Reservezoo

Reservezoo
Thinking of travel.

Thursday, December 22, 2011

Merry Christmas to all

Well it has been a great year, and we are now all going to sit down with family and friends to enjoy a bit of Christmas cheer.    To many of us, Christmas is a time to make a bit of extra sales, and of course money.  We work very hard preparing our craft lines so that we can offer our perspective clients a great sellection of good.    Sometimes we forget that Christmas is also for ourselves.   That is why I have selected some items from etsy that I would like to receive as a gift.  They may not appear under my tree this year, but who knows maybe next year.

I just imagine wearing this during our Christmas Réveillon, when I am serving the drinks.  It would spark some great conversations.
Men's 1800's Style Double Breasted Victorian/Steampunk Vest---Hand Made/Completely Custom....(available in chest sizes 30-48 inches)
http://www.etsy.com/shop/OnceUponABustle?ref=seller_info&show_panel=true


What a great pair of loafer styleVintage Leather Minnetonka Moccasins. Sadly these are a bit to large for me, but perhapes Santa will be able to find a pair my size, for next year.
Vintage Leather Minnetonka Moccasins Mens 10.5
http://www.etsy.com/shop/memoryvintage?ref=seller_info

Now hats are back in.  I noticed that my sons are now wearing fedoras.    I look at the photograph of my dad when he was about 30 years old, and he carried his fedora very well.   Perhapes one like liss would add to my looks, as well.
Mens Felt Fedora Hat- Mad Men- Winter Accessories- Fall Fashion

A wallet is always an necessary gift to a man on Christmas Day.   It is one of those things that he usese everyday yet can never find time to buy one, for himself.    A good wallet must have room for the pesky membership cards, and of course the plastic money.    I like this wallet because it is bullet proof. Meaning it will protect my pin money from my lovely bride's fingers.
Kevlar MEGA-Bifold ID Wallet - Olive and Black
http://www.etsy.com/shop/RAGGEDedgeGear?ref=seller_info
I have a great love of cookies.  Finding these under the tree, JUST FOR ME,   would make my day.   The nice thing about purchasing these from etsy shops, is that my wife would be able to surprise me, because I would not smell the aroma of the little cookies baking in the oven.   Mmmmmm.
Homemade Classic Chocolate Chip Cookies
http://www.etsy.com/shop/ThoughtsofHome?ref=seller_info

After eating those cookies, I would go out to shovel the sidewalk.  When I come back into the house I would want to take off my boots, and slip on a nice pair of knitted slippers.  These slippers are soft almost like wearing socks. 
Slippers knitting    for man    ex-large   10-13  with   SECURE SOLES
http://www.etsy.com/shop/ArtisanatCadeau?ref=seller_info

Well there are so many items I would like to have under my tree.  I guess I will have to leave this list lying about for the children to see.   Hmmmmm.

Merry. Christmas to all.

Wednesday, November 9, 2011

Remembrance

Yearly Reflection.

In memory of Private Stephen Lazaroff. who was killed in action in Italy, 1944.






Remembrance Day is a special day for me because I served for 32 years in the Canadian Armed Forces. Every year on the 11th of November, my unit would all fall in for the parade, to pay homage to our brothers in arms, who went off to do their service. Many did not come back, their bodies interred in the battle field cemeteries that are sited throughout the world. Some came home with injuries that would eventually take their life. . Others suffered in silence with mental stress that we cannot understand because we were young and did not know the ravages of war.



Now I am retired.



On the 11th of November every year I put on my military coat and my beret, I pin up my medals, and make my way into the city, to the cenotaph. This day is usually the first real cold day of the season. The wind blows with a bite, forcing us to raise our collars. The ground is frozen solid, making us stamp our feet in order to keep the feeling in our toes. It snows on most Remembrance days, and on some days it would rain. This does not stop us from going. For us, it is a day to remember.



The Remembrance Day gathering is also a time to link up with old friends. Before we would form up for the ceremony, We would wander through the gaggle of men and women, some wearing partial uniforms, others in the legion dress, and sadly many in street clothes that tell of hard times. We would wander about studying the faces of those gathered. Each is searching for someone that they may have served with. Every once in a while walking about, someone would see a face that looked familiar. It may have been a glint in the eye, or the way the lips would turn up in a smile. Sometimes it would be a medal that was worn that told of his service. Most of the gathered would have grey hair. Some would walk with stoop, and others required the assistance of a walking stick or a chair with wheels. I would look at them, and they would peer back. Recognition would result in an exchange greeting, as we tried to remember if it was Corporal Bill Dodds, or was it Lieutenant Dorothy Warner. Sometimes recognition was immediate and the greeting was a warm "How are you doing Jack?" Our eyes would light up when we found old friends.


