BreyerFest 2012 - Thursday

After a week of preparation, I left for BreyerFest today. And I left in a pouring (and very welcome) rain.

 So thankful!!

 We are in an extreme drought (two months!) - the corn crop is lost and probably the soybeans, too, so this rain is a blessing, even though it is too late for the farmers.

 My show tubs get preferential seating - no trunk for them! I want them in air conditioning comfort. :D

The rain had actually stopped by the time I reached Indianapolis, but about an hour after I made it to Lexington, the skies cut loose! I sat in my car at the Clarion Holiday Inn North, waiting for it to let up some before bringing my pieces into the show hall.

 Breakables is a show that Breyer sponsors at BreyerFest. It actually was started by hobbyists who wanted a place to show their chinas. Breyer only does a few porcelains and resins, but a few years later, graciously offered to sponsor the show and make it an official part of BreyerFest. I think this is the fourth year Breyer has done so. It has become the largest all-china show in the world.

There are five shows-within-the-show, and I entered three: Americanware, Europeanware, and Original Finish/Cold Cast Porcelain. And, the show was double-judged - halter and collectibility. (Collectibility is my focus in my collection.) My hope was to win a ribbon or two but I did not anticipate doing more than that.

 I felt a little sheepish as I laid out my pieces - they seemed pretty modest in comparison to the other showers' tables. And in attendance were many people who are the biggest names in china collecting: Kristina Lucas Francis (California) and Lesli Kathman (Tennessee) being two of them. Gulp!! Donna Chaney (England) poked her head in to watch a bit (non-exhibitors were not allowed in the show hall) as did Karen Gerhardt (Colorado; the woman who hosted the first Breakables.) And the woman whose table was next to mine was from Puerto Rico -  exhibitors were from all over.

Look who else was there! Beth Dickinson! My penpal since the time I was 12 and she was 10. We are still in contact after all these years. She hails from Pennsylvania. I didn't get pictures, but I sat with Brenda Metcalf and Marilou Mol, and chatted with Liz Strauss and Jackie Arns, too. Lots of long-time hobby friends.

My hopes of winning a ribbon seemed feeble at best but... I wasn't just there for the ribbons. I enjoy collecting, and it is ALWAYS fun to see others' collections!

Like Sue Stewart's, from Texas. This mammoth piece is from Europe. Look how it dwarfs the others on her tables. For perspective, those pieces are traditional Breyer sized.

A view looking from my show table across the exhibit tables. The exhibit tables are in the center of the room, and the shower's tables are on three sides of it. The fourth side had the buffet tables (they provided snacks and a light supper), the silent auction table, and tables to hold the ribbons and awards.

To my surprise, I won the very first class I entered (which was also the first class of the show!) My Hagen-Renaker Sherif won the Arabian Foal class. That qualified him for NAN (the North American Nationals) and a chance at the division championship. (If he won that, he'd be in contention for the Grand Championship of the Americanware show.)

Breakables was an incredibly fast-paced show. Since I was showing in three rings, being organized was a plus and I was grateful that I'd thought ahead and planned my entries well. And to my delight, not only did I win that class, but my pieces won many other ribbons - more than just that one or two I'd hoped for! Because the show was moving so quickly, I gave up recording wins then and there, and simply kept the ribbons and NAN cards with the models when I packed them up. I'll sort them out when I get home and unpack. I know I qualified at least 10 pieces for NAN.

My Performing Misty won her class and was Reserve Champion Pony in Americanware.

But little Sherif was my big winner.

He won Champion Foal in Americanware and then Reserve Grand Champion of the Americanware show! Not bad for a little piece I paid $6 for at an auction! The red porcelain bust was the award for Grand and Reserve. I think it was sculpted by Lesli Kathman. 

The show ran about seven hours. I had thought to stay and wander through the Artisan's Hall or look at the room sales afterward, but I was too tired. So I loaded my car and headed to the DoubleTree Inn and crashed. 

I am still glowing that I did so well.

BreyerFest Bound!

I have packed the tubs for Breakables - looking forward to leaving Thursday morning for Kentucky!

