Vintage or Antique?

Fans of styles and collectibles from a bygone era may find themselves often stumped by the distinction of terms used to describe said items. Lately any and everything old has become all the rage. Recently popular television shows such as Mad Men, Boardwalk Empire, The Tudors, Game of Thrones, and a handful of others, have lent a sense of nostalgia and romanticism to the past. The same goes for movies such as Sherlock Holmes, Captain America, Immortals, Water for Elephants, Super 8, and The Help. Actresses and celebrities frequently walk the red carpet in vintage gowns. Songs and stories from the past are being retold and/or retooled. Rockabilly and swing-dancing sub-cultures are growing in number. "Old" Fashion, Music, Jewelry, Literature and Art are all enjoying an apparent resurgence.

So why the fascination with the past? Could it be its familiarity is somewhat comforting? Or is it something more? Could it be a new generation simply appreciating the fine handiwork of their predecessors? What causes the personal emotional connection so many of us feel for the old above the new?

One might argue the current popularity of antique and vintage trends goes hand in hand with the growth of the "green" or recycling movement. Shopping at flea markets, thrift stores, estate sales and auctions is very hip. Outlets such as Etsy.com and Ebay also make it easier to get our hands on those once elusive treasures. No longer is owning something "second-hand" considered undesirable (as in when "hand me downs" were the bane of all children). Re-using formerly owned items equates to reducing our demand for newly manufactured ones. That in turn results in lower expenses, pollution, transportation costs and so forth.

In an economy as rough as our current one, vintage or antique finds may sometimes be more affordable than their newer counterparts. There are definitely many which are not, and whose price might even shock you.

Some of these purchases could also be regarded as an investment or a hallmark of taste. Values may increase...you may find a "diamond in the rough"...meaning you can turn around and sell an item for much more than you originally paid. This sort of logic appeals to the "treasure hunter" in us all. Who amongst us has not wished we were as lucky as the latest "Antiques Roadshow" guest to discover that piece of supposed junk in their basement is actually worth a pretty penny?

So what should you know before buying and/or collecting that which is "old?" Here are some tips:

1. Antique generally refers to items 100 years or older. There can be some discrepancy or flexibility here...depending on the nature of the collectible itself. Ultimately, according to Webster's, it must be "made in an earlier time and appreciated for its beauty or rarity." Another frequent specification is that said item remains unaltered from its original state (where possible). An antique item may be found to have "most" of its original parts and still be desirable, but the more "complete" its state, generally the better in terms of value.

2. Vintage refers to anything not quite antique but from an era before the present. It should have an enduring appeal and may often be described as a "classic."

3. Collectible is defined as any object regarded as being of value or interest to a collector. You know, "Beauty is in the eye of the beholder" and all that. There are numerous types of collectibles.

4. Watch for creations dubbed vintage or antique "inspired"...these are NOT the "real thing"...but may bear a close resemblance. They may be newly created and then "distressed" or made to look older than they actually are. See also reproduction.

5. Antiquities are remains of art and everyday items which are in themselves considered ancient artifacts. These items are generally considered priceless and collected by museums, researchers or the very wealthy elite.

6. "Retro" is short for retrospective, and usually refers to something which IMITATES the style of a previous era.

7. A reproduction is a newly-made, but faithful copy of an older item.

8. Provenance, derived from the French for "to come from," means the chronology of an item's ownership or location. Often times the story of an item's history may increase its perceived value. Documentation may plan an important role in any collectible item's provenance.
9. Heirlooms are items passed down for generations through family members. They may be vintage OR antique. As with collectibles, the value is often increased and/or determined by the collector's sentimental attachment to the piece.



*Our team has four members who sell Vintage items on Etsy.com if you would like to check them out (our photos are from their online shops).

Top photo is from http://paperdiva.etsy.com


From http://AdornmentsbyKarla.etsy.com

From http://TheRecycledCatholic.etsy.com

From http://Bluegirlink.etsy.com

Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours!

The members of Etsy Team Columbus want to extend a heartfelt greeting to our friends, peers, neighbors, fans and patrons...we wish you a very safe and happy and bountiful Thanksgiving holiday.

Also, forgive us for mentioning, when your bellies are full, you've had enough excitement and are dreading the shopping crowds...consider staying in and doing your holiday shopping ONLINE! It's stress free and super easy. We are having a fabulous giveaway of several individually crafted items from our talented teammates. Purchase ANY item from ANY of the shops listed at right...then return here and say "this is me, this is what I bought and from whom"...you will automatically be entered in the prize drawing. It's so simple! Our previous blog post indicated the promotion would run 11/25 thru 11/28, but scratch that---we're kicking it off officially a day sooner, 11/24/11.

