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collecting
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Collecting
Collecting is an adventure for me and I enjoy challenging myself with a hunt for certain colors and styles of objects. It’s my job, but it’s also my passion, and each and every free moment is spent looking for inspiration.
If you follow the site, you know about my interest in Bristol glass. I'm not usually a fan of the painted pieces….but a certain, shapely frosted vase truly inspired this season’s color pallet. I even used the design to create a gift card that you can download from our page of printable crafts and for our special cookie cutters and gift tags.
Bristol Glass
Delicate and lovely with an airy feel, this particularly pretty piece of Bristol Glass shimmers in shades of lavender and purple. I found it at a group shop for $9.00, and, with a little finessing, I think it could be the perfect inspiration for fabric, dishes, and wallpaper.
Tip: If you love these pieces, but can't stand the painted flowers simply turn the flourish to the wall and revel in the shapely silhouettes.
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The distinction of Purple Glass
Old bottles are often found in shades of purple—the rich and distinctive color of royalty. I have collected these stem-ware pieces over the last fifteen years, and I often use them for candles and vases and try to imagine each one as a service for 10.
Tip: Color binds these pieces, so create your own personal set by gathering singles when you find them.
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Crystal napkin ring
Add a “touch of glass” to your holiday table with these crystal napkin rings. I found these chandelier drops at a local antique shop and knew they would be perfect for napkin rings. These came with a glass loop for me to just slip the napkin through, but a loop of ribbon would work just as well. If you can't find vintage versions, then check out the VanDyke catalogue or their on‑line store.
Tip: Hang from window shades as a pull tab for a bit of holiday elegance.
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Mercury Glass
A beautiful reflection on you! This poor man's silver made of glass and mercury was blown into many styles and shapes as decorative vases, candle holders, and ginger jars. I have several large pieces made into lamps. I've collected these pieces over the years and love to display them at holiday time because of the way they sparkle in the candlelight.
Tip: Doorknobs, curtain tiebacks, and decanter stoppers were all made of mercury glass. Watch for these less expensive and overlooked pieces to start your collection.
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Shadow Boxes
I love glass cases for displaying all types of objects, and I have found some great old specimens over the last few years. I discovered these two versions very recently at different shops and decided to have fun with the contents.
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Doll Case
This doll case was given a paint job in shades of gray and then filled to the brim with a mismatched collection of old dishes, pedestal plates, cups, and saucers, and more. I think it has an off-beat kind of “Alice in Wonderland” feeling about it.
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Tin Case
What a fascinating and hauntingly beautiful backdrop! This lonely case might have held the image of a favorite saint or religious medals, but I chose to fill it with old glass items in shades of purple and lavender. The great thing about a shadow box is that no matter what you put in it (even the utilitarian and mundane), becomes an interesting piece of artwork once displayed within the frame of the case.
Tip: Rotate different collections inside your shadow box or line the inside with textured paper or patterned wall covering for a fresh and colorful look.
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Celery Glasses or Spooners
Mary Emmerling inspired me to collect these utilitarian glasses over ten years ago. They are perfect containers for flower arranging, serving fresh crudités or holding utensils on a holiday buffet. I've found them in every shape and style imaginable. I’ve even suggested them as an entertaining essential in my new book Entertaining Simple.
Tip: Collect several of these vessels, and fill them with old-fashioned holiday candies to display on a mantle.
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French Ivory Spoons
Beautifully petite and made in France from celluloid or bakelite, these elegant mini spoons are meant to replicate hand carved pieces. Used to serve condiments and caviars, they are lovely paired with all types of hors d’oeuvres that benefit from additional toppings. Jenny and I bought these for each other last year as Christmas gifts, with neither of us realizing that the other one had done so.
Tip: Look for these little pieces in glass cases at antiques shops, but expect to pay a bit more. Keep them stored safely in a small box or velvet bag.
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