Astral Castle
This is a gallery of all Pocket Dragon figurines that have ever been available to the general public, with photos and detailed information on each piece.
Bunnykins
The Bunnykins family of figurines are produced by Royal Doulton. They were originally created over 60 years ago by Sister Barbara Vernon.
Calico Kittens
The Calico Kittens collection were created by Priscilla Hillman in 1993.
Charming Tails
Cute woodland characters and mice by Dean Griff.
Charming Tails Resource
This page is designed so that both beginners and experienced collectors can find information on Charming Tails, a line of collectibles by artist Dean Griff.
Enesco
Featuring gifts, collectibles and home accents including Precious Moments, Cherished Teddies, the Kim Anderson’s Pretty As A Picture collection, Mary Engelbreit, Mary’s Moo Moos, Calico Kittens and Mahogany Princess.
Mary’s Moo Moos
If you love cows you’ll love these cute collectibles.
Miniatures Out of Africa
Miniature South African doll house craftsmanship by Pam Jones.
National Association of Miniature Enthusiasts
The National Association of Miniature Enthusiasts was founded in 1972 by Allegra Mott to promote the craft of miniature making through the association and friendship of its artisans, craftsmen and collectors.
Piggin’
The first Piggin pigs appeared in 1993, but already well over 100 have been modeled.
Pocket Dragons
Enter the world of dragons, gargoyles and wizards, sculpted by Real Musgrave.
Precious Moments
Each figure represents messages of love, caring and sharing.
Pretty As A Picture
Figurines and collectibles based on photographer Kim Anderson’s nostalgic photographs of young children in oversized adult clothing.
Related Books Available at Amazon
• Antique Trader Royal Doulton Price Guide
• Lucky’s Hummel Figurines and Plates: Identification & Price Guide
• The Official Precious Moments Collector’s Guide to Figurines
• Royal Copenhagen Porcelain: Animals and Figurines
• Glass Animals and Figurines
• Real Musgrave’s Whimsical World of Pocket Dragons
• Royal Doulton Bunnykins: A Charlton Standard Catalog, Third Edition
• Charming Tails (Collector’s Value Guide)
• Enesco Then and Now: An Unauthorized Collector’s Guide
Copyright © 2008 - The Olson Family
Posted on June 26th, 2008 in
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Royal Doulton,
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Mary's Moo Moos,
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miniatures,
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Precious Moments,
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Calico Critters of Cloverleaf Corners® is a play environment with flocked critter families that are articulated. In addition to the critters, there are homes and every kind of accessory needed for role playing. This line of Ready-to-Play Sets grows each year and each set features critter(s) with accessories and a short storybook for immediate play.
The Calico Critters Sweetbriar Pony and Stable features a large stable plus more than ten accessories including:
- saddle
- bridle
- brush and comb
- bucket
- shovel
- rake
- pitchfork
- gate lock
- horse jump
- fully poseable Sweetbriar Pony
The Calico Critters Sweetbriar Pony and Stable is available for purchase online at and International Playthings and Amazon.
Learn more about Calico Critters from Cloverleaf Corners by visiting the official website.
Recommended for ages three and older. Contains small parts not for children under three years.
About International Playthings
For more than 30 years, International Playthings has offered award winning toys for kids of all ages. Their mission is to develop innovative and entertaining products with integrity, superior play value and child developmental qualities.
International Playthings offers over 600 toys for infants to teenagers. Among these offerings are puzzles, games, educational toys, arts, crafts, and activities. A diverse line of the finest toys from around the globe, brought to you by International Playthings.
With an emphasis on quality, education, and developmental value, International Playthings has received numerous awards each year, including recognition by the Oppenheim Toy Portfolio and the American Specialty Toy Retailing Association (ASTRA).
You can find International Playthings’ toys, games and puzzles at leading specialty toy retailers. You can also find many of them online by going to the Where To Buy page. Learn more about toys from International Playthings at the official website.
Media resources courtesy of International Playthings.
Copyright © 2008 - The Olson Family
Posted on June 25th, 2008 in
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Another terrific guide to carry along to flea markets, online shopping trips, sport’s card shops and shows.
