The Collectors Hub Blog

2011-02-07T01:26:45Z

Valentine's Day is right around the corner and there's no better time to select collectibles, figurines and gifts for your sweetheart. We have a nice selection of collectibles from Jim Shore, My Little Kitchen Fairies, Our Name Is Mud and more for Valentine's Day and year round.

Take advantage of our Valentine's Day sale from now through Saturday, January 15th and save 15% off all items in our store by using coupon code V15 during checkout.

]]> Whether you're shopping for gifts for someone special or for yourself, we have collectibles you're sure to love! Visit us on the web at The Collectors Hub.

Yes, VIRGINIA, there is a Santa Claus.

2010-09-21T12:56:08Z

On September 21, 1897, the most famous editorial in all of US History was published in The Sun, a prominent New York City newspaper at the time.

Virginia O'Hanlon, an 8 year old girl, asked her father Dr Philip O'Hanlon, a corone4r's assistant, if Santa Claus really existed. Dr O'Hanlon encouraged his daughter to write to The Sun, assuring her that "If you see it in The Sun, it's so."

Virginia's question was answered by Francis Pharcellus Church and ran in 7th place on the editorial page. More than a century later it still remains the most reprinted editorial ever to run in any newspaper in the English language. All those that read it, both then and today, have found its message extremely moving and uplifting. This wonderful editorial has appeared in books, movies and other media across the globe.

Francis Pharcellus Church

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DEAR EDITOR:

I am 8 years old.
Some of my little friends say there is no Santa Claus.
Papa says, If you see it in THE SUN it’s so.
Please tell me the truth; is there a Santa Claus?

Virginia O’Hanlon

115 W 95th Street

Yes, VIRGINIA, there is a Santa Claus.

He exists as certainly as love and generosity and devotion exist, and you know that they abound and give to your life its highest beauty and joy. Alas! how dreary would be the world if there were no Santa Claus. It would be as dreary as if there were no VIRGINIAS. There would be no childlike faith then, no poetry, no romance to make tolerable this existence. We should have no enjoyment, except in sense and sight. The eternal light with which childhood fills the world would be extinguished.

Not believe in Santa Claus! You might as well not believe in fairies! You might get your papa to hire men to watch in all the chimneys on Christmas Eve to catch Santa Claus, but even if they did not see Santa Claus coming down, what would that prove? Nobody sees Santa Claus, but that is no sign that there is no Santa Claus. The most real things in the world are those that neither children nor men can see. Did you ever see fairies dancing on the lawn? Of course not, but that’s no proof that they are not there. Nobody can conceive or imagine all the wonders there are unseen and unseeable in the world.

You may tear apart the baby’s rattle and see what makes the noise inside, but there is a veil covering the unseen world which not the strongest man, nor even the united strength of all the strongest men that ever lived, could tear apart. Only faith, fancy, poetry, love, romance, can push aside that curtain and view and picture the supernal beauty and glory beyond. Is it all real? Ah, VIRGINIA, in all this world there is nothing else real and abiding.

No Santa Claus! Thank God! he lives, and he lives forever. A thousand years from now, Virginia, nay, ten times ten thousand years from now, he will continue to make glad the heart of childhood.

Nightmare Before Christmas Figurines Just In!

2010-09-06T16:53:38Z

Just in! Two charming characters from Tim Burton's animated classic, The Nightmare Before Christmas by Jim Shore.

Jack Skellington, The Pumpkin King, the most-acclaimed citizen of Halloween Town, who's adventure begins when he happens upon Christmas Town.

Sally the Smitten Seamstress, a ragdoll brought to life by the town scientist Dr. Finklestein, secretly longs for the love of Jack.

Add these wonderful figurines to your Halloween and Christmas decoration collections!

Jim Shore Pot Sitters Brighten Up Your Potted Plants

2010-07-24T13:01:30Z

Add a little fun and whimsy to your indoor or outdoor planters with these adorable Disney pot sitters from Jim Shore!

