Daryle Lambert: Beauty Shines in Our Youth - Caleb Noble Glass

You never know where the next surprise will surface, and this one surfaced at the One of a Kind Show at Chicago's Merchandise Mart.

When Cindy and I ventured out to the One of a Kind Show, it was mostly to see Doug Odom's outsider art exhibit. We weren't expecting to find much that would meet our criteria, because everything there was new, and of course, we primarily work with antiques. We were thrilled to run into glass artist, Charles Lotton, whose booth was kitty corner to Doug's, and a real surprise and treat for us. After visiting with Doug and Charles, we venture out and examined the more that 400 booths to see what was offered.

With a large rush of people moving between booths and down aisles, I suddenly realized Cindy had disappeared on me, so I back tracked a bit and found her mesmerized by a young 18-year-old glass artist as he worked on his new creation.

I stopped for a moment, to be courteous, and believe it or not, I couldn't get my eyes off of this young man as he worked that piece of glass. His name is Caleb Noble, and Cindy and I examined his case of dazzling glass jewelry pendants in awe. And not only is he talented, but his passion and enthusiasm for his work is so refreshing and a reminder to not give up on our youth today. There are ones out there that God has gifted and Caleb is definitely one of those.

Caleb spent some time with us and explained each step of his process. He doesn't use a kiln, but shapes and works his pieces by torch. These were some of the most outstanding glass works my eyes have had the pleasure to gaze upon in a long time.

Believe it or not, after looking at over 400 booths there were only two, other than Doug and Charles, that got my attention, The other one is a painter who I will write about in a later blog. You might think that by finding only two new artists at this show that I am rather choosy, but that's all right. Remember, we only want the best.

Today's Photos are of Caleb Noble and his glass jewelry pieces. I encourage you to take a look at some of his work, and I am certain that a little gift to yourself now might pay off big for you in the future. I'm willing to bet that anyone who wears one of his creations will have people asking about it.

You can see some of Caleb Noble's work here.

Club Member Update: I got a report on our club member, Andrew, and it breaks my heart to have to say it wasn't too good. His mother, Anne, asked us to continue to pray for him. Several of our members sent donations to the FD NOW fund, and Anne is extremely grateful to those who donated. For those who don't know Andrew, he is a young member of our 31 Club who is suffering from a very serious ailment, and If you would like to know more about him, please read my December 12th and October 15th Blogs.

Make sure your friends and loved ones have a copy of our book. You can sign them up for our 31 Club, and they'll get the book for free. Or order them the book, and get the membership for free. Either way, this makes a great Christmas gift for the special people in your life.

Discover how our book can be the tool that helps you become financially free simply buying and selling antiques, collectibles and fine art.

Be sure to visit our web site for more information about how you can join the 31 Club Wealth Building and start your own race to your millions! Read more about The Million Dollar Challenge.

If you haven't yet had a chance to see what we've got listed in the 31 Gallery & Marketplace, click on over and take a look. You might even find a real bargain. We've got many high quality items priced reasonably. If you have a high quality piece you'd like us to find a buyer for, why not consign your item to us. No high fees when you sell with us. Contact us here.

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Daryle Lambert: Two For One - Outsider Artist Doug Odom and Charles Lotton

I find surprises come at the most unexpected times and places.

Cindy and I intended to meet outsider artist, Doug Odom and his wife at the "One of a Kind Show" at Chicago's Merchandise Mart at around 10:00am, and then spend the rest of the day at the show. The first bit of excitement came upon arriving and immediately finding an open parking space just one block from the mart. Since I don't like to spend money unnecessarily, especially $30 to park a car downtown, that was my first sign that a great day was in store for us.

When we entered this block-long building and made our way to the elevator bank, we discovered that Doug had already left passes for us, and we were whisked into the elevator by escort like a couple of VIP's. When the elevator opened up, we entered a space that occupied the entire eighth floor -- and as I said, this building takes up an entire city block. Artwork everywhere! We finally made our way to Doug's fantastic booth, we were greeted with hugs and began to admire his latest creations. And then the strangest thing happened. I gazed up and over my shoulder and couldn't believe my eyes. Right in the next booth stood none other than Charles Lotton and most of his staff. Now what are the chances of that in a place this size, with over 400 artists?

