January 2012 Hotlines

Studies have shown that women tend to live longer than men because they shop more. Men sit home watching television, while women who shop are exercising their bodies and brains—and they’re happy with the results of their shopping expeditions.

Cut paper, scherenschnitte, was a popular craft in the 18th century in Pennsylvania German communities. The craft continues today. Some artists make copies of old cuttings, but French-born New Yorker Beatrice Coron cuts complex modern designs. In Kovels Komments, our weekly ezine, we mentioned the Chinese artists who created cut-paper propaganda posters during the Cultural Revolution in China, which lasted from 1966 to 1976.

American Indians have sold inexpensive souvenirs for years. Many of the souvenirs, however, were made by “non-native” companies. Collectors search for these pieces, which include saltshakers, small figurines, baskets, dolls, jewelry and clothing. All of these souvenirs are still being made. Best-known and most valuable are Skookum dolls from the 1920s to the ’60s. They were made by non-natives but dressed by Indian tribes. Most other non-native pieces sell for low prices and probably will not grow in value.

If a vintage toy is accompanied by its original box in good or better condition, its price can go up by 20 percent to 30 percent.

Can’t sell your limited edition plates from the 1970s and ’80s? A single plate sells for as little as $5 today. Why not use the plates? Read the backs of the plates to be sure they don’t warn you not to eat off them. Add cups, saucers and other plates in colors that blend with the limited edition plates. The dishes will show wear over time, but it seems unlikely that average limited edition plates will ever go back to their once high prices.