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Buying Collectibles on eBay

Ebay is one of the most popular places to find and buy collectibles on the internet today. Collectible shopping used to be limited to estate sales and antique shops, but with eBay the options have really opened up. The commercials always say the place to buy and sell everything, and the really mean it. You might think they don’t have the collectibles you’re looking for, but they really do have everything.

The range of items in that category is so varied, the only limit, really, is your imagination. From military collectibles to thousands of different Pez candy dispensers, you can find just about anything.

A short ten years ago or so it was quite a chore to track down all the pieces of collectibles sets. You might be scouring estate and yard sales every weekend. But, with eBay’s auction technology you can shop for every piece you need from the comfort of your own home in your pajamas. It’s never been easier to build a complete collection of anything from McDonald’s toys to milk glass d?cor, and even the newly popular Nascar racing collectibles.

Not so long it was a huge chore to go after the final pieces to any set of collectibles. Perhaps you inherited your grandmother’s set of milk glass collectibles, and only two pieces were missing from the matching set. You could spend literally years hunting garage sales, yard sales, and estate sales and never find those last two pieces. Now, with eBay, the world’s largest auction site you can hunt down those few pieces in a short period of time and probably even get a bargain price too.

October 22 2008 | Collectibles | No Comments »

Decorating With Stained Glass

It’s easy to decorate your home using stained glass, and it’s a way to provide an elegant look without a decorating overhaul. You can use stained glass in just about any room in the house. That includes the dining room, living room, kitchen, entryway, office, and bedroom. Stained glass even looks great in the bathroom!

Stained Glass In The Kitchen: You can insert stained glass into kitchen cabinet doors to spice up your ordinary cabinets. For an added effect, install an electric light inside the cabinet to make the glass glow. Custom stained glass panels in front of kitchen windows or smaller stained glass window corners are also a way to add stained glass to your kitchen. You can also use a panel as kitchen wall art.

Stained Glass In The Living Room: Full or partial window panels work well in the living room, as do pieces with mirrors. Think about using a stained glass fireplace screen with clear beveled components that act as prisms when firelight shines through them. Other great options include chandeliers, lampshades, and stained glass candle holders. The only rule is: don’t overwhelm the room.

Dining Room Glass: If you have a dining room table to decorate, a large piece of sculptural stained glass is a centerpiece you know people will talk about. A small feeling or cramped dining room can be improved using wall pieces that include large mirrors. They’ll reflect the room, increasing the apparent size.

Bedroom Stained Glass Decorating: Decorate your bedroom using stained glass objects like candle holders, terrariums, and jewelry boxes. Mirrors can be used to make this room look larger, too. However, beware of overdoing it - you don’t want your room to look enormous! Use wall pieces and stained glass window ornaments to tie it all together.

Stained Glass In Bathrooms: While it might seem strange to use stained glass in the bathroom, this material works well. It makes great cabinet doors, mirror surrounds, and bathroom windows. That’s because textured and colored glass let light in, but not prying eyes.

Office Stained Glass: Incorporate stained glass drawer and cabinet fronts in the office, or use small accents and window panels to produce a more subtle effect.

Stained Glass Entryways: Give visitors a wonderful impression of your home by incorporating stained glass in entryway sidelights, above the door, or in the door itself.

Stained glass adds a beautiful personal touch to any home, and can work with most decorating schemes. There are lots of sizes, colors and themes available. To find out more, talk to your local stained glass artist or retailer today.

October 19 2008 | Collectibles | No Comments »

Collecting American Coins

Coin collecting is fascinating, and collecting American coins is an easy and entertaining hobby if you live in the United States. There are some really interesting coins of most denominations.

Pennies

Probably the most collected American coin is the Lincoln head penny. They have been minted since 1909. Some Lincoln head pennies were made out of zinc instead of copper during WWII. A very few were made of copper in 1943, and these are rare and valuable American coins.

Pennies had an Indian head on them before the Lincoln penny was minted. Another rare American coin are the indian head pennies.

Nickels

From 1883 to 1913, nickels had a picture of the goddess Liberty on them. Interestingly, the 1913 liberty nickel is an extremely rare American coin. Only five copies were made, and a mint employee made them illegally after hours.

The most classic American coin is the buffalo nickel. It has a buffalo on one side and an Indian head on the other.

