I wonder — what inspires us to collect things? Why are we fascinated to define, seek out, embrace and create groups of curious goodies? Today we’re talking the theory of, and the philosophy behind, what inspires one of my modern-day collecting favourites: artist, illustrator and collector extraordinaire Lisa Congdon.
On January 1st of this year, Lisa began a fabulous adventure entitled A Collection-a-Day, 2010. The result is an on-going curatorial masterpiece that has captured the collective imagination of many! It’s a delight to welcome Lisa and her many magnificent collections.
Who are you? Lisa Congdon
What are you collecting? Everything I can get my hands on that is in some way beautiful or interesting
What do you love about collecting? The hunt!
When did you start collecting? With Madame Alexander dolls when I was only four years old.
How many collections do you have? Depending on how you categorize things, I have somewhere between 80 and 250 collections.
Tell us about your collection-a-day project. On January 1, 2010 I decided to start a blog project in which I would photograph — or occasionally draw or paint —and post one collection a day for every day for the entire year.
Why did you start the project? Since I was a young girl, I have been obsessed both with collecting, arranging, organizing, and displaying my collections. The project is my attempt to document my collections, both the real and the imagined. I embarked on this project because I love my collections, and wanted to document them in a way that makes sense to me. I’m happy to share them with whoever might be interested.
Where do you find your collections? I frequent flea markets, thrift stores, junk shops, garage sales, giveaway piles, and family attics to find new additions to my collections.
Where do you keep them? Just a few are on display in my house, but most are filed away in envelopes and boxes in my art studio.
Which collections is your favourite and why? My favorite is probably my eraser collection. I mean, who collects used erasers? But they are so special, and each eraser has a story I will never know.
What’s an interesting story behind one of your collections? People might be interested to know how I began collecting vintage school supplies. Seventeen years ago, I got my first teaching assignment in a fourth grade classroom. I took over for a teacher who had just retired after 40 years. He had so many old materials and supplies in his room! They were too old and out of date to use, so I asked the principal if I could keep whatever we didn’t throw in the dumpster. She said it was okay and I got some real gems from that classroom. It was the beginning of one of my oldest collections.
What do you think attracts folks to collections? I think people enjoy the sense of nostalgia and connection that comes from collecting.
What is it about your fabulous project that you think draws others in? I think the nostalgia I mentioned is part of it; most of my collections are vintage things. People love the vintage typography and packaging too. But I also think people are drawn to the arrangement of mostly everyday objects in an interesting way, especially how they are photographed.
What else do you collect? Some of my other favorite collections are mid-century kitchenware from Scandinavia and Japan, and I also love the old handwritten letters I’ve collected for my ephemera collection. I have so many amazing collections that it’s hard to choose a favorite.
What collections would you like to add? I’d like enough mid-century Danish furniture to furnish my entire house.
So inspiring! Thanks so much, Lisa. In other wonderful news, Lisa’s collection project is about to become a book too! Be sure to stroll through her gorgeous art shop for goodies you’ll surely want to add to your own collections.
How about you? What do you collect? I’d love to hear, please post in the comments below.
I’m Kristal Davis (a.k.a. rikrak) and I just love seeing what folks are collecting. I guess I feel it tells us a little bit about what inspires them. The Collectors series, first published on my own little blog, the rikrak studio, is 11 and a half quick questions with a wonderful artist on what they’re collecting — apart from their art supplies!.
151 comments
Sign in to add your ownColettesboutique says:
I like that first picture. It's so bright and colorful. Happy collecting!
2 years ago
SeaFindDesigns says:
Gorgeous!! I fear my collections are taking over!
2 years ago
gretchenpearl says:
Love this feature!
2 years ago
polkadotmagpie says:
"If one is good, then 1000 is even better!"--JH All that Catherine Holm enamelware. Sigh... Thanks for the peek into your life.
2 years ago
KristinaLici says:
Wow!The kitchen colection is amazing!
2 years ago
HelloShoes says:
I love these odd and beautiful collections:)
2 years ago
creativityismessy says:
Great feature!
2 years ago
SweetandDandyVintage says:
The kitchen items are FABULOUS! LOVE all the retro bling!
2 years ago
sonyarasi says:
Collecting is so enjoyable!
