Clearing Out Mom and Dad's Place

Well a tough year it has been. First my step dad passed followed by my Mom 2 months later. After all the fine print, i's dotted and t's crossed it is time to clear what is left. We were left with a lifetime of collectibles, memorabilia, art, and a house that needed to be just about completely rehabbed. Let's start with the fine art. They left many paintings, some by notable artists, some by unknown. As the rest has been cleared away I am now dealing with the art.

I have done a lot of research, but still nearly impossible to get values on paintings without paying hundreds of dollars. I've decided to wing it on some. Most of the paintings really are not worth that much…..we're not talking thousands here, but of course want to get their value if possible, while finding a good home for them. I have finally decided to list them on one of my ebay sites.

My Dad loved the composer Wagner. He loved Wagner's massive piece "The Ring" and went to Arizona to see the presentation. While there, he found a piece of art to bring home. It is by Amy Shock. Ms. Shock did a great many of the background art pieces for this particular presentation in Arizona. Some info on it here: http://www.deseretnews.com/article/497273/RING-TAKES-ON-A-SOUTHWESTERN-SPLENDOR.html?pg=all

This is a small piece of art, and because it is framed, I have not taken it out to examine it, but believe it to be a print. Lovely little piece. If interested, and for more info, it can be found here

More to follow soon…...

Looking For A Masculine Soap, But Gentle Enough For A Woman Too?

Vince Vile Soaps on Etsy has just the thing. This is a fresh shop on Etsy, and the first offering is a very nice. coffee and crushed walnuts exfoliating soap. Strong enough for a man, but gentle enough for a woman. I have personally used this soap and loved the exfoliating nature with the coffee grounds. Beautiful earthy colors. The soap lathered nicely, and rinsed easily without leaving a dry feeling. There is something about handmade soap, what you see is what you get, no added anything. Ingredients are shown in the listing on his site. Like he says, no gimmicks. Here is a pic of the soap

This shop will be offering a new blend as well, a soap made with oatmeal and a home brewed stout ale. Blended with oils, gives it a nice interesting aroma. Has a dark deep rich color, and looks good enough to eat! You won't come away smelling like beer! Same great lather, and rinses easily as well. Look for it in the near future.

You can click here to find VinceVileSoaps on Etsy

Just Because It Is Retired, Does NOT Make It Vintage

I am so tired of sellers stating that something is vintage and selling it on places like Etsy, claiming the item is vintage just because the fabric or pattern is retired! RETIRED DOES NOT MEAN IT IS VINTAGE. The perfect example is Vera Bradley bags. Nice bags, beautiful fabrics, well made, useful, love them........ but just because the fabric or pattern is retired, does not make them vintage. There are so many sellers on Etsy right now, that list these bags, and don't take the time to research them, (or don't care)to see if they qualify as vintage. Etsy says vintage must be 20 years or older. Personally, I think that should be at least 25 or more even. According to Etsy rules ( which of course do not seem to be enforced), you cannot list an item as vintage unless it is at least 20 years old. That means, that retired Vera Bradley bag you are trying to sell that was from 2010 IS NOT VINTAGE. Nor, will it qualify as handmade, because you, the seller did not make it. I get it, why not, why not list it, because as stated before, Etsy really isn't enforcing their rules. They have even redefined the word "handmade". Personally, I think if it is made in a factory, by hand or not, it is not considered handmade to me. It is factory made. Stepping off of soap box, but before I do, just in case there is anyone out there, that does sell these Vera Bradley bags, and would actually like to educate themselves, and follow the rules, you can click here for the retired Vera Bradley line.