Bittersweet News..........

.......but the beginning of a new chapter in my life. After alot of deliberation and concern, late nights laden with coffee and discussions with my inner-self, I have made the hard decision to close Signature Vintage.

The decision has been spurred by my desire to finish my degree in digital design (I only have less than halfway to go) and for the fact that the financial overhead involved with the shop just isn't justifying the means, which I'm sure most of you can relate to.

So, what I've decided to do is open another site where I will continue to offer design services such as web and blog design and photography (for local folks). This will give me a chance to build my portfolio in design and hopefully, fuel my depleting income.

I was also recently hired as a cover artist for several book publishers, so with all of that in mind, I just wouldn't have time to keep up the shop. My design business is called Roark Design Studio and I am in the process of building the new site and blog. When I have those done, I promise I will come back and leave a link because I sincerely hope you'll visit me in my "new" place. I will be leaving this blog open, though I think I will only post when I find some fab-tacular (my new word, lol) finds I want to share.

So, if you get a comment on your blog from Roark Design Studio, it's me.....I'm not a stranger, lol!

I'm saddened, but hopeful at the same time. I loved running the shop, but sometimes in life you just have to follow where life leads, and right now, it's leading me in a new direction, one that seems bright and airy.

{raising glass} "To New beginnings....."

{all in unison} "Cheers!"

New Item {Photo Enhancements}

I've added photo enhancement options to the boutique. I have two options available right now, Vintage Reproduction and Retro Noise.

New Item {Digital Images}

I've just added this pack of Dark & Dreamy Vintage Women to the site. The set includes 10 digitally altered photos, each free for commercial use, no credit required. And stick around because later today, I plan on adding another set like this one but with a unique twist!

New PreMade Blog Design

I now have my first premade blog design up, Bliss and Blue Elegance. It's very simple and clean. I'm having fun with designing these! What do you think of the design?

Podcasting and No Ideas.....

I was a podcaster about six months ago, contributing to an internet talk radio show, Prim Talk Radio, where I gave tutorials or read inspirational articles that I had written. Well, I've made the decision to return to the wonderful world of podcasting (even though the audio part of my computer is fried and I won't be able to listen to it myself, lol).

My good friend Niki Jackson was the one who started Prim Talk Radio, but then sold it to another friend of mine, Angie who also owns and runs Primtive Times Magazine (where I also contributed) and Heartland Graphics.

After selling Prim Talk Radio to Angie, Niki decided she wanted to walk another path and opened another podcast show, only Art Talk Radio focuses on mainly altered art and vintage goodness.

So, here I am, bubbling with excitement about getting back into the world of podcasting, but I find I'm stuck. Virtually stuck in a rut with no way out. I have no ideas, I feel clueless, lol.

So, here's what I want to know, if you were to tune into either one of these great shows, what would you want to hear from me? A particular topic? A tutorial? I welcome any suggestions!

New Item {Knotted Throw & Stitchery}

Both of these new additions can be found at the boutique!

New Items

New Apothecary Jars! Each jar's lid is hand-painted and distressed with a beautiful vintage rust showing through! Perfect for those who love chippy and worn things!

Hand-dipped silicone bulbs to give your lighting that shabby and chic appeal!

Hand-dipped silicone strands! I also have them available in blue! With spring approaching, I plan to have the whole house lit up with these!

Elegant lever back earrings in assorted colors. These are hand-crafted with handmade glass beads. An all occassion pair of earrings, these are just as beautiful with a pair of jeans as they would be with an evening gown!

Updates

I have been super sick and now my son has picked up whatever it is that's been going around. He's had a fever for six days now and after going to the doctor, I was told that if his fever continues through tonight we will need to come in tomorrow for tests, blood work and chest x-rays.

I have lots of new products to add, but of course, they'll have to wait until my angel is better. Just wanted to pop in and tell everyone that I have lots of new things coming, it's just taking a bit longer than normal to get them done!

New Item ~ {Studio and Storage Decor}

I've added two new items to the boutique. The first is a white wire holder that is versatile and can hold all sorts of trinkets. The second is a vintage wooden box that has four different storage compartments. I picked both of these up when I went antique-ing last weekend. You can find both listed under "Maison" in the Studio and Storage Decor category at Signature Vintage.

New Item ~ {Digital Collage Prints}

"Angel Within" by Missy Sue Hanson for Signature Vintage. All Rights Reserved.

I will be introducing my line of digital collage prints to the boutique over the next few days. The prints will be on premium photo paper. I've also been kicking around the idea of offering the prints as greeting cards......I have such fun making these digital collages because anything goes! Okay, well.........off to work I go!

New Item ~ {Bella Desk Pillow}

These "desk" pillows are perfect for sitting on your desk or adding a little bit of "bella" to any vignette. These pillows will come in many different colors and font styles and I will also be offering a customizing option for these little beauties!

New Item ~ {Papier Tags}

Introducing you to the first two sets in my Papier Tags Collection at Signature Vintage. The first is "Bliss", the second "French Girls". These tags are approximately 3x5 inches, handstained and are adorned with fibers and ribbons. The set will contain eight tags for $4.95. I will be adding these to the site later on this afternoon so they will be available for purchase! They'll be the first items to be added to the boutique!

New Item ~ {Jessie Steele}

I have fantastic news! Signature Vintage has been approved to carry Jessie Steele aprons! The line has gained national recognition with features on shows such as Oprah and Desperate Housewives. I'm so excited, though I'm not a huge fan of cooking (the only thing I make in the kitchen is coffee, lol) I have coveted these aprons ever since I first saw them!

Bella Stitches

This is a picture of my stitchery samplers that will be available at SigVin when we open. Each is hand-stitched and placed in a vintage reproduction frame. I'll have many different styles and colors available. These stitcheries are one of my favorite items that I hope will bring a unique touch to Signature Vintage.

A huge snowstorm followed by massive thunderstorms has kept me pretty much closed in (might be developing cabin fever, lol). I had planned to have one of my antique market days yesterday and share the pics with you today, but traveling anywhere was impossible. It's been crazy! It was freezing and snowing, then it was spring temperatures followed by summer hurricane weather, lol. I do have to say that I love inclimate weather, love staying in and getting creative or just sitting with a blanket and a cup of coffee and just soaking it in. That is, however, when I don't have orders waiting to be brought to the post office and a million different errands to run, lol.

Hopefully, the weather will calm down enough today so that I can get my running done!! Have a beautiful day everyone!

Pre-Launch Excitement!

Thanks to the wonderful Trudy over at Wild Oak Design, Signature Vintage is ready for me to start setting up!!! This isn't an official launch, but I'd be more than happy to open it up for advice and opinions on what I do have up so far! If you have a moment head on over to Signature Vintage and drop me a note!I still have all the items to add and more setting up to do, but for the most part, I have alot of the info-type pages done! I'm so excited!

And on that excited note.........Stay tuned for a special give-away here in a few days! It will include a few of my upcoming items and some other wonderful goodies!!! I'll also be sharing a few sneak previews of my original graphic designs and quotes that will be featured on merchandise at the boutique!

Welcome to SigVin.....

.......I am your hostess, Missy Sue, lol. I have always loved unique things......items that made me stop and smile or sigh. Items that caught my eye and brought back a memory, especially items that hold their own history. It's an absolute rush to go to the antique store and wonder what memories a certain piece carries with it.

That's my mission at SigVin. To give each and every one who visits a snippet of a smile or sigh. I will be offering vintage items, as well as my handmade pieces, also merchandise for the "sassily shabby", including original designs and quotes.