Miniature Collectibles

Collectibles -> Decorative Collectibles -> Miniatures

When it comes to a delightful collectible that won’t take up a lot of space, miniature collectibles are the ideal answer. These tiny little works of art require a great deal of craftsmanship and many of them feature amazingly lifelike details. You can find thousands of different kinds of miniature collectibles and because they are so small, you can easily collect thousands of them and still have room to spare. Let’s take a look at the different kinds of miniature collectibles that are available.

1. Glass Collectibles

Glass miniature collectibles are becoming increasingly popular and the way that they are produced is simply astounding. A glass maker will typically blow each piece by hand, carefully shaping and reshaping until the piece is perfect. These glass miniature collectibles are very detailed and considering the amount of work that goes into them, they are still reasonably priced. Many people like to display their collections on top of mirrors for added visual appeal.

2. Crystal Miniature Collectibles

This is a new fad, sparked in a large part by the popularity of Swarovski crystal. You can find these very valuable items at auction, and a few stores around the world carry them as well. They are usually done in very minute detail and most of the subjects are either animals or somehow related to nature. You can occasionally find other styles but by far the most common are the ones that are small crystal animals. These are typically very expensive, but they are also highly collectible.

3. Resin Miniature Collectibles

Resin collectibles are ideal for homes that have small children or for those that have a tendency to drop things. These are incredibly durable and many consider resin to be the perfect material for miniature collectibles. It is easy to work with and easy to hand paint and the level of customization and detail on these works is usually quite high. These are perhaps the most reasonably priced miniature collectibles you can find and it’s always nice to know that they will be able to hold up to the rigors of everyday life in your home.

4. Porcelain Miniature Collectibles

These are an old favorite of many and once again, the craftsmanship that goes into these tiny masterpieces is what makes them so valuable. These are also hand painted, and they are not typically mass produced, so you should be able to find a valuable piece very easily. Typically, a manufacturer will issue a limited run for their porcelain miniature collectibles and they will only make 500 or a 1000 and that’s it. These can be worth several thousand dollars, depending on the subject and the company or designer that made them. Miniature collectibles offer collectors the option of being able to easily store their treasures and display them nearly anywhere. They are perfect for those living in small apartments or for those that have limited space but would still like to be able to collect and display decorative art around their homes.

Originally posted 2008-09-12 14:00:10. Republished by Blog Post Promoter

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Venetian Beads

Collectables -> Collectibles -> Beads

VenetianVenetian beads are a special kind of bead imported from areas of Venice and Murano. These beads are often called Murano glass beads. The special glass used to make these beads is manufactured on the island of Murano, and the beads themselves are handmade. This gives them a charm and craftsmanship unmatched by an type of mass-produced beads or glasswork.

The chief danger in purchasing Venetian beads is that the seller is misrepresenting the beads. Some people have fallen into the trap of calling any kind of glass beads Venetian or Murano, which is shame because these beads have qualities that set them apart. The methods of producing the beads is so vastly different, in part because each on is handcrafted, that there’s simply no comparison between regular glass beads and Venetian ones.

There are different types of beads that fall under the umbrella of Venetian beads and can help you distinguish them from plain glass. Sommerso beads have a variety of colors suspended within them in tiny flecks. Millefiori beads are also called lace or mosaic beads, and are one of the most popular types of beads, that feature a design within the bead. Often the designs are very intricate, but even plain designs are beautiful. The solid color glass is essentially wrapped around a Millefiori cane which bears the design. These beads are kaleidoscopic and are sometimes also known as thousand flowers.

Fiorato or fiore beads. These beads feature flower designs on the outside of the bead, rather than designs with the beads themselves, like the Millefiori beads. These Venetian beads require a great deal of artistry and skill because the flowers are essentially drawn on with lines of molten glass.

Foil beads are Murano glass beads that are rolled onto sheets of gold or silver foil which is then melted into the bead. Blown Beads are Venetian beads that are made in a Murano glass furnace and created with a glassblowing pipe. These beads come in a variety of shapes and designs. Dichroic beads look different from every angle and in every night because of the coating used on the bead.

Lampwork beads might sound like a type of bead you’ll find on a lamp, but it’s merely a term that means the beads were worked while over a flame. This is the most ancient way of making Venetian beads, done as it had been since the beginning. Furnace glass beads are made by glass blowing but with a more modern type of glass than other types of beads.

Venetian beads are popular in jewelry making and crafts, and much of the appeal of these beads is that no two will ever be alike simply because they are handcrafted. Even Millefiori beads, which are created by shaping glass around a cane that features a solid design, will have differences. While the design cane is uniform all the way through, the handcrafting of the glass and shaping of it will have variations, even if the artisan attempts to make them all exactly alike.

Originally posted 2008-11-18 05:00:53. Republished by Blog Post Promoter

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