What do I want to collect?

I know I've discussed this a bit in a previous post. I wanted to revisit this today because of a recent article that I read concerning new collectors. The author implied that it is the responsibility of dealers / sellers of antiques to sway the potential collectors decision in what to purchase. I don't entirely agree with this.

Let's take for example, a collectible toy. Even if the buyer thought it was cute, worth more, etc. they shouldn't just buy it for that reason. A collection of ANYTHING needs to have an "I LOVE IT" feeling. I realize that some things you will love more than others, but LOVE IT you should prior to purchasing it.

The "love it" feeling is the feeling of "there is just something about this..." that you can't shake. If you are drawn to a particular object whether it is knives, paperweights, tea pots, whatever, then that is what you "love". You are buying to have this item displayed some where in your environment and because it makes you happy every time you look at it. You don't need to justify this to any one. We collect because it makes us happy.

I personally like hand painted porcelain. Hand painted pieces make me happy to look at because I know they are one of a kind. Someone created it so later generations could enjoy it. I like the WOW factor that it gives me or a visitor to my home. That is the feeling you should have about anything you buy. I am also a dealer / seller of the items I like. I don't feel it is my place to tell you what you like. You determine this as a collector.

That's it for today. Happy Hunting!

My Best,

Vicki