From the Vault: Who We Are

Handmade with humor. Hammered with heart.

Hi, I’m Julie—artist, metalsmith, chief spoon bender, and the hands (and heart) behind Vintage Garden Art.

What started with a few forgotten spoons and a mountain breeze has turned into a joyful, full-time adventure from my cozy studio, now in the Midwest. I’ve been creating artisan jewelry and working with metals for 25 years, but it was hand-stamping vintage silverware that truly let my playful side come out to twinkle with a wink.

Some days I’m twisting forks into peace signs. Other days I’m hammering words like “Brie Happy” or “Basil” into old spoons that are destined for your herb garden or windowsill pot. And every now and then, I stumble upon a rare vintage find that’s too perfect to change—so I pass it along to you just as it is.

Every piece you’ll find here is made (or chosen) with care, wit, and just the right amount of rebellion. Whether it’s a one-of-a-kind original or a large custom batch for wholesale, everything I offer is individually finished by hand—so no two are ever quite alike.

I believe in the kind of art that makes you smile… or laugh… or whisper “oh my gosh, this is perfect” before you even finish reading the stamp. Whether you’re shopping for yourself, a gardening friend, a sassy cheese lover, or a hard-to-buy-for aunt—there’s a good chance you’ll find something here that feels like it was made just for them. Because maybe it was.

Thanks for being here. I’m so glad we found each other. Stick around. We're bound to cover just a little more ground.   🌱