What do you collect?

[Mrs. Readsalot]

I think our collectibles tell a lot about us, if we collect things. Oh and you can't say dust. LOL

My dh would say I collect books, but really they are mainly for school. I have a small collection of Peanuts and Snoopy items, most of which I found at yard sales. Also Shetland Sheepdog figures as I adore Shelties.

[JFSinIL]

like old Kodak Brownies, zoetropes. etc. No place to display 'em - they just sit in plastic on a shelf in my bedroom. Someday....

[partyof5]

My dh would say I collect books too, but like you, they are mostly school-related. As a family, we collect sand/dirt samples from everywhere we've visited on a vacation or road-trip. I try to find clear glass containers to display them in and then I label them with their origin. An easily accessible(and cheap!) bit of memorabilia from our travels. And they all look so different, creating a unique little display.

[nancypants]

For a long time I collected lunchboxes. Vintage. (Hence the name of my blog. :D ) But they began taking up too much space and we were moving too much to keep packing them all. Sold them all on Ebay. But now I collect... umm... dustbunnies... golden retriever fur tufts (with my vacuum cleaner)... sticks and rocks that my children bring in from outdoors (to throw them back out)... my children's artwork... And camera equipment. :D

[sdWTMer]

Playing cards, and all kinds of knitting needles, yarn, etc. Oh, and of course, BOOKS!

[Old Dominion Heather]

Books, pretty things from outside. nt

[Kris]

I have to say books. I can't resist books.

 

Most of the books I've purchased in the past two years *have* been for school, but homeschooling is just another excuse to buy books, not the other way around. ;-)

[Tarheel Heather]

I collect depression glass, I love going to antique stores! I also have a thing for fleur-de-lis's. I also have a lot of cobalt blue bottles and glass phone insulators which are packed up.

[Christy B]

I'm serious. I was just thinking about this today -- wondering why my scrapbooking and knitting never get any attention. It's because I seem to collect jobs like most people collect knickknacks or hobbies.

 

At the moment, I substitute teach at a preschool, teach piano lessons, homeschool the children, and on very rare occasions, do a bit of freelance copy-proofing, editing, and transcription.

 

Let me hasten to add: yes, I have posted frequently about being overwhelmed and burnt out. So, why do I do all of these things? Well, I did try one year to do NOTHING but homeschool (last year, in fact). I cleared my schedule of EVERYTHING -- no Sunday school teaching, volunteer work, paid work of any kind. I was going to be the BEST homeschool mom EVER. That started in September. By Thanksgiving, my dh was begging me to get a job -- I was so depressed it wasn't even funny. And my poor girls were going down with the ship. It was not pretty.

 

Apparently, I need the structure and discipline of outside responsibility to make me productive. Today, for example, I subbed at the preschool, then came home and managed to accomplish more housework *and* schoolwork than I have done yet this week. Strange.

 

Other than jobs:

 

Books. Books. More books. Magazines. Books.

[Lisa at Home]

I have quite a few pieces, and a very nice handmade (by my dad) cabinet in which to display them.

 

I have dishes, figurines, waterglobes, books and all sorts of stuff.

 

I like cranberry glass, too, and have several pieces scattered throughout the house.

 

Oh yeah, and then there's our small zoo of critters, which we're thinking of adding to, but that's more of a family thing.

 

Yes, we have books by the hundred, but that's pretty standard, right?:)

 

~Lisa

[Plaid Dad]

My wife would say that I collect languages. :rolleyes:

 

The only things I really collect are annual Christmas ornaments made in my mom's home town of Grove City, PA.

[mom42terrificgirls]

I collect Emmett Kelly Jr. clowns.

[Doran]

I collected shells -- mostly those I found myself, though I added a few purchases here and there. I still have the colletion and would love to add to it, but I rarely find good shells anymore. The beaches we visit always seem so...empty. Save for some excellent shark's teeth, I've found little in my adult years. Maybe it's because my eyes are now farther away from the sand. :D

 

I also collect sea glass, pottery shards, and bottles found on the shores of the waterways here.

