There are some pieces you add to your collection because they are beautiful.
There are some pieces you add because they are rare.
And then there are those extra special pieces that feel like they come with their own little story attached.
This is definitely one of those.
I recently became the very proud owner of my first ever signed Jim Shore figurine – A World of Books, featuring the gorgeous Belle from Disney’s Beauty and the Beast. Those of you who have been here a little while probably already know that Belle is my favourite Disney Princess (although Rapunzel is a very VERY close second)
But Belle has always been special to me.
She is kind, thoughtful, curious, a little bit different, and of course… she loves books. What’s not to love?
So when I heard that Jim Shore was offering a special European online signing event, I knew this was an opportunity I didn’t want to miss.
I actually wrote recently about the event and how exciting it was for collectors in Europe to have the chance to own something personally signed by Jim himself. Normally, meeting artists and getting pieces signed can involve travelling to events, conventions, or appearances — something that isn’t always realistic for everyone.
So the idea that you could choose a piece online and have it personally signed before being sent to your home?
Amazing!
Obviously, I approached this with a sensible, restrained, adult attitude…
Just kidding!
I immediately filled my basket with no fewer than 12 figurines.
Twelve.
Apparently, in my head, I temporarily forgot that money is a real thing and that I do not live inside a Disney castle with unlimited shelf space (annoying).
Sadly, my shopping basket did not make it past our household Head of Accounts (also known as my husband).
Apparently “but they’re SIGNED!” is not considered a valid financial plan.
Rude.
So began the impossible task of reducing my basket down.
Not twelve.
Not five.
Not even two.
One.
ONE Jim Shore signed figurine.
The pressure!
But really, when I thought about it properly, there was only ever going to be one choice.
It had to be Belle.
Choosing “A World of Books”
There are so many beautiful Belle designs within the Jim Shore collection, but A World of Books really stood out to me.
For me, this piece captures Belle at her most “Belle”.
Don’t get me wrong — I love the iconic golden ballgown. It is beautiful, magical and instantly recognisable. But there is something so special about Belle in her village dress.
This is the Belle we meet first.
Before castles.
Before ballrooms.
Before magic.
Just Belle.
The girl who walks through her village dreaming of adventure, who loves stories, who wants more than people expect of her.
The blue and white dress feels humble and simple, but still completely beautiful.
And the setting of this figurine makes it even better - Belle surrounded by books.
Her happy place.
Anyone who loves Beauty and the Beast knows that books are such an important part of who Belle is. They represent imagination, curiosity and seeing beyond what is directly in front of you.
In many ways, that’s the entire message of the film.
Looking deeper.
Seeing the story behind something.
Which, now I think about it, is probably why so many collectors connect with Jim Shore pieces too.
They aren’t just ornaments.
They tell stories.
Ordering My Signed Jim Shore Piece
The ordering process itself was actually really straightforward.
There was an option to add a note to request that the figurine was signed, which was simple and easy to do. I’ll admit I probably checked it about ten times before pressing order because the thought of accidentally ordering the unsigned version would have haunted me forever!
Then came the waiting.
Any collector will understand this bit.
You place an order.
You’re excited.
You check tracking.
You pretend you’re not checking tracking.
You check tracking again.
The parcel arrived in around 10 days, which I actually thought was really good considering this wasn’t just a normal order being picked from a warehouse — it had been part of a signing event.
Then came the moment every collector knows well…
The box opening.
The Packaging – My Honest Thoughts
Now, anyone who has bought from me before will know that packaging is something I take VERY seriously.
Possibly too seriously.
I have accepted my title as the Queen of Bubble Wrap (I do believe I deserve a crown - potentially made of bubble wrap. Pink bubble wrap)
When I send pieces out, I always think about the journey that parcel is about to go on. Sorting centres, vans, delivery rounds… figurines need protecting.
So I was actually a little surprised when Belle arrived.
The figurine box was inside a cardboard shipping box, but there wasn’t additional padding around it.
Now, I completely understand the logic.
Jim Shore figurines come in their fitted polystyrene inserts, which are designed to protect the piece. In theory, the original packaging should do its job.
But as someone who has bought, sold and collected a lot of figurines, I also know that isn’t always the case.
Boxes get dropped.
Corners get knocked.
Things happen.
Thankfully, Belle arrived completely safe and sound — but personally, I would always prefer that little extra layer of protection.
Maybe that’s just the Bubble Wrap Queen in me!
Opening Her For The First Time
Then came the best part.
Actually opening her.
And honestly?
Pure joy.
There is something about seeing a piece in person for the first time. Photos can show you the details, but they don’t always capture the feeling of a figurine.
And she is absolutely beautiful.
The movement in this piece is stunning — Belle reaching out, almost like she’s inviting you into the story with her.
The bookshelf background adds so much colour and detail, while still allowing Belle herself to be the focus.
The soft colours of her dress.
The expression on her face.
The little folk-art details that instantly make a Jim Shore piece recognisable.
It’s everything I love about his work.
Jim Shore has such a unique ability to combine Disney magic with traditional handmade charm. The quilting patterns, rosemaling details and folk-art influences make his designs instantly recognisable.
You don’t just look at a Jim Shore piece.
You explore it.
There is always another tiny detail to notice.
And Then… The Signature
Of course, there was one thing that made this figurine completely different from every other piece in my collection.
The signature.
Jim Shore.
Actually signed.
On my figurine.
The man himself held this exact piece.
The artist who designed this collection, whose work fills so many collector shelves around the world, actually touched and signed this Belle.
And I know some people might think:
“But it’s just a signature.”
Collectors will understand.
It isn’t just a signature.
It creates a connection.
There is something incredibly special about owning something that has passed through the hands of the person who created it.
Jim Shore isn’t just a name printed on a box.
He’s the artist behind these pieces.
The imagination behind them.
The person who turned these characters we love into collectable artwork.
So yes…
I may have had a little moment.
No regrets.
Was It Worth It?
Absolutely.
Would I still have liked all twelve?
Also absolutely.
(If the Head of Accounts is reading this… I’m joking. Mostly.)
But I actually think choosing just one made this piece even more special.
This wasn’t just another figurine added to the collection.
This was THE one I chose.
My first signed Jim Shore.
My favourite princess.
A scene that perfectly captures everything I love about Belle.
And now it has its own little story attached.
That’s what collecting is really about.
Not just owning things.
Owning memories.
Owning moments.
Owning pieces that make you smile every time you walk past them.
And this one?
This one definitely makes me smile.
💙📚✨
Now the only question is… if Jim Shore does another signing event, can I convince the Head of Accounts that twelve is actually a very reasonable number?
I’ll keep you updated…
For more information on Jim Shore and his beautiful products, visit the Jim Shore website here
