The Vintage Barn: The Rusty Bird

The rusty bird I like to feature various vendors from our show to let their talents be recognized and to give you an idea of what we are all about. There is no shortage of talented women who participate in The Vintage Barn Antique Show!

Meet Virginia Shawver. Not only is she one of our favorite vendors (actually all my vendors are my favorite) but also a good friend and neighbor. We interviewed Virginia for our Blog feature and it went something like this..........

The Rusty Bird was created 2-3 years ago. It was never a planned business, just a passion that evolved.

I have always had a love of birds and admired their handy work. As far back as I can remember I have loved finding treasures and "old stuff".

As a young girl, on a 14 acre farm in Redding California, I would hike to the back of our property and find old blue mason jars, pieces of old tea sets and other miscellaneous vintage finds. It was so much fun, the old barn, tack room and corrals always had such cool finds waiting for a new home. I still have a black pot I found on the farm. I thought it was so BEAUTIFUL. As an adult, I still have that same feeling when I discover a great find.

My "nest" making talent came about after my friend Kim admired my real nests. I told her I would keep my eye out for more and I would save one for her. That nest I was looking for was never found. I thought," I can MAKE her one". She loved it and it is still in her house today. Thus, The Rusty Bird was born!!

I met my friend Sharon at a show and she gave me the confidence and inspiration to pursue it as a business. Her friendship and mentor-ship has played and key roll in the development of The Rusty Bird's product line ( thank you sharon!).

Now I participate in great shows through out the year such as The Vintage Barn, The Farm Chicks, and this year I had opportunity to go back to ohio with The Vintage Barn to participate in The Country Living Fair.

My advice is, if anyone is thinking of starting a business, a studio at home is a great place to start. Do what you love and make it your own! Your business will evolve as you build it, one idea will lead to another. Remember, some of your mistakes will be your best inspirations and greatest Ideas. Embrace them as part of the process. Stay positive and offer outstanding customer service, smile and have fun!

Good luck,

Virginia Shawver

The Rusty Bird