Raw Materials.

I am a collector of raw materials.

Cardboard boxes, paper bags, old oak trunks and no less than a dozen antique suitcases each filled with stacks and stashes of raw materials. Authentic sea glass beads, German glass buttons and rolls of vintage embossed foil are just a few of my collections that fill my collection of containers.

Let me say that again to be clear, “I have begun to collect containers to contain my collections”.

Surely, there is a 12-Step program for magpies like me.

It’s not that I am a hoarder. One of those people who keep every newspapers and orphaned sock that happens to cross their lives. There is genuine intention behind every acquisition. Inspiration to create something great lies within every artifact that finds its way to me.

It’s not that I am without self control and am compelled to purchase every stitch and sparkle I come across.  However on a recent outing, I did require a conscience effort not to collect a random selection of antique flower frogs that sat on dusty shelves unloved and unused.

That being said, I have noted a trend in my collections. Each stash begins as a selection of orphaned items. A box of vintage linens left to yellow in garage sale boxes. Wooded thread spools collected over years and stored in glass Ball jars. Somehow, this is all too reminiscent of the Christmas Island of Misfit Toys. I am sure given the opportunity I would adopt them too.

Tags: collections, junk, materials