Tuesday, May 31, 2011

The History Of Blythe Dolls



A lot of neophyte doll fanatics today thought that Blythe dolls were recently produced and manufactured. These big doe-eyed dolls have a long history of being discontinued and then resurrected. It was initially created in 1972 by the Kenner Company and was produced in Hong Kong. But the dolls were sold in the United States only for a year due to the lack of interest from the market. The design for this doll was created by Allison Katzman which she took inspiration from the famous artist Margaret Keane. Keane was known for her drawings of doe-eyed children from which a lot of artists and illustrators based some of their creations including the makers of The Powerpuff Girls.

The dolls distinctive features include eyes that change colors from green to orange to blue to pink by pulling a string at the back of her head. In 1997, Gina Garan who was a New York video and TV producer was given a gift from a friend. It was a 1972 Blythe doll from Kenner and this marked the start of the dolls resurrection. Garan used the doll for her photography by making her as the model on her photos. By 1999, Garan met Junko Wong of CWC who was an artist and Jeffrey Fulvimari who later on introduced the doll to Parco. Parco is one of Japan's leading shopping complexes in the fashion district of Shibuya.



Gina then published the book "This is Blythe" with the publishing company Chronicle Books. In 2001, Hasbro, the company who owns the license and trademark of Blythe, gave Takara the license to manufacture the New Edition of Blythe dolls. It was then used as an advertising campaign by Parco in their Christmas TV commercial. Due to the clamor that it has brought in Japan, Hasbro then provided a license to Ashton-Drake Galleries in 2004 for them to sell Blythe dolls in the United States. The dolls were popularly known to an adult niche market that had grown to love the dolls.



Many known artists and companies have used the Blythe dolls since then for their own advertising campaigns. The famous designer, Alexander McQueen, even used the dolls for his fashion line. Hair color products manufactured by Schwarzkopf-Henkel even used the dolls on their product Fresh Light's boxes. Today, the Blythe dolls come in three different sizes. The first one was the original full-sized dolls that stand 28 centimeter and this is the only version that can change eye colors. The second was called the Petit Blythe made by Takara which only stands 11.2 centimeters. Lastly, the Middie Blythe stands at 20 centimeters and is considered just the right size for most doll lovers.

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Monday, May 30, 2011

How to Grade Vintage Prints and Old Ads

I love vintage advertising and old prints from magazines that are 30-100 years old or more. A 10x13 print properly matted and framed can really spice up an office or room. The uses for these old ads can be found in another article I wrote for EzineArticles. Today I wanted to discuss how to define and grade these pieces of history.

Now before you can grade an old print you must determine if it did indeed come from the original magazine or if it is a reproduction. Some of these old advertisements can fetch a pretty good penny so it would be worth it to the "reproducer" to print off a few copies and sell em for a hundred bucks a piece to the unknowing.

Luckily if you are purchasing online or from eBay then the seller is usually upfront about this, plus you are usually protected by their policies or your buyer protection PayPal account. Lets say you go to a flea market though and find a great ad you would like in your house. Is it real?

Unfortunately there's no definite answer but here's a few things to look for. The ad should feel vintage, in other words have water spots or slight browning around the edges. Mint ads (as I will discuss) are extremely rare, so if it looks way to good to be true then it probably is. If the ad is already framed ask if you can take it out, the paper quality should tell you. You are looking for a light magazine paper, not some mid to heavy printing paper. Ask a few questions about where he/she got it from or ask them straight up if it is a reproduction. Most of the time you have to go with your gut instinct but these little things can help.

So your ad is real and its time for some grading. Now remember, these print ads can be anywhere from 30 years old plus. Magazine paper can survive very well over time but how it was stored, acidity and quality of paper can play a major role. Here is how a typical seller/dealer will grade his vintage advertisements.

MINT - In my opinion it does not exist. Actually in most sellers opinions it doesn't exist. Sellers are usually buying these magazines that have been "stumbled upon" for their advertisements. For a mint magazine to be found I would have to declare it literally would have had to come off the print and seal wrapped on day one never to be opened. Magazines like this are very rare and hard to come by. Anyone declaring a mint ad should be questioned heavily.

NEAR MINT - This is another very rare condition. The color and paper remain well preserved and very vibrant. To the naked eye there is really no sign of aging. What sets it apart from MINT is the exposure it has had to air which will eventually lead to toning or the rust color hue paper gets from oxidation.

EXCELLENT - Excellent is a common condition designation. These prints are starting to have signs of aging like toning (due to oxidation). There may be some slight creases (dog ears). The margins are clean and even. There are no major rips. Any rips that are evident must be less than 1/4 inch. The once thing that sets
EXCELLENT apart from the next classification is that usually imperfections from this class can be hidden behind frames or matting.

VERY GOOD/GOOD - I put these two together because they do indeed mean the same thing, just to what degree. Good denotes that there is an obvious imperfection but it doesn't take away from the overall picture. This can be a small stain, a tear, ink transferring from one page to the next. VERY GOOD would be a small imperfection, say a 1/2 inch tear on the side where as GOOD would be a 1 inch tear.

FAIR OR POOR - Another set of classification that I am putting together. This print sports a major imperfection. This could be water damage, a very big rip, or severe foxing (which is the wrinkle effect paper gets when exposed to moisture). I myself would never list an ad under this category unless it was requested or rare.

I hope this helps out any beginner collectors or enthusiasts. Visit my website if you get a chance and look around, have fun. Thanks for reading.

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New Uses for Granny's Tea Cart



There may still be a few attics left untouched for decades, housing treasures from the past. One of the most useful items from past centuries is the tea cart. These carts were once used for formal teas, holding the delights of dainty sandwiches and pretty desserts along with the afternoon pick-me-up pot of tea, served in delicate bone china cups.

