As part of our Everyone is a Collector series we introduce Susan Ticker, who wants to put a ring on it – a napkin ring! Through her travels, Susan has been able to build quite a collection of these utilitarian and unique curios.

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What is it that you collect?

Napkin rings" Susan Ticker

Tell us everything about this collection! What attracted you to this? What do you like most about it? Which one is your favorite?

"Hand crafted, small, portable, affordable and unique to each artist and place. And functional!" Susan Ticker

When did you start your collection?

"In Santa Fe, NM in 1997 on a long weekend there with my mother. So much beautiful art to see but as a young mom with 3 small children not much I could afford. I spotted some hand crafted napkin rings at the Museum of Folk Art (affordable and very portable!) and my collection was born. 20 plus years later I have napkin rings from all of the places I have traveled. It’s a universal art form. The most exotic one I own is from Bali made fo tree bark, and my most prized one is blown glass bought at a craft fair from a New York artist." Susan Ticker

What inspires you most about having your collection in your home?

"These pieces are beautiful art and functionality rolled into one! I still enjoy setting a table (even just for two) and picking out napkin rings for me and my guests. Most of my collection is packed away as the shelving I had it on broke. Looking for a new way to display." Susan Ticker

What else do you enjoy collecting?

"Buttons, bottle caps from foreign places, glass beads, postcards. And art from my travels." Susan Ticker

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