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Ever since I was a little girl I’ve been obsessed with tiny things. I’m not sure why. I think it’s their magical quality. It’s like stepping into a new world with new possibilities.
For years I would scour antique stores and gift shops finding tiny treasures to display in my room. Once I discovered antique printers trays, my room was covered! They were the perfect way to display each little item.
Here’s an example of an antique printer’s tray/drawer from ETSY.
But then I grew up and everything got packed away as I left for college. My tiny treasures sat in storage for 14 years until I decided to start displaying them again. I even did a blog post about it back in the day!
Since then, they’ve followed me from house to house and I’m excited to finally have them up inside our new house!
Before the miniature collection
We have this weird little wall as you walk in the main door.
It’s pretty unobtrusive except for the old sconce on the wall that was in desperate need of updating.
I embarrassingly lived in this house for almost 2 years before I figured out that this would be the perfect wall for the miniatures!
After the miniature collection
And here’s the AFTER!
I replaced the light fixture with this beauty from West Elm. I felt like it was the perfect mix of vintage and modern with the milk glass and gold.
It’s the perfect compliment to my miniature collection. Honestly, even after all these years these tiny little treasures bring me soooo much JOY!!!
Here’s a favorite tiny book of Jane Austen’s Emma…
Each item has a story behind it and reminds me of a place I’ve traveled or a specific time in my life. I guess it’s a bit of my personal history all wrapped up neat little squares.
And the best part?? They’re the greatest conversation starter! People love to come into my home and ask about the miniatures and I LOVE telling them all about it 🙂
I guess some people don’t see the value in “collections”. It may seem like a waste of time and money to some, but to me it is LIFE GIVING! I’ve certainly found lots of JOY in these bits and bobs.
Changes Made
- Spray painted an old “printer’s tray” from an antique store
- Added scrapbook paper to the back of each opening with double-sided tape
- Displayed my quirky, but life-giving miniature collection from my childhood
- Replaced the light fixture
Lessons Learned
- Items that brought you joy from childhood can STILL bring you JOY
- Collections are such a great way to share your personality and what’s unique about you
- Displaying personal items is a GREAT conversation starter
Resources
- Light fixture: West Elm
- Antique printer’s tray: I see these at antique stores all the time!
- Spray paint and scrapbook paper – Any craft store and home improvement store
Recap and What’s Next?
If you missed yesterday’s post on the family room you can see that HERE.
Tomorrow, I’ll be sharing my “stair makeover” where I pulled out the carpet, painted the rails, and added various vintage items to pull the whole thing together. Be sure to check back!
What about you? Do you have any life-giving collections? Is there anything from your childhood that you could honor in your current home? Let me know in the comments below.
See you tomorrow for day #3!
xo, Tessie
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