READER REQUEST: Antiquing Guidance
Many of you have been a part of my Instagram community for a number of years, and you know that November brings my annual holiday gift guide. You also have caught glimpses into my antiquing* adventures. Shopping for used items requires a bit of patience and research, but when you find what you’re looking for… the thrill is unmatched! The wonderful Nimisha asked for a newsletter dedicated to antiquing tips and tricks and treasures and you know what - that’s a great idea!
Whether you are looking to incorporate antiquing into your holiday shopping or as a part of your every day shopping strategy, here is some food for thought:
👀 AROUND YOUR HOUSE:
Before we go shopping, let’s look around our house. Are there any mementos that can be reimagined for you to better utilize them or for you to share those memories more often? If you’re interested in exploring this idea - join me and the Columbus Indiana Architectural Archives on December 5 @noon est for a free interactive webinar. This is my first online craft workshop in a while, and I hope to see you there.
WHERE ELSE CAN YOU 👀?
Online: ebay, Etsy, Facebook Marketplace, Goodwill, Craigslist (yes, it is still active), Everything But The House, 1st Dibs
In Person: Estate sales, yard sales, and antique shops (remember to ask nice shop owners if they have recommendations for other spots in the area)
WHAT ARE YOU 👀 FOR?
Trash bin? Planter? It doesn’t matter what you’re looking for, you can use the same strategies to help you hone in on what you are looking for. I usually like to start with the object I’m seeking+ material + “vintage” or “antique,” so for example I would search on eBay “vintage copper vase.” As you look through your search results, what is catching your eye? Pay attention to the verbiage being utilized by the seller. What is the language they are using to describe the item? Arts and crafts? Mid Century? Hammered? Maybe a specific brand name or a country of origin? Play around and refine your search based on this newly acquired verbiage to describe your interests. You’re not always going to hit a homerun right off the bat, but we’re wanting to build your design knowledge while being open to unexpected possibilities. You’ll also find that some online sellers don’t use very many descriptive terms, and that can benefit you - they may not realize what they have.
You may find that you gravitate toward a singular style or maybe there are a few eras of design that resonate with you. As you find objects you’re drawn toward, I recommend saving the item on the specific app (both Ebay and Etsy sellers will sometimes offer you a reduced price/discount code) and in a pinterest board. Creating a visual repository where you can readily see what you’re drawn to, which in my experience helps you create your own personal layered style or helps you find exactly what you’re looking for in a gift.
But Sarah, I prefer in person shopping - trust me - I get it, but consider your perusal of online shops as doing your homework so that you can be a confident in person shopper. We want to make sure you are making a purchase to love for a long time or a perfect gift
HOW DO I KNOW IT IS A FAIR PRICE?
As you look around, you will start to see the prices assigned to items and you’ll start to find out what is in demand, what is rare, and a price range based on condition, etc.. You may be surprised what sells for a premium and what is sitting on shelves. On Ebay, under the “Show Only” filter category you can select “Sold Items.” There won’t always be a recently sold item for you to utilize as a reference point, but it can help guide you for in person/ online shopping. You have to reflect on what is something worth to YOU - is it in your budget, do you view it as a piece you'll have forever and therefore it is worth splurging on, etc.. It is totally okay to not think that x-item is worth y-price, we all have different interests, budgets, and needs.
For your online shopping, you’ll find that some sellers on Ebay and Etsy (specifically vintage sellers) have a “make an offer” button - do not be scared to use it! They will either accept, send you a counter offer, or reject your offer.
If you’re shopping in person at an antique shop, yard sale, or estate sales - do not be afraid to make an offer lower than the ticket price. Each antique shop is operated differently, but the shop keeper will be able to either A- tell you no, the price is firm B- have the authority to negotiate with you (most commonly it is a 5-10% discount) C- call the vendor for you and directly ask for their “best price.” For yard/estate sales, you may be able to negotiate a “bundle price”if you are buying multiple items. Many estate sales are 50% off their final day, if it is a 3-day sale they frequently will be 25% off on the second day. Don’t be scared to be cheeky with your offer if it is the final day of sale - people at estate/yard sales are mostly willing to negotiate, because they want stuff gone. It's also important to remember to bring cash for your in person antiquing - cash can save you anywhere from 3% (credit card processing fees) to 20% in my experience.
🌟When you find something that you know is a DEAL, remember to ask yourself “This is a deal, but is it the deal for me?” and “Is this in the condition I want?” Sometimes you’ll happily buy a cracked vase, because you can still use it for dried flowers - other times you want an item in pristine condition. Let's shop with intention and know when we want a fixer upper vs when we want something in good vintage condition. Good luck with your antique hunting!
🎁 Bonus Second Hand Gift Tip: Look for ways to breathe new life into the antique items to punch up the gift. Ex:nice candleswithantique candlesticks, local coffee beans with avintage mug, flowers in astatement vase, a plant you propagated ina cool planter, etc..
*antiques, vintage, thrift - I know these are all defined differently by different people, but for convenience I chose to stick with antiques throughout this guide.
Planting Some Seeds That Have Shifted My Spending Habits
Aletha Vandermass introduced me to the "Buyerarchy of Needs" a number of years ago. It is a good spin on Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs; it has helped shift the way I purchase craft supplies. Approximately 75% of my craft supplies are now purchased second hand.
At some point on IG, Jessica Anderson and Stephanie Phillips of the incredible San Antonio Circular Economy team shared resolutions of not buying anything new unless it cannot be avoided (or something along those lines). As you plan your 2026 goals, this is a great challenge. ++++ you'll be amazed at how many new with tags items you can find through secondhand platforms.
RESOURCE ROUNDUP:
What I’ve been reading, listening to, and watching.
Article: Section 106 Isn't the Bottleneck - But It's on the Chopping Block
Webinar: Defending the National Historic Preservation Act and Section 106
Article: Challenging Perceptions of 'Don't Go' Neighborhoods Can Create Opportunities
Funding: Nuestra Herencia Grants Round 2
Thanks for reading! I'm going to be trying something different for my newsletters in 2026, which I'm excited to share more about next month. If you ever have a topic you would like me to dive into - reach out, and I'm more than happy to try to find ways to integrate it into the schedule.