There is a growing interest in collecting ornaments and figurines relating to frogs.
No-one is sure, why frogs are becoming collectors' items.
Perhaps it is because many scientists see the fall in frog numbers in some places as a sign that the environment is under stress.
Perhaps people are attracted to become collectors because of the nature of frogs, generally, or simply because they are a beautiful creation.
As with all collectors, one has to start somewhere, like buying the first piece.
There is a huge business in manufacturing and supplying frogs that are unique.
Frogs adorn many things that are not even related to frogs, for example, it is amazing how many companies have a frog in their logo or their letterhead and business card.
People have made almost all household items with frogs somehow attached.
The materials used in making these from mementos can be paper, metal (like aluminum or steel), glass, porcelain, rubber, recycled materials, soft materials, etc.
etc.
There are frog calendars, diaries and other paper products decorated with frogs.
There are frog collector's newsletters available on the internet and they are easy to find using any search engine - such is the passion of a frog collector that they want others to continually join them.
There are much worse things to collect! As is the case with any collection there needs to be a way of knowing what is in the collection and there needs to be confidence that the collection is safely stored.
As there are no international standards for frog collecting, the cataloging needs to be personal and descriptive.
Use whatever electronic means available, so that the entire collection is recorded.
Another good reason to catalogue a collection is that it may help in choosing what to spend hard earned cash on next.
Collectors can usually spend any amount of money that is available.
Set a budget, so that you can still eat! The storage of frog figurines and ornaments can become a challenge, particularly, if the collector wants to display all the items.
Cupboards with glass doors are a great start, but when buying try to get the ones that have a good seal so that dust does not easily get in, otherwise there will be the constant job of keeping the collection clean and looking great.
None of these challenges are really too big for the avid collector, until the collection is really large.
Whatever is done, it should be done with enjoyment and fun.
Collecting should not be a chore.
You will know that you have crossed over as a frog collector when some of the following happens: You are asked for your address and you write "pond" You live in constant fear of ending up in an aquarium You are asked your name, and you answer "Kermit" You are scared of going to France You are upset when there are no flies about! Enjoy collecting!