Pot sitters hang from the edge of your planters and bring a splash of color to your tropical plants and herbs. Great for indoor or for your garden, balcony or patio.

Choose from:

- Winnie the Pooh - Tinkerbell - Thumper - Chip 'n Dale

Coming soon
- Mickey Mouse - Jiminy Cricket

Collect all 6 Jim Shore Pot Sitters!

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Caring for Your Bronze Statue

2010-07-04T12:27:17Z

Over time, bronze acquires a patina (green color) naturally. There are ways to care for your bronze statue to preserve the natural patina or to keep it bright and shiny. If you like the patina that comes with age, just follow this regimen to care for your bronze statues:

Keep bronze pieces as clean as possible as accumulations of dust and dirt can eat into the metal surface. Dust regularly and gently using a soft cloth, especially on any textured pieces. Bronze is a soft metal and can show signs of wear if rubbed too vigorously.

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However, if you want the item to be shiny and looking like new, follow the above regimen then clean your statue with a good quality copper and bronze cleaner followed with a glass wax.

In place of a commercial cleaner, you can use the following materials found in the home to make your own bronze cleaner:

General Purpose Bronze Cleaner:

You will need salt, vinegar, flour, a soft cloth and glass polish(optional).

Dissolve 1 teaspoon salt in 1 cup white vinegar.
Add enough flour to make a paste.
Apply paste to bronze and let sit for 15 minutes to 1 hour.
Rinse with clean, warm water, and polish dry.
Polish with copper polish followed by glass wax.

My Little Kitchen Fairies Figurines - 50's Diner Collection

2009-12-19T13:36:00Z

Flashback to the Fabulous 50's

The 50's was a fantastic decade that introduced so many new fun and exciting products, concepts and lifestyle changes! From fast foods, cars with fins, Rock and Roll and the ever popular Drive-in Diner. This was an era that pushed teens to the forefront of American culture.

]]> Just in! My Little Kitchen Fairies 50's Diner collection of four adorable kitchen fairy figurines; Car Hop Fairy, Waitress Fairy, Lollipop Soda Fairy and Jukebox Fairy. Each fairy captures the fun of the Fabulous 50's from their Poodle Skirts to their roller skates and saddle oxfords.

Whether you old enough to have experienced the 50's or young enough to appreciate this wonderful decade, you'll love each fairy in this collection. Collect all four!

Pumpkin Carving Stencils & Drawing Santa Claus

2009-10-02T14:59:23Z

I was browsing through my daily Google alerts and came across two great Arts & Crafts posts for the holidays. These two posts make it easy to include a few handmade crafts projects into your holiday decorations.

The first was a press release from Better Homes and Gardens that featured great ideas for carving your Halloween pumpkin using pumpkin carving stencils with links to downloadable stencils you can print right on your home printer. There was a nice selection of dog breed stencils and also, links to delicious pumpkin recipes.

The second was video by Tom Gammill, the creator of The Doozies, showing step by step how to draw a cartoon Santa Claus using mostly circles and half circles. Tom made this so easy, even I could do it! Use his techniques to decorate your windows, create personalized gift tags... use your imaginzation.

New for 2009! My Little Kitchen Fairies Lighted Witch Figurine

2009-09-24T16:55:35Z

The My Little Kitchen Fairies, "Spookie Halloween Moon Fairie" figurine, just arrived and boy. is she adorable.

The detail is amazing on this New for 2009 Kitchen Fairy, from the fine detailing of her facial features to the cute little flip flops on her feet. And the texture of her hair, broom and the leaves of the pumpkin are all 3 dimensional, not just painted on.

Best of all, this figurine is lighted. Flip the switch on the bottom and the full moon backdrop glows (batteries included).

We received a very limited supply this Halloween season, so order yours today.

Jim Shore Appearances for 2009

2009-09-17T14:09:08Z

If you're a collector of Jim Shore figurines, you'll want to catch at one of his personal appearances at the following locations.

