Tuesday, November 16, 2010

The Pita* Factor

Do you buy or sell on etsy.com?  I do both, especially at this time of year. In fact, I just bought some vegan lip tint from an etsy seller. My first handmade cosmetics purchase.

Not a vegan, btw.

For selling, I have two separate shops, one for things I make and one for things I find

When I'm out thrifting and yard sale-ing for vintage items to resell online, one of my biggest considerations is "What's the pita* factor for shipping this thing?"

I tend to choose things that aren't too bulky, too breakable or too heavy for me to ship although one recent exception was this metal vintage Christmas tree stand. Iron or steel? Don't know. I do know it's really heavy and sturdy and practically indestructible.

I love its industrial / forgotten-in-a-barn look and its rusty patina -- it weighs 27 pounds which doesn't sound like all that much until the day comes when it sells and I have to lift it onto the post office counter to ship it. Assuming I can get it out of the car first.

I've also done a bit of vintage Christmas sewing recently ... here's a peek.

 { click to enlarge }

These pillows and stocking sachets were just listed in my things-I-make etsy shop, VintageHome

And I'd like to send a big thank you to everyone who's been so kind to email and ask about my vintage Christmas items, sewn and otherwise. 

Hope everyone's holiday planning is going smoothly! 

{ *pita = pain in the a**  }

22 comments:

  1. Oh YES....I can SO relate to the 'pita' factor....hahahahahaha....!!

    So GLAD to see your SWEET satchets have made it into your Etsy Shop....SO much so I'm popping off to do some Christmas shopping....!!

    Hope you're having a WONDERFUL week Lovey....!

    Cheers,
    Tamarah :o)

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  2. Love your creations, will go take a peek.
    Have a beautiful & blessed Thanksgiving holiday ~
    TTFN ~ Hugs, Marydon

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  3. Love all your stuff, Amy!
    My biggest problem is making up my mind!!

    ♥'s
    Sherry

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  4. This made me giggle. I am right there with you on the PITA factor. I have been known to leave items behind thinking, "there's no way I'll ever find a box big enough to ship that." Oh the boxes I have built to accomodate shipping needs.Your creations look awesome.Thanks for sharing.

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  5. I went to both shops..and looked at everything! WOW! Love the sweet little vintage reindeer and the pillows, stockings and tea towels you make are amazing! Just beautiful! Wish I had an Etsy gift card! lol Hugs! ♥

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  6. I have the most beautiful vintage tree stand with shooting stars on the legs. I use it on a table with a pillar candle in it and ALWAYS get compliments on it!

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  7. Jenny S - that's such a great idea! Thanks for sharing it :-)

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  8. Love the PITA factor! I really need to consider that more. :) Your shops look fantastic!

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  9. I've had a few pita items!! :) That cracks me up! Love the items you've been working on!

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  10. I really need the post office to make flat-rate boxes in every possible configuration - it would make my life so much easier. There are many things I don't buy for that very reason. I repeatedly walk away from those giant blow-mold Christmas displays because all I can think about is what a pita they would be to ship. Although when I see what people pay for them, maybe I should reconsider....

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  11. I too can relate to PITA. I live by that rule most of the time. I have left behind many a treasure because of the shipping hassle. And, like Barbara, I've constructed many boxes too. Only once in a blue moon do I bring it home anyway, and just say I'll deal with it later. I do know if I had a booth, I would never pass up any of those keepers, but alas, it is not to be.....for now.....Ciao, Maria

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  12. I don't sell on Etsy, but I do have a space in a shop and can totally relate to the pita factor. I love the phrase and have many items with a high pita factor sitting in my garage. I'm a slow learner. Love the sachets with the pine cones.
    Annette

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  13. LOVE your blog, and your pretty creations, I've been a fan for a couple years now. I especially enjoy your sense of humor...(pita),lol.

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  14. Oh, so that's what pita stands for. I was kinda waiting for a recipe of some sort! I love everything that you make, and I think you might be giving me the courage to cut up a few old tablecloths. Maybe.

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  15. Beautiful creations. I just love them all. They are so festive and vintage - what more could a girl ask for!

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  16. I too have passed purchasing some things because of their high shipping value...it just seems to be getting higher and higher...but it depends on the desirability of the item of course! Did I ever tell you that I am Diane's sister from Saturday Finds? Yes she lives in my hometown in California but I am here in Portland, OR! Have a lovely holiday! Happy Thanksgiving!

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  17. Pita.....Bahahahahahahahahaaa!

    That's why you don't find a lot of lamp shades in my shop anymore. They are the biggest pitas!!!!

    although, there was that mid-century teak settee I shipped once....on a greyhound bus.....

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  18. "pita", hahaha!

    Great to discover your shops and your blog! :-)

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  19. lol over pita! thanks for explaining. :)

    your handmade items are really sweet.

    xo
    elyse

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  20. Ha! PITA - never heard that term, but I'm going to shamelessly steal it and use it often.
    Hmmmm, shamelessly stealing your ideas...why am I having deja-vu?
    Your Christmas goodies are so pretty, Amy!

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  21. Hello, we are new to your blog. We are happy to have come across it! Your blog is filled with things we love! Your handmade items are so pretty!!

    Have a great weekend,
    Laura and Michele

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  22. My heart skips a beat every time I come over here and see what you are sewing :-> I Love vintage christmas linens. I wish I was a vintage christmas tablecloth.

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