The famous Campbell’s Soup can. That distinct bottle of Chanel No. 5. Both are examples of iconic packaging design. Indeed, one of the key elements of marketing our handmade products to the world is how we choose to house or package our goodies. As any sales guru will tell us, great packaging helps to forward our brand.
So imagine when the design of a package is sustainable, desirable and collectable enough to outlast the product and the demand for the product itself! Gosh — that’s great design!
Here’s a peek at just such a collection.
Who are you?
My name is Gabriele. My shops are Emmarts and Fluur.
What are you collecting?
Tins of all kinds.
When did you start?
One day, there were suddenly a bunch of tins! I kept them and the rest is history.
How many do you have?
About 50.
Where do you find them?
They find me!
Where do you keep them?
In a glass covered upper drawer.
What’s an interesting story behind one?
I once dropped the tiny round licorice tin. It started speeding down a sloping street. Other people tried to help me, but the tin was faster. It even performed quite the aerial feat by jumping over a gully hole! That chase ended in someone’s front yard.
What piece would you like to add?
Any single tin that “talks to me.”
Why do you love them?
Because of the attributes: sturdy, safe, open, welcoming, the texture, and the sounds they make depending on the contents.
Which one is your favourite and why?
The Hansaplast tin — it still holds the spirit of my mother-in-law.
What else do you collect?
Ceramics without frills, matches, shopping lists, and found shopping carts that have stalled.
Thanks so much, Gabriele.
Emmarts/Fluur demonstrates the invaluable merit of great design through her own artwork. Her beautiful shops are filled with her creative works of fine art, housewares, fashions and more, as she’s masterfully built her own two brands. Take a peek!
What do you collect? What makes a great collection? Please tell us in the comments below. We’d love to hear!
I’m Kristal Davis (a.k.a. rikrak) and I just love seeing what folks are collecting. I feel it tells us a little bit about what inspires them. The Collectors series, first published on my own little blog is 11 and a half quick questions with a wonderful artist on what they’re collecting — apart from their art supplies!
103 comments
Sign in to add your ownJAdamsDesigns says:
Very cool. I love tins too!
1 year ago
ThePolkadotMagpie says:
This is wonderful. I admit I am a tin-a-holic too. Such beautiful art on everyday items. Congrats!
1 year ago
ekra says:
What a great collection of tins! Thanks for sharing with us and I hope many more tins that speak to you find you!
1 year ago
VoulezVousVintage says:
Lovely article! Your collection is fantastic, I am trying to guess their country of origin. I spot many German and French words!
1 year ago
KettleConfections says:
So fascinating to see these vintage candy tins and how the wording on the packaging was different back then, mmm.. fresh churned butter on almond rocas!
1 year ago
jodyvanB says:
The illustrations, the typography and a well patinated place to hold treasures. Who doesn't love an old tin ? Thanks for sharing! Cheers, Jody
1 year ago
sewingturtle says:
What a wonderful collection!! I have a few but not as many as you. I think it is great to have a collection or two or three........ Have a wonderful day and Have FUN!! Myra
1 year ago
Earleyimages says:
These are great....
1 year ago
CraftyFixation says:
Vintage tins are so beautiful. It's one of my favorite things to do to go into a peddler's mall and look at all the neat designs on vintage tins.
1 year ago
rebourne says:
i love the sound of the hinges and the metal closing on itself. i remember hiding all kinds of treasures in little tins when i was in grade school, and keeping them in my wooden desk. i would exchange little trinkets with friends via our tins. great feature and beautiful collection!
1 year ago
SoliDeoGloriaSDG says:
I adore tins and boxes ... the treasure they used to hold captivates my heart!
1 year ago
TheJoyofColor says:
Love tin boxes too ,they show us how design changed allong the way , and yes i'm nostagic I don't collect now as i moove to requently but i used to collect tissue napkins as a kid At that time the beautiful ones were rare but now you can find anything for any taste every ware, But i'm still sorry that i lost the box i kept them in
1 year ago
NangijalaJewelry says:
Awesome! I used to collect boxes and containers of all kinds. Tins are my favorite :-) Great article!
1 year ago
dahlilafound says:
Oh, I love tins too. I remember the orange drops. My great aunt always had those. I love the tin with rain drops on it. :-) Lovely collection! dahlila xo
1 year ago
treasureagain says:
Oh collections.....it's hard NOT to collect when you save everything! Love JARS, tins, chickens, and 50's red and white kitchen items. So many more. Wonderful article. Thank you for sharing it!
