Collector’s Corner: Don

WDWNT on October 26, 2011

Name: Don

Location: Central Florida

Collection Size: 659

3″ = 583

9″ = 56

Jrs = 20

Why do you collect Vinylmations?
Walt Disney World has always been our favorite family vacation destination for many years. I actually came with my mom as a child in 1973, the second summer the Magic Kingdom was opened. We came back just about every other summer since then prior to moving to Florida. It holds a lot of special memories for me with my parents and then with our children who have grown up going there over the years. After moving to Florida in 2003 we immediately acquired annual passes for my wife, my daughter and myself and have visited the parks quite frequently since then. When we moved, our son decided to stay in Virginia to complete his college degree. But it wasn’t too long before he decided to move to Florida. Since we have been to the parks on many occasions we began looking for something new to do together as a family when we visited. My son and I immediately fell in love with Vinylmations. It started off small with hitting all the trading spots while visiting the parks and has grown into a real obsession with collecting as many as we can. My son now works full time at Disney’s Hollywood Studios and our daughter’s fiancé is now working at EPCOT in an intern program and plans on working at WDW full time when he graduates next year. Who knows, my wife and I may join them in retirement!

What is your favorite Vinylmation you own?
That is such a difficult question to answer when I have so many. Even though my favorite artist overall is Maria Clapsis I have to say that Thomas Scott designed my top two favorites, Oopsy Mickey and Paint Drip Mickey. Wall-e and Eve are a close third and fourth.

What is you favorite Vinylmation you DO NOT own?
I have mainly concentrated on collecting 3” Vinylmations and the 9” figures that are sold with a 3”. I still have a desire to collect other 9” that either hold special memories for me or the design is just incredible! The 9” Park 1 “It’s a Small World” has eluded me to this point and I really would like to have it for my collection.

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?
Since we love trading Vinylmations from the black mystery boxes in the parks there is nothing like the excitement of finding a rare one. Last weekend at the Frontierland Trading Post my daughter pulled the green Cyclops variant. Also several years ago my wife found two Urban 1 Vinylmations in a clear box in EPCOT but that is extremely rare.

How much planning went into your extensive Vinylmation display?
Our house has a small foyer and for a while we displayed them there in various display cases. It didn’t take long to outgrow the space and about the same time we were talking about renovating our guest bedroom. For a while I dreamed about how we could use this space for our Vinylmation collection. I was very fortunate to know someone who was a carpenter and he helped me design and build the large glass unit over a built-in dresser. From there we added several other display shelves and the long shelf over the window. We were able to find Park 1 and Urban 1 prints to frame and hang over the bed and some pictures of Vinylmations sold in the Disney store to compliment the room. We also used two 9” Viking Vinylmations to make the two bedside lamps. It was a lot of fun seeing our dream come true and a tremendous satisfaction to see it finally completed with all the figures in place. The array of colors is phenomenal! The pictures do not completely do it justice.

How long did it take to complete?
It basically took about six months of planning and six months to complete the construction of the bedroom and shelving. It was well worth the wait!

Is it ever changing displays where you will swap new favorites in and out?
That is the fun thing about the way our Vinylmations are displayed. The display can always be changed around depending on new ones found and the new collections coming out. I am still using the foyer area for the most recent releases and they will eventually make their way back to the main collection in the bedroom.

Are there plans on building a Vinylmation Guest House in the backyard by about 2015?
I really thought that maximizing the bedroom space was going to be enough but as you can see it is already pretty much full. I am not sure what I am going to do once the foyer and the bedroom are full, maybe a room with nothing but Vinylmations. I may have to use the guest house in the backyard as a place to stay if I try to design any more spaces in the house for Vinylmations!

Disney’s Pin Traders Gets a Makeover

WDWNT on October 26, 2011

From Steven Miller on the Disney Parks Blog:

I vividly recall the grand opening of Disney’s Pin Traders at the Downtown Disney Marketplace. I remember it well because I assisted with the grand opening celebration while serving as a Walt Disney World Resort Ambassador. The location, once known as the Captain’s Tower, was considered an icon for the shopping village that opened in 1975. As the excitement of Disney Pin Trading continued way beyond the original 15-month Millennium Celebration plan, there was a need to have a flagship pin location outside a Disney Theme Park. Downtown Disney seemed like a natural choice, so Disney’s Pin Traders was introduced in Summer 2002. Recently, some new visual enhancements were added to the location. I spoke with Julie Young, product developer for Disney pins, to learn more.

