The Rules
Welcome to the Copper Penny Quest
One humble copper penny. One epic cross-country quest. One big dream: To build a holistic grief and art therapy retreat where healing happens through creativity and connection.
The Story
This journey started with an antique Blue Bell canning jar filled with copper pennies and a dream too big to let go.
My goal? To trade my way up from this simple jar to a fully-equipped Ford Transit Cargo Van — the vehicle that will allow me to live, work, and travel while saving to build a holistic retreat space dedicated to grief work, art therapy, and creative healing.
Every trade, every story, and every person who joins the quest becomes part of this dream.
Together, we’re proving that grassroots dreams, creativity, and community can make magic happen.
How to Join the Quest
Want to Trade?
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Check the Current Trade Item (Click here to see the latest item we have up for trade).
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Have something of equal or greater value to trade? (Bonus if it’s haunted, rare, or comes with an incredible story!)
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Submit a Trade Offer — Contact me and share what you have and the story behind it!
Why This Matters
This isn’t just about a van.
It’s about creating something bigger — a sanctuary where grief is honored instead of hidden, where art and storytelling become lifelines, and where people can reconnect with themselves through creativity and community.
Every single penny traded brings us closer to this vision. When you join the quest, you become part of the story and part of the healing this dream will offer.
Rules of Participation
🔥 Here’s What I’m Looking For:
💀 Haunted Items (with documented backstory!)
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Paranormal objects with proven experiences (dolls, art, tools, jewelry, books, etc.)
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The story is as important as the object!
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Personal experiences, past investigations, or written histories make these extra valuable.
🎨 Rare, Handmade, or Unique Art
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Original artwork — paintings, sculpture, fiber art, metalwork, glass, etc.
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Custom, one-of-a-kind creations that tell a story.
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Bonus if the piece ties into healing, grief, transformation, or the paranormal!
💎 High-Value Collectibles, Tools & Gear
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Instruments, cameras, rare books, high-quality van life gear.
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Paranormal investigation equipment (especially older or vintage gear).
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Anything that could either help build out the van or be flipped to fund the build.
❌ What I’m NOT Looking For:
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Mass-produced or readily available items
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Items with no story or emotional connection
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Things that are in terrible condition unless the history makes them worth saving.
🌿 Why It Matters:
This isn’t just about getting a van — it’s about building something bigger. The van will become:
✨ A mobile art therapy studio
✨ A grief support space for those navigating loss
✨ A traveling gallery showcasing grassroots artists
✨ And eventually, a part of my future holistic retreat and art therapy center.
💬 Ready to Trade?
Find me at the Oregon Ghost Conference — or message me online to submit your trade!
Every item has a story. Let’s trade up and write the next chapter together.
#CopperPennyVanQuest #HauntedTradeUp #GrassrootsDreamer #ArtsyDreamer #FromPennyToVan
Copper Penny Van Quest - Trade Agreement
Date: ___________________________
Location/Event: _______________________________________
Item Offered by Trader: _______________________________________
Item Offered by Copper Penny Van Quest: _______________________________________
Description of Both Items
Trader’s Item:
Brief Description: ______________________________________________________
Approximate Age (if known): ______________________________________________________
Condition: ______________________________________________________
Known Story or Provenance (if applicable): ______________________________________________________
Copper Penny Van Quest Item:
Brief Description: ______________________________________________________
Approximate Age (if known): ______________________________________________________
Condition: ______________________________________________________
Known Story or Provenance (if applicable): ______________________________________________________
Terms of Trade
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Both parties agree this is a voluntary trade of items, with no cash exchange unless separately noted.
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Both parties confirm they have legal ownership of the items being traded.
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All stories, provenance, and historical claims are provided to the best of each party’s knowledge but are not guaranteed.
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The trade is considered final upon both parties taking possession of the traded items.
Haunted & Paranormal Items Clause (Optional)
This clause only applies if the traded item is believed to be haunted, cursed, spiritually active, or tied to paranormal events.
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Trader confirms they are willingly transferring ownership and spiritual responsibility of the item.
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Copper Penny Van Quest accepts the item “as-is,” with no liability for future supernatural occurrences.
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Both parties agree that any ongoing paranormal activity is considered part of the item’s inherent value and story.
Signatures:
Trader’s Signature: _______________________________________
Printed Name: _______________________________________
Copper Penny Van Quest Representative Signature: _______________________________________
Printed Name: _______________________________________
Optional Photo Documentation
(Photos of both items taken at time of trade and attached to this form)
Thank you for being part of the Copper Penny Van Quest! May your item’s story continue to unfold in its next chapter.