11 Precious Moments Facts

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~~ORIGINAL TEXT can be found here: http://www.countryliving.com/shopping/antiques/a36587/precious-moments-facts/ ~~

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After production began in 1978, Precious Moments took the gift-giving industry by storm. With a design for every occasion, collecting each teardrop-eyed figurine became a cultural phenomenon. And today, these cuties still make our heart sing. But they’re not just an adorable face — here’s what you might not know about these collectibles:

1. The marking on the bottom of your figurine means something.

Every Precious Moments figurine created after 1981 has a marking on the bottom that indicates its production year. For example, there is a triangle printed on the bottom of each 1981 figurine, and a chapel on each one from 2014. If you want to check when your Precious Moments were made, a full list of symbols can be found here. Many are religious markings, since the creator, Sam Butcher, used his art to express his personal Christian faith.

2. Each year, certain designs are retired — and that could make their value shoot up.

Approximately 25 to 40 designs are created each year and 12 to 20 are retired. Get them before they’re gone because once they are, many designs instantly become more valuable. In some instances, retired designs have come back into production in response to vocal customers’ pleas. This one, which is meant to comfort parents whose children have passed away, was originally retired in 2007 and is now back on shelves.

3. Collectors say “God Loveth A Cheerful Giver” is the most valuable design.​​

Want one? You’re going to have to pony up. Collectors say its worth anywhere between $300 and $600 (and a quick eBay search concurs). The design is one of the “Original 21” — the first collection of Precious Moments figurines ever produced, which hardcore collectors go crazy over. This particular design, a girl giving away free puppies, was retired in 1981.

​4. Only one of the “Original 21” is still available.

“Love One Another” was the first drawing every made by Sam Butcher. It was inspired by his daughter Tammy sitting on a stump with her uncle. The figurine is available for purchase here (and it’s super sweet!).

5. There is a seriously elaborate Precious Moments attraction inspired by the Sistine Chapel.​

Sam Butcher hardly just crafted cute figurines. He also created the Precious Moments Chapel in Carthage, Missouri. Inspired by Michaelangelo’s Sistine Chapel, Butcher designed and p​ainted over 5,000 square feet of murals inside, all featuring Precious Moments characters. And yes, it’s exactly as amazing as it sounds.

There are several “Chapel Exclusive” figurines that can only be purchased in the gift shop. If you’re looking for a unique road trip stop, the chapel and park are open to visitors year round.

6. At the height of its popularity, the Precious Moments Collectors Club had over 500,000 members. ​

The club let people track their collection online, offered exclusive membership figurines and sent a quarterly Precious Moments magazine. Proving that the PM craze is mostly over, today the club only has 30,000 members.​

7. ​In 1998, the Chicago Tribune reported that more than 2 million wedding cakes had been topped with Precious Moments bride and groom figurines.​

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They even have Disney-themed wedding toppers, if you need a double-dose of adorableness on your cake.

8. The company made animated, seasonal television specials.

Anyone remember curling up on the couch to watch one? All of the shows had religious themes and were released around Christian holidays. The first, Timmy’s Gift, was a 1991 Christmas Special in which a young boy follows a star to the newborn Jesus.​

9. Limited editions will cost you a pretty penny.

Limited edition figurines are available for a short amount of time and generally only 3,000 copies of the design are made. They typically cost between $150 and $250, although one is currently for sale for $975.​ Better start saving!

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10. ​A limited edition figurine was created to honor a Missouri teen who died in 2010.

Only 1,200 “I Believe” figurines​ were made and they could only be purchased at a collectibles store in her hometown of Shelbina. Her family hoped the figurines would serve as a reminder of the lives touched by the 17-year-old girl.

11. ​In 2013, the family of a Missouri woman donated her 2,000-piece Precious Moments collection to a cancer organization after her death.​

​The Breast Cancer Organization of the Ozarks, who received the donation, estimated that it could be worth $100,000.

 

~~ORIGINAL TEXT can be found here: http://www.countryliving.com/shopping/antiques/a36587/precious-moments-facts/ ~~

Gingerbread Houses – San Francisco – Row Houses

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What a great display. This is exactly the way San Francisco homes look like. The streets are so slanted that houses are perched very weirdly. They are also colored with the same colors shown in the picture. These are done with a lot of detail and Santa skating down the hill puts it over the top.

Custom Window Cushioned Seats – Turn The Window Sill Into A Comfortable Sofa-Type Seat

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If your house has a large bay window or a large window area with a nice view you should consider setting up a window sill cushion seat. Window seats add comfort to a room and can be cozy and inviting areas to read a book work on a computer or just relax and take a nap. If you have a view of a garden, a lake or even just a panoramic view of the city that can make your window seat even more comfortable and inviting.

There are a lot of designs patterns that you can use when setting up a window seat. Perhaps the most often used design is one where cushions or pillow are set on a window sill. This kind of design is comfortable and easy to put together. Other design ideas include setting benches next to the window and setting cushions on top of the benches.

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Storage bins with storage areas

If you have to build a window seat you might consider building a bench with storage bins beneath the sitting area. A storage bin beneath the sitting area of a window seat can be a great place to store great books or a computer in case you use them while sitting in your window seat. Whatever design that you decide upon a window seat will be a great addition to your home and it will definitely bring out the beauty of the room.

