My books are probably my biggest collection. I would estimate I have around 3000 books ( and those were just the ones I kept, I've read alot more than that!) Over time I have built a library of self sufficiency. I have books on gardening, raising livestock, herbal medicine, off-grid living, alternative medical treatments, first aid, arts, crafts, survival skills, self-help, spirituality and alternative lifestyles. I'd probably have alot more but most of my reading has been online for the last ten years which has kept me out of the bookshops.
Musical instruments is another interest of mine. Years ago when I lived in a large home in town, I used to host music jams twice a month. I had as many as 60-70 people at my house all playing something. My weapon of choice was the hand drum and percussion instruments like shakers etc. At one time I had quite a large collection of drums but sold ten of the best ones to pay for my van which at the time I desperately needed for work. I still have a handful of drums and a large basket filled with shakers and noise makers of all kinds. I also used have 5 guitars ranging from 12 string acoustic to electric and bass. They have long since been sold off and I am down to one crappy thrift store 6 string. I can't really play any more as the callouses don't go over well in my line of work ( massage therapy)
I also have collections of painted rocks, candlesticks, funky lamps, cherubs, dishes and bells which will be the subject of other posts once my renos are done and I can finish unpacking.
Today's post is brought to you by pill boxes and snuff bottles.
The other day I was looking on Craigslist and found an ad for 14 pill boxes for ten dollars ( the whole collection, not each). I couldn't resist a deal like that so went and picked them up. I have one of those old printers drawers with tons of cubbyholes and I was looking for something small to put in them. These seemed like a good a choice as any. I also had a few snuff bottles and other tiny containers kicking around so rounded them up for a photo shoot. Here's my collection so far, now I have something else to keep an eye out for when I am thrifting!
I'm not sure if any of these are worth anything, but of the bunch these two looked the oldest
Here's the rest in the box they came in
This one is inlaid abolone shell ( or Paua shell if your from New Zealand) and mother -of -pearl
A teenie, tiny cloisonne apple that opens up
A beautiful tigers eye set in a heavily carved box that I don't think is gold, but it doesn't look anything like modern day brass
A small wooden box with a ship painted on it
The tigers eye again
A sea shell with a tin top
A beautiful enameled box
A very tiny woven basket
This one is my favorite, a small silver box with abalone lid
Mother of pearl
Mother of pearl and abolone
A painting of a seated woman
Not sure what this stone is, Jasper maybe?
I noticed when I tured it around that the natural markings in the stone almost look like a painting of mountains and a valley
This is the bottom of the same box, very heavily etched
A silver box I bought in China, love the heavy relief carving of dragons!
A bone snuff bottle that I have owned for over thirty years. If it wasn't an antique when I bought it, it's on it's way to becoming one
Bone and silver snuff bottle found at the thrift store the other day
A tiny container carved from a tagua nut
Small brass and enamel boxes with creme perfume in them
Now just have to find that shelf so I can display them all!
So what do you like collect? and why?
Linking to Cindy's Show and Tell Friday
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Thanks, your awesome,
