Kode Karma » Collectibles

White Fenton Glass Collectibles with “Crests”

admin — Tue, 21 Jun 2011 17:35:08 +0000

If you like milk glass, you will know about Fenton glass collectibles. Fenton Art Glass Company produced milk white glass during the early Twentieth Company when this color of glass was popular. Further, Fenton developed the “Crest” pieces, where a clear or colored band of glass was added to the mouth of the glass piece. The extra glass on the lip was then hand formed into waves and ripples to make it more apparent. This glass is named based on the colors involved in the added glass:

Apple Blossom Crest is a pink trim on the white glass body.
Aqua Crest is an aquamarine blue trim on a white body.
Crystal Crest is a short production of white and clear added edge.
Ebony Crest is a black rim on the white glass form.
Emerald Crest has an emerald green rim added to the white glass piece.
Flame Crest is an orangy-red lip on the white body.
Gold Crest is a golden yellow lip.
Ivory Crest is made of custard glass and a clear edge added to the milk glass piece.
Silver Crest is a clear edge added to the milk white glass.

The forms these crest pieces take are all the usual shapes, like vases, rimmed bowls, covered bowls, baskets, pitchers, glasses, candlesticks, etc. Any of the milk white glass pieces from the regular line could have the added color rim. The addition of a handle of clear glass turns a dish into a basket. The edges of both the cover and the dish of a covered bowl may be treated by adding the crest feature. Ladies Vanity table sets with the crest feature were also made.

Some of the crests were only made for a short time, due to the technical problem of adding the ribbons of glass and hand forming them before placing the glass in the lehr for tempering. Other crests were made for longer periods of time, There are also crest where the body color of the piece is not white, and the added ribbon of glass is white or another color.

Watch for these technical tour-de-force pieces at antique and glass shows, and marvel at the expertise required to make them. Like all Fenton glass, they are beautiful.

History of Stuffed Toy Animals

admin — Thu, 07 Apr 2011 12:30:13 +0000

Stuffed toys, or stuffed animals, have been around for centuries. Traditionally, these toys were made for children out of scraps of fabric that the parents had left over. It wasn’t until 1880 that the German Steiff company made the first commercially produced animals. Steiff would used technology for creating upholstery to create these stuffed animals. However, they didn’t become popular until Richard Steiff designed a bear in 1903 that used soft, fur like fabric for the outer covering.

But he wasn’t the only one to design a stuffed bear. At the same time, Morris Mitchum designed the first teddy bear. He was inspired by a picture of Theodore Roosevelt holding a bear cub. Thus, one of the most popular stuffed animals of all time was created by two different people in two different countries.

From there, the tradition of stuffed animals continued. During the Great Depression, many parents could not afford to buy their children toys. Instead, they created stuffed animals out of socks. These became known as the first “sock monkeys.”

Today, we have many different types of popular stuffed animals. They remain a great gift to give to small children. There are Amigurumi, which is a Japanese knitted toy with an oversize head and large features. Beanie Babies launched in 1993, and showed the world quickly how popular and collectible they would be. Other brands have tried to emulate the Beanie Baby success, including Webkinz, Club Penguin, Build a Bear, and even Pillow Pets.

So what should you do with all these stuffed animals? Most children only play with a few, but you may want to display others for sentimental value. One way is the toy hammock. This sling hangs in the corner of a room, allowing stuffed animals to be displayed out of the way. Toy hammock prices are very low. You can even get a blue toy hammock if you want.

Republic Cruiser 7665 LEGO Set

admin — Thu, 07 Apr 2011 01:40:06 +0000

We are always told that generally speaking, bigger does not always mean better, the best things come in small package and so on. Of course, this is true in many areas of life, but in the case of the  Republic Cruiser 7665 LEGO Set, quite the opposite is true! The set is enormous, the finished creation huge and the scope for fun is simply endless. Adding further weight to the already gigantic LEGO Star Wars collection, the Republic Cruiser is one of the largest additions the LEGO catalog has seen across the board in recent years. Needless to say, the popularity of the set was no less than to the point of hysteria upon its launch.

Of course, such a huge creation requires something of an investment from the budding builder, which in the case of the Republic Cruiser weighs in at a whopping 919 pieces. Needless to say, this is certainly not one of the easiest or fastest LEGO sets to build, but certainly repays the investment of time many times over in the way of countless years of enjoyment and future modification. The cruiser itself includes no less than five figures, a fully functional escape pod and realistic hidden blaster cannons. The attention to detail is simply exquisite from end to end, possibly even more so than generally expected from the already leading brand.

