About Collectibles

Last week I wrote about the Thomas Glenn ornament collection and how they were picked for the "O" List in Oprah magazine. Well, I have to tell you I got the one I ordered yesterday and was floored. It's absolutely amazing, the glitter is spectacular, the design is very modern and pictures just do not do it justice. If you have a chance, check out the Thomas Glenn collection in person, you'll be very pleasantly surprised.

Hot Pink Cammo Ornament - Once Again originally appeared on About.com Collectibles on Thursday, November 19th, 2009 at 09:01:35.

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Welcome to another edition of Make it Merry, where talented crafters share their holiday how-to's.

Advent Candy Tree
Everyone loves counting down to the holidays...add candy to the mix and you've got a fun Advent calendar from Sherri Osborn for the whole family to enjoy.

Pumpkin Cross Stitch Pattern
Use a variegated floss to make a swirling pumpkin that would look great near the Thanksgiving table. Connie G. Barwick has the free pattern.

Knit Wreath Ornament
Scrap knitting makes for fun quick projects that are perfect for any skill level. Sarah E. White has the instructions for this cute wreath.

Miniature Glitter Houses
Snowy villages look great upon every mantle and tabletop. Lesley Shepherd has a free printable so you can make your own tiny houses.

Paper Bead Star Ornament
If you're looking for something a little different to do with your paper beads then take a look at this paper bead star. This project is simple to adapt in a wide variety of ways.

Rustic Pillar Candles
'Tis the season for running out to buy candles. David Fisher will show you how to make these festive pillar candles with the perfect finish.

Pear Diamonds Painted Card
This card has an intricate finish, but it is so easy to make. Tina Jones shows us how to create this colorful card from start to finish.

Christmas Apron Pattern
Just because you've got to bake cookies for the whole family doesn't mean you can't look fabulous! Phyllis Dobbs has created this adorable holiday apron, and she's got the free pattern just for you.

Flower Petal Ornament Cover
Sometimes those plain ornaments just need a little dressing up. Tammy Powley will show you how to use seed beads to create this unique ornament drapery.

Paint a Christmas Tree
Instead of paying a premium for a colored tree, Barbara Crews will show us how to paint your tree red to match the latest holiday trends.

Want to Join Make it Merry to show off your holiday crafts? We will showcase your crafts and recipes of all holiday traditions. Learn more.

Make it Merry - Week Three originally appeared on About.com Collectibles on Thursday, November 19th, 2009 at 00:27:05.

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A Disney themed tree is a popular choice, who doesn't like Disney. Ideas might be a specific Disney character, such as all Mickey Mouse or as a friend is doing this year - all Little Mermaid tree. This spectacular tree contains Disney, Warner Bros, Wizard of Oz, Star Wars, Dr. Seuss and Muffy ornaments. The upside-down nature of the tree allows the hundreds of ornaments to hang a little freer and be much more visible.

• Margaret's Upside-Down Disney Tree

(c)Glasslinks.org

Theme Trees - Disney Ornament Filled Tree originally appeared on About.com Collectibles on Wednesday, November 18th, 2009 at 20:23:49.

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Obviously it measures something -- but what? Bonus points: what's an estimated value?

Post your guess in the comment section below.

Last week's Mystery Antique.

• Wordless Wednesdays on About
• See more Wordless Wednesday Blogs
• More Mystery Antique Quizzes

Mystery Antique of the Week originally appeared on About.com Collectibles on Wednesday, November 18th, 2009 at 00:02:18.

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You're a collector with beautiful ornaments that should be shown to their best advantage. What type of tree is best? Do you want a traditional green tree or are you willing to go outside the box for a Christmas tree that may be a little different, but lots of fun? What about a rotating tree stand?

Have you thought about lights, do you want a tree that's Pre-Lit, StayLit or no lights? So many options and so confusing!

Explore these choices to find the best pick for your home and collections.

If you are in the market for a new tree and don't want to go through pages of tree choices, check out the ChristmasTreeforMe.com easy three steps to finding the right tree. They also have a 10% off sale going through this weekend. Just put in the code AboutCollect in the coupon box for an even better price. Sale price is good through Sunday, November 22. Also check out their videos on lighting and tree choices.

Pick the Right Tree and Save 10% in the Process originally appeared on About.com Collectibles on Tuesday, November 17th, 2009 at 16:16:29.

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The amazing Bubble Christmas tree is always a crowd pleaser. It's an unusual tree, but I'm always surprised at how many guests say they "want one". I know most don't order one, but people really love the strange tree that has trunk of water and bubbles.

The tree is decorated with loads of clear glass balls and fish ornaments from Old World Christmas. Since the tree is not made for a tree topper, hanging from the ceiling are six Old World Christmas star fish ornaments hung with clear fishing line.

