Vintage Treasures Abound on the Kitsap Peninsula

Whether it’s a nod to nostalgia, a reaction to our overly digitized society or merely a cost-effective way of furnishing a home, vintage is hot right now.

And the Kitsap Peninsula is a dream destination for DIYers looking to repurpose a fruit crate as a wall shelf or transform a tractor wheel into garden art.

“Kitsap County is a treasure trove of vintage and antiques and the prices are dramatically lower than across the water,” said Samantha Smith, who owns Joesphine’s Redeemed Boutique in Port Orchard. “It’s worth a trip to come over here for a great quality product at a great price.

To encourage visitors to do just that, Smith has organized Josephine’s Redeemed Revival Spring Vintage Market, March 4-5 at the Kitsap County Fairgrounds. The two-day juried event features more than 50 vendors, classes and a book signing by best-selling home decorating blogger Melissa Michaels. More info here.

“People are really looking for uniqueness and creativity,” said Smith. “You used to go into a store and they told you how to furnish your home. Now, I think people want more character in their home.”

Popular items include state souvenir plates, typewriters, soft drink crates, film cameras, wagon wheels, school wall maps and globes, Smith said. Part of the fun is displaying prized finds in new and interesting ways: a hard-sided suitcase becomes a catchall for keys and mail; a gas blowtorch is transformed into a desk lamp.