COLLECTOR

Magical snowglobes from far-off lands

I think most artists are hoarders in some way or other. We’re always looking for inspiration and interesting things to incorporate into our work. As an embroidery illustrator, I collect things I find beautiful – my studio shelves are packed with buttons, ribbons, books, maps and small antique ornaments. I don’t know much about antiques or any object’s value – I just buy what I like.

Growing up, I always found snow globes quite magical – the thought of those far away places being captured in a dreamlike scene, with a magical spray of frosty snow tumbling down. But I didn’t own any until after university, when my nowhusband and I bought one from Prague to celebrate our engagement. My collection grew without me ever intending it to – I now have around 160 in total. To stop the collection getting out of control, I’ve put rules in place – they must be ceramic or glass, and from a place with the name on it. As well as my Prague globe, I particularly love the five I bought in New York on my honeymoon; an Egyptian mummy one my brother gave me, and one from Marbella that always reminds me of when I lived there, painting murals in restaurants and bars.

My main tip is to enjoy the items you’ve collected – don’t hide them away, get them out on display, touch them, dust them, show them to people and talk about why you love them. But remember, they’re only objects, so never get overly attached to them or stop your kids or pets playing with them. If one breaks or is stolen, just let your life – and your collection – move on. www.littleadesigns.co.uk