When is it a Time to Let go of Things ?

I like to collect.  I like to collect certain things. For some weird reason something will catch my eye and then I get interested in it. It started when I was a kid.  I collected matches. I had close to 500 from all over the world. I probably started with this collection as it was free :-) they were easy to come by, and most business had them. After matchbooks were, Garfield, anything with trumpets, Cracker Jack charms, then came the obsession with Pez dispensers.  It seemed like a good idea at the time. 1500 pez later; not so much :). China terrier dogs, vintage brooches, Wizard of Oz, Maude Humphrey Bogart figurines...... Then I started to do my art and jewelry so I unconsciously collected clocks for parts and cameras for supplies, and silver teapots for mobiles. Oddly enough, what was supposed to be for supplies has now become it's own collection. 

Why do I collect? Could it be that it's a learned trait?  I'm not sure.  My father has a antique tractor collection. My mom has antique washing machines, an extensive cameo collection, and a china figurine collection (which I highly value as I've found and contributed to that collection). My sister had antique (real) wagons,  Monterrey Western Wear and a pin cushion doll collection.  Nah, I'm sure it has nothing to do with that.   I believe it's the thrill of the hunt.  I don't want to buy my treasure brand new, that would be too easy. I want to find my treasure at an estate sale, or flea market, or antique store.  The adrenaline, excitement and satisfaction makes it worth that one item I've found. The status of the item changes from dusty hidden item to prized holy grail treasure!! 

Once I become fixated on a new collection, I try to learn all about it from books and Internet research. This is not hoarding, this is a collection. Only an OCD neat freak minimalist could call it hoarding (plus I do not have trails in my home :D.  

So when is it time to let things go?  Probably when you ask yourself this question that a very good sign.  At this time, I am finding I'm ready to get rid of some of these things.  I've opened an Etsy store, but I've also started to lean back on the services of EBay.  I'm finding my junk has value to others too. As my dad says "if you get tired of it get rid of it. It gives you room for new things of interest". So true. 

Here is my newest collection.  I came across a little old lady selling her Germany pin cushion china dolls for a buck a piece...... Yeah, I own those now!! I also have found I love the miniature little victorian people. 

One of the collections I am starting to sell. Vintage gumball machine toys and Cracker Jack Charms. 

Another glimpse of the Cracker Jack puzzles and Toys.