“As [pin trading] entered its eleventh year in October 2010, we felt updates were needed to various visuals used throughout the category,” explained Julie. “The first thing we did was introduce a new logo for Disney Pin Trading. The logo was used on packaging, collateral and individual back stamps of pins. The enhancements to Disney’s Pin Traders were a natural second step as the location is one of the most popular pin destinations at Walt Disney World Resort.”

The Disney pin team contacted Joe Higham, a talented cast member with the Global Retail Development team and recent Walt Disney Legacy Award recipient, to outline their ideas. His job was to take their dreams and turn them into concept sketches. I spoke with Joe about the process of creating the new in-store visuals.

“After meeting with the Disney pin team, I drew a series of sketches by hand,” said Joe. “For the drawings, I used a variety of art sources including images of pins that had been previously released. We wanted something playful similar to other locations that use merchandise as visual displays such as Tren-D or D-Street.”

Once Joe completed the first set of sketches, he shared them with leadership and with representatives from Walt Disney Imagineering. As a natural part of the design process, there were some modifications made after initial reviews. Yet, Joe said that there was one thing that all partners liked.

“Many partners, including Walt Disney Imagineering, really liked the various puns used in the vignettes,” continued Joe. “We built some fun visuals around puns like ‘To Pin-Finity and Beyond’ and ‘I Want to Be a Pin-cess.’”

I think my favorite one is the “Time To Trade” vignette that uses clocks and Cogsworth to explain how pins are traded at Disney Parks (I do love time!).

The one thing I was most excited to see was the pin collage image used throughout the store. The Disney Pin Team assembled the collage by mounting pins into a white foam board. I then photographed the collage and shared the images with the art team. I had not seen the final result until I visited the location. I guess Disney’s Pin Traders and I have a special bond, especially after being at the grand opening and later serving as Project Manager for Pin Trading for seven years. I have good memories from that chapter in my Disney career. Julie shared that memories are a key ingredient to the Disney Pin Trading experience.

“I develop memories,” smiled Julie. “Everyone has a favorite Disney character, attraction or show. Pins have become a perfect way to remember favorite moments from Disney experiences. Every time someone looks at a pin I develop, I hope she or he will remember happy times.”

Some other changes were also implemented at Disney’s Pin Traders recently, namely in the way you buy limited edition pins. These pins are now located in a glass case (like they have been at stores at the Disneyland Resort for years now), so you have to ask for the particular pins you are interested in when you get to the register to check-out. The change is manageable for Disney because the overall number of limited edition pins released has dropped greatly over the last few years. I’ve also seen this “glass case” method in use at Fantasia at Disney’s Contemporary Resort recently.

For those of you who don’t like pin trading, don’t get too excited. Pin trading is still as popular as ever, there has just been a shift in how the hobby is handled and a greater focus on open edition pins is evident since they sell so many more of those than they do of any limited edition pin.

VIDEO: Walt Disney World’s 40th Anniversary Celebration

WDWNT on October 25, 2011

The next best thing to attending the 40th Anniversary festivities at the Magic Kingdom on October 1st or attending WDWCelebrations Project XL has to be watching this Martin smith video. All of the day’s special activities are featured, so sit back and enjoy a look back at a very special day in Walt Disney World history:

The Red Car Trolley Will Carry Guests With “Comfort – Speed – Safety”

WDWNT on October 25, 2011

From Erin Glover the Disney Parks Blog:

Red Car Trolley at Disney California Adventure Park

When Buena Vista Street opens at Disney California Adventure park next year, guests will be transported back in time to Los Angeles of the 1920s and ‘30s. This trip to the past would not be complete without one of the most beloved symbols of Los Angeles history, the Pacific Electric Red Cars. The Red Car Trolley, making its debut along with the rest of Buena Vista Street, will be inspired by this landmark transportation system.

At its peak in the mid-1920s, the Pacific Electric Railway was the largest electric railway in the world, connecting Los Angeles and the surrounding Orange, San Bernardino, Ventura and Riverside counties. Established in 1901, the Pacific Electric Railway carried passengers throughout the Southern California area for the next 60 years.