Charles' and Doug's booths were kitty corner to one another and both had already admired one another's work and were in negotiation to buy or trade a piece of their work for the other's. Both booths were filled with people for the whole time we were there. Charles had Jackie and Brenna working his booth, and I can guarantee you that I would hire those two to sell for me any day.

After spending quite a long time with Doug and Charles, we toured the rest of the show, but I found only two booths that held any interest for me. One was a painter you will hear about, and the other was a fantastic young glass artist who I will be blogging about to introduce to you. Only four out of over four hundred dealers caught my attention, Like I've said before, we look for only the best.

If you haven't had a chance to see Doug Odom's work, we've got two pieces available in our 31 Gallery. Be sure to take a look at them here.

Don't forget to make sure your friends and loved ones have a copy of our book. You can sign them up for our 31 Club, and they'll get the book for free. Or order them the book, and get the membership for free. Either way, this makes a great Christmas gift for the special people in your life.

Discover how our book can be the tool that helps you become financially free simply buying and selling antiques, collectibles and fine art.

Be sure to visit our web site for more information about how you can join the 31 Club Wealth Building and start your own race to your millions! Read more about The Million Dollar Challenge.

If you haven't yet had a chance to see what we've got listed in the 31 Gallery & Marketplace, click on over and take a look. You might even find a real bargain. We've got many high quality items priced reasonably. If you have a high quality piece you'd like us to find a buyer for, why not consign your item to us. No high fees when you sell with us. Contact us here.

If you wish to leave comments use the ANONYMOUS button and then you don't have to sign in to leave your message. Chime in and participate with us.

Daryle Lambert: An Auction Provides the Testing Ground to Check Ourselves

We have studied many different types of Pottery, Porcelain, Paintings and Glass over the last few months through this blog, and our library of knowledge has increased substantially, but how are we doing?

That's the question I asked myself as I attended the auction at Direct Auction in Chicago yesterday, along with Cindy and our club member, Andre. There were many things that caught my eye before the sale started, and I previewed the pieces I might sell at prices that would meet my rules for purchase. The three of us were also interested to see what the coins would be selling for, and this was Andre's first auction at Direct Auction.

During the preview, I checked to be sure the items were what I thought they were, and then I continued to check them for any damage or flaws that might not be apparent at first glance. Mentally, I tried to recall similar items I had seen sell before, so I could set the upper range of my future bid. I also scouted out my competition to see how much interest there seemed to be in the pieces I hoped to be bidding on.

Yes, I had prepared myself as the start of the auction was coming near. Taking my seat next to Cindy and Andre, I felt the excitement starting to build. The crowd at this auction was one of the largest I've seen them attract in many months, so my expectations did diminish a bit because of that.

Coins were the first items offered, and I had checked the price of gold and silver before I arrived. If I could purchase half dollars, quarters and dimes that were minted before 1965, I decided I could pay up to five or six times their face value, not even consider their numismatic value, while still meeting my criteria. This auction had more coins than usual. There were literally hundreds of each type.. As the auctioneer began the sale, fifty or sixty coins would be lumped into a group and they were priced per coin. I found myself shaking my head in amazement at some of the prices these coins were going for. After all the coins had been sold, including the gold ones, I still hadn't made my first purchase. I have to admit, I was a little disappointed.

I figured my time would come when we moved on to the pottery, glass and porcelain. Finally, the Charles Lotton magnum paperweight was coming up, and I didn't feel there was much interest for it at this auction. Earlier, I had spoken to Warner Smith, the president of the Lotton Glass Club, and we agreed that if I could buy it for $250, I should do well. But, that paperweight was hammered at $400. No money to be made there. Next was some Doulton dogs. These used to be my specialty, so I thought I had the inside track on them. I think there were six, and since they were rather common, I figured that $50 each should buy them easily. When they sold for about $600, I could tell this wasn't going to be a very promising evening.

Now was the time to go to the counter and get some hot dogs for us and think about what was happening here. I asked myself whether or not this night could improve. It didn't. In fact, we didn't even stay for the art, because through my friends, I learned that bids were left on the paintings I was interested in. And those bids were greater than I would be willing to pay. A left bid is when someone previews the auction and then leaves an absentee bid on certain items.

