Collectablesmad

Hi everyone, firstly, let me introduce myself. I am Tracy Martin, sometimes referred to as a Collectables Expert, although I prefer the term "Knowledgable Enthusiast". I wear many hats which include working at my local auctioneers "Staceys" in Leigh-on-Sea Essex as their Collectables Specialist, have written and am still writing for many specialist magazines including Collect it!, Doll Magazine, Teddy Bear Scene, Antiques and Collectables, Pottery and Porcelain, and the Australian magazine "Antiques for Profit and Pleasure." But of course one of my favourite writing jobs is for this worldwide acclaimed collecting site WorldCollectorsNet. I have appeared on television as an expert for This Morning, BBC Breakfast and 20th Century Roadshow to mention a few and also particiapated in radio, lectured on Cruise ships and am currently in the process of writing my first book "The Worlds Greatest Collecting Tips" which is due for publication next March.

I am a collector through and through, and have over the years collected many things from Royal Doulton Bunnykins as a child to vintage handbags, powder compact and my most prized collection being Sally Tuffin designed vases from Dennis Chinaworks. I have also just recently started to buy Schuco toys - mainly the furry kind as I have a bit of a passion for teddy bears.

I have already this year been on two cruises, the first with Saga in January on the first leg of the World Cruise - No! I am not of the generation that should be travelling with Saga - infact 15 years younger - but I had the most amazing time sharing my passion for collecting with other like minded people. I have just recently returned from a three week cruise on the Aurora with P&O to Mexico and the Carribean - again sharing my knowledge and passions. This is a lovely way of earning a living - you get to cruise the world, meet wonderful people and eat all day long - although my waist line is a little larger than it was before Xmas. I have been booked to do the Page & Moy Baltic Cruise next July which I am so looking forward to - this also gives me time to get my figure back in shape before I go.

I have decided to write this blog and share my interesting life with you as on a daily basis I discover wonderful collectables and antiques, meet the most fantastic people and do things that others might not ever get a chance to do. So I am hoping that this blog will encourage you all to go out and hunt out bargains and also give you an insight into my hectic day to day life.

So join me on a regular basis as I update you with all the interesting stories, bargains I find and the colourful people I meet along the way.

xTrace