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For generations, Czech beaded glass ornaments have captivated the imaginations and hearts of both young and old. Their lightweight, diverse forms permit hanging on smaller, more delicate branches without losing their presence and their intricate and often lively, kinetic structures endlessly please.

SundryShop.com would like to showcase a few of our

In the early 1500’s, artisans in Bohemia (modern day Czech Republic) began to craft glass beads. These

Antique Lampwork Bead

were originally made by using a lampworking bead-making technique that, unlike glassblowing, involved the wrapping of melted glass around a metal rod known as a mandrel. After the glass was cooled, creating a spherical bead with a hole as its center, the lampwork beads were then strung together, usually on wire, to make jewelry and accessories such as rosaries, necklaces and bracelets.

As early as 1845, Czech artisans began to use the beads for glass Christmas ornaments designs, a craft that became increasingly important as the Bohemians’ less costly production of beads substantially reduced the demand for comparable Czech products. Czech beaded ornaments were largely a cottage industry in which the entire family worked long hours, using specialized division of labor to efficiently produce the ornaments. Most of the craftsmen operated their business in towns near Reichenberg, Gablonz, and throughout the Thurigin area.

A “Czech beaded ornament” could consist of only one large bead or it could be a string of thousands on a wire. Mostly, the earliest designs were two dimensional, flat designs and commonly had beaded tails that hung from the lower edges. Regardless, careful consideration was always given to design the ornament so that it had a pleasing, lasting effect on the viewer.

At SundryShop.com, the Christopher Radko 1993 Star Bursts” Czech beaded glass ornament shows us how the early two dimensional, designs have remained influential throughout the decades. The ornament depicts a gleaming, gold star as it shines brightly in a winter sky.

Radko Beaded Star Bursts Ornament

Amazing that glass beads can accomplish a wonderful, artistic dynamic!  As one moves from the unifying central bead to the tip of each star flame, the ascending and descending sizes of the balls produce not only add an appealing depth, but also a visual dynamic, leaving us convinced that we’re indeed looking at a star burst! Each ray appears as if it is cascading outward in a brilliant burst; yet the entire design compels us to return to the center!

The use of longer glass tubes and smaller beads were also used to make other two dimensional shapes.  For example, spider webs  similar to Christopher Radko's Webutante Czech Republic beaded ornament, complete with realistically molded blown glass spiders were popular because of the common belief that spiders bring good luck.  And  Harps, such as Radko's Czech Republic beaded Merry Melody Harp, were great favorites.

Radko Webutante Spider Web Ornament

Radko Merry Melody Harp Ornament

In the early 1900’s, particularly the United States imported the Czech glass ornaments. The Americans loved the enchanting way the ornaments swayed on their Christmas tree branches and the Czech cottage industry greatly expanded to meet the American demand for their beaded glass Christmas ornaments.

In the 1920’s, partly due to the incorporation of solid glass rings called “bangles”, more complicated three-dimensional ornaments appeared. The bangle was a circular ring in which beaded designs might be displayed or dangling bells suspended. Soon, glass rods and rounded beads came to be used to create even more varied designs. By the 1930’s, the Czech beaded glass ornaments were representing complex designs such as the airplane, bells, churches, baskets, and bicycles.

Radko Beaded Bicycle

Radko Star Bell Beaded Ornament

Radko Church Window Ornament

The Christopher Radko 1996 Hawk Airplane Christmas tree ornamentis a great contemporary example of the type of beaded ornaments that appeared to actually come to life when dangling on display. Along with people, boats, and butterflies, airplanes became one of the most popular Czech designs.

Radko Beade Kitty Hawk Airplane Ornament

Christopher Radko's Luxury Liner Czech Republic beaded glass ornament created in 1998 certainly shows how complicated and intricate Czech beaded glass ornaments can be. Several beads of varying shapes and colors harmoniously come together to create this piece that is both bold and elegant.

Also note the use of the cylindrical beads extending from the ship’s center mast. Though they are not rings as bangles are, their use indicates the incorporation of solid glass pieces in beaded ornaments.

Radko Luxury Liner Beaded Ship Ornament

Radko’s Grand Dragonfly beaded glass ornament made in 2001 also shows us just imaginatively the Czech  beaded creations can be - the dragon fly endlessly appears ready to land on the tree limb as it dangles about! Note how Christopher Radko artistically makes use of different bead types and glass shapes. The dragonfly’s body, head and eyes are circular beads; the wings are constructed with rod and oval-shaped beads; and the main tail segment is a solid glass piece.
Indeed, the vibrant dragonfly ornament truly represents the generational culmination of beaded glass techniques.