1 year ago
CashmereJewels says:
very interesting! when i was growing up in Europe everyone collected stamps and coins, i collected postcards from all over the world...later i traveled to those countries myself and started collecting vintage jewelry:)
1 year ago
kathyjohnson3 says:
Very nice collection! I love vintage anything!
1 year ago
blueroompottery says:
Oooh! I love collecting them and have some nice ones. I also use them to store my stamp collections that are waiting to be put in an album someday...someday! Great article!! Yes, I think many of us are find it hard to resist getting them when we see them at a yard sale, in an antique store...or on ETSY!
1 year ago
HulaGirl1922 says:
luv it!! sweet indeed....and what fun! as for me...as a child I would collect advertising pens and pencils..some companies did try to make a unique impression with their freebie pens and pencils ~ and of course they were FREE! I have most of mine stored in an couple of old cigar boxes and well...they still make me smile when I peek at them ... :D thx for a happy read ♥ best wishes
1 year ago
CajunCreation says:
What a great article. Reminds me of my grandmothers closet. She collected tins too!
1 year ago
FluffyFlowers says:
recycling at it's best :)
1 year ago
KMalinka says:
Superb items! Great article! Good luck:O)
1 year ago
tripperdungan says:
There was a different design sensibility back in the day. I really enjoy seeing things so small and single purposed be kept treasured and repurposed.
1 year ago
CrystalsKloset says:
When I was a kid, I had this tin with people on it from around the world, I loved that tin, but don't know what happened to it. Tins are really useful, and very pretty!
1 year ago
VintageMarketPlace says:
great article These tins always remind me of my grandmother. She was a seamstress and would keep most of her sewing supplies stored away in them. I still pick them up at thrift shops in memory of her
1 year ago
KathyGDesigns says:
What a charming interview! I collect tins too. I know what mean when you say they find you!
1 year ago
pajamasnpaintbrushes says:
I also have a penchant for vintage tins :) I loved reading this. Thank you for sharing, Gabriele :)
1 year ago
ParisianDreams says:
Fantastic collection of vintage tins! :)
1 year ago
TheMillineryShop says:
So many of us collect tins and started sort of accidentally. Mine certainly started with that round de la Vosgienne candy tins my mother kept her straight pins in!
1 year ago
theroyal says:
oh i love old tins.
1 year ago
accentonvintage says:
Tins are so interesting! They have beautiful graphic art! Great article!
1 year ago
TipsyTimeMachine says:
It's hard to resist a pretty tin with great graphics! Tin Trays are also fun and we collect globes as well.
1 year ago
HibouCards says:
that's cool! I have a few that I got from my mom and grandma back in France and I love them. We typically use them to keep buttons in in our family and I do that too now :) I'm always drawn to them when I go to a flea market whether in France or here i the US. Great article, thanks for sharing!
1 year ago
crazybutcute says:
I love them too! I have a treasured curry powder tin I'll never let go of.
1 year ago
vKnit says:
gorgeous tins! :)
1 year ago
NaturalPetProducts says:
Love old tins and have a collection myself (that I can't let go of). TY for sharing.
1 year ago
ancienesthetique says:
i like collecting old buttons... which i will use on a project one day! i like vintage espresso cups too. especially to put chocolate dessert in!
1 year ago
LivingVintage says:
Cool! What a fun collection. And beautiful in its own way.
1 year ago
Expeliamarus says:
why i collect tins too! i really like your collection! i also collect red lucky money envelopes - they sure last a lot longer than the money that came in them.
1 year ago
Thiacyn says:
I too collect tins! The smaller the better, at last count I have over 350 tins. My favorite has grafics both inside and out. The outside is of a tree, the sides are of the trunk, and the lid is the branches and leaves. The inside is the inside of the tree, and all the little critters and bugs that live there. Thanks for sharing.
1 year ago
CathodeBlue says:
Love that Weinbrandtropfen tin! Thanks so much for featuring ours! :)
1 year ago
rakshniyavintage says:
what an amazing collection! Tins are always great - pretty and useful :)
1 year ago
themefragrance says:
Another excellent interview by Rikrak! Love tins- collect em too- nice to see others!
1 year ago
Parachute425 says:
great collection I love tin and glass so tired of plastic!
1 year ago
SatinandBirch says:
oh how can you not love these little gems, thank you for the article!
1 year ago
mcldrygoods says:
this brings back wonderful memories. love them. :)
1 year ago
papercutworks says:
I collect cookie fortunes - keep them in a small tin box in my studio (you can see them on the first photo here: http://papercuthearts.wordpress.com/2010/09/21/my-new-space) but only the ones I opened myself. My collection is now close to 40 thanks to a favorite Vietnamese restaurant around the corner from my house :-) I most enjoy the really cryptic ones - I might soon sift through them all to keep the favorites & build from there again.
