A Modern Collector's Guide

Collecting

I have yet to meet someone who doesn’t collect something.  It seems we all have one thing or another that we adore so much, we feel the need to gather more and acrue a collection. Here are tips for making the most of your collection, from striped socks to miniature boxes, or vintage watches. Whatever it is you love, you can turn it into a hobby, and a killer collection.

Step 1

Spend some time looking through your jewelry box, your closet, and your bookshelves to see what it is you have already started to purchase in multiples. I have a collection of vintage handbags, head vases, matchbooks, miniature boxes, and my newest love is anything peacock.

• Did your grandfather’s pocketwatch lead to a ticking obsession?
• Is your jewelry box filled with more turquoise than you know what to do with?
• Do you have a love for mercury glass?

Step 2

Collections look best when they are organized. Decide what you want to display and really focus on and gather it in one place.

• Get a notepad to make a list of what you have and it’s worth, if applicable
  
• Make sure your pieces are in good condition if you are planning on displaying them
  
• Clean everything with a damp wash rag to get any dust away and get it clean

Step 3

Now you need to decide how you will display your collection. Depending on the size you have different options. Things to consider:

• Quantity of your collection
• Size of the pieces in the collection
• Do you want people to touch your collection

Display Options

In the images here, you can see some options for displaying your collection. For my head vase colletion, I just lined them up next to eachother, because I only have 4 right now.

For my matchbook collection, I put them all in a bright, heavy bowl so people can sift through and see where I have visited. As it grows, so does my container!

For my miniature box collection, I display them throughout a bookshelf, but all in one case, so they are cohesive and together.

More GSPOT Guides You'll Find Helpful

Places You May Find Nice Display Cases

Step 4

After gathering your pieces to display and finding the proper palce to show them, there are some general tips for making your collection look it’s best.

• Keep things neat and clean
• If possible, group things in odd numbers..it’s more appealing to the eye
• Only show things that you really love, not just because your grandmother gives you one every year
• Try to display your collection on a contrasting shelf/table so the pieces stand out

Step 5

The best collector’s are knowledgeable about their collections. Buy a book or two on the subject and keep abreast of the latest information on your topic of choice. Some good ways to do this:

• Find a group on the internet of people who share the same interest and you’re bound to learn new things
• Start a monthly social group to learn about other people’s collections
• Visit collector’s stores and bookstores to learn about sales, other collectors and to keep on top of your favorite grouping

Step 6

Make your collection grow.

• Every collector’s favorite, Ebay, is a teriffic source for getting your favorite pieces for a steal.
• Visiting thrift stores is a great way to find things other people tossed. Remember, one man’s trash is another man’s treasure. I have found really inexpensive items that were worth a load of money at thrift stores.
• Let people know what you are looking for