Recent Entries

• VINTAGE CEREAL BOXES

  by Betty Jean Shearin August 24, 2019
  Would you believe Cereal Boxes have become highly collectible items!  You probably realize that Wheaties boxes with famous athletes on the box front have always been desirable, but you probably did not realize that many people collect cereal boxes of all kinds; from the typical box shapes of to...

• ARTIST: MICHAEL NISPEROS

  by Betty Jean Shearin April 2, 2019
  ARTIST – MICHAEL NISPEROS    Michael Nisperos’ expressionist paintings are simply phenomonal!  I’ve had the privilege to speak with him on several occasions and admire a number of his paintings. He creates abstract and figural paintings with a palett...

• 60TH ANNIVERSARY OF BARBIE DOLL

  by Betty Jean Shearin March 16, 2019
  60TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE BARBIE DOLL    Wow!  It’s hard to imagine that Barbie has been around 60 years.  Her creator was Ruth Handler who named Barbie, and Ken as well, after her daughter and son.  Her actual birthday was March 9, 1959, and this year is a celebration...

• THE BEAUTY OF PEARLS – WHAT’S REAL AND WHAT’S FAKE?

  by Betty Jean Shearin March 4, 2019
  Natural or cultured pearls are quite beautiful, unique and officially the world’s oldest gem. They are created from a living organism when an irritant, such as a parasite or piece of the shell, becomes accidentally lodged in an oyster.  Cultured pearls on the other hand follow the same pr...

• TETSUBIN TEAPOTS

  by Betty Jean Shearin February 9, 2019
  If you shop around for unusual items, you may have run into a Japanese "Tetsubin" teapot.  The Japanese call them "tetsu kyūsu" (鉄急須) - teapots to distinguish them from kettles. They came to my attention on on a website that auctions western jewelry, baskets and other memorabilia.&nbs...

• 2019 Tucson Gem & Mineral Show

  by Betty Jean Shearin January 17, 2019
  It's that time of year again!  The 2019 Tucson Gem & Mineral Show begins January 30, 2019 and continuing through February 17, 2019.  They will be spread throughout the Tucson area at 48 separate locations showcasing hundreds of vendors with wares that will blow your mind.  Seriou...

• PRESERVING YOUR VINYL RECORD COLLECTION

  by Betty Jean Shearin October 16, 2018
  PRESERVING YOUR VINYL RECORD COLLECTION Some of you may own a one-of a-kind record and maybe some of you own records that you listened to when you were growing up. They are wonderful to collect. As I have and you may have too, countless numbers of the vinyl records I have come across have deteriorat...

• Wire Ware

  by Betty Jean Shearin August 25, 2018
  Vintage wire ware has been collected for decades. Now it seems there is a resurgence of interest as collectors of wire ware appears to be increasing. Wire tells the story of America and how it shaped the lives of people from cities to across the plains. At the end of the 19th Century, open-range cat...

• THE FANTASY OF ELVES

  by Betty Jean Shearin August 1, 2018
  THE FANTASY OF ELVES   Way, way back before “Elf on a Shelf” became a sensation, elves existed in fairy tales, plays, stories and mythology.  In the 1500's, it was typical for elves to be embraced into “elf folk tales”. By the mid 1700’s, elves had progressed ...

• Gambling Memorabilia

  by Betty Jean Shearin June 16, 2018
  Gambling Memorabilia - Gambling has been around since ancient times and continues to be popular today. Gambling artifacts, from playing cards to dice to chips to actual gaming tables, are collected by thousands of people throughout the US and the world. Gambling items can range in price from under a...

• Vintage Jewelry Boxes

  by Betty Jean Shearin May 7, 2018
  When I think of vintage jewelry boxes, the first thing that comes to mind are the ballerina jewelry boxes of the 1960’s. They were every little girls dream at the time. But there’s a lot more to them than you might think Porcelain trinket boxes were very popular during the Victorian days...