Map of the Red Car Trolley Route at Disney California Adventure Park

As you can see in the map above, the Red Car Trolley will carry guests from Buena Vista Street to the Twilight Zone Tower of Terror and back with “Comfort – Speed – Safety” – not to mention style.

Red Car Trolley Designs at Disney California Adventure Park

Exterior paint schemes like those detailed above will reflect the various Red Cars that appeared during different periods in the Pacific Electric Railway’s history, while the interior design (seen in the rendering below) employs some of the very design elements featured in the original cars.

Red Car Trolley Interior Designs at Disney California Adventure Park

For more on the Red Car Trolley and Buena Vista Street, be sure to visit Blue Sky Cellar at Disney California Adventure park – and keep an eye on the Disney Parks Blog for updates and looks behind the scenes.

Spotlight On: Custom Artist Glassdezignz

WDWNT on October 24, 2011

DV: Hi and welcome to Destination Vinylmation. I meet you at the Florida Project when I saw all these people crowded around you looking at the necklace you had on. Before we get into that specifically, let’s talk about you. Who are you and what kinda of artistic background do you have?
SB: Well, my name is Shauna Blatherwick. I am originally from New Jersey. I grew coming to Disney almost every year, so when it was finally time to leave the nest, I decided the only other place on earth I would want to live would be right next to Disney World. I grew up in a dance studio, and started taking my first art lessons at age 9. I went onto the University of the Arts in Philadelphia, where I studied metalsmithing, glass blowing, jewelry design, fine arts and dance. I majored with a BFA and a concentration in Jewelry design. Since college, I have started my own line of jewelry, which I try to reinvent on a regular basis.
DV: Do you collect Disney Vinylmation? If so, which is your favorite?
SB: Yes, I do collect Vinylmation! My favorite Vinylmation so far are the Bakery Series cupcakes. I have a feeling the new Alice set will soon become my new favorite.
DV: Where did you come up with the idea for this necklace?
SB: I started making my own 3 inch Vinylmations back in June, and had a blast doing it. Since my background is in jewelry design, it wasn’t too far fetched of an idea to start creating Vinylmations I could wear.

DV: Were there any particular challenges with making this? What part was the hardest?
SB: The biggest challenge came from getting the shape of the Vinyl just right. Just casting the piece proved not to work because of all the pulling and stretching the polymer clay did while trying to release it from the mold. Once I had a good shape in the polymer clay, I fired it and then made a mold of that piece which I use Over and over.

DV: Since there are no Design Your Own Jrs, you make your own?
SB: I tried making a mold directly from the Jr. itself, but it would stretch and and pull making the Vinyl shape long and skinny. I then decided to just try to mimic the shape myself by hand sculpting it. The hands and ears seem to create the biggest challenge but the basic shape is there.
DV: How long does it take?
SB: Most of the pieces take me an average of about 2-3 days to complete from beginning to end. Close to 12-15 hours per piece because they are hand molded, then sanded, then hand painted. I paint 2-4 layers of paint, then sand it down, then add another 2-4 layers of paint and re-sand. I keep doing this until I get the look I want. Once I have a good base coat, then I just start to doodle on the piece with paint until I see a design or pattern I like. Once the paint is dry, the crystals are added and the piece is sealed with a glaze.
DV: Have you do any designing with vinylmation other then the Jrs necklaces? If so, which other ones are you favorite?
SB: I have designed several 3 inch Vinylmations. All of which I use Swarovski crystals on them. I modeled them after my after line as well. I have also made 2 9 inch vinyls. My favorite so far has to be my newest 3 inch vinyl of Rapunzel. She is not fully completed but is about 95% done. My second favorite is a Scrump Doll (from Lilo and Stitch) which I made over the summer.
DV: If someone would like to know more about your pieces or get one for themselves, where can they go to find out more?
SB: I have listed some of my vinyl jewelry on my website. To get a custom piece made you can email me at Glassdezignz at aol.com. If you would like to purchase or see more of my designs that I currently have, you can visit my website at Glassdezignz.etsy.com. My information website is currently being revamped and is down for construction at this time.

DV: After a quick look at your site I know exactly why you like the Bakery Series. Lots of awesome food inspired pieces in your line. Thanks for dropping by, and good luck with Vinylmation!

