Monday, October 27, 2008

13 Days of Halloween: 5 {Collecting Halloween}

Do you consider yourself a Halloween collector? I have eight bins of Halloween decor items, much more than for any other holiday, so I guess I would fit into that category. However, what I collect is not the highly sought after and usually very high priced items from the early 20th century. Mainly because I could never afford it, but also because I'm just as happy with the reproductions.I've always had a lot of love for the holiday, more on that in another post, but it wasn't until I saw the glittered, wide-grin of the pumpkin above that I became more interested in vintage Halloween and reproductions of Halloween items from the past....and collecting them. I bought this JOL new at a gift shop about 5 years ago, it is made by Dept. 56. I love the whimsical nature and nostalgic look. Over the years I have collected other items that the company has made in the same style. These piqued my interest about the same time that Country Living, Country Home and other magazines had full spreads on vintage Halloween decorating in their October issues, like this one from last year featuring items from Bruce Elsasses' collection (also seen in the photos below). He also designs for Bethany Lowe Designs. So what I collect are things that appeal to me, and may not actually be old, or have much value. For a hard-core real Halloween collector see Mark Ledenbach's very informative web page for a look at the history of collecting Halloween, the current market and his book on the topic.

What do you collect?

17 comments:

Paula Clare said...

Hi Kari,
I really love the vintage images of children trick or treating...if I collect anything it is usually in the form of a little trick or treat bucket or something vintage-looking. I too am happy with reproductions, except for the little costumes. I received a tom and jerry child's costume for the sinister swap and I am absolutely hooked on the vintage little fabric and design!

I am envious of your collection! It's all so lovely!

Anonymous said...

I like anything that has a folk art look. I especially like metal and wood decorations. I am not into anything expensive. I like to look in thrift stores and catch things on sale after Halloween. I love Halloween it is so much fun! Have a great day.

Kel said...

In my opinion the true value of collections is the joy they bring you, not some possible future auction value.
Gorgeous collection!

Anonymous said...

We don't even celibrate halloween but I think I'd own a pumkin lantern or two if we did. Your collection is very cool though! And just wow about your beautiful Halloween album below - great design pages!

Elizabeth said...

Hi Kari,
I take the same approach to all my collecting. It doesn't matter to me if it's a reproduction. I have a lot of all the holidays. I also collect anything with lily of the valley, bluebirds, and compacts..to name the major ones.

snowbear said...

Kari I tend to be ecclectic... if it appeals to me, i will get it... i have no theme.. although i will admit to the earlier look from the early years... I also love many paula clare's items... so i guess vintage wins out for me.. But i also love many items from today.. and like you, i could never afford the authentic pieces, but i'm happy with reproductions.. and many of those can become quite pricey... Kari i do like you collection of black and white things... I even bought some black/gray/white boas on sale tonight to save for next year... crafting of some type.. perhaps party favors of some sort..

Anonymous said...

Halloween is not really celebrated here, but being Americans, I always try to accommodate the smaller kids with a party to which they can invite their friends. ( Problem is is that it tends to get bigger and bigger every year...)

I am a collector by attraction. No particular themes...just eye attraction :)

FrostingsNSparkles said...

Your Halloween collection is a delight! There is just something about the color orange with some sparkles on top that sets my heart a flutter :D I collect salt and pepper shakers, and tea pots.

My hubby would say that I collect art supplies too LOL

Charlene said...

MY PROBLEM IS I COLLECT TOOOOOOO MANY THINGS! But I had to laugh when you mentioned the buckets to store things in... I have a storage unit which I pay rent in to store my buckets! :) What would we do without the color coding? My Halloween/Fall things are in Black & Orange Buckets & Christmas in Red/Green or clear so I can see the stuff inside... You get the picture/problem. Have a happy week & Happy Halloween.

HopHopJingleBoo said...

I collect old and new halloween folk art not scary, and it just MAKES ME HAPPY ..Halloween and Christmas.. well I have alot of both, so guess its a tie..Doing a Halloween tree is a favorite..i think its the colors just love em!

Rosemary said...

Love your collection! I think i have pics of mine on my blog :)

Anonymous said...

I collected vintage tin world globes for awhile....but they started taking over my office(travel agency) desk......I still love them, they really are so me. Now I have them lined up on top of a tall bookcase. I love the colors...worn blues, greens,and yellows!

*SHeRRy B* said...

I have really enjoyed seeing your collection.

Enchantments and Giggles said...

I'm with you Kari - I collect what appeals to me - most anything Halloween! He he he! I don't mind repro vintage as they are in my price range! I guess eventually my collection will be considered "vintage!"

cconz said...

Wow!!! great collection of halloween stuff. The old primo halloween Collectibles are priceless. Lucky girl.

cconz said...

Oh, i forgot to mention, i collect any thing from the victorian times, Or eclectic victorian.

tablet said...

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