Spotlight On: The Millennium Middle School 7th & 8th Grade Art Classes

WDWNT on January 18, 2012

I have always said that the best part about running this website and collecting Vinylmation is the community. It’s meeting people with similar interests and interesting stories. Today, I want to introduce you to a different group of custom artists than you are used to. In fact, I don’t believe they ever applied paint to an actual vinyl Mickey, but I think you will enjoy this all the same.

Melissa French and Brandon Specht are art teaches to 7th and 8th grade advanced art students at Millennium Middle School in Sanford, FL. They are also Vinylmation collectors and recently gave an interesting assignment to their students.

Destination Vinylmation: Tell us about this very different assignment.
Melissa and Brandon: Originally, this unit started out with one 2-D and one 3-D project, however the student’s excitement fueled us to expand the unit. We started with a two day presentation of designer toys, Vinylmations, and an endless stream of pictures.

The class response was so great that I went out and bought a blind box so we could open it together and they could better understand the concept. They were pretty much hooked from then on. We may have gone overboard because in the end our class did a total of SEVEN Vinylmation projects.

2-D Design Collage- Students created 2-D Vinylmations and collaged them onto a magazine background. This project was inspired by the pictures collectors take of their Vinylmations around the parks.

3-D Plush- Students designed, cut, and painted the front and back of a Vinylmation drawn on canvas before sewing and stuffing the canvas together to create a plush.

Plaster Vinylmation Jr.- We filled our Vinylmation ice cube trays with plaster to create small figures in which the students designed and painted in the minimalist style of the original Juniors series.

3-D Two- Faced Paper Stand-up- This project came from our students becoming so involved that they really had a hard time choosing just one character or idea for their Vinlymations. For this project, they could have created as many as four Vinylmations and many happily took the challenge. Each Vinylmation is double sided and presents a different view from each angle.

Trading Cards- We planned this before Disney did away with the trading cards, so we included it for this year. Each student made 4 trading cards of the favorite of their Vinylmations: one card to keep, one to trade, and one for each of the teachers.

Vinylmation Box- The boxes were created to display all of their projects for the unit in a unique way. The students had to create six Vinylmation related sides for the box, in any manner they chose. Some students chose to represent their projects on the side of the box, while others were still so full of Vinylmation ideas that they created entirely new images.

Vinylmation Class Set- For our last project, every student in class created a 3” drawn and colored version of themselves in Vinylmation form. They are currently displayed with 9” versions of myself and Brandon as a kind of “class portrait”.

DV: Wow, that is an expansive project all revolving around Vinylmation. Do you find that using a subject like Disney increases the excitement about the assignments inside the classroom?
M & B: The excitement in our classroom on a daily basis was amazing. They discussed ideas and congratulated each other and really worked as a class to raise the standards and present the best collective group of work they possibly could.

 As their teachers, Brandon and I fed off of their excitement everyday, creating new projects next year and really taking a serious interest in our own Vinylmation collections and sharing with the class after a weekend of trading.

DV: Do you think you have any future Imagineers on your hands?
M & B: I happily say there is a distinct possibility. Brandon and I tried to create projects in which our students would really get a feel for what a job as an artist would be like. Based on the reception, I do believe many of them are keeping creative jobs in mind for the future.

DV: Have either of you personally ever tried your hand at a 3D custom on a Mickey mold?
Melissa: I have not, but it is on my to-do list for 2012. I did receive the Vinylmation sketchbook for Christmas and am excited to fill the pages!

Brandon: It is now on my to-do list as well. Student’s aside, Melissa and I have had far too much fun developing these projects. If she is planning on doing one, there is no way that I will miss out on the fun!

Jrs
Stuffed
Stand ups
2D
2D
2D

The Value of a (Furry) Friend

WDWNT on January 18, 2012

Yesterday Disney announced that it was pulling Furry Friends off the shelves and  letting customers return them. While we think this is a good thing because too many of the pieces were flawed, what will happen to the Friends that already have been adopted? Will they increase in value despite their flaws? Let’s look at the options.

