🌿 Welcome to The Square Nail Journal

There has always been something special about old places.

The kind where the floorboards creak beneath your feet, shelves are filled with objects that have stood the test of time, and every item seems to have a story waiting to be discovered. Whether it's an antique map that once guided travelers through a New England village, a cast iron skillet seasoned by generations of family meals, or a simple beeswax candle made using time-honored methods, these pieces connect us to the people who came before us.

That appreciation for history is what inspired Square Nail Collective, and it's also what inspired The Square Nail Journal.

This journal is a place to slow down and look a little closer.

Here, you'll find the stories behind the objects we collect, the traditions that shaped them, and the craftsmanship that has allowed them to endure. We'll explore antique maps, vintage books, cast iron cookware, early American home life, New England history, collecting tips, and the everyday items that once filled homes, workshops, and general stores.

Not every post will be about something for sale.

Sometimes we'll dive into the history of an object simply because it's fascinating. Other times we'll share practical advice for beginning a collection, caring for vintage pieces, or recognizing the details that make one item different from another. Along the way, we'll celebrate the makers, artisans, and communities whose work continues to inspire the way many of us decorate, collect, and live today.

One of the things I enjoy most about curating Square Nail Collective is imagining where each piece has been before it found its way here. A well-worn wooden spoon, a faded atlas, a handwoven basket, or an old milk glass bowl may seem ordinary at first glance, but each has quietly witnessed decades of everyday life. Those stories deserve to be remembered.

My hope is that this journal becomes more than a collection of articles. I hope it becomes a place where history feels approachable, collecting feels less intimidating, and curiosity is rewarded. Whether you're an experienced collector, a lover of old homes, or simply someone who appreciates well-made things, I'm glad you're here.

Thank you for stopping by and being part of this journey.

I hope you'll return often as we continue exploring the objects, stories, and traditions that remind us that the past still has something to teach us.

Historically inspired. Chosen with care.

Next time in The Square Nail Journal, we'll unfold one of my favorite pieces in the shop and explore how to read an antique New England map—revealing the families, roads, and landscapes hidden within its pages.

Until next time,
Rachel
Founder, Square Nail Collective