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Writing A Column About Antiques and Collectibles
by Mary Emma Allen

After I'd written my very first column, "Country Kitchen," for a year, the publisher of the weekly newspaper asked me to do one on antiques and collectibles. He was running a syndicated column on this topic, but preferred one by a local writer, as he had for "Country Kitchen."

Since I was interested in this topic, I said I'd give it a try. If he was satisfied with my work, I would continue. Thus my "Curios of Yesteryear" evolved, a column I've written for many years for various publications.

My first "Curios" columns consisted mainly about the history of a variety of collectibles...woodenware, wooden dolls, Sandwich glass, Pennsylvania Dutch collectibles, tinware, kitchen collectibles, quilts and needlework, buttons, farm implements, and others. Eventually I began to write about decorating with antiques and collectibles.

Then I sometimes included recipes with my "Curios" columns or information about kitchen collectibles in my "Country Kitchen" column. Eventually I was asked to contribute articles on collectibles to an annual magazine on this topic.

I've also included information about antiques and collectibles in my travel articles. (I've written travel articles for newspapers and magazines and currently write a column "Vagabond Traveler.") From my columns about quilts evolved my writing numerous articles on this topic, columns on quilt businesses for two magazines, and eventually a book, The Magic of Patchwork.

Column Suggestions

Various column ideas involving antiques and collectibles:

• Information for the collector - descriptions, where to find them, price range

• Updates on shows and flea markets around the country

• History of these items - specializing in one type or writing about a wide range

• Interviews of collectors

• Kitchen collectibles with recipes

• Preserving antiques

• Decorating with antiques & collectibles

• Repairing antiques

• What to look for at auctions, yard sales, flea markets

• Collectibles of one's own childhood and life

• Humor column about your experiences collecting and living with antiques

• Reviews of books about antiques and collectibles

Copyright © 2004 Mary Emma Allen

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