Thrifty Pleasures - Autumn

Whether you're a new collector or a seasoned veteran, there are a few things to keep in mind when treasure hunting:

Learn as much as you can about what you want to collect. Check out your local library for books on the subject, and also check out some websites for free information. At the homepage of Antique Talk by Wayne Mattox for example, you can link to advice columns for articles about various aspects of collecting. And don't overlook newsgroups and mailing lists either. Although you should always be a little cautious about the information you may find there, participants can also sometimes prove to be very credible and helpful.

Buy the best you can afford. Once you've made up your mind to actually part with the cash, go for the best quality you can get for the money. You'll have a much easier time if you decide to resell it later, and the object also stands a better chance of survival while still in your possession.

Buy what you like. Buy what you know will add some degree of pleasure or function to your existing collections. For example, I'm not a big tea drinker, so while I'm drawn like a magnet to china cups and saucers, I know that I really don't have room for any more. And since I don't use cups and saucers on a regular basis, I'd be better off spending my money on Block Optic dessert plates instead, since I do use them at family dinners.

The Price of Success

Even though controlling a collecting habit will save time, energy and money, it may have its own price: for one thing, you probably won't be able to buy that Ook-Pik without feeling a twinge of guilt. And it won't be easy. Realistically, I can't promise that I'll always be able to walk away from that vintage matchstick holder or perfect pebble. All I can do is try my best, and hope that my collections evolve at a more manageable pace.

Of course, if someone near and dear to me should happen to give me an enchanting trinket or two to add to my collections -- well, that's another matter entirely.

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