• VINTAGE FOUNTAIN PENS

  by Betty Jean Shearin January 29, 2018
  Fountain Pens - “What you write with reflects who you are” so the saying goes, and fountain pens were a reflection of a person’s education and status in days gone by. Up until the mid-Twentieth Century, fountain pens, or ink pens as some people call them, were the primary way for p...

• 2018 American Indian Arts Exposition

  by Betty Jean Shearin January 6, 2018
  2018 American Indian Arts Exposition If you plan to be in Tucson, AZ during the 2018 Tucson Gem, Mineral, Fossil, Bead and Jewelry Show (January 19 through February 14), don’t miss the American Indian Arts Exposition (held January 28 through February 11). It’s one of the roughly 45 indiv...

• VINTAGE ALUMINUM CHRISTMAS TREES

  by Betty Jean Shearin November 10, 2017
  Depending on your personal preference, and perhaps your age, you either love or hate aluminum Christmas trees!  They were hugely popular in the early 1960's, considered quite modern, and were a drastic change from the live trees of the past.  The branches were individually wrapped in paper...

• VINTAGE GLOVES 1940'S - 1960'S

  by Betty Jean Shearin October 21, 2017
  VINTAGE GLOVES – 1940’s-1960’s 1940’s - Believe it or not, during WWII, ladies’ elegant gloves were considered an unnecessary item and limited ration coupons were issued in order to purchase them. The fancy trim and embellishments of the past were gone and the colors we...

• ZIPPO LIGHTERS

  by Betty Jean Shearin October 20, 2017
  ZIPPO - the most recognized Cigarette Lighter. Almost everyone, especially those of us who grew up between the 1940’s and 1970’s, are familiar with the ZIPPO lighter. Back when over 75% of adults smoked, a ZIPPO lighter was indispensable. They were produced with thousands of varied color...

• IDENTIFYING VINTAGE GLOVES 1900's-1930's

  by Betty Jean Shearin September 21, 2017
  TIPS ON IDENTIFYING VINTAGE GLOVES – 1900’s-1930’s Finding and, even more importantly, being able to identify vintage gloves can be quite a challenge – believe me! If you’re just starting out, you may want to select a particular style of glove or maybe just a timeframe ...

• Wealth of Knowledge at The Brass Armadillos

  by Betty Jean Shearin August 24, 2017
  No matter what you’re looking for when shopping at The Brass Armadillo stores, it’s always a good idea to seek out a vendor who carries the particular style or types of vintage items you’re interested in. They have a wealth of knowledge and are just waiting for you to ask. Many of ...

• FRANCISCAN DINNERWARE

  by Betty Jean Shearin August 2, 2017
  Fall is around the corner and it’s time for decorating the house with baskets of gourds, wreaths, corn stalks, pumpkins, and maybe a vintage wood bucket full of apples. With fall comes cooler weather and I never fail to wish I had a set of Franciscan dinnerware in the October pattern made by G...

• DeGrazia

  by Betty Jean Shearin July 16, 2017
  If you’ve ever taken note of the watercolor paintings of Native American children by Ted DeGrazia, you probably will not forget his unique southwestern perspective of native cultures. He had a wonderful appreciation of the Sonoran desert and the lives of native cultures. He was born in Arizona...

• RINGLING BROTHERS "THE GREATEST SHOW ON EARTH"

  by Betty Jean Shearin July 10, 2017
  RINGLING BROTHERS – THE END OF AN ERA  The closing of Ringling Brothers Barnum & Bailey Circus is a double-edged sword. It’s sad that this wonderful family entertainment is at an end; however, a benefit resulting from the closing is that the animals we came to watch and love will no...

• "Jelly Belly" Pins and Brooches

  by Betty Jean Shearin June 1, 2017
  JELLY BELLY PINS AND BROOCHES What a cute name “Jelly Belly Pins”!!! These adorable vintage costume jewelry pins and brooches were stylish yet unusual, quirky and just plain fun. “Jelly Belly’s) came in an assortment of animals from poodles, elephants, monkeys, dogs, roosters...

• Get your Phonograph Ready!

  by Betty Jean Shearin May 1, 2017
  Get your Phonograph Ready!   It is time to drag your old phonograph and vinyl records out of the basement because vinyl records are in high demand these days. Many audiophiles now prefer music coming from vinyl records more than digitally- reproduced music. They like the truer more distinct sou...