You see, carts on wheels aren't new; we have just found many more uses for this utilitarian throw back piece of furniture. Young married couples from the forties, fifties and sixties found the enameled kitchen cart most useful in kitchens lacking storage space. Finally relegated to the garage and then the landfill, oh my, they were just screaming, "rescue me!" A fresh coat of outdoor paint and this once discarded utility cart makes a great garden cart or display cart for brightly colored pots of herbs near the kitchen door or simply pretty potted flowers.

Look at IKEA to find mobile islands and carts on wheels, many will have locking casters to stay put when you need them to and wheels to move them where you need them most. Plain carts can be painted and accessorized to meet your personal needs. For instance, a plain bathroom can be brightened up with a flash of color on a newly painted cart holding bath accessories and towels.

Granny's old tea cart can take on new life as a bedside table, holding not only the necessary bedside lamp, but lots of books, reading glasses, tissues for sad stories and a clock to wake you to a new morning. If the old tea cart is in good shape and suits you in its original form, great; but if not, paint it to suit you. If it's not a museum--quality piece, have some fun with paint; even the most staid piece is fun in apple green or poppy red, set against a subdued colored wall.

Tea carts can find a home in any room with the space. Dining rooms are the expected place for such a piece, but I like to shake it up a bit. An entry is another good place for a tea cart, to hold the mail, your keys and a welcoming vase of garden fresh flowers.

A wheeled cart makes a great home office piece for the computer printer and paper and even files held in brightly colored boxes.

Naturally, the cart on wheels makes perfect sense outside by the pool to hold towels on the bottom shelf and a pitcher of iced lemonade, tea or whatever suits your pallet on the top shelf. For safety's sake, be sure to use a sturdy plastic pitcher and glasses for the pool area.

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Saturday, May 28, 2011

Taking Care Of Doll Clothes And How To Do The Doll Laundry

Some dolls that come with their own set of dresses and accessories have extra needs that are sometimes overlooked. The problem is that doll clothes are more vulnerable to wear and tear and that the cloth can easily become stiff due to dust after storing it over time. Doll garments can easily get ripped and torn. Careful handling should be observed when cleaning doll clothes and that chlorine bleach is not advisable as it will disintegrate the fibers. Mild bleach can be used such as products that contain oxygen bleach with hydrogen peroxide or enzyme brighteners.

Prepare lidded glass jars, white vinegar, mild fabric detergent liquid or powder, distilled water, Q-tips, ironing board, iron, and clean white towels. Prior to using any cleaning solution, try a test area to check for bleeding. Test the inside seam and check if the color will bleed onto the Q-tip. If it does then do not wash the garment and instead use a spray foam carpet cleaner and use a soft toothbrush once it has dried. You may also use Carbona Rust or Ink solutions for tougher stains as an alternative. If the doll garment's color does not bleed then proceed to wash clothes with water.

Mix a solution of vinegar and distilled cold water into the jar with a 1:1 ratio. Remove any hook and removable metal accessories from the dress. Soak dolls garments in the jar for an hour. Rinse clothes in another container with distilled water. Next is to soak the dress in a solution made of mild fabric detergent such as Ivory snow and cold water using the ratio on the detergent's box. Shake the jar gently once it has been soaked for almost an hour and observe for color bleeding. Rinse garments with cold water.

If stains are still visible, this time you may use bleach but those that do not contain chlorine bleach and make sure to rinse it. Use products that are made of enzyme brightener as it is mild. The garment wills still have to undergo to 1 final soak with vinegar and water but this time just for a few minutes. Rinse with cold water and then gently dry it off with two clean white towels to absorb water.

Let it air dry on a white towel and keep it under the sun for a few hours until it dries but do not let it stay longer. You may also turn the garment once but do not hang the doll clothes using clothespins. Once the clothes are dry, you may now gently press the clothes but use the lowest setting on the iron. Do not run the iron on the fabric and make sure it does not touch any plastic materials if the dress has such. Finally, never use fabric softener or starch as this could cause stains in the over time.

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Antique Sale at Long Beach Vets Stadium on May 29

On Sunday, May 29th over 600 dealers from more than 7 different states (from New York to Montana ) will feature “Everything Chic, Cheap, Unique & Vintage” including a variety of antiques, collectibles and home furnishings for sale at the “Super Sunday Antique Sale ” held at Long Beach Veterans Stadium.

Spread over 20 acres shoppers, collectors and home decorators can furnish their homes from the bathroom to bedroom …complete their collections…. or find that one of a kind treasure…..all at discount prices! Dealers will be offering a myriad of collectible treasures from pottery to toys, ….jewelry to oak furniture and everything in between.

General admission is $5.00 for adults (from 8am – 2pm), children under 12 are admitted free. Early bird admission from 5:30 – 6:30am is $10. For discount coupons, a map and directions to the stadium, photos and a complete schedule visit their web site at www.longbeachantiquemarket.com

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Thursday, May 26, 2011

The Collection Of Momiji Dolls

The Momiji dolls are modern-age collectible hand-painted dolls that took inspiration from the Kokeshi dolls that were made during the Edo era around 1603 to 1867. The word Momiji comes from the Japanese word of maple leaf but these are not of Japanese origin at all. These Momiji are also called the message dolls as these dolls have a tiny slot on its base where one can hide a message on a piece of folded paper. The Momiji dolls have modern Chinese looking characters and are resin mold that are painted with images inspired by today's anime features. These 3-inch (approximately 8 cm) dolls were initially launched in 2005 by Artforum Limited in United Kingdom and these were not from any Japanese makers at all.



Primarily for children and teenagers, these cute colorful dolls have several collectible series such as the dolls in the Itchy Feet collection which are designed by Nina Zimmerman. The dolls in this collection are inspired by travelling in magical lands. The characters in this series include Mabel, Mika, Sonny, Souzi, Nani, and Luca. Each piece will only cost $15 and each character comes with its own accessories along with the special foldable message card.

