STUFF STORIES

Secondhand Tales Told Firsthand

An object is but metal, glass, cotton, or wood- until it becomes the object passed down from our great grandmother, the object that we were gifted during a trying time in our life, or an object or article we thrifted for our very first home.

When we look at these objects now, we don't just see a 'brass deer figurine', we see a memory that takes us back in time to a person or special place. Our lives give these objects meaning and these objects are then reminders of the meaning in our lives. It's not just stuff, it's our story. Read below about Jessica's handmade memory vase!

“The collection reminds me of finding my self confidence. ”

Q&A with Jessica Weber

Artifact: What is your object?

Jessica: A memory vase.

Artifact: When, how and why did it come into your possession?

Jessica: I had a collection of trinkets (sea glass, marbles, tiles, a silver zebra (!), shells, etc.) that I accumulated while living out of my van over the last 7 years. I really wanted a way to display them since each little piece is beautiful to me and holds many memories. After perusing Pinterest, I found a memory vase DIY and thought it was the perfect way to keep and display all of these treasures for years to come.

Artifact: Why does this object have meaning for you? What do you think and feel when you see this object? What memories come to mind when you see this object?

Jessica: When I was living out of my van, it was a time when I learned staggering amounts about myself. The collection on a whole reminds me of finding my self confidence and that I can do scary things if I just try.

Artifact: Do you plan to keep this object forever? What is your vision for the life of this object? What do you see in it's future?

Jessica: My intention is to keep it forever! I don't think my nostalgia will ever allow me to give it up willingly.