Got a fashionista on your shopping list? Might we suggest the gorgeous crocheted flower pin pictured above from http://TheDarkatHeart.etsy.com? It's sure to be to her liking!

How about a pumpkin onesie for one of the little pumpkins you know? This one was created by http://Hounddogdesigns.etsy.com

Gift ideas for the MUSIC fan

Who wouldn't love to own this magnificent piece of art by http://artisticflair.etsy.com ?

This graphic design was printed on vintage sheet music and is suitable for framing. Several other images are also available at http://adornmentsybkarla.etsy.com

This is the epitome of tasteful gift giving if you ask us! Consider this contemporary solid cherry wood music stand by http://Tarikyousef.etsy.com

These are just a small sampling of items from our members...by clicking on any of the shop names at right you can visit their online shops for many more wonderful HANDMADE or vintage creations.

Are you planning to take part in our Black Friday/Cyber Monday prize giveaway? See our post dated 11/19/11 for more details.

Gift ideas for TEACHERS

Everyone can use picture frames, right? This one from http://Tulaneroadpottery.etsy.com is especially nice.What about a classroom quilt? The teacher and her students can make a lasting project together. Found at http://Adornmentsbykarla.etsy.com

Candles are another great gift idea. We really love these natural soy ones with an evergreen forest scent. Pick one up at http://craftybynaturestudio.etsy.com

Isn't this just brilliant and super cute at the same time? It's a nameplate for that special teacher's desk...custom made from classic Scrabble tiles. Grab one at http://Barefootlake.etsy.com

Yummy! Pick up some cinnamon spice soap made from natural honey and beeswax at http://Honeyrunfarm.etsy.com

More Gift Ideas...

Today we are providing gift suggestions FOR THE HOME. Pictured above is a beautiful blue and white butter dish with lid. It and other pieces of glazed stoneware may be found at http://TulaneRoadPottery.etsy.com

Here we have a retro pattern lightswitch cover or plate by http://Melsclay.etsy.com

What a lovely piece of ceramic raku wall sculpture by http://Eclecticlay.etsy.com

I've got a crush on this cobalt blue serving bowl from http://Potteryheaven.etsy.com

Breathtaking is the only way to describe this original painting by Kathryn of http://Arteest.etsy.com

The colors in this precious lap quilt lend such a festive air! It can be found at http://Nevernotquilting.etsy.com

Gotta love the elegant curves and simple style of this Cantilever Coffee table by http://Tarikyousef.etsy.com

What a difference a sunny color can make when doing a mundane task, such as ironing. Brighten their day with this ironing board cover by http://Barefootlake.etsy.com

This upcycled wine cork board is ready to hang in any home or might double as a trivet. It features reclaimed barn wood and was created by http://Bluegirlink.etsy.com

Last, but definitely not least, a colorful pillow cover from http://Dontletsbesilly.etsy.com

Gift ideas for...

Leading up to the holidays, we decided to provide a few suggestions for our faithful followers who might be doing some gift shopping. The delicious honey you see pictured would be absolutely perfect for the FOODIE on your list. Find it and many other yummy gifts at http://honeyrunfarm.etsy.com

Know a BRIDE TO BE? We bet she'd love one of the personalized hangers offered by http://Originalbridalhanger.etsy.com

Got a CAT LOVER to shop for? Take a look at this glass art created by Deb of http://artisticflair.etsy.com

Stay tuned for MORE gift suggestions over the coming days! And please don't forget to enter our Black Friday/Cyber Monday prize giveaway. Details may be found in the post dated 11/19/11.

SUPER giveaway for Black Friday & Cyber Monday

Etsy Team Columbus is pleased to announce a giveaway for our fans who choose to shop with us Friday Nov 25th thru Monday Nov 28th 2011. Purchase anything from a shop listed at right during those four days, then come back to our blog and leave a comment here. Tell us what you purchased and from whom. We will compile all the information and randomly select winners for an assortment of prizes our artists have donated. Winners will be posted here and emailed for their shipping address. Here are just a few of the items we will give away. First, above, a gorgeous pair of earrings from http://shaterra.etsy.com. Check out her shop for truly lovely ceramic and wire wrapped beads and pendants.