Episode 043 Glass Half Full

WDWNT on October 24, 2011

Ep. 043 Glass Half Full
This episode is packed with chaser goodness… but we hold that until after the ending for a spoiler free main show. This week we review Park Starz, talk about Villains 2 and look ahead to Park 7. We also break down the nominations for the Dee Vee Awards. And of course, we read your comments and answer your questions in the Mystery Mail Bag.
Listen Now:
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A Win for Villains Vinylmation?

WDWNT on October 24, 2011

Wait, I mean, Win some Villains. The Buzz blog has a contest starting today to win a whole tray of Villains 2 3″ vinylmation. All you have to do is go to this article on the Buzz and fill out a comment with the answers to the following questions…

There are two questions:
1. Which Vinylmation Artist designed the Big Bad Wolf from Villains 2?
2. Which character is the villain in Disney’s Alice in Wonderland?

I hope you enjoy this chance to win a great gift!

(To clarify.. a lot of people have been leaving comments on OUR page as entries. We love your comments everyone, but the contest if thru the official Disney Store blog at the Buzz. So if you missed the link at the top, click here, then fill out the comments there 🙂 Thank you)

Festival of the Masters 2011 – Disney Artist Showcase

WDWNT on October 24, 2011

Festival of the Masters in the Downtown Disney Area

November 11 – 13, 2011

 

The 36th Festival of the Masters is a vibrant open-air art festival in the Downtown Disney area. Featuring nearly 150 award-winning artists, discover why this world-renowned show is a much-anticipated annual event for Guests, artists, collectors and art lovers.

Throughout Festival of the Masters, Guests will have the opportunity to meet Disney Artists from Yellow Shoes and Disney Design Group such as Festival of the Masters Signature Artist, Joe Kaminski, Arnel Platon, Will Gay, Bil Shannon, Sharon Michel, Greg Trombo, Darren Wilson, Randy Noble, Costa Alavezos and Don “Ducky” Williams.

Disney Artists from Yellow Shoes and Disney Design Group will be appearing throughout Festival Masters weekend at the following locations:

Art of Disney, Downtown Disney Marketplace

Our flagship store at the Marketplace full of art from the Disney Masters!  Artist appearance will be scheduled throughout the weekend.

D Street, Downtown Disney West Side

Custom Vinylmation Showcase and Artist Meet & Greet on the West Side.

Disney Artist Village, Downtown Disney Pleasure Island

Visit the Merchandise tent on the West Side where you can purchase Festival Art and meet Festival of the Masters Signature Artist, Joe Kaminski who will be available for signings. 

Disney Festival Artist Tent, Downtown Disney West Side

Visit the Merchandise tent on the West Side where you can purchase Festival Merchandise and meet our Signature Art Creator Joe Kaminski who will be available for signings.

 

Festival of the Masters Signature Artwork
By Yellow Shoes Artist, Joe Kaminski

 

Laughing Mickey
By Yellow Shoes Artist, Greg Trumbo

 

Mickey’s Joy Ride
By Yellow Shoes Artist, Will Gay

The Prophecy Fulfilled
By Disney Artist, Don “Ducky” Williams

 

Doc
By Disney Design Group Artist, Randy Noble

 

Festival of the Masters 2011 Logo Pin

Phenomenal Cosmic Powers… Itty Bitty Time to Buy!

WDWNT on October 24, 2011

Just a report on what we’ve gathered about the release of the Villains 2 9″/3″ combo. It was released today in several stores and actually showed up at the Disney Store. We saw them available at about 10 AM online, but as of now the store is sold out. A note: They only seemed to be letting people put one in their carts online.

We were at the store in Orlando today and they had received about 9. But they were quickly sold out, as about 10 people were in line at store open. They were allowed to buy two.

Vinyl79 reported: “Biggest mall in America with brand new store and no 9″ Genie/Jafar available?”

Did you pick one of these up? Which store did you get it at? Let us know…

Park 7 Figment Variant

WDWNT on October 23, 2011

Park 7 was put out on the shelves a week early at Villains in Vogue at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Now we have one variant confirmed. A reader sent this picture of a Figment in a yellow spacesuit to Vinylmation Kingdom.