This week, I have a lovely shop to share with you all that I seriously cannot get enough of! Before I even saw Candice of Strauss Vintage Shoppe, I knew that she had to be a woman of good taste. Her shop is an eclectic mix of treasures she finds, fixes up, and curates, as well as items that she makes herself. Seriously, she even teaches classes on how to make her gorgeous image transfers on wood. Sign me up!
So today, we there were so many items in her shop I wanted to share with you all that I ended up including just a couple more pictures than normal. Oops! :) You'll agree with me once you read through the rest of the interview below.
Then after the interview, enter to win a one of her gorgeous wood transfer images in the giveaway and check out the promo code to save 20% off of anything in her shop. Let's get to it!
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Tell me a little bit about yourself!
Hi, my name is Candice Strauss, I live with my husband and daughter in Southern California, about 15 minutes from my childhood home, here in the San Gabriel Valley. My dad's in construction (and a life-long picker), and my mom is a true maker (crochet, sewing, & embroidery), so I spent my childhood neck deep in building, crafting, collecting, and treasure hunting.
Where did the name of your store come from?
I wanted something that represented who we are, and we are a family business. If you stop by any of my pop-up shops, you will most likely meet my dad, mom, daughter, or husband.
I couldn't do this without the support of my family. From my dad Johnny, who helps me cut wood and set-up my booths, to my husband Eric, whose man-cave is bit by bit becoming our warehouse, and my daughter Delilah, my fave junkin' companion, the whole family is part of the team. (Though Delilah finds it quite hard to part with a rare bottle or sweet vintage camera, both of which she collects.)
Why did you start making goods for Strauss Vintage Shoppe?
I'm someone who likes learning new art forms and techniques. I have an extensive “creative bucket list,” and last summer I finally learned how to transfer images onto wood. I loved the process! At first I was making them as gifts for friends and family, then I began receiving order requests, and the rest is history.
What is your favorite item?
It's so hard to choose just one item, since I sell both vintage goods and image transfers. So, I guess I will choose one from my image transfers. Each has a place in my heart, but if I had to pick just one, I'd say the “Village Motel Sign.” It was an original photo that I took while vacationing in mammoth with my husband and daughter. The sign is a classic old neon beauty, the composition of the photo sets up perfectly, and the colors really pop. I used that photo to make my very first image transfer!
What is your most popular item?
My most popular image transfer is my “Scissors” piece. I've made it in several different sizes, including a pallet version that my dad and I build from scratch. It's a popular gift. If you've got a hair dresser, barber, crafter, and dog groomers, etc in the family... It sells out at every show!
Where do you get the inspiration for your work?
Well, I only make and sell things I love and would display in my own home. I often am inspired by vintage ephemera (especially advertisements), estate sale finds, and a splash of industrial style. You can see my style reflected in my image transfers as well. I often transfer pics of fave vintage items such as, cameras, typewriters, and advertisements.
What makes your store unique?
Strauss Vintage Shoppe is a business, but more than anything, I hope it's a reflection of what I value in life. I'm a true believer that the beauty around us resonates. The spaces we occupy can uplift and inspire. When we display a special item, a room becomes a home, an expression of a family, a season, a life well-lived. My hope is that I can help you find that unique piece, whether it be a handmade image transfer or a well loved typewriter. What makes my business unique is the sum of each of these details; it's a way of living, really.
What is the toughest part about making your goods?
Balance. When I began Strauss Vintage Shoppe, I was a full time preschool teacher. It was a rough schedule, I'd work all day, then tend to mommy/wife duties, and then stay up quite late to work on orders, and social media. I just recently left my job as a teacher to pursue my business full time. I'm slowly trying to fine tune my new schedule to maximize effective productivity and minimize stress! I'm still running around like crazy, but when I was teaching too, it felt like I was scrambling just to get to all the necessities. Now I have the time, and I'm making real progress without grinding myself into dust. I love my business and I want to make sure that it stays fun and I don't burn out.
Do you take custom orders?
Yes, we take custom image transfer orders. The process involves a brief consultation covering style, size, etc. Though it depends on the scope of the project, most work is completed within 1-2 weeks. If customers need something fast, I am always happy to discuss a possible rush order.
Where can I see more of your work and buy a gift?
Website: www.straussvintageshoppe.com
Store/Etsy: www.etsy.com/shop/straussvintageshoppe
Blog: www.straussvintageshoppe.com/blog
Facebook: www.facebook.com/straussvintageshoppe
Pinterest: www.pinterest.com/straussvintage
Instagram: @straussvintageshoppe
You can also see select image transfers @ these awesome retailers:
Boho Upcycle 3161 Glendale Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90039 &
Lula Mae 100 North Fair Oaks Ave. Pasadena, CA 91103
Are you going to be at any shows soon, so I can see your work in person and say hello?
I plan on having several pop-up shops in November, and possibly one in early December. I don't have the dates quite yet, I will announce them on Instagram and Facebook as soon as I find out.
I also will be teaching classes on image transfer techniques and holiday décor @ Boho Upcycle in Los Angeles (Atwater Village).
Private classes are always available, just email me at: straussvintageshoppe@yahoo.com, to check for availability.
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I absolutely love her displays and I'm not the only one! A bunch of people have asked her to style their homes, which I think is a fantastic idea. Her eye for design and vignettes is just spot on and now one of you can win one of her creations for your own home!
To enter the giveaway to win the scissors image transfer on to wood, use the widget below. Also, when you fall in love while browsing her Etsy shop, remember to use the code "Vintagezest" to receive 20% off through the end of July. Score! Happy shopping and...
Good luck!
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