2 years ago
sonyarasi says:
Collecting is so enjoyable!
2 years ago
CathodeBlue says:
Whoa! My eyeballs are salivating! :)
2 years ago
DonnaWalker says:
Fun collections! I think arranging is part of the addiction.
2 years ago
karenjcreations says:
Love it! :)
2 years ago
MaximumBlinds says:
So Simple. So visually appealing. Just wonderful!
2 years ago
lltownleyceramic says:
They titled this exhibit as his "astounding problem", but I peronally think it's pretty cool, not a problem at all: http://www.belmarlab.org/ex_novick.php
2 years ago
IcingOnTheCupcake says:
Love to see the different things that people like to collect :)
2 years ago
WoodPigeon says:
Wonderful to see all of the stuff grouped together.
2 years ago
MegansMenagerie says:
Love this! =)
2 years ago
AvianInspirations says:
I like it when mundane things turn into art with just the right amount of arrangement and care.
2 years ago
Jusadreamin says:
Beautiful I like collecting things also best wishes
2 years ago
ohbuoy says:
I too must photograph many of my collections. It seems to be the only way to love them, & yet let go.. I worry about where to put it all. Wonderful post, Huge fan of your work Lisa!
2 years ago
allthepreciousthings says:
Love this post - I'm a collector, too
2 years ago
heatherfuture says:
YES!!! I've been drooling over Lisa's collections (and lovely photos) all year. Thanks for this wonderful article and great interview! :D I collect vintage purses and all sorts of musical instruments, as well as lots of cute old odds and ends.
2 years ago
HomemadeZen says:
neat collection!
2 years ago
DecoFamara says:
Nice Plate Collections.... I collect Postcards from arouns the world.
2 years ago
TheCottageCheese says:
I'm so excited to see Lisa's collections featured! Her collections are fascinating, and thanks to her beautiful photographs, we all get to enjoy them. Thanks Lisa! P.S. Lisa has the best plate wall ever, and I envy her gigantic Cathrineholm collection!
2 years ago
PlumeandPetals says:
Nice collections!
2 years ago
PlumeandPetals says:
Very nice collection!
2 years ago
DevineCollectible says:
That's how I got started, collecting things! Love sparkles... peace, DevineCollectible
2 years ago
brienna says:
Lisa, what wonderful collections; I'm also very fond of erasers and used to have a huge collection as a child. I very much adore yours, thanks so much for sharing.
2 years ago
Asianexpressions says:
What fun! Do you collect pin cushions? I have them. LOL!
2 years ago
gretchenmist says:
so great! love Lisa's work :)
2 years ago
heidiburton says:
I'm mad about collections! My personal collections involve mostly cabinet card portraits, buttons, and keys. Lisa's collections are fascinating and such a great idea too with the collection-a-day! Particularly love the way she arranges the items. I made a treasury about collections a while back http://www.etsy.com/treasury/4cad298f0d276d9116390cce/inventory :)
2 years ago
WinchesterLambourne says:
Beautiful! I used to collect coins.
2 years ago
lovelygifts says:
Collecting can be so fun!
2 years ago
prettydarncute says:
I love all of your collections and the photo's are exquisite. As a seller I have to be careful how much I pick up at estate sales, thrift shops etc. I list them for sale on Etsy. But I tend to keep my treasures out in my home to show off. But as soon as one is purchased I do have to let go and mail them off. So I try not to love them too much. I am trying to make income since being laid off.
2 years ago
ikabags says:
Love this feature!
2 years ago
jmijewelry says:
I had an antique shop so I know something about collections. They can easily get out of hand for the space you have! :) I now have mine under control since I am making jewelery. Now I collect beads and jewelry! HA! That's why I am doing Etsy. I am almost to 100 pieces listed. Hope to be by the end of the weekend. YAY!
2 years ago
vintagedchic says:
what original things to collect! you even beat me- awesome!
2 years ago
BelieveJewelrySupply says:
Glad to know I am not the only one obsessed with collecting lots of things!! :)
2 years ago
BellaBellaCrochet says:
Fun! Fun! Fun!
2 years ago
whoop says:
To name a few... I have a Pyrex collection that is completely out of control, a vintage chair collection that is under control, and a vintage picture frame collection that has just begun! Yay collecting!!!