Being totally discouraged, we decided to leave, but not before picking up our Christmas presents from the auction house -- a can of peanuts and a box of turtles.

By now you are probably asking what's the purpose of this blog? My answer goes back to the very heart of what I'd like you to have etched in your mind. In the first chapters of my book, I state that one of the most important things I would repeat over and over to you would be the necessity of having patience. Patience will be the key to your success using the wealth building plan in my book, and that patience combined with knowledge, will give you everything in life that you desire.

Yesterday I followed my own rule. I saw each one of those pieces slip from my hands at prices I knew I wouldn't be able to at least double. I had to use all the patience I could muster up not to give in and overpay for an item. But you know what? I still have my money, and there will be another day. While most of the people at the auction will make a very small gain on their investment, if any, I still have my money to buy a treasure that is waiting for me right around the next corner. At the price I want.

Discover how our book can be the tool that helps you become financially free simply buying and selling antiques, collectibles and fine art.

Be sure to visit our web site for more information about how you can join the 31 Club Wealth Building and start your own race to your millions! Read more about The Million Dollar Challenge.

If you haven't yet had a chance to see what we've got listed in the 31 Gallery & Marketplace, click on over and take a look. You might even find a real bargain. We've got many high quality items priced reasonably. If you have a high quality piece you'd like us to find a buyer for, why not consign your item to us. No high fees when you sell with us. Contact us here.

If you wish to leave comments use the ANONYMOUS button and then you don't have to sign in to leave your message. Chime in and participate with us.

Daryle Lambert: What Makes Tiffany Shine

Louis Comfort Tiffany was one of the shrewdest businessmen of his time. Even though his ability to design products was outstanding, this wasn't where his real skills were found. By assembling the greatest glasssmiths, metal workers, designers and chemist under one roof, he was able to orchestrate all their talents into producing the most valuable works of art in his day. He made the statement that he wasn't producing items for the average man.

Even though his name has become associated with the best in art glass and bronze, he seldom touched the pieces that bear his name. He was the master overseer and gave the final okay on everything that was produced in his factories. If it came from Tiffany, it was marked with one of the Tiffany marks, whether it was glass, bronze or pottery.

Most people don't know that Tiffany was a fine painter early on, and there are many of his works still now. In fact, I am astonished that his paintings don't bring more money than they do. He also made some wonderful pottery, but next to his lamps and stained glass windows, they still seem to be undervalued to this day. But no doubt, he is still the premier name in the market for the wares he produced. The problem I personally have with his work, is that he was merely the supervisor of others under his direction that produced these wonderful items, not the maker himself. On the other hand, for example, Charles Lotton is involved in every step of each process in making his fantastic pieces.

Tiffany is perhaps the most forged or faked items in the markets today. Often the Tiffany information was etched into pieces of Steuben, Quezal, Loetz and many other art glass. If these fine pieces had been left alone, they would stand on their own as to their value, but by signing them Tiffany, their value is reduced.

In a book that I read, it said “it is better to know the glass than to see the name on a piece.” The name of the book is Louis C. Tiffany's Glass Bronzes Lamps: A Complete Collectors Guide by Robert Kock.

To prove that there is still pieces of Tiffany to be found, I will share with you two of my stories. I believe it or not almost every dealer that I know has similar stories about Tiffany in their past.

The first piece of Tiffany I ever bought was purchased for $40. I knew it was a nice piece of art glass, but I couldn't say it was Tiffany in my ad because it was unsigned. Putting it on eBay and hoping to get $300 or $400 for it, I waited for the auction to start. Within thirty minutes the bid was over $500, and to tell you the truth, I started to get excited. Emails filled my mail box with questions and I was even receiving calls. By the second day it was over $1000, and I was beginning to wonder where it was going to stop. I think the final bid was over $1800. Not bad for an unsigned small vase that I'm not sure even to this day that it was Tiffany.

The second story is even better than the first. I was called to a home to look at items that a lady was selling for her father. There were many wonderful things in the house to look at. Most of the items had been researched and I didn't think that I would be able to purchase much. As I looked around, my eyes lit on these two bronze lamp bases. One was a floor base and the other was a table base. I asked if they for for sale. The lady said that she didn't see why not, her husband was just planning to throw them in the trash. I carefully examined them and made a offer of $3500. That got her attention. Knowing now that they were better than something to be thrown in the trash, she said “i will let you know.” She called back in several days and did accept my offer, but let me know that she had contacted several other people and she was giving me a bargain.