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September 26

Boscov's
Boscov's Concord Mall
Route 202, Concord Mall
Wilmington, DE 19803
1:00 pm to 4:00 pm EDT

October 10

Gifts & Treasures
521 Bedford Euless Rd.
Hurst, TX 76053
Phone: 817-268-2466
Phone: 800-339-7343
1:00 pm to 4:00 pm CDT

October 16

Galaxy Hallmark
18299 Egret Bay Blvd
Houston, Texas 77058
281-335-1211 - Store
281-335-0341 - Fax
4:00 - 6:00 PM

October 17

Houston Quilt Show
Quilts By The Bay
Booth # TBD
1:00 - 4:00 PM

October 24

Hartville Collectibles
Owner: Vernon Sommers
1015 Edison Street NW
Hartville, OH 44632
Phone: 330-877-2172
10:00 am to 2:00 pm EDT

October 31

Lisa's Hallmark
Eastview Mall
7979 Rt-96
Victor, NY 14564
11:00 am to 3:00 pm EDT

November 7

Bronner's Christmas Wonderland
Contact: Cindy Baxter
25 Christmas Lane
Frankenmuth, MI 48734
Phone: 989-652-9931
1:00 pm to 4:00 pm EDT

November 15

Christmas Tree Hill in the Mansion
2840 Whiteford Road
York, PA 17402
Phone: 717-755-9290
1:00 pm to 4:00 pm EDT
***take the Mount Zion exit off of Rt. 30

November 21

Quilted Bear
Contact/Owner: Judy
145 W 7200 S
Midvale, UT 84047
Phone: 801-566-5454
1:00 pm to 4:00 pm MDT

Disney to Acquire Marvel Entertainment

2009-09-01T14:40:32Z

In a deal announced yesterday, the Walt Disney Company has agreed to acquire Marvel Entertainment, Inc.. and their over 5,000 Marvel characters including the rights to movie and game-based characters.

The Marvel characters, which include Iron Man, Spider-Man, X-Men, Captain America and Fantastic Four , appeal to the young male population which, many agree, will compliment Disney's current lineup of characters geared more toward girls.

We think this is great news. We're hoping this opens up opportunities for artists to include these characters in their line of collectibles in the future.

]]> Ike Perlmutter, Marvel’s Chief Executive Officer said that "Disney is the perfect home for Marvel’s fantastic library of characters given its proven ability to expand content creation and licensing businesses."

"This transaction combines Marvel’s strong global brand and world-renowned library of characters including Iron Man, Spider-Man, X-Men, Captain America, Fantastic Four and Thor with Disney’s creative skills, unparalleled global portfolio of entertainment properties, and a business structure that maximizes the value of creative properties across multiple platforms and territories," said Robert A. Iger, President and Chief Executive Officer of The Walt Disney Company.

Read Disney's Marvel official announcment

Theriault's Early Autumn Auction - Annapolis, Maryland

2009-09-01T13:54:26Z

September 1, 2009 - Theriault will hold its Early Autumn Auction on Sunday, September 13, 2009 at the Sheraton Annapolis. Preview begins at 9:00am and the auction is scheduled for 11:00am est.

]]> Items available for auction Hundreds include French bebes and poupees, German character children, and American wooden, cloth and folk art dolls. There are doll houses, doll furniture, doll accessories and costumes, and antique toys.

if you cannot attend or if you'd like more information, you can view all of the dolls at www.theriaults.com . Absentee bidding is also available. A list of items is available by fax or mail for $20 by emailing info@theriaults.com or calling 800-638-0422, and is available at the auction for $10.

Jim Shore Fairy Figurines Coming in December - Reserve Yours Today!

2009-08-30T15:33:32Z

Limited Quantities - Reserve yours today for Christmas Delivery!