 

Some day, I hope to have a better eye at finding certain Native American artifacts which are abundant here. However, I've yet to receive "the gift" of learning to see them.

 

Doran

[Tutor]

International dolls made from natural materials (how's that for specific? :)), books, and I collect nature specimens and frame or otherwise display those. I am also teaching myself nature photography, so I guess you could say I collect nature photos, too.

 

The doll collection was started for me when I was born by my mom and grandparents, but it included all kinds of international dolls, but I have narrowed it over the years.

[RoughCollie]

According to everyone but me, I collect kitchen stuff. To me they are beautiful and useful necessities. I can wax eloquent over what makes one wooden spoon or ladle or cake pan or pot superior to all others. I wait until this stuff "speaks" to me before I buy it -- I have to *love* them first. I used to collect cookbooks, but I've culled my collection down to a few dozen and I rarely add to it.

 

DH and I collect the children's books that we loved as children.

 

I collect Christmas-themed toys and children's books. I also have a Santa Claus collection, but I've grown tired of it, so I'm not adding to it. I have a collection of bird-themed Christmas ornaments that I love and add to whenever I see a realistic, high quality bird ornament.

 

I like doll houses and certain dolls and their accessories (Ginny, Chatty Cathy, American Girl & G. I. Joe dolls).

 

I love toys a whole lot.

[Ferdie]

Decorative thimbles. After the Northridge earthquake I was so glad that I didn't collect glassware. We had friends who lost most of their beautiful crystal collection and another friend that lost her china tea cup collection during the quake.

[Jann in TX]

I have upper cabinets that are 5 ft high. I have one 24in section filled with mugs--top to bottom! I have new mugs on the counter waiting for me to find a place to put them. I have mugs over flowing into just about any and every shelf in my kitchen!

 

I like choosing a different mug every morning--depending on my mood at the time. Today I chose a mug from a science museum.

 

I also collect Math texts--I've only ordered 2 since Christmas--but last fall I did sell/give away quite a few. I'm sure I have boxes and boxes of them in my garage too.

 

I used to collect crystal figurines--but that is an expensive collection and DH and I decided to stick to mugs for a while (he actually purchased the mugs I have on my counter as a 'just because' gift).

 

BTW the mugs are for hot tea--not coffee---YUCK! My oldest dd drinks coffee and she has her OWN mugs so she does not contaminate mine! Right now I have some Rooibos tea brewing in my science mug...maybe drinking African teas will help me get mentally prepared for my trip to Africa this summer!

[elegantlion]

I used to collect silver, but the collection is pretty full. I do collect sand from our various beach trips. It's so interesting to see the texture from different areas.

 

Homeschooling is just one more excuse to buy more books :), but I do collect antique Shakespeare books.

 

.....and dog hair.

[mcconnellboys]

Okay, no books or dust, huh? Well, perched upon all the books and dust in my home, one will find a large variety of natural specimens collected from places we've visited (and rotated by season)..... I have a doll collection under glass, mostly Oriental. I collect baskets, especially hand-made pieces from throughout the South. I like artwork, but don't have a ton of expensive things...... That's the major stuff, I guess.....

 

Regena

[PrairieAir]

I collect interesting rocks, fossils, seed pods, shells and other natural items. I also collect broken glass from the river that borders our property. I have glass dishes, vases, and other vessels filled with broken glass, some arranged and some waiting to be made into something. I've found antique medicine bottles, glass melted into odd shapes, and shards that have been tumbled by the rocks and water. Looking for glass on the gravel bar is a relaxing way to spend and hour or so by myself.

[mcconnellboys]

Cool! These are the kinds of things I collect, too! Great Lakes glass for me!

 

Regena

[Deece in MN]

As a kid, I collected stickers. I had thousands of them. I loved stickers then and I still have a weak spot for them now. :D

 

As a teen, I collected bookmarks and gift bags (I have no idea why I did this, I just thought some of them were really neat).

 

Then I found Chronicles of Krystonia and collected those as a teen. http://www.mcgifts.com/krystonia.htm

 

Then as a young adult, I started collecting Jody Bergsma plates and art prints. I love her art work! http://www.bergsma.com/

 

Then it was Disney snow globes.