2 years ago
MerCurios says:
Neat! I like "collecting", my husband calls it hoarding, lol. xoxo
2 years ago
pinart says:
Beautiful and colorful... Love it!
2 years ago
Bohindia says:
Thank you for this wonderful article, you may have just changed my life! I find collecting very interesting. I see myself as a bit of a minimalist and only really collect things that are of function to me. I've always seen the beauty in collecting and admired all the lovely collections that I've seen but I personally just can't do it! I LOVE buying things but I also LOVE getting rid of things. I tend to stick by the whole idea of buying something new, throwing away something old. My method to keeping my house in balance. However, I'm so very glad to have read this gorgeous article today because only a couple of days ago I created a studio in the back room of my home and now I've found I've got soooo much storage but nothing to fill it up with! So I'm thinking I'm going to work on my need for minimalism and let it gooooooooo and just collect something I love (and there's so many things I love)... I know once I get started I won't be able to stop :-) Thank you!
2 years ago
choisette says:
thanks for reminding me to tivo 'hoarders'.
2 years ago
SweetMoonlightShop says:
beautiful collections. i love those erasers and plastic bread sealer thingamabobs (what are they called?).
2 years ago
sfgirlbybay says:
i love your bread tags for some reason. so colorful! :)
2 years ago
pinart says:
beautiful and colorful... love it!
2 years ago
handstosew says:
I love this article. I too am a Collector. Mostly things that involve many colors. When I see a piece of fabric that I adore, first thing I do is check out all the colors it comes in, and proceed to buy them all. Same is true for threads, which are on my sewing room wall on a rack - lovely to look at on a gloomy day. I have cupboards and cupboards full of FiestaWare - all colors. I also love collecting Pyrex Ware from the 50's. There were so many pretty colors back then. A new found collection that I started is right here on Etsy. I also knit, and when I came upon baahurrah, (I think they're a husband/wife team, but don't quote me), and their absolutely beautiful hand made wooden knitting needles. You choose the color knob on top, along with the size and length you need. I have them sitting in a canning jar in my sewing room. Yet another colorful collection to gaze at. I could go on and on, but will leave room for someone else. Happy Collecting everyone!
2 years ago
rawartletterpress says:
the bread tags took my breath away - and based on the comments, i'm not alone!
2 years ago
oguerrero says:
Lovely collections :)
2 years ago
KikiLaRu says:
Fascinating!
2 years ago
VeronicaRStudio says:
I love collections! I currently collect blue art that catches my eye for a gallery wall in my bedroom, sterling silver hearts and enalemed copper bowls by Jose Pineda.
2 years ago
VeronicaRStudio says:
Oh, and I love all the plates in the background in the first photo!
2 years ago
41Hawthorne says:
It is fascinating the diversity in what we each collect...what makes our heart race. Talking about school supplies, in the same vein, I love the old wood base papercutters, I use the platforms for plants on the windowsill. Love them, but not sure why.
2 years ago
stuffstitchandpaint says:
Fabulouse and inspiring, it makes me want to puruse the vintage Etsy items.
2 years ago
Fivendime says:
Very interesting-I love the colorful kitchenware in the first photo.
2 years ago
vivikas says:
haha - cool collections!
2 years ago
gilstrapdesigns says:
I love those beautiful colorful pots and pans and other things in the top picture. I have always loved colorful kitchenware as well. I remember that was what I loved so much about vintage pyrex were the colors.
2 years ago
mrhudon says:
Fun stuff, I've always been a collector of something!!
2 years ago
Verdurebydesign says:
What an ispiring artical. I have to agree that the hunt is a fantastic part of collecting. Thanks for sharing.
2 years ago
kissadesign says:
One can never have too many collections, right? (That's what I tell myself anyway.) Love this article! And the thrill of the hunt!
2 years ago
accentonvintage says:
I've been collecting all my life but never the items that you collect! Great article !!
2 years ago
coolstuffartgallery says:
LOVE the Catherine Holmes. Im a big collector of mid century. Cool Stuff!
2 years ago
myvintagecrush says:
Ah - I'd love to frame all those top few and display them!
2 years ago
fashionL says:
Great!!!!
2 years ago
girltuesdayjewelry says:
So cool! I never thought much of bread tie-tags until I saw how beautiful they could be en masse!
