Collecting Vintage – An Interview with VintageHand 5

It is always interesting to talk to people who collect vintage treasures.  In this interview, we find out more about Stephanie, the owner of the vintage shop VintageHand on Etsy.

Why and when did you start collecting?

For me, it all started with open salts – also known as salt cellars. My father told me about how they used to be on the tables in British pubs and with their small size and tiny matching spoons, I was hooked. They come in so many different materials and styles – featuring real artists like Tiffany and Steuben, amazing silversmiths, as well as unknown painters of ceramic blanks from Europe and Asia. Plus, they’re small – so they’re easy to mail, bring through a move, display, etc.

Who or what was your influence for collecting?

I always had family who respected antiques, whether that came from appreciating form and style, or from the necessity of being thrifty. I loved going to auctions with my mom and getting a trunk full of treasures for a few dollars. And I still have hand-me-down furniture from relatives near and far that I appreciate and mix in with contemporary decor.

What is one of your favorite pieces and why?

Probably my grandfather’s diamond ring, which came with a story (don’t all great antiques come with a story?) Anyway, he supposedly won it in a poker game back in the 1960s. It’s hard for me to imagine him in a high-stakes poker game. I only remember his infirm years as a quiet and sweet man. My mother wore his ring for 30+ years following his passing and I always fancied it. One year, I got it for Christmas. I love it.

What tips can you give us about collecting?

No matter what, collect what you like. Fads come and go even within antiques, and you’ll never regret picking up what you really love. If there is something you’re unsure about, walk around the store before leaving. Ask yourself if it’s an impulse buy or something you’d regret if you left it and someone else snapped it up. I once got a tip regarding furniture (particularly an item with a drawer). Carry around the drawer while you contemplate buying the item. People aren’t likely to buy a dresser or desk without the drawer, and it buys you thinking time. Collect what makes you happy. It cheers me up when I’m making coffee on a dreary Oregon winter morning, to open my kitchen cabinet to a rainbow of Fiesta mugs. Your stuff should bring you joy. If it feels like clutter, then it’s time to part with it and let it go on to its next caretaker. I like to think of myself as a “foster mom” to the pieces I have. Some I keep and use for a long time before selling; others less time; but either way, I want to appreciate it while it’s with me.

What would be your holy grail piece and why?

I am completely infatuated with French enamel but have none – not one piece! Someday, I’d like to find a complete set of canisters that matches my kitchen. Since my kitchen is white, purple and green, that may be a forever search…

Where do you look for new items to add to your shop or collection?

I enjoy going to estate sales and thrift stores for the hunt of the unexpected. I also like how pawn shops appeal to my husband – he can head for tools or hunting gear while I head for jewelry – and sometimes we both come out happy!

How has collecting changed or affected your life?

I am a total type-A personality with bouts of depression, so the structure of finding items, cleaning and photographing them, doing research, writing listings – all that stuff keeps me busy physically and mentally – it provides good structure and keeps me out of a funk. Staying busy is good for my mental health. It’s taken years to figure out “what works” – it’s an individual thing. But I can say for anyone who suffers, there’s hope.

Where can we find you?

Etsy Shop – VintageHand

Twitter – https://twitter.com/VintageHand

Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/VintageHand

Interesting Note:

My shop avatar is a picture of my mom in her best friend’s wedding. In winter, I switch it to a picture of her as a toddler in her winter coat.