Collectibles is a very broad term, which can represent a vast majority of things. Have you ever found a pot of gold at the end of a rainbow? Have you ever wondered what a cloud could or would feel like? Defining a collectible or a collector can be just as difficult.

Collecting offers a mystique of it's own. The Greek work "Musterion" is a word we refer to as "mystery" - Knowledge that can be known or taught to help unlock the mystery.

Collecting has become a zestful hobby for all ages. Collecting, allows individuals to socially and economically get connected with other collectors of the same interest. Ty's Beanie Babies have proven this, time and time again!

TIPS TO MAKE COLLECTING FUN AND WORTHWHILE.

1. Educate your self. Make it a point to become familiar with the manufacturer and it's collectible.
2. Join collectible clubs.
3. Attend sponsored events.
4. Always keep accurate records.
5. Original boxes, tags, inserts and sales receipts can sometimes triple the value of your collectible.

I collect many items, some which are as follows.

Beanie Babies, Signed Baseballs, Baseball Cards, Precious Moments, Musical Porcelain Dolls and Seraphim Angels.

PROTECT YOUR COLLECTIBLES.

1. Video tape and photograph your collectibles. I always make two copies, keep one copy in your possession, and give a trusted relative or friend the second copy for safekeeping.
2. Purchase a rider to your homeowners insurance for extra protection.
   1. Always ask your insurance company questions.
3. Deductible
4. Does your policy cover breakage, fire, flood, theft, etc?
5. Update videos, pictures and insurance, every year. Keep current on market values and replacement value.
6. Always store your collectibles in a safe place away from children and pets.

HOW TO CARE FOR YOUR TREASURES.

Beanie Babies can be cared for in a variety of ways. I have taken the following precautionary measures to protect my collection.

1. I always protect my tags with tag protectors.
2. I individually wrap each Beanie in white tissue paper and enclose the Beanie in a Glad Zip Lock Vegetable bag. I choose this particular bag because of the small holes, which allows the bag to breathe and not become musty.
3. In order for your Beanie to remain in mint condition, NEVER wash it.
4. Do not deface your tags with writing.
5. The sun's UV rays can be very damaging to your displayed Beanies. Keep all of your displayed Beanies out of direct sunlight and areas, which tend to be moist.

Porcelain and glass collectibles.

I thoroughly clean all of my collectibles once a year. I keep all of my breakable collectibles in a collectable cabinet away from sunlight.

1. Always use a mild soap detergent.
2. Never stack your collectibles without a liner between them.
3. Use a soft artist brush or a cool hair dryer to remove dust and lint.
4. Never immerse your figurines in water, it can soak into the paint and damage your collectible.
5. If you store collectibles, always use bubble wrap for extra protection. You may also want to use foam to pack away your collectibles.

Doll protection.

Most dolls are very fragile and need proper attention.

1. Dolls should be stored faced down in a soft padded environment.
2. I suggest using white tissue paper between your doll and her clothes; this relieves the worry of color transfer.
3. Do not play beautician with your dolls; changing the original hairstyle will lower your doll value.
4. Dolls should never be stored in heat or where moisture is present.
5. UV Rays can be very damaging to your doll and her clothes.
6. Do not smoke around your dolls, the smoke will gather in her hair and clothes.

Baseball Cards and Signed Balls.

1. Never try to repair a torn card by trimming it. Repairing cards will only lower their value.
2. Clean your cards with a lightly damp sponge. Press your cards in a heavy book to keep hem from folding.
3. Display your cards in an acid free environment.
4. Never use nail polish to remove sticker.
5. Always have clean dry hands when handling a signed baseball.
6. Try not to handle the ball to many times, the signature could wear off.
7. Protect your balls in glass domes or plastic containers.

Sticky solutions.

We have all been hampered with sticky labels on our collectibles. Below you will find some quick solutions to this problem.

Beanie Baby tush tags with pricing stickers can be difficult to remove; stickers on heart tags can be even more difficult. I have attempted to gently pull the sticker off; sometimes I'm successful and sometimes I'm not! I have learned that if I heat the sticker with a blow dryer, I have a better chance of removing it.

Stickers can be removed from glass by applying a little mayonnaise or peanut butter. When using mayonnaise or peanut butter, make sure to rub the area gently until all the product is removed. I have also removed stickers by rubbing a piece of tape over the area and pulling the tape off hard in an outward direction. Do NOT try this on your Beanies!

Layman's Terms Please!

The following terms are general collecting terms.

1. Backstamp - Manufactures Logo or stamp.
2. Certificate of Authenticity - document that describes the piece, manufacture and artist.
3. Closed - No longer available from the manufacture.
   Ty has many retired pieces, which are no longer available.
4. Collectible - An item that can be collected for value or as a hobby.
5. Commemorative - A collectible designed to observe a date or time.
   Ty's Clubby is a commemorative piece for Ty's Beanie club.
6. Fine condition - Little sign of wear. Very good condition.
   Beanie tag shows signs of opening and closing of the tag. No crease or flaking of gold.
7. First issue - Represents the first in a series. First issues usually increase in value.
   Ty's Beanie kits are now in their first issue or edition.
8. Good condition - Average condition with some defects.
   This could represent a small crease in a tag or even flaking gold.
9. Limited Edition - An item that is limited to production. Many limited editions are numbered. Ty's 1997 Christmas Teddy was a limited piece.
10. Mint condition - Excellent condition with original packaging.
    A Ty Beanie Baby with a perfect tag and a perfect Beanie.
11. Open edition - No determined limit on the quantity to be sold.
12. Poor Condition - Wear and tear and noticeable damage.
    hugging, washing and a removed tag.
13. Retired - No longer available from the manufacture. A secondary market item.
14. Secondary Market - This market obtains items that are no longer manufactured, but still are in demand by collectors.
15. Treasure - One mans trash is another mans treasure.

I hope that this article has given you a clearer picture of what collectors need to know about their collectibles. Remember to protect your investment by research and knowledge.

Happy Collecting.
Ms. Janie
June 4, l998

Copyright 2004 All rights reserved.