Treasure Box Wednesday: Brushing Up on Brush McCoy Pottery

There were just two things in the Treasure Box for this week-- one of which I shared with you good folks on Sunday.

The other was a vase that had caught my eye several weeks ago, in a McCoy display at the We Miss Back When antique mall in Apollo, PA. The color and shape were absolutely my taste. Regular readers probably know by now my love of these organic-looking art pottery pieces in cool pastels. And this one seemed so finely-done.

The mark on the bottom of the vase said "Brush Company." And because I had already selected a more inexpensive, small McCoy piece from the mall, I ended up passing on the vase. Budget just wouldn't allow.

It was this week, I was in the area and finally made the purchase for my collection. (And on sale, no less!)
Interestingly, the vase does seem to be a part of the McCoy company's lengthy history. The company had many names, many mergers and many smaller companies branching from it since the turn-of-the-1900s, and the Brush Company was one of those early iterations.

If the vase is truly from the Brush Company itself-- and not a part of the later merger called "Brush-McCoy"-- then the vase had a very small window of opportunity for production.

According to my Collector's Encyclopedia of McCoy Pottery, the Brush Pottery company was a one-kiln operation in the Putman section of Zanesville, Ohio in 1907, started by one of the later general managers of McCoy pottery, George S. Brush. Due to a fire, the Brush Pottery only existed from 1907-1908.

Brush-McCoy began in 1911.
So I still need to verify the mark on the bottom of the vase to determine if it's really just Brush Pottery or not, but either way, it's probably a pretty old piece.

No matter-- the point, as with anything a person collects-- is that I love it. The smooth, creamy matte finish... The leafy, feathery shape... It sits with McCoy cousins in its color palette as a central focal point like it's always lived there.

And I was wondering-- do you folks collect anything that you've had to do some research on?

Treasure Box Wednesday: Brushing Up on Brush McCoy Pottery

There were just two things in the Treasure Box for this week-- one of which I shared with you good folks on Sunday.

The other was a vase that had caught my eye several weeks ago, in a McCoy display at the We Miss Back When antique mall in Apollo, PA. The color and shape were absolutely my taste. Regular readers probably know by now my love of these organic-looking art pottery pieces in cool pastels. And this one seemed so finely-done.

The mark on the bottom of the vase said "Brush Company." And because I had already selected a more inexpensive, small McCoy piece from the mall, I ended up passing on the vase. Budget just wouldn't allow.

It was this week, I was in the area and finally made the purchase for my collection. (And on sale, no less!)
Interestingly, the vase does seem to be a part of the McCoy company's lengthy history. The company had many names, many mergers and many smaller companies branching from it since the turn-of-the-1900s, and the Brush Company was one of those early iterations.

If the vase is truly from the Brush Company itself-- and not a part of the later merger called "Brush-McCoy"-- then the vase had a very small window of opportunity for production.

According to my Collector's Encyclopedia of McCoy Pottery, the Brush Pottery company was a one-kiln operation in the Putman section of Zanesville, Ohio in 1907, started by one of the later general managers of McCoy pottery, George S. Brush. Due to a fire, the Brush Pottery only existed from 1907-1908.

Brush-McCoy began in 1911.
So I still need to verify the mark on the bottom of the vase to determine if it's really just Brush Pottery or not, but either way, it's probably a pretty old piece.

No matter-- the point, as with anything a person collects-- is that I love it. The smooth, creamy matte finish... The leafy, feathery shape... It sits with McCoy cousins in its color palette as a central focal point like it's always lived there.

And I was wondering-- do you folks collect anything that you've had to do some research on?

Getting to Know You: Survey Says?

I know I blab on a lot each week about the sorts of things that I get all excited about when treasure hunting-- but I've been wondering what makes you all happy.
And so I thought it might be fun to just chat a bit about the kinds of things that make your hearts go pitty-pat when you spy them-- the way you decorate with them, and the kinds of places you go to uncover them!

• What, if anything, do you collect? Do you have a favorite piece in your collection?

• Do you have any preference between thrift stores, flea markets, yard sales, antique malls or any other sources for your treasure-hunting?

• Is there anything you get particularly excited about when you spot it?
  

• Do you craft much? And if so-- what's your favorite craft?

• Do you decorate your home in a particular style? (Say, Victorian, colonial, 70s retro, mid-century modern, etc.)

