What do you collect? Most of us collect something. Whether it be teacups or cookbooks, or purses. Whatever you collect, think about why you collect the items you do. Is it something that reminds you of your childhood? Is it something that inspires you? Is it things that you simply think are beautiful? Here's the big question... do you display your collection or does it sit in a box in the closet?
You would be surprised at how many people collection things, yet don't showcase their collections. Cookbooks and heirloom recipes are often tucked away in kitchen cabinets. Purses are shoved in closets. Or, in my case, items are packed in a box in the basement.
I love photography and all that it entails, so I collect vintage cameras. I remember one summer on a vacation, my grandfather bought me a camera that used 35mm film. I had only had camera's that used 110 film, so I felt very grown up with this gift. It was a great feeling which I still remember to this day. I have collected many other items over my lifetime; shot glasses, matchbooks, postcards - among a few. Vintage camera's are the one collection I am emotionally tied to and truly love. I purged the rest of my collections and decided to focus on the one collection with sentimental value. I gave my college-aged daughter my shot glass collection, sold my old postcards on eBay, and now light candles with my matchbook collection.
I've had dreams of how I would display on camera's over the years. The other day I realized I wasn't appreciating my collection, and now one else was either. I sorted through my collection and decided which camera's I truly couldn't bear to part with. My favorites have now found a nice home, displayed in my living room on a old shelf. I have passed along the love of camera' to my 12 year old son, so he got to pick through my collection first. The remaining camera's are now on display (and for sale) throughout Lola's. [Although, I must admit, I may need customers to fill out adoption papers before they purchase one of my "babies".] I decided it was time in my life to not just collect something for the mere fact of collect something.
Questions:
- Why do you collect?
- Does it have sentimental value?
- How many collections do you have?
- If you have many collections, which is you favorite?
- Are your collections displayed or stored away?
Steps:
- Focus on one collection, your favorite.
- If you have many collections, purge.
(donate, pass down to the next generation or sell the items) - Display your collection creatively for all to enjoy!
Make your collection functional:
- Make a mini library in your kitchen with cookbooks. Loan them to neighbors and friends to enjoy too.
- Hang items from your collection on a wall to make a statement >more
(i.e.: postcards, greeting cards, travel brochures, maps, recipes) - Use an apothecary jar to show off smaller items. >more
(i.e.: buttons, jewelry, sewing kits, thimbles, golf balls) - Utilize your collection as decor. Merge it into your decorating by artfully displaying favorite items.
Stacey Olson is a featured contributor to LivingLolaStyle.com
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| Collection of vintage radios displayed in an old drawer |
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| Put you collection to good use, as demonstrated with this collection of vintage suitcases. |
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