Other series include Celebration Dolls, Linnea Borjesson Dolls, Adolie Dolls, Heroes Dolls, and The Book Club which is designed by Luli Bunny. The Book Club has several characters that are inspired by Japanese pop art and each doll is carrying a book with her. The characters are Enid, Phoebe, Alex, Danielle, Eve, and Clarice. There is also a series, created by award-winning manga artist Joanna Zhou, which is called the Flock-It-Dolls. The collection consists of Tiger, Tulip, and Pea and each character in this collection comes with a transparent zip-lock pack. Zhou's new edition line of Momiji comes with six dolls namely Kitty, Lolita, Kogal, Sakura, Papillion, and Pinku which now comes with a tin box.



Momiji dolls are also produced in limited numbers and the some of the collections are retired sooner, thus giving the collectors a rare opportunity to own a specific design. Momiji collectors find some retired series to be in demand some of the characters that are rate and limited in numbers are Purrl, Funny Girl, Poppet, Pixie, Silly Billy, Coco, Giggles, Ted, Soul, and Dancing Girl. Most of the characters that belong in the limited edition were only produced in batches of 500 pieces and are individually numbered before they are distributed to be sold worldwide. For those interested with the limited designs, one can get them for around $25 a piece online.

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Wednesday, May 25, 2011

The Collection Of Native American Katsina Dolls



The use of katsina dolls (also known as katchina, katcina, or kachina) is of spiritual significance. These were traditionally given by Hopi fathers to their daughters and nieces to be hung on the wall or the beam inside the home. This is also of education importance which teaches the child about the mask, body painting, and the outfit used in the katsina. The katsina refers to the dancers in a pueblo village who wear masks in impersonating the spirits. This ceremonial dance is observed in western pueblos located in southwestern United States. The pueblo tribes are the Hopi, Zuni, Acomna Pueblo, Laguna Pueblo, and the Tewa Village.

The katsina dolls are wooden dolls that represent the natural spirits and elements around such as the stars, moon, sun, wind, thunderstorms, and other elemental objects. However, these dolls are not items of worship or religious objects. Some of the dolls are made of natural materials such as cottonwood roots, natural pigments, leather, and feathers. The theme in these dolls is the life force that is present in every object in the universe and that humans have to interact with them in order to survive and live abundantly.

The original katsinam are made by Hopi craftsmen or artists and only a few of them have dedicated their lives into this art. The ritual dance with the use of katsinam (plural of katsina) was observed two hundred years ago even before the Spaniards came. The katsinam can be categorized into 5 types: the guards, spiritual beings, ogres, racers, and clowns. Each has its role during the dance wherein the clowns keep the humor during the dances while the ogres keep a positive energy in children. The spirit beings represent the cosmos while the guards protect the participants from inappropriate behavior. The racers on the other hand symbolize the Hopi's communication pathways from one village to another.

The details spent on each katsina are amazing. However during the time when most of the Hopis were handcrafting these dolls for profit, the dolls' designs became fancier and were drifting from the traditional form. In the 1970s, Manfred Susunkewa who was a famous katsina carver realized the need to go back to the original purpose of the dolls and started to lead his colleagues back to the creation of traditionally designed dolls. Some famous vintage carvers of the katsina are Wilson Tawaquaptewa, Jimmy Kootshongsie, Otto Pentewa, and Jimmie Kewanwytewa. So those who are planning to collect these dolls, better check the works of these Hopis who make traditional katsinam.

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Saturday, May 14, 2011

Treasures from the Forbidden City

When the wisteria symbolizing growth and longevity blooms this year in the Chinese scholars’ garden created for her Winnetka gallery, Betsy Nathan, Pagoda Red’s owner, will probably think of China’s art-and-design-loving emperor, Qianlong.

One of the 18th century’s most influential global figures, Qianlong constructed a secluded garden compound within his vast imperial Beijing complex in 1771. (Vast meaning more than 8,000 rooms.) His personal realm included an intimate theater decorated quite unexpectedly with a Western-influenced trompe-l’oeil-covered ceiling that offered the illusion of summery wisteria-laden bamboo latticework overhead. This surprising penchant for European painting was just one aspect of Qianlong’s complexity as a connoisseur—a hard-to-pigeonhole collecting style that fascinates Nathan and beckoned her to New York City to see The Emperor’s Private Paradise: Treasures from the Forbidden City, a landmark exhibition on view through May 1, 2011 at the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

“Energizing… and validating,” is how Nathan describes her visit. As a student in the 1990s, she lived in Beijing and immersed herself in the city’s antique markets and back alleys, fast becoming a gatherer of old curiosities. But her first glimpse of this part of Qianlong’s rarefied private collection came fifteen years later at the Met where ninety carefully conserved pieces may now be appreciated by the public thanks to the joint efforts of the Peabody Essex Museum in Salem, Massachusetts, the Palace Museum in Beijing, and the World Monuments Fund.

Like other Met visitors walking through the galleries, Nathan was awed by the craftsmanship and visual splendor of the double-sided embroideries, hand-painted silks, lacquered furniture, jades and other myriad decorative objects acquired by the emperor.  Equally inspiring to her, though, was the emperor’s spirited approach to collecting.

“To me, he seemed voracious and wildly open—open to a variety of ideas, art forms and mediums from rustic to very refined. And he seemed intrigued by things that aren’t necessarily what they appear to be at first glance,” says Nathan. A devout Buddhist, he brought in Giuseppe Castiglione (aka Lang Shih-ning), the Italian missionary artist versed in European techniques such as linear perspective, trompe-l’oeil, and naturalistic shadowing.  Cross-cultural pollination between Chinese court painters and Castiglione led to a fresh style of art that combined Chinese brushwork, materials, and subject matter with traditional Western shading and perspective.

A look frequently described in contemporary shelter magazines, “the eclectic global mix,” might apply to Qianlong’s 18th-century interiors, too. In addition to being an ardent patron of the most skilled Chinese artists, the exhibition’s organizers note that Qianlong’s willingness to embrace certain foreign elements can be seen throughout his private compound: glass windows, mirrors, mechanical clocks, and Japanese-style lacquer are some of the non-native design components he integrated into a Chinese setting.