• Is there a particular color that you gravitate toward?

Just to get the ball rolling so no one feels shy, I'll start--

• I collect a number of things, including McCoy pottery, figural bisque pieces, Carnival and luster glassware, Fiestaware, and early 1900s transferware pottery. I also have a small vintage Pyrex problem. And I love retro cooking, decorating and crafting books-- particularly if their photos have a "what-the?!" factor. I have favorite pieces, but choosing among all of them would be like picking a favorite child. They all make me happy when I see them.

• While I enjoy all forms of secondhand goodies-searching, I tend to go to thrift stores and antique malls more than garage sales and flea markets. It's a drive for me to get to flea markets, meaning I'd have to get up super-early in the morning just to be there at a decent time. And given my area's confusing, winding topography, tracking down garage sales isn't always easy. I might end up irretrevably lost-- and no, I haven't thrifted myself GPS yet. :) I should probably work on that.
  

• I get really excited when I see what might be an interesting, possibly hand-painted lamp at a thrift store. Longtime readers know I have a lamp problem. I should have probably listed that above in the collecting area, but doing so would mean I'd have to admit I actively amass them. And I'm not ready for that step in the Lamp Addicts Anonymous program yet.
  

• Re: crafting, I really enjoy painting; the success of it, however, is always teetering a fine line between half-decent and candidate for the Museum of Bad Art. And which way the project will veer is never obvious from the beginning.
  

• My home is decorated in a combination of Victorian and Shabby Chic, with a bit of Eastern Indian and 50s retro thrown in for good measure. I like the idea of the house being usable and comfortable, so I aim for an atmosphere more than strict period styling.

• Colorwise, I realize I seem to have some shade of green in almost every room. I find it soothing somehow. I'm not big on orange (I think I was scared by 70s harvest colors as a child), but I've grown to realize almost any color can work beautifully under the right circumstances.
  

So, those are my answers. What thrifty, crafty fun brings you joy? I'd love to hear about it!

Getting to Know You: Survey Says?

I know I blab on a lot each week about the sorts of things that I get all excited about when treasure hunting-- but I've been wondering what makes you all happy.
And so I thought it might be fun to just chat a bit about the kinds of things that make your hearts go pitty-pat when you spy them-- the way you decorate with them, and the kinds of places you go to uncover them!

• What, if anything, do you collect? Do you have a favorite piece in your collection?

• Do you have any preference between thrift stores, flea markets, yard sales, antique malls or any other sources for your treasure-hunting?

• Is there anything you get particularly excited about when you spot it?
  

• Do you craft much? And if so-- what's your favorite craft?

• Do you decorate your home in a particular style? (Say, Victorian, colonial, 70s retro, mid-century modern, etc.)

• Is there a particular color that you gravitate toward?

Just to get the ball rolling so no one feels shy, I'll start--

• I collect a number of things, including McCoy pottery, figural bisque pieces, Carnival and luster glassware, Fiestaware, and early 1900s transferware pottery. I also have a small vintage Pyrex problem. And I love retro cooking, decorating and crafting books-- particularly if their photos have a "what-the?!" factor. I have favorite pieces, but choosing among all of them would be like picking a favorite child. They all make me happy when I see them.

• While I enjoy all forms of secondhand goodies-searching, I tend to go to thrift stores and antique malls more than garage sales and flea markets. It's a drive for me to get to flea markets, meaning I'd have to get up super-early in the morning just to be there at a decent time. And given my area's confusing, winding topography, tracking down garage sales isn't always easy. I might end up irretrevably lost-- and no, I haven't thrifted myself GPS yet. :) I should probably work on that.
  

• I get really excited when I see what might be an interesting, possibly hand-painted lamp at a thrift store. Longtime readers know I have a lamp problem. I should have probably listed that above in the collecting area, but doing so would mean I'd have to admit I actively amass them. And I'm not ready for that step in the Lamp Addicts Anonymous program yet.
  

• Re: crafting, I really enjoy painting; the success of it, however, is always teetering a fine line between half-decent and candidate for the Museum of Bad Art. And which way the project will veer is never obvious from the beginning.
  

• My home is decorated in a combination of Victorian and Shabby Chic, with a bit of Eastern Indian and 50s retro thrown in for good measure. I like the idea of the house being usable and comfortable, so I aim for an atmosphere more than strict period styling.

