topic Re: Collectibles/Collecting in Q Talk

Collectibles/Collecting

just wonder — Sat, 01 Jul 2017 19:41:57 GMT

Well, I guess I'm showing my age, but there are a couple rants under TSV and talking about the fairy lights ranting on about all us retired folks getting rid of all our junk and how collecting is out of vogue, etc. Well, it is because it is harder and harder to walk into stores and purchase collectibles, but I still enjoy my Cherished Teddies and Boyds Bears that are in my curio cabinet and am so glad I collected them when they were readily available. This definitely is a bygone hobby, but I loved it and am in no hurry to send to Goodwill, etc. Now I'm loving the beautiful items by Jim Shore; he is so talented and I am thankful QVC is offering his beautiful work. I guess to each his own, but I don't consider this stuff "junk". Just wondering if anyone else out there feels as I do?

Re: Collectibles/Collecting

ScrapHappy — Sat, 01 Jul 2017 19:53:01 GMT

I'm in an entirely different boat. Not me as the collector, but my husband. He is a huge sports collector. Mainly about objects being autographed. He has a Reggie Jackson signed shirt, a Lawrence Taylor one too....many along those lines. Sooooo many signed baseballs and bats. He's saved so much from his childhood. Still has his Tony the Pony mechanical horse from early 1960's. He has Hollywood stars that signed stuff, like Barbara Eden on an authentic genie bottle. He also a has a comic book collection that him and his brother have been doing since there were 10 years old. About 65,000 comics. They just keep it going to keep the collection going. I will admit, most of it is pretty cool but sometimes it's just too much.

Re: Collectibles/Collecting

Winter Holiday — Sat, 01 Jul 2017 19:53:49 GMT

I collect Christmas themed Christopher Radko ornaments. I love decorating for holidays. I almost always choose a decoration for any holiday as a gift to myself. Yes I collect. I am younger than 50. I agree that millenials aren't as interested in collecting they spend their money on going out and restaurants. I know I'm an anomaly when it comes to my age demographic especially where Radko's are concerned. Most people in my range have never heard of them. I collect and it makes me happy. My stuff makes me happy and it is not junk.

Boyds Bears and Jim Shore are definitely not junk. It really makes me sad that people don't even know about these quality brands either as they are used to being exposed to cheap decor or sadly have no interest in it.

Re: Collectibles/Collecting

Group 5 minus 1 — Sat, 01 Jul 2017 20:00:34 GMT

I see so many of these things at Goodwill. But if you like them than you should collect them.

Re: Collectibles/Collecting

Fona — Sat, 01 Jul 2017 20:03:43 GMT

@just wonder wrote:
Well, I guess I'm showing my age, but there are a couple rants under TSV and talking about the fairy lights ranting on about all us retired folks getting rid of all our junk and how collecting is out of vogue, etc. Well, it is because it is harder and harder to walk into stores and purchase collectibles, but I still enjoy my Cherished Teddies and Boyds Bears that are in my curio cabinet and am so glad I collected them when they were readily available. This definitely is a bygone hobby, but I loved it and am in no hurry to send to Goodwill, etc. Now I'm loving the beautiful items by Jim Shore; he is so talented and I am thankful QVC is offering his beautiful work. I guess to each his own, but I don't consider this stuff "junk". Just wondering if anyone else out there feels as I do?

catch8: Just as a matter of interest, I was very surprised to find that our Macy's were selling some Jim Shore collectibles last Christmas in their Christmas decorations department. Unfortunately, the one little Jim Shore ornament I wanted to buy was damaged and they didn't have another one, but they had a nice selection. I don't know if they will be there this year but - if you are near a Macy's - you might be interested in checking.

Re: Collectibles/Collecting

Gardengal55 — Sat, 01 Jul 2017 20:23:26 GMT

I have sooo many collections---snowmen, Precious Moments, Capodimonte, Cardinals, Lenox-- and have no one in the family who wants them. Collectibles/collecting as we know them are a thing of the past I think.. Since I am downsizing I have given away/sold about 2/3 of my snowmen. My husband can't believe it. I am going to go on some local sale websites and try to sell some of the other things. I am not giving up my cardinals, though. In fact I just bought the CIJ Plow&Hearth cardinal stool and have my eye on the 16" resin slim Christmas tree with the cardinals. I have shown great restraint over the past couple years. I think I may have my collectible addiction beat.....But, they gave me great pleasure over the decades.