I tried to find shades for these lamps but couldn't. I even offered almost ten thousand dollars for one shade and still got out bid. Then I finally decided to sell them without shades. These went on to be sold at auction for over $10,000.

Today's Photo is courtesy of a 2005 Auction Catalog from Treadway Gallery.
Discover how our book can be the tool that helps you become financially free simply buying and selling antiques, collectibles and fine art.

Be sure to visit our web site for more information about how you can join the 31 Club Wealth Building and start your own race to your millions! Read more about The Million Dollar Challenge.

If you haven't yet had a chance to see what we've got listed in the 31 Gallery & Marketplace, click on over and take a look. You might even find a real bargain. We've got many high quality items priced reasonably. If you have a high quality piece you'd like us to find a buyer for, why not consign your item to us. No high fees when you sell with us. Contact us here.

If you wish to leave comments use the ANONYMOUS button and then you don't have to sign in to leave your message. Chime in and participate with us.

Daryle Lambert - What a Treat! Lotton Glass Open House

Cindy, Joshua and I spent our Saturday visiting the Lotton Glass Gallery & Studio in Crete Illinois for their open house. When we stepped through the door to the gallery, it was hard to take in all the absolutely wonder glass that dazzling on display. WOW! Lotton Glass everywhere! We didn't know where to look first. What a delight to see all this fine glass in one place.

There weren't many people when we got there, so we pretty much had the place to ourselves. As I spoke with people that I knew, Cindy was able to meet the staff and take a look around. We spoke with Mary Lotton, Charles' wife, Studio Manager, Jacqueline, daughter Rachel, and Brenna - the Michigan Avenue Gallery Manager.

Going into the studio where the artists create this unique glass was our next order of business. Once we stepped into the studio, it was a whole new experience. All the furnaces were running full blast, and the heat they threw off was certainly welcomed on this icy, cold and windy, Illinois day. Then the crowds started arriving, many of whom, as we later found out, were collectors.

Joshua immediately took up with some of the children, and for the rest of Saturday, I saw very little of him. However, once Charles Lotton began to make a piece, Joshua climbed the steps in the studio to watch and sat there mesmerized until the piece was completed.

Cindy became like a roving reporter and took a lot of pictures. She spoke to all of the glass artists: Charles Lotton, son Daniel Lotton, Jerry Heer, who is Charles' nephew and Scott Bayless, a young artist who first started as assistant to Charles, and the only one who isn't a blood relation to the Lotton family. She noticed that Jeremiah Lotton, Charles' grandson wasn't there and promptly found out that he was home with the flu. David Lotton wasn't there, as he has his own studio, and John Lotton is no longer creating glass and is very successful in another profession.

Cindy had the chance to watch Jerry Heer create a piece early in the morning before most of the crowd arrived. Jerry enjoyed talking while he worked and took special time to share not only what he was doing, but to also answer her questions -- and believe me, she had a zillion questions.

We watched and learned how the their beautiful vases and lamps are made, watched their trademark flowers being formed totally out of molten glass, layer upon layer upon layer, and watched Charles create an amazing piece of irridescent color.

This gracious and hospitable family even had prepared a fabulous home-cooked meal for their guests that was served right there in the studio. We all shared some terrific conversation over lunch before the glass masters resumed their studio work. Charles was so gracious to all his visitors, and spent extra time with Joshua. I will never forget peeking around a corner looking for Joshua and finding him right there beside Charles in heavy conversation with one another.

We watched as Charles created a lamp shade. He would put the piece into the fire, then take it to the table to shape the piece, and immediately back in the furnace it would go. He must have completed this cycle fifty or more times to create his layered designs. Each step in the process requires a close inspection and careful handling with special trade tools to be sure that all the diminutions are perfect. As a last and final step, the hot glass was laid on a wooden mold where the shape of the shade is achieved. Then into the cooler where the temperature is slowly lowered until it can be taken out to be assembled into a beautiful lamp. When Charles finished, the crowd broke out in a thunderous applause.