• The Aquarium Bubble Tree

Theme Trees -- The Aquarium Bubble Christmas Tree originally appeared on About.com Collectibles on Tuesday, November 17th, 2009 at 14:08:25.

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Do you remember the anticipation of finding the right numbered frame and opening the tiny window in the countdown to Christmas? It was a tradition in our house growing up, the problem was there were six kids and one calendar! Today it's a little different, the traditional paper calendars are still readily available, but you can also get themed calendars, permanent calendars, licensed calendars and more. Something for everyone!

Advent Calendar History, Picks and Prices

Photo © Bronners.com

Time to Order Your Advent Calendar! originally appeared on About.com Collectibles on Tuesday, November 17th, 2009 at 07:29:03.

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When you collect a lot of holiday stuff, over the years the trees will all develop their own themes. I'm the first to admit I get carried away a bit. But even for those who aren't quite as crazy as I am, I know many who will have a few theme trees around the house.

So tell me -- what's your favorite themes. Is it by color? Collectible? Material? Age?

Tell us about it in the comment section!

Do You Theme Holiday Decorations? originally appeared on About.com Collectibles on Monday, November 16th, 2009 at 14:32:12.

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Although these are pictures from a few years ago, this has always been one of my favorite tree designs and brings a smile to me whenever I remember it. It was a fun tree to put together and if you love, collect or are a baby boomer start looking over your stuff and think beyond what would normally go on a tree.

Lunch boxes, Mr. Potato Head, PEZ, smiley faces, bubble lights are all some of the things that you can use. Even a worn out slinky would be kind of fun as a garland on the tree. Add a few newer, but vintage looking toys and ornaments for a tree that will bring a smile to everyone who sees it.

• Baby Boomer Tree

Theme Trees -- Baby Boomer Style originally appeared on About.com Collectibles on Monday, November 16th, 2009 at 10:18:11.

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Good, Better, Best by is a terrific concept for a book that antique lovers and collectors will find extremely useful -- IF they are interested in the items that are analyzed. The pictures are wonderful and the information is presented in a clear manner. That being said, personally I feel it's a strange mix of items that are covered.

Good, Better, Best is advertised as trade secrets for spotting a find. I'm not sure if it's actually trade secrets, but the book is loaded with tips and hints for collectors. There are several antiques that I have a flitting interest in and in fact have bought a few pieces. But I didn't know what I should be looking for. This book has helped a lot and the next time those silver napkin rings show up at auction, I'll be better prepared.

Read more . . .

Good, Better, Best originally appeared on About.com Collectibles on Friday, November 13th, 2009 at 08:19:33.

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Is there anything that guarantees to be an instant success more than being mentioned by Oprah or in her O Magazine? Probably not. That's the situation Thomas Glenn finds himself in this year as his company has made The "O" list and the Hot Pink Cammo ornament is featured in the December issue of Oprah magazine. But it's really not an instant success, as the Thomas Glenn Collection has been a favorite among collectors for several years and now non-collectors will be on board!
Read more . . .

(c)Celebrate 365

Making Oprah's "O" List -- Thomas Glenn's Hot Pink Cammo Ornament originally appeared on About.com Collectibles on Thursday, November 12th, 2009 at 04:35:20.

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Welcome to another edition of Make it Merry, where talented crafters share their holiday how-to's. This week we've got some friendly characters and festive Thanksgiving crafts to create.

Create a Pumpkin Candle
What better to put in the middle of the feast. David Fisher will show you how to make this easy and impressive pumpkin tealight holder.

Make a Sesame Street Wreath
For 40 years, Sesame Street has been part of our lives and has encouraged us to accept all holiday traditions. Barbara Crews will show you how to create this wreath dedicated to some of our favorite Muppets.

Draw a Penguin Pilgrim
For Thanksgiving crafts like place mats and name cards, you'll need some festive art. How about a lesson from Helen South on drawing this cutie penguin.

Embroider a Gift Bag
Save cash for presents when you reuse gift bags or buy those inexpensive plain bags. Phyllis Dobbs will show you how to dress them up for the re-gifting process with a touch of delightful embroidery.

Stitch a Swedish Ornament
If you've got an ornament exchange to attend this year, a traditional Swedish ornament will really stand out in the crowd. Cheryl Fall will show you how to hand stitch this original piece.

Wax Resist Holiday Cards
Add a contemporary look to your holiday while saving some cash on Christmas Cards. This wax resist technique from Marion Boddy-Evans is just what you need.

Pumpkin Foam Sticker Earrings
For a quick Fall look in a pinch, try these pumpkin sticker earrings from Tammy Powley. She'll show you how to make them in five easy steps.

Paper Globe Ornament
This dimensional ornament has an intricate look, but is actually simple in design. Kate Pullen will show you how to cut and stamp this delightful addition to your decor.

