Welcome to my shop and please come in! My name is Thom Aten and I am so happy that you dropped by to check out my treasures. Grab a cup of coffee or a refreshing beverage and I will share a little more about myself, my treasures and hopefully you have time to stick around and shop.
Why Circa810? Ironically my last name is Aten pronounced like the numbers Eight Ten, sort of quirky but I use it to the best of my ability. Every year I remind my friends that August 10th (8/10) is my holiday and it should be a day spent not worrying about the small things but instead enjoying life and those around them. This is how I try to live my life; appreciating the things others pass by and feeling fortunate for having the experiences that I have had. Of course there is 8:10am and 8:10pm those are just special minutes of everyday.
Some of my most vivid memories as a child are being allowed to explore the back of my Great Aunt Ema’s curio cabinet. There were little old trinkets from Germany all covered in dust and residue from years of heavy smoking relatives. Then there was my mother’s china cabinet and the mysterious doors at the bottom that were only opened to remove the unseen treasures for their yearly spring cleaning or holiday use. Many years have passed since those days but the memories still come back whenever I am out shopping for vintage items to stock my shop. My Aunt Ema with the cigarette hanging out of her mouth telling me in a thick German accent only touch what is on the bottom shelf and my mother saying someday I am going to clean this and throw it all away. Thank God the depression generation saved things instead of tossing them out in the trash. Now these treasures are being unearthed by people like myself and others in the Etsy community bringing back memories and the great styles of years gone by.
As you look through my shop you will see my taste and collections are eclectic. I scourer the upper Midwest searching for distinctive items to fill my shop and home. I honestly can say I do not have a favorite period of vintage, I like it all! Everything from the sleek lines of Art Deco, the simplicity of Mid Century Modern and who doesn’t love the bright colors and craziness of the 1960’s and 70’s. You’ll find an assorted mix of it all in my shop, everything from the useful to the quirky things that were in the back of your Grandparents closets.
Please enjoy my version of Aunt Ema’s Curio cabinet as much as I enjoy keeping it stocked with my latest finds and quirky acquisitions. Enjoy shopping and hopefully your own memories will come rushing back. If you have any questions or needs please do not hesitate in contacting me. I am always available to “talk shop” especially if it is about my own!