For Nathan, the ruler’s openness also encompasses his appreciation for the unusual.  She was instantly drawn to a dramatic rootwood chair that The New York Times critic Holland Cotter likened to “some version of rustic Victoriana.” Initially, the piece appears completely wild and organic but it is actually the result of meticulous craftsmanship. As someone who has always gravitated to offbeat or underappreciated things, she was thrilled to see that Qianlong was an aficionado of the unconventional.

Through a long-range conservation project spearheaded by the World Monuments Fund in partnership with the Palace Museum, Beijing, the entire garden complex, encompassing twenty-seven buildings and pavilions, is slated to be restored. The first structure that has been transformed back to its original state—the site of the emperor’s private theater—is known as Juan’qin’zhai, or Studio of Exhaustion from Diligent Service. Nathan, a mother of four young boys, still can’t help smiling when she thinks about the English translation.

After its run at the Met, The Emperor’s Private Paradise travels to the Milwaukee Art Museum.

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Friday, May 13, 2011

Antique and Vintage Lamps - Jewel like Glass

Whether it be a piece of art work, partitions, windows or lamps, stained glass are beautiful to look at with its carefully selected colorful glass.

Stained glass is one of those classic design features that never go out of fashion.  This type of glasswork enables artists to create some amazing and truly beautiful designs that will last for many years.  One effective way to incorporate stained glass into your interior designs is through antique lamps.

Stained Glass Antique Lamps
Stained glass antique lamps can be a wonderful addition to your home.  They represent items that are both beautiful and practical.  As well looking amazing in your rooms the soft light stained glass antique lamps produce is ideal for atmospheric lighting.   This can create some wonderful decorative highlights to your overall room design.

Tiffany Lamps
There are a number of excellent examples of stained glass antique lamps on the market.  Several stained glass designers have become very collectable over the years. This includes Frank Lloyd Wright known for his ‘mission' or ‘prairie' style stained glass creations.

Almost certainly the most famous designer of stained glass antique lamps is Louis Comfort Tiffany.  His designs mostly took their inspiration from nature and he created some beautiful stained glass lamp shades.  Tiffany stained glass antique lamps are very collectible and make stunning centrepieces to any room.  Some of these lamps are extremely valuable and can fetch millions of dollars at auction.  However you can get some very impressive replicas that are more cost effective if you are on a budget. If you are interested in these types of antique lamps then here are a few important facts to consider:

The most collectible stained glass lamps from the Tiffany range today are those featuring the nature scenes.  The most popular are the daffodil, water lily, dragonfly and cherry blossom motifs.

The cost of Tiffany lamps will depend on their condition, the rarity of the pattern and the colour (red pieces are amongst the most expensive).  Authentic lamps should have a small tag printed with ‘Tiffany Studios New York' and the number of the design on the shade itself. The lamp bases should also be engraved with Louis C. Tiffany Favrile or the initials LCT on the bottom. However there are a few authentic Tiffany Lamp Shades without this marker. This can be because the base has had to be replaced over the years.

Tiffany's parents were New York jewellers.  There is a definite element of the art of jewellery in his work with his trademark intricate designs and detailed finishes.

Tiffany was fascinated by the smooth flowing lines and organic shapes of the Art Nouveau movement.  He was also very travelled and found great inspiration in the traditional glassware of the Mediterranean, North Africa and the Middle East.

The popularity of Tiffany lamps has meant that there are now many replicas and forgeries on the market.  In fact so influential was Tiffany on this genre that ornate stained glass lamps are often referred to colloquially as ‘Tiffany Lamps'. You will need to know what you are looking for when buying to avoid making any costly mistakes.  There are some excellent replicas that make great additions to any room.  However you do need to know how to value these pieces accurately. Get as much help as possible from experts and only use professional dealers with a good reputation.

Tiffany stained glass antique lamps are renowned for their flawless attention to detail.  This level of perfection makes them easier to distinguish from the inferior replicas.

Tiffany lamps are beautiful as decorative objects.  However their true beauty is revealed when the lamp is switched on!  The stunning coloured glass pieces glow vibrantly creating a rainbow-light effect.

How Are Stained Glass Lamps Made?
Creating stained glass decorative designs is a unique craft.  It takes years of experience and a fine eye for detail to work the coloured glass pieces into attractive shapes and designs.  Stained glass antique lamps are made by creating designs from many small pieces of coloured stained glass.  These are fused into place using coloured enamel.  The finished piece is fired up to 1100 degrees Fahrenheit in order to set the design.

It is essential that good quality glass is used for stained glass lamps.  This creates a very transparent finish which allows the light to shine through clearly. Also the colours will not fade with the high quality materials.

Choosing Stained Glass Antique Lamps
If you do want to include stained glass antique lamps in your room design then there are a number of considerations to make.  To help you choose the best antique lamps for your rooms here are just a few essential tips:

  • Budget – when buying stained glass antique lamps you need to set yourself a reasonable budget.  Even the smaller less collectible pieces from popular designers such as Tiffany can set you back hundreds of pounds.  A good replica can be an affordable choice but check the piece can offer you a good quality finish.
  • Colour and Pattern – think about the colour scheme in your room and which tones and patterns would best compliment your overall design.  Many stained glass antique lamps have bold colours that could clash with other patterns and tones in the room if not chosen carefully.
  • Space – check how much space you have available for stained glass antique lamps before you buy. You will want this beautiful item to stand out so its needs its own place in your room.  Buying a lamp that is too big for your room can create a cluttered, intrusive look.  Buying a lamp that is too small means it could be easily overlooked and may not provide enough light for the space. This, of course, applies to all lamps, antique, or modern.

Stained glass antique lamps are both practical and highly decorative. The beautiful finish will compliment almost any interior space and they are available in a wide range of styles and designs.

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Tuesday, May 10, 2011

Antique Brass - Care, Preservation And Restoration Tips

Do you own an antique brass? How do you care and preserve it? Are you sure that what you are doing in caring for your antique brass is right? Maybe what you are doing could potentially damage your antique brass. So here are a few tips on how to care, preserve and restore an antique brass.

