Ornaments and Figurines

Everybody treasures collectible ornaments and figurines even if they are not collectors themselves. You cannot help but appreciate the fine art and details that go into making each and every piece. Many collectibles consisting of ornaments figurines, Christmas balls or Disney characters are cherished for years and often handed down to the next generation in the family. Let us take a look as some very popular ornaments and figurines that people treasure today and see what makes them so very special.

Department 56 released Snowbabies in 1986. The whole theme for these collectible figurines came about with the creative imagination of the executive director of product design. She was able to visualize scenes of children playing and frolicking in the snow. Today these adorable collectables are available in many cute figurines such as Snowbunnies, Guest collections and the Classic collection featuring standard figurines, water globes and music boxes.

If you should decide to collect these fine Snowbabies, it is best to keep them in the original box, which makes them even more valuable in years to come. Each charming Snowbaby will come in its own box with an adorable story about the design and a personal title. Investing in Snowbabies figurines can be very lucrative as they are retired after a certain period of time after each release year.

If you adore pets, dogs in particular you will absolutely enamored of the cute Lladro dog. These small figurines really are adorable and you will probably be head of over heals in love with the Take Me Home, Against All Odds, Can’t Wait or the Little Stowaway figurines. These little dogs also make great gifts for anybody that you know who collects figurines or anybody that just loves dogs. The figurines range in size from about 4 1/4” to 5” in length or height.

Lladro dogs are made of delicate fine porcelain and they are collected worldwide for their detailed qualities and outstanding beauty. The Lladro business actually started in 1953 in a small community on the Mediterranean coast of Spain. Three brothers that were very interested in art began working with porcelain and eventually designed the famous Lladro dogs. This artistic family has continued to produce some of the top quality collectible figurines that are so admired today.

In 1986, they released the Little Pals into the Lladro Collectors Society, which has been quite popular from the start. Collectors can purchase a new Lladro Collectors piece each and every year as they are released if you are a society member. These pieces are not even sold in regular retail markets and this makes them quite rare. The Lladro brothers, their offspring and the senior staff work diligently to bring you some of the finest porcelain figurines found today.

Precious Moments are so aptly named for the tender loving characters that they portray. Anyone receiving a Precious Moment figurine is sure to be touched by these beautiful little pieces. They originated with the concepts created by Sam Butcher who began drawing tear-dropped eye children, which were given to family and friends as treasured gifts. What may have started as a hobby or doodling certain grew into one of the largest collectible businesses that you will find. One thing led to another and an established manufacturer of collectibles contacted Sam.

After much collaborating and design, ideas passed back and forth the first Precious Moments figurines were unveiled in 1978. Their work paid off with 21 wonderful decorative collectibles that were enormously popular then, as they still are today. Little girls in particular are thrilled with these adorable cute little baby dolls when received as gifts. Precious Moments Ornaments are equally as beautiful and highly valued by many collectors.

Willow Tree angels were introduced as part of the Willow tree collectables in 2000. Anyone who collects angels cannot help but be smitten with these beautiful little angels. Their simplicity is almost overwhelming and sometimes the sentiments that they express say more then you can describe. The sentiment card that comes with each little angel can express all the feelings that you cannot.

Each Willow Tree angel expresses a different sentiment and reflects a one of a kind unique design. Many of these angel designs revolve around nature or are a reflection of spiritual thoughts. Several of the Willow Tree angels have been retired since their original release, making them even more valuable to collectors today.

Most collectors have heard of or are familiar with the Goebel figurines, sculptures and various other collectibles that have been produced since 1871. The Goebel Company definitely has a way for creating some of the most beautiful porcelain figurines that people just cannot get enough of.

With such a long distinguished history, it is no wonder that they make very fine products. One of the most well known figurines that are highly in demand is the M.I. Hummel figurines. Sister Maria Innocentia Hummel is the original designer of this popular figurine that is so highly sought after. The Goebel Company has worked in conjunction with other well-known artists including Hans Schaubach, Hans Welling and Walt Disney.

If you should be fortunate enough to receive a beautiful collectible figurine then perhaps you might like some pointers about the proper ways to keep your treasure safe and secure for all time. Figurines will stay in much better shape if you keep them out of direct sunlight. Displaying them in sunlight after many years can eventually cause the coloring to fade. Dusting collectibles should be done using a soft bristled brush; an artist’s paint brush or even a makeup brush is soft enough to work adequately.

Compressed air works wonderfully for removing dust from fine collectibles. The best way to store and display collectibles is in an enclosed cabinet where they are much safer than out on coffee tables or other areas where you risk damage to the pieces. Dirty figurines can be washed in a sink with warm water and soap provided any holes in the pieces are filled with tape. Water in the inside of a figurine may damage it over time. Never use anything that is abrasive or strong cleaners, as they will damage a piece too.