I am excited this week to announce that our artist is a vintage collector! I love vintage items for so many reasons. They help to conserve material and energy by not having to make new stuff, prevent waste, and always provide a unique touch of character to your decor.
This week, Scott from ReinvintageArt has a great interview, a giveaway and a discount for you!
Hey Scott! Welcome! Tell us a little bit about yourself and your wonderful vintage collection.
I'm currently living in Plantation, a small suburb of Fort Lauderdale, Florida, but have lived a nomadic life in the south from North Carolina, George, South Carolina and Alabama. I've been lucky, for the last nineteen years, to hold on to my wife Traci. She has blessed me with two sweet little girls, who are now both in high school. I've been a collector my whole life, primarily of vintage and antiques. I love the craftsmanship and quality of older things – the phrase “they don't make them like they used to” is one that I truly believe in.
I'm currently living in Plantation, a small suburb of Fort Lauderdale, Florida, but have lived a nomadic life in the south from North Carolina, George, South Carolina and Alabama. I've been lucky, for the last nineteen years, to hold on to my wife Traci. She has blessed me with two sweet little girls, who are now both in high school. I've been a collector my whole life, primarily of vintage and antiques. I love the craftsmanship and quality of older things – the phrase “they don't make them like they used to” is one that I truly believe in.
Besides the vintage items you have in your Etsy store, what else do you like to do?
I love to create, but have a very short attention span. This, unfortunately, means that I've always got a few “projects” in the works. Currently, I have a Victrola cabinet I'm restoring, several 70's harvest boxes to update, and a 1940's parking meter that needs a good cleaning and a new stand. Not complaining – I love to bring items back to life, but I don't usually start and finish a project without finding a few new ones along the way.
What first drew you to vintage wares?
I'm sure this answer should start with “when I was a little boy...”, but I can't remember if that's accurate. I do remember when I was going to art school, back when Winthrop University used to be Winthrop College, going to a thrift store and stumbling accross an old Scooby Doo lunchbox that reminded me of the kind I carried in elementary school. Maybe that's how most people get started – looking for things they had when they were young. I still have the lunch box.
What inspires what you put in your shop?
It's probably easier to answer the question “What sort of things do I look for to put in my shop?” I seek out items that I want to have in my home; things that have a history or story to them. Of course, like most men, I'm attracted to rusty treasures and mechanical wonders, but my “artsy” side is attracted to interesting colors and textures. Between the two sides, I get a pretty diverse mix.
I'm sure this answer should start with “when I was a little boy...”, but I can't remember if that's accurate. I do remember when I was going to art school, back when Winthrop University used to be Winthrop College, going to a thrift store and stumbling accross an old Scooby Doo lunchbox that reminded me of the kind I carried in elementary school. Maybe that's how most people get started – looking for things they had when they were young. I still have the lunch box.
What inspires what you put in your shop?
It's probably easier to answer the question “What sort of things do I look for to put in my shop?” I seek out items that I want to have in my home; things that have a history or story to them. Of course, like most men, I'm attracted to rusty treasures and mechanical wonders, but my “artsy” side is attracted to interesting colors and textures. Between the two sides, I get a pretty diverse mix.
What advice would you give to aspiring vintage collectors and Etsy shop owners?
Buy what you like, when you like it. Regret eats at a collector. I passed up a 1967 Beatles Beat Time pinball machine at an antique store in 1990 that was in mint condition, only $400. When I went back the next week, it was gone. Still bugs me...
I'm more likely to ask advise on Etsy shop owning than give it, but I will say that I've learned how important the quality of the pictures in your listings are. The first few pics I took were awful. My wife told me that I needed to represent what I was selling. Since I started working on the quality of the pictures, I've had more hits and been included in more treasuries.
Email Scott at reinvintagearts@gmail.com if there is a specific item you are looking for and he will keep his eyes open!
In addition to such inspiring words, Scott is hosting a giveaway here at A Girl and Her Scout! He will be giving away an early 1900's Nippon Dish with a windmill scene.
The winner will be chosen (via a random assorter) on March 23rd so be sure to get in your entries by then!
To enter, head over to his Etsy Store, Reinvintagearts, and leave a comment here about your favorite item(s). Additional entries for: 1) becoming a first time follower of A Girl and Her Scout 2) Posting this giveaway with a link to my blog on your blog 3) Posting this giveaway with a link to my blog on your facebook and/or twitter 4) “Hearting” or adding Reinvintageart to your “Favorites” on Etsy and/or 5) making a purchase out of his store (one entry for every purchase).
Be sure to leave a new comment for each additional entry!
In addition, until March 23rd he will be offering a 10% discount to all A Girl and Her Scout readers! YAY!!! Just use key word “girlandherscout" at check out to receive your discount.
I've reposted this article on my blog, with a link back to this blog!
ReplyDeletehttp://inspringbecomestherose.blogspot.com/2011/02/ive-seen-ton-of-quality-vintage-shops.html
Following your blog!
ReplyDeleteMy fave item from his shop is the Jasperware candy dish!
ReplyDeletehttp://www.etsy.com/listing/68559526/upcycled-jewelry-music-box-gems-and
ReplyDeleteis a great trinket box; the addition of the gems really makes it special and the ultimate upcycle.
jhbalvin at gmail dot com
hearted the shop (etsy name jhbalvin)
ReplyDeletejhbalvin at gmail dot com
enter me in this one too i like the ship
ReplyDeleteWalt Disney Annette - 1960 Hardcover by Whitman looks really neat.
ReplyDelete