Any Incurable Collectors out there?

[BlueMoose]

I was just watching The Incurable Collector on A&E. I don't really collect anything specific, but I love stuff from the 30's, 40's and 50's. I realize that's a pretty broad category! But collecting is really interesting to me, and I would just like to hear about your collections. I'm sure there are some interesting and unusual ones out there.:p

Chrisi :)

[PnguinTrax]

I collect penguins - all kinds. Lately I've begun collecting Boyd Art Glass penguins. I had 2 for years and discovered that they came in about 30 colors. I got 4 this last week on eBay.

[BlueMoose]

Cool!

Another question....how did you get started collecting what you collect?

[Little Bit]

I love my satin glass collection, but haven't added to it for several years. I found a neat little vase in a Raleigh antique store (ruffled all over, brilliant yellow) and was entranced.

I browsed the antique stores for several years, and even bought some stuff on ebay. I love my collection, since it's so wonderfully colorful and has all sorts of interesting textures, but won't be adding to it indescriminately anymore. Glass is heavy, and fragile, making it sort of impractical to transport when I move, so I'd rather just treasure what I've got for now.
I've also discovered that it's really easy to pay way too much for my 'treasures.' I think some antique dealers price some of their stuff outrageously just to keep some decorative bits in the store. I'm not saying I'm sorry I bought what I have, I just dislike being so vulnerable to unscrupulous pricing. Ebay stopped being any fun, since it seems impossible not to get outbid anymore.
(If I'm in the mood to pay too much for something, I'd much rather head to the cosmetics counter at Saks and KNOW I'm getting ripped off, if you see what I mean. :) )

[AndreaU]

FIESTAWARE!!!

I collect the vintage stuff and use the new version as everyday tableware. I have around 50 old pieces in all the original colors. I started in college- one day I went into an antique store (actually it was called a "junk shop") with DB- now DH- and saw these cool, colorful plates. I bought one and I haven't stopped since!

DH has a wonderfully eclectic collection of toasters from one of the earliest to the 60s. He started collecting after his family cleaned out his great aunt's basement after her death- she had about 4 or 5 that he took to start his soon-to-be collection. At last count, I think we had about 4 dozen! Most probably still work, but for safety reasons we haven't used any (those fabric cords and all...). We're currently in contact with the Strong Museum in Rochester, NY regarding a donation of 2 "Royal Rochester" toasters from the 30s.

I love to wear pins, so I have amassed quite a collection from my family, friends, and students (many, many apple/teacher pins!). I especially love penguins and Snoopy!

[HRJ]

Barbara -- I wondered from your screen name if you were a kindred soul. I, too, collect penguins -- have for about 20 years, since I was in college. How nice to find someone else with a penguin passion!

I've got all types -- stuffed (probably close to 100...), ceramic, Lenox, glass, metal, wood, paper mache, in snowglobes, on plates and mugs, on music boxes. Two of my particular favorites are a set of penguin-shaped salt and pepper shakers labeled "Willie" and "Millie," made of Bakelite, from the early 1930s.

I also have a rather large plastic penguin that was used as part of a Christmas window display at a store in the mall some years ago -- the store went out of business shortly after Christmas, and I convinced them to sell me the penguin. In our basement is an inflatable penguin chair. My latest acquisition is a motorized swizzle stick (for stirring chocolate milk), with a penguin head on top.

When I get around to figuring out how to set up a custom avatar, it will be of a penguin.

But, I seem to have missed the Boyd art glass penguins. Looks like I'll have to take a trip to eBay.

Now that I've revealed this all-too-consuming obsession to everyone here on the BB, don't know what else is left to confess ...

How I got started: like most addictions, it seemed innocent enough at first. One year in college, I had an off-campus apt. with some friends, and my bedroom there was all decorated in blue (not my choice, the landlord's). I found a greeting card with a picture of a penguin standing in an all-blue room (kind of weird in itself), so I hung it up.

Then a friend noticed that card, and gave me another card with a penguin on it. Then someone gave me a mug. Pretty soon I was into the hard stuff -- a penguin flower vase; ice cream scoop; wind-up toys; "Opus" and "Chilly Willy."

Now I'm in too deep to get out. For the past 10 years or so, I've hardly bought any pengy stuff for myself -- I get it as gifts from everyone. (DH is a software engineer. Needless to say, we have a lot of stuff from Linux.)

Oh -- one thing I don't have is anything with the Bud Ice Penguin on it (you know ... shooby-dooby-do). If anyone knows where I could get me hands on one, let me know.

Great thread!

Helene

[Grace]

I collect CL magazines.... :p :D :rolleyes: :o

[Ralph]

Originally posted by Grace
I collect CL magazines.... :p :D :rolleyes: :o

LOL, Grace!

[funnybone]

I collect Christmas ornaments from out travels, and Hallmark ones for the kids. I used to collect "spoons" many years ago, although I always thought they were tacky. They are all in a big bag, in the original boxes, in the basement.