The reunions were joyous; we would try to jam long periods of separation into a few moments. "Where are you living now? How are the children? I got a bad case of cataracts, or my knees are shot." We would laugh and talk about our grand kids and relate stories about our last trip to the south. There would be a quick shake of hands and a promise keep in touch. Then, we would search out another, and the conversation would repeat itself.



This banter would continue until called to parade. The solemn ceremony would begin and we would all fall silent. Everyone would become an individual thinking of those who died in previous wars, their military service and those who were bravely fighting in theaters of war today.

We would also think of the older veterans who were no longer amongst us. Spaces where they stood with friends now are empty. Many have disappeared. There was one fellow who wore his WWII Khaki uniform with boots, and putties, and full pack. Everybody would shake his hand and complement his dress. He was a reminder to the older veterans of what the young men looked like when they shipped out, in the early days of WWII. Last year I noticed that he was missing.



I always thought that I was one of the younger guys at the parade but last year a young lieutenant came up to me and asked if I would like a chair up front; with a blanket to keep my legs warm, a kind reminder that I am becoming one of the older guys in the parade. I said no thank you; I will stand with the younger crew.



While I am standing quiet I think about my generation of service members. We were fortunate, in that our duty was not as difficult as the Veterans of the great wars and of Korea. My generation served during the Cold War period. We trained and prepared for what I am happy to say, did not materialize. We were the deterrent. Nevertheless, periods of separation from family and friends were difficult. We were lucky because we knew when we would be reunited with our family. Those in the great wars did not know if and or when they would see their families.

Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae's poem "In Flanders Fields."  will echo in my thoughts.

This year when I go the cenotaph, I am sure I will see younger veterans. They carry the medals of Bosnia, Dessert Storm, Afghanistan and other theaters of war. These young people served with pride and they have returned with scars of physical and mental injuries. They will have returned with memories of their brothers in arms who did not. 



So when I stand in the snow, the rain, holding my coat against the damp cold wind and the freezing temperatures, I will remember. I will add the fallen and the injured from these wars to all those of previous wars to my thoughts and prayers. And when the Last Post sounds, there will be a tear in my eye.

The Last Post



Tuesday, October 25, 2011

Where have you been?

A lot of people have asked about why I have not been to active recently on this blog.   I am sorry if you have been waiting for some new information or perhaps a review of a shop.  The fact is that I have been busy writing a blog for the China tour that I will be leading next autumn.   

Yes,  I am returning to China for the fifth time.  However,  this trip will find me accompanied by a group of travellers who want to experience the rich and mystical culture of the Chinese craft people.

We are planning to leave around the first of October next year.  
If you wish to see where we are going you can visit this blog by going to:   http://2012sanbaochinatour.blogspot.com/

I have a couple of videos and a lot of photos.    I hope you visit and enjoy.

Thursday, October 13, 2011

The Inukshuk

I was just looking at a great treasury this morning.  I felt honoured to be one of the featured artists.  The sculpture that was shown was one of my Inukshuks. I really enjoy making these objects because they bring back some great memories.
Pottery and ceramic: Inukshuk sculpture
Inukshuk
 In 1971, I was posted to serve in the remote region of the Canadian Arctic. I was to spend six months at Canadian Forces Station, Alert, located on Ellesmere Island, approximately 500 miles from the North Pole.
View from the Airstrip in Alert.
1971
I was fortunate to have had the opportunity to work with some of the young Inuit men who Who were raised in the northern regions of Canada.  Their village was far to the south of our station. In effect, they had to go to Ottawa for their interviews and then fly north to alert in a C130 military aircraft, along with the regular military service members, who were on their way north.
The Aircraft on the Thule Greenland Airstrip.
We spent an evening before the last leg of our journey to Alert.

