Jennifer HawkinsGrey Girl Designs
Website
Welcome to the Madcap Tip page! This page is dedicated to a featured shop from our Etsy team. I will be interviewing shop owners so we can all learn a bit more about each other and maybe share a helpful tip or two along the way.
I've featured artists of all kinds here on our blog, painters, jewelry makers, wood workers, photographers and seamstresses just to name a few. Etsy is also home to an array of vintage and antique sellers and I thought it was about time to introduce you to one! The featured shop for the month of February is Judy's shop, judygovintage.
judygovintage on Etsy
A resident of the Hudson Valley for the last 20 years, I was born and raised in NYC. As an artist, I was given free reign to wear whatever I wanted. Striving to stand out from the crowd, I think that is what attracted me to vintage even as a young student. Going well beyond trendy, if you can't afford to wear handmade clothing then vintage is a good way to make unique affordable.
 |
| Vintage 70s Nylon Shirt from judygovintage on Etsy |
When did you first become interested in vintage and antiques?
I was in high school, working at an antiquated bookstore with icons like "Screaming Mimi" thriving in the city when I first became enamored. I bought a low Victorian chair and an equally dated straw hat that caught the attention of quite a few antiquated gentlemen!
Where do you like to search for the vintage items you sell in your shop?
I tend to buy locally though my search area is ever expanding. Of course I shop at estate sales, yard sales and thrift stores but after opening up the brick & mortar in Tillson, NY, people came to me with items stashed away in their attics.
 |
| Brass Bunny Vintage 80s from judygovintage on Etsy |
How did you first find out about Etsy and decide to open an Etsy shop?
I found out about Etsy through an acquaintance who recommended it as a site to sell my art. I was slow to connect with it but have since found it to be my "niche" or "home" on the online world admittedly more for vintage than for my art. I decided to open the vintage shop because I consider my home as part of my ongoing canvas and thought I could share that vision.
What is your Madcap tip for finding success on Etsy?
Tips for Madcap success...Good PHOTOS and a decent amount of inventory. Comment on treasuries you're not featured in and of course, thank the curators for including your item in a treasury. Group support is an awesome thing!
 |
| Vintage 60s Long Black Leather Gloves from judygovintage on Etsy |
How do you get your items noticed and found on Etsy?
I always share my newly listed item with my team mates in appropriate threads. I even like to time it so that the member who just posted 23 seconds ago gets more time and I might look for another thread to use. I also think that if I can list three clothing items and one home decor item, then it opens the door for more potential customers.
 |
| Eero Aarnio Pastil Chairs 1968 Set of 2 from judygovintage on Etsy |
What was your favorite vintage find and why?
What was my favorite vintage find is a VERY tough question! I've been enjoying a set of late 1960’s Chromcraft dining chairs inspired by Knoll Saarinen at my dining table. They're lucite with swivel bases and they are comfortable!
Where can people find you?
People can find me on http://www.judygovintage.
Facebook: https://www.
Twitter: twitter.com/judygovintage
My brick & mortar is due to open in the spring in Tillson, NY!
 |
| Vintage 70s Overnight Bag from judygovintage on Etsy |
What hobbies do you enjoy in your free time?
I assemble mixed media collages in my spare time - though time is always a problem.
Any exciting future plans for your Etsy shop?
In the future I SO hope I can expand on the creative and include upcycled or hand painted repurposed vintage items. I'm inspired everyday when I see items given a new life on Etsy and hope to do the same one day.
I know what you mean, I love upcycled finds myself. Thank you so much for taking the time to let us all get to know you a bit better!
I'm glad you stopped by the It's a Madcap Life blog today! If you are interested in vintage clothing, rockabilly, boho and indie style clothes, cottage, rustic and industrial home decor and mid modern furniture then check out Judy's selections at judygovintage. I hope to see you back here in March to read about our next featured shop. Until next time...
Keep singing your Madcap songs!
Jennifer