This take-it-with-you book includes a 110-year recap of baseball card history, 500 color pictures of great baseball cards, descriptions and price guide values from the editors of Sports Collectors Digest and the pictorial depiction of the evolution of baseball cards.
512 pages.
• Amazon US
• Amazon Canada
• Amazon UK
Copyright © 2008 - The Olson Family
Posted on June 24th, 2008 in
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Warman's Baseball Card Field Guide,
antiques,
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book | Tags:
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The legend of the birth of the teddy bear began almost 100 years ago. In 1902, President Theodore Roosevelt went bear-hunting in Mississippi. When no ferocious bear could be found, his companions captured a bear cub, tied it to a tree, and suggested that the president shoot at the young bear. Roosevelt absolutely refused!
That moment was captured forever by the American cartoonist Clifford Berryman in a drawing titled “Drawing the line in Mississippi“. The invention of the teddy bear was inspired by Theodore Roosevelt’s refusal to shoot a cub while on the Mississippi bear hunt.
Like many legends, the true story of Theodore Roosevelt’s 1902 Mississippi bear hunt had many different reports as to the size of the bear that the President refused to shoot. Some say it was a defenseless little bear, while others believe it was a tired old bear.
Because of the association of Theodore Roosevelt, Clifford Berryman created many cartoons of the President with the little bear.
A Russian immigrant living in Brooklyn was inspired by the bear-hunting event and manufactured a furry stuffed toy he called “Teddy’s Bear.” The stuffed bears were an instant success, with thousands of bears almost instantly being manufactured worldwide.
Nearly a century later they remain a popular collectible. Collectors call themselves “arctophiles” after the Great Bear constellation, whose bright star is Arcturus.
More at the Family Toy Blog
More About Bears!
Related Books Available at Amazon
• How To Make Enchanting Miniature Teddy Bears
• The Teddy Bear Men
• Dolls and Teddy Bear Department : Memorable Catalog Pages from the Legendary Sears Christmas Wishbooks of the 1950s and 1960s, Volume I
• Teddy Bear Encyclopedia
• Teddy Bear Treasury
• The Bear Nobody Wanted
• In Search of Teddy
• Teddy Bears: Form Start to Finish
• The Legend of the Teddy Bear
• A Tale of Two Teddies
• Christie’s Century of Teddy Bears
• Little Book of Bear Care
• The Little History of the Teddy Bear
Prints and Posters at Art.com
Resources Consulted
Antiques Roadshow Primer
by Carol Prisant
Workman Publishing, New York, 1999
Linda Mullin’s Teddy Bears & Friends
by Linda Mullins
Hobby House Press, Inc.
Grantsville MD
Posted on June 18th, 2008 in
Amazon,
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President Theodore Roosevely,
animals,
antique teddy bear,
antiques,
arctophiles,
bears,
books,
books about toys,
legend,
plush,
stuffed bear,
teddy bear,
teddy bear history | Tags:
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Clifford Berryman,
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Disney Princess® Role Play and Dress-up Toys, American Kennel Club® Pet Products and Hannah Montana® Products from Multiple JAKKSTM Divisions Received Top Honors
Licensing International Expo 2008
JAKKS Pacific, Inc. was recognized with three Licensing Excellence Awards by the International Licensing Industry Merchandisers’ Association (LIMA) at the annual LIMA Gala and Awards Ceremony held during the International Licensing Show in New York City. Multiple JAKKS™ divisions including CDI™, Play Along®, JAKKS Pets™ and JAKKS Interactive™ contributed to the accomplishment, which recognized outstanding achievements in Licensing for the year 2007.
The Awards were presented in seven categories recognizing the industry’s most successful licensing programs from the past year, and this year’s winners were selected from more than 180 submissions for nomination. JAKKS was nominated for four 2008 LIMA Awards, and won three of them.
