Sunday, June 23, 2013

#DisneyHoarders

Any Disney collector will tell you that one of the biggest challenges to collecting is when to stop storage.

Fortunately for me, there was a storage unit near the apartment complex where I used to live. I started out by renting a 5' x 10', which was 50 square feet, as extra storage.


I moved out of this unit because I was able to get a garage at the apartment complex. But when I moved around the block to a condo that had even less storage, I came back to the storage facility, which had been bought out by a national company by this point.

Because I had even less storage space, I opted for the 5' x 15', which is 75 square feet. I need a place for extra Disney art, cels, and over course, all those Walt Disney Classics Collections green boxes.



After being in this space for over three years, this weekend I decided it was time to move into the 10' x 10', which is 100 square feet. The problem was I had transfer units by the end of the day. It took me over six hours to move from one unit to the other. I'm sore all over.

Now, I've discovered it's time to start purging some stuff I really don't need. I have so many Christmas ornaments, I could decorate several trees. It doesn't help I already have two Christmas trees. I won't be getting rid of any of my Walt Disney Classics Collection pieces, to be sure. And something else I learned, was that Grand Jester Studio boxes multiple as fast as WDCC green boxes. Every time I turned around,  a black box popped up.

Time to reorganize and purge!

PS: Of course this isn't all of my stuff. I still have a closet full of green boxes at home!

#DisneyHoarders


Wednesday, June 19, 2013

Grand Jester Studios 2013 Fall Releases

Wow!

Grand Jester Studios has done it again! I thought the last batch of releases were great. They've outdone themselves again. I'll always be loyal to the Walt Disney Classics Collection, but since their fate is in limbo, GJS helps fill the need to collect. It probably helps that many of the same WDCC sculptors sculpt for GJS. Below are the prototypes and details on each. (The only new release not pictured is Kermit, because while I like him, I have to draw that collectible line somewhere!)

First up is Cinderella. I really love the added touches of Jaq and Gus on the base.

The Details:
Bippity-Boppity-Boo! With a wave of her magic wand, Cinderella's Fairy Godmother has transformed the broken-hearted maiden into a vision of breath-taking grace and loveliness.  Amazed and delighted by this unexpected turn, Cinderella realizes that her dreams of ballroom splendor and romance are once more within reach.  But the clock is ticking, and midnight is looming.  The base features Jaq, Gus, and the magical pumpkin.  This character-authentic polystone mini-bust is designed by Patrick Romandy-Simmons and sculpted by Jacqueline Perrault Gonzales and stands 7" tall. 
Numbered, Limited Edition of 3,000
$70.00

Then we have a piece I knew was coming, only because Princess Minnie was released last time.

                                                                                   The Details:

"Seven with one blow!"  The little tailor known as Mickey trumpets his successful slaying of seven flies for all to hear, but the townsfolk misunderstand his triumphant cry and presume he's killed seven giants, instead.  now the unassuming Mickey, by royal decree, has to confront--and slay--an actual giant.  If successful, he wins the hand of the beautiful Princess Minnie.  But if he should fail, the legend of the Brave Little Tailor will be over before it begins.  This character-authentic polystone mini-bust is designed by Patrick Romandy-Simmons and sculpted by Bruce Lau and stands 8 1/2" tall. 
Numbered, Limited Edition of 3,000
$60.00























Here is my favorite out of the new releases, Briar Rose. Absolutely stunning!


The Details:
Deep in the forest, far from malevolent eyes, lives a fair damsel of unsurpassed beauty.  Raised by three wise women who fiercely guard her true identity, the young maiden spends her days communing with her only friends, the small, woodland creatures whom she adores.  Her name (so far as she knows) is simply Briar Rose.  But unbeknownst to her, she is actually the long-lost Princess Aurora.  And when her secluded sanctuary is discovered by a questing prince, events conspire to bestow upon her an even more famous title:  Sleeping Beauty.  This character-authentic polystone mini-bust is designed and sculpted by Patrick Romandy-Simmons and stands 7" tall. 
Numbered, Limited Edition of 3,000
$70.00



Finally, this piece makes a great accompanying piece for the above: Maleficent as the Dragon.



The Details:


Consumed by rage and poisonous spite, the black-robed sorceress transforms herself into a creature out of darkest nightmare to do battle with the noble Prince Phillip.  With beating wings and snapping jaw, the serpentine dragon rears up and bellows a fiery challenge.  Evil is on the rise, and her name is Maleficent!  Ringed by thorns and emerald-hued flames, this character-authentic polystone min-bust is designed and sculpted by Patrick Romandy-Simmons and stands 8 1/2" tall.




