Have Fun By Collecting Things

Are you fascinated by the extent of some of the collections that a person has?  Do you love checking out other folks stuff when visiting their home or do you just love browsing places like antique shops, gift stores or even museums? Well, it sounds like you want to start collecting, but don't know how or where to start.  Collecting Frogs - a Fun Hobby for All Ages was an article that got me started in collecting but what you collect is up to you, and what follow are some tips that every  new collector should know or follow.
Be careful, but make sure you enjoy what you are collecting.  Find out all the information you can about a type of collection your are interested in.  Collecting should be about the person who it is for.  Remember it is not easy to make a fortune by collecting stuff.  A collection is what you want it to be, and it could be anything from fine art paintings to collectible frogs, but the one thing collectors all have in common is their passion.  Collecting doesn't have to be expensive, and the only cost for some collections is time.

Find a collectible that you like.  Anything can be collected.  It is just as good to have a beautiful collectible as it is to know the meaning that is attached to it.  The right collectibles are different for everyone.  Once again, you can find something to collect that you can afford.

There are two ways to buy, either locally or online at websites like www.myfrogcollection.com, and  although it is easy to jump in and start buying at an auction site online, but first check the stuff out locally and in person so you can learn about the feel and look of an item in person first.  Visit antique malls and flea markets in your area.  Try to find out what makes one collectible better than another by seeing what good pieces look like.  You can not get a feel for when something is good or bad by looking at a picture, it is easier when the object is in your hands to figure this out.  Realize that buying something on line might have additional costs associated with it and it could be less expensive to buy it from a store. When you learn more about the prices of items, you'll know when something is truly a bargain on online.

Check out your library or bookstore to find something to help you know about your collection.  They may not always have a price that is current or completely accurate, but they can provide a wealth of other information in addition to the price you should pay.  A good book should show marks, correct sizes and at least some history.

Maintain a journal about where you purchased something and how much it cost.  Most importantly, start keeping an inventory immediately.  Do it on the computer or just buy a notebook.  Keep a record of what you paid, when you bought and where.

I love my collections and share them at every opportunity.  The other enjoyment that I get is from finding out what the story behind a collectible I have found is and I find myself spending hours looking things up.
Every now and then I find my collection growing too large and have to find a way to eliminate a few items and do this by either selling them or giving them away.  I know that not every one will enjoy them in the way that I do.  But I do get the enjoyment of telling the story that goes with the piece I am giving.  But I always hope that they will love it in the way that I do.