Knit a Stocking Ornament
A mini stocking is a creative way to give a gift card, or hide a little treat on the tree. Sarah E. White shows us how to knit this cute little sock.

Christmas Tree Bunting
Decking the Halls has never been so fun, and this one is perfect for helpful kids to take part in. Use up those scraps of fabric with this decorative craft from the Sadie and Lance blog.

Make a Mini Hippo
Stuffed animals add a bit of fun and tenderness to any slew of presents. Stuff a stocking with a smile when you sew this little hippo from Lesley Shepherd.

Snowman Candy Jar
Top off your candy jar with a snowman face as sweet as the treats inside. Sherri Osborn will show you how to paint and assemble this wintry decoration that is appropriate to show off all season long.

Joy Ornament Crosstitch
Stitch a little bit of joy for someone this Christmas. Connie G. Barwick has the free pattern for this jolly cross stitch project.

Want to Join Make it Merry to show off your holiday crafts? We will showcase your crafts and recipes of all holiday traditions. Learn more.

Make it Merry originally appeared on About.com Collectibles on Thursday, November 12th, 2009 at 01:16:07.

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Welcome to another edition of Make it Merry, where talented crafters share their holiday how-to's. This week we've got some friendly characters and festive Thanksgiving crafts to create.

Create a Pumpkin Candle
What better to put in the middle of the feast. David Fisher will show you how to make this easy and impressive pumpkin tealight holder.

Make a Sesame Street Wreath
For 40 years, Sesame Street has been part of our lives and has encouraged us to accept all holiday traditions. Barbara Crews will show you how to create this wreath dedicated to some of our favorite Muppets.

Draw a Penguin Pilgrim
For Thanksgiving crafts like place mats and name cards, you'll need some festive art. How about a lesson from Helen South on drawing this cutie penguin.

Embroider a Gift Bag
Save cash for presents when you reuse gift bags or buy those inexpensive plain bags. Phyllis Dobbs will show you how to dress them up for the re-gifting process with a touch of delightful embroidery.

Stitch a Swedish Ornament
If you've got an ornament exchange to attend this year, a traditional Swedish ornament will really stand out in the crowd. Cheryl Fall will show you how to hand stitch this original piece.

Wax Resist Holiday Cards
Add a contemporary look to your holiday while saving some cash on Christmas Cards. This wax resist technique from Marion Boddy-Evans is just what you need.

Pumpkin Foam Sticker Earrings
For a quick Fall look in a pinch, try these pumpkin sticker earrings from Tammy Powley. She'll show you how to make them in five easy steps.

Paper Globe Ornament
This dimensional ornament has an intricate look, but is actually simple in design. Kate Pullen will show you how to cut and stamp this delightful addition to your decor.

Knit a Stocking Ornament
A mini stocking is a creative way to give a gift card, or hide a little treat on the tree. Sarah E. White shows us how to knit this cute little sock.

Christmas Tree Bunting
Decking the Halls has never been so fun, and this one is perfect for helpful kids to take part in. Use up those scraps of fabric with this decorative craft from the Sadie and Lance blog.

Make a Mini Hippo
Stuffed animals add a bit of fun and tenderness to any slew of presents. Stuff a stocking with a smile when you sew this little hippo from Lesley Shepherd.

Snowman Candy Jar
Top off your candy jar with a snowman face as sweet as the treats inside. Sherri Osborn will show you how to paint and assemble this wintry decoration that is appropriate to show off all season long.

Joy Ornament Crosstitch
Stitch a little bit of joy for someone this Christmas. Connie G. Barwick has the free pattern for this jolly cross stitch project.

Want to Join Make it Merry to show off your holiday crafts? We will showcase your crafts and recipes of all holiday traditions. Learn more.

Make it Merry originally appeared on About.com Collectibles on Thursday, November 12th, 2009 at 01:16:07.

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This piece is a real mystery for everyone. From the forums:
"The brass roller attached has a steel core. There is a rod through the centre with wooden handles on it at both ends. What is it for? Who would use it?"

Post your guess in the comment section below.

Last week's Mystery Antique.

• Wordless Wednesdays on About
• See more Wordless Wednesday Blogs
• More Mystery Antique Quizzes

Mystery Antique of the Week originally appeared on About.com Collectibles on Wednesday, November 11th, 2009 at 00:40:40.

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The 40th anniversary of Sesame Street was the inspiration for this wreath that cost less than $7.00 to make. Why was it so cheap? I raided an old toy box and found some plastic Christmas ornaments in the holiday closet that haven't been used for years.

Making wreaths from your found treasures or old collectibles that might be broken or perhaps not worth very much is a way to enjoy your hobby all through the holidays.

