Collectibles

The Story Behind The Claddagh is a traditional Irish design incorporating two hands clasping a heart and surmounted by a crown. These elements symbolize love, friendship and loyalty. When given as a gift, the Claddagh expresses with these hands I give...

The Story Behind The Elephant has been the symbol of the Republican Party since 1874 when political cartoonist Thomas Nast showed an Elephant trampling on inflation and chaos - indicating a party favoring economic conservation and law and order. The...

The Story Behind North Pole Engine Co. #1 Firehouse has a small hole on its underside designed to borrow a standard bulb from your Christmas tree to light up the cottage. Upon lighting your cottage, you will immediately discover the first of many...

The Story Behind Windmill has a small hole on its underside designed to borrow a standard bulb from your Christmas tree to light up the cottage. Upon lighting your cottage, you will immediately discover the first of many secrets, the beautifully crafted...

The Story Behind Yesterday s Toys has a small hole on its underside designed to borrow a standard bulb from your tree to light up the cottage. Upon lighting your cottage, you will immediately discover the first of many secrets, the beautifully crafted...

The earliest microscopes were called flea glasses as they were originally used to study small bugs. The first microscope was invented by Hans and Zacharius Jansen in the 1600s and has gone through numerous improvements over the centuries. Today, we can...

Originally intended to cover a nurse's hair for hygienic purposes, the Nurse's Cap became an object of pride for nursing students. Receiving a cap was an important achievement! No longer mandatory, it still symbolizes the nursing profession and is a...

The Story Behind Road bikes are built for traveling at high speeds on paved roads, most commonly used for long distance travel and training. These lightweight bicycles are also used for racing and fitness training. Bicycling is a great way to stay...

The Story Behind When the Wright Brothers made the first flight they could only imagine the millions of people traveling around the world by planes each year. Flying is a remarkable feat of engineering, making our world more accessible and connected than...

The Story Behind According to legend, robins acquired their red breasts on the first Christmas. A robin saw the Christ Child shivering as the fire began to die, so the bird flew close to the embers and began fanning them with its wings. As the fire began...

The Story Behind Our little Western Bluebird with Clip is a symbol of happiness and fulfillment, as well as a reminder to be grateful for your many blessings! Bluebirds were once quite common, but are becoming more rarely seen. Take a moment to recall...

The Story Behind A dragon is a serpentine legendary creature appearing in folklore around the world. To most, dragons live in the middle ages, flying and breathing fire. These winged, horned, four-legged creatures spell doom and destruction, but none so...

The Story Behind Known for its playfulness and bushy tail, the squirrel is found on every continent except Australia and Antarctica. Its tail can be used for balance, as a form of parachute when falling from a high tree, and as a blanket in cold weather...

The Story Behind In 1889, Samuel Leeds Allen patented the Flexible Flyer to sell to children and adults alike. He made these steerable sleds in his farm equipment factory in New Jersey during the farm's slow season. Today, this nostalgic toy recalls...

The Story Behind Travel trailers are becoming more popular. Since they are towed behind a vehicle, they provide a "home away from home" that is comfortable and safe, no matter where the road leads. This glass ornament makes a great gift for any travel...

Inspired by our favorite forest friends, the Vintage Woodland Collection is made from blown glass and decorated to replicate the mercury finish of traditional Victorian ornaments. With their rustic charm and simple beauty, these pieces invite the...

The Story Behind Inspired by our favorite forest friends, the Vintage Woodland Collection is made from blown glass and decorated to replicate the mercury finish of traditional Victorian ornaments. With their rustic charm and simple beauty, these pieces...

The Story Behind Many wise carpenters have cautioned, Measure twice. Cut once. One of the most basic tools, a tape measure can wind feet of measuring tape into a small container making it practical and versatile. Tape measures have been traced back as...

The Story Behind Birds are symbols of joy and happiness, and so they are regarded as a necessity on the Christmas tree. Glassblowers often kept wild birds during the winter months since the sound of the gas flame in the workshop prompted the birds to...

The Story Behind As graceful decorations that grow naturally on majestic firs and pine trees, cones were among the first molded glass ornaments made. Cones also were believed to be symbols of motherhood and fertility, so they were given to brides to hang...