Garage Sale Treasure: Looking for Art Glass

As we drive through the neighborhood's each weekend for pleasure and a little relaxation we feel a need to stop at one of the local garage sales. It is an American pass time and a way to bargains for the collector and a bit of extra cash for something special or just to pay one more bill for the seller. No pressure, no returns, no waiting.

Sometime there are useful items for families with children in need of clothing they have grown out of too soon or too fast. Other times we are just looking to see if there is something different and new to add to a growing collection. In fact a garage sale is one of the best ways to begin a collection of something for the beginner.

Whatever your reason for stopping at the next garage sale it can be a wonderful way to find that special something for your collection or look for treasure worth so much more than you paid. It may be your dream to riches at the next auction or your own garage sale another day.

Treasure's of all kinds can be found for only a small amount of money if you know what you are looking for and if the seller is unaware or just ready to pass the bounty on to someone new. With a simple plan and a little patient you can have an enjoyable and profitable morning looking for the beauty of Art Glass.

1. First you are going to look for garage sales in neighborhood with middle to upper class homes for collectables. Any garage sales that involve the seller moving out of the area or estate sales are a great place to start. Look through you local paper, free paper, signs or postings on your local Craigslist.com for locations. Carry a map and cash with you. Most sales are made on a first come, first served basis so if you aren't ready to pay with cash on hand you may lose to the next buyer.

2. Be casual while strolling among the items. Do not be in a hurry or over excited. If you are too excited and vocal over a find this is a good way for the seller to spot someone they can increase the asking price on the piece you are looking at. Pick the piece up and look it over carefully. Check for cracks, discoloration, chips or flaws. If the item is in perfect condition it is a good buy. If it is in less than perfect condition then the value will be much lower. You can still buy the piece, just be sure to go for the lowest price possible by pointing out the flaws.

3. Never pay the asking price! It may be well worth the price and if you feel comfortable with the amount they are asking then feel free to hand over the cash and be on your way to the next item. But your first offer should be at least two thirds lower than the current asking price. Most times the seller is happy to let it go for your offer. If they don't accept your first offer then ask them if they will come down on the asking price. You may still end up paying full price, but most times you are able to save from the original price.

4. Always handle your art glass with care. Do not place it in the trunk or backseat without proper padding. Bring along blanket's, wrappings or padding of some kind. Place it where it won't roll around or be crushed by other purchases. Do not stack glass pieces together without padding in between them. This can cause damage and chipping to the delicate glass if you don't protect them with padding.

5. When you arrive home and are ready to displace you art glass place it in an area where cats cannot knock it off and break it. Avoid sudden temperature changes. If you need to wash the art glass do so with warm water and mild detergent in a plastic bowl. This helps to avoid chipping or scratching. Dry gently and place back on display.

Now for information on what to look for when you want art glass. So much of the time it is the taste of the person collecting it. There are such a wide range of colors and style you will have a choice. You can specialize in bowls, plates, vase's, candy dishes, or unusual shapes and colors. Grouping pieces by color or size makes for a beautiful display when placed where they can catch and reflect summer sunlight.

One of the easier art glass collections to start with is the Amberina glass. Amberina glass is made by adding bits of powdered gold to the molten glass while still in the process of heating. The gold powder will cause it to shade from amber to ruby red when reheated and shaped. It becomes beautiful in shades with just enough sparkle without being overwhelming.

Other pieces to check for are Burmese which contains uranium oxide or gold which shades to yellow and pink when heated. It will have a glossy or satin finish when completed. Also check for Spangled Glass which is opaque or transparent with bits of metallic flakes embedded in it and sometimes covered with a thin layer of another colored glass for extra sparkle to bring out the very best in it's beauty.

There are many kinds of art glass and for those interested in furthering their knowledge I suggest the book, Contemporary Art Glass, by Crown Publishers, Inc. along with many others you can find at your local library or book store. There are many books on the subject with the addition of pictures and values.

This is a wonderful collection to start with unlimited beauty and selection for everyone. There are great collection you can view at museums across the country including The Smithsonian Institution of Museum of History and Technology in Washington, D.C. Do not miss the beauty in your local area by artist displaying their own creations at galleries and events every summer.

So here's to all the sellers and buyers who support each other in their quest for that special piece. It is beauty, it is rare and it is valuable and it is completely your choice as to why you collect anything. Display your collection with pride as you add each new piece or well priced find.