Since 1938, the nickel has had President Jefferson’s portrait on it. In 2004, the mint started a “Westward Journey” series of nickels to commemorate Lewis and Clark’s journey. They’ve tweaked Jefferson’s portrait and the coins have different historical themes on the reverse side, so the Westward Journey nickels are destined to be collectible coins.

Dimes

Probably the most boring American coin are dimes. The design of dimes hasn’t changed since 1945, the year after President Franklin Delano Roosevelt died. He suffered from polio and supported the March of Dimes. The March of Dimes helps people with birth defects now, but in Roosevelt’s time it also helped children who had polio. To memorialize his support of the March of Dimes, Franklin’s portrait has remained on our dimes since his death. Dimes are a boring coin, but that is a great American coin story.

Quarters

Our favorite American coin, the quarter, had the Statue of Liberty on it until 1930. She was replaced by George Washington. Since 1999, the mint has been releasing the very collectible US State quarters, an American coin series that will be completed in 2008.

Half Dollars and Dollars

Half dollars used to be common, and until 1964 they had Ben Franklin on one side and the Liberty Bell on the other. In 1964, President Kennedy’s portrait went on the half dollar. People hoarded them and they became a treasured American coin, both because Kennedy was beloved, and because the 1964 silver dollar was to be the last “real” silver dollar. Because so many people collected the 1964 Kennedy half-dollars, the mint released more of them than any other half dollar. Congress even froze the date, and 1964 half dollars were minted in 1965, too.

Silver dollars are rare now, but the Susan B. Anthony silver dollar is an interesting American coin. Minted from 1979-1981, it is the only American coin with a woman’s portrait on it.

August 08 2008 | Collectibles | No Comments »

Looking for A 58 Chevy Impala?

The 1958 Chevy Impala is a classic American car. People from all generations love this old car. It has what I call personality. From the lines in the body to the unique grill, a whole generation of Americans fell in love with this car.

See 1958 Chevy Impalas and other cars on auction.

The web makes it so much easier to find the 1958 Impala for sale that you have always been looking for. Ebay makes it possible. It is easy to use ebay for buying cars, just make sure to read more about it on their help section. I always like to find classic cars sold around the country on ebay because you can find so many different cars from hot rods to originals. I am a sucker however for the 58 Impala since I have owned four in my lifetime, and have traded up to the 58 show car I now flaunt at the local car shows in Alabama.

Many a teeneager from the early sixties, like myself, loved to take their sweety out for a spin in the 58 Impala. The drive-ins were great fun, where a guy and a gal could get some real privacy. I remember the first James Bond movie, Dr. No, and a special date I had with my future wife. The windows were a little steamy but we seemed to still catch some of the plot from that famous first movie of the Bond series.

1958 Chevy Impala History

Chevy first built the Impala in 1958. It was the elite full-sized car built by General Motors under their Chevrolet division, and boy was it a great car. From the very beginning, the Impala was the most expensive full-size car offered by Chevy. It was in a class of its own.

In the 70’s there was a new craze for fifties nostalgia created by the movie, American Graffiti. The car was full of classic cars and the James Dean types that made the girls swoon. The classic car that caught many eyes in the is movie was the 58 Impala. In fact, many consider it one of cinemas great classic cars, ever.

Fifty eight Chevy Impalas come in a wide spectrum of colors and ways that they have been restored, from the hotrod to a nice original restoration. If you are looking for a project car, it can be found too, but be sure to consider how much time and extra money your are willing to put toward saving a rusting classic. It is well worth the trouble, but you need to decide that yourself. Plenty of these cars can be found online. Just search the eBay auctions listed below in the hyperlink and find the 58 Impala of your dreams.

July 19 2008 | Collectibles | No Comments »

Trying To Find A 1958 Chevy Impala?

One of the great classic cars of all time is the 1958 Chevy Impala. It never fails to delight any generation that encounters this car. The car just oozes personality. To the sleek body lines to the unique grill and dash, generations of Americans have fallen in love with this work of art called a car.

There are lots of 1958 Chevy Impalas and other cars for sale at this link.

You can find the 58 Impala that you always been dreaming of on the internet! It is only a click away. I love looking at those old cars and remembering the teenage years dating the girls that loved sitting on the backseat of my 58 Impala. Don’t mention it to my wife, but it was the best years of my life.. of course she was part of that as well!

