Create a Memorable Collection with Vintage Graphics

For vintage lovers, collections can happen without even realizing it. You pick up a pretty flowered plate at a sale because you like the colors and the patterns. Then you see the same pattern on a bowl at another sale. Before you know it, you’ve got a whole cupboard-full of those pretty dishes; a collection has been born! When we’re out on the treasure hunt, we never know what we’ll come across, but I want to encourage you to build a collection around something meaningful to your personal or family history. Being aware of vintage graphics can be a great beginning to a memorable collection.

Somewhere along the many years of treasure hunting I’ve been on, I began finding pieces that had hearkened from old Minneapolis businesses. Maybe just seeing “Minneapolis” in the words caught my eye. But this inner-city girl who couldn’t wait to move out to some open air is still nostalgic about her 5 minutes-from-downtown upbringing.

I don’t display my collection in any one particular place; it’s actually spread out all over my house during any given season. But somehow these vintage items, that I’d honestly love even if they didn’t have these graphics, are just a little more special in my heart. {“Antique Bottles“}

My collection is rooted in my hometown, but yours could be from anything else special to you. Maybe it’s the company where you had your first job (I worked for Coca-Cola right after college but hated it-not going to relive those days!). Maybe there are vintage graphics that contain your first or your last name, or your kids. Maybe a street name from your childhood home or your current home. I’m drawn to anything with the word “Bloom” because of my last name and also “Budd”, since it’s our address.

Are any ideas coming to you?

Building a collection such as this can create fun for yourself and your whole family! It can give the kids something to do when they’re complaining about shopping at the flea market. They can even be practicing their reading! {see this ruler section on my {“Bedspring Family Photo Wall“}

This doesn’t have to be the type of collection you display in one room or one place. But grouping them together could be a fun themed vignette also. {see “Adding Vintage Feedsacks to New Furniture“}

As you can see, my hometown collection is varied and I enjoy using these pieces anywhere and everywhere! {Green Depression Glass and a Little Junk for a Garden Party“}. I’m sure I even have more floating around the house that I can’t think of right now!

Do you have any items with vintage graphics that are meaningful to you or your family? If not, I hope this inspires you to start one and maybe gives you a reason to do a little treasure hunting this spring! I’d love to hear about it!

If you’d like more ideas on sentimental decorating, read “Transform Your Memories into Something You’ll Love“.

Sharing at these lovely parties:

Talk of the Town

Thursday Favorite Things

Feathered Nest Friday

Farmhouse Friday

DIY Salvaged Junk Projects