Compass Greater NY, LLC
Ann Marie Damashek, GRI, CBR, SRES, Compass Greater NY, LLCPhone: (917) 623-0624
Email: [email protected]

Add a Touch of Nostalgia by Using Vintage Tinware as Planters

by Ann Marie Damashek, GRI, CBR, SRES 03/15/2020


 Photo by Sabine van Erp via Pixabay 

There's a certain nostalgia associated with genuine vintage tins -- not the replicas you find at today's one-dollar stores. Genuine vintage tins had real purpose, usually multiple ones, in fact. They did double duty as tubs to wash both children and laundry. Or, sometimes, they held both lunch food and school supplies.

Today, many of these vintage containers are worth far more than they were when originally produced, especially if you can find them in mint condition. These are the vintage containers meant to be safely preserved and stored away behind glass for future generations to enjoy. The others, however -- the ones that have gone rusty and bent, and the ones that have holes in the bottom or pieces rusted through -- these ones make perfect planters to lend your front porch and windowsills a twinge of nostalgia from days gone by. We've listed our best ideas for upcycling vintage tins like these into precious planters for your home. 

Vintage Tin Cans

Back in the day, tin cans held medicine, spices, tobacco and oysters. In fact, there were few products that wouldn't fit inside a tin can. These types of vintage tins all had something in common: They were small. If you're planning to upcycle a vintage tin can into a planter, think succulents. Anything bigger will eventually need to be transplanted to prevent it from becoming root-bound. Burro's tail or hen-and-chicks work well in small containers. Simply drill a few holes in the bottom for drainage, use cactus soil for planting and be sure not to over water. 

Vintage Biscuit Tins

Biscuit tins were bigger than traditional tin cans, and they came in every shape and size. A word of caution, however. If you come into ownership of a genuine biscuit tin, even one that's in questionable condition, have it appraised before turning it into a home for your spider plant. These tins are highly collectible and sought-after pieces of history.

Traditional biscuit tins are long and flat, meaning you'll want a plant that can thrive with somewhat shallow roots. Herbs such as basil and rosemary fit the bill. So do bonsai trees and pothos. Again, drill holes for drainage before planting. 

Vintage Candy Tins

Traditionally, candy tins were bigger than both tin cans and biscuit tins, comparable in size to some of today's shoe boxes. Old candy tins held toffee and hard candies, among other confections, and they're the perfect size to upcycle into planters for Chinese evergreen or grape ivy.

Estate sales are tops for finding old, interesting tins that aren't in mint condition. These are the ones you want if you're going to turn them into fun and eclectic planters for your home. Keep them away from the elements, or spray them with several coats of sealer before placing your vintage tin planters outside. 

About the Author
Author

Ann Marie Damashek, GRI, CBR, SRES

Ann Marie Damashek has always been a natural at helping people prepare their homes for sale. She started out with a successful business selling goods for people on eBay. "Nine times out of ten they were hiring me because they were down-sizing,” Ann Marie says. "So I decided to get my license. I said, ‘Might as well sell their house too.’” The transition was a smooth one and for nine years she’s had a thriving full-time real estate business that allows her to marry her entrepreneurial spirit with her passion for helping others. With an office in Larchmont, New York, she serves all of Lower Westchester County, with her primary market in the Sound Shore region. The majority of her business is "sphere of influence” with former clients referring her to friends and family. A gifted communicator, Ann Marie quickly builds trust and rapport with her clients by being both thoughtful and responsive; she understands that during the purchase or sale of a home, a quick response time is crucial. "I am very accessible,” Ann Marie says. "I always make time for my clients. They can call me, text me, email me up until 10 o’clock at night and I will respond. I’m available on weekends. I get back to people very promptly. I’m very customer service-oriented.” Her clients appreciate her professionalism, passion and enthusiasm and as a result her repeat and referral rate continues to grow each year. While selling real estate is serious business, Ann Marie knows that at times humor and a moment of levity can be a relief to clients. While she has a laidback and easygoing personality, she can be assertive when needed on her clients’ behalf. She loves being of service to them, and the continually changing nature of the work keeps her engaged and fulfilled. "It’s never boring,” Ann Marie enthuses. "Every day is different. That’s probably what I like most about it. But I also enjoy helping people sell or buy and educating them about the process. I love helping them achieve their goals.” This ethic of service has resulted in well-deserved recognition. Ann Marie has received the Westchester Magazine Five Star Real Estate Agent Rating four years running, in 2015 and 2016 she was the #1 agent in her office, and she’s a Zillow 5-Star Premier Agent. To keep in touch with former clients, Ann Marie sends cards to mark special occasions or reaches out via email. To market her listings, Ann Marie uses Multiple Listing Services (MLS), as well as Listingbook.com, a service that allows both agents and their clients access to MLS data. She also uses a Facebook business page and ads to boost new listings or promote upcoming open houses. "That drives a tremendous amount of traffic,” Ann Marie says. She also uses the most popular real estate websites such as Zillow and Trulia. A strong believer in giving back, Ann Marie sits on the Board of Trustees of her church and is involved in a variety of social justice projects. She’s affiliated with Furniture Sharehouse, a furniture bank for Westchester County, which collects and distributes gently used furniture free of charge to those in need. "I love it on so many levels because as a realtor, it’s helps my sellers downsize through charitable donations. I like the environmental aspect of it as well. And it helps people who truly need things.” She’s also involved in Impact 100, a women’s philanthropic giving organization. In her free time, Ann Marie enjoys gardening, traveling, and spending time with family and friends. For the future, Ann Marie wants to continue expanding her business and developing her brand, and she someday hopes to grow a strong team. But her main goal is to stay in the real estate business, helping her clients to achieve their dreams.