Antique brass is a beautiful material that is often left un-restored because it lends a deep, rich color and tone to old objects. The antiquing occurs when oxygen reacts with moisture and other elements in the air to tarnish the surface of the metal. While some prefer the look of polished metal, the patina and wear of antique brass is actually more valuable when it is intact because polishing literally rubs away layers of the original metal, which can potentially damage it and weaken it. Therefore, if you own any antiques, it is important to know how to care for old brass and keep it in the best condition possible.

In optimal conditions, brass will begin to patina within a few years of being finished, and will gracefully age for hundreds of years until the brass is antiqued. The optimal conditions for brass to properly age are mild temperatures and moderate humidity in non-coastal areas. The salt and humidity in the air in coastal cities can deteriorate brass as such a rapid rate that it can fall apart within just a few years. This is one of the reasons that antique brass items found in ancient cities near coastal regions are as fragile as dust balls, while brass that has aged properly in drier regions retains its structural integrity while still achieving the beautiful rich brown and red color that so many antique collectors have come to love and appreciate.


Caring For Antique Brass
Cleaning and conditioning antique brass improperly can destroy it, especially when you want to retain the natural beauty of this material. There are many chemical agents on the market which are specifically marketed to keep old brass in prime condition, but they really don't stand up to the challenge. Caring for antique brass is a simple and delicate process which doesn't require any harsh chemical additives or treatments.

To clean antique brass, you should only use warm, soapy water and a microfiber cloth to remove surface dust and grease. Elbow grease is not required, because even the slightest bit of friction between the fibers in the rag and the brass can scratch away surface patina, which will allow oxygenation to occur at deeper levels in the brass. Once tarnish is allowed to reach deeper in the brass, the antique can crumble away. Do not use regular wash cloths, brushes or paper towels, as they are too abrasive to gently remove surface grit.


Preserving Antique Brass
To lock in the patina and condition your antique brass items, you can gently apply olive oil or linseed oil to your brass with a microfiber rag. Brass sealants that are sold at hardware stores work great for new brass, but when you are dealing with brass that is more than a couple of decades old, it is important to use the most gentle methods possible or you will risk destroying the antique finish on the brass. Olive oil will penetrate microscopic pores in the brass, keeping oxygen and moisture from reaching inner layers of the material. Linseed oil works the same way, but is a bit more aggressive and expensive, and is often used to treat steel tools. Olive oil has been used for thousands of years, dating back to at least ancient Rome, to preserve brass from wear.

When applying olive oil to your antiques, gently rub small amounts of oil in a circular motion until the brass is coated and slightly gleaming. Allow your brass to set for at least 10 minutes before using a dry microfiber cloth to remove excess oil. Although the shine from extra oil leaves your antique brass gleaming in direct light, dirt and contaminants will stick to the slow drying oil and eventually cause damage.


Restoring Antique Brass
If you really must remove the patina from your antiques, you will want to make sure that your brass is in good enough condition before attempting to get rid of the tarnish. Remember, when you polish brass, you are rubbing away layers of material. When you use chemicals to treat brass, you are etching away layers of material.

To ensure that your antique brass is in good enough condition to polish or restore, check your items for cracks, flakes, or black spots. If any of these defects are present, you will risk permantently damaging your antiques beyond repair if you try to restore them. If your brass is simply brown with a few scratches or surface imperfections, you should be able to safely restore the antiques to look brand new.

The most popular household chemical used to restore antique brass is Brasso. Brasso can be purchased in most hardware stores for just a few dollars. This substance contains ammonia and other additives to etch away tarnish when applied as directed. For tough areas, you can use a dremel tool with brasso and a nylon brush attachment to achieve optimal results; however, you will usually only need a toothbrush or cloth to properly use this substance.

Although Brasso might be the easiest way to remove tarnish from antiques, it is not the most optimal method for doing so. The best way to restore antique brass is to professionally polish it. There are no chemicals on the market that will make brass as shiny or perfect as a skilled operator behind a rotary buffer can. While you can purchase your own buffer (or grinder with buffing wheel attachments), using these machines is extremely dangerous - both to you, and your antique brass. Leave it to a professional, who can polish and refinish most small to medium brass objects for a reasonable price of between $50 and $250.

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Antique Shows For Fun and Inspiration

People inspire us. Nature inspires us. Places inspire us. Even things, whether big or small, old or new, can be a source of inspiration.

I love to go to antique shows for fun and inspiration. This is especially true when I go to large shows where the dealers come from all parts of the country. I am one of those antique nuts, and I love visiting all of the local antique stores and antique malls in my area, or where ever I visit. But being able to see antique dealers from other parts of the country exposes me to things I would not otherwise see.

I love seeing new things, well new antique things. Besides being a lover of antiques, I am also an antique dealer. My specialty is English antiques and I have bought most of my inventory there. But we recently moved to Alabama and American antiques are much more popular here than English. So my wife and I have had to start expanding our knowledge and learn about new things. We recently attended the Heart of Country Antique Show in Nashville as well as the two other shows that always happen the same week. Heart of Country is known for their great American antiques and unusual Americana.

We had so much fun seeing new things which truly inspired us. I always try to pick out a few things where my knowledge is lacking. I might add that the tendency is to be drawn to the things we love and know very well. So we tended to see the English things and had to restrain ourselves from spending too much time looking at these. I enjoyed seeing the hooked rugs with animal themes. There was a good selection of these, probably 25-30 in the 125 booths at Heart of Country. I was surprised at the prices which ranged from $1500-$2500. In the other two shows I saw some for $350-$595 range. They weren't quite as nice, but I couldn't see that much difference. I later saw a friend who set up at the last show and asked him about the rugs. He is an expert in Americana and has been written up in several magazines, and I respect his opinion. He said you have to be an expert in hooked rugs and he has lost a lot of money. I want to be knowledgeable enough to know a bargain if I see one.

