Spring Cleaning-WDCC Style

Why is it that we are compelled to do some extra cleaning when it's spring? I'm not a slob by any means. But I think after the long winter, and the sun starting have some extra time to shine through the windows, you see what having a fireplace does to one's home.

Then I look at the curios. My goodness! I used all my energy to decorate for the holidays. Now it's time to sing a happy tune and clean all that glass!

I don't have woodland friends to help me, nor would I want that for this task. I'm always fearful when I clean my eight curios that I'm going to break something. But then another feeling starts to permeate me: nostalgia.

When I look at my Walt Disney Classics Collection (and those with a sharp eye will see Grand Jester Studios and Robert Olszewski pieces), I see not only the piece, but so many fond memories of friends, conventions, trips, exciting conversations of anticipated pieces, the thrill of the hunt finding that lowest number of the numbered limited edition (NLE) piece. I think about the detailing. The hours of craftmanship and research that went into every piece. And of course, I think about the animated feature or short that inspired the piece.

WDCC is more than about the piece. It's about the community, the friendships, the lifelong bonds it created. That's why the line was is so special to my friends who collect it and me. 

Oh, and if you're going to ask if those eight curios showcase my entire collection, the answer is no. I could fill at least another 10 curios. No lie.

Grand Jester Studios - January, 2015 Introductions

Just announced are the January, 2015 introductions of the new Grand Jester Studios pieces. As usual, there are several 'must-haves' that I 'need'. Let me start of with the crown jewel of the set: Mulan. I just love her in this outfit and that they used the stone dragon as the base.

 

The details always amazes me. While not the quality of the Walt Disney Classics Collection (nothing ever will be again since that's the gold standard), it's still pretty good and a great value.

The next piece that I just love is Stitch.

He's spot on, and I think what does it for me is the Hawaiian shirt as well as the base. 

The next piece will accompany my Jiminy and Pinocchio very well, and that is the Blue Fairy.

Look at the detail in her face! And as I keep saying, the bases they make are as great as the subject matter itself. Actually, it is part of the subject matter. I bet they debated using the 'Official Conscience' badge as a base for the Jiminy piece, but the book was a brilliant base, too.

This next piece would probably appeal to our resident Duckman. That is if he collects Grand Jester Studios. Need I mention the awesome base again?

 Finally, I believe this is a first for GJS. They are offering a set! But really, you can't just do Lock, Shock or Barrel by themselves, can you? Looks like I have to go back and pick up Sally and Jack now! Hope they do Oogie Boogie. 

I hesitate to put this in print, but I would be remiss if I didn't mention there's one more piece: Olaf. However, I am not an Olaf fan. I know. It's sacrilege even saying that I didn't care all that much for Frozen. I'm probably the only one in the entire world who feels that way. But to see Olaf and pricing for these pieces, please click here.  These pieces will be released in May, 2015.

The Fourth on the Third

For the first time in forever, or at least in our company's 50+ year history, they let us wear shorts to work and they are closing the office early. I predict I will be quite unproductive today. My friends and coworkers have already commented on my wardrobe today. They're just jealous.

 

In other news, my Grand Jester Studios order arrived the other day, and just in time for the holiday. I'll proudly display my Patriotic Mickey on the mantel!

One last thing. I found this interesting, but I must be out of touch. I don't know most of the songs. Click on the map to see an enlarged version of it.

The Most Distinctive 'Fourth of July' Songs in the 50 States

Mickey and I wish y'all a very Happy Independence Day! (Don't worry. We still love the Brits!)

Don't Get Frozen Out of GJS' Newest Pieces!

You'd have to been on a remote island or deep in space if you haven't been swept up in the Frozen craze. I'll probably get shot for admitting this, but it actually wasn't one of my favorite Disney movies. In fact, I was more impressed with Get a Horse, the Disney short that ran as a preview, than I was about the main event. Of course I loved the music and the artwork.

So being the total hypocrite, I, like the rest of the world, love Elsa. And now, Grand Jester Studios (GJS) is getting ready to release the two newest princesses to be added to the Disney line-up.

You can read more about the pieces at my friend's site, Duckman's Blog. June has been the month for GJS releasese! (See my June 4th post about Figment)

But take a look at Anna and Elsa. I think they look fantastic!

Now, All the World is Figment’s Stage!

Perfection! Disney, and Grand Jester Studios (GJS), are celebrating the 450th birthday of William Shakespeare. What better way to do so than to have the master of role play portray Hamlet?

Once again, Figment is honored with a limited edition GJS sculpture that will be released on June 28, 2014. You can read more details on Duckman's Blog or head over to the Art of Disney and link to Disney Theme Park Event Merchandise to order your Figment. Of course I've already pre-ordered mine! He's going to look great with last year's piece, Magician Figment.

#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

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

http://www.enchantedgardensflorist.com/

Febra at The Gift House

http://the-gifthouse.blogspot.com/