Alert has a polar climate.  The summer months are marked by 24 hours of daylight, with the winter giving us 24 hours of darkness.  I was lucky in that I had two months of daylight, two months, day and night, and then the last two months of my duty was in darkness.
Setting up the ice fishing hut.
The fish was Arctic Salmon
Our crew became very close during the six months together.  We filled our spare time with movies, card games, reading, and when it was daylight, and the weather was mild, we would go ice fishing or just exploring.  During one of our hikes, I learned a great deal about the customs and lifestyle of the northern peoples.

We had a radio station that helped fill our hours with music.


We came across a large pile of stones that was man made.  Nestled in amongst the pile of rocks was a covered tin can. When we opened the container, we found scraps of paper with notes, written by those who had passed by the spot before us.  The comments were just small statements, giving the names and dates and small editorials.  Some logs talked of the weather and the sentiments of the writer. 

During the summer days hiking was the main activity
when we were off duty.
It did not take me long to empty my pockets looking for paper and something to write with. I wanted to put my name in the can as well.I guess we all want some form of imortality. 


Charlie, who was Inuit, walked around the stones, studying the form and the methods of construction. I asked him what he was doing. His response was that he was trying to feel the spirit of the original builders of the cairn.  I saw that he was treating the site with reverence.  The pile of stones seemed very important to him.  When we stopped to eat our sandwich, he explained what these markers meant to his people.


Charlie was one of the heavy equipment operator.
He went on to tell me that these markers came in many shapes and forms each with their own name, use, meaning, and myth.  He told me that most common name given to these forms was the, Inuksuk. I am sure the spelling has changed with translation over the years because I use Inukshuk while others use Inusuk.
Charlie went on to explain that the inuksuk means existence of the northern peoples. It marks a spot where an Inuit family may have rested or camped. 

Inukshuk sculpture art of the inu inuit ethnic peoples
One of my favorite colours--the copper celedon.
This Inukshuk is available from my shop.
http://www.etsy.com/listing/78346621/inukshuk-sculpture-art-of-the-inu-inuit

It may have been built in the form of man with one arm longer that the other. The longer arm was to point the way of the traveler. Much the same way the southern natives would mark stones, cliffs or trees with petroglyphs.
The inuksuk was often built on high ground that gave it maximum visibility. The far north has no trees to help with the perspective, so distance can be confusing. The inuksuk allowed distance to be measured in comparison to the height of a man.
Distance was difficult to gauge. 
We walked for hours but the sun did not go down.
Many inuksuk were simple piles of rocks that were set up to protect the hunter from the cold winds, or to act as a blind, and allow him to ambush passing game. The more elaborate inuksuk would have a set number of stones to make the man figure more precise. These inuksuk were used to keep the caribou moving through a set trail that would make the hunt easier.
These stones were pushed into the tombstone position
by the permafrost.

Some inuksuk had a space in the center of the form. When someone looked through it, they could see another marker at some other place that meant another trail or direction to follow. It would also allow the hunter to observe the game, without being seen
Inukshuk sculpture art of the inu inuit ethnic peoples
This Inukshuk is available from my shop.
http://www.etsy.com/listing/78346468/inukshuk-sculpture-art-of-the-inu-inuit

Our discussion went on for about an hour; Charlie explained that the form of the inuksuk took many shapes with each one giving various histories, a different meaning, a family event or a special use such as a supply cache. 
Home Sweet Home

As we trudged our way back to the base he explained the importance of understanding what these piles of rocks meant to the northern peoples. They form a part of their spiritual life. They tell stories, recount hunting episodes, remember past family members, tell where food would be stored, and pointed to good fishing and hunting spots.
The Inuksuk Book by Mary Wallace


It was years later, one of my friends, who knew of my interest in the subject,  gave me a copy of “The Inuksuk Book,” written by Mary Wallace, Maple Tree Press,  ISBN1-895688-91-4.   I highly recommend this writing to anyone who is interested in the North and the culture of the people who live there.  This book has many good photographs from the past along with beautiful graphics.  After reading the book you will understand that the inuksuk is not just a pile of rocks.

Monday, August 1, 2011

What attribute?