I also loved seeing the many three dimensional weather vanes made of copper and brass. The price range on these was about the same as the hooked rugs. There were more horses than any other animal represented in the weather vanes. The patina on the copper was so wonderful. We were surprised at the number of cat related items, which ranged from paintings, to hooked rugs, to ceramics, and even toys. In English antiques and collectibles, horses and dogs are by far the most predominant subject when it comes to animals. Since we were there mainly for education and inspiration, this was so interesting.

I was also drawn to the art. My mother was an art teacher, so we were raised being exposed to art from an early age. I saw something I had never seen before, although a couple of dealers said they were not that unusual. The art was charcoal on sand paper. I had never seen sand paper being used in art. I understand most of these came from the late nineteenth century. Again I enjoyed seeing something I had never seen before.

Beside seeing things we had never seen before, at least in person, we got to see how these dealers displayed their things. There were so many interesting things, we went though the show twice and would have gone again, but we had two other shows to see. The reason I concentrate on two or three new things instead of focusing on as many things as possible, I just don't think you can really learn much. The fun part comes from seeing all of the things. The inspiration comes from really concentrating on two or three things and learn as much as possible both at the show and after by studying. So I encourage you to find a large antique show in your area, or even on holiday, and go to have fun and gain inspiration.

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Monday, May 9, 2011

Antique Toys - 3 Essential Tips For New Collectors

If you want to be successful in collecting or selling antique toys, below are 3 essential tips that collectors should know.

Collecting antique toys is really a unique hobby. Almost all of us love having items in our possession that are not only valuable, but also tell a unique and interesting story. If you want to get started in collecting, and eventually selling, antique toys then here are three things that every new collector needs to know.

Consider The Kinds of Toys You Want To Collect
Although you could simply start collecting any antique toys that you come across, it helps to consider the exact type of toys you'd like to collect before you get started. For example, you may choose to specialize in antique dolls, or even diecast collectibles. This doesn't mean you can't branch out at a later date. But, for new collectors, it helps to keep things simple so you can learn as much as possible about the specific kinds of antique you plan on collecting. If you're stuck for ideas, try starting with something you already love or at least have some interest in.

Remember The Investment You Are Making
Whether you're buying vintage dolls, diecast collectibles and other antique toys with a view of reselling them or not, you should still look at them as an investment. There may come a time when you want to sell them on, and choosing the right kind of toys means that they could be very valuable in years to come. Look for good quality craftsmanship, and make sure you know exactly when the toy was made (you'll want to be looking for items that are at least 100 years old). If there are removable parts to the toy, check that they are original. Inspect everything as carefully as possible before you buy.

Knowing Where To Look
When you're new to collecting antique toys, you'll start learning more and more about where to get the best vintage dolls and other bargains. Thankfully, the internet makes things a lot easier, though you can also try local dealers. There are many online auction websites and stores that will offer great deals on the kinds of items you're after.

When you use these sites, feel free to ask the sellers as much information as you need about the toy - it's important to ensure you know exactly what you're going to be getting. You should, however, find that they already provide you with a lot of necessary information such as the condition of the toy, when it was made, what it's made from and so on.

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Sunday, May 8, 2011

Appraisal Value Versus Actual Worth With Collectibles

When dealing with guitars, antiques, or any collectible for that matter, there is a fine line between appraisal value and what the actual item is worth. The word "appraisal" gets thrown around quite a bit, and most of the time the "appraised" item in question has false perception tied to it.

There are many resources for appraisals, and seldom is there such a thing as a free appraisal. When you get an item appraised, you are being sold an appraisal. Appraisals are a service, and most of the time there is a fee for this service. That being said, this discussion in no way, shape, or form intends to discredit anyone who provides appraisal services.

There is a huge difference between appraisal value and actual market value. Let's use a 1960 "burst" Les Paul for example, say in 60% condition. There are resources out there, appraisers and price guides, that would consider this particular guitar to be worth upwards of $100,000. In actuality, this guitar could sell for $60,000. That's a 40% difference in price.

People can be misguided when it comes to appraisal price. If a luthier (or any appraiser) puts a $100,000 appraisal on said guitar, again, that's appraisal price, not market value. The guitar, again in 60% condition, most likely will not sell for the appraisal price, and the price realized will most likely be considerably less.

Most people with these appraisals seem to think that their items are worth the same amount liquid as they are appraised. Unfortunately, the market value of these items is almost always less than the appraisal. Think of an appraisal as an insurance policy. Let's say that you had a flood or a fire in your home and your guitar was destroyed or damaged beyond repair. If you were to provide a copy of that appraisal to your insurance company, that will most likely be the amount you will receive for replacement. When it comes to market value, these instruments simply don't sell for your appraisal value.

You can even do some research yourself. Say you have an old Fender Telecaster in fair shape with a $15,000 appraisal. Next, try to find a comparable guitar with the same specs, and see if you can find one that actually sold for your appraisal price. The outcome? You won't find one. There could always be a diamond in the rough that might sell for close to appraisal price, but most of the time it will sell for upwards of 40-50% less. That is the reality of appraisal value compared to market value.

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Saturday, May 7, 2011

Antique Fairs: Making a Come Back

Over the years our shopping habits have changed from local shops to super markets and from high streets to internet shopping. In this tough economic time many retailers are reporting heavy losses but one form of shopping seems to be making a comeback. Antique fairs have been with us for years and years but the large antique fairs which take place on county showground's around the UK are a lot younger. Newark Antiques Fair is the largest in the world but only 25 years old. These fairs exploded onto the scene in the 80's before the days of huge malls and internet shopping. At this time they offered visitors something very different! The chance to see thousands of stalls from all over Europe in one day something which would not have been possible before then. As a result of this new innovation which was the brain child of a man called Geoffrey Whittaker attendances boomed! Thousands of people came from all over the globe to visit Newark's antiques fairs. As a result of the business's success the Daily Mail Group purchased the 2 largest fairs in the UK (Newark and Ardingly) amongst others from Mr Whittaker. The fairs continued to do well under their new owners until the mid 90's when attendances started to fall. With the dawn of the internet and eBay brought bargain seekers who would rather stay at home and click their mice than take a walk around an antique market. But has time finally been called on couch potato shoppers?