• Colorwise, I realize I seem to have some shade of green in almost every room. I find it soothing somehow. I'm not big on orange (I think I was scared by 70s harvest colors as a child), but I've grown to realize almost any color can work beautifully under the right circumstances.
  

So, those are my answers. What thrifty, crafty fun brings you joy? I'd love to hear about it!

McCoy Pottery: The Price of Popularity

On my thrifting travels yesterday, I came across a couple of collector's books from the '80s for $5 a piece, and one of them was The Collector's Encyclopedia of McCoy Pottery by Sharon and Bob Huxford.

Given my only resources on the McCoy I collect were from a guide that contained other collectibles too, I thought it would be handy to have a whole book dedicated to these unique vases, planters, cookie jars and other pottery items.

It was terrific to see the wide range of products and styles McCoy did since its beginnings in the early 1900s. But the thing that surprised me most was not the diversity-- but the 1980s prices for these now sometimes pricey and sought-after pieces!


Any McCoy fan in possession of a time machine would be wise to leap into it now, head to the time of MTV's heyday, big hair, and parachute pants. And there, get thee to an antique mall and snatch up what McCoy you can find to bring back to 2009!

I wouldn't say you could retire on the investment. But you'd definitely have done well for yourself. Money for Nothin', even. :)

I mean, here is a favorite piece in my collection-- this McCoy shell planting dish from 1941...

In 1983, the price was listed as $7-$10. Nowadays a nice McCoy piece in perfect condition of this size tends to average around $30-$40 from what I've seen in my area. Fans of McCoy, I'd love to hear from you about the prices in your neck of the woods!

A cornucopia similar to this one, but be-tasseled, can be found in the encyclopedia...

The 1983 encyclopedia listed it as $5-$8. I'll have to check, but I think I paid about $10, and that, for today, was on the low side.

And this swan vase, listed the same price as above, was from 1946...

I've seen these swans in other colors-- cream being one of them. Usually they run around $20-$30.

This vase in "wheat" from 1953 was listed as $5-$8...

I think I paid $20 for it because I really liked the organic yet streamlined design to it, as well as its soft, blended harvest colors. I haven't seen another one like it to know what they're running around here.

This geometric/deco style vase is from 1941...

In 83, it was list as $5-$8 as well. I paid $11, and I recall feeling I got quite a steal. I've seen it in other colors, and it's been about $25-$45.

This pot and saucer from 1961 was listed a $4-&7...
While I got mine from the Salvation Army, I've seen pots like this at antique malls charging $12 for a highly-damaged and considerably smaller piece.

This little jobbie here I got for $4 yesterday....

It needs a good cleaning, but is otherwise in great condition. But in 1983, it was worth $1.50-$2.50. I would have greatly overpaid!

Anyway, I thought you all just might appreciate getting to see how at least one collectible item has appreciated over time. And it hasn't just happened with McCoy. I mean, collectors of jadite will attest to how what once was a common yet lovely Depression era glass got some attention from Martha Stewart and suddenly prices went through the roof. Only now am I starting to find jadite at more reasonable prices.

And what collectible will be next, do you think?

I'd love to hear from you all about how you've seen collecting change over the years, and where you think it's headed!

Until our next post on Wednesday, folks! Happy hunting!

McCoy Pottery: The Price of Popularity

On my thrifting travels yesterday, I came across a couple of collector's books from the '80s for $5 a piece, and one of them was The Collector's Encyclopedia of McCoy Pottery by Sharon and Bob Huxford.

Given my only resources on the McCoy I collect were from a guide that contained other collectibles too, I thought it would be handy to have a whole book dedicated to these unique vases, planters, cookie jars and other pottery items.

It was terrific to see the wide range of products and styles McCoy did since its beginnings in the early 1900s. But the thing that surprised me most was not the diversity-- but the 1980s prices for these now sometimes pricey and sought-after pieces!


Any McCoy fan in possession of a time machine would be wise to leap into it now, head to the time of MTV's heyday, big hair, and parachute pants. And there, get thee to an antique mall and snatch up what McCoy you can find to bring back to 2009!

I wouldn't say you could retire on the investment. But you'd definitely have done well for yourself. Money for Nothin', even. :)

I mean, here is a favorite piece in my collection-- this McCoy shell planting dish from 1941...

