Mercantile Minutes

  Hi Everyone! Let me begin by wishing all of you a very Happy New Year!  Wow, did 2021 fly by or what?!?  I pray wonderful blessings for each and every one of you in 2022! Now let's talk some plastics, vintage plastic jewelry that is.  When I opened my vintage Etsy shop in the Summer of 2013 I knew nothing about vintage jewelry.  I am still no expert by any means, but I have learned a few things in the past 8.5 years.  I have also discovered the plastics are some of my favorite pieces.  I think it is the bright colors mixed with the variety.  From bakelite to lucite to figural pieces, it has definitely found a warm spot in my heart. In my Etsy shop, The Velvet Flea, you can find a nice variety of lovely and fun vintage plastic pieces.  I usually always have some Bakelite and Lucite pieces hanging out, along with some other interesting and unique items.  If you are a collector, or know one, you will definitely find something to love....

  Hi Everyone, Hope you are all doing amazing and having a very blessed Christmas. I have been crafting quite a bit.  I am about 80% finished with a December Junk Journal Challenge I am participating in for DearJulieJulie.  Julie has challenges every month and you can find her on YouTube and Facebook.  All of her monthly challenges result in you completing at least one junk journal, sometimes multiple. I have completed my journal, it is now listed in my Etsy shop for sale.  It is a grungy fairy journal that I just loved working on.  It has some great colors, textures, and mixed media. My completed Grungy Fairy Junk Journal.  There is a completed flip through video on my YT channel (Tonya Lea), and it is also available for sale in my Etsy shop. I am now trying to complete the remaining items in the challenge.  I have worked on cards, envelopes, fabric, book pages, and so much more to finish bases for journal embellishments.   We are havin...

Hello Everyone, Can you believe it is already December??  Where did 2021 go, for real?!?! The new year is right around the corner, and I am planning to participate in a new project being hosted by Rachel and Sara of Roxy’s Creations.  You can find them on YouTube and Instagram.  This project is called the Journal of Stitchery.  Rachel, Sara, and their Mother all love sewing and slow stitch and embroidery.  This project will end with a journal of slow stitched and embroidered pages.  What fun will this be?!  I am excited to participate. One of the first tasks to do was picking a book that will be the actual journal for the pages.   I have chosen this gorgeous antique Victorian photo album.  It is stunning. I bought this album about a year ago at an estate sale, I just fell in love with it.  I have been trying to figure out what to do with it since it is in pretty rough shape on the inside.  I am hoping it will work out lovely for thi...