Fair organisers all over the UK have announced massive increases in visitor numbers over the past year. This comes at a time when retail giants are posting huge drops in profits largely due to the global credit crisis. So if we are seeing the attendances raising so much on these fairs in a recession thing must be looking up in the industry. Many UK TV shows are now based on interior design and making your home unique from your neighbours rather than the mass produced high street options.

Personally when I shop for furniture and clothing I always like to see and touch what I am buying as you can never get a true sense of an item from a picture. It somehow loses its soul but most of all I enjoy spending the day out hunting for an item, whether it be in a shop or at an antique fair. I feel I am not alone in this train of thought and this is why I think the antique fair industry is booming!


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Thursday, May 5, 2011

Collecting Limited Edition Books

Book collecting crosses all borders, all income levels, all religions, all ages. The love of books is a fire that burns in most people, but especially brightly in some. For this reason, publishers have seen fit from time to time to publish limited editions of a huge variety of books over the last century. Therefore, almost every type of book collection can and should include limited editions.

First, what makes an edition limited? A limited edition should include a two basic things: special care to the design and construction of the book; and a statement of limitation. I have published a few small books as an offshoot of my bookstore, and I can use these to illustrate the difference between a small printing and a limited edition. Just like big publishers, I made every effort to ensure that my books are nice-looking and well made. However, I used standard paper and standard binding methods; they were not printed using metal type; I commissioned no original artwork; no copies are signed by anyone involved. Although I only made 500 copies of a couple of these books, that is merely because the books were slow sellers and not worth my money to reprint. Had they sold, I would have printed more.

A limited edition, on the other hand, generally goes one (or several) steps beyond a good production. Paper is specially made, bindings are agonized over and often hand-made, original artwork is often commissioned, signatures abound, and real type is used on the best of the limited editions. Most importantly, the colophon states exactly how many copies were made, and it normally has a hand-written number for each book. (A side note: never pay extra for a something promoted as a "limited" edition unless it is stated exactly how many have been made. The numbering of each copy ensures that no extra copies have been made.) Oftentimes, a limited edition might have two or three different states: a mere handful of copies may be signed by the author, bound in leather, printed on vellum, and include a separate portfolio of plates signed by the artist, an additional 50 may be signed by the author and have one extra plate, and the remaining few hundred numbered-or something along those lines. In these cases, the very special copies are either part of a lettered edition, or merely the first n copies as stated in the colophon.

One question I am frequently asked is: how many copies should a limited edition be limited to? The answer to this lies partly in the particular book. If, for example, it is a limited reproduction of an important but esoteric 17th-century scientific document, the limitation should be small; a best-selling novelist's "limited" edition, however, might number in the thousands of copies and still retain a good collector's value. In general, however, a good round number for the limitation is 500 copies. For books using metal type, woodcuts, engravings, lithographs, or other such techniques, there may be slightly noticeable flaws after 500 or 1000 imprints. Although books printed with 'modern' techniques will not have these flaws, the fact that they are essentially computer print-outs lowers their value, so you will want to make sure the limitation is very small.

Why are limited editions important for a book collection? Aren't they just "instant collectibles" like Hallmark ornaments? Yes and no. The limited edition book shows that the collector is not only interested in the subject matter, but is also a patron of the book arts. In this age of infinitely reproducible electronic texts and print-on-demand books, a book carefully made is even more of a special part of a collection than ever. For this reason, limited editions can add real value to a book collection, and might make an otherwise lukewarm collection into something out of the ordinary. Also, many limited editions contain features unique to that edition: introduction, illustrations, notes, etc. Most of all, however, a limited edition is just plain fun. It is fun to read, knowing you are taking part in a special ritual that began with the author, continued with the press, and ends with the reader. It is fun to own, knowing that your copy is one of just a few in the world.

One side note: those limited edition which are signed by the authors are almost the only books where the signature is assured to be genuine. Many dealers who specialize in high-dollar signatures are hesitant to buy and promote any signature unless it is guaranteed to be real. A signed edition is one of the only ways to be confident in the signature.

Of course, there are people who collect limited editions only. One fellow I talked to only collects number 13: he'll buy any limited edition he can get his hands on if it is numbered that unlucky number. An interesting collection!

Value-wise, the most collectible limited editions will have one or more of the following characteristics:
- signed by the author/artist/publisher as long as one of those is someone relatively important
- printed with metal type on hand-made paper
- limitation of 500 or less
- produced by an important publisher

That last characteristic may need a bit of explanation. By "important" publisher, I mean one which has been influential in the artistic representation of text and the beautiful design of books. There have always been publishers of limited editions who merely mimic what others have done: although these productions tend to maintain a decent value, they only increase based on the content (i.e., if they happened to print a limited first edition of a book that went on to win the Nobel, or to become a cult classic) rather than the form. In modern times, the Easton Press produces books of this nature. All of their books not only look the same, but they are rehashing the forms of yesterday (and their "limited" print runs are very large, often running into the thousands.) The Arion Press, on the other hand, is producing spectacular books that continue to push the boundaries of form and construction (their rendition of Italo Calvino's Invisible Cities, being a prime example; Moby Dick, probably their most famous production, is not as extreme but still required an entire new font style cut.)

In the old days, limited editions were meant to be displayed, shared, and talked about. Although that is still true, the computer age has expanded that a little. Two websites are worth mentioning: LibraryThing.org, and WikiEdition.com. LibraryThing lets you share your entire library (assuming you want to sit there and type it all in), and WikiEdition lets you register your limited edition-thus you can see who else has what number of the same edition.

Talk to your local bookseller to see what limited editions might be available that would fit in to your collection. And remember - enjoy your books, and enjoy the collecting!