Shrinkies and Oozies

Some documentation from Haynet (the big hobby email group) on shrinkies and oozies. I have one shrinky that I know of - my dapple grey 5 Gaiter - and no oozies. However, whenever someone posts that a particular model in their collection is shrinking or oozing and I have that piece, I go check mine out. From what is listed below, I have the PAF in rose grey, the Rocky, and some Adioses from the era, but after looking them over, none of them are shrinking or oozing. (And I admit  that I did the smell/lick test for the vinegar odor/taste.)

I did notice that my rose grey PAM and PAF are both bigger than their counterparts in other colors and am wondering what that means, if anything. But everyone else, except for the dapple grey 5 Gaiter, are as they should be.

Here is the thread from Haynet:

After over two years of dusting, cataloguing, and conga'ing I have
identified in my collection about 24 (out of 1700) shrinkies. Nearly all of
them are from 1988 (including the complete set of 4 Black Horse Ranch SR
Indian Ponies, and all three glossy alabaster Family Arabs from a vendor
reissue) and a couple from 1990 (including a RR Rugged Lark and a Sears SR
Dapple Grey Lady Phase). I hesitate to try to replace these as I wonder if
the whole darn batch might be bad. They are now in quarantine in my music
room (smells like a salad whenever I walk in there).
> 
> Thought? Comments? Sympathy?
> 
> Adrien Synnott
-------------
Probably going to be a lot more out there from that era. We just received a Black Horse Ranch Indian pony that is also a shrinkie. Buyer did indicate the condition. We had some Adios molds from around those years bought on ebay - turned out some were shrinkies too. Luckily none have been "oozies".
>
> Bette McSparron
> 
-----------


From what I remember, Reeves was using different plastic back then. I remember getting my BHR Indian Ponies and the (was it small world?) Hanoverians and they were different in feel and smell even new. The IP's were greasy feeling. Reeves recalled and replaced the Hanoverians which refused to stand. I sold all of them years ago. I remember some of the Sears/Penneys issues that had that same greasy feel and weird warping to them that I also got rid of.
I have a select few of the models back in my collection, like the alabaster and black hanoverians, but I do keep an eye on them. I have never had an oozie and frankly, don't want one. I am not sure of the chemical reaction taking place in the shrinkies, but in all honesty, I don't want to handle or have models that may be toxic (like the old PVC Barbies that are degrading). If the fumes are that strong, gosh only knows what you are subjecting yourself to on a daily basis.
Pretty ponies or not, something is not right with that plastic.
Lori Ogozalek


-----------


My batch of BHR Indian ponies are "oosies" like crazy -but so far only the
leopard appy is a shrinkie. Adrien, do you have them quarantined because of
the smell, or do you think it might be "catching" ? ;-)

Beth Rappleyea


-----------


Shrinkies and Oozies are both the result of cellulose degradation. The
first sign is the vinegar smell, which is from the acetic acid being
released. This eventually leads to shrinkage and, in more severe cases,
oozing. This has become a serious threat to film collections and is
certainly something that Breyer collectors need to be aware of.

I have noted shrinkage in Breyer models from different eras, but the vast
majority have been among those produced in the late 80's and early 90's.
Several, but not all, of my models produced in that timeframe have shrunk.
Two of my three BHR PAS's are noticeably shorter, as are my leopard appy
Fighting Stallion and dapple grey Five Gaiter. I also have a rose grey PAF
that developed a sticky feel to it. My most severe case is a buckskin
"Rocky" POA... an oozie.

Unfortunately there is no way to reverse the degradation process. The best
way to prevent, or at least slow the process, is to display models on
shelves in cool, dry conditions. Heat and moisture will trigger the
process, and enclosed conditions will accelerate it. That's what happened
to my POA... it was bagged and stored in a hot storage building. If you
MUST store your models, check them often and be aware of the vinegar smell.

I don't think it's contagious because other models which have stood next to
my shrinkies for years are fine.