In 1983, the price was listed as $7-$10. Nowadays a nice McCoy piece in perfect condition of this size tends to average around $30-$40 from what I've seen in my area. Fans of McCoy, I'd love to hear from you about the prices in your neck of the woods!

A cornucopia similar to this one, but be-tasseled, can be found in the encyclopedia...

The 1983 encyclopedia listed it as $5-$8. I'll have to check, but I think I paid about $10, and that, for today, was on the low side.

And this swan vase, listed the same price as above, was from 1946...

I've seen these swans in other colors-- cream being one of them. Usually they run around $20-$30.

This vase in "wheat" from 1953 was listed as $5-$8...

I think I paid $20 for it because I really liked the organic yet streamlined design to it, as well as its soft, blended harvest colors. I haven't seen another one like it to know what they're running around here.

This geometric/deco style vase is from 1941...

In 83, it was list as $5-$8 as well. I paid $11, and I recall feeling I got quite a steal. I've seen it in other colors, and it's been about $25-$45.

This pot and saucer from 1961 was listed a $4-&7...
While I got mine from the Salvation Army, I've seen pots like this at antique malls charging $12 for a highly-damaged and considerably smaller piece.

This little jobbie here I got for $4 yesterday....

It needs a good cleaning, but is otherwise in great condition. But in 1983, it was worth $1.50-$2.50. I would have greatly overpaid!

Anyway, I thought you all just might appreciate getting to see how at least one collectible item has appreciated over time. And it hasn't just happened with McCoy. I mean, collectors of jadite will attest to how what once was a common yet lovely Depression era glass got some attention from Martha Stewart and suddenly prices went through the roof. Only now am I starting to find jadite at more reasonable prices.

And what collectible will be next, do you think?

I'd love to hear from you all about how you've seen collecting change over the years, and where you think it's headed!

Until our next post on Wednesday, folks! Happy hunting!

A Few of Your Favorite Things

I know I do a lot of talking twice a week about the stuff that interests me-- and which I always hope will interest you all, too. You folks have joined me on antiquing trips, and thrift store adventures, and the occasional garage saling extravaganza... I blab about the stuff I collect, and the things that tickle my fancy.

But today I thought it would be a nice opportunity to hear from you dear peoples, and find out the things that are near and dear to your hearts.

What are some of your favorite things? The terrific find that made your day? The heirloom item you'd never part with? The great deal you got?

And are you a flea market maven? A veteran thrifter? A garage sale junkie? All or none of the above?

Is there any topic here at The Thrift Shop Romantic that you'd like to see in a future post? A collectible item you think readers should know about? Or a particular post topic you've enjoyed in the past and would like to read more about?


I appreciate that you folks have so kindly indulged me in my thrifty decorating obsessions. And today, I just thought it would be nice to find out the sort of things that make you happy-- that bring cheer to your rooms, that contain special memories, or that make collecting fun.

The comment capability doesn't require you to have a blog site, or anything, to participate. There's even an anonymous option, if you're more comfortable with that. (Spammers, however, will have their comments deleted, because Spam is not so tasty.)

Anyway, I think we can learn a lot from each other. And I can't wait to hear from you!

• If you missed last Treasure Box Wednesday, where I tested out a new spring tablescape and mantle, click here.

• And if you dropped a stitch, and missed last Sunday's post on a 1930's knitting book, click here.

Have a good one!

A Few of Your Favorite Things

I know I do a lot of talking twice a week about the stuff that interests me-- and which I always hope will interest you all, too. You folks have joined me on antiquing trips, and thrift store adventures, and the occasional garage saling extravaganza... I blab about the stuff I collect, and the things that tickle my fancy.

But today I thought it would be a nice opportunity to hear from you dear peoples, and find out the things that are near and dear to your hearts.

What are some of your favorite things? The terrific find that made your day? The heirloom item you'd never part with? The great deal you got?

And are you a flea market maven? A veteran thrifter? A garage sale junkie? All or none of the above?

Is there any topic here at The Thrift Shop Romantic that you'd like to see in a future post? A collectible item you think readers should know about? Or a particular post topic you've enjoyed in the past and would like to read more about?


I appreciate that you folks have so kindly indulged me in my thrifty decorating obsessions. And today, I just thought it would be nice to find out the sort of things that make you happy-- that bring cheer to your rooms, that contain special memories, or that make collecting fun.

