Meet the Vendor
An interesting and eclectic mix of vintage wares draws you into Booth 102C at the Hill Antique Market. The space is curated by Diane Balber of DB Designs, who specializes in rustic and found objects, vintage paintings and pottery, mid-century decor and furniture.
The Hill Antique Market: What do you look for in selecting vintage merchandise for your booth?
Balber: My focus is finding rustic, found objects that I can clean up or possibly repurpose, old tool boxes and furniture that I can paint or distress, vintage floral and still life paintings, and vintage pottery. I also like to mix mid-century pictures or paintings into my eclectic style. My inventory is constantly changing, and my hope is that when you see it displayed you can picture it in your own home.
THAM: How did you first develop an interest in antiques?
Balber: Antiquing began at a young age with my mother and has continued for me as another creative opportunity. For years, I have enjoyed finding things at garage and estate sales and vintage markets that I could redesign for myself.
THAM: Do you have a personal collection of vintage or antique treasures?
Balber: I have a curated collection of vintage pottery, including Haeger, McCoy, Hull, Floraline and more. I sell pieces and replace them with others so I can keep my 20-plus-years collection to a minimum. I also collect art by local, regional and national artists, including a lot of mixed media and folk art.
THAM: What do you enjoy most about being a vendor?
Balber: Merchandising my booth and complementing the collections I’ve sourced is all part of the fun. Also, finding “buried treasure” at garage and estate sales. When shopping at a sale, I head straight for the garage or basement where the misfits are found. Some end up in my home and some go into my booth. I enjoy changing the design of a room in my home and passing on part of my vintage collection.
THAM: If being a vendor is a side gig, what else are you doing?
Balber: I am a jewelry designer working in metal and show my work at juried art fairs, pop-ups and in galleries. A case in my booth features a sampling of my metalwork, mostly charms and earrings.
THAM: What’s your favorite feature of The Hill Antique Market?
Balber: I love the look of the space, the interesting mix of vendors and its overall friendly atmosphere.
Balber occasionally teaches metal art at Craft Alliance. She also owns Simply Made Solutions, providing staging services, and organizing and redesign consulting. Follow her on Instagram and Facebook and on the web.
All booth images ©2020 Diane Balber.