Penny Lehew

HR Nativity Mule

Another model that I ordered from Gerry Bowman was the HR Nativity Donkey. It is TINY; perhaps Mini Whinnies sized. I paid $16.00 for him, so I was surprised at his size.

He arrived in the box with the golden HRs yesterday.

Gold Hagen Renakers

I bought some very unusual Hagen Renakers this week from Gerry Bowman. I had seen them on her website for a while, but not really thought about buying them. Last week I decided to investigate them, and wrote Gerry an email asking if they were factory made HRs or customs. She responded,

From: Gerry Bowman <gerry.littleshoppe@gmail.com>
To: Lynn Isenbarger <lisenbarger8@yahoo.com>
Sent: Monday, July 2, 2012 10:59 AM
Subject: Re: Question

Hi Lynn,

Yes, they are HRs.  They are painted with 14 karat gold, and done at the factory.  I only ordered a few of each piece, and when I did gold was $500 an ounce.  We cannot make anymore because of the price of gold now, they would be 4 times the cost.  I do not advertise them anywhere, because I just have a few left.

They are very "cool" and rather rare because there are so few.

Hope this helps,

Thanks and take care,
Gerry

 These are the three I bought. 

The Golden Arabian in the front was $17.50, the Golden Seabiscuit (back right) cost $18.50, and I paid $25.00 for Running Horse Three.

Two had bases; the Running Horse Three did not. I wonder why?

They're part of the Feng Shui page:

Feng Shui pronounced fung schway. Feng Shui is an ancient art of arranging your surroundings to attract positive life energy so that it flows smoothly, unblocking any obstructions in your body and environment. Feng Shui evolved from the theory that people are affected for better or worse by their surroundings.