Re: Collectibles/Collecting

mousiegirl — Sat, 01 Jul 2017 20:25:50 GMT

@just wonder wrote:
Well, I guess I'm showing my age, but there are a couple rants under TSV and talking about the fairy lights ranting on about all us retired folks getting rid of all our junk and how collecting is out of vogue, etc. Well, it is because it is harder and harder to walk into stores and purchase collectibles, but I still enjoy my Cherished Teddies and Boyds Bears that are in my curio cabinet and am so glad I collected them when they were readily available. This definitely is a bygone hobby, but I loved it and am in no hurry to send to Goodwill, etc. Now I'm loving the beautiful items by Jim Shore; he is so talented and I am thankful QVC is offering his beautiful work. I guess to each his own, but I don't consider this stuff "junk". Just wondering if anyone else out there feels as I do?

@just wonder I have many collections, and as long as they make me happy, they aren't going anywhere. Most were bought decades ago, except that I add to my Jim Shore collection when I see a piece I love, also Charming Tails, love these sweet, funny characters.

Re: Collectibles/Collecting

kaydee50 — Sat, 01 Jul 2017 20:28:03 GMT

I have several Lladro and Waterford pieces that I will never give up. Hummels, that I inherited from my mother, are a different story. Will donate them at some point.

Re: Collectibles/Collecting

millieshops — Sat, 01 Jul 2017 20:32:14 GMT

@just wonderAlthough I am not collecting more things, what I still have and enjoy, I do not consider junk. I just don't want to add to any of my collections, so I content myself with rearranging, sometimes putting items away for a year or two even so that old becomes new enough to me to maintain my joy.

Last year I did consign a few pieces that I hadn't displayed for a very long time and now I can barely remember what they were. Obviously it was good to pass them on, and since no family wanted them, selling was perfect - a bit of money for me and for the charities doing the selling.

Re: Collectibles/Collecting

Mary Bailey — Sat, 01 Jul 2017 20:34:17 GMT

My collection is "It's A Wonderful Life" items. I have autographs, various version/releases of the movie, ornaments and books. I love that movie (I think I'll watch it this weekend). I know no one else wants any of it. For my time on this earth, it makes me happy and I will keep it.

Other collections, not so much....it has all been donated.

Re: Collectibles/Collecting

chrystaltree — Sat, 01 Jul 2017 20:35:50 GMT

I am not a collector, it's just not my thing. I just prefer a clean, uncluttered home and if I collected things, I would have to display them. However, I agree with you. There's nothing wrong with collecting things that mean something to you. Many people have collections of all manner of tbings that give them joy and also give others joy when they display them. Now that I say that, I think I am a collector.....of jewelry. Especially my sterling and blue turquoise jewelry. Everyone has their own opinion but the only one that matters is YOURS.

Re: Collectibles/Collecting

GCR18 — Sat, 01 Jul 2017 20:46:07 GMT

If your collection makes you happy, that's all that matters.

Re: Collectibles/Collecting

Desert Lily — Sat, 01 Jul 2017 20:53:07 GMT

Decades ago, my family owned several gifts and collectibles stores and catalogs. After college, it's where I got my start as a buyer. I have a large Royal Doulton Santa Claus jug that I'm facing as I type. I've kept a couple pieces of Dresden (my mother's favorite), a Swarovski clock (a birthday gift from her), a couple Lladro pieces, 2 Anri wood carvings, a Goebel angel bridge that we used to light candles in for birthdays, etc. Some are signed by artists. I won't part with them until it's abolutely necessary. They have family meaning. I used to collect unique crystal and art glass, but not a lot . I have crystal from Poland before the Wall came down that I cherish. I think people still collect things, but what they collect is different: sports memorabilia, cars, handbags, etc.

Re: Collectibles/Collecting

software — Sat, 01 Jul 2017 23:32:22 GMT

Because there is no secondary market for collectibles, they are all pretty much useless. I found this out while researching a very old Hummel that late mother cherished. She probably paid $5 for it back in the 50s, I think it's worth $5 today.

Buy what makes you happy but don't expect anyone else to place a value on your collection.

I go to estate sales and I also comb consignment shops. They are all dust collectors that no one buys.

