The Story Behind the Picture

If you have visited my Esther's Place shop, you undoubtedly have seen samples of my custom photo jewelry and gifts using this photograph. This young woman is my grandmother Anita Carr Talbott (1917-2013).

This photograph is one of my favorites of her and one I use in many of my sample pieces.  But what you don't know is the story behind the photograph.

The photo dates to 1937 and is actually my grandmother's wedding photo. Like many young girls (women) of her time, she did not wear a fancy white wedding dress. She was from a southern Virginian farming family of modest means and that was an expense just not considered. Instead, she wore a nice dress/suit and hat.  Don't you love the hat!  (I really wish hats were back in style.)

My grandmother passed away this past October at the age of 96.  In the months prior to her death, I interviewed her many times about our family history and the stories behind many of the family photographs. She took one look at the above photo and declared, "I never liked that photo of me!".  I was shocked - everyone in the family loves this photograph. Oops.  Sorry, Grandmom!

Okay, Readers, your turn!

What great story have you learned from a family photograph?

Family History Fair - Oct. 26th

If you are looking for something to do this weekend - and even if you're not- stop by the Family History Fair at the NC Department of Cultural Resources.  You will learn some fantastic tips to researching your family history.

Esther's Place will be there.  Stop by and let's talk family history (my favorite topic!).

Just In Time For Fall!

I just love the vintage postcards and graphics!  The Halloween images used in the necklaces above are from vintage postcards.

Just how fun is that?!

So.....

My creative juices got to flowing and now you will find these fun necklaces and key chains at Esther's Place.  

Do you have a special vintage image you would like made into a necklace or key chain or even a Christmas ornament?  Contact me at EsthersPlace[at]yahoo.com.  I am happy to create a custom order for you!

Now In A Store Near You!

Esther's Place vintage inspired jewelry and gifts can now be found at When Pigz Fly located on Six Forks Road in Raleigh, NC.

When Pigz Fly

This unique shop is the the home to an eclectic assortment of "local are and more".

There is so much to see there - both inside and outside!  You have to see the yard art sculptures.  Don't you just love that "flower bed" above?

Inside you will find a fantastic assortment of jewelry, stain glass and home accessories - all made by local artists. 

If you are in the area, be sure to stop by and support your local artists.

Don't live nearby?  No problem.  Esther's Place is still available online.

Lessons Gleaned as an Etsy Shop Owner

Opening  Esther's Place on Etsy has been quite the adventure. The learning curve has been steep at times. I'm not what is considered a "business" person.  Despite my doubts, opening an Etsy store was what I wanted to do.

Etsy has great resources for someone wanting to open a shop, so I researched and researched. And researched some more.  (I'm a genealogist remember?  Research is what I do.)

And I learned....

• ...how much I didn't know.  Okay, that was a scary lesson!
• ...I can't be shy promoting myself or my shop. Etsy shop owners and shoppers alike are very supportive.
• ....what SEO is and how to use it.  This is most definitely an ongoing lesson.
• ....to ask for help.
• ...to take better photographs. This is an ongoing lesson as well.
• ...how to hold my breath and push the "publish" button despite my fears.

Know what?

I like running Esther's Place.  Combining genealogy, family history and crafting brings me a lot of joy. 


Are you an Etsy shop owner?  Thinking about becoming one? 

My best advice?  Take advantage of Etsy's many resources and just go for it.  (Let me know when you do. I'd be happy to stop by.)