The symbolism of Feng Shui presented in the exquisite workmanship of the lovely Hagen Renaker Miniatures. Little-Shoppe Miniatures Product List HR Horses Feng Shui Contact Us Email Us Miniatures to Create Wealth The Horse of Success is depicted in a dominant stance, with two front hoofs swung in mid-air which denotes to ultimate power and glory! The Horse is a strong Feng Shui symbol of agressive wealth accumulation as well as authority, status and strength. This Feng Shui animal makes a perfect decor item for career men and women, as well as those who seek more wealth luck. Golden Skywalker - FS32841 -- $42.50 Golden Arabian FS20491 -- $17.50 Full of spirit, strength and vitality, the horse represents nobility, speed and endurance. Golden Seabiscuit FS40051 -- $18.50 Golden Pony Colt FS3360 -- $19.75 Golden Stallion FS33491 -- $21.50 Golden Colt SOLD OUT Running Horse One FS3357-1 $25.00 Running Horse Two FS3357-2 $25.00 Running Horse Three FS3357-3 $25.00 Friendship and loyalty are symbolized by Man's Best Friend. Golden Greyhound FS33431 -- $20.00 Golden Poodle FS821 -- $18.00 Golden Afghan FS30631 -- $20.00 The hen laying golden eggs signifies surprisingly outstanding yield in your endeavours such as business pursuits, career, sales and even your personal wishes such as getting a great spouse. It is also a good representation of riches and abundance. This hen is especially recommended to be placed in the West of your office, bedroom or living room to bring you plenty of outstanding opportunities. Hen w/ Golden Eggs -- FS40031 -- SOLD OUT The rooster brings good fortune and joyful events in Feng Shui. Although it is not a bird of threat, but it is its character that made it useful in feng shui. It has a strong, abled, confident and protective character. Golden Rooster -- FS2039 -- $16.25 Golden Beckoning Cat FS40041 -- $15.00 Wealth cats are often seen in restaurants and shops in Chinatown. It is a must for those in business to bring in more customers and sales. It attracts money luck, business, prosperity and opportunities. Its paws beckoning signifies wealth arriving. This item is extremely suitable to be placed at your work desk for salespersons, or living rooms or at cashier. Golden Sitting Cat FS33291 -- $14.00 Elephants bring you descendant luck, good governance for executives and protection for their owners. They also take away troubles and is a protective symbol. They are used to represent loyalty, wisdom, longevity and elegance. They are symbols of good luck and excellent fortune. Golden Elephant -- SOLD OUT Golden Mama Deer FS2022 -- $16.50 The Deer is synonymous with wealth and job income. The Chinese word Deer is pronounced as Lu, which sounds like wealth. The Chinese God of longevity is seen accompanied by a deer to symbolize the trinity blessings of good fortune, wealth and longevity. Golden Papa Deer FS1891 -- $17.50 The turtle produces wonderful results to enhance career luck, longevity and health, wealth luck, family luck and education luck. Golden Turtle -- FS33211 -- $10.75 Money Frog became the holy creature that protects against misfortune and promises to bring to any household bigger enrichment in wealth. We're talking about creating abundance in wealth for serious Feng Shui practitioners. Golden Frog -- SOLD OUT Sometimes the Money Frog will have a throne on its head to signify its king's authority of creating wealth. Money Frog became the holy creature that protects against misfortune and promises to bring to any household bigger enrichment in wealth. We're talking about creating abundance in wealth for serious Feng Shui practitioners. Golden King Frog -- FS3442K -- $11.75 Symbols of fertility for those who are wishing for babies in their lives, also bring luxury and financial security to children and mother. The pig brings extremely good fortune to households and its presence signifies prosperity, wealth, abundance, fertility and reasonable success in all affairs. This item is targeted for those who intend to gain smoothness in acquisition of wealth and abundance. It would also bring you the good possibility of a big fat salary for those seeking for a new career. Golden Pig -- FS8471 -- $13.50 The crab represents speed, agility and quicksilver thinking. Its quite scary-looking pincers is brute strength and vigor personified, while its sideways skittle shows the crab's cunning, manipulative strategist side. For anyone in the midst of career success or scholarly pursuits. This item should be placed on a work desk. Golden Crab -- FS33621 -- $13.50 Dolphins are magical creatures. Their energy will lift you out of a stuck mental condition and inspire you to change your life. They help you to think more freely and creatively. Tap into the power of the Dolphin. Place these Dolphins in your entrance or in the children and creativity area. They can also be placed in your office to help you out. Golden Dolphin -- FS9651 -- $13.50 Fish represent success and keeping them in a pond or aquarium is said to bring good luck. Symbols of fish or artwork containing fish may be placed in the study or office to bring success and good fortune in business. Golden Koi -- FS3377 -- $9.75 The turtle is the symbol for long life and the baby turtle is the symbol of new beginnings and good luck for your decendents and your children. A sweet combination of Hagen Renaker Miniatures. Mama & Baby Turtle -- FS3321 -- $12.50 "Su" Chinese Girl FS5001 -- $80.00 Creativity and children live together in the same part of your home (according to feng shui) because they share the same energies. Creative people and children are both free to express themselves, no matter what other people may think. And when they are around, fun is always nearby. "Le" Chinese Boy FS5002 -- $80.00

Nancy Falzone

Mention the name "Nancy Falzone" around a bunch of chinaheads, and you get their attention. Who is Nancy Falzone? She probably has the premiere Hagen Renaker collection in the United States if not the world.

She's a friend of mine who I met at an auction probably twenty years ago in Illinois. I had heard there would be models for sale, so I drove up north to it (cannot remember where it was, but it was northern Illinois) and met Nancy and her friend, Michelle Oviatt.

Nancy and Don Falzone

They approached me during the time before the auction where you could go look at the merchandise. I was looking for HSO (horse shaped objects) and did not notice that they were, too. They noticed me, however, and approached me and introduced themselves.

"I knew you were one of 'us,'" Nancy crowed when they discovered I, too, was hoping to pick up a model or two. And we struck up a friendship then and there.

I have no idea if I bought anything, but I do remember thoroughly enjoying the two women. We exchanged contact information, and Michelle sold me my woodgrain FAF dirt cheap when she learned I was looking for one.

Nancy and I have stayed in sporadic contact over the years. About ten years ago, her stepson was injured in a bad automobile accident in the Champaign/Urbana area, and I was able to be a resource to her then. And, we've talked models, etc. online, and touch base every now and then. When I decided to attend this year's BreyerFest, I emailed her, hoping we could meet up there. And we will!

