Collecting Vintage – An Interview with 1006Osage 6


We enjoying talking to people who collect vintage treasures. In this interview, we find out more about Pam, the owner of the vintage shop 1006Osage on Etsy.

Why and when did you start collecting?

I have been a collector ever since I can remember. When I was a child, I had a rock collection. But I didn’t stop at rocks, I gathered and collected a wide variety of items from outside: pinecones, acorns, locust shells, you name it. I never really outgrew my fascination with nature and I still gather buckeyes, pinecones, and beautiful leaves when I walk my dog.

Who or what was your influence for collecting?

As I got older my Mema, or grandmother, definitely influenced me. She was a collector extraordinaire. She had a house full of Elvis memorabilia, clocks, family photos, roosters, and much more. We loved to swap stories about flea markets and new finds. My shop, 1006 Osage, is named after her old address.

As time went by, I became very interested in old houses and buildings. My first house I owned was a Folk Victorian. I began collecting things to use and display in the house. I was really into blue and white dishware at the time, and collected everything from splatterware ceramics to flow blue china. It was quite an eclectic mix, but it all worked really well in that home.

Later we moved to an Arts and Crafts house and my collecting evolved. I started to look for pottery, tiles, hammered copper and textiles from the Arts and Crafts period.

Now my husband and I live in a 1920s Federal style house, and I no longer stick to things from a particular time period. This house is a mix of everything, including mid century modern. I have come to appreciate so many time periods and really just look for things I love.

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What is one of your favorite pieces and why?

I have two framed tile panels by Fran Williams that are probably my favorite. I spotted these in an antique mall about a half an hour from my house, and immediately fell in love with them. They were more expensive than the things I usually buy and I couldn’t justify the purchase; however, when I got home I really regretted passing them by. After awhile I forgot about them, so you can imagine my surprise when my husband brought in two large and heavy gifts for me on Mother’s Day, and it ended up being the panels. Later I figured out who the artist was, and that made them even more special.

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What tips can you give us about collecting?

First, I would say to buy what you love. Many of my personal collections are not things that command high prices, or would even be classified as true collectibles. For example, I have a collection of Japanese stoneware mugs. I find these in thrift stores for very reasonable prices. I love the way they look grouped together on the shelf. Each morning I get a little kick out of selecting which one to use for my coffee.

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Second, I would say to enjoy your collections. Another thing I collect is thrift store art and streetscapes are one of my favorites. Almost all of mine are inexpensive prints, but they are fun to group together. I display most in my bedroom and when I get tired of one, I can sell it in the store and trade it out for something new.

And that brings me to my third tip on collecting: don’t be afraid to change it up. As your tastes and circumstances change, so can your collections.

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What would be your holy grail piece and why?

I don’t think I would have a holy grail piece since I really tend to buy and collect based on my emotional response to something. However, it would be awesome to run across artwork by a famous mid century artist at a garage sale or thrift shop.

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

I am always on the look-out for new store items and I find ways to scout for goodies with about every outing around town and even on vacation. I frequent local thrift stores, flea markets, garage sales, estate sales, salvage stores, and even antique/vintage malls. You never know where and when you will find something special.

How has collecting changed or affected your life?

It has been a terrific way to learn about history. I research what I find to sell in the shop, or bring home for my personal collections. Each item has a story and it is fascinating to learn about artists, manufacturers, and historical contexts.

Collecting has also given me a great appreciation for the quality of vintage pieces. When I look around my house… at the lamps, furniture, dishware, artwork…nearly all of it is second-hand. It has all withstood the test of time from both a physical and design standpoint.

I also think that vintage has given me the opportunity to express myself. I really surround myself with things that I love, not just what is in style or this season’s latest trend.

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Where can we find you? 
You can find me on:
Instagram: www.instagram.com/1006osage
Pinterest: www.pinterest.com/1006osage
Twitter: www.twitter.com/1006Osage
Tumbler: www.tumblr.com/blog/1006osage
and
Facebook: www.facebook.com/1006Osage


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6 thoughts on “Collecting Vintage – An Interview with 1006Osage

  • Linda

    Pam, your interview was very educational for me, your Fran Williams Tile panels are fabulous! I have always been drawn to art tiles but, now I think I am in love! Thank you so much for opening the door to a beautiful world of vintage art tiles. Wishing you all the best in life and business.

  • Terri

    Pam, thanks for sharing! What a thoughtful husband you have! I probably would have gone back to purchase the panels and been devastated when they were gone. :). Your pottery is stunning! I have a weakness for anything handmade bc I appreciate the time and talent that goes into a piece. Thanks for sharing you collections and beautiful home.

  • Tina

    Pam, I loved reading your story and absolutely love that your shop is named after your grandmother. That actually brought a tear to my eye. ♥ I especially like the coffee mugs and how you use a different one everyday. I think I will be purging my ho-hum mugs and be on the lookout for pottery type.