The Keys to Success

Artful Utensils
Simple shadow boxes turn a mishmash of old serving spoons into works of art. In addition to flea markets, you'll find striking silver flatware at antiques and thrift stores. Purchase several shadow boxes of the same size at hobby or framing stores. Choose mat board of a solid colour that complements the hues of the rooms and makes the silver stand out. Vary the number and direction of spoons in each box, and glue them in place on the mat board using household epoxy. For a graphic arrangement, hang the frames in a level row using thick wire or thin chain attached to the corners of the frames. Long strands of wire can be strung on hooks placed just below the ceiling joint for added drama.

Collecting Tips
The trick to quick gathering and arranging boils down to this bit of folk wisdom: Make the most of what you've got. Gather inspiration from your talents and interests. Old metronomes appeal to music lovers. Your grandmother's recipes take on new significance in matching mats and frames. Matchboxes from special destinations kindle memories.

Know when to stop
Add to an assemblage of collectibles only when it's justified for display. Small items corralled into a single container look best en masse. A large piece, such as a clock, may need its own space for individual attention.

Bits and Pieces
At flea markets and second-hand shops, you'll find baskets and tables loaded with the household hardware of yesteryear. Keys that don't have locks, knobs free of doors, and small decorative metal surrounds for those locks and knobs. The detail work on some of these items makes them delightful as decorative accessories. To showcase the intricate workmanship on piece, simply mount them to a piece of wood that's been covered with wallpaper, paint, or fabric that suits your decor. Place a frame around the mounted items and display as you would any picture in your home.