|
Collectibles - What’s Your Passion by Bonnie P Carrier
A collection is anything involving three or more of the same thing or items that are related. 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.
Something even more fascinating can be the story behind why people have chosen their particular collections.
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.
The following are a few (and I mean few) examples of things to collect:
- Christmas Villages Plates
|
- 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.
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 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.
As the hutch is no longer used in a dinning room the first step was to remove the glass doors, this lets you see the pieces being displayed much clearer, then the new collection began to take shape.
As new pieces came in I would rearrange until it looked right, you will also notice I have chosen not to over fill the space. Reason being I wanted each piece to stand out.
The following pictures are close-ups of the left and right of the hutch to give you a better idea on how the groupings were done.
As I stated previously I’ve reworked everything several times until the right balance was found. I’ve also tried to keep the colors and textures similar plus working smaller pieces in to add some interest. I think my favorite pieces are the scoops, there are five different sizes and colors mixed in.
Just for fun I’m also including a picture of my favorite scoop, it is really adorable. None of the pictured 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.
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.
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.
The corner cabinet pictured at right is a good example, I’ve chosen to display only five piece of another collection of Jugs & Jars. By doing this the small cabinet does not look cluttered and each piece stands out.
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.
I also love Folk Art particularly Warren Kimble prints and have purchased many over the years which are spread through out the house.
One final comment, you’re not limited to just one type of collection, in fact having more than one really makes it fun. And as any loyal collector will tell you, you can never have to many collections.
So to every current and future collector out there, “Happy Hunting”
About The Author: Bonnie P. Carrier is the creator of Savvy Home Decorating - The Information Center. She is the mother to two grown daughters and two very spoiled Shelties - Sebastian & Oliver. www.savvy-home-decorating.com
This article is shareware. Give this article away for free on your site, or include it as part of any paid package as long as the entire article and author’s bio. is left intact including this notice . Copyright © 2011 bonnie carrier.
|
