About the Author
In 1968, when I was 14 years old, I saw the movie, Oliver! in the theater. I loved the characters and the music, but I was especially captivated by the London world created by the set designer. I decided then that I wanted to be a set designer like John Box. Well, I never did become a professional art director or production designer. Still in my own way I became a set designer. My totally black and white bedroom was my favorite for many years and I never did get tired of it.
As a young girl I loved to draw and oil paint. My love for art even got my dad interested in painting. He was an engineer and drew diagrams and schematics at work. At our home in Southern California, he wanted to build a workshop in the garage. There was only room for the two cars in the garage, so he built an elevated shop made of 2 by 4 wood planks, with benches for his tools, some storage and a place for his handyman projects. His shop, which we called ‘the loft’, was raised above the floor to a height that allowed for the car hood to drive under it with just enough space so as not to run into the car’s front windshield! The stairs were at the back of the garage. His tools hung on pegboard panels and there was always some project in progress on the bench. Dad let me share the space with him so that I didn’t make a mess painting in the house. My oil paints and canvases had a home on the bench and I remember my easel sat right in the middle of the room. I don’t recall ever hearing him complain about having to walk and work around that easel. As my dad became more interested in art, we spent lots of time oil painting together. Sharing the elevated loft my dad had built in the garage is one of my fondest memories. I spent hours in the loft oil painting, including a painting of the Artful Dodger, played by Jack Wild, in Oliver!
My parents loved to entertain. They had Halloween parties, dinner parties, cocktail parties, BBQ’s and more!
Photo: Mom and friends doing the Twist at one of many neighborhood parties!
My mom was the decorator. She always set a lovely table for any party. My birthday parties were often themed sleep overs. I especially remember a Japanese-themed birthday party. We all sat on the floor around a plywood table my dad had set up. Mom and I put pillows on the floor, used her tablecloths and lots of the oriental dishes she had picked up from an import store. I can’t remember what exactly was served, but remember the setting looked beautiful and I had a very Happy Birthday!
As I went through school, my summers always included art classes. In college I pursued a science degree, but enrolled in as many art history classes as my electives would allow. I trained as a clinical microbiologist but continued drawing and designing whenever I could. While in college, I illustrated the children’s book my grandmother wrote when her children were young. It was called The Adventures of a Kitten. I had it bound for her and gave it to her as a gift one year.
I have always loved designing and re-designing my home. When my children were young, I enjoyed helping with school parties, Teacher Appreciation Day events, proms, and Graduation Nights - all opportunities for ‘set’ design. All kinds of designs are exciting, and I am constantly inspired by what other people invent and create. The history and stories behind everyday items, which is how 
came about. Everyone in our families have items they like to collect – from our children to our extended family. The design and artistry of collectibles is amazingly diverse. Sharing them with your family and friends is what these books encourage.
Whatever it is that you collect, treasures can often be found in thrift stores, discount stores and flea markets. The fun is in the hunt and the enjoyment of finding a new piece. In creating the centerpieces in this book, I have used purchased pieces, thrift store finds, gifts from family and friends and inherited items. I am sure you have also added items to your collections that have come from all kinds of sources. is a new way to share your wonderful collections.
I got a big kick out of watching Burt, of the Muppets, tell Ernie he loves his paper clip collection. Who would collect paper clips?! Well, it seems Burt would. He loves his collection and is happy to talk about it!
I, too, have collected a few odd items, and stories, that I will share with you. I hope you enjoy them.
Amy Mayhew
January 2025