Short Term (until Disney officially announces a re-release date or cancellation):
I think the price of these figures will rise in the short term., especially in two categories: Pieces that aren’t defective AND with custom artists who want the hands. While the series is on hold every pieces will seem like a LE for a period of time.

The big questions come once Disney announces whether or not they will re-release these.

If they cancel the series:
I think even the ones with mistakes gain value, but the exact value would be determined by how good the quality of each is. The chaser may hold a tremendous amount of value to a certain percentage of collectors. Cheshire Cat could reach the levels that Obi-Wan Ghost achieved when it first came out.

If they re-release the series:
Several questions will determine the value of the first series.

1. Will we be able to easily determine the two series from each other?

  • The only way this first series has long term value is if they cancel the series or if they redesign them so that the first series is easily distinguishable.

2. Do the first series’s mistakes have any extended value?

  • I believe that because the mistakes are inconsistent, they do not possess any additive value in the long run. For instance, if there was a run of Patch figures without any spots, that would be collectible. Just a messed up application of the spots is not collectible.
3. If we take Disney’s statement literally, they only produced 60,000 individual figures… meaning only 2500 cases! Now, this point is very abstract, but in a re-release, would they produce/release another 60,000? Or would they only produce/release what was returned/destroyed? If we ever find out this answer, it may affect aftermarket values.
What is your view on this subject? Are you going to return yours or just save them?

A LOVEly Surprise

WDWNT on January 18, 2012

Update: I have to laugh. As I was typing this update, I went back to the Vinylmation Blog to verify what I had just read… and it changed! They did announce that this vinyl will show up in the Florida and California parks. They originally typed January 22, but then crossed it out and they say “a future date.” Stay tuned.

The Disney Store Online surprised us all with a Valentines Day treat today.

For the first time, Disney has released a special open window Valentines Day 3″ Vinylmation. Right now, it is only available online for $16.95. However, according this description, it is a Disney “Parks” item.

So I would think we may see this in the park stores soon. Here is a closer look at the figure.

The front looks like a top down view into a box of chocolates. You can see the assorted shapes and flavors. What is your favorite taste from a box of chocolates?

The back says “I Love You” and is all red with a golden bow on the body. Overall it is a nice simple design that can be displayed either way. It is a fun representation of Valentines Day. Do you hope your special someone gives you one of these on that special day? And the big question, what would you rather have… this Vinylmation or an actual box of chocolates?

Furry Friends Sent to Pound

WDWNT on January 18, 2012

Update: The Disney Store Blog has posted an official announcement. “It is our commitment to offer high-quality merchandise and unfortunately the application of the Furry Friends Vinylmation artwork did not meet our standards.  As such, we are no longer selling the product. We have not yet decided whether or not the collection will be re-released in the future, but we are offering a full refund to any Guest who is dissatisfied with his or her Furry Friends Vinylmation purchase.”

It is interesting to note that they are still donating the $60,000 promised, $1for Furry Friends Vinylmation produced, to the ASPCA.

Read the full announcement here.

According to multiple sources, Disney Stores across the nation received a memo this morning to pull Furry Friends off store shelves. This news comes on the heals of widespread reports from both the US and UK about poor production quality. I called two local Disney Stores and asked about this and they told me that Furry Friends were “sold out” in their store. Although believable, because other sets had sold out quickly in the first week, I didn’t fully believe it. After talking to a Cast Member, I was informed that often when a product is pulled for being defective or has a recall attached to it, they are instructed to tell the guest that the product is actually sold out. A third store was contacted and they confirmed Furry Friends was pulled off the shelf.

The good news is that Cast Members have been instructed to issue full refunds or exchange for a similar Vinylmation product with return of purchased product and valid receipt.

The Disney Store Online earlier today had changed Furry Friends from “Add to Cart” to “Sold Out” to now completely off the website.