Next, an Alice in Wonderland children's journal/scrapbook created from an upcycled Little Golden Book. Visit http://paperdiva.etsy.com for more similar items.

The lovely owl print you see here will also go to one lucky shopper! The digital image is printed on vintage sheet music and suitable for framing. If you like the concept of giving a "green" gift, visit http://AdornmentsbyKarla.etsy.com for an array of images offered on the same paper.

Art trivia of the day!

On this day in 1932 the Walt Disney Art School was created.

Please visit this website to learn more amount this great pioneer in animation:

http://www.justdisney.com/walt_disney/biography/long_bio.html

It's the busiest time of the year!

Greetings Art and Craft fans! We hope you are all enjoying the lovely fall weather and preparing for the upcoming holiday season. Members of our team are pleased to announce a handful of dates you'll want to mark on your calendar for stress free local shopping! If you value the unique, appreciate the care and attention which goes into handmade goods, and wish to support local businesses, we hope you'll plan to join us for one or more of these events.

On Thursday, December 1st, from 6 to 9pm, we are partnering with West Elm in the Easton Towne Center for a FREE make it and take it craft. We don't want to spoil the suprise, but it's a fabulous, fun project AND we're providing all the supplies you need. Just stop by the store during those hours---we would love to meet our blog readers. During this joint presentation, our artisans won't be selling their creations, just chatting and helping you discover your crafty side, as well as admire the cozy West Elm decor and merchandise!!!

Sunday, December 4th from 2 to 6pm, a select group of our members will reprise last year's successful holiday trunk show at Wild Goose Creative, 2491 Summit St in Columbus, OH. The interior brick walls and warm, welcoming vibe of this location really are perfect for a holiday celebration. Enjoy unobtrusive holiday tunes, snacks, socializing and a laid back shopping atmosphere. You'll love the selection of items we will have on hand for gift giving! Some of the Etsy shops represented will be: Blue Girl Ink, HevVin Designs, Arteest, Curl Girl Designs, The Painted House, Paper Pieces by Vicki, Adornments by Karla, and Designs by Shauna. Expect to find handbags, paintings, mixed media, jewelry, digital prints, pottery, mosaics, photography, stationery and much more!

Last, but not least, how would you like a peek inside a working art studio? Recently our members secured space in a building located in an area of town, Franklinton, which has been targeted for revitalization by the city. Thirty plus tenants in our building represent a sampling of the best working artists Central Ohio has to offer. ETC's particular piece of the pie is studio #105. Help us christen our new space during this special celebration on Saturday, Dec 10th, from 10am to 5pm in our digs at 400 West Rich St. The event is called FESTIVUS. We'll have cookies and a free make it/take it project for visitors. All are welcome. You can even shop if you are so inclined...as our members will have artwork and handmade creations hanging on the walls and displayed on the table tops. Walk through the building meeting our neighbors and browsing through their studios too. Members of local collectives such as ABX and Cap City Creatives will be on hand. The Columbus Artmobile will have a children's art table set up and there will be a food truck on hand to satisfy your more serious munchies.

Finally...on the same day, our team is pulling "double duty" as several of us will have works displayed at CS Gallery in Olde Towne East during their Holiday Extravaganza and Merry Kitch-mas events. The fun begins at 11am and goes until 8pm. Address is 66 Parsons Ave. We greatly enjoy the ongoing working relationship we have with the gallery and hope you will become a regular patron and/or fan of this locally-owned venue as it provides a wonderful place for artists and the public to connect.

This day in art history...

Did you know that on this day in 1929 The NYC Museum of Modern Art (MOMA) opened?

Use this link to discover more about the facility today:

http://www.moma.org

Etsy Team Columbus Holiday Trunk Show!

Holiday shop with us! Shop Local! 
Join us for the 2nd 
Etsy Team Columbus 
Holiday Trunk Show 
at Wild Goose Creative!

Etsy Team Columbus members will feature handmade items including Artwork, Jewelry, Handbags, Mosaics, Pottery and more handcrafted items from Artisans in Central Ohio!

Proceeds will benefit the Wild Goose Creative

ETC Trunk Show

Sunday, December 4th, 2-6pm

at Wild Goose Creative at 2491 Summit Street

ETC Holiday Show will feature:

BlueGirlInk

Adornments by Karla

Paper Pieces by Vicki

Hevvin Designs

Designs by Shauna

Arteest

Painted House & More

Upcycled & Upcorked

See you there!