About Collectibles

It's back again -- the HGTV Halloween contest.

Love to decorate for Halloween? Think you do a pretty good job? Why not enter the Halloween contest on HGTV? Photos can be submitted starting September 6 through October 31.
From HGTV:
HOW TO ENTER: During the Contest Period, produce a photo that depicts Halloween spirit in one of the following categories: (1) household decorations; (2) pumpkins; (3) kids costumes; (4) adult costumes; or (5) pet costumes.

Read more and check out some of the pictures posted.

Halloween Contest Link

Halloween Contest on HGTV originally appeared on About.com Collectibles on Friday, September 3rd, 2010 at 15:50:33.

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Not an antique, but something that I think is very useful. What's your thoughts -- and BE SPECIFIC!

Size: 2"

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Last week's mystery antique.

• Wordless Wednesdays on About
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Mystery of the Week originally appeared on About.com Collectibles on Wednesday, September 1st, 2010 at 00:05:02.

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Classic Pulp Art burst into the spotlight in Heritage's August 2010 auction. Led by Hugh Joseph Ward's The Evil Flame, a Spicy Mystery Stories pulp cover which lead in the auction's $2.591 million in offerings.

It is the highest price ever realized at public auction for a pulp magazine cover. What do you think it sold for?

©Heritage Auction Galleries

The Evil Flame originally appeared on About.com Collectibles on Tuesday, August 31st, 2010 at 15:10:34.

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I've wanted to attend the Ghoultide Gathering ever since I first heard of it a few years ago, alas it's just too far away. Several favorite artists offer their works and in some cases it's one of the few ways to actually buy their pieces. If you love and collect Halloween and live within driving distance of Northville, MI -- think about attending. I promise it will be worth it!

Read more . . .

Image ©Ghoultide Gathering

Ghoultide Gathering - 2010 originally appeared on About.com Collectibles on Sunday, August 29th, 2010 at 20:57:34.

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One of my favorite spots to look at, drool, enjoy, covet (pick your term) vintage and antique holiday items is Morphy Auctions. They never disappoint and September's auction is full of wonderful things.

Kewpie Doll and a Jack O'Lantern are a strange pairing, but adorable. Auction date -- September 11, but bidding is online now!

More Halloween Picks:

• More About Kewpie Doll and Jack O'Lantern
• Transylvania Pillow
• Witchy Cauldron Cookie Jar

©Morphy Auctions

Rose O'Neill Kewpie in Jack O'Lantern originally appeared on About.com Collectibles on Friday, August 27th, 2010 at 23:02:37.

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Yes, it's beginning to look a lot like Halloween and this pillow is one of my favorite new collectibles for this year. I absolutely adore the catstudio geography pillows, so was delighted to see this at the recent New York Gift Show. The pillows are a bit pricey at $149., but at least they're not breakable -- like so many collectibles. The good news: if you like the design, the coordinating dish towel is only $20. (Note: I have been a little disappointed in how much my towel has faded). The pillow and towel can be found at local gift stores or directly online from catstudio.

Read more . . .
Image ©catstudio.com

Transylvania Pillow for Halloween originally appeared on About.com Collectibles on Wednesday, August 25th, 2010 at 21:57:47.

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Size: 10.5"

THE ANSWER

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Last week's mystery antique.

• Wordless Wednesdays on About
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Mystery Antique of the Week originally appeared on About.com Collectibles on Wednesday, August 25th, 2010 at 00:54:32.

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Although we go all out and a bit crazy when it comes to Christmas decorating and collecting, Halloween is still my favorite holiday and time of the year. So for the next few weeks I'll be showcasing Halloween collectibles.

Today's pick is an inexpensive, but adorable Halloween cauldron cookie jar. I found this at a Cracker Barrel restaurant gift shop. The jar is heavy, well made and costs $24.99. They had loads of fun Halloween decorative collectibles, as well as a great looking Scarecrow cookie jar, complete with matching salt and peppers.

More :Halloween Cookie Jars

It's Beginning to Look a Lot Like -- Halloween! originally appeared on About.com Collectibles on Tuesday, August 24th, 2010 at 21:19:07.

