When choosing a place to show off your models, select a location that will minimise your collection’s exposure to potentially damaging environmental factors. A warm, dry location that is away from direct sunlight or strong electric lighting should be selected. Avoid keeping your collection in locations such as a musty basement or a hot attic for long periods of time; instead store them in an area of your home which maintains a fairly constant temperature and normal level of humidity.

A display case is an excellent way of allowing you and your visitors to enjoy your collection, whilst at the same time keeping it safe and secure. A case will not only will keep your collection out of reach of young children or pets, but will also reduce the amount of dust that accumulates on your models. There are a huge variety of glass fronted display cases on offer, in wood or metal; look for one that is large enough to accommodate your collection as it grows.

Unfortunately, no matter how well collectibles are displayed, they will still require regular cleaning to keep them in good condition. The highly detailed and intricate nature of resin models mean that dust tends to find its way into the textured surface, especially in models which are unglazed. Avid collectors use a range of cleaning implements that can remove dust, dirt and grime from any part of a collectible. A damp cloth, canned compressed air (which can be purchased from model or photography shops) or fine paint brushes are all part of the serious model collectors cleaning kit.

Great care must be taken when sprucing up your models as over eager cleaning may damage the delicate paintwork. It is not advisable to handle your resin collectibles on a regular basis as this can transfer dirt to your collection and cause wear, and some people choose to wear special soft gloves when cleaning or handling their collectibles. When moving or storing your collection away for a long period of time, it’s recommended that the models are placed in their original boxes, or individually placed in bubble wrap and then put in an airtight, waterproof container, before being placed in a dark room.

Remember, these are general guidelines to caring for your collectibles. The handcrafted nature of resin collectibles means that each one is unique, which is what makes them so special, therefore it is imperative that you read and follow the ‘cleaning and care’ instructions provided with your specific model. As long as you look after your collectibles, you should find that your models remain in excellent condition and will give you many years or pleasure, as you build your collection.

Tags : Antiques, Collection

When it comes to cages for rabbits, the usual thumb for cages applies here as well – the bigger cage the better it is. You have to remember that the larger area you provide your pet with, the better they will be able to live and play. Of course, real life situations stop us from being extra generous with space for pets, but there is still a minimum that you should follow. It is generally agreed upon that the cage for a single rabbit should be about four times its size. So if you are planning to have multiple rabbits, buy accordingly.

The cages that are commonly found at local pet stores are usually way too cramped for the rabbits to comfortably live in. Also, most of them tend to have a wire mesh flooring. The reason being that a wire mesh flooring will allow all dirt and droppings to fall through them, keeping the place cleaner more efficiently. But wire mesh floorings can often be too harsh on the paws of some breeds of rabbits. As an alternative, you have use a hard plywood base with a vinyl on top of it. The plywood gives it a solid base while the vinyl is relatively easier to clean and also cheap buy and replace.

However, if you want to go with the wire mesh flooring, you can at least cover it with straws to make it more comfortable. Also, do not confuse between the feed and the bedding. Straw is for bedding and the hay is for feeding, do not mix them up.

When looking at the walls of the cage, you will notice that most of them have a wire meshes. Choosing the size of the wire-mesh is very important here especially if you are expecting to have baby rabbits inside the cage. Make sure that wire mesh is properly installed and that there are no sharp ends sticking out of places. This can really harm your rabbit and it might even kill them. So be very careful about this specific aspect.

The door is also very important when choosing a cage. Look if the door opens on the side to the outside so that the rabbit can come out on its own when it is playtime. If the door opens at the top, then you will have to carry the rabbit out each and every time. Usually, the door opening on the side towards the outside is considered to be better for rabbits and the best is considered to be a cage with provisions for both types of doors.

So when you are choosing a cage for your rabbit, keep in mind to go over all the important points before settling on one.

Tags : Pet, Rabbit