Vintage Salt n’ Pepper for the Collectors of Kitsch

Collectors of kitch, rejoice! PlaidPonyVintage is stocked full of the vintage & adorable. Vintage salt & pepper shakers seem to be a pretty popular item for the collectors of cute & Plaid Pony has some of our favorites. We caught up with shopkeeper Lara Long to find out what draws folks to the tiny pairs of sweetness.

Do you find yourself drawn to certain shapes/colors/themed salt n’ pepper shakers more than others? Personally, I can’t resist anything kitchy 1960′s.
I’m drawn to salt & peppers that are kitschy, quirky or a little odd. I love animals with big eyes, anything anthropomorphic, woodland creatures and wiggle eyes. They have to be cute, but not in a sincere way (if that makes sense). I’ll reject things for being “too grandma” – that’s not my style. I’m drawn to bright, punchy colors. I also like really minimal mid century modern design. It’s the complete opposite of the kitsch, but there’s something so satisfying about a perfect minimal shape.

What is the strangest set of shakers you’ve sold and/or found?
One of the strangest sets of shakers I’ve sold – and one of my favorites are these egghead people playing banjos.

My grandmother owns almost 40 sets of shakers. Do you collect anything?
I used to collect a lot of things, but now I channel my passion for collecting into my business. I get to live with everything for a while, and after I sell it I can get new things. I have a vintage toaster collection that’s displayed in my kitchen. I love the designs and how there’s such an interesting variety of shapes. I also have a bunch of ice-o-mats, and a few small collections of art made by friends. I work from home and my work area is so overstuffed with cabinets full of knickknacks, glassware, kitsch and pictures everywhere that I’ve tried to make my living area more minimal.

A big thanks to Lara for taking the time to answer our questions! Are you a collector of kitsch?