 

Then I came across Ivy & Innocence and collected those. http://www.debbyandcompany.com/d/debbyandcompany/collectibles_ivy_and_innocence.html (I couldn't find a real good link to show these, but they are very sweet & quaint)

 

Then I began collecting James C. Christensen prints and figurines. http://www.greenwichworkshop.com/thumbnails/default.asp?a=16&detailtype=artist

 

I still have everything but the bags and bookmarks (I still have a few bookmarks, but most I gave away or put in a garage sale years ago).

[Michelle T]

I have at least a hundred whiskers, from the past eight cats we have owned. I keep the whiskers in a little wooden box that is shaped like a cat's head.

 

I love finding a whisker laying around and adding it to the box! So does DS. DH just thinks it's weird.

 

One of our current cats is a Maine Coon, and she has the most incredibly long whiskers! Hers are a real find!

Michelle T

[Kay in Cal]

Kitchen utensils and containers that look like vegetables.

Amber jewelry.

Oh, yeah... books. Thousands of books.

 

That's about it for me!

[percytruffle]

I also collect rocks and always have. I used to collect fossils too. Recently, we have begun collecting German Christmas decorations and ornaments from dh's trips. Lastly, each year the dc receive a new Christmas ornament, something representative of that year in their lives. Of course, that collection will leave the house with them some day.:)

[Christy B]

I have at least a hundred whiskers, from the past eight cats we have owned. I keep the whiskers in a little wooden box that is shaped like a cat's head.

 

I love finding a whisker laying around and adding it to the box! So does DS. DH just thinks it's weird.

 

One of our current cats is a Maine Coon, and she has the most incredibly long whiskers! Hers are a real find!

Michelle T

 

Okay, you win. That's the most unique collection I've ever heard of.

I only wish I had thought of it!

[Robin Hood]

I don't collect anything. When my ex walked out on me and left me with all the debt, I had to find work fast. I had never been on my own before. The fastest, best paying job for me was to clean other people's houses. I cured me of collecting stuff. Then I lived in a small house. I pared down even more.

 

My kids collect things, tho.

[j.griff]

Books, Songs (mp3's), movies, and in the past I have collected frog and toad figurines- mostly frogs.

I really don't like cluttery things though, I prefer my mp3's, LOL- and DVD's and CD's. We keep our discs in one of those zippered cases, so they don't take up very much room.

Right now we are trying to uncollect stuff, ;) so our move will be easier.

 

ETA: I also collect small rocks from places we visit- I just love rocks :D

[Tracey in TX]

D*U*S*T

 

 

I collect books, sweatshirts, and Christmas ornaments.

[angela in ohio]

Just books.

[Karen sn]

Books, shells, other people's kids......

[Tammy]

I collect match boxes/books from restaurants....or anywhere I happen to be that has them!

 

I don't use them....of course!

 

Tammy

[Crissy]

My husband's and my old family photos. With the intention that I will restore them and display them in my home.

So far, so good. :)

[Stacia]

I've been sitting here thinking & couldn't figure out any particular thing that I collect, lol.

 

I finally thought of a few.... Many years ago, my mil gave me an Alessi fruit bowl as a gift. I love it. So, whenever she asks me for a gift idea, I've always asked for another funky Alessi kitchen piece (preferably in orange). It's esp. funny because I'm a disaster in the kitchen, but I sure love those pieces, lol. They are so fun.

 

When we travel, I used to (not so much anymore) try to buy a piece of jewelry from some of the more exotic or unique places we've visited. Sometimes expensive, sometimes not -- I have some hand-carved wooden tiki god necklaces & a bangle bracelet made from a coconut shell, for example. Love unique jewelry pieces (incl. vintage). But, things like that aren't so optional now, w/ kids & all sorts of other life happenings. So, I mostly enjoy the collection I've already amassed.

 

Dh used to always collect water & sand or soil from places we visited. We have the collection displayed in nice glass bottles in our den.

