It's a given that the vintage tins I collect have a story to tell; a history told in the subtle scratches and rusty, crusty finish. I search flea markets, Ebay & thrift stores to score some of these vintage beauties, but I'll never really know the stories within. Sometimes though, the story about how these vintage tins find me, is even more incredible.
Many of the tins in my collection are given to me at markets & events where I am vending. I am so incredibly lucky to have customers and followers who have become friends, and many of these folks search out and collect tins on my behalf. They sometimes bring bags of tins, or perhaps just a single spectacular one. I'm touched by the thoughfulness of all of these gifts. It's incredible how thoughtful people can be.
To my amusement, one of my newest tin finds, (& the inspiration for my newest collection) is a tin with a rich recent history. It may amuse you as well to know exactly what often goes in to procuring the beautiful tins that become Verdiline jewelry.
The "muse" of the Spring 2019 collection is (well, was) an incredible round tin serving tray in psychedelic, 60's era neon hues on a bright yellow background. A few weeks ago, my friend Stephanie, who moved from CT to Maine, tagged me on an Instagram post. The post was of this particular tray, offered for sale by a vintage shop named Lost Coast, in Kittery, Maine. My jaw dropped when I saw the tray in the post - it was spectacular! I instantly knew it was to be MINE, and would be the basis for my Spring line.
Here's the problem...Kittery, Maine is a 5 hour drive from where I live in CT. That's a ridiculous amount of driving for a tin. I then remembered that my husband was actually in Maine on business & was heading back the next day. But what were the odds that he was working anywhere near Kittery, Maine? It didn't matter, because he had to drive straight thru Kittery to leave Maine.
My husband is, by nature, an early riser. He leaves for work at around 5 am. He wasn't thrilled to have to wait until 11 am to stop at the vintage shop b4 he headed home. But he did...and he enjoyed the shop and the owners so much, he even picked me up Lost Coast ME t-shirt.
Less than 24 hrs later, my tin was home. I wonder who owned it 3 or 6 months or years ago? Had it been stashed in someone's Aunt Betty's basement or attic? Had it been holding old bills and papers on someone's desk? We'll never know. I do know that in less than 24 hours, and thanks to my network of supportive friends, my patient husband and to social media, that tin will now be enjoyed by many Verdilune customers. Those who not only appreciate my styling & sense of color, but also those who also feel a connection to the stories, travels, and histories of the tins, prior to being placed in the blades of my tin snips. Because, after all... it really does take a village.
VpuZDayvLNeFlPY