Although rather time consuming and requiring a certain degree of concentration, the build process is not particularly complicated or intricate, therefore could certainly be attempted by the more competent of the 7+ age range the Republic Cruiser 7665 LEGO Set is targeted at. Of course, there is always likely to be a willing adult close by ready to lend a helping hand when needed…often taking over completely as the child within once again discovers that LEGO really is a joy which transcends age. You might also like the LEGO ARC Trooper to add to your collection.

Architectural Antiques

admin — Tue, 08 Mar 2011 09:29:05 +0000

If you’re planning to build a house that would look like something from Jane Austen’s time complete with the outdoor lamps or the French details of Chateau de Versailles, or even just a plain Southern wooden cabin’s door, then you may be looking for architectural antiques. Simply put, they are parts of many old houses that have been long discarded, kept through time by some people, and are sold after decades or centuries.

There are different kinds of architectural antiques that you may encounter. From doors, window frames, light posts, and a lot more, online stores that have those items have probably salvaged them during their demolition. So there’s a bigger chance that most architectural antiques sold are authentic. However, there is also that possibility that they are mere successful reproductions of the original antique. You should be able to determine it with the look. If you think it’s too strong, then it must be something recently made. Architectural antiques aren’t necessarily weak, but it’s just easy to make new architectural items look antique nowadays, and those who counterfeit antiques use strong and more modern materials. If you’re looking for architectural antiques, it’s also best to have a discriminating eye for style and aesthetics to select only the best and choice pieces.

If you’re going to use architectural antiques as part of your new home, remember that it can’t be a part of a vital structure in the house. You may use antique doors for verandas on the rooftop, or window frames for the library. It’s better to dedicate one spot of the house that’s not frequently used, but is still important for the entire house design. This is a great location for these architectural antiques, like the living room. Don’t forget to do maintenance work on them periodically. For instance, use wood polishers for the doors, or use ammonia sprays for glass light posts. That way, you can preserve the value of the antiques even though you are using them in your home.

Give a Home to your Collectibles with Antique Curio Cabinetry

admin — Mon, 20 Dec 2010 04:12:06 +0000

An antique curio cabinet is basically a display case which is glass and comes with either a metal or a wooden frame. The thing that distinguishes curios from other frame types is that they are designed especially to display objects such as trinkets and figurines which are related by a particular theme. The objects are kept inside the case which allows for them to be on display and visible whilst remaining protected and safe from damage. The objects get to be displayed and highlighted within the case. If you are thinking of purchasing a case for display purposes, you should consider an antique curio cabinet furniture.

Curio cabinets are a specialized piece of furniture. They are designed for displaying collectable items in a highly visible location within a person’s home. This kind of cabinet has the biggest impact when it is placed in a prominent position and when it is also a collectable item. Even though you can get modern contemporary cabinets, it is even better to get a genuine antique. Curios are a very stylish and unique antique item if you can find one in good condition.

The features and designs of Curios vary. Especially if it is an antique cabinet which has been refinished and restored. The cabinets may come from any place over the world and from varying time periods, meaning the styles will greatly vary. However, there are some basic design features which you may want to be on the look out for. Keep an eye out for: a nice frame which will match your existing furniture, a mirror, small drawers, and the interior contents of the cabinet.

A general feature of the Curio is a mirrored panel. These are often found within the cabinet’s interior. They make the cabinet appear large and allow the contents to be displayed nicely, while highlighting them and drawing attention to them. It also allows for the objects and items to be viewed from all different angels. Valuable items really benefit from a mirrored interior, so that is something to consider while on the look out for a cabinet. You should also be on the hunt for one which is unique and interesting and which matches the interior of your home.

While shopping for an antique curio cabinet it will become clear that these items are on the expensive side, as far as furniture goes. This is due to the fact that these cabinets are seen as collectors items and are unique. Ones which have been well looked after and maintained will be more expensive, but the cost is well worth it. These cabinets are sure to be valued items for your home.

Toys and Parents Responsibilities

admin — Mon, 18 Oct 2010 21:39:10 +0000

When we talk about the children love for toys so one thing is most that is an obvious fact and that is; with the increase in their age their choice also becomes expensive and expensive. A little one can be enrolled with any type of toy that can manipulate easily and that makes some noise but it doesn’t take so long to change their tests because soon their mind is captured by different TV commercials that changes their mind completely and as well as their taste of toys selection (like the press release of Justin Bieber singing dolls). This developed taste not only includes much to the need of a child but also the increases the burden on the pocket of parents because every time they come across new toy they starting begging for it and want them at any cost.

Now what to do? In order to make your children in control you are required to teach them in a proper way. In this regard 1st you need to make them understand that what is the value of money and as well as teach them the differentiation that is in between a need and want. You should continuously remind them that they are provided with everything that is needed by them so that they should be happy. You should also make them understand that they are also provided with the things they want but all the things they want must not be provided to them.