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Wednesday, May 4, 2011

Basics on Determining the Value of Porcelain Figurines

Many of us have those cute little porcelain figurines around the house that we refer to as knickknacks. However, there are quite a number of people out there who put a lot of time and careful consideration into their porcelain figurine collections. Although a large number of people have never seriously considered the worth of some of the figurines we have in our possession, we could be sitting on a piece that is worth a great deal. With this in mind I would like to give a few pointers and clues to look for so that you will be able to have at least a basic grasp on the possible value of your collection.

Determining the theme of a porcelain figurine is important. What I am referring to is what time period does the piece represent?



For example, if your figurine is a woman dressed in a gown from the French court she could possibly be representative of the Louis XVI period. This type of information can prove very useful, many large, well known collectors who purchase from the person who just so happens to have the piece they need, collect only pieces from certain time periods and are willing to pay a substantial amount for the piece they are seeking.

Knowing the various manufacturing companies that produce porcelain figurines is also a benefit. Many companies are no longer in business, this can add value to pieces that were produced by such companies. Numerous collectors seek these figurines due to their limited quality, and as there will be no more produced under that particular name they gain in value.

Familiarity with the artists who did the designs and detail work of porcelain figurines will also provide you with significant information. Many figurines that were designed by a particular artist grow in appreciation and become more valuable over time. This proves very true especially after the death of an artists, as in the Art world, many artists' work gains significantly in value after their death. The reason for this is due to the fact that there will be no further work produced by the artist, making the work now available even more desirable, because of the limited number of examples available of the artist's work.

There are many other factors that can play a part in determining a porcelain figurine's value, but these are the three best ways I have found.

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Tuesday, May 3, 2011

Know What A Piece of Antique Is Worth

Antiques are prized possessions, not just because of their monetary value, but also because of their beauty and durability to withstand the harsh forces of nature. However, it is seldom that antiques, especially furniture, never require some degree of restoration. Most furnishings need to undergo some restoration so their beauty can be highlighted.

Buying antiques, however, is not as easy as it sounds, especially if one is after the value for money. One does not just jump into making purchases without assessing the condition of such items. One of the most important factors to consider prior to closing the deal is durability. Furniture and fixtures such as sofa, dining tables and chairs, should serve their purpose and not end up being stored in the garage or attic. Of course, a buyer will see no purpose in buying a dining table in poor condition unless he is not aware of an antique piece' significance. If he knows what a piece of antique is worth, he may decide to buy the item just to save it and give it new life.

A buyer should also take into account the uniqueness of an item. Scrolls were the predominant design during the 18th century, as well as skirts that were made to look like bells. An American empire sofa, for example, of the period 1810-1830 had distinct curved arms and feet designed to look like giant animal paws or giant curved scrolls. Bell-like skirts during the 18th century were a fashion statement and, thus, influenced chair designs that were basically designed to accommodate the expanse of these skirts.

It is also important to note that wood types such as mahogany, oak, walnut, ebony, cherry, maple, pine and rosewoods have distinct features that made them popular during the 18th century and Victorian era. Mahogany, for example, aside from being inexpensive, has a distinct characteristic that is unattractive to woodworms. Rosewood, on the other hand is heavy and gives off a distinct rosy smell. Cherry wooden furniture, with its red shades, does not stain easily compared to other other types of furniture made of wood.

Making informed and educated purchases is always important when one wants to buy antique wisely. Indeed, an antique collector has a lot to consider if the purpose of buying such antiques is the preservation of their beauty, historical significance and monetary value. These are the most considerations for someone who wants to make good antique purchases.

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Sunday, May 1, 2011

How To Buy An Authentic Oriental Vase



There are several methods you can utilize when purchasing an Oriental vase to be sure you are getting an authentic collectible piece. With so much counterfeiting of these products today, it can be quite difficult to determine whether the Oriental vase you want to buy is really genuine or not. Sometimes people spend great amounts of money buying what they thought were collectible items, only to discover their selections were fake. A beautiful authentic Chinese porcelain vase would make a wonderful addition to any home decor. Therefore, it is worth your while to shop smart and obtain the "real" deal.

One of the best ways to avoid getting ripped off when attempting to buy an authentic Oriental vase is to purchase only from a reliable source. You will have to research the options of reputable porcelain vase retailers in your area and choose accordingly. If you can get a referral from someone you trust on where you can purchase these items, you will have greater peace when you shop. You can also check several shops out carefully and compare merchandise before making any buys. When you visit a Chinese porcelain shop, look around at the type of merchandise he has to offer. If you note there is a large supply of the same type of porcelain vase it may indicate this merchandise is not genuine. You can ask questions from the seller concerning the piece you are interested in to get an indication of where it came from, etc. However, you should be aware that some inexperienced sellers actually cannot verify whether their merchandise is genuine or not. They may have been informed a porcelain vase was authentic when they purchased it, and they are merely passing that information on to you.

Another alternative would be to acquire the services of an expert in this area who can verify the authenticity of the merchandise you want to buy. Someone with ample experience in shopping for these products can help you identify genuine artifacts from fakes. If your heart is set on obtaining only authentic Oriental vase products and you are not experienced in this area, hiring an expert to assist you will help you find just what you want at the best price.

A beautiful Oriental vase can add class and distinction to your home setting. It can be elegantly displayed in a living room or dining room setting as a centerpiece to your decor. These vases come in a wide range of sizes and shapes with all manner of exquisitely painted designs. It helps to take your time when you are shopping for an Oriental vase and thoroughly inspect the product you want to buy for chips, cracks, faded paint, etc. These are sure tell signs of a counterfeit product. The quality of your product should also be taken into consideration, as a very delicate piece will be more susceptible to cracking or breaking.

Another stunning decorative piece that can add class to your home decor is an attractively designed blue vase. The Modern Blue Volcano blue vase design from Brazil, for example, is a very elegant piece that would complement a contemporary home decor setting. You can find any number of fashionable blue vase designs online at reasonable prices to enhance any area of your home.

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