I was not surprised that etsy wanted to give the shopper the edge by giving them a more narrow search field to find what they are looking for.  The new approach is to have the seller choose a define their work  using various attributes. In other words we will be asked categorize our work according to an era, style, cult, movement, ethnic design, and schools of definition.   
When I first heard this I was lost.  I had no idea that there were so many attributes that we could choose from and I had no idea what attribute to use for my work.    I nevertheless went to the forums to seek the answer to my dilemma.  I was lucky because I found Penny from Melbourne Australia.  She has a great shop on etsy.   It is called "Sparrowsalvage"   and the shop can be found by following this link:  http://www.etsy.com/shop/sparrowsalvage  Penny was gracious in that she set about giving us some great descriptions on what the attributes were all about. 


The First Dawn - tribal salvage earrings - neolithic beads - hammered wire
The First Dawn - tribal salvage earrings - neolithic beads - hammered wire
http://www.etsy.com/shop/sparrowsalvage

three waters - tribal sci fi bracelet - 3 strand bohemian - vintage beads
three waters - tribal sci fi bracelet - 3 strand bohemian - vintage beads
http://www.etsy.com/shop/sparrowsalvage
Anestrah - tribal sci fi earrings - hammered metal - opalite spears
http://www.etsy.com/shop/sparrowsalvage


I have asked Penny if I could list these descriptions on this blog so that my followers would have the information necessary to help them with their attribute classifications.  Here is her forum post on the subject.     I am sure there will be some additions to the descriptions nevertheless, the list as is stands at the moment is enough for us to use.

Here are the attributes according to Penny.
I've been reading about the new attributes Etsy's putting in to our listing, but as I clap my hands with delight at how much easier it's going to be for me to shop for my friends and myself, I'm worried for a lot of people that this is going to be difficult for them. As I've been obsessed with fashion and interior magazines for the better part of 25 years I've heard most of these genres, so I thought I'd offer up some help in an attempt to make it easier for people. Most of you already know your own style, and any of these styles can also be Googled with the addition of 'style fashion' on the end but you might not get a pure idea of the style, and that cold take a long time!

So buckle yourself in, sweethearts! Here's my basic breakdown- I'm sorry it's very long but there's a lot of genres! It's taken me the best part of 3 hours to do this!
African - fairly straight forward- anything that has a style of Africa. Animal prints, safari fashion, primitive shapes and natural materials in deep rich earth tones.
Long  AFrican Print Tank Top Dress with Racer Back
The print in this dress has a unique African cultural design
by: http://www.etsy.com/shop/goziem?ref=seller_info

Art Deco - 1920s-1930s, geometric designs, stylised figures, straight lines. The Chrysler building, Miami hotels, flapper girls.

Art Nouveau - rich flowing lines, earthy colours, beautiful women, insects and flowers. The most widely known (and pure example) of Nouveau style is of Gaudi's buildings and Mucha's illustrations.




Art Nouveau clutch/shoulder bag
Clutch/Shoulder Bag by: artdemix
http://www.etsy.com/people/artdemix?ref=ls_profile
Asian - pretty straight forward, though given we have 'zen' down there as well, I'm going to assume Asian is anything that looks Chinese. Red and black, feng shui symbols- think Chinatown.
Retro Cami Knickers Japanese Print Orchid Pale Blue Cotton With Lace Handmade Vintage Style
Retro Cami Knickers Japanese Print Orchid Pale Blue Cotton With Lace Handmade Vintage Style  by; Swoon
http://www.etsy.com/people/Swoon?ref=ls_profile
Athletic - Just think of the local sportwear shop, that's athletic. Tight fitting, simple lines, little in the way of pattern. I would assume yoga wear, leggings and gym bags would go in here.
Sports Beanie
Sports Beanies by: Haley
 http://www.etsy.com/people/haleyg3
Avant Garde - this is tricky- it's sort of art fashion. It literally means 'the new guarde' and it's anything hyper-modern and a bit out there, stuff you look at and think 'woah, that's...different.' If you consider yourself ahead of your time, then your stuff goes in here!
MALEFICENT Reversible Feather Collar Cuff Capelet Drag Queen Avant Garde Halloween
Feather coller by: Metro Gypsy
http://www.etsy.com/people/MetroGypsy?ref=ls_profile
Boho - Boho is short for bohemian, it means long romantic dresses, beads, big handbags, ethnic prints, sun hats, 70s sunglasses, long hair, sandals... it's a sort of glamorous hippy.
oversized beret slouch hat boho Grey
Beret by:  Bessette Art
http://www.etsy.com/people/BessetteArt
Country Western - Cowboys, cowgirls, cowkids. The boots, the hat, the longhorn skulls, cactus, blue jeans, fringed leather. Yippee Ki-Yay!