• Is it a Reproduction or an Authorized Reproduction?

  by Betty Jean Shearin April 8, 2017
  One of the benefits of being a dealer at The Brass Armadillo is having the opportunity to learn about so many things ranging from just plain old “stuff”, to antique furniture, to glassware, and on and on. Everyone is aware of reproductions; “Repros “or “Fakes” are...

• Obsessed With Collecting Vintage Quilts

  by Betty Jean Shearin March 27, 2017
  OBSESSED WITH COLLECTING VINTAGE QUILTS ? If you’re reading this, you may already have an obsession for collecting quilts. If not, some of you may have been lucky enough to have inherited a quilt or blanket from a friend or someone in your family. If you did, then you undoubtedly treasure it a...

• National Book Month

  by Betty Jean Shearin February 26, 2017
  National Reading Month March is National Reading Month and with winter still hanging on, it’s the perfect time to curl up with a great book. It’s also a wonderful time to share your love of reading with your children.   At The Brass Armadillo, we frequently hear parents talking...

• What is this?

  by Betty Jean Shearin February 8, 2017
  Folks you have to check this out. I was so intrigued when I saw this “thing” I had to know what it was and where it came from. After lots of research, turns out it comes from an amazing plant called Devil’s Claw. Many believe it was first cultivated by the Hohokams a thousand years...

• Tucson Gem & Mineral Society

  by Betty Jean Shearin January 13, 2017
  TUCSON GEM AND MINERAL SOCIETY Each year the Tucson Gem and Mineral Society hosts a variety of events in Tucson, AZ, of course. One of their major events for 2017 will be held February 9th through 12th 2017, at the Tucson Convention Center. This year’s theme is “Mineral Treasures of the ...

• Making a Comeback: Turntables

  by Betty Jean Shearin November 22, 2016
    MAKING A COMEBACK: TURNTABLES  Believe it or not, turntables (aka record players/phonographs) have made a huge comeback. The question most people ask is “Why”. Sure it’s nostalgic but there is much more to it than that. Vinyl records simply sound better than the sound f...

• GET READY STAR WARS FANS

  by Betty Jean Shearin September 22, 2016
  GET READY STAR WARS FANS!!  Get ready fans as you have a rare opportunity to travel through the universe with many of the Star Wars characters and - it’s available right here in Denver, CO. Star WarsTM and the Power of Costume will be on exhibit at the Denver Art Museum beginning November...

• Why the week **before*** the Santa Fe Indian Market is so impor

  by Betty Jean Shearin August 9, 2016
  Why the week before the “Santa Fe Indian Market” is so important. Plain and simple: It's a chance to be part of a world-class celebration of Native American tribal traditions and history "not duplicated anywhere"  Just hearing them speak of their history and culture is som...

• Think Legos are just for kids?

  by Betty Jean Shearin June 27, 2016
  Think Legos are just for kids? If you think Legos are just toys for kids, think again. Parents have been purchasing Legos for their kids since their release in the U.S. in 1961. In the years following, the Lego brand has developed into a highly-popular and valuable collectible for kids and adults.&n...

• "Recycling for Garden Decor'

  by Betty Jean Shearin May 16, 2016
  Recycled Garden Ideas! It always seems as though spring will never get here but it eventually does.  Until then, I’m planning how I can use "recycled" items to decorate my patio/yard.  Take a look at some of my ideas. Wood shutters, a door, or any large structure, work great to...

• Peanut Wood

  by Betty Jean Shearin April 8, 2016
  What is Peanut Wood? - Well, it’s not from peanuts. To look at it, it appears to be a stone of some kind but it’s not that either. It’s a fossil that formed over 120 million years ago! While attending the Tucson Gem and Mineral Show this year, I found some beautiful pieces of peanu...