I'm a pack rat - that's why I need a big house - for all my stuff in boxes. I never look at the stuff, but I can't bear to throw it away. It's a good thing all our moves have been corporate relocations, thus we have never had to pay for the movers ourselves. Otherwise, the stuff would have been tossed out a decade ago, I'm sure!!!

[beejayw1]

My grandmother was an antique dealer in Vermont, and I used to help her in her shop. It gave me a taste for things.

So what do I collect?


Coffee table books (not intentionally...I just love pretty pictures)
Staffordshire 'Fairing' figurines - these are made of heavy, white porcelain clay, usually pressed into a mold. They come in all sorts of designs, many whimsical. They used to give them as prizes at fairs, hence the name.
Chinese snuff bottles - often painted inside with lovely scenes
Whiting Lady Baltimore sterling flatware. (I find I must explain; I always wanted sterling, but couldn't justify the cost. Then one day, on eBay, I found the loveliest pattern - not really ornate, but very pretty. I got a service for 6 (or most of it) for a ridiculously low price, and I was hooked. I think the Thanksgiving turkey tasted better because we were eating it with my sterling!)


Little Bit - isn't it nifty how satin glass feels like satin?

[AZLorena]

We....(DH and I both) collect cat stuff. Our Christmas tree was all cat ornaments. I even have a pair of cat shoes.

Lorena

[Little Bit]

Originally posted by beejayw1
Little Bit - isn't it nifty how satin glass feels like satin?

Yes! I just love the feel of it! I think that's what hooked me, that it's visually appealing and has an interesting surface texture.

One friend of mine just can't stand the way it feels though, so I have to remember not to use my satin glass plates when she's dining with me. ;)

[Linda in MO]

Boyds Bears and Longaberger Baskets...and cookbooks, of course!

[Jewel]

My collections used to be very broad, and I've really had to narrow them down due to financial concerns, as well as where the heck to PUT them?? :rolleyes:

I am a certified Cinderella disciple, so I've been collecting Cinderella stuff for quite a few years! I love the vintage items as well as the newer ones. I wear a Cinderella watch every day, and my curio cabinet is proud to display the blown glass Cinderella Castle that I had flown in from DisneyWorld to top my wedding cake. ;)

I also collect antique 'grapes' items. My entire dining room is done in the grapes/wine theme, and I've been filling that room with antique treasures for several years! Many Bavarian Grapes Plates, Grapes Coffee & Tea Sets, candleholders, china, napkin rings, trivets, etc, etc! :D My two most precious items are a 16" tall handpainted tankard/pitcher dated approximately 1925, and a handmade and handpainted tole iron wall candle sconce of entertwined grapes and leaves that dates back to the late 20's or early 30's. (sigh!)

Twice a year here in the Seattle area they have a huuuuge antique show in the TacomaDome for over 600 dealers from around the US and beyond. DH and I try to go to at least one of those shows per year...and the next one is January 27!! Woohoo! :D:D:D

[Peggy C.]

But, and there is always a but! DH= collects antique bed pans. I really enjoyed having to explain that one to my CL Supper Club! Everyone else knows what an eccentric he is!

[PnguinTrax]

My collection started out like most, by accident. Someone gave me a penguin-shaped picture frame and I loved it. Next thing you know, I'm scoping out penguin stuff like mad!

I have all kinds - stuffed, little rubber figurines from zoos, Swarovski crystal, pressed glass, pewter, resin sculpture, polymer clay, carved wood, you name it. I've never counted all of them, but there are LOTS. The Archie McFee catalog has a 24" plastic one in their catalog, but I don't know where I'd put it. I do have a cement penguin in the garden, though.

I also collect ladybug stuff, but only randomly. Leftover from my college days when my sorority chapter's mascot was a ladybug. We have no national mascot, like many other groups. After I left college, the newer members changed the mascot. Those of us from the 'old days' still look out for ladybug things and gift each other with them.

I also have a serious cookbook addiction and my beading addiction has gone over the edge and I'm now selling jewelry at a local gallery.

[Angela]

...I collect penguins too!! How cool is that (that pun was intended :D).

I actually have no clue how it got started, but it's been about 15 years. I too have a penguin made out of whatever you could think of. I've never counted how many I have, but I love them all. The Christmas tree is almost all penguin, though BF has something to say about changing that--he says I have too many. Is that possible?! But he did by me a little penguin figure and a book. Do you know about The Penguin Place? The web page is www.penguin-place.com The store is in Brooklyn and also in Baltimore--where I live!! I actually don't go in the store too much because it's very dangerous :D

I also have a match book collection. I just grab a match book from everywhere and anywhere and have them all in a shoe box. It's a very inexpensive hobby as they are always free! :)

[HRJ]

Originally posted by Angela
... Do you know about The Penguin Place? The web page is www.penguin-place.com The store is in Brooklyn and also in Baltimore--where I live!! I actually don't go in the store too much because it's very dangerous :D



OMG!!! Angela, this site is fantastic! I might as well just liquidate my 401(k) right now, because I want everything from the Penguin Place. Can't believe I didn't know about it when I lived closer to Brooklyn.

