Collections Create Space Challenges

We find the hobby of collecting like things interesting. Collecting is like finding variations on a theme.

What do you collect? Over the years I had collections of aprons, family wedding gowns, and autograph albums. Since I come from a family of collectors it is always fun to find additions to other people’s collections.

Sometimes our zest for collecting outpaces our space to put the collected items. What begins as one or two well-placed items on a shelf suddenly has dozens of companions that barely can be seen. What started as a small knick knack or two now requires space for more curio cabinets.

Here are some ways to keep the collections from overtaking their due space:

• Be selective. Many collectors first go for quantity. As their collection grows they become more discriminating and seek qualities such as specific colors or rarity.
• Share with others who admire your collection. Give, trade, or sell your duplicates to other collectors or as gifts to those who would appreciate them. Our family was delighted when Grandma gave each of us one of the beautiful syrup pitchers from her extensive collection.
• Select the finest few to display. The display of a few may be more interesting than the larger quantity.
• Be creative in displaying collections. For example, a handkerchief collection can be shown in table settings or used with china displays.

How have you corralled your collections? Do you have a unique way of keeping your collections? I would like to hear your stories.

Comments

[Jennifer]

I collect model horses. These can vary in size from about 3 inches to 9 inches tall and vary in material from cheap, mass-produced plastic to expensive, hand-painted resin.

Over time I have adjusted my collecting to focus on small, expensive models! I am selling the larger ones and I resculpt and repaint the cheaper ones, which lets me enjoy the creative side of the hobby.