2 years ago
theroyal says:
i used to collect post cards. now all i have left are a bunch of popeye post cards
2 years ago
BellaPuzzles says:
The bread tabs made me laugh. My husband has been collecting them for decades. I look forward to reading your blog, Lisa.
2 years ago
candacejean says:
Fun! I never knew a fistful of bread bag tie tags could look so pretty all together that way.
2 years ago
weatheredsilo says:
I am blown away by these collections and your design aesthetic! Thank you for these lovely images. Cheers, Mandy
2 years ago
exotictobaccotools says:
Fanciful oddities are a must!
2 years ago
GreggoryWoodworks says:
wow very neat and tidy not at all like one might think when hearing 80+ collections...this is spectacular!!
2 years ago
vintageblueridge says:
My Daughter collects erasers!
2 years ago
lulusmuse says:
interesting!
2 years ago
JesseMosher says:
very interesting
2 years ago
Tiah says:
I love the plates on the wall. I have been looking for inspiration for my kitchen, just found it. Thank you!
2 years ago
lostdaughters says:
one of my favorite articles yet <3
2 years ago
matinlapin says:
Fantastic collections! Only *slightly* bigger than all of mine!
2 years ago
ManoBello says:
Wow...you just made me realize that I also have a bunch of "collections"...I just didn't think of it that way...COOL! (: Inspiring...LOVE the erasers!
2 years ago
shop1848 says:
The Catherine Holms lotus pattern kithchenware is just fabulous!! Love the article!
2 years ago
MissHildebrandt says:
Neat - 0 ! I was drawn to the erasers. I just want to bite them. Have you found any with the teeth marks?! HA!
2 years ago
GoodLookinTreasures says:
As I grow older and my everyday life changes, so do my collections. I'm sure every collector would agree that Etsy offers wonderful buying options for anything a collector must have!
2 years ago
asundrynotion says:
The primal hunter/gathering instinct is probably alive & well in most of us. I've always loved & collected old erasers and vintage/antique dice. I have little boxes containing miniature 19th century bone dice up through 1960s plastic childrens games dice. The minis are my favorite! Small items are perfect for small spaces but not so much the larger objects. Terrific interview.
2 years ago
UniqueCatVintage says:
That's nice but it seems to me to be hoarding tendencies if people collect that much. I, too, was a 'collector' growing up. I saved all sorts of things that I look back on now and I cannot believe it. One day I had a wakeup call and realized that my collections were interfering with my life. Btw, I'm not saying this is true of the poster, but it gets to a point where it isn't healthy. Now all I have left is my mini-eraser collection (I did this when I was a child and they fit in a large glass jar) and some of my cat figurine collection (I only saved the nicest ones). I'm so glad that I only kept the 'collections' that mattered most to me. I will collect again someday but if it's anything I have to hide away in envelopes or boxes, then it's not the collection for me. I want collections I can share with the world! (btw, no harm is meant in my comment)
2 years ago
VintageOrphanage says:
These are great pictures! I totally get what she said about wanting to display and organize everything, but realizing there just isn't a feasible way to do it properly. My collection of vintage is what got me selling here in the first place. Such cool things don't deserve to be trapped and hidden in storage boxes. Sadly, I can't display them all, but someone should! But I love that her collections aren't just fine antiques or toys...she has the same types of things I collected as a kid, but then tossed when I got a little older, and now wish I still had! Shaped erasers, pins, pen parts, and a jar labeled "shiny things," for example. :)
2 years ago
5280bliss says:
i absolutely ♥ these collections! quirky and fun fun fun!!!
2 years ago
stoneaddict says:
Glad to see I'm not the only crazy-collector-type!
2 years ago
WildWillow says:
We regret so many things of my Grandmother's that we didn't value at the time she was downsized to move to the city. Today I have a number of collections but my dog figurines are my favorites. One will catch my eye during the day and, even if a bit dusty, never fails to elicit a smile.
2 years ago
AnnTig says:
Sooo colorful!
2 years ago
DaphneDays says:
Really cool collections and super photos.
