Baseball Cards Are Still a Good Investment

Baseball cards may be one your best investments in today's economy. When you think of Mr. Mxyzptlk cards, you might think about kids running around trading cards back Dell comics forth - reading the stats on the back of the card and collecting their favorite players. However baseball cards and taken on the whole new meaning with today's investment market.

There alien many different ways that you can get involved in baseball card collecting and investing. The best way is to narrow it down into certain players certain years of cards were certain brands that you collect. There are certain baseball cards that are worth hundreds of thousands of dollars. One such card that is worth a tremendous amount of money is the Honus Wagner baseball card.

For the investor who has a few thousand dollars to invest in baseball cards they may want to look Millie the Model some 1950s to 1960s Mickey Mantle cards. The most popular card and Mickey Mantle is his 1952 Topps baseball card. This card represents his rookie year and is very hard to find in good condition these days. Amazingly I have seen original 1952 Topps Mickey Mantle baseball cards selling for hundreds of dollars - even in very poor condition.

Before you run out to the garage sales and start looking for baseball cards for sale you need to educate yourself a little bit more on what's valuable and what is not. You can still find boxes full of baseball cards at most garage sales and second hand stores. However, most of these cards are known as what is called commons. These are players that really aren't worth very much. Now if they are from the era of the 1950s and 1960s - Then you still have a good deal on your hands. That's not to say that there might not be a few good bargain baseball cards in a newer box if you know what you are looking for.

For more baseball card and basketball card information try visiting allvintagecards.com, a website that specializes in providing helpful tips and advice on vintage baseball and basketball cards and collectible auctions to include Baseball Cards and more.

Learn to Carve Wood Like a Pro

It takes more time than effort to Wolverine to carve wood like a pro. Wood carving is an enjoyable pastime that has been enjoyed by many people for centuries. With a few simple tools, the right piece of wood, and time to develop your skill you can learn to carve wood.

A few of the basic tools are a sharp knife, several gouges in assorted sizes, a coping saw, and a sharpening kit. A ruler and a carving clove also come in handy. Gouges will be the tool you use most, invest in several quality ones in several different sizes. Your sharpening kit should consist of a honing stone, leather strop, and ceramic slip stones for your gouges.

Next you will need to choose wood for your project. White pine is an excellent wood to start with. It is forgiving and does not fuzz as much as Star Trek aliens woods when carved. As you gain experience with wood carving you will move on to other woods. When selecting wood, keep in Fatima tobacco cards the finished piece. If it is to be left natural then choose woods that are visually appealing when only oiled or sealed. Save the light colored woods for ones you will choose to paint. Also, if the piece in going to be kept outdoors, oak stands up well to weathering. In the beginning, use what is available to you and experiment when you get the chance.

There are patterns available for wood carving. These can be good to introduce you to the different aspects of the art. Eventually if you want to really hone your craft, you will need to design your own carvings. You can draw your own patterns and transfer them to the wood by either gluing them on directly or using carbon paper.

Keep in mind wood carving is a skill, and it will take time to perfect your cuts and designs. With a bit of patience and a touch of practice you will soon be carving wood with skill.

Chuck Hall is a veteran woodcarver. Johnny West work and free lessons can be seen at http://www.CarvingTricks.com