Native American and Horses Baby Blanket
Native America baby Blanket from; gnomeandgarden
http://www.etsy.com/people/gnomeandgarden
Fantasy - anything with dragons, fairies, dwarves and elves (oh my!). Think Lord of the Rings, Labyrinth, Brian Froud, Conan. You can add romantic, tribal, gothic or steampunk to this style as well, it's quite broad.


Fantasy Mushroom Pin -Woodland Walk Fungus
Barbara Wright's Mushrooms
http://www.etsy.com/shop/PitBullLadyDesigns

Folk - this is a narrow field between 'woodland' (see below) and boho- folk is Scandinavian prints, 70s ethnic and mod all bundled together. Think gypsy caravans, gingerbread houses and bundled up Russian maids.

Sweet Folk Art Doll with Bear and hand painted face
Ronda Liebert's  Sweet Folk Art Doll
http://www.etsy.com/shop/genesislady
Goth - black black black. Usually with skulls and crosses as motifs, think Addams Family, The Craft, The Cure... goth is emo with drama. Goth has a million different sub-genres but there's usually something particular about a piece- you can have boho goth, industrial goth, romantic goth, Victorian goth, kawaii goth... you'll know which one you're looking for if you want to make/buy goth items.
Vintage Skull Ring
Presto Chango offers us a nice little vintage skull ring.
http://www.etsy.com/shop/PrestoChango
High Fashion - designer wear, tailored forms, good quality materials and excellent craftsmanship. High Fashion is like a delicate way of saying 'very well made and very expensive'.
High Fashion - Hats are back in.   
This cute number is offered by Connie Pominville
http://www.etsy.com/shop/misfitsemporium

Hip Hop - Think Run DMC, The Beastie Boys, The Fresh Prince of Bel Air. Hip Hop is 80s and 90s street style- bright colours and sportswear brands paired with over-the-top gold jewelry and the most ridiculous Nikes you can find.
Silver Pendant Swirls 11-06
Kris Kramer's Silver Swirls Pendant is a great accessory
for Hip Hop gatherings.
http://www.etsy.com/shop/TheSilverPendant
Hippie - hippie is boho with the addition of tie-dye, acid bright colours, big floral prints and ethnic prints. Think Hair, Woodstock and 60s Haight/Ashbury.
Vintage 70s Macrame Hippie Purse,  Hand Made
From the VintagePatriotGirl  shop
http://www.etsy.com/listing/65083362/vintage-70s-macrame-hippie-purse-hand
 Hipster - barnwood, moustaches, black triangles, geometrics
Moustache Flask by jDUCT
Made by jDUCT
http://www.etsy.com/shop/jDUCT?ref=pr_shop_more
Historical - Anything that looks of a time period, usually pre-1920s. It's more specifically Victorian, Georgian, Elizabeth, Tudor... If you're going to label something historical it should be accurate for it's time- i.e. a Victorian style corset is not historical if it's not accurate to a decade (1880 for example), it's just a Victorian style corset. Most people who use/search historical will probably be looking for re-enactment gear and they want accuracy, accuracy, accuracy!
Henry VIII Illustration Print - 8 x 16
By Kate Slater Stafford, England,
http://www.etsy.com/shop/KateFete?ref=pr_shop_more
Hollywood Regency- part Moroccan bazaar, part Georgian townhouse, part Art Deco palace. Think 20s/30s/40s old-school glamour, Spanish architecture, silks and satins, creamy jewel colours and opulent rooms. Modern Hollywood Regency seems to have lost alot of the Moorish influence but still carries the elegant glamour of big old 1920s houses.
TWO FABULOUS CHAIRS
From the restylebopshop
http://www.etsy.com/shop/restylebopshop?ref=seller_info
Industrial - this is a sort of modern look, but with very factory-style lines. Industrial is a very simple almost severe look, and is most often comprised of vintage salvaged things like steel-topped tables, trestles, product moulds from factories and big signs. Industrial has the feel of a big old factory, with lots of metal, chunky wood and hazard colours.
Industrial key or jewelry rack
From the Boitifole Secrets Books
http://www.etsy.com/shop/Boitifole?ref=seller_info
Kawaii - this is a Japanese fashion term, meaning 'cute'. Anything girlish and romantic with a serious addition of kitsch. Big eyed girls, anime, baby animals, candy colours. Anything a 14 year old girl would look at and think 'oh that's soooo cute!!!!' A hefty dose of pink.
Yellow Gingham Big Bow on Alice Band Kawaii Harajuku Lolita
By Aysha Exelby Johnson
http://www.etsy.com/shop/BowCreeps?ref=pr_shop_more
Kitsch - Kitsch is retro tacky. Think of your grandmother's donkey shaped salt and pepper shakers, 1970s tourist souvenirs, 1960s paintings on velvet etc. Anything 60s/70s, colourful and humorous. Think Hairspray, Pee-Wee Herman and old-school Disneyland.

