Meet Brenda Celardo

Today we’d like to introduce you to Brenda Celardo.

Every artist has a unique story. Can you briefly walk us through yours?
Patina Vintage Design was created due to a big, beautiful, blue pulley I found in an Antique store in Illinois. When I saw it, I immediately envisioned a really cool tabletop. Now, I was on the hunt for the perfect base. After many months of searching, I found it in a salvage shop in Napa. After it was welded together, it was exactly how I pictured it! My family and friends loved it too and encouraged me to make more to sell.
I was hesitant to start a small business as my life was busy with a “real job”, a husband who traveled a lot for work and an autistic son but I faced my fears and my business was born in 2014.

Patina Vintage Design is a family business. My husband helps at shows and has gotten the “picking” bug. My son loves to make signs and tell customers why they should buy something, usually in the form of a pun!
I still have that beautiful blue pulley table in my living room and each time I look at it I smile.
My business has evolved in the last four years but my focus to create repurposed, upcycled and functional products has not wavered.

Please tell us about your art.
I think almost everything has another purpose or use. With that premise, I look at discarded, salvage and architectural/industrial parts in a different light. When I look at a rusty farm part, I might see a potential functional light or clock. Being a professional Interior Designer for 32 years, I am very detail oriented and creative. I love to surprise people with common items one might throw away and show them they can have another look or function.

When I started Patina Vintage Design, we made “one of a kind” end tables and a few decor items. Based on comments and encouragement from my customers, we now focus mainly on repurposed/ upcycled industrial lighting, clocks and decor. These items are conversation pieces that become a focal point in many settings.
My focus is to save potential discarded items from hitting our landfills when I can see a better use for them. Patina is a pure creative outlet for me without any boundaries. I love to think outside the box and have my customers join me in being different and embrace it.

Given everything that is going on in the world today, do you think the role of artists has changed? How do local, national or international events and issues affect your art?
I see a stronger more positive movement towards local makers and artists. The Phoenix area is very supportive and delivers a strong message of support for each other. Many shows I am involved in also have a philanthropic aspect. Whether it is a single charity receiving support or an organization that supports many, it is all a positive and giving message.

My work in a part supports the sustainability movement. I am personally proud to divert “Junk” from landfills and encourage all those DIYers out there to get creative and do likewise.

How or where can people see your work? How can people support your work?
I am so fortunate that both Junk in the Trunk Vintage Market and Phoenix Flea took a chance on my small business and vision. I do about four-five shows a year in the Phoenix and Scottsdale area. My next show is at Phoenix Flea on November 24th – small business Saturday. It’s an outdoor venue that is fabulous!
Next March (@phxflea) and April (@junkinthetrunkvintagemarket) will be my next shows in 2019. Check often on my Instagram page for any other shows I might be a part of too.

In between shows I can be contacted via my Instagram page or email if you are interested in an item I have posted or if you have a custom project.

Coming soon will be an online store where I can ship my items across the country. That is a huge goal of mine!

If you are at any of my shows, stop by and say HI. You might even get a pun from my son!

Contact Info:

• Phone: 608-334-3158
• Email: brenda@patinavintagedesign.com
• Instagram: Instagram/@patinavintagedesign

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