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From popular artist Mary Engelbreit (whose work graces greeting cards, calendars, books, and home decorations, among others) comes a beautiful little book about collecting. "No matter what drives us," she says, "few are immune to the urge to collect." Engelbreit establishes the beginning of a collection at three pieces--and you've usually purchased the adorable, unique items before even realizing you've started a collection. But how do you know what to collect and, once you've gotten an impressive little pile, how do you arrange them?

In Mary Engelbreit's Home Companion: Collections, Engelbreit explains how to recognize collectibles, where to find them, and then what to do with them once you get home. She reminds us that "popularity is a factor; collectibles go in and out of vogue and their prices skyrocket accordingly." So if you started buying stray pieces of Bakelite or old medicine bottles a few years ago, you may have amassed a valuable assortment. Engelbreit advises buying what you "REALLY like," not just items you think may increase in price--after all, you have to live with this stuff.

The book covers some of the more sought-after collectibles: clocks, books, pottery, stuffed animals, souvenirs, maritime items, toys, and paper/labels. In each section are sumptuous photographs of how to creatively display your treasures in your home. The arrangements are lovely, but not overly ornate, inspiring those of us without interior decorators to try a hand at it ourselves. Whether you collect teddy bear cookie jars or jeweled hat pins, Mary Engelbreit's Home Companion: Collections not only encourages the collecting bug, but also ensures your collection doesn't end up in a box under the bed. --Dana Van Nest [via]