Collecting Vintage – An Interview with JustVintage2 11


We enjoying talking to people who collect vintage treasures.  In this interview, we find out more about Wanda, the owner of the vintage shop JustVintage2 on Etsy.

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Why and when did you start collecting?
I think I’ve always had the collecting gene. It’s one of the things that runs in my female line. The first thing I remember collecting was rocks when I was in the 3rd grade. Because 1) I could find them and 2) I could afford them. A few years later, as a preteen, I collected magazine articles. Because 1) I could find them and 2) I could afford them.

I was 18 when I married in 1973. Gasp! I know! We’re still together, too! I was much too domestic for college and a future “career”, so I went to work and on my lunch hour would take in a couple of sales in the neighborhood behind the office, needing to buy things we couldn’t afford new. Later when the kids came along, I chose to be a stay at home mom and accepted all the sacrifices that went with it. Always on a budget, but wanting my home to look like a decorating magazine- Ha! Failed miserably at that! – I was dedicated to going to yard and estate sales, spending my quarters and dimes, and have been going and collecting ever since.

Who or what was your influence for collecting?
Well, it wasn’t anyone I knew. My mother didn’t like “that old stuff.” She liked new and modern. What we call mid century modern now. I hated it! Thought it was ugly. But would give my eye teeth to have all that now. My grandparents only had Depression era furniture which was considered “cheap” at the time. I wasn’t exposed to antiques. Still, somehow, I knew. I. Just. Knew.

I was an only child and a latchkey kid. When I was about 10 years old I was home alone and bored out of my mind. So bored I started reading one of my mother’s magazines. House Beautiful or something similar. There, I read an article about an antique dealer. I had never heard of antique dealers before, but knew immediately that that was what I wanted to be when I grew up. (It didn’t happen until 1997.)

A couple of years later, my mother was passionately growing African Violets and we went out to “the country” to visit a lady who would sell some of her flowers. I walked into the living room and stopped in my tracks, mesmerized by a glass, bowfront cabinet filled with colored glassware. To this day I can see that cabinet in my mind’s eye, and exactly where it sat in her tiny house. The lady explained to me that the glass was Depression glass and some was quite valuable. That did it. I was hooked. My mother did not understand my fascination.

What is one of your favorite pieces and why?
There are so many favorites. Furniture pieces with a story, things that belonged to my parents or grandparents, an extensive, vintage Christmas collection, mint colored pottery, nativity sheep, etc. I can’t pinpoint any one thing.

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What tips can you give us about collecting?
If you’re buying for yourself, buy what you love and love what you buy. Otherwise it can get out of hand quickly. Don’t be afraid to mix styles. This primitive cabinet has a mixture not only of primitive, but of cottage feminine, Victorian and mid century modern. Everything is in the colors of the painting and that pulls it all together. It makes me happy to see it. And I don’t even mind dusting it! The painting, by the way, was a $5 find at an estate sale. I’m in love with it as much now as I was when I found it so many years ago.

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If you’re buying for resale, buy what you love and buy what you hate. Everything else is just mediocre.

Whether buying for yourself or resale, always remember. If you’re disappointed that you missed something you wanted, there’s always another one waiting. It might even be cheaper or something you like better. You may find it next weekend or next year, but it’ll show up. There’s plenty to go around for us all.

What would be your holy grail piece and why?
At one time it was particular pieces of pottery. But these days, I’m not into collecting a certain type of item. I don’t have to have every piece of mint green pottery I see or every nativity sheep. I’m good with finding surprises here and there that make me happy to add to my home. Oh, wait. Maybe an apothecary chest to sit in that awkward spot by the fireplace. Cheap. Yeah. That might be my holy grail.

Where do you look for new items to add to your shop/collection?
Almost exclusively estate sales, with yard sales being a close second.

How has collecting changed or affected your life?
I don’t think it has changed anything because it’s always been there. But affected? I’ve had so much enjoyment going out and hunting the treasures. It’s a lifestyle for me. It’s in my blood. The hunt is an addiction, whether I bag anything or not. It’s all about the hunt.

Where can we find you?
Blog: http://justvintagehome.com
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/just_vintage
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/justvintagehome
Twitter: https://twitter.com/JustVintage
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/justvintagehome

If you’re anywhere close to Opelika, Alabama, you can find our booth at Angel’s Antique Mall. Booth D-26.


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11 thoughts on “Collecting Vintage – An Interview with JustVintage2

  • JD - ThirdShift Post author

    Wanda – I’m so glad I’ve gotten to know you! You have so much energy and are so helpful to other vintage shops. You ALWAYS have fun vintage finds in your shop. I enjoyed your interview – thank you! Wishing you continued success with your shop!

  • Linda Long

    I find your interview fascinating, the fact that you found your passion for antiques on your own is so special. I loved getting to know you better. Wishing you all the best.

  • Loretta

    Wanda, it was fun reading your interesting interview and getting to know you better! Married at 18 in 1973 and still together! How wonderful for you both! Love those trophies! Best wishes!

  • Suz

    SO nice to “meet” you, Wanda. Love your story and your photos. I, too, married at 18, but WAY BACK in 1958. We’ve got our 58th coming up this year.

    k

  • Linda - Selective Salvage

    I thoroughly enjoyed reading your interview, Wanda. The photos of the vignettes in your home are absolutely beautiful.

    I’ve always approached the idea of buying for myself the same way you do “buy what you love and love what you buy” but your take on buying for resale was new. “Buy what you love and buy what you hate. Everything else is just mediocre.” is an interesting, thought provoking concept. Thanks for sharing your philosophies of collecting with us.

    Good hunting,
    Linda

  • lookonmytreasures - Barbara

    These photos are gorgeous and inspirational! “Spending quarters and dimes”, what perfect phrasing! Alas, inflation! 🙂

  • lookonmytreasures - Barbara

    Your $5 painting —- makes my heart and eyes happy! I found a large portrait, same origin and price tag. It has become my alter ego (avatar) and one of my all time faves. Such fun!