As you can see having a window seat add life to a house or apartment. The window seat in this picture is the same color as the paint scheme of the room. However, window seats can be designed and painted to contrast the rooms color or to match the area outside of the window. Window seats do not have to be outfitted with long cushions; they can also be outfitted with just pillows or with multiple cushions. There is no limit to the number of design schemes that can be used when designing a window seat.

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In addition to window benches, there are other design styles such as window seats with storage areas or window nooks with furniture. Many people just set benches or a couch under there windows. A window seat can be a large area with room for several people, or a small area just big enough for one person, where it can be a perfect place for an individual to enjoy peace and solitude.

In some cases, a person might consider replacing their windows and putting in new energy efficient windows. Many people put a heating unit under their window seat. When done right, a window seat can be energy efficient and add value to your home as well as beauty. If you feel that your home or apartment is too small, a window seat is a great way to make your dwelling feel and look bigger.

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In some cases, it can make your dwelling feel as if a room had been added. Just do whatever’s necessary to make your home feel comfortable. Window seat areas are excellent in living areas, dining rooms, and sun rooms; they’re relaxing and rejuvenating especially when they’re manufactured from designer fabric online.

There are a lot of reasons why a beautifully designed window seat will make your home more comfortable. First of all, you’ll be creating a comfortable environment for you and your guests; and second, you’ll b enjoying every centimeter. Because you’ve worked the hardest to transform your home into a sofa-type ambiance where you can read, take a nap, or mediate.

 

Tips To Find Doormats To Match Your Home’s Architectural Style Or Reflect Its Natural Surroundings

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Doormats are the first item of décor guests see when stepping into your home. They’re usually placed outside or inside, right at the entrance. A good door mat is not just meant to beautify your home, but also to protect it from dirt and harmful bacteria from people’s feet. They’re like the best line of defense for debris and grime. It is important to invest in top-quality doormats, and as much as we like a cool design, make sure to consider durability first.

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Choose with your brain not with your heart

Before buying that funky, animal-inspired door mat you just saw at the flea market, assess the material. Visually it looks amazing; it’s interesting, unusual and modern. However, can it trap dirt and debris efficiently? Winter is coming soon, so you should be aware that people’s shoes will be dirtier than ever. That being said, you are advised to check for door mats manufactured from the following materials:

  • Coir – it is both attractive and durable thanks to the dense coco material at the base. Clean is done fairly easy through vacuuming or shaking
  • Aluminum – features protective powder coatings which act like a powerful shield against the elements; highly durable, available in shades of copper, black and silver and comes with wide patterns for efficient draining
  • Rubber – comes in black, which means it can be placed anywhere; highly durable yet soft and efficient
  • Mahogany – stylish, durable appearance

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Design

Now that you know how to pick the best material for a doormat, it’s time to focus on design. There are hundreds of mats out there that it can be tough to make a decision. Before making a choice, take a good look at your home’s hallway décor. Is it modern, vintage-inspired, contemporary? Do you want to make an impression on your guests? Here are some ideas to help you get inspired.

  • Monogrammed doormat – featuring the most intricate design, a monogrammed doormat is excellent for houses with a royal appeal. If you’re a fan of fancy architecture and Victorian décor concepts, than this is something you need to have at the entrance. It is striking, appealing and it will surely create a visual appeal. The monogram displayed will let people know that you have a refined taste for luxury, sophisticated things.
  • Theme doormat – winter is coming and soon enough the holiday spirit will enter our homes. That being said, you should invest in a doormat with a Christmas theme. Go for mats with funny Santas, trees or snow flakes and everyone knocking on your door will sense that you’re a warm person who loves winter.
  • Funny messages – do you have a really developed sense of humor and you’d like everyone to know about it? Well then a “Go Away” coir mat might be exactly what your entryway needs. Of course, there are sarcastic messages you can opt for such “Leave”, “Bag Dog”, “Nice Underwear”, and more. With this type of mat you will definitely manage to put a smile on your guests ‘faces.

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Doormats are fundamental items of décor in all homes. They come in a wealth of types, sizes and shapes; so it shouldn’t be that difficult to make a choice. Whether you’re hunting the market for large building mats or you have a weakness for the cute, funky ones, the choices are endless. Just make sure to invest in quality. Size matters too; people should be able to accommodate both feet on the mat. Make a sensible choice and don’t forget about style either. Your home will look amazing and everyone will be eager to pay you a visit.

 

Pallet Christmas Tree

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10862441_391799844318762_6658492397936095669_o10862670_391799880985425_4068491264068981278_o1661414_391799994318747_3885718628011326198_nWhat a great way to upcycle a wooden pallet and have a great decoration for outside. The design is meant to be a bit rustic so this project is mistake friendly. After cutting the tree you will need three 2 x 4’s that are three feet in length and one that is three feet and four inches. Cut one of these in half. The 2 x 4 that has the end pointing to you in the last photo is where we will start and this is the longest board cut. Attach two smallest pieces to each side as shown. You then need to attach the two 2 x 4’s that are three feet in length going up. Then attack to the pallet. Have fun with the paint job – the options are limitless. Here we attached white lights with green cord across but you don’t have to have lights at all. The trunk could be painted brown if you like. Pretty durable and depending on the paining you do the design could fit into anyone’s home design.