On the hunt for wonderful stuff

As resellers on eBay, we're constantly on the prowl for cool and collectible things. We're motivated to bring recognition to neglected items that deserve to be preserved, whether for their quality, history, functionality, beauty or quirkiness. A two-person team, we share a passion for relics of the past while each have expertise and interest in particular types of collectibles. 

For instance, Brad, my partner in crime, is definitely more inclined than I am to dig through a bin to salvage old car parts, scoop up Lionel trains to help collectors complete their old model railroad sets (they go fast!) or round up a gaggle of goose decoys. Vintage wallpaper products also turn his head, as do saleman samples that represent businesses of yore. Men's shoes, cowboy boots and work boots are another of Brad's personal faves.

Brad likes to rustle up all kinds of footwear to sell in our store.

My bent is more toward the arts and crafts, literally and figuratively. I love to sift through old linens and rescue runners, doilies, tablecloths and napkins that still have life in them. Many will come home with me and be treated to a nice soak to return them as closely as possible to their original state. Lace is a particular interest, though I must rely on the expertise of my friend Sharon of The Rook and the Raven (also an eBay seller, check out her store here) to identify what I've found. I'm also keen to find antique and vintage clothing (I believe I lived a previous life in the late 1800s, how else can I explain my connection to the Victorian era?) to share with collectors and style mavens. Though I have no gift for needlework, I appreciate the skill reflected in many of the pieces I come across.  I'm also inclined to rescue dolls and stuffed plush animals and love anything miniature. Jewelry from all eras captures my fancy, as do photographs or other snippets of personal history, such as ledgers or journals. You can find more of what's up my alley in my curated CoolVintageFindsShop on etsy .

This baptismal gown was too precious to pass by. It's available in our store now.

This fascinating photo album, with typed travel diary, features a famous artist at work on his craft. Hope it finds a new home soon!

There are some categories of collectibles that both Brad and I consistently gravitate toward. Antique and vintage Christmas decor, art posters and pottery of all kinds fall under that heading. Since many of our customers are crafty themselves, we'll pick up kits and needlepoint projects to pass along. Our merch is listed  across dozens of categories to help shoppers browse and buy.

It's definitely easier to shop than to list, so we rely on a storage space to store finds awaiting their turn on eBay or etsy. Brad likes to say they're "fermenting" (as in, getting more desirable), but with our recent re-org, we're both amped to step up our listing game.

We're finally winning our personal "storage war" by getting our finds in order and queued up for listing.

Not everything from our shopping expeditions makes it into our store! I'm a fan of miniature cabins and was thrilled to make a discovery recently to add to my collection. Someday I'll put it up for sale, but for the moment it's one of my own treasures.

This little beauty will remain in my possession as I spiff it up, add some miniatures and admire it for a while.

Brad's not above getting his hands dirty doing a little sorting for our store, in this case rescuing floss for needlepoint and crochet projects.

Let us know what you like to find on your shopping forays, either at estate sales or online in our eBay store. Thanks for reading!

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