Archive for February, 2007
Disney entertainment has been part of the American lifestyle since 1923. During this time it has captured the hearts of millions of fans across the world. This love affair with Disney has spawned a large group of Disney memorabilia collectors. As the hobby has blossomed into a number of different channels, the term Disneyana has evolved to describe all types of Disney collectibles. This massive world of memorabilia has led to collectors specializing in targeted niches of Disneyana in order to succeed at building their collections. After all, with so many items to choose from, it is hard enough to make a dent in even one of the categories. Even with specialization, the Disney collectible market still seems to center around a few popular categories. The largest three are vintage Disneyana, Disney pins, and Disney figurines.
Vintage Disneyana is comprised of collectible pieces that were produced and distributed prior to the 1966 death of Walt Disney. Vintage Disneyana collectors are often known as “hardcore” purists who shun Disney works created after 1966. While this may or may not be accurate, these collectors are typically very knowledgeable in their trade. This knowledge is important since collectibles in this time period are much rarer and can command significant prices. Because the market for these pieces is so competitive, it is harder to find deals and uncovered treasures. Nonetheless, the vintage Disney collector is always active in his pursuit of the next great piece. This is a task that has become more accessible with the development of internet auction sites.
Collecting Disney pins is one of the fastest growing hobbies anywhere. While pins have been available at Disney theme parks for years, the hobby ultimately took off in 1999 when pin trading stations were introduced at the theme parks. The interactive element of pin trading has propelled Disney pins to one of the most recognized collectibles in the world. Websites and clubs have sprung up all over the internet, and special pin trading events can be found in nearly every major city. Special edition pins and limited edition collections have turned into hot sellers in the aftermarket. The escalation of aftermarket prices, combined with the accessibility of entry-level pins, insures that Disney pin trading will be around for a long time.
Disney figurine collecting is another category of Disney memorabilia that has reached extraordinary levels of membership. Usually made of porcelain, Disney figurines have an average height of only six inches, but their appeal can be measured in the millions. Each figurine is released in a special lot with limited production for each piece. Knowledgeable collectors examine the issue date, production markings, and market availability when determining the value of a piece. Similar to Disney pins, limited edition models and anniversary collections hold the most value on the aftermarket. Though some collectors profit handsomely from reselling pieces, there is a large contingent of the Disney figurine community that collect for their own enjoyment.
In short, collecting Disneyana is a hobby that offers something for all age groups and budgets. While there is always a segment of each niche that is expensive, most Disney product lines do offer affordability with their new releases. This is important as it allows new collectors to join the hobby and solidify its’ growth in the future. As with any hobby, it is the fun of building your collection that fuels the passion. The Disney name and sheer popularity of their characters only add to the allure of Disneyana, and it is safe to say that the market for Disney memorabilia will continue to grow.
About the Author
Xavier is a freelance author who writes about collecting Disney Memorabilia on DisneyMemorabilia.com.
February 28th, 2007
Millions of people throughout the world take great joy in the hobby of collecting figurines. If you are thinking of starting your own collectible figurine collection, you can purchase your first figurine through various channels, such as buying it online or going to a wholesale figurine market.
Nowadays, figurine collection has become an interesting and fascinating hobby. In fact, with the use of the internet, starting your own figurine collection has become even easier. No matter what type of figurine you are looking for, you will find a wide range of collectible figurines available on the internet, which you can buy from the comfort of your own home and at a reasonable price too. You can also purchase figurines by bidding on online auctions. However, take care not to bid too much on figurines as you would not want your figurine collection to become a financial burden on you.
If you want to order a special type of figurine such as an angel figurine or a fairy figurine, be sure to ask the supplier to display the models and list of your choice. It is also important to specify the size of your figurine before placing the purchase order. Images and pictures of figurines online are often not truly representative of the actual size of the figurines and may often appear larger than the actual dimensions.
Furthermore, some special figurines such as angel figurine may cost you more, as they can be custom made according to your desire. The modern porcelain angel figurine comes in various materials and shapes, so be sure to specify the material and other features that you wish your angel figurine or fairy figurine to have. Fairy figurines are also available in many models and dimensions. Another type of collectible figurine that many people love to collect is the pewter figurine of mythical creatures.
If you consider your figurine collection to be of great value, you should consider passing it on to your future generation as collectible figurines increase in values over time. You will be surprised to know that there is a science to collecting figurines and the more you become involved in the hobby of collecting figurines, the more you will want to learn about it.
Before starting your collection, visit specialty shops like wholesale figurine shops or ask a few friends or relatives who are experienced in collecting figurines for suggestions on how to get started and also on how to negotiate successfully with sellers of figurines
About the Author
For more on Figurines visit figurine-collection.info. Susan also enjoys writing on a wide range of topics at http://www.home-and-family-hub.info
February 19th, 2007
How to Give a Finishing Touch to Your Ceramic…
Once you finish modeling the clay in your desired shape, the last and important job is to give a finishing touch. This will give your model it actual looks. So it is very important to know how and what tools are to be used. This article will guide you in solving your problems and giving your model perfect shape.
For decorating purposes, you will need several soft-hair brushes with which to apply colors and glazes. These can also be used for applying liquid clay (or slip), for mending and general modeling or shaping purposes. The brushes can be of average quality, such as imitation camel’s-hair watercolor brushes. Both pointed and flat-tipped brushes should be in supply. Numbers 3, 5, 8 and 10 will serve almost all requirements.
Wooden modeling tools also simplify the shaping and decorating of a clay object. It is easier to push the clay into rough form with a mallet or a block of wood than with the fist or the heel of the hand. After the roughing-out has been completed and the large masses are shaped, more detailed modeling begins. This calls for a few wooden modeling sticks about 6 to 8 inches long, with thin, flat blades. The blade ends are used for cutting, smoothing and shaping surfaces and for welding fine lines. The round ends are used for welding coils together and for all-around modeling and shaping.
A scratch-point is helpful in etching designs in a clay body. Almost anything with a sharp point can be used effectively an orange stick or any piece of doweling which has been sharpened to a point. You can, if you wish, buy metal scratch-points in most stationery stores. These will fit into any penholder. If you want to do graffiti work decorations formed by cutting or scratching through an outer coating of slip to show the clay underneath a scratch-point is a handy implement.
As you progress and want to try new decorating methods, you’ll probably attempt slip-trailing, a method by which you achieve designs in relief. Slip-trailing is much like decorating a cake with the words “happy birthday”. A hand irrigating syringe with a hard-rubber nozzle and a bulb can be used for this technique. Cost is less than a dollar in the local drugstore.
Wire-loop tools always find their way into the ceramist’s workshop because of the varied uses to which they can be put. Again, they are valuable tools for carving sgraffito designs. Also they are used for smoothing the surface of pottery and sculpture, especially for cutting down high places and for hollowing out hand-shaped figurines before firing. Select three or more loop tools of sizes varying from 8 to 10 inches long, and with different shaped loops.
When working with molded green ware, you will need a fettling knife and or an elephant sponge to sand off the mold marks and to smooth surfaces and edges Cellulose sponges or fine sandpaper car also be utilized.
Now you can save a huge amount of money by creating you own made decorative items, shaping and designing by you as per your taste.
About the Author
Mitch Johnson is a regular writer for http://www.curtains-n-drapes.com/ , http://www.ezceramicsguide.info/ , http://www.myceramicstips.info/
February 6th, 2007
