A Small, Special Collection

Apr 08, 2017

A collector at heart, Melissa Kraehenbuehl has surrounded herself, and her home, with the pieces she loves – Jim Shore and Disney.

The 31-year-old market researcher fondly remembers her first Disney experience,

“I was three when I started watching The Little Mermaid. My parents had to buy it on VHS three times because I kept wearing it out. I watched it to the point I knew all the words!

I loved the Little Mermaid because I loved the ocean. I went on to get my Bachelor of Science in Marine Science later in life. I was always fascinated with the ocean and all that lived in it.”

Space

Life on the Shore

A natural collector, even as a child, Melissa has always kept things (Polly Pockets, tickets, buttons), but Melissa’s collection officially began in August of 2015 when she purchased her first piece, a Jim Shore snowman with cardinals on it.

“I started with snowmen. It was my first Jim Shore piece and I loved it. I went online to see what else was out there...I shouldn't have done that.”

The obsession with Jim Shore had begun.

.SPACE

.SPAC

Never Too Old for Disney

Jim Shore’s unique take on iconic Disney characters as well as his own lines of traditional figurine pieces has made him extremely successful, and a household name among Disney fans and collectors. Melissa’s collection has continued to grow, and her home is now full of Jim Shore figurines, Pop Funko’s, Hallmark Itty Bitty’s, Mystery Mini’s and souvenir pins.

Melissa still recalls the moment when her Disney collection officially began and she purchased her first piece,

“My first Disney piece was Tiana. Disney wasn’t for a year or so after discovering Jim Shore. I was trying to resist but they are so good!”

After that, a lifelong addiction was formed. Since then, Melissa has grown to become a big fan of Disney with her favorite character being Tiana,

“I think I love Tiana the most because she did her own thing and really had good values to teach to kids. I also think that the movie was such a wonderful display of color! I watch that movie and I am just amazed at the color! Also, I love the music It's probably my favorite Disney soundtrack ever.”

Every Disney fan knows that the ultimate dream lies in visiting one magical place: Disneyland. Melissa has been fortunate enough to have visited the Happiest Place on Earth several times – starting when she was just six months old! Melissa also had the opportunity to visit again when she was just ten years old, and then again at her college graduation. She even lived in Orlando, Florida for three years where she was able to visit Disney World regularly, and attends the live Disney on Ice show near her home.

“I love the parks, but it’s a marathon, not a race there. So much to see and do!”

.SPACE

.SPAC