Vintage Kitsch Collectible Kitty Cat White Figurine
Shabby Chic, Vintage, Upcycled & Beach...
Mediterranean- a sort of rustic with a dose of preppy nautical and a touch of high-end resort. Mediterranean is hard look to pin down- it's usually white, terracotta, and bright blue. Nautical themes, summer style. Think of the Greek Islands and 1990s Ralph Lauren.
Boats on the Mediterranean, 8 x 12 Photograph

Soupbelly Photography

Mid-Century - Pure 1950s! Everything that was modern and clean lined in the 1950s. Soft colours such as lemon yellow, aqua, baby pink and sea green are used. There's not much pattern but when their is it's usually shapes like atoms, kidneys, arrowheads and boomerangs. Dior's 'new look' (despite it being 1947!) and the TV show Mad Men are perfect examples. A lot of stuff that's mid-mod is also called Eames era and atomic age.

Mid Century Mod Accent Table... Vintage,Mahogany,Mad Men
poppycottage
http://www.etsy.com/shop/poppycottage?ref=seller_info
Military - army style! Kahki greens and browns, brass buttons, soldiers uniforms, big black boots, tailored shapes, earth tones. Think M.A.S.H or the movie Stripes.

Military Wedding Cake Topper - Ginger Babies
Military Wedding Cake Topper
http://www.etsy.com/shop/gingerbabies
Minimalist - following the mantra 'less is more', this is modern with the most simple terms. Natural materials, stainless steel, straight lines, smooth textures, functional. Think of old movies when they show people in heaven. (Though ironically it's most people's idea of hell!) Minimalist style contains objects and fashion that does little more than serve it's function- all adornment is shunned.

Original Oil Painting "Minimalist Landscape"
"Minimalist Landscape"
http://www.etsy.com/shop/NDEAJ
Mod - sharp graphics, black and white, tight fitting clothes, geometric shapes, Mod is a sort of Mid-Century avant guarde. It was the stuff in the 60s that was diametrically opposite to the hippies and predominantly a UK style. Micro length shorts and skirts, knee high go-go boots, Perspex jewelry, tailored lines and sharp cuts. Think Austin Powers, The (original!!) Italian Job and model icons like Twiggy.
Floral Mod Lamp Handmade Upcycled
Floral Mod Lamp Handmade Upcycled
http://www.etsy.com/shop/pinkpoison74
Modern - Modern is a sort of generic term for anything that's made now and is the typical example of it's time. IKEA furniture, Crate and Barrel...The thing about the modern attribute tag here is that it will put a modern angle on anything else you choose. Use modern with tribal if you make runway style, use modern with traditional if you've taken an antique dresser and painted it pink, use modern with Romantic if you've made a necklace that's a tea cup shape cut from white perspex, etc.
Poppies in the Sky Modern Art Painting By Todd Young
http://www.etsy.com/shop/ToddYoungArt
Nautical - nautical is black, blue and white, tailored shapes and anything you can attribute to yachting, so anchors, grommets, rope, etc. It's preppy at sea. Think Ralph Lauren, Miami Vice, The Love Boat. Nautical was huge in the 80s and 90s.
Retro Tattoo Sailor Gal with Hearts and Nautical Stars CUTE Adorable Silver Plated Brooch Pin
Adorable Silver Plated Brooch Pin
http://www.etsy.com/shop/sweetheartsinner
Neo-classical- a bit tough to pin down, this is a sort of historical modernism. Usually Italian style of the 17th and 18th centuries with a fresh, modern twist. It's marble columns, Georgian features, pale colours and elegant forms. Think the great cotton mansions of the South, Italian Renaissance details, 80s country club decor.
Button Art - Neo-Classic
Button Art - Neo-Classic
http://www.etsy.com/shop/SusiePratt
Preppy- think upper class, All-American, 1950s society athletics. It's country club golf lunch, private schools, tennis, yachting, croquet and equestrian pursuits. Think well-fitting clothes, clean lines, blazers, loafers, slick hair. Pattern is limited but is usually Argyle, checks and plaid.

