Posts Tagged ‘florida’

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.

 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.

Congratulations to Pamala P. who won the March raffle for a beautiful gardenia plant from Weatherbee Nursery.

And an honorable mention to Jenna W. for her enthusiasm.
She wrote ‘Pick Me!, Pick Me!’ on her raffle ticket.
Sorry, Jenna . . . we draw the ticket with eyes closed!

For the next couple months we want to share all the amazing things Fort Pierce and St. Lucie County have to offer with our winter visitors and year-round residents who may not be familiar with some of these.

The National Navy UDT-SEAL Museum
http://www.navysealmuseum.com/
The National Navy UDT-SEAL Museum is the only museum dedicated solely to preserving the history of the Navy SEALs and their predecessors, including the Underwater Demolition Teams, Naval Combat Demolition Units, Office of Strategic Services Maritime Units and Amphibious Scouts and Raiders.  Located in Fort Pierce, Florida – the birthplace of the Navy Frogman – the Museum promotes public education by providing the opportunity to explore the history of the Navy SEALs in an atmosphere of respect and honor.
Virtual tours on their website are great, but no substitute for being up close and personal!
Reasonable admission fee.
By purchasing at their gift shop you can support the museum.
Editor’s note: My favorite is a t-shirt that states:
When it absolutely, positively must be destroyed overnight!
Call 1-800-HOOYAH!

The Manatee Observation & Education Center
http://www.manateecenter.com/
The Manatee Observation and Education Center is a waterfront wildlife observation and nature education center located on Florida’s east coast in downtown Fort Pierce. The Center lies just west of the Atlantic ocean and overlooks the nationally recognized Indian River Lagoon, a saltwater estuary and Moore’s Creek, a freshwater creek and historical resting spot for the Florida manatee. The Manatee Observation and Education Center’s primary purpose is to promote understanding and responsible actions for the fragile ecosystems of the Treasure Coast and their inhabitants.
Admission is a buck.  Check out the Calendar of Events, many activities (free and very reasonable) for adults and children.
Editor’s note: Manatees are not in tanks, they roam freely – best time to view in Moore’s Creek is during the winter months.

A.E. Backus Museum & Gallery
http://www.backusgallery.com/
The A.E. Backus Museum & Gallery, a 5,000 sq. ft. public visual arts facility, was established in 1960 by A.E. Backus, the preeminent Florida landscape painter, and a group of local art enthusiasts. The A.E. Backus Museum & Gallery features the Nation’s largest display of original paintings by Alfred Ernest Backus. Four additional exhibition wings feature changing exhibits of artwork by contemporary Florida artists. Located in historic downtown Ft. Pierce, a mere 2 blocks from Backus’ longtime home and studio and adjacent to the location of his original studio.
Small admission fee, free admission on Sundays.
Editor’s note: Next door to Manatee Observation Center, ample free parking provides convenient access to other area attractions, casual waterside dining and boutique shopping downtown.

Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute Ocean Discovery Center
http://www.fau.edu/hboi/OceanDiscoveryCenter.php
The Harbor Branch Ocean Discovery Center is the public gateway to Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute at Florida Atlantic University. The ODC houses interactive exhibits, small aquaria, a video theater, and other displays exploring the marine environment and depicting the research efforts of the Institute. ODC exhibit content is developed in close coordination with the Harbor Branch project managers by a team of award-winning educators and media specialists.  Exhibit content is continually evolving to showcase the ongoing research and conservation efforts of Harbor Branch and to give visitors a close-up look at the emerging technologies used by the marine research community.
Editor’s note:  Free admission – but drop some $ in the donation box and lots of cool stuff in the gift shop.

Tara Biek has created a fun working environment that appeals to her team (two- and four-legged) and their clients.  In business for ten years, Tara Biek Creative has grown to six employees and moved to their new location in August.  Before the move, Tara went shopping for eye-catching accessories and Laura’s Emporium was one of her stops.  After their grand opening Sept. 30th, I visited and she was kind enough to give me the grand tour.

High ceilings with shorter dividing walls make a great display area, and everywhere I turned there was something to catch my interest.  Gumball machine, antique cash register, vintage typewriter, I Love Lucy TV lamp, window panes, Twister!  And it all came together beautifully.  I was ready to ask if she’d consider interior decorating for me!

And apparently the knack for design isn’t limited to decor – a wall of commendations and awards attests to the talent of Tara and her team.  Not satisfied to just be really great at what they do, they’re also an active part of the community, giving back whenever they can – Boys & Girls Club, American Cancer Society, MusicFest, Historic Preservation, and the list goes on.

Check out their website at: http://tarabiekcreative.com/index.html.  You’ll love it!  Thanks for sharing with us, Tara!

Tara Biek Creative is located in the Sawgrass Business Center at 1237 SE Indian Street, Unit 101, Stuart, FL 34994, Phone 772-283-0019.

Being lucky enough to live on the East Coast of our beautiful state, our beaches are still pristine and our wildlife unaffected.  Sadly, this is not the case for the West Coast of Florida or the bordering Gulf states.  How can you help?  Click on the photo below to find many opportunities with a multitude of organizations.