Radko Beaded Grand Dragonfly Ornament

But, this and the other ornaments shown here are only a few of the Czech beaded glass ornaments listed on the SundryShop.com web store. We invite you to take a closer look at other Christopher Radko Czech Republic beaded glass ornaments to enjoy the diverse designs and artistry of this genre of fine European glass ornaments.

Preface

Although it is Anna Jarvis who on May 10, 1908 achieved the recognition of the Mother's Day celebration as we know it today, the true history of Mother’s Day can be traced back to Julia Ward Howe in 1870.  SundryShop.com brings Julia Ward Howe's amazing story to life with an original story.

SundryShop.com also offers wonderful gifts, including blown glass European ornaments, to give mom this Mother’s Day!  Moms love roses and flowers, Stephen Dweck & artisan amber jewelry, cookie jars, special storage boxes and many other exciting gifts available in our webstore, so have fun exploring the different SundryShop.com categories.

Oil Painting of Julia Ward Howe

Two Girls' Story About Julia Ward Howe's Mother's Day Proclamation

The warm June sun brazenly beams down upon the mass of people gathered in the Boston square. Katy and Ann, two young girls of eight and nine, dart though the mass of giant, flowing over-skirts, navigating their way to the front of the crowd. Their small bare feet seem to fly from cobblestone to cobblestone in excitement. Kathy struggles to keep her over-sized hand-me-down skirt from dragging while still tightly clutching a piece of paper that reads “Mothers' Peace Day Observance 1870 - Julia Ward Howe to speak.” Just then the band begins to play the powerful  “Battle Hymn of the Republic” melody.  Ann, who wears a much shorter, out-grown, cream-colored dress, frantically yells to Katy, “Hurry, hurry, she's going to start!”

Determined to gain the best view, the girls push onward through the crowd of women. As the band grows louder, they know they are close to the stage. Like lost explorers spilling out of a jungle, the girls tumble out from the vast sea of over skirts. They look up to see that they are finally in front of the stage and not a minute too soon.  The noise from the crowd swells with excitement as a proud, strong woman in her fifties takes the stage. “Is that her?” Ann whispers to Katy. Without taking her eyes off the woman on stage, Katy nods, “Yes!”

The larger-than-life presence of the author of Battle Hymn of the Republic and the celebrated abolitionist, political activist, poet, woman of letters, and song writer, Julia Ward Howe, stands before the girls and captures the gaze of each woman in the crowd as they await her every word.  Composed and self-assured, she begins her Mother's Day proclamation.

Julia Ward Howe's declaration is an antiwar statement. She is sickened by the Civil War's carnage and loss of lives and extends her displeasure to the ensuing Franco-Prussian War.  She calls for women all over the world to speak for an alternative government that seeks peaceful solutions to conflict so that future wars might be forever prevented.

“Arise, then, women of this day! Arise all women who have hearts, whether your baptism be of water or of tears! Say firmly: "We will not have questions decided by irrelevant agencies. Our husbands shall not come to us reeking of carnage for caresses and applause. Our sons shall not be taken from us to unlearn all that we have been able to teach them of charity, mercy, and patience.” The crowd respectfully applauds.  “We women of one country will be too tender to those of another country to allow our sons to be trained to injure theirs."

Boston Square Mother's Day for Peace Scene

As the crowd erupts with cheers, Katy notices that a woman next to her, dressed in mourning black, begins to weep.  Compassionately, Katy reaches for the woman’s hand and holds it tightly.

Mrs. Howe's waits for the cheering to subside a bit before she continues.  Her speech once again spellbinds the listeners, “From the bosom of a devastated Earth a voice goes up with our own. It says "Disarm! Disarm!" The sword of murder is not the balance of justice. Blood does not wipe out dishonor, nor violence indicate possession!” As she completes her statement, the throng,  like a balloon over-filled with emotion, begins to chant, "Peace, peace!".  She pauses and her gravitas calms the crowd.  She continues,

“As men have forsaken the plow and the anvil at the summons of war, let women now leave all that may be left of home for a great and earnest day of counsel. Let them meet first as women, to bewail and commemorate the dead. Let them solemnly take counsel with each other as to the means whereby the great human family can live in peace, each bearing after his time the sacred impress not of Caesar, but of God.” In respect for the dead, the crowd reverentially applauds.

