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.

[JFS in IL]

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 (http://www.wendellaugust.com/category.asp?category=SpecialOccasions&subcategory=ChristmasOrnaments) made in my mom's home town of Grove City, PA.

[Dot]

nt

[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.

[Cadam]

bookmarks.

[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

[Eliana]

Just books, books, and more books....
About 5000 and counting....

Fiction, of course, children's & adult's

History, with some treasured biographies

Popular science - these are so much fun!!

I'm trying to make sure I have the scripts for all the plays I've ever seen

My eldest daughter laughs about my collection of grammar books - English, French, Hebrew, Latin, Greek... I think I still have my German grammar books somewhere. They are like candy for me, though it is really the old ones that I love best.

Uhm, cookbooks, we have almost 100 cookbooks... and, yes, we things from each and every one.... but I still love to find new ones.

Poetry... we have a full-size bookshelf full of poetry... though the latest acquisitions tend to live in our bedroom where dh and I can read them to each other and gloat over them.

Hebrew Seforim (religious texts) - for textual study, reference, inspirational reading... my rate of acquisition is limited however by how expensive they are... and how rarely they ever turn up in used bookstores....

Math and science textbooks (college level) - I love having multiple approaches available.

Kids' non-fiction: I like having a full library of books in the house for the kids, when they are interested in something, there are usually a number of resources immediately available that they get get started on while we wait for things to come in to the library - library book sales have made this possible....

I guess you could count my classical CDs as a collection too... but no little knick-knacks or anything like that.

Eliana

[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:

[Dana in OR]

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! ;)

[Tammy in Germany]

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

[AmyinPA]

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

The only things I really collect are annual Christmas ornaments (http://www.wendellaugust.com/category.asp?category=SpecialOccasions&subcategory=ChristmasOrnaments) 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.

[AmyinPA]

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.

[Remudamom]

Oviously I collect horses. I am down to about 16 now.

Horse odds and ends, like pictures, Breyers, little statues.
Polish pottery.
Cow Parade cows.
Nutcrackers.

[Liberty]

When I was younger I collected a lot of different things. Most were silly, like: brochures (mostly tourist ones), roach clips (decorative only), penpals from all over the world (not a silly one, actually), earrings, concert ticket stubs, posters, Detroit Tiger memorabilia, and baseball cards.

The collection I invested the most money into, however, centered around my biggest obsession: U2. I had an extremely large and valuable U2 collection, complete with some rarities. I had special edition records, the original official fan club mags, bootleg albums, every magazine cover, etc... However, when my husband and I were newlyweds and short of cash, you guessed it, I had to sell some of the stuff to make ends meet. Luckily, I still have quite a bit left, but I don't add to it much anymore (my money goes elsewhere with 4 kids).

Other current (less costly) collections that I have: old cameras (from rummage sales), books, sayings and favorite poems (that I write down in one of those blank books), and Russell Crowe movies via TiVo.

[Remudamom]

I remembered something else. My parents used to have a condo in Destin, and whenever my sisters and I were there we'd have a competition to find the wildest earrings. I have some huge ones, all wooden and painted bright colors.... a fish, hot air balloon, parrot, that type of thing. My dds have made necklaces out of them.

[mysticamethyst]

Dust doesn't count I know but what about pets. Since I made my siggy I have added a Japanese Chin for yet another dog in the house, that makes 7. Thank goodness all but one is under 4 pounds. Projects for me to do, I have a huge collection of those. Oh, how about DVD's I like to own them, same with books, I can NEVER return them on time so I always get a fine; so it ends up being cheaper for me to buy it. I have walls of both and I get rid of them when I can too. Not sure what this will say about me, lol, hope its good.

[Ellie]

Well, I didn't used to think I collected anything, but turns out...:)

I collect N.C. Outer Banks lighthouses and photographs and whatnot. (My great-grandfather was the last lighthouse keeper at the Ocracoke light.) Only Outer Banks, not lights from everywhere else.

I collected Homer Laughlin china. Specifically, "Theme."

I also collect Sandwich glass dishes, especially the luncheon plates that have cups that go with them.

And there are Boyds' Bears figures. I have several angels (all retired pieces now), Tomorrow's Child, the complete Noah's Ark, three nativity sets, the "Nicks," and some miscellaneous pieces.

Books. I don't have a huge collection of those, but I especially love to find classic children's books (The Little White Horse, Understood Betsy, and The Chestry Oak are three favorites), or books that were made into movies (Good Morning Miss Dove, The Snake Pit, The Miracle of the Bells, Tammy Out of Time, to name a few).

