Christmas is fast approaching and about this time I start getting a lot of emails asking what to get an antique lover for Christmas. In this article I have listed 11 present ideas that antique lovers would love to get for Christmas. … [Read more...]
Why do We Love Antiques?
Collecting antiques is a passion shared by many people, from the casual collector to the serious dealer. Despite the modern “Ikea” age of convenience (or perhaps because of it), the enthusiasm with which people seek out these historic treasures remains undiminished. The items coveted and the reasons for seeking them out vary wildly. For many enthusiasts, it is difficult to say precisely what attracts them to an antique. It may be the historical significance, monetary value, or simple beauty… In … [Read more...]
The Resurrection of Collectible Vinyl Records
I remember the first time I listened to a record. I remember reaching into the plastic sleeve with shaking hands to retrieve the round black disk, carefully pulling it out so I didn’t scratch the surface. I remember placing it on the record player and putting the needle down. And I will always remember hearing the first crackly note floating through the air. I know I am not alone in these memories. Ask any vinyl lover and I’m sure they will be able to tell you everything about their first … [Read more...]
History of Disneyana Collectibles
Mickey, Minnie, Pluto, Donald and Goofy. Who doesn’t recognize those names? Disney collectibles, often called Disneyana, are prized possessions to the true collector. First, a little bit of Disney history for those of you who don’t know how all of the magic started. In 1923, Walt’s first animation studio went bankrupt. He moved to Los Angeles to join his brother, Roy, where they started the Disney Bros. Cartoon Studio which was eventually renamed Walt Disney Studios in 1926. In 1928, they … [Read more...]
Showcasing Your Antiques – Mixing New with Old
Showcasing Your Antiques: Whether you are a lover of antique art glass or porcelain dolls and have collected a few up to thousands of items, you will want to showcase your treasure in the most appropriate way. You will not want your items stored up in an attic collecting dust, but many times this is what happens when you don’t start off on the right foot as a collector. Are all of your items in storage? Are they packed away in boxes where no one can see them or appreciate them? Why not bring … [Read more...]
For the Love of Antiquing
To some people, old things have little or no value and to others, an one hundred year old item has priceless meaning and value. One woman’s trash is another woman’s treasure as they say! What do we love about antiques? What is it that we love about antiquing? Everything from the treasure hunt, to the find, to getting a great deal on the item down to the smell of a room filled with treasure. There is just something about an object from another time which captures our attention. How a simple … [Read more...]
Buying Antiques – 7 Tips on How to Haggle
Getting the best deal possible when shopping for an antique or vintage item is always the goal. The good news is, times are tough and store owners want to make a sale! That is good news for a buyer or collector. 7 Tips for Haggling … [Read more...]
The History of Black Forest Carvings
Today I am going to cover a little history on Black Forest Wares (carvings). This is one of my favorite types of antiques genres. You might be wondering what a Black Forest Ware is. These are carving that usually depict forest animals (mainly bears), forest trees, branches, and leaves. Black Forest Carving History In the 1800's the wood carving industry of Switzerland started in the town of Brienz. By the end of the 1800's it had become the driving force for this industry. Swiss wood … [Read more...]
10 Antiques that Are Trend Setting in 2013
As antique lovers and collectors we know all too well about trends. One year something can be hot and the next year it's out the door. However we also know that there is a circle of life for items. The Circle of a Trend You will notice that about every 5 years or so a trend loops back around and becomes popular again. This can be seen best in the fashion industry. However it happens with just about anything. So lets see what is back in style for Antiques in 2013 … [Read more...]
Collecting from a Non-Collectors Point of View
Have you ever told someone about your collection and they seemed to not get why you did it? I thought it would be very interesting to see collecting from the point of view of a non-collector. I also think this gives a lot of insight into why collecting and antiquing has greatly declined with generation X. Many of the collecting clubs and associations I belong to discuss the decline of new collectors and how to spark interest back into this past time at almost every meeting. Collecting from … [Read more...]
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