22, 2011

The Top 3 Trends in the Thrifting Community

17 comments

The thrift community is thriving. If feels like there have never been more television shows, websites, blogs, books, and social networks aimed at thrifting and living a frugal lifestyle. I love it, and I enjoy being in the middle of this movement as an accidental authority.

From someone who's right in the middle of the movement, here are the Top Trends in the Thrifting Community:

1. Thrift Presence on Social Media is Growing Exponentially

There are hundreds of blogs dedicated to thrifting across the globe, and more thrift blogs are created every day. Just like every other industry,  thrift and antique stores are trying to increase sales and reach a new audience by setting up social media accounts and being active in the online thrift community.

2. There are More Resellers Than Ever

Reselling is providing income for many who can't find it elsewhere in a slow job market. I've seen reselling provide better lives for families, I've also seen people flounder because they were misled, thinking it would be an easy way to make cash on the side.

Either way, there's competition internationally at thrift stores, yard sales, and estates sales with resellers trying to make money from anything and everything, not just antiques.

3. Thrift and Frugality is a Mainstream Media Fixture

Thrift stores and being frugal is being reported more and more in mainstream media. In the U.S., shows like Cash & Cari, Auction Hunters, American Pickers, Storage Wars, Picker Sisters and The Flea Man have popped up over the past couple of years; all tapping into America's innate love of vintage treasures and giving hope that there's easy money in reselling. 


I'm frequently asked about my opinion on this subject, so expect Thrifting Trends to become an ongoing discussion on Thrift Core. In the next post I'll go deeper into the trends and address some personal thrifting FAQs.

What are the top trends you're noticing in the thrift community?
Daily thrifting updates, information, & Inspiration: Follow Thrift Core on Twitter and Facebook.

Thursday, July 21, 2011

Antique Store Wisdom: Sales Trends and Surprises

16 comments

Last week I gave you an honest picture of my sales numbers at the antique store. This week I wanted to answer your questions about sales trends and surprises I've encountered over the months of selling at an antique store. Here goes:

How can I determine if my merchandise will sell?

1. Try to sell it, sometimes you have to take the leap and test it. Unexpected things will sell.
2. Look at it and ask yourself, is it something you would buy from an antique store?
3. Examine what sells in the antique store you want to set up shop in.
4. Ask the antique store owner what sells, ask them for their opinion of your merchandise.
5. Curate a "theme" to improve sales. (Shabby chic, industrial, kitschy, etc.)

What sells well for you personally?

1. Useful Items: like spice racks, tea pots, and cooking pots.
2. Animals: animal-shaped objects or items with animal printed on them sell quick!
3. Unique Kitsch: Unique art and kitschy items sell well for me.
4. My Art: Art from my past shows sells well here, they match my booth's playful aesthetic.
5. Patina: Metal objects with patina have sold quickly. People love that classic antique look.

What are sales trends that have surprised you?

1. Owls Don't Equal Sales: I've had owl items sit on the shelves for months, even after mark downs!
2. Record Flop: I haven't sold a single record. Maybe you need a big selection for these to move.


What have been your biggest individual sales?

Large Art Pieces. I sold two detailed fabric art pieces. One for $45 and one for $50. I price unique pieces higher when I feel sure that the right person will find it and pay more for its one-of-a-kind qualities.

Plans to Increase Sales Numbers: Remember, I'm scheming to increase sales. I'm producing art prints, original art, crafts, and grab bags that compliment the Thrift Core booth's playful style. In addition to keeping the shop stocked with a wide variety of interesting goodies, I think this will help me increase sales. I'll let you know what works!


What sales trends have you noticed while reselling? 