The comment capability doesn't require you to have a blog site, or anything, to participate. There's even an anonymous option, if you're more comfortable with that. (Spammers, however, will have their comments deleted, because Spam is not so tasty.)

Anyway, I think we can learn a lot from each other. And I can't wait to hear from you!

• If you missed last Treasure Box Wednesday, where I tested out a new spring tablescape and mantle, click here.

• And if you dropped a stitch, and missed last Sunday's post on a 1930's knitting book, click here.

Have a good one!

Collecting Vintage Hankies? It's Nothing to Sneeze At

The history of the handkerchief goes back hundreds of years-- as the perfect way to dry tears, a gentle way to take care of a cold, and even as a way to catch the eye of that special fellow. More recently, with the introduction of facial tissues, it's also become a representation of a bygone era-- a symbol of comfort, of style, and of a less complex world. They've also become incredibly collectible.

Yesterday, a church rummage sale proved extremely lucky, hanky-wise. An entire box of hankies, of varying styles, colors and time periods. Forty-two in all, for ten bucks! And it was hitting this hanky motherlode that made me realize-- there was no better time than now to talk about those soft little cotton squares so many of us still love.

Simple white handkerchiefs... ones with tatting edges... some monogrammed... some delicately embroidered... Many in vivid color... Or showcasing the shades of the seasons... There's virtually no end to the options available.


The book Handkerchiefs: A Collector's Guide by Helene Guarnaccia and Barbara Guggenheim showcases a range of hankies like I've never seen before. Their collection shows handkerchiefs bearing everything from pets and popular cartoon characters, to souvenier handkerchiefs of the 50 states, hankies displaying airline first class menus, recipes, pop art, calendars, holidays, botanicals and so much more.


Why the variety? Well, according to the book, when facial tissues were invented in the 1920s, the hanky fell a bit out of favor as less sanitary. But after World War II, hankies had a big resurgence as a colorful yet inexpensive accessory. Priced at anywhere from fifteen cents to a dollar, hankies became a way to have a little fun shopping without breaking the bank. They were given as gifts to family and schoolteachers, and used as a way of expressing oneself.

Some women even collected specific handkerchief artists, and would wait for the next work in the artists' series. Popular artists over the years included Tammis Keefe, Carl Tait, Pat Prichard, Jeanne Miller and Tom Lamb.

Today, it's possible to find some lovely hankies at thrift stores for around the seventy-five cent to one dollar range. And at flea markets and antiques malls? They average $3 and up, depending on collectability.

Ones most commonly found are in the holiday and botanical lines. Here are two holiday hankies prepared to celebrate Christmas and St. Patrick's Day...


And one as a souvenir from sunny Florida....


It's interesting to see the different range of colors available on botanical hankies, too. These browns and aquas are actually appropriate for today's decorating trends...


Roses were popular in botanical handkerchiefs, though other flowers were done quite realistically, as well.


While some hankies have straight edges, many of them are scalloped, and some are actually round instead of square. Collectors may choose to purchase hankies based solely on their shape or type.


I love the depth and realism of these peonies. They appear to be almost hand-painted.


Embroidered flowers were popular decorations on hankies, as well. Note the different kinds of flowers included here: pansies, daisies and lily of the valley.

As gifts, hankies were sometimes tucked into what was called a hanky book. The book below was my mother's, given to her as a girl by a family friend...

The hanky-a-day included in this case, Mother Goose story characters where their clothing was made of a brand new hanky. Some were skirts, some overalls, some bibs...




Mom never had the heart to use them-- and I can certainly see why, when the book has such charm with the hankies intact.

For those interested in picking up a few hankies at your local thrift stores or flea markets, keep in mind, there are a lot of interesting things you can do with them, too. Consider ideas like:

• Using hankies in a similar color palette as unique cloth dinner napkins
• Frame them as wall art
• Sew them into a handkerchief quilt, a unique halter top, or a broomstick skirt
• Use them as a curtain pelmet
• Use them as doilies under a lamp or on an armchair

Pretty, collectible and functional... Vintage hankies take us back to a kinder, gentler era. I hope your coming week is kind and gentle to you, as well.

• Miss the fog creeping over Pittsburgh in last Treasure Box Wednesday? Click here.