Primitive - from a style point of view, this is usually American primitive (also called 'prim'). Colonial furniture, muddy colours, rusty metals and faded prints. Harvest themes and simple solid farmhouse aesthetics. Other attributes that will go with this include Rustic, Country and Tribal (for when you mean primitive man).

Birdhouse Folk Art Rustic Country Primitive Saltbox Home Decor Garden Folk Art
Birdhouse Folk Art Rustic Country Primitive Saltbox Home Decor Garden Folk Art
http://www.etsy.com/people/birdhouseaccents
Resort - glamorous super models lounging by the pool. Kaftans, giant sunglasses, cocktails, swimwear (especially skimpy or classically tailored) and anything floaty and simple. There's a good dose of tropical in resort style.
Santa Barbara Oil Painting -  12x12 - Shoreline Beach Cafe
Shoreline Beach Cafe
http://www.etsy.com/people/sharonschock?ref=ls_profile
Retro- I like to think of retro as 'kitsch vintage'. Retro is the period from the 60s to the 70s where things got a little out of control- think bold wallpaper, loud shirts, big patterns, wide flares and luminous colours. Disco meets Pop.
Rustic Retro Turquoise Bottle Cap Opener Wall Mount
Rustic Retro Turquoise Bottle Cap Opener Wall Mount
http://www.etsy.com/people/SweetButtonsAndBeaus?ref=pr_profile
Rocker- this is sort of punk without the overkill. Rocker style is all about adding glam to a motorbike gang. Black leather, studded belts, cowboy boots, lightening bolts, skulls, electric guitars, stars and big hair. Colours are usually red, yellow, pink or lime green with a good dose of black. Think Aerosmith, 80s hair bands, Alice Cooper.

Rustic - texture! Anything that's rough, simply made and a little bit country. Raw wood, rusted metal, neutral colours. It's country pared right back and primitive without the colour.