• American Indian Art - Heard Museum

  by Betty Jean Shearin April 4, 2016
  AMERICAN INDIAN ART AT THE “HEARD MUSEUM” If you ever visit Phoenix, AZ, don’t miss going to the Heard Museum, as it is has one of the best collections of Native American history and artifacts in the world. The preservation and representation of indigenous Native Indians’ art...

• "Clockwork Toys"

  by Betty Jean Shearin February 29, 2016
  “CLOCKWORK TOYS”   The word “clockwork” is used to describe mechanical or windup toys. These wind-up toys were activated by the use of keys and cranks that activated small springs which in turned gears when released. They were quite popular in the 19th Century. The ...

• Larimar ??? The Gemstone of the Caribbean

  by Betty Jean Shearin February 16, 2016
  In the coming weeks I will be showcasing some unusual gemstones and fossils that I stumbled onto at the Tucson Gem and Mineral Show this year. I hope you find them as intriguing as I do! The first gemstone is “Larimar” which is a blue/white semi-precious gemstone found only in a small ar...

• Reclaimed Wood

  by Betty Jean Shearin January 26, 2016
  RECLAIMED WOOD – IT’S RED HOT It’s the biggest decorating design trend going right now and prices could not be more reasonable. Call it reclaimed, barn wood, distressed or any number of names, wood is everywhere in design – on feature walls, fireplaces, kitchen islands, headb...

• Tucson Gem & Mineral Showcase

  by Betty Jean Shearin January 17, 2016
  Tucson Gem & Mineral Show - Starting January 20, 2016 The annual Tucson Gem, Mineral & Fossil Showcase is called the “largest, oldest and most prestigious gem and mineral show in the world” and for good reason. Just the sheer size of the 40+ shows is mind boggling, not to mention the ten...

• ROLL WITH THE PUNCHES ??? IT???S WINTER!

  by Betty Jean Shearin January 4, 2016
  ROLL WITH THE PUNCHES – IT’S WINTER! You may as well just roll with the punches. The holidays are over and the next few months are going to be dreary, cold and not very welcoming. What to do? Well, my first thought is staying warm and what better place than The Brass Armadillo. It can ge...

• GIFTING FOR "HIM" - ONE STOP SHOPPING

  by Betty Jean Shearin December 10, 2015
  GIFTING FOR “HIM” - ONE STOP SHOPPING So I did a blog for gift ideas for the gals. Now it’s only fair I do the same for the guys. If he’s a collector, that makes it a little easier for you. Being a dealer at the Denver Brass Armadillo, I see lots of guys who are serious colle...

• 12 Great Gift Ideas for "Her" - One Stop Shopping

  by Betty Jean Shearin December 7, 2015
  12 GREAT GIFT IDEAS FOR “HER” - ONE STOP SHOPPING Hey guys and girls, just in case you are thinking that the Holidays are coming and you have no idea what to give that special someone or a member of your family, here are some great ideas for the “her” in your life. Whether sh...
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• Holiday Decorating

  by Betty Jean Shearin December 4, 2015
  Holiday Decorating Ah, the Holidays are upon us and yes, it can be pretty overwhelming.   However, if you are decorating on a budget and are willing to leave your “comfort zone”, you should treasure hunt at the Brass Armadillo. I did just that last week and I was amazed at how ...

• Moorcroft Pottery - What a Find!!

  by Betty Jean Shearin November 6, 2015
   Moorcroft Pottery – What a find!!! Last week at the Denver Brass Armadillo, I spent about 45 minutes just browsing through the store and found a piece of Moorcroft art pottery.  It’s an incredibly beautiful vase, near mint condition, and it was quite inexpensive.&nb...

• Satin Glass

  by Betty Jean Shearin October 3, 2015
  Over the last 100 years or so, there have been many glass manufacturers making a multitude of glass items.  There were glass items made to serve a particular purpose and for daily use in the home.  Then there were the pieces considered to be “art glass”.  Satin Glass falls...
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• Halloween Collectibles

  by Betty Jean Shearin September 20, 2015
  Halloween Collectibles Next to Christmas, Halloween is probably children’s’ most favorite celebrations. Many adults actually enjoy Halloween and its related parties, festivals, and “haunted” events even more than children. As a result, Halloween collectibles have become very ...
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• Annual Santa Fe Indian Market

  by Betty Jean Shearin July 30, 2015
  Santa Fe Indian Market The Annual Santa Fe Indian Market, which is in its 94th year, will be held August 22nd and 23rd, 2015, on Santa Fe’s Historic Plaza and surrounding 14 city blocks. Over 1,000 Native American artists and craftspersons will display their handiwork and compete for juried pr...

