Author Archive

Hi! My name is Donna and I am a newby at this!  I’ve been a collector and crafter most of my life, just like my mother before me.  I retired a couple years ago and my collecting and crafting increased! I’ve collected things that say something to me.  I have native made and inspired items from North, Central and South America.  I, also, have things I’ve gotten just because it was something I liked or thought was interesting or different.  I love Christmas and Christmas tree ornaments.  I really like anything handmade.  Someone had the inspiration and ability to actually take one thing and make it into something else, amazing!  I’m a Viet Nam veteran of the USAF and my son, Chris, is currently on active duty, also with the USAF.  If it supports or honors our troops, I’m all for it!  What will you find in my little shop? Handmade /painted pottery, Mola’s from the San Blas, wall art from the Americas, handmade Christmas ornaments, native American made or inspired objects, one of a kind pillows to items honoring our troops, almost anything!  Thanks for letting me share space at “Laura’s Emporium”.  It feels like home!

Editor’s note:  Donna’s booth #22 is upstairs toward front of the building.

My son and his wife flew off to Nevada to meet up with my older son and attend the 2011 Burning Man festival.  They left two children and two dogs in my care.  Unfortunately the timing was bad because I do the layout for an e-magazine under a tight deadline that just happened to fall within that 10-day span.  So after dropping the kids off at their schools, I’d race home to my computer in Fort Pierce, work until it was time to pick them up, then race back to Port St. Lucie

First thing, I laid out the ground rules and established a schedule; bedtime, mealtime, homework first, no video games after 7pm, cookies are not a major food group, etc., etc.  The kids (Damien 6 and Gianna 4) have been great, although they did start to salute me after a couple days.

Gianna is starting dance class, so needed the required clothing.  I raised two boys, I can fish, repair just about anything, change my oil, install a dishwasher.  Don’t have a clue where to buy a tu-tu.  Well, let’s start at Wal-Mart, I know they have tights.  After repeatedly asking a salesperson where individual items are located, she finally asks “Is this for a dance class?”  Hhmm, maybe she knows about this stuff.  Turns out Wal-Mart has a dancewear section!  We have tights, leotard, shoes, and in lieu of the tu-tu, something called a dance skirt – all in fabulous, feminine pink.

I discovered that my son’s boxers and a t-shirt will work as pajamas if I forget my laundry at home.  I discovered that no one will tell you that your shirt is on backwards and that size and price are clearly visible on the long sticky strip you forgot to remove.  I discovered that broccoli dipped in Italian dressing is pretty good, corn on the cob – not so much.  I discovered that if you don’t like white milk, but like cereal, add some Nestle’s chocolate.

Four more days to go and I return home – to sleep in my own bed, take naps when I feel like it, the quiet of living with only my senior citizen dog, skip breakfast if I want, leave sharp knives on the countertop, read books that have multi-syllable words.  To my humble abode, where I won’t have to ask my grandson, “Where the heck does mom keep the cheese grater/stapler/dog chews, etc.?”

Yep, looking forward to that.  But I’ve had fun.  My grandchildren are fascinating people with so much to teach me, and I have this opportunity to really listen to them.  Exhausted?  Yes.  Would I do it again?  In a heartbeat.

 A Hug . . . isn’t that appropriate?  Lucky Bears Limited is a UK company, understandable since England’s manufacturers of collectible Teddy Bears outnumbered many other countries.  Although Lucky Bears offers a few new bears for children, they specialize in vintage and antique bears for the collector and new collectible bears are available from selected manufacturers.

Steiff is probably the most well-known maker of Teddy Bears and auction prices confirm its collectibility.  But there are several other companies that produced (some still in business) high quality bears.  As part of their Encyclopaedia, Lucky Bears gives us the history, popular bears, and means of identification for companies spanning five countries.  While many may think ‘one size fits all,’ the characteristics of each company’s bears shows just how unique these creations are.

Browsing the antique and vintage bears for sale, one is struck by the personality of each.  Many were created to commemorate events and people.  Paddington Bear is a classic example of bears who were born from storybooks.  And who doesn’t remember Smokey telling us “Only YOU can prevent forest fires”?

Lucky Bears tells you how to care for your bears – storage, cleaning, pests, etc.  Especially important when adding a vintage bear to your Hug.  Not just for antique bears, this is applicable to the numerous bears your children have been given over the years.  The glossary is well done and includes ‘when’ and ‘why’ explanations.  Vastly more understandable than just a quickie definition, which often leaves one no wiser than before.  If you’ve come across a Teddy Bear term not mentioned, Lucky Bears encourages you to email them and they’ll add it to the glossary.

Just as we have a diversified group of friends, Teddy’s circle includes dogs, frogs, rabbits, beavers and more.  Collectible on their own, Teddy would invite them all to a party.  And don’t forget to dress appropriately; from a casual backyard barbecue to the president’s inauguration, the well-dressed bear is ready for any occasion.  You can find accessories here or inspiration to make your own.

How much is your bear worth?  Lucky Bears gives us an in-depth look at what makes a bear valuable.  Condition is primary for any collectible, manufacturer is important, but size, color and other factors also contribute to value.  Take a close look at your Teddy Bear while reading “How Much is MY Antique Bear Worth?” and you may move him from your bed to a glass case.