See larger images and more holiday wreaths made from collectibles:

• Sesame Street Wreath
• Jim's Yearly Ornament Wreath
• Tacky Plastic Santa Wreath
• Harry Potter Wreath
• Blue Eyes White Dragon Wreath
• Parade of Penguins

Happy Anniversary to Sesame Street originally appeared on About.com Collectibles on Tuesday, November 10th, 2009 at 14:06:05.

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Everything about this tree has been difficult, including no lights. So the next step in my ongoing story of "The Tree" was to light it.

But to be truthful, I have a love-hate relationship with Christmas tree lights. I love the way a pre-lit tree looks, but it seems every time I buy one, after a season or two, at least one strand quits working and the faulty connection can never be found.

After a recent review I did on LED lights, I decided to use the new LED warm white and red Christmas lights on the tree.

Best tip I can give is to take a picture of the tree (or decorations) when you think it's almost done. The camera will capture those bare spots and faults not really noticed with the naked eye.

Lighting The Tree originally appeared on About.com Collectibles on Tuesday, November 10th, 2009 at 03:51:58.

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Finally an LED light I want to use on an indoor Christmas tree. Yes, I am very picky and can drive my family crazy when I start decorating. Over the years LED lights have become popular, but they weren't right for "my" trees and decorations until now. Finally there are lights I can use without wearing sunglasses in the house!

Read: The NEW LED Christmas Lights

Also see: Picking the Right Christmas Tree for Your Collectibles

The NEW LED Christmas Lights originally appeared on About.com Collectibles on Monday, November 9th, 2009 at 14:29:53.

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Continuing on with my upside-down tree saga - the redwood (okay, not a redwood just feels like it when trying to move it) has been relocated about 30' to the other side of the living room and is now in it's permanent Christmas place. It only took moving one large bookcase, one small bookcase and installing three heavy duty eyebolts into the wall. Suffice it to say with the wire and bolts, the wall will come down before the tree does.

Next on the agenda is the lighting -- that will happen this weekend!

More:
Part 1; 2

The Saga of the Upside Down Tree, cont'd originally appeared on About.com Collectibles on Friday, November 6th, 2009 at 12:47:03.

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From the Strong National Museum of Play:
The Ball officially joins the Stick (among last year's toy inductees) as it bounces into the prestigious halls of the National Toy Hall of Fame at Strong National Museum of Play along with the iconic Big Wheel® and innovative Nintendo Game Boy®.

The three toy honorees were selected from among 12 toy finalists that included: The Ball, Big Wheel, Cabbage Patch Kids®, Game of Life®, Hot Wheels®, Nintendo Game Boy®, Paper Airplane, Playing Cards, Rubik's Cube®, Sidewalk Chalk, Toy Tea Set, and Transformers®.
Read more

Three New Toys in the Hall of Fame originally appeared on About.com Collectibles on Thursday, November 5th, 2009 at 19:12:38.

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Clothes Pin Holiday Card Holders
What to do with all those holiday cards? Hold them up with clothes pins as dazzling as twinkling lights with this how-to from Kate Pullen.

Make a Gingerbread House
Ever want to create the perfect gingerbread house? Okay, I have yet to master this skill..but you can! Our Barbara Rolek will show you how.

How to Draw a Christmas Tree
Here is one that will come in handy for all those handmade cards. Master sketch artist Helen South will show you how to draw the perfect tree from start to finish.

Paint a Glass Ornament
Turn a plain glass ball into a work of stained glass art. Our Guide to Painting will show you how to create this delicate trimming.

Silent Night Cross Stitch Pattern
Don't just get cozy, get your stitch on. Create a Silent Night design with this free pattern from Connie G. Barwick.

Stitch a Pear Trio
Hang up something special in your home for that Thanksgiving gathering. This free 'Pear Trio' needlepoint pattern from Cheryl Fall is just what your walls needed.

Easy Christmas Ornaments
Start a tradition for the kids to make new ornaments each year. Sherri Osborn has the shape patterns and project ideas for these ornaments that reflect Christmas traditions.

Print Thanksgiving Placecards
Add some warmth to your table with these Thanksgiving place cards that will have your guests saying 'awwwww'. Barbara Crews has the free printable for you to personalize.

Wine Bottle Wrap Pattern
Instead of giving a bottle of wine in one of those skinny bags, make a felt wrap that the bottle can be displayed in all season. Phyllis Dobbs will show you how.

Make a Miniature Christmas Tree
Why are tiny things always so darn cute? Learn how to make a little pine tree with Lesley Shepherd.

Interchangeable Thanksgiving Pins
Sometimes you just can't commit to just one pin. With this interchangeable Thanksgiving pin by Tammy Powley, you can tell everyone when you're ready for pie...and when you're overstuffed.

Want to Join Make it Merry to show off your holiday crafts? We will showcase your crafts and recipes of all holiday traditions. Learn more.

Make it Merry! originally appeared on About.com Collectibles on Thursday, November 5th, 2009 at 08:48:47.

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