Destination Vinylmation has contacted multiple people at The Disney Store’s Media Relations department and are awaiting official comment. You can call guest services at 800-328-0368 or email them at personal.shoppers@disneystore.com

Spotlight On: Custom Vinylmation Artist Chelsey

WDWNT on January 18, 2012

Destination Vinylmation: Chelsey, this Lion King vinyl is one of the most gorgeous 3″ customs I have ever seen.
Chelsey: Thanks for your compliment!

DV: When you sent us the pictues, my jaw dropped. There is so much detail here. And then when you told us how you did it, it made this piece all the more amazing. Please share your technique with our audience.
Chelsey: As an artist, I always like to do something Unique. I did the Grizzly River Bear on the 9″ last year which was my best piece. And now, I want to do something different on the 3″. I always think about what I should create on the outside of the 3″ figure because the 3″ figure is solid inside.

But I remember my father told me, “whenever there is a dream, there is a way!” So I want to challenge myself and try to make it possible. I first picked a figure with a clear head. I tried many tools to make the hole in the head bigger. However, the result is either not smooth enough to paint, or too thick so I can’t really see it from the outside of the head. After many tries, I finally found a way to make it smooth and thin enough so the painting can be seen from outside of the figure. However, my first painting experience is not successful because I am not really familiar with reverse painting technique.

In addition, the scene is really detailed and tiny. The paint sometimes can’t stay on the smooth surface. This was another tough challenge. It’s really hard to find the balance to figure out how to make the inner surface rough enough to hold the paint and still clear enough to be able to see the picture from outside. Again, lots of practice finally pays off. Finally, I did reverse paint on the inside of the head and normal paint on the body of the figure to create the whole Lion King Scene. This figure become my first Special Edition Inner Reverse painting “Lion King” Custom Vinylmation 3″.

DV: Is this for sale or for the personal collection?
chelsey: My creation is always for sale. But I haven’t though about price for this one yet. Anyone who is interest in my custom Vinylmation can reach me through email: zhchelsea0513@gmail.com or leave me a message on facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Chelsey-Custom-Vinylmation/181170415290217

DV: Don’t forget to like Chelsey’s FB page to get updates on her latest work.

Disney Mozart: A Pint Sized Speculation

WDWNT on January 18, 2012

Hey y’all! Tis been a long time, but this is my first article in a while. I am going to use this article to speculate on the upcoming Snow White and the Seven Dwarves Junior set. I’m skipping the ‘This and That’ set, because I don’t really get the concept. So here goes with the speculation.

1-Happy

2-Sleepy

3-Dopey

4-Grumpy

5-Bashful

6-Doc

7-Sneezy

8-Snow White (Possible Variant-Awake and Asleep or at the well in her brown dress)

Awake
Asleep
Brown Dress

9-Prince

10-Queen Grimheld

11-Hag

12-Magic Mirror (I would love to see some use of smoky clear on this one)

13-Huntsmen (Possible Hat or Dagger Accessories)

14-Witch’s Raven

15-Vulture (I only think there’ll be one because they’re exactly the same in the movie)

16-Apple (Possible Variant-Poison Apple)

Apple
Poison Apple

17-Prince’s Horse (Chaser 1)

18-Jewels from the Dwarfs’ Mine (Chaser 2) This could be really cool if they use clear

This is what I think will end up being the line up, but feel free to comment with what y’all think. Until next time y’all.

DisneyMozart

All pictures copyright Disney

Disney North: Cutesations Review

WDWNT on January 18, 2012

Well, the Disney Design group has done it again. Released today were the new Cutesations. As you have seen from Mike’s post from last week, the Cutesations are 5″ plush that are sold in Blind Boxes at the Disney Store. Since I was already in the Disney Store to pick up the new Furry Friends Vinylmation, I opted to purchase a couple of the Alice in Wonderland Cutesations to check them out.