2 years ago
pinklady11 says:
my main collection is
2 years ago
pinklady11 says:
never mind, my computer is acting all janky today
2 years ago
WoollyPoPo says:
I love the way the repetition of the shapes and the absence of context allows the brain to recognize the beauty in these everyday objects. Just the subtle changes in the blue golf tees! This is my kind of art :)
2 years ago
DotD says:
Your collections make you and the rest of us happy....glad you shared them!
2 years ago
LittleWrenPottery says:
Really interesting arrangements, I like the dice one in particular with it's contrasts of colours and shapes. I'm sure it becomes a challenge to display your collections after a while! I don't really have th room to collect things!
2 years ago
ViviansKitchen says:
How absolutely fun! Love the bread bag clips. So cool.
2 years ago
fromlosttofound says:
If I photographed all of my collections and then got rid of the actual collection and saved the picture, I could cut down on space by a lot! Could I enjoy it as much? I don't know, but from these photos, it's worth a try!
2 years ago
Parachute425 says:
OMGosh - I have collections all over the house and didn't even know it. How fun is this. Congats on the book!!
2 years ago
birchandbird says:
Oh my...don't get us started!
2 years ago
Sensibilities says:
Love all of your collection!!! I definately have a few collections of my own that I didnt know that I had. :)
2 years ago
dahlilafound says:
I love these collections, especially the erasers & the bread bag clips. All neatly lined up for show. It's heavenly. :-) dahlila xo
2 years ago
vintagegirldezigns says:
Nice collections and I like the way they're arranged and photographed. I collect vintage bottles, vintage pewter and baskets ~ the thrill of the hunt makes it fun!
2 years ago
OhDearWatson says:
Love collection a day... and I especially love those cathrineholm pieces!
2 years ago
CreativeButterflyXOX says:
I love all the color combinations :)
2 years ago
msquaredj says:
great!! i love collecting all sorts of things! anything and everything!
2 years ago
deLoop says:
Who would have thought those bag ties could be so pretty :) very cool!
2 years ago
elmstreetmarket says:
Very interesting! And I remember her wall from a Design*Sponge sneak peak!
2 years ago
piratejayne says:
Getting up at 5am armed with coffee and a pair of comfy shoes. Row after row of venders displaying their wares. And somewhere in that swirl of color, there is an object that you must have. You know its there, hidden beneath layers of dust maybe, but it is there. All you have to do is find it. Yes, I believe the hunt is the best part of all.
2 years ago
kimmchi says:
love the fondu pot collection, such great colors and shape
2 years ago
magalerie says:
Great article ! Thanks a lot for featuring my pebbles photo. I collect pebbles and drift wood :)
2 years ago
LoveButtons says:
I love reading about other people's collections - fascinating and wonderful. I don't collect things, though, except for buttons, oh and fabric ;o)
2 years ago
Gynx says:
Cool collections!
2 years ago
Everydayness says:
Nice idea! The collection format is very appealing.
2 years ago
doingitherself says:
Um, that Cathrin holm collection is beyond amazing. I envy you! I've got my first 4 pieces and I can't get enough.
2 years ago
avesattic says:
If I had the room, I'd be a collector of many things. As I get older I seem to want to downsize, but still want to collect a few things. I love the sea of plates on the wall. Doesn't take up walking space on the floor.....hmmmmm.....gives me an idea. Love the bright colors too. Thanks
2 years ago
laurelsbylaurie says:
My husband has a bread tag collection, lol. Of course, my collections of vintage handbags, vintage gloves, small collection of Fiestaware, my size 3 collection of Levis I can't fit into anymore, my matchbook collection that was started in the 70's, my gum wrapper collection from early elementary school, are much larger than his. But we are a collecting kind of family. My son's of course have their baseball card collections. This is a fun article to relate to!
2 years ago
Lindensage says:
i am not alone...;)...don't get me started!
2 years ago
dessertfirstdesigns says:
I love her collections! Great article.
2 years ago
strawberryluna says:
Two of my favorite ladies in the crafty scene :) Super cool, thanks bunches for this article, I love seeing what other people collect too. Cheers!
2 years ago
TheVintageApartment says:
One of my favourite collectors! Yay to this article! That first photo, of Lisa with her Cathrineholm collection makes me somewhat envious. So much colour & prettiness! I collect vintage things. Books, vases, juice glasses (my favourite things to collect), tiny things, Fab trays, ... the list goes on.
