Cherishing the fine arts: Yenke Peddler Antiques

CLEVELAND, Ohio — The holiday mood is in full swing now – it’s just six weeks until Christmas!

The Strongsville Avant Garde Art & Craft Show takes place from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. this Saturday at the Ehrnfelt Recreation Center, 18100 Royalton Road. Admission is $3, with children younger than 12 admitted free.

On tap for next week, the IX Center will feature its official Christmas Connection Nov. 21-23. Friday early birds will pay $20 admission from 8 to 10 a.m. These tickets must be purchased online.

Admission for regular shopping from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Friday is $14 at the door. Ages 12 and younger are free.

You can save $4 off general admission on Friday if you donate two cans of vegetables for the Cleveland Food Bank.

Saturday shopping hours are 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. for $12 (one day only), while Sunday hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. for $14.

Parking is an additional $10 to $12 per vehicle. This is the last year for the show at this location.

Speaking of the holidays, Ruby glass is particularly intriguing this time of year. We all remember the souvenirs that popularized this trend in the early 1900s.

Many of us have family heirlooms with etched names attached, and these are the true Ruby glass examples. Solid and weighty with faceted clear bases, they are often called Pigeon Blood glass as well.

However, an inexpensive method became popular to imitate the original. It was stained Ruby glass – with the color merely painted on the glass, not fired into the base. The coating became a problem, because it could be easily scratched.

To solve the wear issues, after painting the desired areas, the glass was fired to make it last longer. These collectibles are usually less expensive and may show some wear. If you can, buy original and mint!

Hello Yenke Peddler,

This Ruby glass ashtray has been in our family for many years. It is heavy, while being a mid-century eye catcher. We love it just for being a focal point … brilliance! Value?

G.F.

Hi Gloria,

A lovely piece of mid-century sparkle! So thrilled it provides another avenue for your enjoyment, as a centerpiece! You could always place tiny ornaments in the “bowl” or just leave it plain for the sparkly effect. Value is about $85.

If you have an item for evaluation, send a clear picture with history to Yenke Peddler, Brenda Yenke, P.O. Box 361633, Strongsville, Ohio, 44136. You may also email photos and information requests for Brenda to evaluate at kenyenke@aol.com.