Archive for March, 2007

Is There Magic In A Crystal Animal Figurine?

We aren’t talking about the slight of hand of the magician nor the wizardry of Merlin. We are talking about the kind of magic that Disney creates – the magic that flows from enchantment. The kind of magic we wanted to believe in when we were kids.

When we watch Tinker Bell fly across our TV screen leaving a trail of sparkling fairy dust, we immediately transfer ourselves to that magical zone of enchantment. That enchantment zone may be different for each of us. It could be one of joy, or happiness, or tranquility, or anticipation or a host of things that you could name for yourself.

So where is the magic in a crystal figurine? I discovered the answer over ten years ago while reluctantly shopping with my wife and mother-in-law at a local mall. As we passed a beautiful gift store, my mother-in-law, closely followed by my wife, made a bee-line straight for a glass display case just inside the entrance. They were in there for quite awhile, then came out and said they had a few more things to get. While my ladies continued shopping the other stores, I rested on a bench outside the gift shop. I was amazed at how many people walked by the entrance, saw the display case and walked in for a closer look.

Finally, I couldn’t stand it any longer. I had to go into that store to find out what was the big attraction that lured so many people to that glass case. The case held somewhere between twenty and thirty beautiful and expertly crafted crystal animals and crystal figurines. With so many figurines in such a small area, the case had a glowing effect with rays of light jumping in all different directions. I was at first stunned by this very powerful display and then settled in to admire the fine detail of the individual pieces.

Surprisingly, I found myself in a strange zone, one I only experience when I’m in a home improvement store looking at tools and imagining all the projects I could do with them. Imagine a grown man standing at a glass display case, mesmerized by the beauty and workmanship of the crystal figurines, thinking so and so would like this one and that one would be a great gift for….That’s not a zone most men are accustomed to experiencing. I was enchanted!

A few minutes later a young woman came to the case looking carefully at each crystal animal while softly cooing to herself. After a few minutes of oohhs and aahhs, I said, “Judging by the sounds you’re making, you really like these.” Without looking up, she answered, “Oh yes, I love crystal animals, they’re great collectibles. Curious, I then asked what attracted her to them. She looked up, smiled and said, “It’s the sparkle in crystal, it’s like magic”. I pondered that comment for awhile, not really understanding what she meant.

A few months later, I gave a friend a crystal cat figurine. When she opened the crystal gift she fell into that moment of enchantment. We all could see it on her face. She said when she opened the box she saw the sparkle before she realized it was crystal and was overwhelmed by the beauty of the figurine. That was her magical moment.

There is magic in a crystal animal figurine. Like fairy dust, the magic is in the sparkle, and the sparkle is in the crystal.

About the Author

Lowry Mell is a retired Merchandiser and former Marketing and Business Consultant. His articles on centered on crystal animal figurines and crystal jewelry. For additional information on crystal, visit: www.CrystalCrossroads.com

Add comment March 27th, 2007

Know anyone who love cows

cowGet them the Cow Parade Dr. Moo D. Brown. This doctor cow stands 4.5″ tall and is made of ceramic. The art students of Blackshear Elementary School in Houston, Texas created Dr. Moo D. Brown. According to the students, “All children going to the hospital must come into direct contact with a doctor and the doctor becomes our friend because he helps us stay healthy.” Because so many young children are uncomfortable with the doctor, the artists wanted to portray a friendly doctor. “Dr. Moo D. Brown” is dressed in hospital dress, complete with surgical mask and all of the instruments needed when seeing a patient or making rounds. He even has a beeper to stay in touch with the hospital and his patients. You can buy it on this site.

Add comment March 20th, 2007

Protecting the Value of Your Figurine

Do you know the value of your figurine? When asked this question most people immediately start thinking in terms of dollars and cents. But in truth that is the last thing you should think about.

The true value of your figurine can only be measured in terms of how much you care for it. As a result, the more you care for it the more value it could have.

But regardless of how you determine your figurine’s value, below are some guidelines that will not only protect its value but could increase it as well.

* Keep it clean. In most cases just simple dusting is all that is required. When washing is necessary I suggest using tepid water and a mild soap or detergent (such as baby shampoo). Use a soft cloth to wash the figurine and a soft brush or Q-Tip to get into small nooks and crevices. To avoid crazing, never allow water to get inside of your figurine. Rinse the figurine using a soft cloth that’s been dipped in warm clear water. Allow the figurine to air dry. * Display it with caution. Never expose your figurine to direct sunlight. The sun’s rays can cause discoloration as well as distortion and deterioration. * Make sure its display foundation is secured. Never place your figurine near the edge of the display area. Secure your figurine using some museum wax, available at most craft or home improvement stores. This inexpensive product will keep your figurine from toppling over during earthquakes or accidental bumps. * Avoid exposing it to extreme temperature changes. Also avoid putting your figurine in areas with high moisture levels or rapid temperature changes. * Keep its original box. The original will not only provide for safe storage but could add value should you decide to sell your figurine.

Following these simple tips does not only make sense. But one day they could convert to substantial dollars and cents.

About the Author

Earl Beal Owner/Manager Figurines And Such www.figurinesandsuch.com

Add comment March 13th, 2007


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