Hi..........I've been collecting for over 40years and hope this little column will help new and old collectors alike from making some costly mistakes (of which I've made them all).

Since the early 60's I've collected everything from teddy bears to christmas ornaments.  New collectors if your interested in one or more different collections first go to your local book store and buy the "COLLECTORS INFORMATION BUREAU / BUYERS GUIDE".   They publish an updated one every three or four years.  This book lists all your major collectible lines giving issue price, number issued, present market value, and year of retirement.  Buy magazines there are many collectors magazines some covering a specific line or specific type of collectible and some covering an array of collectibles.  I always try to read anything and everything I can get my hands on about whatever I'm interested in.  Also better yet I try to find a fellow collector who can share some of their experiences both positive and negative, and trust me any true collector always loves to share their love and passion for  collecting with new and old comers alike.  Collecting can be a great joy, but if you don't do your homework it can be a never ending nightmare.

I often talk to people who are always looking for that item they can make that big sale on.  Yes, this does happen but trust me my friends it's usually one in a million.   Collect something because you have a love for it, because it inspires you, or because its something you can share with the grandchildren.  Collect because it gives you passion and makes you smile.  I've had many friends who collected only because they thought they'd make money on an item in the future.  Collectibles are much like the stock market some go up in value, but far, far many more go down or stay the same in value.  Also don't buy something because you have to make a profit when you sell it, because more likely than not you'll lose.  I myself collect teddy bears and Wee Forest Folk at the present time.  I only buy what really speaks to me.  Many people will ask how does a mouse or a teddy bear speak to you, my answer is when I can't  get it off my mind and everywhere I look something reminds me of a particular item I'm wanting.  I only collect what I love and my intention is for my children , grandchildren, and several charities to have a great time going over and through my collectibles after I'm gone.

So my parting words today are if you don't love it, can't afford it, or can't display it so that you can enjoy it, then don't buy it.   But on the other hand if it inspires you, stays on your mind, can afford it, and want to put it out for all to enjoy, then by all means "BUY IT AND ENJOY, ENJOY, ENJOY"

I do hope this has been some help to you and to all my fellow collectors, new collectors, old collectors, and just interested and maybe wanna be a collectors.  I'll talk again soon so until then go for it and enjoy............................