With the world today thinking GREEN and RECYCLING I like to think about how to recycle the things I love best and of course that is collectibles.

As defined in Wikipedia:  A collectable (or collectible) is typically a manufactured item designed for people to collect. In this respect, they are distinguishable from other subjects of collections, which may also include natural objects (e.g., butterflies) and objects manufactured for purposes other than collecting (e.g., stamps). Some objects designed for other purposes, such as toys, become so popular among collectors that they are later marketed specifically to that audience. The high price for certain older Star Wars action figures is a good example of this phenomenon since the figures were originally intended to be purchased as toys rather than collectibles.

Personally, I think collectibles are more than one or two of something that you truly enjoy.

When you start to redecorate or add to your collection think about how you can do this using something once loved.  My eBay store LADY LINDA’S LOFT!! is bursting with wonderful, whimsical, one of a kind, once loved collectibles.  The categories on the side are there to help your search but feel free to browse as you never know when you might find the perfect piece you have been looking for.

Whatever your reasons there are definite do’s and don’ts to attending these sales and hopefully this article will help with some of those.

 Before going out to a sale you should decide if you are looking for something in particular or are you going in the hope that something will catch your eye. 

 ALWAYS have a budget in mind (I use only cash and so when it’s gone I go home).

 IF you are looking for something in particular then you should do some research prior to going to make sure that if you do find it you don’t pay to much.

Dishes, Silver, China, etc. go to: http://www.replacements.com

For collectibles go to Ebay.com and type in what you are looking for under search. 

Clothing; make sure you know the size, color and maker if this is important you can also GOOGLE any of these and do a comparison before going out.

MAKE sure that your purchase is in good condition. There is nothing worse than being excited about something you bought and getting it home and finding a large crack, a stain or tear or just that it’s not nearly as nice as you had thought.

 IF you’re looking at puzzles, games, etc. make sure that it has all the pieces.  I hate it when I’ve spent hours on a Jigsaw puzzle only to find out that the final pieces are MISSING!!

 WHEN looking at silverware make sure you have brought a jewelers loop or magnifying glass.  The mark on the piece can make the difference between it being very valuable, valuable or from Wal-Mart. Also, if the piece is engraved, unless it happens to be your initials, pass it by.  If you are planning on reselling it engraved pieces are a lot harder to resell than plain.

 AVOID one of a kind if at all possible.  Two coffee mugs are easier to sell than one (unless it’s STARBUCKS) and at least two bowls, plates, etc are much easier to sell and/or use than just one.

 IF you see a nice piece of pottery make sure that you either recognize the potter’s mark on the bottom or that you really like the piece!  Unless it’s easily recognized or VERY unique, it will be very hard to resell, so make sure that you think it’s beautiful and have the perfect place to put it.  With all of the “Do It Yourself” pottery shops around it’s very easy to get Aunt Susie’s vase made by cute little Cousin Emma.

 I think that the first and foremost rule is that whatever you buy if you like it GREAT but if you don’t there is always next years garage sale.

 www.ladylindasloft.com

 C

As you care for your pieces remember, most damage happens when cleaning or moving pieces. You must be very careful each time you clean a piece. When moving your beautiful pieces of Crystal, always carry one object or one part of an object at a time.  Sometimes we want to get done quicker and as mother used to say “haste makes waste” and carrying multiple pieces or parts can cause unnecessary chipping or breakage.  Always place your hands gently but firmly around the body of your piece rather than using an existing handle, rim, or  spout for support because no matter whether it is a very old piece or new it could snap off or slip from your hands.

In general, it is not a good idea to routinely wash the pieces but to wash only on an as needed basis.  The less a piece is handled for cleaning the less risk of breakage through accidents and mishandling.  It is better to protect pieces from soil and dust in the first place by keeping them in a closed curio or China Cabinet.  If you do like to display them on a shelf you should keep a careful eye on them to make sure they are not getting to dusty.  However, it is also important to enjoy your crystal, just always remember that it is fragile.

By taking care and precautions your crystal whether glasses, ornaments or collectibles will bring you a lifetime of enjoyment and still be something of value to hand down to generations to come.

is the one who sees his goal steadily

and aims for it unswervingly. 

 That is dedication.

~Cecil B. De Mille~

My goal is to increase my business and get ready for retirement.

Here is my store:

www.ladylindasloft.com

For more go to www.ladylindasloft.com

As I begin this new year I am blogging for the first time!  I have had a year that I am glad is over and I’m definitely looking forward to the new one.

I once had someone ask me what I would do if I knew that this was the last year I had and after much thought I know I would spend as much time as possible with my children and grandchildren.  I would put as many thoughts and words as I could in writing for them and then I would live each day as if I wasn’t going to have tomorrow.

The one thing I do know for certain is that you should never leave something unsaid or assume that people know how you feel about them because you may never get the chance to tell them and there are very few do overs in life.

For this year I am going to get more organized, try and grow my business as much as possible, (www.ladylindasloft.com) and enjoy life in general.

I don’t know how this blogging works but if you read this please tell me what you plan for this year and how you want to look back on it next December 31, 2008.