Oh, and while I remember-- folks visiting here who also participate in Entrecard, you've probably noticed The Thrift Shop Romantic is now accepting Entrecard blog advertising. I'm mainly looking to include other home and garden blogs, thrift blogs, crafts, art, collectible and related hobby blogs. So I hope you'll check it out.

Collecting Vintage Hankies? It's Nothing to Sneeze At

The history of the handkerchief goes back hundreds of years-- as the perfect way to dry tears, a gentle way to take care of a cold, and even as a way to catch the eye of that special fellow. More recently, with the introduction of facial tissues, it's also become a representation of a bygone era-- a symbol of comfort, of style, and of a less complex world. They've also become incredibly collectible.

Yesterday, a church rummage sale proved extremely lucky, hanky-wise. An entire box of hankies, of varying styles, colors and time periods. Forty-two in all, for ten bucks! And it was hitting this hanky motherlode that made me realize-- there was no better time than now to talk about those soft little cotton squares so many of us still love.

Simple white handkerchiefs... ones with tatting edges... some monogrammed... some delicately embroidered... Many in vivid color... Or showcasing the shades of the seasons... There's virtually no end to the options available.


The book Handkerchiefs: A Collector's Guide by Helene Guarnaccia and Barbara Guggenheim showcases a range of hankies like I've never seen before. Their collection shows handkerchiefs bearing everything from pets and popular cartoon characters, to souvenier handkerchiefs of the 50 states, hankies displaying airline first class menus, recipes, pop art, calendars, holidays, botanicals and so much more.


Why the variety? Well, according to the book, when facial tissues were invented in the 1920s, the hanky fell a bit out of favor as less sanitary. But after World War II, hankies had a big resurgence as a colorful yet inexpensive accessory. Priced at anywhere from fifteen cents to a dollar, hankies became a way to have a little fun shopping without breaking the bank. They were given as gifts to family and schoolteachers, and used as a way of expressing oneself.

Some women even collected specific handkerchief artists, and would wait for the next work in the artists' series. Popular artists over the years included Tammis Keefe, Carl Tait, Pat Prichard, Jeanne Miller and Tom Lamb.

Today, it's possible to find some lovely hankies at thrift stores for around the seventy-five cent to one dollar range. And at flea markets and antiques malls? They average $3 and up, depending on collectability.

Ones most commonly found are in the holiday and botanical lines. Here are two holiday hankies prepared to celebrate Christmas and St. Patrick's Day...


And one as a souvenir from sunny Florida....


It's interesting to see the different range of colors available on botanical hankies, too. These browns and aquas are actually appropriate for today's decorating trends...


Roses were popular in botanical handkerchiefs, though other flowers were done quite realistically, as well.


While some hankies have straight edges, many of them are scalloped, and some are actually round instead of square. Collectors may choose to purchase hankies based solely on their shape or type.


I love the depth and realism of these peonies. They appear to be almost hand-painted.


Embroidered flowers were popular decorations on hankies, as well. Note the different kinds of flowers included here: pansies, daisies and lily of the valley.

As gifts, hankies were sometimes tucked into what was called a hanky book. The book below was my mother's, given to her as a girl by a family friend...

The hanky-a-day included in this case, Mother Goose story characters where their clothing was made of a brand new hanky. Some were skirts, some overalls, some bibs...




Mom never had the heart to use them-- and I can certainly see why, when the book has such charm with the hankies intact.

For those interested in picking up a few hankies at your local thrift stores or flea markets, keep in mind, there are a lot of interesting things you can do with them, too. Consider ideas like:

• Using hankies in a similar color palette as unique cloth dinner napkins
• Frame them as wall art
• Sew them into a handkerchief quilt, a unique halter top, or a broomstick skirt
• Use them as a curtain pelmet
• Use them as doilies under a lamp or on an armchair

Pretty, collectible and functional... Vintage hankies take us back to a kinder, gentler era. I hope your coming week is kind and gentle to you, as well.

• Miss the fog creeping over Pittsburgh in last Treasure Box Wednesday? Click here.

Oh, and while I remember-- folks visiting here who also participate in Entrecard, you've probably noticed The Thrift Shop Romantic is now accepting Entrecard blog advertising. I'm mainly looking to include other home and garden blogs, thrift blogs, crafts, art, collectible and related hobby blogs. So I hope you'll check it out.