2 years ago
lalalandArt says:
fun collections! we love the first picture: so colorful! great article!
2 years ago
Signoraluna says:
Wonderful! I love colours!
2 years ago
Avarae17 says:
Love it Lisa!! I collect First Aid boxes! From car boots,jumble sales, thrift stores. Think it was because my mum would never let me go into our family first aid box as it was full of prescription drugs (so she says!!) Keep collecting! xx
2 years ago
reiter8 says:
I love the simple, graphic way she lays out her collective items. It's always a visual pleasure to stop by Lisa's blog and take a peek. It's also fun to see the spectrum of collections. The mundane plastic bread bag closures are worth a second look when grouped together. Nice article. Thanks Rikrak!
2 years ago
MarKhed says:
great article! love the images too!
2 years ago
susissatchels says:
There is no telling what people will collect.... and then make a piece of art out of their displays
2 years ago
karuski says:
Inspiring, I enjoy seeing these pictures! Although myself I have noticed letting things go instead of keeping them can be relieving. That has been just my personal experience. ps. I still love having lots of vintage buttons, that's my collection I can't give away.
2 years ago
recycledparts says:
I thought I was the only one that collected bread bag clips!
2 years ago
NotYourGrandmothers says:
All so clever!
2 years ago
courtneyorillion says:
I love a collection that is displayed well. It makes it all worth while. Courtney Orillion
2 years ago
vintagenelly says:
I LOVE this article!!! I always love to read about people who are as obsessed as I am about collecting, flea markets, thrifting, etc. Your collections and photos are fabulous!!!
2 years ago
deepfried says:
Who knew bread tags could look so interesting. ha I collect things of a different nature but do enjoy arranging and displaying.. There's a fine line between organized collections and a hoarding nightmare.. Im on the verge. haha
2 years ago
IslaNewYork says:
Eraser collection for the win!! Totally used to have a pink pearl eraser!!
2 years ago
museumshop says:
Collectors are special people.
2 years ago
museumshop says:
Collecting is FUN
2 years ago
ShimmerandFizz says:
wonderful article... and such interesting collections.
2 years ago
Czenyu says:
Really like your lens, wishing you all best :-) http://www.czenyu.com/zenyu
2 years ago
rubarbginger says:
Lovely, i collectphoto's, vintage brooches and vintage sugar bowls x
2 years ago
JoannasTreasures says:
Thanks for sharing this. I've got a collection of matchboxes somewhere from various bars when smoking was still allowed indoors in UK. There's some fantastic colours and designs. You've inspired me to hunt out the collection now and frame them.
2 years ago
GeorginaKay says:
Love these articles! I collect a series of specific 1960's mice in various objects. I am a serious collector and daily am on the look out for new ones!
2 years ago
SizeMedium says:
Oh, I love this!! It's amazing what people collect, isn't it? As a child it was smooth pebbles and glass that had washed ashore. As an adult, buttons! And I hope to have a lovely teacup collection :)
2 years ago
mandinka says:
Lisa's blog is wonderful! I have a small vintage suitcase collection. And as a side effect of my work, I love collecting suit coat labels.
2 years ago
bstudio says:
The same item but different, it's so fascinating! I collect small bird figures. I love mid-century modern stuff too.
2 years ago
PaperUlixis says:
LOVE these collections! great post!
2 years ago
GrandAndTaylor says:
Such a great idea! I agree with others that the photographs are almost better than the actual items. But of course that does not mean I am about to part with any of my collections :) Thank you so much for sharing all the loveliness.
2 years ago
ParadisePie says:
I really love the photos of the golf tees, the erasers and the bread bag tags. It is wonderful to see the beauty in what we are surrounded by everyday and might miss. I like collecting too. I have a HUGE button collection, a collection of vintage hand-sewn embroideries and linens, postage stamps, beads, fabrics, notions, vintage postcards, vintage aprons, jewelery, images, and best of all is my donkey collection. I have all kinds of donkey things including poetry, books, images, stuffed animals, scrap books and more. I enjoyed this article. Thank you!
2 years ago
anadiazarte says:
Great collections!
2 years ago
PersonalizedGiftsbyJ says:
Collecting is great. You have shown some gret collections.
2 years ago
santosleather says:
Oh so COOL ! Amazing stuff !!!
2 years ago