Posts Tagged ‘fort pierce’

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.

We were happy to present a $129 check to the local Salvation Army office just down the street from us at 3629 South U.S. 1.  The money was raised at our three-day National Donut Day Bake Sale held June 3-4-5.  This was our second annual fundraiser for the Salvation Army and we look forward to next year’s.  Thank you to all who supported this worthwhile organization!

Divena & Vince #20

Suzette, David & Tiger #32

Susan #40

Gail #44

We’d like to thank our Partner Business
Weatherbee Nursery
for sponsoring our free March raffle for
a beautiful gardenia bush

Please visit them at
701 East Weatherbee Road
Fort Pierce, FL 34982-8537
(772) 464-6880

And tell them ‘Thank You’ from Laura’s Emporium!

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!