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

Some of the most beautiful items you will run across will be made, at least in part, of wood. Furniture, figurines, carvings, clocks, gun stocks, humidors—the list is endless.  It stands to reason, then, that the variety of woods used to create these works of art is nearly endless as well.  Rosewood, cedar, mahogany or teak, common or exotic—they all have an inherent warmth and beauty that captures the eye and makes us want to surround ourselves with wood.

There are several websites with information and images of thousands of woods, and I’ve used all of them over the years.  But I’d recommend Paul Hinds’ woodpics, a “non-commercial site focusing on color-correct pictures of exotic and domestic woods” at http://www.hobbithouseinc.com/personal/woodpics/index.htm as your first stop in identifying a wood.

With most wood identification sites you access a photograph of the wood by clicking on the name.  This process works great IF you know what kind of wood you have.  If not, you can spend hours clicking, viewing a photograph, going back, clicking on next name, etc.

Paul Hinds’ site has photos of over 500 different types of wood in a single column on the main page, making it easy on the eyes and surprisingly quick to go through.  By scrolling down you can view about five at a time.  If you see one that’s similar to what you’re looking for, you can click on it.  A new window (yay! you won’t lose the main page) pops up with—at the very least—general info and a larger photo.  In almost every case, you’ll find many additional photos displaying different cuts, veneers, raw wood, planks, finishes, etc. and divinely detailed close-ups.  Amazingly, the website has over 22,000 photos for you to peruse!

An ILLUSTRATED glossary gave me an understanding of many industry terms, an added bonus when previous readings had left me scratching my head going “huh?”  The glossary covers not only what the average person might want to know, but also targets woodworkers and carpenters.  With specific wood terms, wood toxicity, common and botanical name lists, articles, and new information added frequently, nothing is overlooked.

Presented in a conversational style, it’s easy reading. Donations are accepted to keep it commercial-free.  If you’d like to know your woods, be sure to bookmark Paul’s website—you’ll find it extremely useful, and the woods are breathtaking.

Tell ‘em I sent ya’
Victoria

For those of you who collect carnival glass (or wish you did), the go-to website for information is David Doty’s Carnival Glass Website at http://www.ddoty.com/index.html.  No registration or membership required, David graciously shares his information with all.

Over 1600 pages and 4000 photographs covers more than 1100 patterns including estimated prices.  Indexed by name, shape, motif, and maker, the chances are you can identify your piece even if you start out clueless.  Using the Google site search, you can quickly narrow down specifics from even the vaguest beginning.

Overlapping categories make navigating this site a breeze.  Besides the indexes mentioned, a comprehensive list of categories can take you right to information you need; back patterns, maker marks, edge treatments, colors, tumblers, vase identification, lighting, ashtrays, common geometric patterns, novelties,  rarities, whimsies, oddities, and a whole lot more.

What’s a swung vase?  The Illustrated Glossary can answer that and more.  New to Carnival Glass?  There’s a special section just for you.  History of carnival glass, how it’s made, contemporary carnival glass, fakes, price trends, upcoming events, and even helpful information on buying a digital camera.

The photos are excellent – close-up with all the detail.  A great deal of the information within this site can be used as reference for any type of glass.  Visit http://www.ddoty.com/index.html and consider making a donation.  For less than the cost of a carnival glass book, you can help keep this website going strong, continually providing more and updated information.

Visit, see and learn.  Tell ‘em I sent ya.  ~ Victoria