I was not disappointed. They did a really good job on the series. I ended up with the White Rabbit and Mad Hatter, both great designs. They are basically minis of the large plush that are already of good quality. The faces look great and really capture the characters well. The boxes were also nicely done, especially on the inside where there were some nice quotes. The only drawback with the boxes was how difficult they were to open; I was hoping to keep them in good shape, but the glue used to seal them damaged them slightly. The only drawback to the series is the size of the tag:

As you can see, the tags are almost as big as the entire figure! I did see the entire set on the mushroom. It was nicely put together but sort of takes away from the fun of buying blind boxes (bloxes…).

Overall, I really like the series. As with Vinylmation, I would buy one or 2 from each series but would not buy an entire set. At a price point of $6.50 each ($7.50 Canadian) they are a good value. I say take the chance and buy a couple to check them out.

ZoMG: Furry Friends Photoshoot

WDWNT on January 18, 2012

by Zoe

When I got home last night, I took my Furry Friends out of their carriers and let them explore their new home.

First I found Trusty was going through my bags and found my Lady and The Tramp lithographs that I got at the Disney Store for pre-ordering Lady and The Tramp! He decided this was his favorite, obviously since he is in the picture!

Then I found Patch drinking some of Belle’s water! (Belle is my puppy!)

I then went into my room and saw that Max had found his good friend Ariel. She was so excited to see him!

Oliver made his way into my Vinylmation collection and found his friend Dodger!

I looked all over the house for Marie and I couldn’t find her anywhere. I thought to myself, where would a fabulous feline like Marie want to go? I went straight into my room and opened up my jewelry box and found Marie playing with my jewelry! She’s a girly girl, she can’t help it! I think Marie found her favorite place in the house!

Sanford, FL Disney Store Closing (for Refurb)

WDWNT on January 18, 2012

Update: 1/18/12 According to Stitch Kingdom, an announcement by Disney at the National Retail Federation’s “Big Show” in New York City revealed plans for a second Orlando Disney Store at the Mall at Millenia. No mention of the Sanford store was made. Still not 100% sure if the Sanford location is closing for good or for refurb. Thanks to Chris for the heads up.


Update: The sign made it seem forever, but our friend Chris just tweeted us: “The Sanford Mall is changing over to the new “magic” store.” So it seems this is just a refurb and it will open up again one day.

In our never ending competition for best athlete on the DV staff, MC felt he had to out-do my WDW Half Marathon triumph by climbing through the tree top obstacle course that is Zoom Air in Sanford, FL. To relax after his workout, he appearntly decided to stop by the Sanford Mall and check out the Vinylmation scene at the Disney Store there. And although the store was open today, it had this ominous sign outside.

In case you can not read the fine print, Peter Pan is telling guests that this location will close it’s doors “on or before January 24, 2012.” The “Never Say Goodbye” doesn’t seem to refer to the store coming back, but rather sending guest to DisneyStore.com. What does this mean for Central Florida collectors? We will have no choice but to brave the tourists and venture to Florida Mall on Orange Blossom Trail.

Collector’s Corner: Nathan

WDWNT on January 18, 2012



Name: Nathan Myers

Location: Ft Worth, TX

Collection Size: 76

3″ = 74
9″ = 2
Jrs = 0

How long have you been collecting?
I collect VM for the joy and memory’s I have from growing up in So Cal and going to Disneyland as a kid and now taking my son to Disneyland. My first VM was POTC that had always been my favorite ride a Dland so I bought a blind box not knowing about VM and pulled the Barbossa Chaser! That hooked me!

What is your favorite figure that you own?
That is a tough one at the moment I guess it is the SF Cable Car Tin.

What is your favorite figure that you don’t own?
Wow that is tough. So many I like and want. I really want the ETO Mushu and the Si Am Chaser.

Which of these is the best feeling: Pulling a figure you want… from a blind box you just purchased, from a great trade with another collector, from a mystery trading box at the park or from a clear trading box?
I think the best feeling is opening up a blind box and seeing that one VM I was wanting to get! Thank you for considering me for the Collectors corner!!!

Email us at DestinationVinylmation@gmail.com and get your collection featured in a Collector’s Corner Article.