Numbered, Limited Edition of 3,000
$95.00

All edition sizes are less one, because I've already reserved mine. They are scheduled to be released in October. 

If you want to reserve yours, please contact one of the following dealers who can help you out!

Kenneth at Enchanted Gardens Florist and Gifts

Febra at The Gift House


Monday, June 17, 2013

An Easy Cel

Oops. I did it again.

Two years ago, the Art of Disney Parks released a new Ink and Paint Cel that commemorated Walt Disney World’s 40th anniversary. Key to the Kingdom captures the essence of wonder and excitement that comprised the magical kingdom since it opened its gates on October 1, 1971.


The talented Ink & Paint team hand painted Mickey Mouse and Pluto onto each Key to the Kingdom cel, comprised of 1500 cels. An exclusively designed pin was created to commemorate the release of the new cel, the pin was available with the first 750 orders placed for a framed cel only. So guess who got one set?

The Disney Design Group Artist, who signed the postcard that was framed with the cel, consisted of Costa Alavezos and Ink & Paint Artists, James Bonserio, Erin Magill, Theodora M. DeLaney, David Rippberger, Lynn Rippberger, Sharon K. Vincent. I have this hanging in my office at work.


Well, this Saturday, the Art of Disney Parks is releasing this year's masterpiece, Hollywood and Dine cel.  This piece features Minnie, Mickey and a hand painted Goofy as they celebrate the golden age of Hollywood at the iconic Hollywood Brown Derby located inside Disney’s Hollywood Studios. For me, this was another must-have. In fact, I just got off the phone with Walt Disney Event Service and I've purchased mine!

I don't have a list of the artists who will be signing the postcard, but I'll post that as soon as I receive my cel. But this is what the pin looks like that will be framed with the art.


Since I've already ordered my piece, I'm happy to share the information with you to order yours. You know what it's like when you only have a limited number of pieces and so many collectors! To view more information on this piece or to order your own, visit Disney Parks Merchandise.

Sunday, June 16, 2013

Happy Father's Day, Pops!


Now you know the apple doesn't fall from the tree.






Friday, June 14, 2013

Let the Wookie Growl

Who says IT doesn't have a sense of humor? Well, typically ours doesn't, but when a test email accidentally went out on Friday, I was one of very, very few around here who got a chuckle out of it.

Goes to show to be careful what you put in test mode. You never know who will see it!


Friday, June 7, 2013

Happy National Doughnut/Donut Day!


Today is National Doughnut Day.  We're doing our part at work to help celebrate.


Is it 'donut' or 'doughnut'?  I guess it can go either way. I can tell you that the word brings back some funny memories for my family. You see, when my parents first immigrated to the United States back in the 50's from the Netherlands, they had to learn the English language. Many of us take that for granted, but anyone who has learned a second language knows how English doesn't follow some rules that other languages do (i.e. With German,  the verb always comes last in subordinate clauses.) But I digress.

When my parents came to the States, they had never heard of this fried confectionery that breaks the resistance of even the most powerful dieters. Mom and Dad walked up to Winchell's and, according to the words painted on the enormous pastry outside of the establishment, ordered a 'doughnut' (pronounced 'duffnut').  The cashier, was confused a moment, and then politely corrected my parents and told them it was a 'doughnut'.  Think about it. Tough. Though. Rough. Bough. How do you explain to someone learning English when to use which?  Food for thought.

Speaking of which, Happy National Doughnut/Donut Day! Now go do something about it.


Wednesday, June 5, 2013

Parking Can Be Such a (Panda) Bear

I had two cravings yesterday when it came to food: Mexican and Chinese. I should tell you it wasn't at the same time. That would be interesting. I should also tell you due to location and time, fulfilling my yen for Chinese wasn't realized with authentic cuisine. I had to stop at Panda Express. Now that Hot Wok went out of business near where I live, there aren't a plethora of options available within walking distance.

But on my way into Panda Express, I noticed something that deserved to have a picture taken and made mention of here. I can't tell you if it was a scorn lover or a drunk friend who was the architect of this parking job, but if I were the owner of the truck, saying I would be mad would be a gross understatement.


I don't know any more to the back-story or what happened when I left, so it remains a mystery. I don't even know how one parks that way.

Speaking of parks, they must have seen me coming when they doled out the fortune cookies. Looks like I'm going to a Disney Resort, Baby!