Many a teeneager from the early sixties, like myself, loved to take their sweety out for a spin in the 58 Impala. The drive-ins were great fun, where a guy and a gal could get some real privacy. I remember the first James Bond movie, Dr. No, and a special date I had with my future wife. The windows were a little steamy but we seemed to still catch some of the plot from that famous first movie of the Bond series.

1958 Chevy Impala History

1958 was the birth year of the first Impala. General Motors built this car for its Chevrolet division and from the very beginning, the Impala was the most expensive full-size car offered by Chevrolet. It was heads above the rest and a car that would be loved by generations to come.

In 1973, one of the biggest hits on the screen was the famous movie, America Graffiti. Starring Richard Dreyfuss, Ron Howard, and Wolfman Jack, the movie featured an awesome fifties classic car known as the 58 Chevy Impala. It proved a huge hit, with the huge demand for those cars by teens of the 70’s. The demand for this car is still very high, and many people consider this car one of the all time great cars behind maybe the Batmobile and the James Dean 49 Mercury.

1958 Chevy lovers have a special bond that transcends time. It is something that is hard to explain to anyone who has not experienced it before. The car has a way of grabbing your heart, and not letting go. I recommend that if you are one of the lovesick 58 Impala lovers like myself, and you don’t yet have one in your garage, get one. Surf the auctions online for one, because these ars are only going to get rarer. Get one while you can.

July 18 2008 | Collectibles | No Comments »

Tips In Caring For Antique Clocks

Antiques are usually quite profitable in collecting, but the antique clock business in particular is especially profitable. Anything from the grandfather clock to a German made mantel clock can fetch high bid prices at auction. But caring for the antique clock in question is another story entirely.

First, it should be noted that every type of clock has specific needs when concerning care. Common classifications of clocks include the grandfather clock, mantle clocks, pendulum clocks, and mechanical type clocks. It’s important that regardless of the type of clock, most run off gears and pulleys that require winding every so often so as to keep the clock on time and in pristine condition.

The biggest threat to one’s antique clock isn’t from cleaning it, and most of the time not even theft. Simply moving a clock from one point to another can be disastrous, since antique clocks are delicate and can decline in value from a simple scratch. In that case it’s important to remove every bit of jewelry, belt buckle, and any other type of hard surfaces from one’s body before attempting to move big clocks such as the grandfather clock.

As far as cleaning a clock goes, one should always wear proper gloves and use fine tissues or cloth when dusting the clock in question. This will ensure that any metal pieces will not become corroded from exposure to sweat or grime found on one’s hands. Certain types of cloths may scratch some types of surfaces, so it’s usually best to use fine stitched cloths that are approved for particular situations.

Humidity can be a large concern when taking care of a clock. Metal antique clocks will need low humidity environments so as to keep from corroding, or at least to slow the process. Wood antique clocks, on the other hand, will require high humidity environments so as to keep wood from drying out too easily (although this can also be remedied by using special coatings and finishes).

Lastly, it is always important for anyone with a valuable antique clock to consult their insurance agency for terms on insuring the clock. There is nothing worse than keeping a clock for the sake of memories and beauty, only to have it break or get stolen. At least with an insurance policy, antique clock owners can get a large lump sum of money in return for their misfortune.

Final Thoughts

An antique clock isn’t something that will take much abuse- as it already is rather ancient in age. Therefore only those who are skilled in caring for antiques or has a willingness to learn about such tactics should take on the responsibility of caring for an antique clock. Otherwise, the health of a clock may degrade into something that is much less valuable or appealing.

June 11 2008 | Collectibles | No Comments »

Proper Etiquette In Collecting Figurines

If you are a person with idle time on their hands, have a lot of spare space, and looking for a new hobby- collecting figurines is a great hobby. You will be amazed at the vast amount of collectible figurines you can accumulate. There are different kinds of pieces that can be collected from all ages. Just think of all the little girls that have collected miniature ponies, or boys that have bought up a store’s supply of GI Joes.

When you are sure you want become a collector, but do not know what you would like to collect, research is available on all the different types of figurines on the market. You can find a list of selections on the internet or in a collector’s guide. You can find a collector’s guide for any variation of figurine ever made and can locate them in either a library or book store.