I was kind of bummed out, though, to discover from this site that my beloved "Willie and Millie" Bakelite salt shakers were actually created as promotional items for Kool cigarettes. :(

Helene

[Angela]

yeah...penguin overload. What could be better??!! :)

[BosunsWife]

I collect regional cookbooks from all the places that we have traveled to and lived in.

I also collect Christmas ornaments the same way and started a collection for DD when she was born doing the same.

My mom buys me a Willie Rae (sp) numbered collectible or two every year for Christmas (for the past couple of years). I love them and love getting them out at Christmas to display them. Its definitely not something I could afford (or justify) to buy for myself so I'm lucky that she will buy them for me. They are wonderful folk art pieces made in the midwest.

[BlueMoose]

I figured there would be some interesting responses to this thread! Who knew there would be 3 penguin collectors? There's a lady around here who makes pretty cool penguins out of gourds.

[Zinnia]

Not antique, or expensive, but I collect Butterflies. NOT the REAL ones though! I have collected butterfly stuff-(anything!) since I was little and still have many of them today.
I have pictures of them, glass ones, metal ones, brass ones, window ones, ones in the garden, butterfly stepping stones to my back gate, wood ones, paper ones, bathroom themed-along with the shower curtain, etc..I also over the years- have made magnets, picture frames, and hair clips, and barrettes with them. I have butterfly calendars, key chains, clocks and, I could go on, lol! I even have one butterfly tattoo, on my ankle.
Can't you tell I LOVE them, lol?
:) Zinnia

[lsdesign]

Roosters and Roses ceramic items. It all started with a match safe that was given to me by DH's grandmother. I had never collected anything before and I grew curious about this line as well as liking the handpainted pattern. To Ebay I went and started my collection. I have all that I want of that right now.

Hammered Aluminum: during this same period I became interested in collecting items with pine cone or bamboo patterns. Teapots, trays, plates, etc.

Odd ceramic animals: I found the first ones together on a shelf in a junk shop, a skunk and squirrel. They are sort of an odd combination of cartoon and primitive. This started me looking for similar creatures which now include three others.

Old Juice glasses: here's another unusual thing that I got into by accident. I actually use and enjoy these. The wierder the better.

[Molli526]

I didn't think I had a collection when I saw this thread until I started putting my Christmas stuff away today. I collect the Mitford Snowmen. It started 3 years ago and I got the ornaments and one of the stuffed guys. Now I buy the new set of ornaments every year plus the stuffed ones. I think they are so adorable. I got the book this Christmas. I also collect the Madam Alexander ornaments from Hallmark.

[aggie94]

But there are way too many of them for me to try to keep up, so I limit myself to mostly animal ones (specifically ones with puppies) and ones that I just like. No way would I ever actually try to own them ALL.

This is my most prized piece:

http://www.gocollect.com/images/PMSecondaryMarket/200/114022.jpg

[ashleenicole]

Christopher Radko Ornaments!

I've collected for the past 6 years. I got started when I worked in a collectibles store over the Holiday season while in College. I only collect Christmas themed ornaments. I actually started with collecting only "ball" shaped ornaments and have since branched out to snowmen and santas ... including finials and garlands!

Since I live in a small home and refuse to dust any more than I absolutely have to, it's nice to enjoy the pieces during the Holidays and then carefully return them to storage.

I've recently started a collection of Dept 56 Snow Village ...but don't tell my DH. ;)

[madpots]

When I saw that people were collecting penguins I thought you might like this recipe for penguin appetizers. I cut this recipe out years ago and kept meaning to use it...this year I tried it and they are quite festive .

CREAM CHEESE PENGUINS

18 jumbo ripe olives (5 1/2 oz can)
1 pkg. (8 oz) cream cheese
1 carrot ( at least 6 inches long and 1 inch in diameter), cut into 1/4-inch slices
18 small ripe olives
18 frill toothpicks

Cut a slit from top to bottom of each jumbo olive on one side only.
Insert about 1 tsp. cream cheese into olive to fill cavity. (This makes the breast)
Cut small notch out of each carrot slice to form feet.
Press cut-out notch piece into center of small olive to form beak (if necessary, pierce olive with small paring knife or toothpick to make a hole).
Using a frill toothpick, stack head (small olive), body (jumbo olive) and feet (carrot slice), adjusting so that beak, cream cheese breast and notch in carrot slice line up.
(Tip: The penguin will stand better if the olives are stacked with larger holes facing downward.)
I wish I could send a picture, because they are hard to visualize, but they are easy to make. You do have to cut a little hole in the small olive and maybe trim the carrot notch to fit it in for the nose.

I collect frogs and cookbooks!