Julia Ward Howe takes a moment to allow her words to sink in. After observing that she again has the crowd's undivided attention, she begins the grand finale of her speech.  “In the name of womanhood and humanity, I earnestly ask that a general congress of women without limit of nationality be appointed and held at some place deemed most convenient and at the earliest period consistent with its objects, to promote the alliance of the different nationalities, the amicable settlement of international questions, the great and general interests of peace.”

The crowd explodes into a sea of passionate applause. Overwhelmed, the two girls excitedly hug each other.  Then, Ann giddily laughs and playfully begins dancing the cake walk.

A Girl Dancing the Cake Walk

Instantly, others join in and dance the cake walk, as well!  The inspiring message for women to band together and effect universal peace throughout the world leaves the crowd feeling jubilant - the Mother's Day celebration has just begun!

Many years later the two girls, now grandmothers and great grandmothers, gather their families on Mother’s Day to tell the story of the day they saw Julia Ward Howe give her speech that would establish the precedent for Mother's Day, the holiday that honors the love and power a mother gives to her family and to the world.

Find the Perfect Mother's Day Gift

Give mom a special Mother’s Day gift from SundryShop.com - a gift that becomes a treasured keepsake that is handed down through the generations!

(Story written by Nicholas who works at SundryShop.com & edited by the Sundryshop.com team. Copyright 2012 by SundryShop.com. All rights reserved.)

Today is President’s Day: the day that we commemorate not just our American presidents, such as George Washington, Abraham Lincoln, and Theodore Roosevelt, but also the characteristics that have been displayed by other great leaders of our nation such as Alexander Hamilton and Benjamin Franklin who worked closely with the Founding Fathers to write the constitution and establish the underpinnings of our democracy.

We at SundryShop.com truly believe that a leader needs more than just knowledge and charisma to guide our wonderful nation. To be the President of the United States involves humility, integrity, and the strength of mind in order to be diligent and to make the right decision to lead through the most tumultuous of times. George Washington led the Continental Army to fight for our independence from British colonial rule; Abraham Lincoln reunited a divided nation and preserved the Union. Each great American president believed that his vision could be accomplished and had the capacity to translate that vision into an actuality. Each spearheaded important changes that became part of the progression of democracy in the United States.

Our Presidents must certainly promote a sense of unity over the nation, and for that, they are loved by many and remain as timeless heroes throughout American history and are constantly paid tribute to in the arts and media. There are many ways to display their honor and achievements, from the painting of Washington Crossing the Delaware to the stencil poster of Barack Obama’s Hope.

This year for President’s Day, SundryShop invites you to take a moment to view some of our favorite Christopher Radko and Patricia Breen collectible, handcrafted and mouth-blown European glass ornament presidential tributes!

• First we have a full-body rendition of the mighty General George by Christopher Radko.   The portly man led the Continental Army against the British in the War of Independence.

• Take a look at this wonderful Christopher Radko glass ornament bust of Our Nation’s Father.  Did you know that George Washington actually had red hair? He is so often depicted in his powdered wig so many people think of him as having white hair!

• Did you know that Alexander Hamilton and Benjamin Franklin are the only two non-presidents to be featured on our currency? Can you guess which bills they show up on? Click our SundryShop.com Facebook page to learn the answer (and “Like” us, too!)

• Patricia Breen Benjamin Franklin handcrafted and mouth-blown, two-piece, glass ornament is a wonderful depiction! The two parts can be toggled together or displayed separately but within close proximity of each other. 

• Mount Rushmore, which honors George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Abraham Lincoln, and Theodore Roosevelt, was originally designed to depict full busts of the presidents, not just their heads. Christopher Radko's Mount Rushmore collectible glass ornament is a great rendition of the actual stone carving! 

• Christopher Radko’s Teddy for President is a whimsical representation of one of the nation’s most important Founding Fathers, Theodore “Teddy” Roosevelt in (Part 30438). “Teddy” sure was a man of nicknames – he was the one who officially named the President’s residence “the White House” in 1901!

SundryShop.com wishes all a Happy President’s Day, a day not just to remember great statesmen, but also to reflect upon our good fortune of living in a country in which we can follow the example set by these great Presidents and can believe in and actualize our hopes and aspirations.

Lucille Ball I Love Lucy Radko Christmas Ornaments

Every Christmas, we give friends and family members a complete copy of Lucille Ball’s recorded TV episodes. The list of recipients keeps growing, and we’re amazed about how often they contact us throughout the next year, sharing their favorite episodes! They laugh and chuckle as they explain how hilarious Lucy is! What a great way to stay in touch!