When you have narrowed down your desired form of figurine you would probably benefit from sharing this information with your family and friends. Collectible figurines make great gifts for you and are easy for your friends and family to find, so they should enjoy this information as much as you. It may surprise you how much faster your collection will grow if you are receiving a figurine from your family members every holiday or birthday.

The kinds of figurines a person wishes to collect are generally based on their personal interests. Sports fans, dog lovers, and even those who find interests in dragons will usually be drawn to the figurines based on these topics.

A person can even collect the figurines made by a particular artist. If the collector is a fan of a particular artists work they can collect all of the figurines made by that particular creator. There are many different artists who have made big names for themselves in the world of collectibles. The art that has been made by a popular artist will most likely appreciate in value very quickly. The fans of a creator can anticipate the unveiling of their newest creation with great excitement, going out and purchasing the figurine the moment it is available.

Collecting small figurines is great for people who only have a limited amount of space to dedicate to their collection. You do not need an entire room to display your figurines, just a single shelf. They can also be made into great forms of decorating. You can display any of your figurines on coffee tables, mantles, and bookcases.

When your collection has grown to the point that you are unable to display all of your figurines on a single surface, a rotation should be formed. Choose the pieces that you have had the longest or are tired of looking at and carefully pack them away. This will keep them safe until you are ready to put them on display again. This strategy will also keep you and your guests excited about your display. Every time a guest comes to visit they can see an entire new arrangement. You will enjoy seeing these new arrangements as well because it will keep you from growing tired of your old figurines that you have been looking at for a long period of time.

Regular dusting is a necessary part of keeping your figurines clean and in good condition. Do not wash your figurines in running or standing water because they could be susceptible to water damaging. If dusting will not fully clean the figurines and water is mandatory, simply dampen a cloth and gently wipe down your pieces.

June 10 2008 | Collectibles | No Comments »

A Guide To Commemorative Coins

Anyone who has experience with collecting or investing in coins should keep a keen eye on the commemorative coin industry. These coins celebrate special events, occasions, and time periods that nations deem worthy to remember through specializing currency with the theme. But to obtain maximum effect of investment, collectors should not some differences in commemorative coins.

When a collector is short of cash, it’s best to note that using a commemorative coin as legal tender is possible, but highly recommended not to do so in most cases. The common commemorative coin will not be used for legal tender purposes, but rather collecting and investing in. Therefore, most commemorative coins have a lower face value than what they are actually worth- so never spend one unless it is actual legal tender!

Investors who seek to invest in commemorative coins may not get the best return on investment with coins approved for circulation as legal tender. Legal tender will almost never have real gold, silver, or other metals that are of value. This is due to the fact that legal tender has to be mass produced, and isn’t subject to much actual worth. In that case, investors will only see returns on investment years after the commemorative coins are put out of circulation.

Investors who are well versed in the collection scene know that most commemorative coins will have gold and silver themes. This is a special way to thank investors, who are assured that the risk of their investment is much lower due to the fact that precious metals are present in the coin in question. And as precious metal prices continue to rise, these coins are often worth quite a bit of money once held onto, and kept in mint condition.

It’s good to note that commemorative coins are usually issued by governments to raise extra money, and thus, there is usually to return on investment to be found in short term situations. But as coin collectors probably already well know, the real value in coin collecting comes with the aging process. If a coin collector had bought a commemorative coin several decades ago, it’d be worth much more than what was paid for it at the time.

It’s nice to have a commemorative coins lying around, even if the average consumer doesn’t collect coins as a hobby. After all, time and history shows that the general price of gold and silver has increased over the decades. In that sense, obtaining commemorative coins can be seen as an investment that will pay off more and more each day a coin is maintained in great condition.

Final Thoughts

Collectors and investors alike are flocking to commemorative coins for a simple reason- they’re great to have around both as an investment and as a decorative item. They make for great conversations, remembrance of history, and serves as a means to help one’s own country through patriotism. Obtaining a commemorative coin is usually as easy as searching the Internet for leads, although contacting local government officials can also supply more information on the subject.