• Pyrex - 100 Year Anniversary

  by Betty Jean Shearin July 8, 2015
  PYREX – 100 Year Anniversary Pyrex cookware is found in over 90 million homes throughout the world and has been a kitchen staple in American homes for 100 years ever since Jesse Littleton, a Corning Industries scientist, accidently found a new use for Pyrex glass in 1913. Jesse’s wife as...

• Madame Alexander Dolls - Shelf Sitters??

  by Betty Jean Shearin June 18, 2015
  Madame Alexander Dolls – Shelf Sitters? ?   Many of us Baby Boomers remember the gorgeous Madame Alexander Dolls as our Christmas Wish doll, or as a “shelf sitter” if we were lucky enough to have one. The impeccably designed and beautifully dressed dolls were always so stylish...

• When Tin Containers Held Everything

  by Betty Jean Shearin May 29, 2015
  When Tin Containers Held Everything Before plastic and cardboard packaging, metal tin containers were the primary packaging for commercial products. In the early 1900’s, everything came in a tin - including meats, vegetables, candy, medicines, personal hygiene products, motor oils and industri...

• Remember Smiley the Pig?

  by Betty Jean Shearin May 7, 2015
  Remember Smiley the Pig? Many of us who grew up during the 1940s, 1950’s, and 1960’s remember iced-tea or lemonade being poured from a Smiley Pig pitcher or sneaking a cookie from a Smiley or Winnie Pig cookie jar. These beautiful items were produced by the Shawnee Pottery Company of Zan...

• MAKE "EARTH DAY" EVERY DAY

  by Betty Jean Shearin April 26, 2015
  MAKE “EARTH DAY” EVERY DAY Earth Day was celebrated by thousands of people on April 22 but why not observe it every day. One way you can contribute throughout the year is to repurpose, reuse, recycle, or redesign things you already have rather than going out and buying new items. The ear...

• Sun Catchers

  by Betty Jean Shearin March 30, 2015
  Sun Catchers – West Virginia Crackle Glass   Many of us born in the 1930’s to mid-1950’s era remember every kitchen window (and many parlor windows) had at least one piece of crackle glass which caught the sun’s rays and refracted and reflected the rays into a gorgeous a...

• Easter Bunnies

  by Betty Jean Shearin March 20, 2015
  Easter Bunnies It always seems like the holidays creep up on us, and this Easter is no exception - April 5. Are you searching for the next Easter item to add to your collection? The Brass Armadillo has a beautiful selection of vintage Easter cards, pictures, photographs of long-ago family cele...

• Cartier Exhibition

  by Betty Jean Shearin March 9, 2015
  CARTIER EXHIBITION  It’s always fun and inspiring to spend a few hours enjoying the works of master artists and designers of the past, whether it’s furniture, crystal, paintings, or vintage jewelry.   Those who are gifted with foresight and extraordinary talent have m...

• Tucson Gem & Mineral Showcase

  by Betty Jean Shearin January 27, 2015
   Are you a mineral collector, rock hound enthusiast, or just simply love fossils, beads, precious stones, and jewelry? Then you may be interested in checking out the renowned Tucson Gem, Mineral & Fossil Showcase held yearly in Tucson, Arizona, since 1954. It claims to be the largest of its kin...
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• Antique Shops in Tucson, AZ

  by Betty Jean Shearin January 22, 2015
  Being a dealer at the Denver Brass Armadillo and an avid collector, I recently had the opportunity to visit Tucson, Arizona. Naturally I wanted to check out a few of the antique shops there. Making the rounds of several shops, it was only natural to notice the subtle, and not so subtle, differences ...