Calico Critters is a line of miniature animal figures, with homes, furniture and accessories. The animal figures are unique because they are made of a special flocked material that gives them an endearing quality. They were introduced in Japan in 1985 and are distributed worldwide. Calico Critters are sold as families, with Mothers and Fathers, sisters, brothers and babies. The homes and furniture are quite life-like are have incredible detail. The Critters live in the community of Calico Village. All the citizens in Calico Village have hobbies and jobs. The underlying theme is giving, friendship and happiness. Calico Critters are wholesome, never trendy.
Adult Collecting...
Much like reborn doll collecting, this variety of hobby would appear to have an even bigger stigma attached to it. But there is something to be said about a hobby that recreates and takes you back to a time of innocence, allowing an adult to temporarily detach from life's daily grind. There is a lot of fun to be had when performing a simple Google search, as the options are never ending. To acquire and showcase a Calico Critter's collection is without a doubt, very satisfying. Since my reborn doll collecting has been temporarily placed on hold due to a sudden shift in the economy, I've moved on to a more affordable option for the time being.
I had purchased a multitude of Calico Critters for my youngest daughter Savannah, back in 2014. I had so much fun pre-selecting and recreating that perfect little town. It had all been laid out along this really big play table on Christmas morning. Regrettably, she never had a desire to play with any of it. I ended up re-selling each set one by one not very long after wards. I've experienced several instances since, where I had been drawn to either a new character or building line, only to look the other away. I always knew deep down in my heart, that this was the kind of 'toy' I would have loved at the time I was a child. ...And in some therapeutic way, I've essentially reclaimed my lost childhood -as an adult collector in my early 50's. It's provided me with some level of anticipation and excitement. A feeling that we adults don't get to experience anywhere near as often, though we should. The simplest things can provide moments of happiness and elation. And sometimes you just have to create it for yourself.
The buildings of 'today' are no longer limited to red rooftops and primary colors. Sylvanian Families has come a very long way and the sets are more sophisticated than ever. There are raised floral designs and detailed embellishments all along the walls of every building. The 'town line' has pastel -colored hues and gorgeously well-dressed 'bonus characters' within their gift sets. I've truly enjoyed the entire experience thus far.
My future posts will include my collection from the time it first began -not even a couple of weeks ago. I had been gifted multiple gift cards, critter families and building pieces over the course of the holidays and my own little town has officially been established. I have opted to display my collection within an enclosed glass cabinet and I am currently adding the necessary lighting to it.
So please stay tuned. There is a lot more to come once I've finished establishing this very new blog, 'Eileen's Critters Collectibles'.
Thank you for sharing in my interest.
~Eileen