Jim Shore Fairy figurines were presented in this spring's shows and we thought we had missed the opportunity to bring these adorable figurines into our product offering. However, we just learned that we will be receiving our shipment the first week of December! So, customers who reserve theirs early will be able to receive them in time for Christmas.

]]> There are seven adorable fairies in Jim Shore's latest release;

Flower Fairy - wearing a pretty petunia hat, is standing on a pale pink flower while holding a delicate white flower.
Musical Fairy - sitting on a bough of a tree stump, is playing beautiful music on her violin made of a pale green leaf.
Nautical Fairy - dressed in a soft pastel blue and pink dress and wearing a seashell hat, is riding her pretty pink seahorse.
Cat Fairy - sitting on a ball of yarn, is snuggling with her cute little kitten.
Sewing Fairy - wearing a thimble hat, is sitting on a spool of thread trying to thread her needle.
Cooking Fairy - is sitting on a big, bright red apple and stirring her latest culinary masterpiece.
Frog Princess Fairy - is riding atop her faithful subject, a large green frog.

The first person to order all 7 will receive the display base as shown above at no additional charge.

Theriault's Antique Doll Auction Pre-Bid and Online Bidding

2009-08-14T14:45:38Z

Theriault's Antique Doll Estate Auction is Sunday, August 16, 2009 at the Hyatt Regency Bellevue in Bellevue, Washington. Preview begins at 9:00am and the auction is scheduled for 11:00am.

Pre-bidding is open now. And for those who can't attend, registration for online live bidding is available with real-time video and sound feed to make you feel as if you were almost there!

]]> online antique doll auction bidding. You can also leave absentee bids by calling 800-638-0422. Also, you may call their toll free number if you have any questions about the bidding process or would like more info on specific items.

Visit Theriault's website to view their Antique Doll Auction Catalog.

New World Auction Record Set For Antique Doll At Theriault’s

2009-08-12T14:42:11Z

August 11, 2009 Just in case you thought dolls were just for kids. Read this article from Antiques and the Arts Online about the record price for an antique doll at Theriault’shttp://antiquesandthearts.com/Antiques/AuctionWatch/2009-08-11__12-44-14.html" target="_blank" />Antique Doll Auction

]]> Theriault's Auction Schedule:

August 16, 2009 , Estate Doll Auction
Hyatt Regency Bellevue, Seattle, WA

August 28, 2009 , Ten2Go
Sheraton, Annapolis, MD

October 31 - 1, 2009 , Marquis Auction Weekend
Biltmore Resort, Scottsdale, AZ

January 8 - 10, 2010 , Marquis Auction Weekend
Fairmont Newport Beach, Newport Beach, CA

For information, www.theriaults.com or 800-638-0422.

Disney's New Movie - The Princess and the Frog

2009-08-08T12:53:21Z

Disney's new movie, The Princess And The Frog, which includes their first African-American Princess. is due for wide release on December 11th. This film is significant because it returns to traditional hand-drawn animation and the leading lady is Disney's first African-American Princess.

]]> The movie's story line features Princess Tiana, born in the Louisiana Bayou, who stumbles upon a prince transformed into a frog by spell cast by an evil witch doctor. The frog, Prince Naveen, a South American Prince, convinces Tiana to kiss him to transform him back to his human self. Instead, the kiss turns Tiana into frog. Tiana and Naveen embark on a journey through Louisiana to find a voodoo priestess who can undo the spell and change them back to their human selves. See The Princess And The Frog trailer here.

Critics have concerns that the movie perpetuates racial stereo types. Is it a little odd that we now have an American Princess? Well, this is a cartoon, afterall, and anything's possible in America. And I do think that parents need to put the whole "Happier Ever After" scenario in perspective for their daughters. However, would Oprah Winfrey, Terrance Howard and Anika Noni Rose join the cast of a racially stereotypical movie?

So, please leave a comment to let us know what you think. Do you think this movie promotes racial stereotypes? Would you go see the movie? Would you let your daughters see the movie?