When I first really started using my room in middle school, it was nothing like it is today. The walls were bare, the carpet messy and there was barely any furniture. My first collection was my posters. They were cheap and accessible — a theme that most of my treasures have. Over time I started pulling stuff out of the basement, garage, closets, everywhere. I started attending more yard sales, then discovered the wondrous world of estate sales. Goodwill and other local thrift stores were another great place of discovery (and still are today).
The more treasures I got, the cleaner my room became. Everything has its place — every night I pretty much do a quick run around and fix/scoot/arrange some things here ‘n there. Since I got new carpet, I have learned to love the vacuum. I use treasure hunting as entertainment, education, and family time. Every Saturday morning is estate sale day in my house, and oh do we enjoy it. Even my 12-year-old brother has an extensive Made in Japan S&P shaker collection to be amazed at. Every time my mother comes upstairs to visit she never knows what she is going to see. There is always something new to you look at in my room, I hope you enjoy it as much as I do!
Aunt Pam adds: I wrote the headline: My nephew Matt must be one of America’s most amazing 19 year old collectors. Antiquing’s future is in good hands. I knew, when I asked him to start helping me out with the blog, that he like collecting. But, I had No Idea. And, he is even a neatnik (he didn’t get that gene from me, I think he got it from his mother, my sister Jenni. Remember Jenni from our visit to the pink bathroom in Lexington?) I am proud to call him kin.
Here’s Matt’s slide show. To launch it, click on the first thumbnail. The image will enlarge. Proceed via the arrows under each image by his description. If you need to stop or ‘lose your place’ you can launch the slide show again via a thumbnail anywhere within the show. That is: You don’t have to start at the beginning.
WOW! WOW! WOW! And I thought my mom and I had the collecting bug supreme! LOL Matt, you are having fun and learning as you collect different items. And it all looks to be under control! (I saw lots of cool things amongst your collection-do you have one favorite thing of all???) It’s a wonderful thing that such a young man takes interest in kitschy memorabilia. I say BOO-RAH MATT!!! 🙂
I die!
It’s an amazing collection! One question: Who does the dusting?
Glad to see another troll enthusiast out there!
I was also wondering about the dusting. It’s all so neat and clean. Want to come over to dust and organize my collections??
It’s wonderful that you have documented your incredible collection with so many photos! I wish I had taken photos of my room in high school. It will be fun for Pam to watch as your collection evolves as you get older and your interests change. I think you should find a spot in there somewhere for a kitchen sink – you know, so you can say, “My room’s got everything but the kit– oh, wait! I’ve got that too!”
Matt, your collections are amazing! I love how you’ve grouped everything in small vignettes. It’s organized and eclectic at the same time. You’ve created a wonderful space for yourself that really reflects your personality (at least what I know of you from reading the blog). Great job!
Fantastic!! Thank you for sharing all of your collection(s). Neat, tidy and organized!
Congratulations for doing what you love!!!!
Always, Teresa
Wow, looks like my parents’ house but much neater. Fun.
WOW! Those are amazing treasures! I have to say, though, my favorite thing is the Mushroom Collection. My mom had these when my sisters and I were little then they were given to my Grandmother. Both are passed now and I seriously regret letting my older sister get rid of them. Ah, memories!
FUN! Nice job Matthew!
I love your collection of string lights! There so fun the way you’ve hung them all together!
everything was lame compared to the turtle sundial.