There are many types of crystal that people will choose to collect but the most common is lead crystal. The collections might come from estate sales where property is auctioned to the lowest bidder, or people might find odd pieces at resale shops across the United States.

Some of these crystal collections will be covered with dust and grime and many people at the auction will not realize the value of the pieces on the display table. Other people are crystal resellers and randomly search the internet to find crystal bargains that they can make a considerable profit by marking up the price for the item and selling it in an online auction environment.

When collecting crystal pieces, a collector might consider some of the well-known brands of crystal. The crystal pieces come from companies like Waterford, Rosenthal, Wedgwood and Royal Doulton. Some of these crystal pieces are quite large and people prefer to purchase those pieces through retail outlets rather than paying the shipping charges from a collector that is in a different geographical location.

There are also brands of crystal that have become highly collectible because they are the brands that are sold through home parties. One of the most notable brands of catalog crystal items is Princess House crystal which is made in France. Many of the new sellers for Princess House will have a buyer introduction period where two for one special is in place for months at a time. This allows the agent to create a customer base and reap the revenue from the large sales during this time period.

Some people prefer to begin collecting crystal by buying animal shapes that commemorate the birth of a child. The animal shapes in crystal can be found in clear crystal forms, or in richly textured colored that create a visual effect when the piece of crystal is turned or held up to the light. Small pieces of crystal can weigh a considerable amount because the grade of lead in the piece is high.

Many people start collecting crystal because they want to dress out their dinner table. They will do their research and pick the brand of crystal that reflects their own personal style. There are crystal goblets, glasses and flatware collections to consider for the dinner table, and then people can start to consider the elaborate candelabras and candle holders that can offer a softer light for romantic dinners.

People continue collecting crystal because they want to create an heirloom that their children can enjoy for many years to come. Some families will keep their crystal collections behind glass doors and use them as home decorations when they are not in use. The brilliant cuts that can be made to crystal can turn ordinary crystal bowls into centerpieces that can be used for family gatherings.

Source: Crystal Concepts
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Wildlife is a love of ours.  Because of that love and our concern over the continuing loss of habitat, we have worked to make our acreage attractive to all kinds of wild creatures. We learned of the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife’s Backyard Wildlife Sanctuary Program that encourages people to help offset some of this habitat loss, and applied to have our property certified by their program. We encourage you to visit http://wdfw.wa.gov/wlm/backyard/ to learn more about how you, too, can have your backyard certified as a wildlife sanctuary.

We are pleased to announce that we have just received that certification for our yard and for our farm!

What we do, or don’t do, in the area surrounding our homes has an effect on the quality of habitat for many species. The Department of Fish and Wildlife helps us understand and appreciate the wild life around our homes. We all can make our property a better place for songbirds and other wild species that live in our respective areas.

In the meantime, here are some tips from the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife that will help you attract wild creatures:

1. Plant more trees and shrubs. Remember, vegetation is the key to attracting a variety of wild creatures. Dead trees (snags) are especially valuable to wild species; try to keep them on your property if they pose no safety hazard.

2. Add a birdbath, garden pond, or other source of water. A safe place to bathe and drink will act as a magnet to many animals.

3. Add bird houses, or better yet, try to leave snags on your property. Cavity-nesting birds have been especially impacted by urban development. A bird house of the proper dimensions can substitute for snags where these birds used to nest.

4. Cover any openings under the eaves or other places around your house where house sparrows and starlings may nest. These non-native birds are undesirable competitors for food and nesting cavities and many native birds have suffered because of their presence. Bird houses and feeders should be designed and managed to reduce use by sparrows and starlings.

5. Control cats that may be prowling around your sanctuary; they can be especially harmful to birds that feed or nest on the ground. Visit the American Bird Conservancy Website for information on their “Cats Indoors!” program for ideas on how to keep your cats indoors.

6. Get your neighbors interested in backyard wildlife. Several adjacent yards with good wildlife resources are even more effective. Most wild species need areas larger than a single lot can provide. Remember, every homeowner is a habitat manager, and the collective actions of conscientious homeowners will benefit the wild animals that share your living space.

7. Keep bird feeders clean and safe, if you choose to feed for your own viewing pleasure.

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There’s just three days left until Hoopfest tips-off in downtown Spokane.
Teams are trying to squeeze in final practices at courts all over. KREM 2 News caught up with those teams aiming for Hoopfest Domination.
The largest three-on-three tournament in the world will take place right here in downtown Spokane and people of all ages are getting ready for it. Each person is getting ready in his or her own way.
For Derek Houk and Ismael Ross it’s a game of horse and one-on-one. They both say they’ve been practicing outside a lot lately. The ball and the rules may be the same but not the outdoor game ,and players know this.
The players KREM 2 talked with say especially downtown, the streets are slanted and the ball goes everywhere.
There are even kids attending a four day basketball camp at St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church off 57th to prepare. The camp director says the camp is not geared specifically to get the kids ready for Hoopfest, but rather to teach them fundamental skills. But a good number of the elementary and junior high students will be tightening up their laces for this weekend’s tournament.