Since Valentines Day is around the corner, we thought it would be appropriate to showcase a few Christopher Radko "I Love Lucy" European glass ornaments.

Christopher Radko realized that Lucille Ball was a timeless performer whose works would gain popularity over time. His “I Love Lucy” series was created to commemorate over 40years since her TV show first aired!   Well, last year we celebrate the 60th anniversary! Needless to say, Radko’s “I Love Lucy” creations continue to gain in popularity and collectability!

Radko Candy Maker I Love Lucy 1997  

The Candy Maker – Chocolate Factory I Love Lucy Christopher Radko ornament is one of our favorites and captures a great comedic moment in television history!

The ornament depicts the famous scene from the 1952 episode, "Job Switching," where Lucy wraps chocolates in a candy factory. As her boss pressures her to wrap every candy without fail, the conveyor belt increases in speed, making it impossible for Lucy to keep up. Lucy hilariously does everything possible to make sure not one piece of candy gets by her unwrapped, including stuffing the chocolates in her mouth, hat and shirt. While in this predicament, her boss examines her work.

Here’s a You Tube of her Chocolate Factory performance. Take a few minutes and enjoy a great laugh!

Radko Grape Stomping I Love Lucy 

Accordingly, the Christopher Radko “Grape Stomping” ornament captures a mischievous and adventurous Lucy who stomps purple grapes with a bright smile on her face. She wears a glittered pearl scarf with green accents on her head, a pearl shirt, and green pants. By the time Lucy's grape stomping experience is over, she's in a fight with a native Italian grape worker whom Lucy's managed to insult. With grapes flying everywhere, the two go at it in the stomping barrel!

Here’s our favorite grape stomper episode quote, made immortal when Lucy tells Ricky about her role in the “Grapes” movie and Fred’s response:

• LUCY : Gee, did you hear that, honey? It's going to be called "Bitter Grapes." I wonder what part they want me for.
• FRED : Oh, you're probably going to be one of the bunch.

We will again showcase other great I Love Lucy Christopher Radko collectible ornaments that capture classic moments in the series.  Visit our webstore often to see all the collectible I Love Lucy ornaments that we have in stock, since these ornaments sell quickly! 

Welcome to the SundryShop.com Valentine’s Day display!

For this special day of love, we would like to express our appreciation to the many collectors who have bought from SundryShop over the years. We at SundryShop love our customers and thank them for their repeat business.

Please visit our SundryShop.com Facebook wall!  If you Like our SundryShop.com Facebook wall, we'll give you 20% off your next purchase.  

Spread the word about SundryShop and we’ll thank you!  For every friend collector you send and Likes our Fracebook wall, we'll give you 20% off a comparable number of items purchased in our SundryShop.com webstore! If you send five or more friends, we'll give you 25% off!  After liking our SundryShop Facebook wall, simply have your friend/s comment on the Facebook wall that you sent them!  This offer is good only through February 16, so contact your friends quickly!

And follow our Tweets to stay informed about new, highly collectible SundryShop.com merchandise and special promotions!

Fine European glass Valentines theme ornaments can be used to create a beautiful centerpiece and offer an opportunity for collectors to join with family and friends to complete a fun, creative project.

For the enjoyment of all whom might view this blog, we’d like to share a picture of our SundryShop display.  The SundryShop Valentines display is also featured in a series of You Tube videos that will be posted on February 9.  Viewing the videos will introduce you to some of the SundryShop staff who helped build the display andwho will explain the process behind the Valentines Day display's creation.

Here are some wonderful, very collectible Christopher Radko and Patricia Breen Valentine ornaments that are not discussed in the You Tube video.

• First, Christopher Radko's Every Bead of my Heart demonstrates the skill of Czech Republic artisans who painstakingly string different sized red beads on wire to create a beautiful, dimensional heart. In fact, using several of these timeless in any given display compounds their beauty!

Radko Every Bead Of My Heart 1996 Valentine Ornament

• Above the shiny candy container that we layered with felt hearts to give it added texture and dimension, Christopher Radko's Muffy Vander Bear, Heart and Roses, makes a lovely statement.

Radko Muffy Vander Bear Hearts Flowers 1998 Valentine Ornament

• Chrisotpher Radko’s Love's Golden Bear repeats the gold in other ornaments, helping the eye sweep about the display. The 8 inch tall ornament is a spectacularly, lovable collectible.


