We all have those collections that for some reason we just cannot let go of. Some are useful collections that have, perhaps, gotten a tad out of hand. You know the ones…You have just a smidge too many of those perfect, vintage earrings. Other collections have taken on their own life. I’m sure you know those collections too…The ones who have gone from the borderline of cutesy to just plain kitschy-overload! Picture magnetic, kissing salt and pepper shakers.
Like all of life, collections are great ~ in moderation. They are one of the many ways in which we can display a little bit of our personality. Our collections can speak volumes about us to those who visit our homes, our cubicles at work and even those we meet casually. Collections offer communication outlets and bonding opportunities between new, instant friends or even long-established relationships.
But what do we do when it becomes obvious that our collections have turned on us? When they have begun to take over?
We upcycle, of course!
We find new uses for old collections. So, if you are looking for some new ideas for your old “stuff,” then check out some of these inspiring ideas!
Postcard Invitations
Vintage postcards collections – Postcards are one of the first collections we seem to start as children. A visit to Disneyland and as a child, we grab a postcard in the gift shop featuring Mickey or Minnie. But, 20 years later, what do we do with those old postcards? We throw a party! You can visit any one of a number of websites to order custom-made stamps with all the pertinent information on it. One large stamp pad and a box of A2 envelopes later, you have the perfect, sentimental party invite!
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| A collection of vintage postcards can make unique party (or wedding!) invitations...all for the price of a custom stamp, about $40! |
Bling Up the Florals
Knick-knacks – We all have ‘em: vintage brooches, skeleton keys, etc. Why not use them to add some visual interest to everyday floral arrangements? Arrangements can include more than just flowers. Incorporate some of your unique items into a home-made flower arrangement for a friend or relative. It’s an excellent way to incorporate a bit of yourself into the gift as well as leave a little something extra once the flowers have been spent. Or, if you just can't stand to part with those amazing brooches, etc. then why not have a great bouquet made for yourself!
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| Look at this awesome *floral* bouquet made from a collection of vintage brooches by Amanda Heer of Fantasy Floral Designs. It's the wedding season but these amazing bouquets are for more than just weddings. Why not take all those amazing brooches, pins, etc. out of storage & have a permanent floral arrangement made for your every day enjoyment! |
Unique Travel Log
A collection of unique jars, glassware or vases gets a new lease on life as a unique travel log for a family vacation to the beach or faraway land. Cheese or herb markers indicate the place and date the sample was collected from. Arrange in a group or among travel photos for a great vignette in any room. For a fun learning lesson for children, frame a small map of the vacation spot using stick pins or stickers to indicate where each bottle was collected. Coordinate the color of the stickers with each cheese marker for younger kids.
Catch-All with an Animal Edge
Have a collection of antique dog bowls? Why not use them as a catch-all in key places throughout the house? They tend to be deep enough to hide keys, Chap Stick, men’s wallet, etc. from view. Some even have unique designs or shapes that make them art in and of themselves. Don’t collect dog bowls? Why not use some of your other, more unique mixing bowls or vintage Jello molds instead? Think outside the box!
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| A vintage, reproduction Dog Bowl makes a great catch-all for keys, GPS & other small items to keep the clutter on a table to a minimum. |
Whatever you collect, take a fresh look at it. See what nontraditional uses you can come up with to give your treasures a new lease on life. And remember, just because it’s never been used that way before doesn’t mean that it isn’t possible!
*A special thanks to Amanda Heer of Fantasy Floral Designs for the great photos of her amazing brooches! I wish we could have used more of them! If you want to see more of her amazing designs, please visit her website by clicking here!
