August 31, 2021
The Joys of Collecting
Are there any special items you enjoy collecting? Starting a collection can be a simple way to add a dash of joy to your life. It provides the opportunity for an ongoing treasure hunt, in search for the next cherished collectible. Whether it’s postage stamps from different parts of the world, vintage tea ware with stories of its own, or classic novels, there are countless items to collect. If you’re looking for a new hobby, collecting might be just the thing! Below you’ll find inspiring ideas for starting a new collection.
Inspiring items to collect
1. Editions of your favorite book
Is there anything more comforting than cozying up with your favorite story? These days, there is often a variety of beautiful editions of beloved titles to choose from. We even carry gorgeous editions of novels such as Little Women and Emma! Browse here.
2. Vintage tea ware
Adventure to your local thrift store and take a peek at their tea ware collection. Because each piece is pre-owned, it comes with its very own story! Display them in a curio cabinet or use them daily for extra whimsy.
3. Costume jewelry
Sometimes it’s fun to get dressed to the nines for no reason at all. What fun it would be to collect brightly colored earrings, statement necklaces, and bangles!
4. Seashells
We love the quote, “Seashells are love letters in the sand.” Bring a tin bucket along on your next beach outing and pick up a few “love letters.”
5. Paper weights
There are so many unique and ornate paper weights available. You are sure to find them at your local antique store or a quick Etsy search.
6. Postcards
Did you know the very first postcards date back to the 1860s? There is over a century worth to collect!
Let us know if you collect anything in the comments below! If you’re a Bella Grace collector, browse our library for back issues ❤️
Debbie Ealer
April 19, 2023 at 4:26 pm
I collect gnomes. I have wood ones, soft ones, tiny ones, large ones, ones for our wedding in Dec, and everyone knows I love them, so they pick me up one when they see one. I love my gnomes outside and in. They are just so darned cute!
Ellen Fassbender
April 19, 2023 at 4:26 pm
I collect cat mugs. I love cats and everyone I know looks for cat mugs and get them for me for gifts, holidays, just for fun. I only have 2 dog mugs and that’s because my sons have dogs.
Eileen
April 19, 2023 at 4:26 pm
I collect teapots and tea cups, actually any item related to tea. Also pens, journals, copies of Wuthering Heights, Little Women. Bks. and articles about L.M. Alcott. Also articles about Letter Writing, Friendship, and Tea. Also Poetry bks.
LaRee Johnson
April 19, 2023 at 4:26 pm
Collector par excellance! For over 40 years I have collected vintage dresses, hats, purses, gloves, hankies, parasols, etc… I have written the book, “Ladies Vintage Accessories”… most of these treasures don’t restrict the collector to size or color. They can have a fascinating history: who was the original owner? where she might have lived? or who made the gown? These stories came to life in my column, “Lady With A Past” with over 25 professional photographs portraying these bygone treasures in beautiful detail, each “Lady” is named as her imaginary life unfolds.
Darlene Ferree
April 19, 2023 at 4:26 pm
I collect miniatures, from animals, pitchers, & even shoes. Anything miniature I will buy. They are sitting on my window sills & shelves. If there is an opening a miniature will b sitting there, after all they don’t take up much room.
Dorothy Belknap
April 19, 2023 at 4:26 pm
I collect sewing notions. Wool from all over the world. I am a wool artist . Amazing how different the filberts are. The history is amazing. Wish there was more about this fiber.
Diane A Zeppa
April 19, 2023 at 4:26 pm
I love old wooden board games – intricate ones, rustic homemade ones. It is the “art” that I collect and decorate the walls in my home with. Would love to see others who share my love for them.
Kathy Leibold
April 19, 2023 at 4:26 pm
I collect rocks/ stones. Especially when we travel.
Margaret Solomon
April 19, 2023 at 4:26 pm
I collect angels. All sizes; all materials – paper, ceramic, wood, whatever I find.
Kay Braun
April 19, 2023 at 4:26 pm
Decks of cards! Started with one from each state we traveled to. They reminded us of our trip. Then friends gifted me decks from their travels. Then I added vintage airline decks from my childhood! Airlines used to give them out on flights. I have them in glass canisters in the game room. Along with vintage game boards and jars of vintage game pieces! We loved playing family card games with the kids.
Gloria S. G.
April 19, 2023 at 4:26 pm
I enjoy collecting many items, from antique shops. We have several England tea cups, antique dice, including three (incomplete) Monopoly game sets from the 30’s, that I’m just overjoyed to have found! I also have a quite a few various game pieces, like the Scrabble tiles, and Mi Jong tiles. The hunt is the fun part!
Lorriann Hartwick
April 19, 2023 at 4:26 pm
I collect sea glass. My favorite piece is Red Sea glass I found while in France.
Terry
April 19, 2023 at 4:26 pm
I collect art glass. I began with a few beautiful paperweights. Some gorgeous goblets. People gave me exquisite perfume bottles. I chose some vases, small and larger. The paperweights are the beginning and they are what I use most. I love my hands resting on the cool glass, holding down the page of a book or a magazine or the flap of some lovely envelope that has very tired glue and needs a little more attention. My collection spans so many decades. I think I started collecting sometime in the 70s. I know the names of the studios I love. They were all a part of bringing beauty into my every day life. Some look like places, some look like the sky, some remind me that the garden is within my home, in my heart, even when it’s on the surface of a glass weight.
Danielle Knudson
April 19, 2023 at 4:26 pm
I collect a lot of ’90s (some ’80s and early OO’s) vintage toys. I try to buy new in box whenever possible, but some stuff is pre-owned. I collect them all for my kids to play with, so they’re not a display collection. It pains my family that I open the packages, but they do me no joy in the box. The happiness comes from seeing my kids give them life again! With that said, my top 3 biggest collections are my ’80s/’90s vintage plastic Thermos and Aladdin brand lunch boxes, frame tray puzzles, and flat wrap wrapping paper. I will never have enough! It’s the best feeling in the world to find a lunch box/puzzle/gift wrap that I love and don’t already have!