Funky Junque Chronicles Pick O' the Month May 2009 CHRYSALIS E SHOP Go Green Vintage Finds at Affordable Prices

Ahhhh, the flowers of Spring gives way to Summer...and since I'll be traveling all over North America this summer to find the BEST Vintage shops who offer economical finds, I have decided to change the Funky Junque Chronicles to MONTHLY versus weekly. These pick o' the month stores will have to be TOP NOTCH to be featured here.

As you know I'm on a quest for publishing articles on good VINTAGE finds, and I believe buying VINTAGE is a great way to recycle, reuse, and keep items out of the landfill. Too many newer imported items are cutting down on American jobs, being made with child labor, and polluting the earth with "lead" and other unsafe chemicals. Buying vintage can be fun, and inexpensive on the budget in this economy.

I stumbled upon a lovely shop called Chrysalis E Shop on Etsy! The welcome sign says, "Time to GO GREEN...what's Old is New Again when you wear vintage!:" This adorable shop features vintage adornments-earrings, pendants, necklaces, brooches, buckles and accessories among the many items in stock at any time. I interviewed Lynn, from Wisconsin, who is the brains behind this shop. Her great finds encompass the towns of Madison, Cottage Grove, Stoughton, Cambridge, McFarland and Deerfield Wisconsin. She ships her items worldwide.

Lynn says, "Ever since I was a kid, I've loved collecting things. Rocks, shells, leaves...ANYTHING. I hoarded things in little jars. Later...I moved on to objects of more "accepted" beauty! I thrive on scouring flea markets, antique shops, and thrift stores. In my travels through these venues, I've acquired an appreciation for all things vintage. Whether it is vintage clothing, vintage kitchen wares, or vintage jewelry, I find that the composition and style is often superior to more contemporary items. Let's just say...I don't get the same feeling of exhilaration when shopping at a local department store! In analyzing this behavior, I conclude that although I immensely enjoy and appreciate the items I find and collect, the real pleasure is in the thrill of the hunt!"

Lynn passes these cool finds and great bargains onto her customers. In her Etsy store, you can find great costume jewelry earrings for $8, a Mexican Silver Butterfly Brooch for $18, and a Hematite Gemstone Hinged Bracelet for only $10! All of her customers have given her excellent feedback and it's no wonder why they make it a point to repeat business with her. Lynn has also been selling on Ebay since 1996.

Lynn says, "I am also a practical and generally thrifty person. (I was "green" long before it was popular!) Therefore, as my collections grow, I find the need to cull some items to make space for more and to finance my new adventures. I tend to keep my current favorites and part with others, keeping photos to remind me of their specialness. Thus..the sales on Etsy and eBay. I carefully package my sold items, kiss them goodbye (okay, not REALLY) and send them off to new owners. Then I continue to seek new treasures!"

Lynn's favorites include vintage kitchen items, dinnerware, china, glass, pottery and jewelry. Lynn says, "I just can't get enough of old jewels. And I am intrigued by styles and techniques that span the decades. Victorian to bold 1980's! I have acquired some "fine" jewelry over the years...you know the type...gold, gemstones. By far I get more of a kick from my antique costume jewelry!"

Does Lynn actually wear this jewelry? She says, "You bet! I especially adore dressing up for holidays and special occasions when I can break out the more flamboyant rhinestones! When I don't have occasions on my own calendar, I've been known to adorn friends with fun pieces at their own special events."

Aside from selling on Etsy and Ebay, Lynn has a few "real" jobs that she is highly devoted to. Lynn acquired her B.S. in Medical Technology from the University of Wisconsin. Her current work involves both clinical and research projects. She works part-time in an In Vitro Fertilization lab, helping couples achieve pregnancies. Lynn also works in the equally rewarding world of stem cell research. Lynn says, "They're both a far stretch from my antiquing life but, as far as I am concerned, they all complement each other nicely! Additionally, on several weekends each year, I assist a friend in her estate sale business."

Lynn's busy life doesn't leave much spare time, but she enjoys it when she can with her wonderful husband and awesome golden retriever, Winger. Lynn says, "Life is good!"

KUDOS to you Lynn for keeping it real, keeping it green, and keeping affordable finds for all to reap the benefits of. You are my FUNKY JUNQUE PICK o' THE MONTH FOR MAY 2009. Keep up the good work!

AUTHORS NOTE: Lynn's Etsy shop is searchable under ChrysalisEShop (all one word), and her Ebay user ID is NNYL. Her friend's estate business which has over 20 years experience of accurate appraisals in antiques, collectibles, and fine furnishings, can be found at VintageHarvest.com.