Blue Cavern

Hi,
I am new here. One thing I like about Smurf collecting is that its international and the idea of meeting new people from all over the world is sooo awesome. But I am interested to see how many Smurf collectors there are from the United States. I know Smurf collecting isn't as big here as it is in Europe or Australia, all the more reason to smurfwork, I mean network. I am interested in finding the best places or methods to buy Smurfs here, furniture to display smurfs, Smurf events in the U.S, if there are any. Does anyone want to carpool to Europe for a Smurf fair next year? I thought I would ask here before going on Craigslist and posting a Ride Share ad . USA Smurfers please weigh in!

Hi Renee,
I think you have a pretty good chance of finding smurfs in toy stores up in the North and also in antique shops and fleamarkets

When I visited Staci in October, we found a few nice things in PA and DE

In the South, we are not so lucky and my best chance of finding smurfs is ebay or private sales

As far as smurf fairs in the US are concerned...I don't think we have any, as there aren't that many collectors over here...However, I think it would be great if we tried to organize something to meet each other for a day or two..even if it isn't a fair. We could bring our doubles and trade with each other and just hang out together for a smurfy good time

Most of the collectors seem to be living on the East Coast and I know it would be a long travel, but if anybody is interested to come down here you are more than welcome

I live in Tennessee just 55 miles north of Chattanooga, right on top of a Mountain that still belongs to the Appalachian, I think. Actually, it is pretty much right between Chatty and Nashville and the Smoky Mountains

As far as displays...I have a few Bully display houses on my walls with smurfs in it



This thread hold some great information about shelves that are great for smurfs
http://forum.bluecavern.com/viewtopic.php?t=10138

and you also see a lot of displays in the Smurf Landscaping & Smurfy Display section of the forum

I am not sure about car pooling to Europe next year (we might have to start this year to make it there next year by car ) but we can plane pool

Hi Maureen,
thanks for all the information. I went to your site and tried to email you but it bounced back. Can you send me an email at renee at three apples tall dot com?

I need some smurf display shelving badly so I will check out that thread. thanks!

Thanks for the heads up, Renee..

I sent you an e-mail..and I think I also fixed the contact information on my website

Hi Renee, I agree, the fact that smurf collecting is such an international hobby makes it even more special. Over the years it has been great learning so much about different countries and their traditions as well as about the smurfs of course.

I have not found flea markets or antique malls too helpfull in my smurf collecting as normally if there is a smurf there they want way more than what the poor beat up, half chewed up, sun faded smurf is worth. I do most of my buying on line. there are a few stores in the states that actually sell smurfs, staci has one close to her and there is one about an hour and a half drive from me. If you are lucky enough to have a store in your area ask them if they can order you a display. I asked my store and they are going to get me a big dealer display.

I would not be surprised if a few more stores start popping up as they jump on the smurf band wagon.


gerda

Since Target sells them online already, I am wondering if they will sell them in the stores this year...and maybe also Toys R US

I know target had the view master capsules in there stores when they came out, so there is hope!!


gerda

When I visited Staci in October, we found a few nice things in PA and DE

I have been lucky enough to find a lot last summer at flea markets and antique stores in DE, PA and MD. Plus I've made contacts with two very nice sellers - one in DE and one in PA who keep their eyes out for smurfy items for me. I've also found stores selling smurfs in New Orleans and CA as well.

I have a ton of displays and shelves in my smurf room (aka basement) but don't have the photos here at work. I will send you a link when I get home

Thanks for the heads up, Renee..

I sent you an e-mail..and I think I also fixed the contact information on my website

yep I got it. Thanks Maureen.