Past Antique Store Wisdom Posts:

[2/02/2011] Don't Underprice Your Items
[2/10/2011] Should You Rent a Booth at the Antique Store?
[2/16/2011] Stage Your Booth Like a Pro and Increase Sales 
[3/03/2011] The Answers to Your Antique Store Booth Questions
[5/03/2011] The Four Month Update (A Candid look at my Sales)
[5/11/2011] Finding the Best Antique Store
[6/02/2011] The Vintage Cabin's Expert Reselling Tips
[6/09/2011] 10 Action Steps to Improve Booth Sales, NOW!  
[6/07/2011] Antique Store Wisdom: The 6 Month Update
[7/14/2011]
A Frank Look at the Sales Numbers
Daily thrifting updates, information, & Inspiration: Follow Thrift Core on Twitter and Facebook.3

Wednesday, July 20, 2011

Sponsor Hello: The Heyday Shop's Lessons on Being Successful Yet Sane

5 comments

Katie Yang defies the norm for a creative professional. While the rest of lose in the battle against chaos, she succeeds while staying organized and balanced! Her vintage-inspired online store The Heyday shop has it all: flawless design, user-friendly features, quality photos and ample merchandise! (Plus a beautifully edited blog, Curating Cuteness.)

She consistently makes sales and simply kicks ass so I had to know, how does she do it all? Keep reading for her online retail success tips:

Tell us a little bit about yourself and The Heyday Shop, Katie!

Hi everyone! My name Katie and I run the The Heyday Shop, a craft supplies and handmade studio based in Taipei, Taiwan. I never was the crafty type growing up but something just clicked in me when I was introduced to the world of fabrics and handmade in the summer of 2008. I found out about Etsy on a blog, decided to set up shop in my junior year in college and never looked back since!

The Heyday Shop's Packing Supply section is perfect for resellers and crafters. I ordered Large and Small Clear Pockets, perfect for selling small antique odds and ends like buttons, cards,and jewelry.

What is your daily/weekly schedule like? I'm in awe of how you keep your blog and shop well-curated and updated!

I do not have designated work hours and my days involve a good mix of reading and replying [to] emails, blogging, packing orders, post office runs and creating. Sometimes when I'm on a roll, all I do is create - which is one of the best things about being in this business. I make it a point to not work during weekends (not always a success) to give myself time to enjoy things other than sewing and my computer!

How did you transition to working on The Heyday Shop full time?

I'm lucky in the sense that I realized that The Heyday Shop is what I want to do with my life before I graduated from college and with my parents' loving support, this has been my full-time job since graduation!


What advice for success can you offer to online shop owners?

While I wouldn't claim myself successful enough to offer advice, one of my strongest beliefs is to offer your customers the best (product and service) that you can. It does take a certain kind of courage to purchase from someone something you've never seen with your own eyes, I like my customers to be blown away by how well-made our products are or how seriously we take our business.

What are your top 3 tips for making sales on Etsy?

1. Great product photography and description (I can't emphasize this enough!)
2. List and renew generously for better exposure.
3. Have a sales occasionally, customers with smaller budgets who look forward to sales!

 One corner of Katie's colorful and organized apartment. 

You have a lot of stock in your shops, but live in a small apartment. How do you keep your stock organized?

That's how I stop myself from excess shopping! I try to keep the apartment as sparse as possible to give my stock a clean space.

What is the main inspiration for what you stock in The Heyday Shop?

I must admit, I follow my own aesthetics very closely when it comes to stocking the shop, handmade or commercial. I aspire to be a crafter and a curator, not so much a businesswoman, which definitely has its pitfalls at times!

Goodies I ordered from The Heyday Shop: Ocean Blue Seaside Tote (pictured) perfect for toting your sketchbook and art supplies.. and a Cloud Card Hugger for my business cards. Next, I'll get a Zipper Pouch! And maybe some fabric...

How do you stay motivated through the tough times of being a freelancer?

Take a break and enjoy life! When I started The Heyday Shop, I knew that while I have the luxury of my own time and passion, I had to work extra hard to make it work. I promised myself that the hard work must pay off in terms of happiness. When I find myself uninspired and lethargic, I don't force myself to work (like one would if you had a normal day job) until I feel inspired again!

Sponsor Discount: Use the code "THRIFTCORE" to get 15% off your order in The Heyday Shop! I love shopping the Sale and Packing Supply sections.


Photo from The Heyday Shop About page: "What first began as fascination as we strolled along the old markets full of beautiful fabrics and sewing supplies turned into a little hobby when we found Etsy."

