Collecting as She Goes

Her magnet assortment showcases her travels.

BY JENNIFER STEPHENS ST. PETERSBURG, FLORIDA

Iam a history professor who loves to travel, having visited places across the U.S., Mexico, the Caribbean and Europe. Along the way, I decided to start collecting magnets as colorful reminders of my adventures.

My magnet collection started with pieces I picked up from museums I visited, but I quickly expanded it to all the places I travel to. My collection now stands at 111 magnets!

My favorite magnet is probably the one I got from the Panama Canal—I was lucky enough to visit during the 100-year anniversary celebration, a real gem of an experience for a history lover. I also love my magnet from the Grand Canyon because not only is the magnet beautiful, but I was awestruck by the canyon itself.

When I decided to display my growing collection, I first turned to Pinterest and found my solution. I painted non-Teflon cookie sheets in bright colors. After the paint dries, they serve as colorful “frames” for my magnets. I really love the pop of color it brings to my small apartment while also reminding me of all the places

I’ve wandered in this world.