Collection or Obsession?
Posted on Dec 27th, 2011 by Allison (Reminiscing, Whatever)

When I was a tween and teenager, I collected frogs (long before frogs became “cool”). I had, and still have, some awesome frog jewelry, figurines, and some cool stuffed frogs received from boyfriends/husbands/friends over the years. But I’ve never considered myself “collector” of anything (besides clutter or excess pounds, perhaps).

The other day I undertook the monumental task of organizing my ribbon drawer(s) and realized that I actually am a collector…

…of ribbon.

It started in my early 20s. I didn’t have much money at the time, and treating myself to a fancy ribbon now and then seemed like an affordable indulgence.

Over time I became attracted to more and more expensive ribbon – though usually purchased them on clearance, or through the use of my treasured wholesale card for Ensign Floral.

I discovered a $90 bolt of French silk ribbon for $10 at Molbaks after Christmas sale a year ago – I mean, how could I possibly pass that up?!

And so my collection has continued to grow. Here’s the official ribbon count, as of today:

  • Red: 10
  • Silver and/or White: 13
  • Gold: 30
  • Colors and non-Christmas patterns: 28
  • Christmas: 18

Um… that’s 93 bolts of ribbon.

I think that probably qualifies as a collection.

Those who receive gifts from me will probably attest to the fact that the package is often as big a deal as the gift inside. Sometimes moreso 🙂

Do you recognize any of these ribbons from gifts I’ve given you?

I love creating a beautiful gift presentation…. though I find it very challenging to part with my favorite ribbons.

In fact, I’m still holding onto ribbon that is over 25 years old (it’s really cool)…

It’s a bit of an illness, I’m afraid. I buy them intending to use them, but they become like my children and I don’t want to part with them – unless I know the recipient will truly appreciate them. Even then I am oh, so reluctant to use the last of the bolt, knowing it’s a final farewell.

Perhaps I need therapy. What’s the difference between “collection” and “obsession“???

What do you collect?

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Comments

paul on December 27th, 2011 at 9:08 pm

I don’t think I have ever collected anything. Friends have actually bought me things where a new one comes every month. Were they telling me I needed a collection of something? My attention span is so short even a set of dishes is too much for me. Good luck finding out whether of not you’re obsessed. My guess is I’m totally unqualified to give an opinion.


Jennifer Pearce on December 27th, 2011 at 10:23 pm

Your ribbons really are so beautiful. I have very much enjoyed them on gifts for our family throughout the years. I understand the obsession. I had a hard time parting with my ribbons when we left Utah, even though it wasn’t as extensive as your own collection. Thank goodness I could give them to Ashley who I knew would also appreciate them. 🙂


Ashley Rae on December 28th, 2011 at 11:51 am

lol…I love that you have 93 different types of ribbon. I do appreciate every time I receive a gift that is wrapped beautifully from you. It makes the inside of the package even more special 🙂

And yes, Jen- I love all of the ribbons you gave me!


Kristin on December 28th, 2011 at 4:37 pm

You do have such a wonderful collection of ribbon and I always look forward to seeing what lovely ribbon you have used to enhance the fabulously wrapped gift you are giving me. 🙂 The small collection of ribbon pieces I have are recycled from the packages you’ve given us. You have great taste in ribbon.

One day I realized that I tend to collect snowmen. It was such a surprise. But I looked around as I unpacked my christmas things and saw many snowmen around me. And then I went to my wrapping paper box and discovered that the vast majority of patterns on the various rolls were of snowmen. Come to think of it, my jack-o-lanterns tend to resemble snowmen as well. I carve “Pumpkin man” for Halloween. This really was not a conscious thing. One day I just realized I love them.


Michelle on December 28th, 2011 at 4:49 pm

lol lol well, you have always loved all things sparkly and iridescent so all of your beautiful ribbon does not surprise me. I was happy to hear of your organization, I would like to see before and after pictures.

I sadly, collect nothing! Well I do have a very old and quite cool collection of old fashion magazines, Time and Newsweek. I have no idea who will want them some day, maybe Erica, maybe not.


Allison on December 28th, 2011 at 5:29 pm

Oh, I don’t know Michelle. You’ve got a pretty good Halloween witch collection growing… as well as cat paraphernalia.

Kristin, I love your snowman collection.

And Paul, I think you might be a collector of soaps and lotions for fancy hotels!


Paul on December 28th, 2011 at 6:55 pm

You so outed me. Since you were here I have thrown a lot of it out but it was really hard. My bathroom was smelling like everything from lilacs to essential oils. I still take all of that hotel stuff and throw it away later. Is that so wrong.


shirlene on December 29th, 2011 at 9:44 am

Dust!!!!! haha enjoy your site, you are as original as your son Brandon, which I follow and enjoy


J'Neil on December 30th, 2011 at 2:16 pm

I, too, love your ribbon collection. I often wish I could use such fun ribbons when I’m wrapping my own gifts. Luckily, I usually find remnants of a ribbon that you used on a gift to us, and I am so happy to bring it back to life!

As for collections, I do have the generic stuffed animal collection. Over the years I have gladly donated it to other children who would be delighted to have a fuzzy companion. When we moved I cut it in half, keeping only those I remember the story of how I got them. I still probably have much more than 50…
As for a unique collection, not many people are aware that I have a macaroni collection. Last time I counted I had almost 50 from various Kraft shaped boxes and other shapes I thought were interesting. I even have one of the space needle! My mystery machine from Scooby Doo might be my favorite though.


Brandon Pearce on January 2nd, 2012 at 12:46 am

What beautiful ribbon! I can’t believe you have 93 bolts!! But you do make wonderful use of it in your package wrapping.
I don’t collect anything now, but when I was a kid I had a small rock collection. And I used to have a really hard time throwing away anything computer related or electronic, and had a box of cords and outdated computer parts.


Irene on January 2nd, 2012 at 4:00 pm

I love pretty ribbons too. I don’t have 90+bolts, but I sure have lots of them. I just gave about 15 bolts to the DI. like you I love to make the packages look beautiful. I LOVE getting your beautifully wrapped gifts. They are always a work of ART.


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