Start a Collection: Ampersands

What have I chosen to collect? Ampersands. I started an ampersand Pinterest board & was inspired to collect them for my home after I saw this quote: "Ampersand: Resembling a broken infinity, the ampersand reminds us that nothing truly lasts forever but there s always an AND."
My first ampersand was made by a dear friend for my bridal shower. I am purposeful in my ampersand purchases. I won't cherish an ampersand if I bought it at Target! Instead, I choose handmade items. That way it's more special, and there's always a story to tell about its origins.
Take a look at one of these gorgeous ampersand finds, and start your own collection!
(From left to right)
First row
Screen Print, shopampersand (Kansas City, Missouri); $22
14K Gold Dainty Ring, NatsukoJewelry (Columbus, Ohio); $150+
Laser-Engraved Beer Glasses (set of 2), vonBlatz (Wooster, Ohio); $28
Temporary Tattoo, pepperink (Brisbane, Australia); $5
Second row
Tote Bag, PrettyPennyPrints (Boston, Massachusetts); $24
Hair Tie Set, MadebyTrina (Birmingham, Alabama); $5
Paperclips, iluvdesign (Houston, Texas); $4.75
Vintage Metal Letter, VintageParamour (Santa Cruz, California); $128
Third row
Felt Floral Ampersand, SugarSnapBoutique (Idaho Falls, Idaho); $35+
Men's T-Shirt, mediumcontrol (Duluth, Minnesota); $25
Wall Decals, iinky (Seattle, Washington); $29.99+
Coffee Mug, AbbyandGraceShop (Vacaville, California); $13
Fourth row
Ceramic Pendant, southerngracie (West Palm Beach, Florida); $7
Wood Sign, ArtBySharell (Roanoke, Virginia); $42
Copper Key Chain, PAPERandPLACE (Dallas, Texas); $40
Decorative Pillow, LeaCo (East Lansing, Michigan); $23+
Learning to Sew Again: Myrtle Dress by Colette Patterns
Fabric: Ponte de Roma knit in burnt orange, Girl Charlee
Pattern: Myrtle, Colette Patterns
Notions: 2 buttons
This post is long overdue! Months ago, I finished sewing my very first dress. I am fortunate enough to act as the copyeditor for Colette Paterns' publication, Seamwork Magazine, so I thought I'd start my apparel-making journey there.
Here is the finished product! It has everything I love, from pockets to a cowl neckline. I definitely want to make it again in something lighter, like linen.
Learn more about the Learning to Sew Again series here.