AWARD WINNERS
Best Character Brand License - Hard Goods
JAKKS CDI Division for its Disney Princess® Role Play and Dress-up line
Best Film, Television and Entertainment Brand Licensee - Hard Goods
JAKKS for its Hannah Montana® products including dolls, dress-up toys and electronics
Best Corporate Brand Licensee
JAKKS Pets Division for its American Kennel Club® (AKC) product portfolio of pet toys, apparel and other related products
NOMINEE
Best Character Brand Licensee of the Year - Hard Goods
JAKKS Play Along Division for its 25th Anniversary Care Bear
“We are proud to receive this important honor recognizing our commitment to licensing excellence,” said Stephen Berman, JAKKS’ President and COO. “The entire JAKKS Pacific family works tirelessly to ensure success on behalf of our distinguished licensors. This prestigious honor is incredibly gratifying, and I congratulate our team.”
The annual LIMA Awards also raise money for LIMA’s charity of choice, The Children’s Brain Tumor Foundation (CBTF), which is committed to finding a cure for pediatric brain and spinal cord tumors. Through its JAKKS Cares™ program, JAKKS Pacific® also proudly supports the CBTF and donated $25,000 to this important cause.
About LIMA
Founded in 1985 the INTERNATIONAL LICENSING INDUSTRY MERCHANDISERS’ ASSOCIATION is comprised of over 1,000 Companies and individuals engaged in the marketing of licensed properties, both as agents and as property owners; manufacturers, consultants, publications, lawyers, accountants, retailers, etc. in the licensing business.
About JAKKS Pacific, Inc.
JAKKS Pacific, Inc. (NASDAQ:JAKK) is a multi-brand company that designs and markets a broad range of toys and consumer products. The product categories include: Action Figures, Art Activity Kits, Stationery, Writing Instruments, Performance Kites, Water Toys, Sports Activity Toys, Vehicles, Infant/Pre-School, Plush, Construction Toys, Electronics, Dolls, Dress-Up, Role Play, and Pet Toys and Accessories. The products are sold under various brand names including JAKKS Pacific®, Play Along®, Flying Colors®, Creative Designs International™, Road Champs®, Child Guidance®, PentechTM, Trendmasters®, Toymax®, Funnoodle®, Go Fly a Kite®, Color Workshop®, JAKKS Pets™ and Plug It In & Play TV Games™. JAKKS and THQ Inc. participate in a joint venture that has worldwide rights to publish and market World Wrestling Entertainment video games. For further information, visit www.jakks.com.
This press release may contain forward–looking statements (within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995) that are based on current expectations, estimates and projections about JAKKS Pacific’s business based partly on assumptions made by its management. These statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve risks, uncertainties and assumptions that are difficult to predict. Therefore, actual outcomes and results may differ materially from what is expressed or forecasted in such statements due to numerous factors, including, but not limited to, those described above, changes in demand for JAKKS’ products, product mix, the timing of customer orders and deliveries, the impact of competitive products and pricing, and difficulties with integrating acquired businesses. The forward-looking statements contained herein speak only as of the date on which they are made, and JAKKS undertakes no obligation to update any of them to reflect events or circumstances after the date of this release. © JAKKS Pacific, Inc. All Right Reserved.
Media resources courtesy of JAKKS Pacific, Inc.
Copyright © 2008 - The Olson Family
All You Need to Know About Matchbox Toys
Do you know what is a “Code-1″ model? How about different Categories? Or What about different clubs? Even better; who is on the net as a Matchbox collector? Would you like to know what are the new releases? Why wait? This site has answers to all your questions.
Bay Area Matchbox Collector’s Association
The association has some great information and links for Matchbox collectors.
eHow to Collect Matchbox Vehicles
Since its founding in 1947, Matchbox toys have become popular collector’s items - especially among baby boomers, whose appetite for the toys they recall from childhood seems insatiable. Learn how to collect!
Tom Larson’s Matchbox Toy Car Page
Tom created this page to meet other car toy collectors. He has about 2500 toy cars. Almost all Matchbox 1-75’s. Tom also have a soft spot for any Mustang models and pedal cars.
Malcolm’s Diecast Showroom
Malcolm collects Regular wheel and Transitional Superfast Matchbox vehicles. He has some very nice pictures of his collection on this very slick site.
Matchbox International Collector’s Association
MICA was founded in 1985 at the request of Matchbox Toys Limited. It rapidly became the largest and remains the best supported of the Matchbox Clubs. Mr Leslie Smith OBE, a co-founder of Lesney/Matchbox Toys, is an honorary MICA member and has been guest of honour at several MICA conventions.
