A Peek Inside Haus Proud HQ

Last week when I was staging I realized the only thing that would work in this one nook was a mirror that was back at Haus Proud headquarters. I dragged my client back to see if there was anything we wanted to pilfer from the shop. She took a good long look around and said "boy, I would love to organize all this stuff". Not exactly the image I was hoping to portray. But to be fair, I usually conduct my business online. Anyway, it spurred a cleaning jag. I've only tackled a small corner, but thought I would share some photos.

I have always wondered how other vintage sellers keep their merchandise and would love a peek into their worlds. Figured I would be brave and share mine. You can see more pics here:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/57321574@N08/sets/72157627465391720/

And, yes, most of the stuff is not yet listed! If anyone wants to come and babysit the girls, I will get right on listing new items in the shop.

Funny

Once upon a time, I held down a rather corporate, 9-5 kinda job. I was really good at it but I wasn't happy. I would fantasize about getting pregnant so I could realize my dream of being a stay at home mom. I was determined to keep popping them out to secure my place at home forever.

And then it happened. The work vacay I had been dreaming of! I was pregnant! I worked until two weeks before my due date / Christmas. (Yes, I was due on Christmas. Lamest due date ever.) Boom, kid born, let's get to vacation time. And I loved it. It was everything I had hoped it would be.

I have always been a thrift store / estate sale / garage sale / vintage shopper. Adelaide would accompany me on my many trips to the local thrift stores. I would often find amazing things and would limit myself for fear of becoming a hoarder. One day there was a desk for sale. It was beautiful. Finished on both sides with little shelves for display on the back side. It was the most beautiful thing I had ever seen. It wouldn't work for my office, but I didn't care. It was coming home with me. I cleaned it up and sold it on Craigslist the next day. I made a little bit of pocket money on my find and the girl who bought it from me was ecstatic about her new desk. Haus Proud was born. My sister turned me on to Etsy and I knew it was a fit. I started listing stuff and sold a tea set in the first half hour as a shop.

Things have come a long way from that first desk. I even popped out another kid! I was thinking about how hectic my life is and wishing I had more time to devote to Haus Proud (and my poor, neglected blog), and it dawned on me. I now have a job that I love. I love it so much that I try to fit in time to work in my already overstuffed days. I photograph during nap time and try to list new items after the kids go to sleep. As always, I drag the kids on shopping excursions. It's been tough to balance it all, but so worth it. Go figure.

Etsy LA Meet Up

Etsy hosted a poolside meet up at the Figueroa Hotel in downtown last night. I had been looking forward to it all week. I was kind of nervous about walking into a place where I didn't know anyone, but the Etsy admin immediately welcomed me and set my mind at ease. What was I worried about? From all the Etsy encounters I have had in the past did I really think the people at the meet up wouldn't be just as awesome??? They totally were. I fell instantly in love with all the Etsy staff. Christina was so easy to chat with and super interesting (if you ever come visit again I would love to take you estate sale-ing!), Morgan gave me my most interesting bit of rugby trivia, Randy was the adorable guy in glasses that became even more adorable when he admitted to playing Dance Dance Revolution in the arcades and I have a full on girl crush on Vanessa (you have the prettiest eyes!). And the Etsy sellers were every bit as nice. I put together a quick sampling from their shops. I love that everyone is so different. Hoping to make it to the Renegade Craft Fair today to see some of their stuff in person.

Vintage Enameled Unicorn Metal Decorative Plate

Beveled Bottom Circular Bowl

Lumberjack Saw Earrings

Embroidered His and Hers Glasses- 2 Towel Set

Cyclone- Coney Island

Squid Linens - chartreuse yellow - set of two

LAS SANDIAS - ORIGINAL PAINTING (8 x 10 inches)

Reversible Fabric Coasters set of 4

Fruit - Nature's Art

Besides being tasty and good for you, fruit can also serve as a beautiful display in your kitchen. Cheaper than a dozen roses, a dozen lemons in a clear glass container make a bold display. Artichokes in a wooden bowl make for a graphic one. For something a little more romantic, drape grapes over the edge of a bowl. Here is my current vignette on top of my microwave. It changes based on what looks good when we hit the produce aisle.



I suggest using bowls of varying height to create visual interest in your display. I am head over heels for chunky, vintage wooden bowls. Look for pedestal bowls as well shorter ones. Don't be afraid to incorporate different shapes. Milk glass, clear glass and enamel bowls all work well.

The easy part? Buy some delicious fruit! Pineapples, citrus fruits, apples and bananas all pack visual punch, especially when used en mass. Just remember to remove all those little stickers before displaying.

Here are a few bowls that would make great display vessels!

mymilkglassshop

jenny penny vintage

ethanollie

austinmodern