Toys are necessary to be given to the children and it is an old tradition as well but it should be occasional not usual because if you provide them with toys with out any specific occasion then definitely you will be initiating the bad habit of asking for more and more. You shouldn’t think that we will provide all those things to our young ones that were not provided to this in this way believe me or not you will not be doing any favor with your child rather you will be spoiling his nature.

Learn about how Justin Bieber mom raised him in his book. Justin Bieber book is known as First Step 2 Forever.

Tips To Follow When Cleaning Antique Jewelry

admin — Sun, 03 Oct 2010 19:18:08 +0000

Are you one of the many antique jewelry buyers of today’s society? Do you want to keep your precious jewelry pieces in pristine condition all the time? Then, listen to the tips that I will be teaching you in here as to how you can effectively clean your antique jewelry. In cleaning antique jewelry, you are going to need the help of a cleaning solution however; before you go ahead and jump to purchasing one, be sure to read the label first. You wouldn’t want to end up damaging your precious jewelry instead of cleaning them.

It is often recommended that the cleaning solution should be free from vinegar, ammonia, and other types of acids and alcohols. These chemicals can cause harm to the finish of antique jewelry. In addition to this, they may also cause some serious damage to the precious stones and materials used to attach the stones on your jewelry. You need to remember that the chemicals are not the only ones that you need to watch out for.

Next, don’t use soap and water as a soaking solution for your antique jewelry. A lot of people might be doing this but this is a big “no no” for antique jewelry pieces as to the reason that soap can leave residues on the latter thus; making their metals look flat and their stones dull. Aside from this, water might actually dissolve the materials like glue that were used to mount the stones on the jewelry pieces. You would not want to risk losing the highlights of your accessories.

Now, if your main problem is dust, you can just simply address this problem with the use of a very soft toothbrush. Be sure to use the softest toothbrush available and make sure that there aren’t any toothpaste residues on the bristles of the toothbrush. If you want to play safe, it would be best for you to buy a new soft-bristled toothbrush instead. Lastly, be sure that your antique jewelry pieces such as your large silver hoop earrings are completely dried after your finish cleaning them up.

Silly Bandz Banned In School Hours

admin — Mon, 20 Sep 2010 01:35:20 +0000

Silly bandz have more of a nuisance in school which has led to school administration banning the product in school premises. With the release of the product into the market and many of them getting to know the product more each and every day, it has become hard for the school administration and teachers to handle the problems associated with them.

The first and foremost problem that is associated with the product is that children lose their concentration in class. They have their minds towards something else in this case are the silly bandz teachers are more than fed up over the problem that they would always find children playing with the bands they are wearing or showing them off to the fellow class mates. This not only distracts the teacher but children too who are more than willing to learn. This is one way of violating the code of conduct of schools

Yet again, we do agree to the fact that children tend to fight in schools but they reasons associated with it. Many times the school administration would find children fighting and hurting each other just because they were trading these silly bandz and in between the trading one of the kids refuses to what they have blinded for.

Not only that jealous of the other girl having more bands of different colors could lead to a formation of internal jealously and which would lead to a multiplier effect of them planning ways to snatch aways the bands from them.

Read more about which kids toys have been banned in school.
All these things are part of the incorrect acts within a school premises and it violates the code of conduct. Therefore, the school administration in order to overcome such problems has banned children from wearing and trading such bands within the school premise just to keep things in check.

Collecting antique bottles and vases

admin — Fri, 09 Jul 2010 13:48:04 +0000

Glass is the most desirable of all items to collect. Perhaps the reason for this is because of the many formats available or maybe it is the fragility of glass that attracts collectors. Good quality glass increases in value as each year passes. Antique vases, scent bottles, jugs and glass paperweights are capable of achieving high prices at auction but once they are damaged (even slightly) the value decreases. Because they were in everyday use their susceptibility to damage was ever present. Damaged glass may have a small crack or chip or might have small separations between layered glass. Glass objects were once built for a practical purpose but professional glassmakers today produce decorative pieces that one day might become works of art similar to the surviving pieces of older times.

Expensive perfume required packaging and what better way to contain a perfume than in a scent glass bottle. The leading glassware designers created beautiful bottles to hold the scent and now some of these are very valuable antique bottles and the perfume they once contained is long forgotten. A good indicator as to what might be considered valuable is a scent bottle containing a silver stopper as opposed to a glass stopper. The silver stopper was usually decorated to a high degree usually complimenting the glass design of the bottle.

Restoration work can be carried out on glassware and some valuable vases have had their rims renewed. If the rim had suffered a chip, small crack or multiple chips then it could be ground down and re-ground. The new rim or lip of the vase would look perfect to the naked eye and it would take professional know-how to establish if any refurbishment had taken place. The overall balance of the vase might be altered by the retouching but otherwise the vase would look perfect.