Radko Loves Golden Bear Valentine Ornament

• Patricia Breen’s For You Santa again repeats the luxurious gold and red colors central to the display. He sits on a beautifully wrapped box that could well contain delectable, chocolate Valentines Day candy!

Breen For You Red Santa Claus 2000 Valentine Ornament

• Patricia Breen's Blue Mistletoe Egg works beautifully with the other blue ornaments. The small, pink heart offers the perfect delicate touch.

Breen Mistletoe Heart Egg 1999 Valentine Ornament

• Finally, Christopher Radko’s Holly Heart is an exquisite earlier ornament made in 1994. Covered with red and pink hearts and colored in pearl, red and green, it integrates the essential colors of the entire display!

Radko Holly Heart Drop Valentine Ornament

And a special 15% off any ornament purchased in our webstore through Valentine’s Day for anyone who can name the three Dalmatian puppies featured in the Christopher Radko Puppy Pole ornament! Just email us the names, and we'll refund 15% off any merchandise that you buy before or on February 16!  Make sure you look at both pictures for important clues!

Radko Disney 101 Dalmatians Puppy Pole 1997 Valentine Ornament

To all our customers and other viewers, Happy Valentines Day from SundryShop.com. We hope you will build your own Valentines Day display and share it on our Valentines Day SundryShop blog. Valentine’s Day is a great celebration of love among family, friends, and sweet hearts. And celebrating Valentines Day it’s a wonderful opportunity to express your heartfelt creative passions!

And remember to Like our Facebook page to receive 20% off on your SundryShop.com purhcase and follow our Tweets to learn about, on an ongoing basis, strongly sought-after new items and other special promotions !  Also, send your friends to our SundryShop.com Facebook page to Like us as well, so you can take advantage of our great promotion 20% to 25% discount and so your friends can learn about our collectible European glass ornaments & other collectibles.  Again, these special promotions are good only through February 16, 2012, so hurry!

Super Bowl XLVI Sunday is this Sunday, and more than 100 million fans from 180 countries, speaking around 30 different languages, will be glued to their big screens, rooting for their favorite team.  The Green Bay Packers are defending champions from the 2010 Superbowl XLV.  This year, the New York Giants and the New England Patriots will contest Super Bowl XLVI.

Many football fans are passionate about their NFL heroes depicted as collectible action figures. We have some NFL variant McFarlane Action Figure Toys and thought you would like to know why some McFarlane figures are recognized as variants, as well as the differences between a super chase, variant, surprise, and exclusive figures.

There’s much confusion about these terms because of inaccuracies on various listing channels, even though McFarlane has specifically defined the terms on his site.

While we will only talk about NFL figures, the following definitions hold for other McFarlane sports figures, as well.

• Regular McFarlane figures are standard issues and commonly available. No announcement is made of the numbers produced.

• Chase McFarlane figures are regular figures with intentional modifications. The term “Chase” evolved from the fact that collectors invariably chase the intentional variation because it’s rare in number compared to the regular version. Modifications include:  a different jersey, a different tem or uniform,a different helmet, or omitting the helmet.  The chase figure modification may or may not be pictured on the package.

• Super Chase figures are McFarlane figures that  are intentionall produced in very limited quantities.

• Variant McFarlane figures are similar to chase figures but the variation is generally unexpected rather than planned and typically not publicized prior to their discovery. As a result, the variant is usually more rare than the chase. Often the variation occurs when the licensee doesn’t like something about the figure and stops production of the figure to make an unplanned change. The reasons for these changes can be due to corrections of errors or because of decision changes.

Most of the McFarlane figures that we’ve sold have been variants. We enjoy the fact that variations that occur during the production of the figure affect their collectability. We also respect that collectors hold onto the variants, even when the player is injured and unable to play or retires. Variants become particularly appealing and highly collectible when the player's performance history demonstrates unmatched moments in sports history and becomes worthy of future induction into the Hall of Fame.

One our favorite variant is the McFarlane Ray Lewis NFL Series 5 Purple Jersey 2002 Variant. A fierce middle linebacker, the figure captures Ray Lewis' spirit during a play with the Baltimore Ravens professional football team. Throughout his 15 season career, he was feared by opposing running backs due to his intense, fierce determination. The list of his accomplishments and NFL statistics is remarkable!

Mcfarlane Ray Lewis NFL Series 5 Variant

We also value the Mcfarlane Tom Brady 2002 NFL Series 5 Blue Jersey New England Patriot Variant. A poised and calm performer, Tom Brady always comes through in the clutch as depicted in this figure. A 6th round draft selection, he led the New England Patriots to victory in Super Bowl 36 during his first season. Brady has won three Super Bowls and two Super Bowl MVP awards. His statistics for the 2011 season have been awesome!

