TECUMSEH — Kate Van Theel is a familiar face in downtown Tecumseh, given that she has operated Antiques & Vintage on the Boulevard for 10 years. Her latest venture, The Curious Crow Collective, is a spinoff of the antiques and vintage store, but it has what Van Theel describes as a “moody” feel.
“I’ve always been a natural lover of things kind of moody and odd and a little creepy, and so I kind of took things from that store and brought them over here and made them its own store,” she said.
The building fits in with the antique feel of the store, as the location dates from the 1860s. Van Theel likes the natural light and acoustics that the older building offers.
“It’s got a nice Zen in here for sure,” she said.
So far, business has been good for the new venture, and Van Theel has received a lot of good feedback.
“Everybody seems to really embrace the store so that’s nice,” she said.
Van Theel describes her merchandise as “very eclectic.”
“A little whimsical, a little moody, a little odd,” she said. “There’s a lot of garden in here now because of the spring.”
“But Halloween is my favorite holiday and so it definitely will get a little more — I don’t want to say creepy,” she said. “I like moody better … a little more odd.”
As well as natural items, such as ostrich eggs and different kinds of material “from Mother Nature,” The Curious Crow Collective carries artisan pieces, such as handmade paper prints, jewelry, home décor and furniture. One of the more interesting items displayed in the store is a Victorian-era mourning dress.
“It’s definitely an eclectic vibe,” she said, adding that many of the items for sale were made in Michigan or in the U.S.
Van Theel herself has always worked in retail. She started working the antique business 36 years ago, in an antique mall and later for an auctioneer.
“I think I have an old soul, and I think that’s why I like the old,” she said.
“Older things have character,” she continued. “The mass-produced-stuff produced nowadays lacks something.”
Prices for the merchandise collection at The Curious Crow Collection range for $1 up to $200. Currently, the most popular set of earrings are “the guillotines.”
“I’ve had to order them three times now,” she said.
As well as merchandise, The Curious Crow Collective offers classes in making mosaic projects from old china in the back room of the store. Beverly Webb of Plymouth has worked at Antiques and Vintage on the Boulevard for several years, and is now teaching at the spinoff store on Saturday mornings. Van Theel said she would like to find an artist to teach watercolor painting in the back room as well.
The Curious Crow Collective is at 154 E. Chicago Blvd. in Tecumseh. Hours are 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday. For more information, call 517-301-4747 or go to facebook.com/antiqueboulevard.
