^{SideBoard is a column on collectibles, antiques, crafts and popular culture. Some of our specialists, expert resources and other friends will visit once in awhile as guest columnists.}

^{October 6, 2003}

^{Welcome back to our site. We're working with three new artists, Jan, Maria, and Petra.}

^{Please keep checking back over the next few weeks while we unveil all of our new products.}

^{June 15, 2001}

^{We always test market our products locally and with family and friends before offering them to you for sale.}

^{A couple of weeks ago we tested some of our samples at a community sale and were pleased with the response to our new line of paper containers (see our products section).}

^{It's always nice to meet people and listen to suggestions for our products, but we've been especially surprised and gratified by the response we've received from kids. Of course they're always interested in stuffed animals and the latest jewelry, but we're finding that they're also interested in the stories behind the vintage aspects of our collections.}

^{The first customers for "Austin's Box" were his girl cousins, ages 8 and 10, who saw the original and asked if they could have one too!}

^{And on the Saturday of the community sale, one of our most memorable customers was a young girl who came to the table on her own (although we could see her mother watching from the sidelines), asked questions about the products and came back to buy one of our pieces a short while later.}

^{Our purpose in creating RosyPatina™ is to provide links between past, present and future generations -- so, young lady, if you're out there reading this -- thanks again for your business and we hope you and your friends will come back and check out our products again and again.}

^{March 31-June 14, 2001}

^{This week's column, our debut edition, is written by the company owner, Sandy Trout.}

^{Welcome to our Store and thanks for the opportunity to share our passions with you. Let me illustrate:}

^{On the shelf above my computer I keep an empty old bottle that once held a brand of soda labeled "Dream."}

^{It came out of a trash heap and it's pretty scratched up. I don't know much about the company except that they supposedly went out of business in the '50's or earlier. The graphics are black and seem to be art-deco-inspired.}

^{I can only guess at the history of this particular bottle. Has it been in someone's attic? Was it used with a sprinkler top to sprinkle the family laundry during ironing? Maybe it held flowers at one point -- a single special dried rose or hand-picked daisies?}

^{Yet its unknown past is part of its appeal. It's a reminder for me of the romance of vintage items. It's a link with our collective past and an example of the different kind of beauty that comes with age.}

^{Eventually, I may add some vintage ribbon at the neck, or put some old silk or beaded flowers inside. But for now its emptiness is filled to overflowing with dreams -- for the future of RosyPatina™ and secret memories of the past.}

Created: March 24, 2001

^{Web Site - Copyright © 2001 by RosyPatina™ Management Company}