Below is some of our more recent correspondence. She is a classy lady, and I look forward to seeing her in a few short weeks.

Hi Lynn

I had a class reunion this past weekend & was so busy with that and could not find the time to look up a picture of Don & I.  I have one here for you now.  It is 5 years old but should still be alright.   I think we are in the 300's for Breyerfest and hope that you & I can connect up there.  It is coming on fast now & I have most of my sales stuff paced up now.  That is the worst part to get ready. 

Looking forward to seeing you soon.

Nancy

Wow, that is so exciting that I may get to see you once again after so many years.  Please get my attention because I may not recognize you after such a long time, my memory is not at all what it used to me.  I was thinking of you just a couple days ago when I bought a HR off eBay.  The seller lives in Springfield & I would of loved for you to bring it to Breyerfest, but at the time I didn't know that you were going.  The horse is a very fragile head up Arabian with Abu Farwa sticker.  I can't wait to see it in person.  Looking forward to seeing you again too, it will be here before I know it.  I am hoping for a room in the 300's, do you have a reservation? 

Good to hear from you.

Nancy

----- Original Message -----

From: Lynn Isenbarger

To: Nancy Falzone

Sent: Thursday, June 28, 2012 11:40 AM

Subject: BreyerFest

Hi, Nancy!

For the first time in umpteen years, I am going to BreyerFest. I am also showing at Breakables.

Any chance I will see you at either event? Would love to have a chance to say "hello." 

Lynn Isenbarger

Hi Lynne

I was so glad to hear from you.  Nice to reunite with old friends.  I have thought of you often over the years & wondered where you were.

I am going to Breyerfest as of now.  I am having some back issues & I have a month to get that fixed, so that I can go & have a good time.   I didn't have a way, but now looks like my husband will take me.  I knew of this collector friend named Bonnie Ellis that I was hoping to find & we could go together, but I had no luck there.  I tried every angle I could think of but never located her.   Next year maybe you & I could go together.  That would be nice. :-)

I don't know the maker of your horse either.  It is nice & resembles a Albany, but I don't think it is.  Maybe someone out there will step forward & will know who made it.  There are so many wonderful models out there I think & lots of people with so much knowledge.  I still collect mostly Hagen Renaker, but can't find much there to buy anymore.

Well, Lynn, it was so nice to chat with you.  Like I said, it is so nice to know you are still invoved in our hobby.  I hope your surgery goes well. You have a great day.

Nancy 

----- Original Message -----

From: Lynn Isenbarger

To: Nancy Falzone

Sent: Tuesday, May 24, 2011 5:43 AM

Subject: Re: ID Help, Please?

Remember you?? Of course! And fondly, too. :)

I would love to go to BreyerFest, but I am having my second knee replacement in June and just won't be able to handle the walking. The following year maybe?

Attached are some pictures. I am not sure why they did not come through on breakables. I don't post much (although I read daily) so maybe I just don't know how to do it. The horse I have reminds me of one that Tom Bainbridge listed for sale and posted on Breakables a month or so ago. I saved his picture and have attached it, too. (The horse on the base.) His is Mill Reef by Albany Fine China. I have done some searching online but been unable to find out more. My horse does resemble his.

I hope you and yours are doing well. It is truly good to hear from you and has made me smile. :)

Lynn

  ~o

_'/<,_

(*)/ (*) I'd rather be biking!

---

From: Nancy Falzone <hrlady1@comcast.net>
To: lisenbarger8@yahoo.com
Sent: Mon, May 23, 2011 9:12:12 PM
Subject: Re: ID Help, Please?

Hi Lynn

I hope you will remember me because the minute I saw your name I remembered you so well.  I am Nancy Falzone & I just wanted to drop by & say Hi.

Any chance you will be at Breyerfest this year?

I could not retrieve any pictures of the horse you wanted id'd, so I am not much help there.

Nice to know you are still involved in the hobby!!

Nancy Falzone