1 year ago
collecteddust says:
I enjoy tins also....especially old coffee or tea tins. This sentence of yours interests me ~ "Where do you keep them? In a glass covered upper drawer" Do you not display them?......okay, I have to ask..........the spirit of your Mother-In-Law? ;-).
1 year ago
oppning says:
hi! nice collection! i've got some here! http://www.etsy.com/listing/68961626/collection-of-2-small-metal-boxes enjoy ! :)
1 year ago
LaTouchables says:
I enjoyed your wit shining through, Gabriele, in this wonderful interview!
1 year ago
bellacruz says:
it makes sense to collect tins---they are useful! Who can complain about a collection that is being put to good use storing all the other things you collect?
1 year ago
OverAndOverAgain says:
i love old tea tins. i also love old tobacco tins, i have two pocket tobacco tins in my shop right now, and other smaller tins.
1 year ago
OverAndOverAgain says:
i love old tea tins. i also love old tobacco tins, i have two pocket tobacco tins in my shop right now, and other smaller tins.
1 year ago
BitsofthePast says:
Your interview was fun reading. It reminds me of why I love vintage. The detail, beauty, story behind the piece, and the story of how you find the piece. Thank you for sharing.
1 year ago
collectiblesatoz says:
Love old tins and matter of fact just sold several of my treasured tins this week on my etsy site. I also have that distinct bottle of Chanel No. 5 along with the double boxes on my site if anyone is interested. Will soon be adding more tins. Thanks for this lovely write up and please visit my site.
1 year ago
collectiblesatoz says:
Old tins, old bottles.....vintage anything. Love it all.
1 year ago
ilovehearts says:
I really love tins and boxes to put all my cute things in x
1 year ago
frommylifetoyours says:
What a neat collection .
1 year ago
thepinkswan says:
Wow! I LOVE this! Makes me want to pack my kids lunches in these! (if I had kids ;)
1 year ago
notchiemama says:
Something about vintage just makes me feel warm and safe. Strange, I know, but true...
1 year ago
funkeyfinds says:
I love this post so much, I want to start collecting these too!
1 year ago
ohbabydotcom says:
Love the old tins and anything vintage and antique. So much character :)
1 year ago
vintagenelly says:
I love reading about what people collect. Great article - makes me want to go to a flea market!!! It it's vintage, I love it! Thanks for sharing!
1 year ago
stepbackink says:
Tins have and will always be the best stable sellers to all ages at all times no matter how colorful or rustic it is. I love tins the smaller the better I have some that are the size of my thump with lids too :)
1 year ago
WishByFelicity says:
so beautiful! now I want to to start collecting them too!
1 year ago
shop1848 says:
So much old world charm! So much detail in such a small package! I love these little tins.
1 year ago
LoriAndTheLittleBird says:
These tins are beautiful! I would love to gift my jewelry in them, it is a great idea for packaging, especially if you are giving a gift! I love the bright colors and textures, they do show as works of art. I may be picking up a new collection... I am addicted and love collecting Vintage Jewelry!!! I also have collected Sailor Moon Items since I was a kid! Thanks for sharing:)
1 year ago
artworksbycarol says:
My husband collects tins also, how do you all display them without them being dust collectors?
1 year ago
ChrissiesRibbons says:
We had a beautiful vintage biscuit tin as a child which was completely filled with buttons. I remember the 'plink' it made as you opened it and the cold but wonderful sensation I felt as I slipped my hand into that pool of buttons. I wish I knew where it was now! Am completely envious about this collection... love it!
1 year ago
fiveforty says:
Fabulous collection!!
1 year ago
carpebellus says:
Thanks so much for this great collection! Tins are such wonderful pieces of history with which to decorate. So vibrant and fun!
1 year ago
WarrioressRising says:
Love this, I worked in the graphic arts industry for over 23 years in the printing trade, I never buy bootleg CD's or DVD's because they don't have the original packaging. MOTU (Mark of the Unicorn) sent me their famous Ethno Instrument, soft synth soft ware, upgrade in a plan brown box!!? Not with the beautiful new graphics depicted on their site when I ordered it. I had to call them and ask why, Oh! they said, I was among thousands complaining, and that the new packaging was for those purchasing the complete program and not the upgrade, WHAT!! I had to stop myself from purchasing again just to get that beautiful box, but I was comforted to know that I was not alone in my upset. I have to much respect, as an artist my self, for the artist and graphic designer that worked their eight to twelve hour day meeting deadlines to produce a winner for the company and the client. The graphics don't have to be perfect as it is a growing process to stay in tune with the times in our art, but original is a must.