Mcfarlane Tom Brady NFL Series 5 Variant

• Chase Variant McFarlane figures are variations of the chase intentionally modified versions. Following the intended Chase modification/s, the collector discovers two or more discovered unintended variations that then become publicized and part of the archival history of the NFL sports figure.  For the devotee who must have every variation, collecting can become challenging when there are many unintended chase variations. It's an individual decision as to extent the collector wishes to pursue all these additional variations.

• Surprise Chase McFarlane figures are variations of Chase figures in that, without announcement, a player is intentionally included in the lineup. Although packages and packages are not marked “Surprise Chase”, they are discovered by collectors because the figure is not included on the checklist on the back of the package.

• Custom McFarlane figures are not company releases. Rather, an artist modifies the figure through some type of re-crafting or repainting.

• Exclusive McFarlane figures are announced figures created for specific retailers, events, or other special occasions. As such, they are not marketed through the company’s usual network of retailers. Often Exclusive figures are created to commemorate major sports events such as the Super Bowl, All-Star games, and Hall of Fame inductions. They are typically sold at the event via show booths and often sell out.

• Collector Club McFarlane figures are generally sold to collectors who are registered members of the McFarlane website. Some of the most sought-after figures have been Collector Club ones.

• Specific Retailers or Regions figures are those made for select retailers who have exclusive rights to sell them. Some times store exclusives are chase figures.

We’ll be once again increasing the selection of our SundryShop stock of McFarlane NFL sports figures.  We would be interested in hearing about you experiences with collecting McFarlane NFL sports actions figures.

What have been your favorite collectibles and why? Do you focus on certain types of McFarlane NFL figures and what determines your decision? What has been your most valuable figure?

Feel free to generate other topics of discussion, as well

I Love Lucy -  Lucille Ball

The year 2011 marks the 60th anniversary of the commencement of the “I Love Lucy” television series in 1951 and the 100th anniversary of Lucille Ball’s birth in 1911.

We warmly pay tribute to her legacy with some of the finest Christopher Radko and Polonaise “I Love Lucy” European glass ornament collectibles!

Lucille Ball became immortalized as “Lucy Ricardo” in the “I Love Lucy” television program, which has been watched by more people than any other TV series to this day. Not only is she known for her character’s zany impersonations and rubber-faced antics, but she was also a Broadway star, a serious actress, and a shrewd businesswoman.

Early Life

Lucille Desiree Ball was born on August 6, 1911. Following her father’s death in 1915, she lived with her mother, DeDe Ball, and grandparents in Celoron near Jamestown, New York.

DeDe Ball served as a constant inspiration in Lucy’s life. Lucy’s laugh mimics her mother’s laughter, which frequently reverberated throughout the home. DeDe strongly encouraged Lucy to pursue an entertainment career and enrolled her daughter in the John Murray Anderson/Robert Milton School of Theater and Dance in New York, the same school where Bette Davis, “The First Lady of the American Screen,” studied. Unfortunately, Lucy failed and the school told DeDe it was a waste of money for her daughter to continue.
Lucy went back to the stage after a brief return to Celoron and worked as a model. At age 17, she suddenly fell ill with rheumatic fever and DeDe cared for her for three years, finally nursing her back to heath.

A Serious Entertainer

Lucy received her first recognition when taking a “pie in the face” as a walk-on replacement in “Broadway Thru a Keyhole,” a Busby Berkeley production. After watching her, the renowned Berkeley demanded, “Get the girl’s name. That’s the one who will make it.”

Subsequently, Lucille Ball gained tremendous skill by working with comic greats such as the Marx Brothers, Buster Keaton, Laurel and Hardy, and the Three Stooges.  She received critical praise for her performance in “Stage Door” in 1937 and in “The Big Street” in 1942. She also met Desi Arnaz, a Cuban-born entertainer whom she later married in 1940. But from Berkeley’s first recognition of her talent, it took another fifteen years for her to gain stardom after the "I Love Lucy" show aired on TV.

Rise to Fame

In order to prove to CBS that their talent was television-worthy, Lucy and Desi performed as a duo on the road, during which time they formed the jointly owned Desilu production company. Seeing their success, CBS premiered the "I Love Lucy" show in 1951. Within six months, the show was the number one rated program on TV.  It later became the first to claim more than ten million viewers. Filmed live before a studio audience that importantly helped Lucy gauge her comedic affect, it also revolutionized television production through the use of three cameras.