I have a horror of being overrun with tchtchkes, lol, so I try to be careful:D

[3lilreds in NC]

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

The only things I really collect are annual Christmas ornaments (http://www.wendellaugust.com/category.asp?category=SpecialOccasions&subcategory=ChristmasOrnaments) made in my mom's home town of Grove City, PA.

I LOVE languages. Love them. Studied linguistics in college. I still have most of my books and love to read grammars for different languages. I have tapes and books to teach myself Gaelic (dh didn't think I should teach the girls, something about needing a more practical language for them) and someday I will learn it.

I collect books. I adore old books. I have some of my dad's books from when he was a kid and I could lose myself in a good used book store for days. I have other stuff, too, like tons of cross stitch patterns, but books are my love. My dh thinks we might have too many, but really, that could never be true. I love homeschooling most for the excuse it gives me to indulge in my passion for children's books. :)

My most recent purchase that I LOVE is an old, old copy of Midnight Folk by John Masefield. It's got cool colored pictures, with tissue paper over each one, and I've actually had to separate some of the pages with a knife to read the story. I know that reduces the collectability but I have the books to read, even the old ones. I also got a an old copy of the Burgess Children's Book of Flowers - I just love the way old books smell.

[Mom2jnb]

Well....if my dh had his way I would collect NOTHING. He hates "plunder" which in itself is a word I cannot stand as it comes right from the mouth of his ex..grrrr

I collect scrapbooking items (should be using them but can't find the time)
Another Book collector here
My dh buys a silver charm for dd and myself for places we or he travels to
I used to collect NKOTB stuff....sold it all
ds collects Calvin and Hobbes and Foxtrot items.
dh still owns and collects parts for his 1966 Ford Bronco...still running...
(And he thinks I should get rid of my items...I ask....how big is a Bronco, spare tires, doors (not attached) etc. compared to my scrapbook stuff) honestly, his is taking up more room than mine......

Alison

[Kristiana]

I collect anything with cellos or penguins on it, postcards, and ABC books, and of course books in general. :)

[Mad Charity]

Mostly running shoes and books. I don't collect anything that would be "collectible" but I do accumulate! Some races we do have posters or art-ish type things so I do get those. Last year dh and I ran the Country Music half marathon and the race poster was amazing. It is of the Nashville skyline and was done by a local artist. He signed if for us, we had it framed and it is sitting above our mantle. We entertain A LOT and it is always a focal point of conversation. I plan to accumulate a lot of those.

[Stacia]

I collect anything with cellos or penguins on it, postcards, and ABC books, and of course books in general. :)

Do you have the book "A is for Salad" by Mike Lester? I don't know if it is the type of ABC book you collect, but it's so fun, imo.

http://www.amazon.com/Salad-Picture-Puffins-Mike-Lester/dp/0698119266/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1204216825&sr=1-1

[Stacia]

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:

Glad to see another orange fiend, lol! I love orange too.

Since you collect fabric also, you would probably love the fabric for our kitchen curtains -- orange (a print from Ikea), if you like a fairly modern style. I've found that Ikea usually has orange as an option (fabrics, other accessories) -- it's not always so easy to find, I think.

[mysticamethyst]

I totally forgot my shoes; don't tell them. I love shoes, all types of shoes but esspecially high heels; I am actully going to get a new pair for my birthday present to myself this weekend. DSW here I come. They are my favorite collection I can't believe I didn't count them.

[Ellie]

I also collect 12 Days of Christmas things: I have books, a 12 Days cookbook, ornaments, Dept. 56 figures, a teapot, a couple of puzzles, even some Longaberger napkins. Happily, these are not tchtchkes that stay out all year:rolleyes:

[Just Me]

Willow Tree figurines

Carnival glass bowls

Family owned antiques (I have a cradle found in my Dh's grandmother's attic when she moved into her house in the 20's.)

Electric pole insulators

Other than that - ???? I really tried to pare down for our last move, and only kept things that I truly love.

[WTMindy]

Children :D

You have an excellent collection! :-)

[WTMindy]

Well, I always buy a Christmas ornament when we go someplace so I guess I collect those, but I like that I can put those away and they don't sit out. I don't like lots of "stuff" out.

[Miss Peregrine]

Nothing.

I collected rabbits when I was younger but not anymore.

[Virginia Dawn]

I used to collect stamps, African Violets, and Daphne DuMaurier books. I gave away my stamp collections after I got married, my African violets after I had children, and my Daphne DuMaurier books got traded in for Landmark history books after I started homeschooling. Now I think of a collection as something that takes up space or gathers dust. I'm not really that much of a sentimentalist.

Amy's practice of getting a dish towel from each place she visits is something I can get into, so practical. I think I'm going to start doing that.