Decorating With Classic American Collectibles

Starting a collection is a favorite pastime for many people of all ages. Serious collectors will display their collections and incorporate this as an important element of their home decor. If you decide to start a collection of items for display in your home, think about what would go well with your current decor and how you would like your display to look. Try to estimate how much space you will need and if these items should be enclosed in some sort of glass display case, or if they can handle frequent cleaning, would you prefer to display them on wall shelves, a mantel, desk, hutch or other furniture.

If you like old- fashioned, traditional American folk art, the Jim Shore Heartwood Creek collection is favored by many who like to collect these types of figurines. Jim Shore is a self taught artist from South Carolina. His grandmother was a master quilt maker who inspired Jim with the skill, patience and detail that go in to making hand sewn quilts. Jim started his own collection of quilts and the detailed patterns became his source of inspiration for his beautifully crafted figurines.

While art was always a passion for Jim Shore, he earned a living as an engineer. He sculpted and painted whenever he had the time and eventually founded Designs Americana. His company grew to over 350 employees with more orders than they could fill. Jim decided to partner with Enesco, a leading marketer of gifts, collectibles and home accessories, so that he could focus more on the creative and artistic side of his business. He has also won several national awards from the National Association of Limited Edition Dealers, including Artist Of The Year among others.

Well known traditional American companies like John Deere and Coca-Cola have licensed collectibles for sale that loyal fans love to collect and display in their homes. John Deere is a company that makes farm equipment. The company was founded in the mid 1800's by John Deere, a blacksmith who developed the world's first commercially successful, self-scouring steel plow. His company continued to grow and expand with his son Charles Deere and by 1928, great grandson Charles Deere Wiman. The company today is one of the world’s leading manufacturers of farm, forestry and construction equipment and lawn care products. John Deere collectibles represent the great American dream of a successful family owned business with traditional American values.

Another great American success story is that of Coca-Cola. This popular soft drink was the invention of an Atlanta pharmacist, John Pemberton, in 1886. After stirring up a caramel colored liquid, he took it to Jacob’s Pharmacy a few doors down where carbonated water was added to the mixture and the drink was served to customers who were all impressed. Here, the new drink sold for 5 cents a glass. John’s bookkeeper, Frank Robinson, named it Coca-Cola. Unfortunately, Pemberton would die only two years later, without knowing the success of what he had created. Atlanta businessman Asa Griggs Candler secured the rights to the business and helped create one of the most successful American companies in history. There are hundreds of Coca-Cola collectibles and they are among some of the most widely recognized products in the world.

If you decide to make collecting a hobby, keeping accurate detailed records is always a good idea. Make sure to include the purchase date, where you bought the item and the price. Take photos or video as well. This is important information for prospective buyers and insurance appraisers. Also be sure to keep all written material, certificates, receipts, care and handling instructions, etc. This is vital information for replacement or resale of valuable collections.

Classic American Collectibles
Find traditional, classic American collectibles from Jim Shore Heartwood Creek, Coca-Cola and John Deere for your home or as a gift for someone special.