Starting a Collection

 Collections.

 A grouping of like objects.  

Some how when you put a lot of one kind of thing together it becomes

a show stopper.  Above you see my collection of purple transfer ware and purple glass.

It hangs on my walls, and is displayed in cupboards in my kitchen and dining room.

Most of what I collect is old but some of my things are new, like the purple wine glasses

from Crate and Barrel (a wedding gift from my sister Ellen) and a floral stamped goblet from HomeGoods.  I would have bought an entire set, but they only had one. 

 A small kitchen cabinet above the stove is where I decided to display this

overflow of my collection by simply removing the cabinet doors and then

screwing in some cup hooks to hang the tea cups.  Its a cheery space that

was once an underutilized cabinet.

Matthew Mead captured my kitchen collection during his photo shoot.

 Starting a collection usually happens naturally, as you find yourself

drawn to a particular thing.  It usually starts with one, and then you 

just start looking around for more of the same.  My collection is old

 and vintage, so I find these pieces in small antique shops or in flea markets

or online by googling Purple Transfer ware.  You can build a collection very

quickly by using the online method, however its more thrilling to just stumble

upon a new find for your growing collection.  

 After receiving so many compliments on my collection of purple transfer ware

I realized that maybe its a good idea to point out, that anyone can have such 

a collection.

 All you need to do is start with one piece.  Then start the hunt.  The thrilling hunt. 

 When you finally have enough to call it a collection, figure out where to display it all so you can enjoy it everyday.  I hang many of my plates on the wall. I also have stacks that I use for special dinners so I don't have to remove them from their spots.  

If you only have a few plates they look great hung around a mirror or a window. Maybe your collection is something that must sit on a table top.  Group them on a silver tray for maximum impact.

Or gather them together in a bookcase, like I did with my husband's little dog collection.

 We love dogs, and I noticed my hubby had quite a few miniature

dog statues, so I started adding to his collection when I would visit

Brimfield Antiques Fair or vintage shops. 

Putting them all together makes for a finished look instead of a hodgepodge.

So look around at what you have been collecting without realizing it and 

pull it all together in a grouping.  And if you want to have a collection

of something you have long admired, don't wait. 

Remember, a good collection starts with just one piece.

Note: Photos by Matthew Mead and Amy Chalmers.

 Partially sponsored by HomeGoods as part of my participation 

in their Pinterest Designer program Happy by Design.