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Nutcrackers have been around for centuries, the earliest ones being simple stones used to crack the shells. There are metal nutcrackers dating back as early as the third or fourth century B.C., porcelain and ivory nutcrackers, and of course the beautiful wooden nutcrackers that are avidly collected today. Today's wooden nutcrackers are made by a variety of companies and in almost every figure imaginable, from the stately kings and soldiers to whimsical licensed pieces.

Collect by company, subject, size -- whatever, but as always, when investing in a fine collectible, buy the best you can and only what you love!

Nutcrackers and Nutcracker Collecting

Image Courtesy of Kurt S. Adler

Nutcrackers and Nutcracker Collecting originally appeared on About.com Collectibles on Saturday, August 21st, 2010 at 20:52:23.

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Cast iron piece is 7.5". What do you think this was used for?

NOTE: This is a look back at a Mystery Antique that was published a year ago, can you figure it out before checking the answer. There was one person who did get it right in the comment section!

THE ANSWER

Last week's Mystery Antique and Answer.

• Wordless Wednesdays on About
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Mystery Antique of the Week -- Flashback! originally appeared on About.com Collectibles on Wednesday, August 18th, 2010 at 00:05:01.

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Two gorgeous new Patricia Breen ornaments are exclusives for 2010 at the Museum Shop of the Art Institute of Chicago. The Santas are done in the colors, theme and style of the artists they are named for. The limited quantities of these editions will be available for ordering on August 16 at the AIC Museum Shop.

The Monet Santa Ornament brings to mind his Stacks of Wheat series and sells for $180.

The Breen Mitsuoki Santa Ornament is represented by a cherry tree with poem slips, perhaps inspired by Flowering Cherry and Autumn Maples with Poem Slips, priced at $188.

Image Courtesy of ©AIC Museum Shop

Two New Breen Exclusives originally appeared on About.com Collectibles on Saturday, August 14th, 2010 at 23:53:04.

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From Elvis' start with Sun Records in 1954 and the Louisiana Hayride to sell-out concerts in Las Vegas in the 1970s, Elvis has always had loyal and enthusiastic fans and, as fans, we all want something to help connect us with our favorite stars. That's when we start collecting anything at all related to them. Records, posters, concert tickets, etc. all become valuable, but since those aren't enough to quench our thirst, licensed items start being produced. That's why auctions, such as the Heritage Auction held this past weekend, has such amazing results. Yes, the jar of hair clippings sold for over $16,000!
Elvis Week -- Saturday and Sunday Activities

Elvis Week is not only happening in Memphis, in Las Vegas, stop by the Hardrock Hotel & Casio for a Peanut Butter and Banana Beignet with Candied Pepper Bacon Fries in honor of the King. Meanwhile you can also view their memorabilia that will displayed on the property. This includes a 357 magnum from Elvis' personal gun collection, a Gibson Dove guitar with a signature mother-of-pearl inlay on the fingerboard, and the Shooting Star Jumpsuit designed by Bill Belew for Elvis in 1972.

Elvis Presley originally appeared on About.com Collectibles on Saturday, August 14th, 2010 at 23:26:22.

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He would have turned 75 this year and what better way to kick off Elvis week then an amazing auction at the Peabody Hotel in Memphis. Heritage Auction Galleries' Ultimate Elvis Auction is August 14 and features some great pieces of Elvis Memorabilia. Contracts, records, clothing, love letters and TCB necklaces are all part of the 277 auction lots. Even an empty pill bottle is included!

The centerpiece, expected to sell for $1,000,000., is his trademark Knabe white Piano, but the lot that I'm really interested to see how much it gets is the jar of Elvis' jar of hair -- saved by his barber.

The Ultimate Elvis Auction will be held live at The Peabody Hotel in Memphis this Saturday -- wish I was able to go!

Picture and Prices of Elvis Memorabilia

©Heritage Auction Galleries

Where's Elvis? At Heritage's Auction originally appeared on About.com Collectibles on Thursday, August 12th, 2010 at 22:02:53.

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Thought or guesses?

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Last week's mystery antique.

• Wordless Wednesdays on About
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• More Mystery Item Quizzes

Mystery Antique of the Week originally appeared on About.com Collectibles on Wednesday, August 11th, 2010 at 00:18:31.