1 year ago
GraceWarrenDesigns says:
Wow! Such great finds! I am SO EXCITED to be included with such cute vintage styles. Thanks!
1 year ago
bnazar says:
So cool! What a great collection you have Gabriele. Fabulous interview Kristal! Thanks for sending it my way. Recently I've started a collection wall of small prints, art, cards etc. Among my collection is this OOAK beauty from Emmarts:) http://www.etsy.com/transaction/29880804
1 year ago
creationsbyks says:
such an interesting collection! Beautiful history, thanks for sharing :)
1 year ago
lulusnest says:
Great ideas here! I love me some cute tins but just can't ever figure out what to do with them after they finish their intended use. Thanks for sharing all of these great shops.
1 year ago
Chicki says:
Such an interesting collection! Thanks for sharing!!
1 year ago
Stuffbysteph77 says:
A great article, thanks so much to you both for sharing! I have a collection of Gabriele's art proudly displayed above my bed and have given several gifts of her art that are always well received I also have a collection of awesome ceramic houses, 4-leaf clovers and swiped pens :)
1 year ago
KritterKnitter says:
Fabulous article and amazing collection of tins!
1 year ago
SailThouForth says:
I love old herb and spice tins. I started buying Watkins spices a few years ago when they showed up in my grocery store because I loved the tins and their designs! Packaging can definitely sell products.
1 year ago
JasmineLund says:
Delightful!
1 year ago
ikabags says:
Great collection! Vintage is life :)
1 year ago
Meganhead says:
I loved reading this! I admit that it is always hard to throw out a tin once the original contents are gone. I keep all tins I have and use them either for boxes for future gift-giving or for unique storage for myself. The vintage/vintage-looking ones are too pretty to toss.
1 year ago
elanknits says:
I have a few vintage tins myself & especially treasure the Christmas ones.
1 year ago
forrestinavintage says:
Yay for vintage, very nice post. :)
1 year ago
trinityrocks says:
Wicked!
1 year ago
OllieBollen says:
Oohh I likey the tins too!!! :)
1 year ago
girliepains says:
Beautiful tines!
1 year ago
thebeachhousegallery says:
How fun! I would love to share with you my "torched" tins, Altoids, & salves that I created family heirlooms art pieces. I have so many Band Aide tins, too. But $12.00? Go for it! Enjoy the ride, Inez Dunn
1 year ago
VintageSurplus says:
Fabulous! Love these old treasure keepers! Thanks for the great article.
1 year ago
kristimcmurry says:
Lovely! Tins are so much fun. I always enjoy looking at them in antique stores and such.
1 year ago
corrnucopia says:
Wonderful! I love hunting for old tins, they are so lovely!
1 year ago
corrnucopia says:
Wonderful! I love hunting for old tins, they are so lovely!
1 year ago
Ulixis says:
lovely collection!
1 year ago
Mosslove says:
What a great collection. I collected cigarette tins for years. http://www.etsy.com/listing/70489988/vintage-bugler-tobacco-or-bandaid-tin I use them for absolutely everything from storing sewing supplies to coffee beans. Cheers!
1 year ago
TinsAndThings says:
A post about tins -- awesome! :) I really have to put more of mine in my shop soon.
1 year ago
allsewnup says:
love this! I collect vintage wooden spools. Most of mine are from silk threads, they seem to have the nicest labels/print ends. some still have thread too.
1 year ago
HisBlessings says:
Great tins, I have some you would love. I collect salt and pepper (over 200) music boxes (over 40), cookie jars, silhouettes, buttons, beads and many other things. Maybe I am not healthy?
1 year ago
poorjimsvintage says:
I have so many tins like that I just haven't added them. Maybe that is what I will do tomorrow.
1 year ago
Iammie says:
So cute. Love them.
1 year ago
HoneysuckleLane says:
Great collection and fun series by rikrak! :)
1 year ago
HipODesign says:
I enjoyed looking at your tins. I have several myself, and they are all over the house. I recently found some metal Band Aid tins and I laughed because I hadn't noticed when they stopped making those. I have a few now just for fun. They are great for holding safety pins! Thanks!
1 year ago
Beth B says:
I have a vintage Welch's The National Drink Magazine tin and can't seem to find the value online. Does anyone know where I could find that info???
102 days ago