Handmade Leather Journal, Notebook or Sketchbook for the Writer or Artist - Rustic Wine - Handbound
Handmade Leather Journal, Notebook
http://www.etsy.com/shop/WeeBindery?ref=seller_info
Sci-Fi - Think star wars, star trek, Buck Rogers... lots of white, silver, clear, plastics and chrome. Colour is rare but it's usually fire engine red and royal blue in luminous 'what does this button do?' tones.
Robot Droid sci fi  geek party favors chocolate lollipops
Robot Droid sci fi geek party favors chocolate lollipops
http://www.etsy.com/shop/SugarBellysBoutique?ref=seller_info
Shabby Chic - I think we all know what this looks like. I will delicately mention that Shabby Chic is a copyrighted term by Rachel Ashwell, and many people simply call it 'shabby cottage' instead (I would suggest Etsy changes this as soon as they can). It's white one white, lots of lace, faded natural tones, pink, roses, chandeliers, zinc buckets... you get the picture. Other attributes that will go with this include traditional, Boho, Victorian and Edwardian.
Recipe Box Wood Wooden Shabby Chic Owls
Recipe Box Wood Wooden Shabby Chic Owls
http://www.etsy.com/shop/kotibeth?ref=seller_info
Southwestern- I only just learned this one the other day, back in the olden days they used to call this 'tex mex' or Santa Fe. It's part cowboy, part Indian. Desert colours, Native patterns, natural materials.
Sun Valley, Idaho, Skull 10 x 7 Fine Art Photo
Sun Valley, Idaho, Skull 10 x 7 Fine Art Photo
http://www.etsy.com/shop/DigitalDivas?ref=seller_info
Spooky - I would guess this is what I call Halloween gothic. Ghosts, spiders, haunted houses, graveyards etc. It's the more cutsey side of gothic, usually with bright colours and lots of black.
Crochet Pattern Spooky Spider Hat
Crochet Pattern Spooky Spider Hat
http://www.etsy.com/shop/crochetjolie?ref=seller_info
Steampunk - Despite it's now ubiquitous place in modern lifestyle, a lot of people don't seem to know what steampunk is. Essentially it's anything of a mechanical nature given an overly Victorian appearance. It has a very flexible boundary, but for 'pure' steampunk it's earth and jewel tones, opulent design, Victorian lines and usually either clockwork, boiler rivets, old keys or some kind of industrial flair.
Handmade Mini Top Hat
Handmade Mini Top Hat
http://www.etsy.com/shop/YoHatterHatter?ref=seller_info
Techie - Bit unsure on this, I would assume they mean computer hackers and science geeks. We used to have a Geekery section on Etsy, so I would think anything in there goes in this. The goth, sci-fi and modern attributes would also fit well with this.
Soap - Teal P. aeruginosa in a Petri Dish (Grape)
Soap - Teal P. aeruginosa in a Petri Dish (Grape)
http://www.etsy.com/shop/CleanerScience?ref=seller_info
Traditional- Typically considered to be Georgian/Victorian, traditional is often a colonial look with handsome furniture, antique details and elegant patterns. Anything antique and grand usually fits the style perfectly. Relaxed dark colours and comfortable furniture, stately homes, gentleman's clubs and respectable hotels.
Blooming Oleander Dress - MADE TO ORDER
Blooming Oleander Dress - MADE TO ORDER
http://www.etsy.com/shop/alexandragrecco?ref=seller_info
Tribal - much like African, tribal has a primitive barbarian feel to it. Bone beads, earth tones, geometric shapes like arrows and triangles, native style, simple construction, rough cast metal and natural materials.
Medium Copper Disk Earrings
Medium Copper Disk Earrings
http://www.etsy.com/shop/jenkahn?ref=seller_info
Victorian - pretty straight forward- anything that's Victorian in style. You don't have to be accurate (that's what the historical tag is for!) but anything modelled to the last half of the 19th century is 'pure' Victorian, with the high peak being 1860s- 1880s. Though the Victorians were mad for colour, Victorian style now days is usually the ornate, lace-and-beaded black-on-black that was popular in the 1880s and 1890s, with high button boots, lace cuffs and cameo jewelry.
Victorian Cameo Clip Earrings in a Dark Emerald Green w/ Gold tone Filigree
Victorian Cameo Clip Earrings
http://www.etsy.com/shop/chapelgateroad?ref=seller_info
Waldorf- this one I had to look up, with mixed results! (I'm sure they don't mean 'looks like a salad'.) I assumed it was traditional meets Deco, typical of the famous hotel of the same name. If that is what Etsy's referring to, think 1930s New York, with refined elegance and classical lines. It's Annie's Daddy Warbucks- classic 20th century wall street style meets Art Deco glamour.
South African Giraffe Knitted Toy, Merino Yarn, Large
South African Giraffe Knitted Toy
http://www.etsy.com/shop/mamma4earth?ref=seller_info
Woodland - sort of folk meets fairy tale. Anything with forest creatures such as deer, rabbits, foxes, birds and bears as well as flora like acorns, walnuts, blackberries, ferns, ivy and birch. Woodland stuff is very sweet and old-fashioned, like a children's story. Think Hansel and Gretel, Bambi and Goldilocks.
Woodland Fern - Tealight Candle Holder - Woodburning on Birch
Woodland Fern - Tealight Candle Holder
http://www.etsy.com/shop/TwigsandBlossoms?ref=seller_info
Zen- this is the Japanese side of Oriental. Clean lines, modern shapes and simple construction, Zen is clam, neutral in tone and almost minimalist in design
porcelain tea Bowls - zen drinking cups
porcelain tea Bowls - zen drinking cups
http://www.etsy.com/shop/zalt57?ref=seller_info
So there you go! I hope this helps everyone. If you're still unsure which attributes suit your items, do pop it in a comment here and I'll see if I can help. And maybe Admin will pop in and help with other related questions too!

---------------------------------
Penny wrote:
Amendment! I've just learned via convo that...

"Waldorf" comes from the educational scene - Rudolf Steiner is the founder. It describes toys, which are simple made.'

I remember seeing these dolls when I googled it. So there you go! Anyone who makes toys which are simply made and designed using natural materials, this is for you! 

A big thank you to Penny.

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