May 10, 2011

Are You a Collector?

By Susan (tparty)

I'm not ashamed to admit it . . . I'm a collector. When we have guests over at our house for the first time, they usually comment on my vast array of vintage items. And although they seem to appreciate my collections, they are also quick to add that they aren't collectors.

I use my collection of vintage picnic tins for storage in my studio.
What can I say? With my love of all things vintage, it seems natural to me to collect. And "the more, the merrier" is my motto. However, I do have my limits. I'm careful not to let my collections overpower a room. I also don't want to infringe on my family's comfort or make them want to put me on one of those hoarder TV shows. So I keep my collections controlled and tidy.

Instant collection of seven Wonder Books in a yellow plastic daisy bin by tparty
It is said that having three of something forms a collection. Therefore, wouldn't that make us all collectors of one sort or another? For instance, some of us love handbags and have a different one for every mood. Others are crazy about shoes. And most of us have clothing for just about every occasion

Instant collection of six Edgeworth tobacco tins by marybethhale
Don't we all have at lease three pairs of socks? How about hats? Everyday dishes? Silverware? Books by a favorite author? Earrings? Golf clubs? I could go on and on — my point being that even though you may not know it, you, too, are a collector.

Instant collection of Ohio Art tin litho shovels by nerdnest
If you're like me, you like to amass items brimming with vintage goodness. And Etsy has become a great place to search for these treasures as it is packed with so many wonderful collectibles.

Instant collection of antique Noritake lusterware salt sellers by Niftic
For those who want to jump start a collection, several Etsy Vintage Team sellers offer "instant collections." Items that once may have taken months or even years to come across can now be found easily — sans the legwork! 

If you are a collector-in-waiting, simply type in "instant collection" when searching Etsy and you will be well on your way to starting a terrific collection. Just remember that once you have that group of three or more items, don't spread them around your house. They will have a lot more impact when displayed together.

So . . . what do you collect?

4 comments:

Nachokitty.etsy.com said...

Great post!

I collect antique Halloween & new Halloween by talented artists. (No new store stuff) I love antique childrens books, 1930s & 40s kitchen pottery, Snoopy porcelain Christmas ornaments from the 70s, & more.

My husband collects high end fountain pens both antique & new, 1950's & 60's space toys, & old wooden boxes.

We're an electic household for sure!

Nora-transient*treasures said...

Great post!!! I am def. a collector. I think my collections have started collections of their own. LOL! I collect Mexican pottery and textiles, carved giraffe statues, tiki mugs, fridge magnets, vintage linen dish towels, cookbooks, Peruvian Apillera wall hangings, vintage sterling bangles.....and more! It's an eclectic mix, but like you, I try to keep it all displayed nicely.

Unknown said...

We have a ridiculous amount of collections. Books (and more books), enamelware, records, milkglass, typewriters, Ohio Art tin globes... I could go on and on :)

Nora-transient*treasures said...

Yikes! I left a long comment days ago--or so I thought------- GREAT post!!! I have SO many collections, I think my collections have collections of their own. LOL! Just a few: Colorful Mexican pottery and textiles, carved giraffe figures, fridge magnets, spiked flower frogs, tiki mugs, artisan yard art, silver bangle bracelets, beaded sweaters......ok, I'll stop! But, like you, I edit constantly, and display nicely.