About


After going to my first flea markets and estate sales, I was hooked. Vintage jewelry called out to me and I started collecting. My collection grew and grew and eventually, my husband said "Enough is enough!" I had to find a way to fuel my habit without draining our bank account! So I started selling!

When I'm searching for vintage jewelry or other accessories, I'm looking for many things. Most importantly, stylish pieces that are in very good to excellent shape. Whether a piece is coated with rhinestones or is simply made, I want to make sure the piece is immediately wearable. I don't want to buy pieces that I wouldn't put into my own collection due to damage or other issues.

You know that feeling right? The one where your adrenaline is pumping and you're "in the zone?" The thrill of the hunt is driving you from one box to another, and you're picking up items left and right? Sometimes, while in that zone, I'll buy a piece without completely inspecting it, and later find out that it has a major flaw. I usually then list those items "For UpCycle or Repair." They're still good items, but these pieces would be perfect for a crafter or fashion stylist looking to add a unique flair to their design.

I love reading the "Quit your Day Job" features on Etsy, but as of yet, I can't do it. My day job is still so very rewarding to me. I teach middle school (11-14 year olds) in a suburb of Chicago. My students are all English Language Learners, and my goal is to help them improve not only their knowledge and use of the English language, but their understanding of American Culture, and to help them establish their own voice in this multi-cultural world of ours.

Every evening, while I'm working on the shop, either taking pictures, listing items, packing sales or interacting with teams and other people, my wonderful husband is providing support. He lovingly goes to estate sales and flea markets with me, even though sometimes he'd much rather be home working with his bees or puttering in the basement. That wonderful man has even found some treasures on his own to put into the shop!

I really hope that you find something to love here at Pink Astilbe. Everything in this shop has brought me a smile or brightened my day, and I hope that it brightens yours as well.