RubyMeows was our second place winner in our Etsy treasury contest! You can view her winning treasury here.


Tell me a little about yourself....
"I grew up in the Wisconsin woods making dirt sandwiches, climbing trees and occasionally running dolls over with my bike. I was ecstatic to find an old junkyard in these woods and spent many days digging up old glass bottles and parts of Model T's. I've kept digging all these years and even though I've tried to ban myself from rummage sales and thrift stores, it's too much of an addiction."







How do you choose your products?
"I LOVE vintage trinkets, old books and records. I also enjoy saving old record album covers and children's books and upcycling them into "new to you" blank books. "

How did you get started selling on Etsy?
"Unfortunately, my house, which is really just a small fort, has become overrun and I'm starting to resemble a hoarder. Gasp! I thought starting an Etsy store would be a great way to clear out my stash and so Ruby Meow's was born. Sometimes it's hard to part with the silly little things I love but opening the store has been so fun. "

What is your inspiration?
"Having other people love the things I do, and paying me for them to boot, is awesome. I don't mind clearing out my treasure-trove a little bit when my things are going somewhere to be enjoyed....which is really all I'd like to accomplish with Ruby Meow's, to spread some joy! And well, not being a hoarder is nice as well."

You can check out more of RubyMeow's products in her fantastic Etsy shop here.

I just recently got the news that I am a hired full-time art teacher! I am quite excited (and a little nervous) and I can't believe I got this job so quickly. Not so long ago, when people asked what major I was and I told them "Art Ed" they practically laughed in my face. You have no idea how many "Oh, well good luck with that" or "Have fun trying to find a job" phrases I heard. Very rarely did anyone say, "Hey that's great! Good for you." and now I can sincerely thank those people that offered such encouragement. It was a long five years in college and I already miss some of it. But I am ready to go out into the real world and see how I fair!

Even though I am pretty much broke until my teaching contract begins, I have already been searching Etsy for those perfect vintage clothing pieces for the art teacher I am. I could raid my own vintage inventory, but I'd rather show off other Etsy finds from other vintage sellers! I've seen so much emerald green and goldenrod on the fashion runways, that I figured I'd choose these two as my Fall 2013 colors. So here we are...a collection from an art teacher's closet in goldenrod and emerald...

Hello lovelies!

About a month ago I went on a lovely weekend birthday vacation to a cabin way up north on Lake Superior. Many friends came along (not even minding the still five feet of snow on the ground due to the ignorant and rude winter of Minnesota). On our drive back from this great occasion, my sister and I stopped at this old barn antique store. As so often happens, I find several things I'd love to own, but find reasons to forgo such purchases such as lack of room, lack of space, lack of a place to put it, etc. However, on this day, I found something that truly spoke to me. I found a lovely 1920s print from the Minneapolis Tribune featuring work by Earl Christy. It had a 50% sticker attached to it with a sale price of $12. I fell in love, bought it as a birthday gift for myself, had it matted, and framed. 


I have recently moved into a world war II era house and have been in desparate want for something to do besides unpacking. Seriously...my house is currently a small cityscape of piled boxes and black trash bags that sends my mind reeling. My cats like it though.

Anyways, I decided I'd look for some 1920s/1930s inspiration for decorating my new home on Etsy...and boy did I find it! Check out some of these lovely decor pieces from Etsy sellers all over.

You will find new and delicious 1960s/70s gowns in the shop today! Check out these fantastic black satin vintage gown by designer Jonathan Logan! 

Jonathan Logan designed and manufactured a long line of young women's dresses-- usually classic and dressy. The company was founded in 1944 and ended in 1974.

A fan of Mad Men? Can you not picture Megan or Joan in this sizzling hot dress? I can. And it rocks. Pair this gorgeous 1960s black dress with a large flower brooch or pair of satin stilettos. You won't be sorry.

https://www.etsy.com/listing/151219271/1960s-black-cocktail-gown-jonathan-logan?ref=shop_home_active

As some of you know, I'm a 1960s girl at heart. I don't need rockabilly style or poodle skirts-- I need some die hard 1960s glamour! The 60s was a time of diversity in fashion. It was all about breaking tradition and moving forward. Hair saw all lengths from the Vidal Sassoon bob to the teased flowing locks of Jane Fonda.

The 1960s was the era of the mini skirt, pillbox hat, shift dress, and swing coats. Footwear brought on the go-go boot and patent leather or vinyl materials. The late 1960s was the age of the androgynous hippie fashion-- frayed bellbottoms, tie-dye, headbands, and peace signs. So here are some 1960s pieces (both vintage and handmade) that make my heart swoon.

This week's Get the Look featurette takes a look at geometric prints and shift style dresses. Shift dresses gained popularity in the 1960s due to celebrities such as Audrey Hepburn and Twiggy donning the mod look. Noted for the comfort and ability to be dressed up or down, shift dresses are making a comeback.

Tips: Pair with some sweater tights and riding boots for an overtly chic look!

Welcome to this week's seller showcase and it's ALL about Halloween. As many of you regular readers know, Halloween is my favorite holiday. There is something about splurging on a one-of-a-kind costume and eating endless amounts of candy. And watching horror movies is another thing I enjoy-- not the slasher, orange blood type movies but the genuinely "jump-out-of-your-seat" sort of flicks. As is typical of me, I am having a Halloween party this year. But this year I got smart...my party is being held Nov. 3rd. Why? To grab all the Halloween clearance. Yeah, told you I got smart. Who cares if it's November when I can get Halloween napkins for 75% off! BUT in the meantime, I'm shopping for Halloween party must-haves before they are all gone and you will find a large selection of all things Halloween below.