Some of my readers have wondered what I collect. After all, most antique dealers begin as collectors, then as things spiral out of control they start selling their excess and become dealers out of necessity combined with a love of vintage treasures.
I have collected several things over the years, sometimes losing interest in something and selling my collection, going through a phase of some sort. I have a collection of goofus glass and my mom and I collect colorful majolica pottery. I seem to have accumulated a friendly group of advertising figures and cartoon characters that I won't ever sell.
Right now I'm in a "kitsch" phase. I'm into kitschy crafts of the past, and I've been collecting sequin fruit, the kind grandma used to make to sell at the church bazaar.
I realize sequin fruit doesn't appeal to everyone, and that's probably why I like it. Another plus is this: it's not precious to anyone except me. If thieves ever break into my home, I doubt they would take my sequin fruit! I can't picture hoodlums running down the street with garbage bags loaded with sequin-covered bananas and cucumbers, can you?
Another reason I like kitschy crafts? I imagine the joy someone had making them. All the little pins, sequins, and beads patiently stuck into a styrofoam ball. Someone felt a great sense of accomplishment when they finished their little project! It was granny's therapy, or something she did with a group of lady friends while chatting about their lives or engaging in a little gossip.
And if you wonder about the lack of creativity, just look at the varieties of bananas I've found! Maybe Muriel made the best banana, and Hazel was the queen of sequin covered cherries:
Yes, I love kitschy crafts. And I have more I'll share with you in upcoming posts!
Mitzi