Related Books at Amazon
• Encyclopedia of Matchbox Toys
• Matchbox Toys 1947-2003 Identification & Value Guide
• Universal’s Matchbox Toys: The Universal Years, 1982-1992
• Lesney’s Matchbox Toys: The Superfast Years 1969-1982
• The Other Matchbox Toys
• Matchbox Toys: The Tyco Years 1993-1994
• Matchbox Toys 1947 to 1996: Identification & Value Guide
• Collecting Matchbox Diecast Toys
• Yesterday’s Yeateryears: Lesney ‘Matchbox’ Models
Copyright © 2008 - The Olson Family
Posted on June 13th, 2008 in
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cars,
collectibles,
diecast,
trucks,
vehicles | Tags:
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The Bratz girls head to Hollywood and come alive on the big screen in their very own movie!
In their first feature film based on the popular dolls, we will see how the four young ladies represent honesty and friendship. The four best friends have been inseparable since they first met. Yasmin, Jade, Sasha and Cloe are certainly BFF - Best Friends Forever!
In the movie, the girls enter Carry Nation High and a brand new world. For the first time they discover life as a teen means dealing with a system of social cliques and peer pressure. The girls band together and learn that true empowerment means being true to oneself and living out their dreams.
Features:
* Most Posable Bratz™ Ever with Articulation at Wrists, Elbows, Waist and More!
* Real Working Camera for You
* Hot Red Carpet Fashion
*Features and Accessories May Vary
Available for purchase at Amazon
Media resources courtesy of MGA Entertainment.
Copyright © 2008 - The Olson Family
Posted on June 13th, 2008 in
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edited by Paul Kennedy
The take-it-with-you collecting resource…
At last, a guide you can carry along to flea markets, garage sales and antique stores, containing hundreds of illustrations and photos to make on-the-spot appraisals easy. The compact size makes it a convenient desk companion for eBay and online shopping trips.
This values and identification field guide features more than 1,500 listings and up-to-date prices, hundreds of color photographs for easy identification, six decades of the most valuable and collectible dolls, the secrets of Ponytail #1 revealed and more for the serious collector.
512 pages
Available for purchase online:
• Amazon US
• Amazon Canada
• Amazon UK
For more information visit the Krause Publications Website.
Media and press resources courtesy of Krause Publications.
Copyright © 2008 - The Olson Family
Posted on June 13th, 2008 in
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Barbie identification,
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Krause,
Warman's Barbie Doll Field Guide,
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Barbie identification,
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Are you planning a trip to the seashore during your summer vacation? Summer is the perfect time to explore the seashore and discover seashells lying in the sand. The shells you find are almost always empty, because the shell is actually the home of some sea animal which has died.
Shells are not only found at the seashore. Even though most people think of “seashells,” shells are also found in woodlands, rivers, and ponds.
Which Animals have Shells?
Many animals have shells, however, when people speak of shells, they usually mean those of soft-bodied animals called mollusks. Most mollusks have shells on the outer side of their soft bodies. The shell is actually the mollusk’s skeleton. The mollusk is attached to the shell by its muscles. As the mollusk grows bigger in size its shell increases in size and strength.
What are Shells Made Of?
Shells are made of a form of limestone and it is built by the mollusk itself. Certain glands are able to take limestone from the water and deposit in little particles at the edge of, and along the inside of the shell. As the mollusk grows, its home becomes larger and stronger. Sometimes the shell glands contain coloring matter. Because of this some shells may be spotted, all one color, or marked with lines.
There are many different kinds of shell-bearing mollusks. Some have two shells, or valves which are hinged together. The hinge allows the two parts to open and close. These mollusks are known as bivalves. Some of the animals in this group includes oysters, clams, scallops and mussels.
The mollusks of a second large group have only one shell. This shell may be cap-shaped or twisted into a spiral. These mollusks are called snails. Garden snails, periwinkles, whelks, conchs, limpets and many others are included in this group.
There are many different kinds of snails and bivalves. Scientists estimate that there are more than 80,000 kinds of snails and 10,000 kinds of bivalves, with new kinds being discovered each year!