Re: Collectibles/Collecting

Sweetbay magnolia — Sun, 02 Jul 2017 01:21:54 GMT

I collect many things - some intentionally, some just because I like them and I find that I am drawn to them.

I don't care if they accrue value, $$$ wise.

My latest are Timex watches and Buff headgear. I am having fun!

My candle collection is everpresent, and there is not a moment when I am home, that I am not burning. I search for sales.

@just wonder, I have a cherished Jim Shore piece. It's Charlie Brown and Snoopy, at the mailbox during the Christmas season.

Re: Collectibles/Collecting

chrystaltree — Sun, 02 Jul 2017 03:51:03 GMT

@software wrote:
Because there is no secondary market for collectibles, they are all pretty much useless. I found this out while researching a very old Hummel that late mother cherished. She probably paid $5 for it back in the 50s, I think it's worth $5 today.

Buy what makes you happy but don't expect anyone else to place a value on your collection.

I go to estate sales and I also comb consignment shops. They are all dust collectors that no one buys.

Well, then you missed the whole point of collecting. It's not about cashing in and making a fortune. It's not about money at all. Why would you think such a thing? No one collects tea cups gift shops from all the 50 states because they hope to get rich. No one displays the decorator plates for the cash value. No one collects Radko Christmas ornamets to put the grandkids through college. I didn't start my turquoise jewelry collection for monetary reasons. People collect because they like to be surrounded by things they love or have meaning for them. I assure you and I'm sure you know that one woman's junk is another woman's treasure and half the fun of collecting is sorting though that stuff in 2nd hand shops and consignment shops.

Re: Collectibles/Collecting

Spurt — Sun, 02 Jul 2017 16:55:58 GMT

I like to add special collectible pieces to my home decor that reflect my personality and interests ----

I do collect Jim Shore's wonderful pieces but keep the collection manageable and rotate and display the items to coincide with the different seasons.........I also have a few angels and cat collectibles too.....

To each to their own style and taste.......but I find a stark and minimalists approach to decorating rather dull, boring, and sterile..JMHO Everyone should do what makes them happy.........

Re: Collectibles/Collecting

Spurt — Sun, 02 Jul 2017 16:50:48 GMT

@Fona wrote:
@just wonder wrote:
Well, I guess I'm showing my age, but there are a couple rants under TSV and talking about the fairy lights ranting on about all us retired folks getting rid of all our junk and how collecting is out of vogue, etc. Well, it is because it is harder and harder to walk into stores and purchase collectibles, but I still enjoy my Cherished Teddies and Boyds Bears that are in my curio cabinet and am so glad I collected them when they were readily available. This definitely is a bygone hobby, but I loved it and am in no hurry to send to Goodwill, etc. Now I'm loving the beautiful items by Jim Shore; he is so talented and I am thankful QVC is offering his beautiful work. I guess to each his own, but I don't consider this stuff "junk". Just wondering if anyone else out there feels as I do?
catch8: Just as a matter of interest, I was very surprised to find that our Macy's were selling some Jim Shore collectibles last Christmas in their Christmas decorations department. Unfortunately, the one little Jim Shore ornament I wanted to buy was damaged and they didn't have another one, but they had a nice selection. I don't know if they will be there this year but - if you are near a Macy's - you might be interested in checking.

@just wonder

If you have a Dillards store near you they also offered some Jim Shore pieces too last year.............

Re: Collectibles/Collecting

missy1 — Sun, 02 Jul 2017 17:07:21 GMT

I have no interest in collecting things, anymore. I have the Ty Beanie Babies and they have sat in the same tote for 20 years. They are not worth anything now. My generation and the millennials, want useful things or the newest electronic gadget's. Hummels, collectibles plates etc. are better to use as target practice these days. (just kidding) Enjoy them in you like them, or if they are passed down from a family member.

Re: Collectibles/Collecting

Moonchilde — Sun, 02 Jul 2017 18:38:46 GMT

Anything can be junk to those who don't value it. Collectibles have value to the person who bought/buys them because they particularly appeal to that person. But different things appeal to different people, and times change. I would never expect others to value my things as I do. And I would never expect others to value any "things" just because others do.

Nothing stays the same. Wishing it could isn't the same as expecting/demanding it should - which I see all across these forums on a variety of subjects.