In the series, Lucille Ball was portrayed as a daffy, red-haired woman who strives to become a star. Her aspirations involved both her bandleader husband and her in some of the strangest and funniest situations imaginable. Along with Lucy and Desi, the Mertzes also became household names. Vivian Vance as Ethel and William Frawley as Fred were long-term neighbors who invariably tried to resolve or added to Lucy’s ensuing predicaments. The actors and series won numerous Emmy awards.

A Shrewd Businesswoman

Lucy once said, “Ability is of little account without opportunity.” She largely created her own opportunity, first by working with Desi who proved to have good business acumen, and later, on her own.

Desilu took a major risk by requiring the series to be filmed, instead of using the commonly used inferior kinescopes technique.  Film allowed the episodes to be preserved but was extremely expensive.  In fact, CBS required that Balll and Arnez discount their wages to help both pay for the added cost.  However, never having experienced the "re-run" phenomenon, CBS gladly allowed Desilu to own the rights of the film after the episodes were aired. The use of film proved to be an investment that handsomely paid off and ultimately ensured the legacy of the series and of Lucile Ball. Lucy was also able to select Desilu productions, such as “The Untouchables,” “Mission Impossible,” and Star Trek,” with strong syndication and re-run potentials that would offset the cost of production. 

After Lucy and Desi divorced in 1960, Lucy bought out the Desilu corporation for $3 million, becoming the first woman to own a big studio, and later sold it for $18 million.

A Lasting Legacy

In real life, Lucille Ball was surprisingly quite a different person from the “I Love Lucy” personality. In describing herself, she’s stated, “I never thought I was funny. I don't think funny … What I am is brave”. Accordingly, she was mostly a serious, practical thinker. She not only persevered and overcame various adversities, but pioneered comedic roles that her fans still cherish today, such as her wonderful Hobo clown performances with Red Skelton. In general, she worked to perfect her entertainment craft -- her performances appeared effortless and endlessly funny and otherwise superbly acted.

Today, millions of fans continue to watch “I Love Lucy” reruns, and it remains one of the top 30 series of all times.

So here’s to you Lucille Ball, from the Team at SundryShop. Happy Anniversary, “I Love Lucy!” As our great I Love Lucy collectibles attest, we certainly do love you!

It is the start of November, Halloween has passed, and though the department stores have been decorated for weeks, we can all finally turn our thoughts towards the festive season to come. There is something that happens when the calendar turns from the tenth to the eleventh month. Daylight Savings Time is nearing its end, snow begins to fall, (depending on where you live), and fa-la-la-la-las start creeping into every mind and mall playlist.

So, what does November mean for collectors like you and me? It means it is time to dust off the storage crates and begin planning for a festive season filled with family, friends, home and comfort.

The first item on the agenda is Thanksgiving! How many pounds of butter you need to buy is not the biggest question that will face you in the coming weeks; the question that I always find racing through my head is this: what will I do for my centerpiece?

Steiff Disney Winnie The Pooh Limited 20 Inch Bear

I know that the stuffing, pumpkin pie and heavenly mashed potatoes that grace the tabletop will inevitably be gobbled up, but my centerpiece will stand strong and beautiful even after the food has disappeared. So, each year I enjoy creating a special centerpiece using my collectibles and heirloom decorations that were passed down through my family. I also like to add natural elements, be they whole nuts in the shell, freshly gathered red and brown leaves, or interesting pumpkins and gourds from a local market.

This year I am going to take a creative approach to the Thanksgiving centerpiece by starting with an unusual and traditional element. I will use my Steiff Winnie the Pooh teddy bear as the inspiration for the centerpiece and build in Thanksgiving elements from there. This adorable, old-fashioned bear just screams family and tradition to me, and his golden hue and burnt red vest even echo the colors of the holiday. I think he will be a hit with my family – especially the younger generation.

To accompany Pooh, I plan on displaying an autumnal mix of gourds and colorful silk leaves next to him. A mixture of colors, sizes and shapes will provide visual interest, so I will choose a mixture of dark green, deep orange and earthen colored gourds such as those pictured below from The Silk Garden.

