~•♥•~ This Weeks TOP SHOP ~•♥•~ Refined Retro

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TOP SHOP of the week is Refined Retro!

Here is a little bit about this fabulous shop...

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"When I opened Refined Retro I was working full time as a Kitchen and Bath Designer in my own little brick and mortar studio - Tableaux. My thought was to cull my collection of vintage jewelry in preparation for retirement. Then the economy took a turn for the worse and I watched in horror as my profession completely changed in the span of a year. If I was to stay in business I would have to become a contractor and "sell" labor in addition to my designs and custom cabinetry. It was time to take an early retirement and start anew."

"I have always embraced change. Like chapters in a book, my life has unfolded in a series of adventures and yes, misadventures! In the moment, my life seemed to just flow along but now I can look back and see very distinct beginnings and endings, so retiring was just a new chapter despite the pain and stress of closing my beloved Tableaux."

"Not long after I retired some friends invited me to a city-wide garage sale and I found so many amazing pieces of vintage jewelry that I realized the "new chapter" had already begun! I would expand Refined Retro and become a bona fide treasure hunter."

"My days are full of estate sales, flea markets, cleaning gunk, photography and chatting with customers. I am also lucky enough to travel the world with my husband and wherever we go I hunt for treasure. It's a good life!"
~ Nilene Thompson-Finn

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Calling all team members to visit, fav, and share this TOP SHOP!

~•♥•~ MAY Afternoon Tea TRADE EVENT ~•♥•~

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There are a few spots left for the MAY TRADE EVENT!

  This is a great way to shop without breaking the bank.

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More details OR to sign up ... visit here

~•♥•~ This Weeks TOP SHOP ~•♥•~ Piccadilly Pastimes

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TOP SHOP of the week is Piccadilly Pastimes!

Here is a little bit about this fabulous shop...

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At Piccadilly Pastimes we offer a variety of hand painted (not stenciled) wooden signs, burlap banners, mason jar sand ceremony sets, and "hillbilly" wine glasses for use at weddings, as photo props, and save-the-date photo shoots. We also offer various rustic and country decor items and housewares. We will continue to update our items and grow our inventory so please check back often. 

Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/piccadilly1/

http://piccadillypastimes.tumblr.com/

https://www.facebook.com/piccadilly.pastimes

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Calling all team members to visit, fav, and share this TOP SHOP!

~•♥•~ Team Newsletter MAY 2014 ~•♥•~

~•♥•~ HELLO TEAM MEMBERS ~•♥•~

It is already May and the year is passing quick. We would like to thank you ALL for being such fabulous members of our team. We have well over 2,000 members and the number increases every day! 

We want to share with you some new ATCTTeam features. Hopefully, each of these things will help you grow your business and increase sales and exposure. We also want team participation to be easy and fun! So here goes…

~•♥•~ Team Listings Page ~•♥•~ 

This is a very exciting new project for the ATCTTeam. We have started a new page that is made up of teammates only. It allows you to search for specific colors, themes, or items within the team. This makes curating treasuries a breeze! Simply visit the page via the link below. Once you are there, you will see a search box in the top right corner of the screen that says, “search available items”. Simply type in whatever you are looking for and be amazed!

Here is the link to the page ~www.etsy.com/people/ATCTTEAMFINDS/favorites/items-i-love?ref=favs_i...

Save it, cherish it, use it often :)

This team page is an ongoing project. If your store has not been added yet and you just can’t stand it ;) send a message to Emily at Cottage and Sprout ~www.etsy.com/people/emeinzer?ref=si_pr OR sign up on the team thread here ~www.etsy.com/teams/18642/afternoon-tea-chat-and-treasuries-team/dis....

~•♥•~ Team Blog ~•♥•~

We also have a new ATCTTeam blog. This is yet another way to get your shop out there. We do weekly “TOP SHOPS” that get featured for a whole week. We also promote winning treasuries on this blog. 

Visit and follow the blog here ~ atctteam.blogspot.com

Shops that are featured on the blog are pulled from those who visit and comment on the blog. When you comment on a blog post, please include your shop name so that we know who you are :)

~•♥•~ Meet Ups ~•♥•~

Our lovely leader, Lindsey, has had a fabulous idea! 

Why not have actual afternoon tea? The first team MEET UP will be in Houston, Texas.

All of the details can be found here ~ www.etsy.com/teams/18642/afternoon-tea-chat-and-treasuries-team/dis....

~•♥•~ Growing Your Business ~•♥•~

There are lots of ways to promote your shop, but one of the easiest ways is to share your lovely products through Social Media. 

Our team has a FACEBOOK Page! Keep up with what is happening on the ATCTTeam by joining the Facebook group here ~www.facebook.com/groups/215152655327515/

Clair Rigby from Obstinate Pursuit is heading up this project. She is always sharing great tips for how to promote your business. Thanks Clair for all of your hard work!

Our team also has a PINTEREST Account! Find out how to follow the team on Pinterest here ~ www.etsy.com/teams/18642/afternoon-tea-chat-and-treasuries-team/dis....

TJ from Wicksteads is the Leader here. Thanks for all you do! 

And last, but not least!

Follow the team on TWITTER! The account name is AfternoonTea13. You can find out more about the Twitter account here ~ www.etsy.com/teams/18642/afternoon-tea-chat-and-treasuries-team/dis....

A big thank you to Karen Hafel from Time Talent Jewels for keeping us up to date on this.

~•♥•~ Mother’s Day ~•♥•~

If you didn’t know, Mother’s Day is right around the corner! Time is running out to order gifts for the special mom’s in your life. But don’t worry! We’ve got a whole list of Mother’s Day gift ideas from fellow teammates! You can post your items that fit this holiday too by visiting here ~ www.etsy.com/teams/18642/afternoon-tea-chat-and-treasuries-team/dis....

~•♥•~ Photography Tips ~•♥•~

Have you ever had shop envy? You know…when you see another shop that has great pictures and a sharp look and you think “man, I wish my shop looked that good”. Well, yours can! A picture is worth 1,000 words especially in an online business. If you haven’t noticed, most of the front page Etsy features are bright and dynamic photos that catch the eye...

Here are some tips and tricks on how to get that clean, sharp, bright looking shop you’ve been wanting ~ www.etsy.com/teams/18642/afternoon-tea-chat-and-treasuries-team/dis....

Basically:

~ Try to always use natural lighting without direct sun.

~ Try not to use flash, as it creates unnatural shadows.

~ Afternoon hours give the best lighting for pictures.

~ Choose a neutral background to make your product the star. A muddled background does not draw the eye.

~ Extra props are always fun and artistic, but try not to use too many. Again make your product the STAR!

~ Close ups are always appealing.

~ Look at your favorite shops and try and emulate their technique when it comes to photographing your products.

Hope these quick tips help you in your quest to improve your look. If you have specific questions about this subject, ask any of the team leaders for some tips. You could even ask a shop owner that you admire :) people are generally happy to help if you ask :)

We hope this newsletter has been helpful and informative. All of the leaders here at the ATCTTeam love to help team members whenever possible. If you ever have any questions, ideas, or concerns don’t hesitate to ask.

Thanks for all you do! 

Happy sales!

Emily at Cottage and Sprout

ATCTTeam Leader