Its funny sometimes how life works.
Years ago, both of us knew Kathie Bordner. Shendra worked closely with Kathie for many years, doing alternations and design work for her family’s bridal shop. And, Maureen leaned on Kathie as her consultant to help select an amazing gown for her wedding.
Fast forward 15+ years and we have reconnected with Kathie, but in a very different way!
Kathie Bordner is our version of a Christmas queen! She and her husband, who live in Tennessee, have become Christmas artists and dealers that travel the US and share their own version of the Christmas cheer with others.
Kathie’s background in the bridal industry gave her a keen eye for style and she has translated that into a new career.
Specializing in all things vintage Christmas, these custom brooch trees have become one of the things Kathie is best known for. Photos don’t give these justice as they are bejeweled with 20+ vintage Christmas pins and earrings and flawlessly mounted on antique frames.
The minute we saw these, we both knew we had to have one for our own Christmas collection.
Q: What made you decide to become a vintage Christmas dealer?
A: I was already selling vintage goodies at the Nashville Flea Market when one day I took a tiny amount of time to walk around the rest of the Market and do some picking. I stumbled upon a booth that was entirely vintage Christmas and I knew I had to do it!
I set a goal for the next October to make it happen. I bought everything I could and filled my booth with nothing but Christmas antiques. I am happy to say it was my favorite booth and I was very busy!
As with anything when you are learning, I started learning what sold and what didn’t. I learned that sometimes items that I may have thought were hideous, sometimes were incredibly old and valuable. Even now, I am still learning.
I have met the most wonderful people who have helped me when I can’t find the value of something and have taught me so much about the vintage Christmas world!
Q: How can people start collecting vintage Christmas?
Getting started as a collector and a dealer are two completely different avenues. As a collector you can afford to spend a little more money on the pieces you want. It’s so fun to seek out specific decorations and really take your time with it. If you are starting a collection, let your it grow slowly. In the end, you will have so much more fun decorating when you remember where and when you got each piece.
As a vendor, it is so different because you have to search for the items but make sure you are getting them at a price that you can make money on them, as well. Many of the items I buy take time to research what it is and how much it should sell it for. Others require me to clean it or repair it. That all takes time.
Whether someone is looking to start a collection or even become a dealer, I recommend they get some old fashioned, turn-the-page vintage Christmas decoration books. The internet is wonderful if you know what to call something. But, these books have been invaluable to me….plus you start to learn about what else to look for.
Q: Your booth is amazing! But, something that you are now known for are these vintage brooch trees. How did you get started doing pieces like these?
A: I have always been crafty. I remember the first crafting project I did, I was maybe seven or eight years old and I had a sheet of Holly Hobby gift wrap. I would cut out each of the Holly Hobby’s and put them on small hotel soaps (my Dad traveled for work and would always bring them home). My mother would dip the Holly Hobby soaps in paraffin. Then, I went door to door and sold them for like a quarter! Just recently, my older sister texted me a picture of one that she still had! So I guess since an early age, I have made and then sold my crafts!
I have a love of jewelry and anything sparkly. When I saw my first brooch tree at an antique store in Springfield, Tennessee I knew I had to make one. I hate to say it but I bought one from someone (and still proudly display it along with my own). I just needed one in my hand to reference. My high school friend Cari, who lives in Texas, flew up and we made our first trees together. My first one was for a charity auction. Together we made more. The more we made, the more we learned how to make them better…what tools to use, etc. What I cannot seem to do is make them quicker. I have tried and am never happy with the outcome. I have decided it is best for me to take the time and make it perfect.
Q: How do you find all these vintage pins that go into these pieces?
A: I am constantly hunting for jewelry. I use a mix of vintage and new. When I can find a mix and match bag of onesie old clip-on earrings, that’s a score! My favorite trees to make are when people have me make one from a loved ones jewelry.
I think it is a wonderful way to use the jewelry that otherwise may be in a closet or drawer. It’s interesting when I do not have to substitute in any of my jewelry to complete a project for someone. You have to get really creative to work with what you have!
Q: How can people buy your brooch trees?
A: I really don’t sell online, just in person or when someone contacts me via Facebook. I have done 50 so far for the year and would like to get another 50 done by my last show at the end of November!
Follow the adventures of this Christmas queen (and our sweet friend) on Facebook and Instagram!
Want to try your own brooch pin at home? Check out these links we found that offer some instructions to make your own!
https://www.thriftyfun.com/Making-a-Costume-Jewelry-Christmas-Tree.html
https://holidappy.com/holidays/make-a-unique-costume-jewelry-christmas-tree-art