The smallest shells are so small that you would need a magnifying glass to see what they are like. You will find the largest clam in the Pacific and Indian Oceans. Some specimens may weigh more than 500 pounds (225 kilograms). The largest snail lives in Australians waters. It is called the false trumpet and can be as long as two feet (60 centimeters).
In addition to clams and snails, there are other mollusks which build shell homes. The chitons have eight saddlelike shells on their backs. Chitons live on rocks, usually in shallow water. Tusk shells, whose small, tubelike shells open at both ends look like elephant tusks. These animals live in the sand in deeper water. Relatives of the octopuses - the chambered, or pearly, nautiluses - also produce shells and swim about freely.
Mollusks are found all over the world. Most mollusks live in the sea, in cold Arctic waters as well as tropical waters. Most live in shallow waters close to the shore, while some mollusks that live in deep water have thinner shells with very little color. Mollusks with the strongest shells usually live among rocks, close to the shore. The shells are strong so that they can withstand the strong, pounding waves.
Many clams and shells live in fresh water. They can be found in nearly every stream, pond, or lake. None of the bivalves live out of the water. Many snails are air-breathing and can be found in moist wooded places. Snails are fond of the garden; you might find some in your own back yard!
If you live near, or plan to visit an area where shells are found you might want to start your own collection. The best time to discover shells for your collection is after a storm when shells are sometimes cast up on the beach.
Rinse the shells that you find in clear water. You can return them to their original shine with a bit of mineral oil. Identify the shell and make a note of where and when you found each specimen. You can identify your shells on the Internet or from a guidebook found in the library or bookstore. Label each shell or display them with a printed card in front of each shell.
Learn More About It!
• Shell Collecting FAQ
• Tools and Collecting Tips
• Cleaning Seashells
• Organizing a Shell Collection
More to Discover at the Family Toy Blog!
More Fun at the WebbleYou Network!
Related Books Available at Amazon
• Sea Shells, Crabs, and Sea Stars
• Smithsonian Handbooks: Shells
• National Audubon Society Field Guide to North American Seashells
• Compendium of Seashells
• The Art of Shelling
• Shell Chic
• Shells: Treasures Of the Sea
Resources consulted:
The Young Collector
By John Hearn
Groundwood Books, Douglas & McIntyre
Vancouver and Toronto, Canada, 1983
Copyright © 2008 - The Olson Family
Posted on June 11th, 2008 in
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nautilus,
oysters,
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shells,
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whelk | Tags:
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oysters,
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scallops,
science,
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DCI Home Page
Featuring information about organized play, tournaments, and standings.
Magic 4 You.nu
MTG resources, discussion boards, deck workshops and more!
Magic Academy
Beginner and intermediate players will appreciate this archive of strategic lessons.
Magic Online Trading League
This league was formed to encourage good trading practices when trading Magic: The Gathering cards over the Internet. MOTL has been dedicated to helping people trade fairly online since its founding in February of 1996.
Pojo’s Magic: The Gathering
Card game tips, prices, and more!
Sideboard Magazine
Your source for Magic: The Gathering tournament news and event coverage.
Strategy Tips
Gamespot has some terrific advice to help you get the most out of your game and collection.
Wikipedia
MTG according to Wikipedia contains just about everything you need to know about the popular strategy card game.
Wizards of the Coast
Manufacturer’s of the popular card games.
Related Books at Amazon
• Magic: The Gathering Advanced Strategy Guide: For Advanced and Expert Magic Players
• Magic: The Gathering Pocket Players Guide
• Magic: The Gathering Official Strategy Guide: The Color-Illustrated Guide to Play
• The Art of Magic
• The Monsters of Magic
• The Secrets of Magic
MTG at Amazon
Image courtesy of Amazon.com.
Copyright © 2008 - The Olson Family
Posted on June 5th, 2008 in
MTG,
Magic the Gathering,
Wizards of the Coast,
collectible card game,
game,
game cards,
gaming,
strategy game,
trading cards | Tags:
collectible card game,
game,
game cards,
gaming,
Magic the Gathering,
MTG,
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