Jim Shore Angels

If you collect angles, you may already be familiar with the Jim Shore Angles line. Jim is an artsist who mixes motifs of quilts and folk-art into his work. The results are stunning. His angles are part of his Heartwood Creek collection. It's an extensive line of of figurines that more than angles. But the angels are some of his most beautiful and elegant works.

Why? Collectors say it's the details, from the designs to the colors he chooses. It all comes down to craftsmanship and the Jim Shore angels are some of the best examples of that.

There are well over 100 angels in the current collectios, including:

• Angels Around the World
• Beast Cancer Angels
• four Seasons Angels
• Monthy Angels
• Seven Virtures of a Woman Angels

While people people collect and display their Jim Shore angles just at Christmas, many more display them year round.

Jim is a well-known artist around the world, but it wasn't always that way. While his love of art was inspired by a folk-artist parents and grandmother, who quilted, it took him time to sell his unique design.

By day, Jim worked as an engineer to support his family and any other waking hour was devoted to his art and trying to sell it. Eventually, his artwork found a following. A partnership with Esneso, one of largest distributors of figurine and ceramic art, lead to world wide sales.

Jim Shore's work can be found at a number of places, including his own website, QVC and of course Amazon and eBay. When buying any of Jim's work, especially online, keep a few things in mind.

1. Read the instructions carefully. Many people have been surprised by the size of their angles, especially when they see a low price. They get so excited about that they don't read the details. Most retailers do add the sizes, so make sure you understand. Take out a ruler so you don't think you're buying a full-sized angel only to get a "mini" one instead
2. Read the reviews that are offered... but do take into account that we each have our own likes and dislikes, especially when it comes to art. Where one person finds the colors on the angels bring and vibrant, another feels they're drab.

Netlexis writes for a number on online and offline publications with an emphasis on the lifestyles, children's and family topics. When she's not at her keyboard, you may find her in the garden, in her craft/sewing studio or hiking the trails around her Southern California home.