WHAT DO I DO WITH MY COLLECTIBLES?
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Almost everyone begins at least one collection sometime in their life. For my husband it is clocks. For me it is vases. Before long, these items seem to take on a life of their own and start to become clutter in the home.
Usually these items are collected over a period of time. We see them, purchase them, and bring them home. After an initial period of admiration, they are shoved onto a shelf or table.
One reader asked how these items can be incorporated into the design of the home. This falls into the category of accessorizing.
When we first move into a new home, decorative items and pictures are placed with thought and care. Later, additional items are frequently added with less planning.
Before we know it surfaces have become cluttered. If you have just recognized yourself, there is a solution.
Plan an entire day or weekend for this home project.
First remove everything from the room. Clean, putty and paint holes in the wall, and then take a hard look at your cherished belongings. Do you really still love them?
If not, box them up and either store them or give them away.
Now begin to group the remaining items according to color, theme, or size.
Begin to return larger items to the room first. Place them in areas where a focal point is needed.
Smaller items can then be grouped so that they make a statement and can be used in place of large items.
This is where creativity kicks in.
Very small items need to be contained. Here are a few suggestions
Doilies can be framed and hung in a grouping.
Shadow boxes are a good way to display flags, baby clothes, or other personal items. My sister actually had her childhood pigtails put in a shadow box and it hangs over her bed.
You may need to purchase a bookshelf to contain teapots or figurines.They make a much greater impact when displayed in an important manner.
Make a promise that you will stop collecting until you have purchased an appropriate display case for these items. Arrange your books creatively and fill in with vases and pictures.
Nothing should be added to the room unless it can make a statement. Now get really creative with the smaller things. Glue wine corks together to make a trivet. Fill jars with rocks, sea shells, or other small items. Put paper napkins from your travels in a collage behind glass. Hang small pictures together as a unit. (Arrange them on craft paper in the floor first. Trace around the pictures and cut out the spaces where the pictures were. Then tape the paper to the wall as a pattern.)
Often, just putting the items that relate to each other in some way in the same location will inspire a creative display idea. If not, pick up a craft or design idea magazine for inspiration.
Our collections not only bring back good memories for us, but also tell a story of who we are.
Make sure it is a story that is told well.
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