As we were headed home, fighting our way through an ice storm, Cindy said to me, "I am at a loss for words to adequately describe each artist's mastery of this process. How can you really find the right words to describe taking a lump of molten glass, adding color and form to it and ending up with a piece so magnificent?" She went on to say, "The strength, stamina, and rhythmic pace it requires just to produce one single piece is something to be seen. Daryle, we need to go back and make a video." I think she might be right.

The more I am around this family, the more I am sure that there has never been anyone that has produced Art Glass that can compare with Charles Lotton and his family of artists.


Be certain to make this glass one of your top items to search for in your hunt for Treasure. If you are fortunate enough to buy more than one piece at a time, you might be wise to keep a piece for your own collection.

Wondering who's who in Today's Photos? The first photo is of Charles at work. Next is Charles and Cindy, Joshua and Daniel Lotton, and last is Jerry Heer and Cindy.

Joshua and Cindy took many photos this day, so stay tuned. We'll be running some of them on the website.
Discover how our book, 31 Steps to Your Millions in Antiques & Collectibles can be the tool that helps you become financially free.

Be sure to visit our web site for more information about how you can join the 31 Club Wealth Building and start your own race to your millions! Read more about The Million Dollar Challenge.

If you haven't yet had a chance to see what we've got listed in the 31 Gallery & Marketplace, click on over and take a look. You might even find a real bargain. We've got many high quality items priced reasonably. If you have a high quality piece you'd like us to find a buyer for, why not consign your item to us. No high fees when you sell with us. Contact us here.

If you wish to leave comments use the ANONYMOUS button and then you don't have to sign in to leave your message. Chime in and participate with us.

Daryle Lambert - Is The Sky Still Falling in the Art and Antique Markets?

I just received an email from a friend along with an article written by an art market analyst in Austrailia who states that the art market has been manipulated and that prices are years ahead of where they should be. Even the Kovel's are starting to quote the Chicken Littles of the world about the state of our industry markets. I really must say that if they truly understood the world economic considerations that are coming into play in these markets, they wouldn't be thinking like this. And, if the dollar doesn't strengthen, we haven't seen anything yet.

For this very reason, I recommend that my club members only buy the best for resale. Why? With the dollar so cheap, the world is just waiting to buy the best of everything in the American Markets.

When the dollar was king, I was buying everything I could get my hands on overseas. I couldn't spend a dollar at home, but my dollar was worth two dollars overseas. Overseas, everything they had for sale was a bargain to me. I bought Doulton, Daum Nancy, Meissen, Ruskin and many other things. I bought until my storage space ran out. But now, the tide is running the other direction.

I am telling my members that now is the time to buy the better items. There are more than enough customers waiting in the wings to purchase whatever we have for sale in this country. Yes, there will be a time that this will change, but it isn't changing now. But we can still make a lot of money.

Now is the time to be bold and to go where others fear to tread. You can't become a millionaire by following the crowd. You have to think for yourself. People like the Kovel's have made their money on prices going up and telling others what to buy, so, why now are they getting frightened? We operate in these markets today -- not ten years from now. So judge for yourself. Are these great markets or what? Let's make our money now, and let tomorrow take care of itself.

I wish I could buy some great Chinese, Korean, German, Russian or British Antiques, Collectibles or Fine Art Paintings. And if you know of any that you are scared to buy, let me know, will you please? These countries are buying back their history from American collectors now, at fire sale prices when you consider the difference in currency values. If the crowd is going one way, make sure you go the other way. You'll win big time.

On a Side Bar: Saturday at 10:00 A.M., Cindy & I will be at the Lotton Glass Studio Open House. 24760 Country Lane, Crete, Illinois 60417. Come on down, meet us, and see this fabulous glass being made right there in front of your eyes by the Lotton family of first class artists.

Be sure to visit our web site for more information about how you can join the 31 Club Wealth Building and start your own race to your millions! Read more about The Million Dollar Challenge.

If you haven't yet had a chance to see what we've got listed in the 31 Gallery & Marketplace, click on over and take a look. You might even find a real bargain. We've got many high quality items priced reasonably. If you have a high quality piece you'd like us to find a buyer for, why not consign your item to us. No high fees when you sell with us. Contact us here.

If you wish to leave comments use the ANONYMOUS button and then you don't have to sign in to leave your message. Chime in and participate with us.