I just got home from the thrift store, second day in a row. So, my problem is more about controlling the collection, especially now that I've started buying and hoarding cool furniture.

I liked these books so much I still have them. They're old, but you may be able to borrow them from your local public library. 1. On Display: Displaying Your Treasures with Style, by Lesley Dilcock. 2. Collections: Projects & Ideas to Display Your Treasures, by Better Homes and Gardens.

*sigh*

The question "are you looking to start a collection, but need inspiration?" sort of gives away the game-- apparently all well-rounded, interesting people must "collect" (no matter if your collection consists of things as inane as banana stickers or bus transfers).

I think the process of "collecting" gives people the illusion that their life has purpose-- the bigger your pile of X (depression pottery, Viewmaster reels, thimbles, aluminum pop tops, whatever), the less your life seems empty & random.

I collect a very specific area of antique phonographs -- Edison Diamond Disc 80 rpm recordings. On that rare day when a trip to the antique store or some random estate sale nets a record it's a very happy occasion -- a treasure at the end of the rainbow. I love listening to the old music and sharing it with others.

Far from being some substitute for purpose in an empty and meaningless life, my collection is a source of great joy and it enhances an already full life. It provides me with a great way to meet other interesting people. It's a great conversation starter when new people come over to my house. It's a direct line to the history of our country and the history of recorded music. I'm a happier healthy person for it. Not because of some big pile of stuff but because of the connections it helps me make as well as the education and entertainment it provides.

Collecting, or whatever activity, usually is fine in itself. I think collecting is a problem only insofar as anything can be overdone to the point of dysfunction. Some people can become addicted to almost anything, food, exercise, sex, cleaning, that ordinarily is beneficial in moderation. The trick is keeping a balance and not neglecting other activities.

DOLLS. I have been collecting foreign, hand made dolls in native dress since I was very young. My first acquisition was given to me by my Father. He brought it back with him from an abandoned building in Paris during WWII. I often wonder what did happen to the little girl who played with this doll. Dolls have been given to me by traveling friends, some found in local flea markets & garage sales and some from my own far flung travels.
See a photo of a portion of my collection @facebook/charmandwhimsy.com