Harvest Centerpiece

In order to create visual interest all the way along the table, I won’t stop with Pooh beside the autumnal display. I plan to draw the eye down the table by creating a winding path of whole nuts in their shell. To make the nuts more festive, I will lightly spray them with adhesive and toss them in a bowl with copper colored glitter. Along the path I will place a mixture of taper candles and tea lights, which will make the nuts glitter and shine. And, for a bit more fun I will place my sweet little Disney Pocket Eeyore and Pocket Tigger along the path since they are among Pooh and my own favoritel friends.

R John Wright Winnie the Pooh Pocket Tigger Limited 3500

R John Wright Disney Pocket Eeyore Limited 3500

So there you have it: my centerpiece idea for Thanksgiving 2011. Do you love coming up with a new centerpiece theme each year? Share your unique ideas in the comments below – we love to hear from other collectors!
 

Although Halloween has come and gone, now is the time to buy great, collectible glass Halloween ornaments at a hauntingly great savings!

Just a few Halloween facts:

• Halloween is a holiday that is observed all over the world on October 31.
• Recognized as the night before All Saints Day, the holiday is also known as Hallows’ Evening, Hallowe’en, or All Hallows Eve.
• As with the Day of the Dead celebrations, the All Hallow’s Eve Christian feast incorporates pagan harvest festival traditions.

ShopShop is pleased to offer 15% off some of the most collectible, retired, sought-after Halloween ornaments in our webstore collection.

Here are our five favorites:

• We love Patricia Breen's "Carry Me Santa" version in which Santa dresses up as Frankenstein, wearing an impressively contrasting lavender suit!  And he carries on his shoulders a child who is dressed as a leopard  -- much to the delight of the little boy who not only has a great view, but the honor of trick-or-treating with Santa!

Breen Carry Me Santa Frankenstein Leopard Halloween Ornament

• While Breen's Santa tries to look "scary", Larry Fraga's "Head Slayer" will raise the hairs on your spine!  Fraga's ornaments evoke eye-popping screams from trick or treaters!  Quintessentially gory, a slaying beast pops out of a happy, howling skull that gleefully releases this beast just in time for Halloween!  If you question the head slayer's prowess, look again!  Heads dangle around him!  Ugh!

Fraga Head Slayer Skeleton Bloody Halloween Ornament

• Nightmare Before Christmas collectors drool when they chance upon the extremely sought-after Christopher Radko "Nightmare Before Christmas Haunted Mansion"!  Available to attendees of the 2004 Nightmare Before Christmas Event Limited Edition sale, only 500 were produced.  It celebrated the transformation of the Walt Disney World Park's haunted mansion into a Nightmare Before Christmas theme.  Buy this now because it is a rare find, especially during this limited time sale!

Radko Disney Nightmare Before Christmas Haunted Mansion Ornament

• Continuing with the Disney theme, the Christopher Radko Winnie the Pooh Halloween bumble bee trick or treater is sweet as "hunny"!  Who can resist giving this adorable Disney animation character a ton of treats?

Radko Disney Winnie the Pooh Halloween Ornament

• The scariest, ugliest witch of all, Christopher Radko's Matilda the Witch!  Her wicked, crafty smile, green face, big wart on her nose, and magicians hat suggest a mean gal who is capable of casting nasty spells!  Beware of Matilda, simply one of Radko's great wicked witches!


Radko Matilda Witch Halloween 1997 Ornament

  Follow these links to shop our collection of Halloween ornaments;

• Christopher Radko Halloween Ornaments
• Patricia Breen Halloween Ornaments
• Larry Fraga Halloween Ornaments

Share with us your favorite Halloween displays!

Punch Studio Parisian Souvenir Travel Trunk

Mom would love this beautiful designer storage trunk for Mothers Day!  Perfect for storing knitting yarn, needles, patterns, fabric, sewing accessories, or letters sent by family members through the years!  And for much more, as well!

We love the leatherette straps and handles.  Stamps and pictures of other travel memorabilia adorn the top.  The Eiffel Tower takes center stage, a depiction of as it was presented during the 1889 Exposition Universelle, a World's Fair marking the centennial celebration of the French Revolution.  And the Arc de Triomphe appears among beautiful bouquets of red and white flowers! 

The Eiffel Town and the Arc de Triomphe

An appropriate, old-fashioned pattern adorns the inside, producing a unique statement.  And we love the replicated design on the trunk's side, as might have actually been used a turn-of-the-century piece of travel luggage!

Fill the trunk full of delightful gifts for the special mother in your life!  A nostalgic gift that abounds with love!  If you love this trunk, also view this designer set of nested Parisian gift boxes!

Excellent replication of an old-fashioned travel luggage