Collectibles - What’s Your Passion

Treenware Collection - Country Porch.com

What defines a collection - "A collection is anything involving three or more of the same thing or items that are related. So, are you a collector? People are passionate about their collections, and the desire to share their excitement just comes with the territory. When you consider the wide variety and endless possibilities of things to collect, it’s not a wonder that people get so caught up in the hunt for new pieces.

An Interesting Display Of A Rolling Pin Collection

Viewing other collectors collections can be not only fun but quite interesting. However, what I tend to find really fascinating are the stores behind why someone has chosen to collect a particular item. People collect all sorts of items for many reasons, maybe it starts with something you find that brings you back to your childhood, or someone special in your life has given you something and you expand on that one piece. Many times though, it simply starts with you seeing something that you fall in love with immediately and just have to have more.

An Antique Key Collection

The following are a few (and I mean a few) examples of things to collect:

• Antique Keys - Vintage Sewing Supplies - Buttons - Santa Figures - Music Boxes - Cookie Jars

• Salt & Pepper Shakers - Vintage Tablecloths - Nostalgic Items - Ceramic & Porcelain Figures

I’ll stop here before I get completely carried away, but I think you’ve gotten the idea, it can be absolutely anything that sparks something in you.

A Collection Of Antique Table Cloths

Displaying Your Collectibles: Now that you have these precious pieces the next question is what to do with them. Taking the time to first think about how to display your collectibles is important, after all you’ve taken the time to find just the right pieces therefore you’ll want to showcase them in a pleasing light. Grouping items in a variety of shapes and sizes creates interest; however remember to leave some of the surface open to avoid a cluttered chaotic look.

My latest passion is with primitives, I’ve always loved country and folk art but there is something about the age and use of primitive pieces that’s really taken hold of me. I don’t have a massive collection – yet – but I wanted to display them properly. A hutch in our kitchen seemed the perfect spot as all the pieces relate to cooking.

My Primitive Collection Formally Displayed In My Kitchen Hutch

Now I must tell you that I no longer have my primitives in the hutch. It was taking up too much space in the kitchen (I was on a give me space kick - that's another post in itself) so it's been moved to the basement, the primitives are now dispersed through-out the house.

My Collection Of Scoops

My Scoops Are Now Displayed On An Old Blanket Chest

I think my favorite pieces are the scoops, there are five different sizes and colors. None of the pieces are antiques - as like most of us that’s just not in my budget - I’ve purchased several from my all time favorite local store Kloter Farms a couple from EBay and several from my favorite online site Fine Country Living Primitives , if you like primitives this is the site for you.

"Jeffery" My First Primitive Rooster

"Braden" Had Now Joined Our Home

If miniatures are your collectible choice, display them in shadow boxes or boxes with several cubbyholes. Because of their size they can become lost when displayed on a table or shelve. Grouping them together in this way not only provides interest, it give them importance.

A Cute Display Of Sewing Items

Another important factor is to not overcrowd the room. Too many pieces become clutter, which then takes away from the collection, the best remedy is to display just a few pieces at a time. For avid collectors this can be a hard thing to do – I’ve been there – but try to remember the reason for starting your collection, ENJOYMENT. Rotating pieces though out the year helps your enjoy your collection more, plus you get the added benefit of a fresh, new decorating look.
 
One final comment, you’re not limited to just one type of collection, in fact having more than one really makes it fun. I have several other collections, consisting of "Heartwood Creek Santa's and "Folk Art Prints by Warren Kimble". And as any loyal collector will tell you, you can never have to many collections.

Just A Sample Of My "Warren Kimble" Print Collection

One final - final comment, don't be afraid of mixing your collectibles. Both of my daughters love primitives like I do and are slowly adding them to their homes, however my youngest also loves skulls (I know, don't ask) and she has successfully intertwined them amongst her primitives. Trust me when I tell you they look really good, most important they are so her and have personalized her home.

So to every current and future collector out there, “Happy Hunting"