Lucky Bears Limited <http://luckybears.com> is a friendly, informative, easy-to-navigate site.  They gladly share their considerable knowledge and have superb photos.  And don’t forget to check out the Links page for clubs, current manufacturers, magazines, and more.

Tell ‘em I sent ya’
Victoria

P.S. For those not familiar with the metric system an easy, one-step conversion is http://www.worldwidemetric.com/measurements.html

We’ve added new photos to our flickr page.

Check it out ~ you might see just what you’ve been looking for!

Hull, Bradford, Dunhill, Longaberger, Moppets, Holly Hobbie, Rachel Pringle, McCoy, Hazel Atlas

Art, Ceramics, Glass, Handmade, Marbles, Miniatures, Thimbles, Tintypes, Toys, Trumpet

http://www.flickr.com/photos/49058893@N05/

My son’s really into music and always downloading songs to his iPod.  Whenever I’m reminded of an old and favorite song, I’ll mention it so he can check it out.  Recently, I thought of “In The Ghetto” and as soon as the words were out of my mouth, he said “You mean Elvis’ song?”  My heart went pitter-patter and I silently yelled “Yes, I did raise him right!”

Thousands of fans will be making the pilgrimage to Graceland for Elvis Week August 10-16.  34 years after his death, he’s still with us.  I was browsing through Elvis websites and there are zillions.  But for fun and insight and collectible info without sales pitch, this was my favorite.

Meet Tom Willett is a long-time fan and collector of all things Elvis and, arguably ‘world’s worst Elvis impersonator’.  With more than 50 years in show business, Tom has an insider’s perception of the entertainment industry.  And as he states – Everything on this site is free. There is no membership. There are no fees. You do not have to register. Enjoy your visit.

If you follow Wandering the Web, you know I usually choose sites that have lots of categorized information.  Elvis Collectables is different.  It’s like a fantastic story with all this great collectible stuff woven in.  Tom makes connections that many collectors may not have recognized.  He tells us about the people and places Elvis was involved with, how these associations are also collectible.

If you love Elvis, if you collect Elvis, if you just want to revisit your past (or your parents’!), check out Elvic Collectables at http://www.elviscollectables.com/index.html.  It’s a trip you will enjoy.

P.S. Elvis’ first appearance on the Ed Sullivan Show September 9, 1956 – was watched by 60 million U.S. viewers, roughly half of the population who had TVs at that time.

Animal collectibles!  Ok, maybe the collectibles don’t, but their real life counterparts do.  From the earliest cave drawings to our modern world, mankind has always been fascinated by animals.  Whether it’s fuzzy and huggable or wild and dangerous, we’re captivated and want to surround ourselves with our favorites.  Since having a hundred dogs, or even a single tiger, isn’t really practical (or safe!), collectibles fulfill that desire.

Some of the most popular animals collected are: dogs and cats – often a specific breed; farm animals such as cows, pigs, chickens; butterflies, bees and birds land on our tabletops; horses, zebras and deer trot across our mantles; dolphins, whales, frogs and turtles grace out desks; while skunks, rabbits and squirrels find a home in our curio cabinets.  Whichever creature of land, sea or air bewitches you, that first acquisition can lead to a lifetime hobby.

Figurines are most often collected.  Usually small, you can add to your collection for years before you need to buy a bigger home.  Prices can be absurdly cheap or set you back nearly as much as that bigger home.  But figurines just scratch the surface of the many available collectibles.

Vintage books – fact or fiction – especially children’s books, that focus on an animal are a wonderful way to expand your collection.  For horse lovers, the Black Stallion series by Walter Farley comes to mind.  Paintings and prints, jewelry, salt and pepper shakers, ornaments, paperweights, plates and mugs can all reflect your preference.

The United States Postal Service has issued several sets of animal stamps highlighting endangered species, pet adoption and favorite children’s book animals, to name a few.  Something you may not have considered is the many hundreds of coins from around the world that feature animals.

So start a collection – for yourself or a friend.  Whether your favorite sound is a growl or a chirp, the satisfaction you’ll feel when you place that first one on the shelf never fades.

Customers come from near and far to shop at Laura’s Emporium

Petal Pusher Press has graciously allowed us to share an issue of their e-magazine Saponifier.  Though Saponifier is targeted at soap, toiletry and candle makers, there’s a wealth of information for the average Jane or Joe.  The articles on business practices can be applied to any endeavor, and this particular issue on the Spa Experience also has several formulas that don’t require any specialized knowledge.

Click the link below and enjoy!
http://www.box.net/shared/f8ck0174d3m9dt5zqvdq

Note:  magazine is much sharper if downloaded, rather than viewed online

I’m doing an about face with this month’s featured website.  No photos and limited information.  Common Button Back Marks [http://pweb.netcom.com/~jimyce/bm.html] lists manufacturers of buttons and likely dates when they were made.  If you’re a button collector there are many websites you probably already frequent.   For others, this one-page site can be very useful for dating clothing, handbags, shoes, gloves, and more.