Find inspiration for displaying collectibles here

Get those items out of your closet and into your living room for everyone to enjoy

Anyone who collects anything understands this. People who have not been bitten by the collecting bug will just shake their heads and wonder what's gotten into you. Haven't you already got enough old books on astronomy, teapots, pez dispensers or swizzle sticks? Where could you possilby display another ancient map of the Northwest Territory and where could you fit another piece of carnival glass? They just don't understand the thrill of the hunt; the satisfaction of finding just the right piece that will finish a set: the excitement of finding a rare piece of your collection at a flea market for a fraction of what you were prepared to pay.

For this reason, this area is devoted to collectors and ways of displaying collectibles.

You have a collection and would love to find a way of showing it off. So here are some tips and hints to help you do just that.

The first thing to remember is that you don't have to show off everything all at once. In fact, it is more fun to display part of your collection and change it every once in a while. Let's face it - 300 beanie babies can be overwhelming when viewed all at once. How can visitors be expected to enjoy such overload to the senses?

You may know every piece you have in your collection intimately. You know its history, where you obtained it, what you were doing at the time, who you were with etc. and have many fond memories of this piece of memorabilia. The person seeing your collection for the first time only has a jumbled memory of sense overkill and will never fathom your fascination of your treasures. This is why displaying collectibles in an interesting manner is so important.

So, back to my previous statement. Take the time to construct just the right display and change it often if you have many items in your collection. When someone views it, you will be able to talk about your collection and perhaps get them interested in similar items or starting their own collection. This will be an enjoyable encounter for both of you, rather than having someone view your items with a "deer in the headlight" glazed look in their eyes.

Tips for displaying favorite collectibles

Toys are a category of favored collectibles. Perhaps they remind us of long slow summer days of childhood. Maybe they are collected because we were from a family where toys were rarely given and each one was a treasure. Or maybe they just make us smile and we are happy thinking about the children who used to play with them.

• Antique board games can be hung on the walls of the family room
• Dolls and doll furniture can make an interesting display. Create a tiny doll sized room in a corner with a doll sized crib, rocker, desk, and carriage used to display your collection of dolls.
• Stuffed animals can be displayed in a zoo setting. Small animal cages such as those used for hamsters and gerbils can be put to use. Add some miniature trees or bonsai to the surroundings for interest.
• Marbles are beautiful when displayed in crystal containers and placed in the sun. They also look well displayed on mirrored trays where they can reflect the light into the room.
• If you have a general collection of toys they can be displayed tumbling from an antique toy chest. Make a false bottom using cardboard cartons if you don't want to fill the chest or crush your treasures. Of course, if the items are valuable, be sure to mark this off limits or put them away when you have small visitors.
• Barbie and Ken dolls and dollhouses are a natural match when setting up a display of this collection. Don't forget to add a model of a 50's car in the driveway.

Displaying Collectibles in the Kitchen

Kitchen collectibles are another favorite and the array of items is huge and available at reasonable prices. Here are some ideas for displaying collectibles in this area:

• Butter churns, butter dashers and butter molds grouped together make an interesting display
• Antique coffee grinders can be grouped with old coffee tins
• A wall collage could be made of rug beaters
• An array of stoneware pottery looks great in an old country hoosier cabinet
• If you have an unused cubbyhole or corner, set up a step stool to display old tins, enamelware or other unbreakable items
• If you collect glass items, line the shelves they are displayed upon with crocheted edgings or vintage linens
• A collection of small kitchen tools can be placed in an old apple basket, berry basket or egg basket
• To make a noticeable display, group items of like materials together, such as a grouping of tin, enamelware, or copper items
• Shelves can be installed at ceiling height to display collectible plates and dinnerware such as Blue Willow or Fiesta ware
• Colored glass canning jars and bottles can be displayed on shelves built around windows to take advantage of the sun streaming through the glass
• Also create groupings of similar items such as rolling pins, bread pans, cookie molds, and a bread board along with some old spice tins
• Laundry items such as washboards, laundry tubs, wooden clothespins and clothespin bags along with antique irons can be displayed on an old ironing board set up in the corner of the laundry room.

If you are still with me and haven't yet run across your special collectibles yet, go on to Displaying Collectibles, Part Two for more tips and ideas on how to show off your treasures with panache.

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