You never stop learning as an antiques and collectibles dealer, and this summer has been proof of that for us. We've mentioned the embarrassment of garage-sale riches this summer, and recently, the questions we've been receiving have all circled around: What was the biggest surprise? Biggest discovery? What'd you learn? We're revealing three aha! moments from this summer: Twin Winton pottery (and how our own anti-hillbilly bias kept us from seeing it before), Hallmark Holiday Barbies (sold in Hallmark stores, not toy stores), and Juliana Jewelry (plus a fantastic website you'll want to visit to train your own eye). Stay tuned to the end for a new Tonka Trucks tip we recently learned as well.

What makes an antique or collectible valuable? Sometimes, it’s not the object itself; it’s what the object is made of! In this episode, we explore how materials can drive collector demand, value, and sales, from glowing uranium glass and Fiesta red to Bakelite, celluloid, Lucite, ivory, sterling silver, pewter, wood, leather, silk, and unusual vintage fabrics. We discuss how to identify collectible materials, spot valuable objects in bags of “junk,” and explain why color can be a clue when attempting to identify a specific material. We also dive a bit into how knowing what an object is made of can absolutely help your online descriptions. Stay tuned for the bonus tip on ephemera (don't toss those scraps)! In short, what your pick is made of may sometimes be the most important part of its story...and your listing.

Back-to-school season is a great time for antiques and collectibles sellers to rethink what they’re putting in front of shoppers. In this episode, we look at vintage school supplies, antique desks, globes, maps, textbooks, typewriters, yearbooks, letterman jackets, caps and gowns, and nostalgic classroom collectibles. We're also witnessing a growing interest in analog desk and office accessories, which dovetails perfectly with this season: old office technology, desk sets, ink blotters, art glass paperweights, and wall art! We advise sellers here not to dismiss dorm decor and collegiate style possibilities (think preppy Ralph Lauren-inspired fashion), and discuss how staging a vintage “study area” in your booth can invite shoppers and increase sales this time of year. Whether you sell antiques online, at flea markets, or in an antique mall, these back-to-school and office trends can reveal some surprisingly strong opportunities.