 

When I was a kid, my mom started a doll/figurine collection for me. I'm just not really a doll person, though. And, everyone always gave me cat stuff (because I loved cats).

[Whisperlily]

I collect...

 

Unfinished thoughts.

 

Unfinished projects.

 

Good intentions.

 

Pounds around my waistline.

 

;)

 

I used to collect teacups, but I don't have room for any more.

[HollyDay]

books - I esp like cookbooks and travel books

buttons - I have a jar with all sorts of pretty ones

teacups - bone china made in England

[Janet in WA]

You're right, our collectibles do tell a lot about us. I collect nothing. What does that tell you? :)

[nukeswife]

I collect Elephant knick-knacks. I started when I was in High School and it's grown and grown. My bro will just send me one out of the blue if he's out and sees one, my dh also buys me 1 or 2 every time he goes on deployment, so I have them from all over the world.

[Mom2boys]

I collect stamps and picture books for the art work.

 

I collect nutcrackers. And I collect Christmas ornaments from our travels.

[Deece in MN]

I also collect fabric. :D

 

I started quilting 5 or 6 years ago and have been collecting fabric ever since.

 

Oh, and really anything that is orange. It is my favorite color and I will buy just about anything as long as it is orange. What does that say about me?! :rolleyes:

[Vida Winter]

Mainly the classics and children's classics. My greatest treasures are actually bookcases so I will have more room to display my "collection."

I wish it didn't take so much room.

[Tutor]

I forgot... I also collect movies (especially those directed by Hitchcock plus those starring Sir Anthony Hopkins and Johnny Depp). I also collect Stephen King books. :) Guess which thread reminded me that I forgot that? ;)

[Amy in Orlando]

When we were first married, I actively collected Blue Willow china. Now, we have no room and most of my collection (aside from daily dishes) is in the attic, someday, though . . . Books are kind of a given. They're everywhere and I'm constantly culling the pile.

 

Whenever we travel, I pick up a dish towel from the places we go. They don't last forever, but I love the memories it brings back when I'm doing a mundane chore.

 

I have a son who collected "smells" for a long time - freaky, yes, but kind of interesting. Another son collects shells. Yet another son is into beach debris - glass, cruise ship trash, interesting pieces of lumber. My fourth son collects "tiki" figures. He loves them. They are all over his bedroom - drumming, surfing, riding a harley, dancing and on and on.

 

DH likes old kitchen gadgets, but he's fallen out of the habit of searching for them - whew! ;)

[TammyinTN]

Hubby got me hooked on Hummels. I also collect European art, polish pottery and German tiles to incorporate into our home when we return to the states, as well as W. German items. I also have collected tons of Korean items. I want to do a room for each of the countries we have lived in when I return home to the states.

[Closeacademy]

We collect small unique musical instruments from the places we visit.

 

I used to collect children's textbooks but donated them all to a school that helped troubled kids (the teachers were so happy). Now my book collection is really paired down to my dad's books, books for homeschool and my collection of L.M. Montgomery books (I have pretty much everything including all the short story collections published before 2000).

[mrscopterdoc]

I collect nativity scenes. But they have to be 'special', usually from a different country or made of an unusual material. I have small ones carved out of stone and marble. I have a teeny tiny one inside a clay pot 6 inches high. I have them from Peru, Uraguay, Paraguay and all over Europe. I even a have a comical one of cats.:)

[mellifera]

Books

Legos

Books

tie tacks having to do with trains or antique cars

Did I mention books?:)

[Quiver0f10]

Children :D

[MomofSeven]

My wife would say that I collect languages. :rolleyes:

 

The only things I really collect are annual Christmas ornaments made in my mom's home town of Grove City, PA.

 

We live just south of Grove City and I can't tell you how many gifts we've received over the years from this place. Lots and lots of platters.

[MomofSeven]

a red trolley from Hilton Head, a pineapple from Williamsburg, a dolphin from Ocean City, Mickey Mouse ears, and a crab from Charleston.

 

I also collect Cat's Meow figurines that rest above door trim. I buy these also while visiting different cities. But I do have one from the church where dh and I were married and the highschool where we both graduated.