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Monday, February 22, 2010

Collection....or Addiction?

"Ah, Miss Harriet, it would do us no harm to remember oftener than we do, that vices are sometimes only virtues carried to excess!" Dombey and Son~Charles Dickens




" . . our pleasures in this world are always to be paid for . . " Northanger Abbey~Jane Austen

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Every Thursday my boys attend a social group through our school. So this means for about two hours every Thursday I drop them off and either paint in the car (see a few posts below), or run around town and go to thrift shops! (if my budget allows)



(the beginnings of a miniature frame collection)

There are at least three thrift shops (four, if I get all green traffic lights) fairly close to the school and I have my little route planned out for maximum "thrifting" time! In each shop, the first place I head to is the picture frames. I sift through piles and piles for sturdy wood frames, preferably with glass fronts. (My husband will cut glass for the ones that don't have any....but it isn't his favorite thing to do!)



I look for ones that have unique moldings or beveled edges that will look nice painted. I use them for my silhouettes or watercolor paintings, and some portraits that I may frame. So I feel as if I can "justify" a frame or two or three (or more) now and again.


Somedays I "hit the jackpot" and find a ton, while other days I may not find anything. So, I guess I didn't realize I had a "problem" until I couldn't find space to store them!



I decided to organize my addiction, it made me feel better....plus, now I can at least see what sizes I have when I start a painting!

Do you have any "addictions", uh, I mean "collections" you care to confess?? :)

13 comments:

Pat@BPM said...

Suzanne
You have a beautiful frame collection and what a fun way to wile away the hour, thrift shopping.

I'm going to remember the Dickens quote, next time I'm out dish browsing.:-)

Patti said...

I have too many to count (and to list) lol! Can't wait to see all the beautiful creations that will fill those frames!

Blessings, Patti

Manuela@A Cultivated Nest said...

Hi Suzanne!

You do have quite a collection there! But at least you'll use them to frame your lovely work.

Manuela

Susan McShannon-Monteith said...

There is not enough space on this blog to list all my addictions.
You do have quite a collection but here's how I justify it... you are saving things from the landfill, it is not taking food from the mouth of your babes (I mean boys) and you will put them to good use holding one of your beloved works of art.
Now don't you feel better?
I have a little guessing game going on if you'd like to come to play...
Susan x

Anna Rosa Designs said...

Hi Suzanne,
Oh, I love your collection of frames.
An artist can never have too many frames to add a piece of art too!
Hm, I collect all pieces that I think one day I'll paint something on that.
I've also started collecting fabric for my stash.
Hugs,
Anna

Tery Lynne said...

There is an award waiting for you on my blog :)

Ruth Welter said...

Hey Suzanne, wow, you paint in the car?? That is pretty awesome, that is something I wouldn't even dream of attempting. I have to say, that is quite a collection and in fact, I would say you are addicted. : )

Ruth

Julia said...

Hmmm, old lace, vintage postcards, ephemera of any kind, vintage pins, aprons, vintage millenery flowers, should I stop?

The Creative Bohemian said...

Oh, frames are an innocent addiction! It could be worse and there are so many lovely ones out there! I love a good cheap purchase, too. Enjoy yourself.

Ruth Fraser Davis said...

Well, my dear, your 'Gathering Room' sign is most appropriate as it hangs in the background:)

Clever you!

June said...

Suzanne this was my addiction for years. I am sort of over it now, but it's so hard to pass up a good frame at a thrift store or yard sale. I LOVE that quote. It would be something to remember when I'm at my next yard sale.
hugs

Samantha said...

I have so many, I have to say that I "collect" collections!

Heather said...

Oooh, they are gorgeous. I'd love to have a collection like that to put some paintings in. Those old frames give a piece such character!