I am just curious, being a bit of a collector myself, what other's collect. Since I don't have a huge space to display items I collect, I tend to collect items that are smaller. I began a ring collection in 1966 and have been collecting ever since. I have really nice rings, costume jewelry rings, rings that hold sentimental value to me. When my two children were little, their daddy would take them to the store with him. When they would come back, they might have gotten a little ring from a gumball type machine. They were so proud of it and would come home proclaiming, "Mommy, I got you a ring for your collection!" What treasures those are to me. When each child married and went on their honeymoons, each brought me back a ring from the place they went on their honeymoon and still bring me surprises when they travel.

I collect old aluminum gadgets, cookie cutters, tea strainers, small coffee pots (not electric), biscuit cutters, etc. I have a few larger items of aluminum but mainly stay with the smaller items, salt and pepper shakers, measuring spoons, spoon rests, etc.

I love knives and guns. I have several, my first being a tiny little pearl handled knife on a chain, not 2 inches long, I got from my first grade school teacher. Isn't that funny? Of course we are talking years ago and a little country school. I have hunting knives, one that fits in my purse, on key chains, etc.

I also collect belt buckles. I don't wear them so I don't collect a lot of them. I have some from places my husband has worked, some handmade ones, some with my initial.

I have a plethora of frogs, most of them have been given to me as gifts. When I worked outside the home, I would walk into work and as I neared my desk, I would see a new little frog on my computer, or sitting in my chair, or on my desk. People seem to enjoy purchasing little items for friends if they know what type things they collect. I have one frog made of a mushroom. Quite unusual. Ink pens with frog on top of them, mugs, one little bear in a frog costume, a frog ballerina. I will share later how I got started on my collecting if anyone is interested.

For now, I would just love hearing what each of you collect, how you got started and what it means to you. How do you approach collecting and how do you display the items? I realize I have addressed a lot here but when people collect, I think they love sharing their stories. I am so anxious to hear yours.

Excellent thread that you have started here, jrebel7? :)

From when I was very young, I have always collected things. I think that it is the "museum curator" in me that I was supposed to be but never became! :p

I used to not be very picky about the things that I would collect. Now, I am very picky.

Jrebel7 - I have collected coins since I was 7 years old, one of the requirements for my cub scout badges was I must start a hobby of my own picking. I started coins, and I feel in love with it and every thing about it so amazing , I could not stop. There is only certain times I will take them out of the bank vault to show them . These days I wouldn't dare to otherwise. I really enjoy it . I also save old drink , medicine, milk bottles, I save old cooking utinsils,old marbles Things from the good old days that I know is a part of our history::::: Hello clough;;;; have a good day & GOD BLESS::::: F.B.E.

Excellent thread that you have started here, jrebel7? :)

From when I was very young, I have always collected things. I think that it is the "museum curator" in me that I was supposed to be but never became! :p

I used to not be very picky about the things that I would collect. Now, I am very picky.

Thank you. I hope others will enjoy sharing!

I think you would be an excellent "museum curator". It is never too late!! :) You could add that to your list of areas in which you excel.

I would have to say both my children are "minimalists" if that is the correct word to describe those who do not like to have a lot of items sitting out for display and do not collect. If they aren't using an item, the item is gone. Maybe I should take lessons to a degree. LOL

When you have time, I would love to hear what your favorite item to collect is and if you are obsessive in your collecting or more on the other end of collecting, a few select items, here and there.

I don't know that I would call being a "pack rat" an area in which I excel. Although, come to think of it... maybe I do excel in that! :D LOL!

Jrebel7 - I have collected coins since I was 7 years old, one of the requirements for my cub scout badges was I must start a hobby of my own picking. I started coins, and i feel in love with it and every thing about it so amazing , I could not stop. There is only certain times I will take them out of the bank vault to show them . these days I wouldnt dare to otherwise. I really enjoy it . I also save old drink , medicine, milk bottles, I save old cooking utinsils,old marbles Things from the good old days that I know is a part of our history::::: Hello clough;;;; have a good day & GOD BLESS::::: F.B.E.

F.B.E. I posted to you last night but for some reason I was having trouble getting the site up, said it was unavailable so I will just repost this morning. Just wanted you to know I was so glad to read your post.

My father had a small coin collection, not like you, but enough to peak my interest and make me aware to at least check dates on coins. You must have an amazing collection. When you began collecting, did you have help from an adult or did you have to just research and find out what to look for on your own? Do you meet with other coin collectors or is this something you just do for your own enjoyment?

When you mentioned marbles, it gave me a jolt. How could I have forgotten to mention my love for marbles! :p I have little knowledge of marbles and have not researched them. I am going to photograph a few and post the image here later. If you see any that you know about, I would love for you to share your information. I can remember playing with "cat's eye" marbles all the time growing up (which might qualify them for being antiques by now :eek: ) but I have some that appear much older.

I have just a few of the old heavy "Jacks". I don't see those too often. I don't shop a lot so don't hit the antique stores or junk stores too often but when I do, I just tend to look for smaller items. I make broaches from old broken pieces of jewelry so I do keep my eyes open for boxes of jewelry that can be make into a wonderful piece and not just stay in a box, collecting dust. Do you display the old cooking utensils? I am too full of questions, just looking forward to hearing more about everyone's collecting experiences.
"Happy Collecting" :p

I don't know that I would call being a "pack rat" an area in which I excel. Although, come to think of it....maybe I do excel in that! :D LOL!

You would excel in being a museum curator!!! :)

I don't know about the "pack rat" part. Since you brought it up though, what constitutes being one? Maybe I am one and don't know it. I do collect. I do find it difficult to let go of things. Am I a "pack rat" do you think? Interesting terminology. :p

I was in a house one time where the lady apparently collected newspapers and magazine. They were stacked to the ceiling and all over the room, neatly stacked I might add but only a path way to get through each room. I am cloustrophobic so don't think I could abide that. LOL

I would not say I am obsessive about collecting but I sure do enjoy it, especially the rings.

My cousin collect Boyd Bears. She has over 700 of them. I know she enjoys them and I would imagine they will be a great investment.

"HAPPY COLLECTING!" :p