Okay, so I’ve been meaning to get into this whole “collecting” thing, and I figured, why not start with something I actually use? Tea cups! I love a good cuppa, and I thought it would be cool to have a bunch of unique ones. So, here’s how my tea cup collection journey has gone so far.
The First Spark
It all started with a trip to a local antique shop. I wasn’t even looking for tea cups, I was just browsing, you know? But then I saw this adorable little cup with a hand-painted floral design. It was so delicate and pretty, I just had to have it. That was cup number one, and it really kicked things off.
Hitting the Thrift Stores
After that first find, I got the bug. I started hitting up thrift stores like crazy. Seriously, every weekend I was out there, digging through shelves. It’s amazing what you can find! I scored some really cool vintage cups, some with that classic gold rim, others with quirky patterns. The best part? They were all super cheap!
- Found a set of four matching cups with a cute bird design.
- Got a single, slightly chipped cup with a really unique, almost Art Deco look. I love the imperfections!
- Even found a tiny little espresso cup that’s just perfect for a quick shot.
Online Hunting
Of course, I couldn’t just stick to physical stores. I started browsing online marketplaces too. This opened up a whole new world! I found some really interesting pieces from different eras and countries. It’s a bit more risky, because you can’t see the cup in person before you buy, but I’ve gotten pretty good at spotting good deals and avoiding duds.
I did get burned once… bought cup described like new, when arrived, it was full of chips and not usable.
The Display Dilemma
Now, the biggest challenge is figuring out how to display all these cups! I don’t want them just hidden away in a cupboard. I bought a cheap, simple display case, and arranged them in a case. It looks kinda fun and gives my dinning room character.
Still Growing…
My collection is still pretty small, but it’s growing! It’s become a fun little hobby, and I love the thrill of the hunt. Every cup has a story, even if it’s just the story of how I found it. I’m excited to see where this tea cup collecting adventure takes me next!
