Picking Up Pieces of the Past

 Picking Up Pieces of the Past: Identifying Vintage Beach Finds is a debut book inspired by the many vintage objects Kristina Braga and Jodie Greene have discovered along the shores of New Jersey and New York and the fascinating histories they reveal. Journey back in time with them and learn about the history of their finds.

Many of the vintage items they find have fascinating histories. They tell a story of past generations, revealing how people lived, as well as the cosmetics, fashion, fragrances, games, toys, food, drink, and household items of the time. Some treasures evoke a sense of nostalgia. Maybe your grandmother or mother had these items in her house. 

Every trip to the beach is an experience with new finds. In this book, Kristina and Jodie invite you to join them as they explore beach finds and attempt to identify them. From jewelry to household items, see how many you recognize!

“Picking Up Pieces of the Past is both an invaluable reference and a genuine source of inspiration, it will appeal to beachcombers, mudlarks, and anyone captivated by the way lost objects illuminate our shared past.”

~ Jane Eastman, @myordinarytreasure

“Beachcombers from around the world, get ready for the coffee table book of the year! From beginning to end, this book offers an explosion of colorful vintage beach finds, and the history behind them, and its written by two of NYC’s loveliest and most dedicated beachcombers/mudlarks.”

~ Thomas Donnellan @mudlarking_tommyd

“This book gives a plethora of insight into discovering the origins of each piece and offers other beachcombers avenues to identify their own finds.” 

~ Guy Fleming, Author of For the Love of Sea Glass

“I loved reading Picking Up Pieces of the Past. I loved all of the research and especially that they shared their references. The photographs were all top notch. Very educational.” 

~ Bev Jacquemet, Author of The Sea Glass Rush

“This book is a beachcomber’s delight filled with amazing treasures and fascinating history.” 

~ Ingrid Lynch, Tossed & Found Jewelry

Jodie Greene is a retired special education teacher, learning consultant and school administrator, a lifelong history enthusiast, and passionate beachcomber who has spent more than 15 years collecting and researching sea glass, antique bottles, pottery shards, and other shoreline treasures.

As a lover of history, antiques, and travel, Jodie enjoys visiting coastal beaches around the world and uncovering the past. She and her husband Jack, an avid sailor, have been married for 46 years and share a love of adventure and waterways. Together, they have raised two children and are blessed with three grandchildren.

In Picking Up Pieces of the Past, Jodie hopes to inspire others to see every piece that has been washed ashore not just as an object, but as a real connection to the history of those who came before us.

Learn more at instagram.com/luckycat19/

Kristina Braga has published numerous articles in Beachcombing Magazine, a print and digital publication devoted to beachcombing, mudlarking, coastal travel and living, and ocean conservation. 

Kristina is a retired attorney, and she and her husband Damian live in a quiet Jersey Shore town with their two boxers. Together they have raised two children. An enthusiastic collector of sea glass, pottery, and other intriguing beach finds for over twelve years, Kristina is passionate about uncovering the hidden stories these everyday objects have to share.

In addition to beachcombing and writing, Kristina enjoys cooking, antiquing, and photography. Through Picking Up Pieces of the Past, she hopes to encourage readers to appreciate the history and stories preserved in the fragments left behind by generations past.

Learn more at instagram.com/jerseyshorebeachcomber/