Practical, yet difficult... Katie has provided us with a road map for being successful and sane as creative business owners. Don't buy too much to stay organized, don't work too much or you'll burn out, and provide the best quality service and products to keep customers coming back. Now I have to work on applying her lessons, especially the tip on taking breaks (and not beating myself up for it!)

Daily thrifting updates, information, & Inspiration: Follow Thrift Core on Twitter and Facebook.

Tuesday, July 19, 2011

Krrb Giveaway: Win $25 Worth of Thrift Core's Kitschy Goodies

58 comments

Last month I wrote about my Favorite Free Reselling Tools. Krrb was included for its innovative Krrb it button that lets you add your Etsy and Ebay listings to their website in seconds. I'm happy to announce that the folks at Krrb wanted to offer a lucky Thrift Core reader a $25.00 credit for the Thrift Core Krrb corner!

Here's How You Can Win a Playful Thrift Core Goodie:


1. Sign up for the Krrb Newsletter. You can use the link or the form below. (You'll receive excellent content: exclusive stories, how-tos, tips and news on the culture of secondhand, handmade and living locally.)








2. Leave a comment on this blog post letting me know you signed up for the Krrb newsletter.

3. You can get one extra entry if you follow Krrb (@krrbsale) on Twitter. Leave a comment on this post letting me know you followed them.


4. You can get one extra entry if you follow Thrift Core and leave a comment on this post letting me know you're a new follower.

5. The shipping limit for the item you choose is $10.



And
I'm going to toss in something fun and random for the winner. Will it be a doodle scribed by my insane paw? A bag of plastic spiders? A cool vintage book? Dinosaurs? All of the above? The winner will have to wait and see!

Good Luck: You have until July 26, 2011 to enter!

(By the way, the SassMouth Apron Giveaway winner hath been randomly chosen! Congratulations Miss Lou of eLousions!)

Fine Text Says: Nope. I'm Not paid to endorse Krrb. You can pay me if you want, though. Ad Space on Thrift Core is available.
Daily thrifting updates, information, & Inspiration: Follow Thrift Core on Twitter and Facebook.

Monday, July 18, 2011

Thrift Haul: Thrift Adventuring at the Flea Market

21 comments

This weekend I thrifted with my friends Nicole and Ed until we were thrift spent. Five hours later, Nicole and I gave in to exhaustion and went home to clean up our goods for our respective shops. It's not the grandest or longest thrift adventure I've ever had, but it was fun to plot with art friends about future shows and collaborations while hunting.


Oh, look what's back, the pedantic spreadsheet I started at the beginning of this year! This was driving me crazy so I stopped tracking each purchase I made for a couple of months. It's pretty exhausting when you make lots of tiny pocket-change purchases, but for the sake of knowing my true profits, this must continue!


And HELLO, beautiful and huge velvet boat art! Nicole spotted it first but didn't have enough space for them. Luckily I have some wall space in my bedroom, so this beautiful piece and the one below are mine now! You can see the one above is damaged so I'm not selling it yet. I might repair it and paint some cool Super Mario Brothers style ghosts over it per Ed's suggestion!


This huge piece is for sale if anyone's interested. It is crazy unique, nice shapes, gorgeous vintage frame, and moody and hell! E-mail me if you're interested and I'll give you a big discount from the antique store price.(It's in Southern Crossing antique mall right now.)


I got a sweet deal on stack of vintage cook books, too! 12 beautiful ones for $5. I'll have to dedicate post to the details in these, so many lovely recipes, but my favorite part of all these books are the illustrations within.


These two "for kids" cook books are my favorites, love the jaunty colors, illustrations, step-by-step guides, and cute animal shapes in some of the recipes.


I don't buy purses unless they're very unique. This large clutch is extremely soft and the geometric shapes are interesting. I'm sure someone will appreciate it and scoop it up from the antique store.


And isn't this sun tea jar amazing? I love making sun tea so I think I'm going to hang on to this one for now. Yum, iced mint tea...


So my work is cut out for me. I have plenty of books filled with beautiful vintage illustrations to read and admire and a few things to repair. I'm going to use these illustrations as my muse for a vintage inspired art line, among other things.

What did you find this weekend?

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