The Story Of My Collection

I thought it might be fun to publish this little story I wrote for a swap about my mermaid obsession- I mean collection.

My Collection

I've been collecting mermaids for as long as I can remember. I think the first mermaids I ever saw were in the Disney version of Peter Pan that I saw as a little girl. My favorite toy was a chubby little plastic mermaid that I used to play with in the bathtub. Living in Southern California my family had lots of opportunities to go to Disneyland. The minute we hit the park I would make a bee line straight for the submarine ride. To see those mermaids underwater in their natural habitat! It was my dream come true. This year Disney remodeled the sub ride and turned it into "Finding Nemo Adventure". They removed the mermaids, and my heart is broken! I'm considering a boycott of Disneyland! Hee Hee!

At last count I had over 350 mermaid figurines. These range from old composition carnival prizes to several Lladro figures that my husband bought for anniversaries and such. I really like the vintage figurines from the 40's and 50's. I have a collection of costume jewelry featuring mermaids in different forms, such as broaches, pendants, etc.
As an avid reader I have a library of books with mermaid stories. Many are of the famous Hans Christian Anderson version (nothing like the Disney version), and a few very rare volumes of lesser known stories as well. I especially like to find a vintage illustrated volume, postcards, and advertising objects.
I have worked most of my life as a cake decorator. My favorite thing was to create scenes and figures out of sugar paste. That gave me the idea to start working with clay and make more permanent sculptures. I bought a small kiln and made mermaid figurines. I had a contract with a shop in Long Beach for a long time until the couple who owned the store retired. I love art jewelry, so I began making jewelry and other objects with the images I found. I gave some as gifts to my friends and family, and eventually that led to sales.
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I can't see a time when I'll lose the desire to collect. Mermaids still fascinate me, and the thrill of the hunt for a treasure is so much fun!

Pendants In My Shop!

My Trip To French General

I had a terrific day out with the husband this week. He took me for a visit to the charming shop French General located in downtown Hollywood. It is filled with so many treasures a person could spend hours! If their husband wasn't trailing after them that is! I also got a peek at the jewelry making book that is being released in September, and it is even more wonderful than I imagined! Can't wait!