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Everyone who reads my blog and website knows how crazy I am when it comes to putting up Christmas decorations and especially Christmas trees. Apparently it was those links that caught the eye of a production company looking for unique, unusual, extreme and crazy Christmas trees for a TV special.

Do you have a Christmas tree that might qualify? send an e-mail with your name, contact information, and a description of the tree (or picture if possible) to: Conor @ StilletoTelevision.com.

Have an Extreme Christmas Tree? originally appeared on About.com Collectibles on Tuesday, August 10th, 2010 at 18:53:36.

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Estate liquidator and appraiser Matt McNeil has started a new blog and his first post deals with the question Toss it or Tag it! It's interesting reading and as usual I learned something new -- I had NO idea that some drugs could actually be recycled (at least in my state) or that it was illegal to sell a mattress and box springs. Glad I gave those away last month.

From Toss it Or Tag it:
One of the questions we get asked most frequently prior to our starting work on an estate liquidation is, "Well, what should I throw away?" We instantly reply, "NOTHING!" That said, well, we should probably qualify this statement just a wee bit. For all intents and purposes, you should throw nothing away before we've had time to evaluate EVERYTHING -- and I do mean EVERYTHING. Still, there ARE some things that go instantly into the bin when we start work.
Read more . .

Toss it or Tag it? originally appeared on About.com Collectibles on Saturday, August 7th, 2010 at 13:45:12.

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Another interesting and complicated looking piece. Any thoughts or guesses?

Size: 10"

THE ANSWER

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Last week's mystery antique.

• Wordless Wednesdays on About
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• More Mystery Item Quizzes

Mystery Antique of the Week originally appeared on About.com Collectibles on Wednesday, August 4th, 2010 at 00:35:09.

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I'm anything but sad when looking at the annual Sad Irons auction. The designs and uses are fascinating and if I had the bucks, it's something I would definitely be interested in collecting. Or at least learning more about them. There were irons created for everything wearable, including a Top Hats, ruffles and sleeves. This week (Wednesday and Thursday) is the annual Sad Irons auction held in conjunction with the annual convention of the Pressing Iron and Trivet Collectors of America. Simmons & Company Auctioneers have been conducting the annual auction for quite a few years. This year's auction features irons from the collections of Dave Irons (author of three books) and Buck Carson.

What's supposed to be hot?

The tiny and very rare Cast Swan Iron With Rope Edge Trivet, size 1 1/8", expected price? Over $3000.

©Simmons & Co

Sad Irons Auction originally appeared on About.com Collectibles on Tuesday, August 3rd, 2010 at 19:19:12.

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The two August calendar pages are online and ready to print. They feature a Starnes of California cookie jar and glass ornaments from The Thomas Glenn Collection! Both calendars are made to print and fit into a CD case, making a desk top calendar.

Have a favorite piece you would like to showcase on an upcoming calendar? Let me know!

Calendar pages for 2010.

August Calendar Pages- Free Printables originally appeared on About.com Collectibles on Saturday, July 31st, 2010 at 12:20:23.

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A poster from your favorite movie hanging on the living room wall, autographed photos of an Oscar winning movie star, movie props protected and displayed in a special display case. Does collecting get any more fun than this? I think not!

If you've been bitten by the bug to collect memorabilia from the entertainment industry, get started by checking out these resources.

• Collecting Movie Memorabilia

Start a New Hobby Week -- Day Five

• Model Trains - Where Do I Go From Here?
• Cross Stitch - Candlewicking Basics
• Collectibles - Start Collecting Movie Memorabilia
• Painting - Start a Hobby Week: Understanding Color Theory
• Dance - Before You Buy Dance Wear
• DIY Fashion - Junk Jewelry for Beginners
• Resources for Learning the Double Crochet Stitch Crochet
• Miniatures - Begin Woodworking in Miniature
• Beadwork - Free Beading Patterns
• Pottery - Beginning Hand Building Techniques and Projects
• Rubber Stamping - Start Digital Stamping
• Contests and Sweepstakes - Getting Started with Sweepstakes Part 5: Share Your Best Sweepstakes Tip

Collecting Movie Memorabilia -- Start a New Hobby Week! originally appeared on About.com Collectibles on Thursday, July 29th, 2010 at 00:33:30.

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