May 27 2008 | Collectibles | No Comments »

All You Ever Wanted To Know About Picture Frames

Picture frames are a multi purpose tool used to hang the picture sturdily to a wall, as well as enhance the picture itself. Over the years most of the time picture frames have been made out of wood. Today you can find picture frames made out of all sorts of things, wood, metal, all the way to sea shells. More recently picture frames have been constructed to be electronic and digitally enhanced.

The standard use of picture frames is to protect and support a picture that a person wishes to hang on a wall. Originally paintings were the only thing available to put into picture frames. A person could take a painting and by using a picture frame hang in on a wall without being forced to put a nail or screw through the picture itself.

Protecting the picture is a second use of the picture frame. A sheet of glass, now Plexiglas, is put over the picture between the borders of the frame. The glass protects the painting, keeping insects from landing on it, dust form settling, and people from touching or harming the picture.

The picture frame does more than just safe guard the picture it protects; it also enhances the picture visually, by adding to its beauty. In some cases the frame itself can be considered a work of art. Woodcarvings are put into picture frames by artists who like to express themselves in that fashion. Metal workers can do likewise by molding designs in to the surface of metal frames, thus adding to the beauty of the painting.

Today not all pictures are used to house beautiful works of art. They are used with our family portraits, baby pictures, and baseball team photographs. At first the picture frames that were used to hold these types of pictures could only be plain wood or metal. The average person would not want to buy a hand crafted frame for a picture that they would merely hang on their wall.

Modern technology has greatly changed household picture frames. Electronic picture frames allow people to insert light bulbs into the picture frame. This could add just a little more Christmas cheer to our holiday pictures, with red and green lights surrounding it.

The most modern advancement in picture frame technology is the digital picture frame. By using digital frames a person is not required to physically have the picture within the frame. A person can take a digital picture with their house hold camera and display it on the digital picture frames. These frames can even display more than one picture. The frame can be set to slide show the pictures and show several pictures one after the other.

By using a single digital picture frame a person can do the work of dozens of normal picture frames with the printed out pictures inside. Digital picture frames can also be used to store MP3 audio files so you can listen to music while looking at your picture you have put on display. Some people may say that these qualities makes the digital picture frame superior, others say it is not comparable because you are not actually looking at the picture itself but a screen portraying its image. This is for the consumer to decide, which one meets their needs, as well as their visual preferences.

May 23 2008 | Collectibles | No Comments »

Heartwood Creek Collectibles by Designer Jim Shore

Several years of sculpting and working as an engineer, Jim Shore made the decision to create his own design company. The company he created, Designs American, was created to market his art designs. Once his company was created it exploded into an overnight sensation and he knew it was time to find a business partner. This decision set the foundation for his many awards and inspirational designs.

Poised to explode onto the collectibles scene, the business partnership that Jim brokered with Enesco lit the fuse that propelled his Hartwood Creek collection to the top. Given his new artistic freedom Jim went to work designing and hasn’t stopped since.

The Heartwood Creek collection that Jim Shore uses several artistic styling methods to create has won him several design awards beginning in 2002. Jim Shore has received various awards from NALED. The Artist of the Year consecutively from 2003 to 2005. Jim has also won the 2002 Rising Star award, the 2003, as well as 2005 Christmas Collectible of the Year award, and in both 2004, as well as 2005 he won the Christmas Dcor of the Year award.

From Christmas to Easter and all throughout the year, the Jim Shore Heartwood Creek Collection takes elements from our daily lives and conveys them in such a fashion that they are inspirational and provide happiness each and every day.

The shaded lamp featuring a Jazz trumpet player and the Jazz saxophone player are perfect for the Jazz lover looking to add some spice to any room. Both elegant pieces are real show stoppers!

Christmas time would not be complete without celebrating the birth of Christ and elements such as the Three King Figurines in many different styles or the King/Manger scene inspire one to remember the true meaning of Christmas. You can commemorate a first Christmas with a hanging ornament featuring the First Christmas Baby.

Several other Jim Shore Heartwood Creek collections are inspired by some of Jim’s childhood memories. The, “Wizard of Oz”, collection is one of these collections. With Dorothy and the Tin Man along with the rest of the gang heading down that yellow brick road trying to get Dorothy home it is hard not to take a trip down memory lane.

No matter the holiday or the sentiment, the Jim Shore Heartwood Creek Collection can be a beautiful and conversational centerpiece within your home.

May 18 2008 | Collectibles | No Comments »