New Westland Giftware

This entry is a bit of a mess because I was experimenting with the photos a bit. But you get to see the new stuff and as always, I'm sure Karen Owens will be stocking these.

San Francisco Music Box 2008

Wicked Witch fans are not going to get a rest this year! Sorry guys. San Francisco Music Box's 2008 introductions do not disappoint. Please see Karen Owens' site for particulars and ordering info. Thanks Karen!

http://www.wizardofozland.com/sfmb.php

Lenox 2008 The Wizard

Another marvelous piece of work from Lenox. Retail: $195. Release date is January but some have already shown up on eBay.

2008 Intros Have Begun

New additions to the Jewelled Boxes line from Dept. 56

Glinda $60

No Place Like Home $60

He's a Bad Apple $60

Wicked Witch of the West $60

Winged Monkey $50

Karen Owens is taking advance orders now. http://www.wizardofozland.com/dept56.php

Thank you Karen!!!

More new announcements are expected soon so please keep checking back!

Enlarge pictures for more detail.

WMS Gaming

I'm not entirely sure what this is, possibly a slot machine, but it's really darn cool!!!!!

http://www.wms.com/game-detail.php?Category=00&SubCat=&SubCat2=&Themes=768


Online game:
http://www.road2g2e.com/php/play.php?g=2&u=f8d52ab4c91e2a8a5b9948f9313d7c38

Video: http://www.road2g2e.com/gi/wizardofoz/index.php?g=2&u=f8d52ab4c91e2a8a5b9948f9313d7c38

Wicked Popular Snowglobe

You can order the snowglobe via the Ozdust Boutique here:

http://www.wickedmerch.com/ProductInfo.aspx?productid=POPULARGLOBE

One more globe is planned for the series. For Good will probably be available this time next year.

Fabric Pt. 1

Wizard of Oz decor is always in demand. The last Oz bedding I'm aware of is from the 1970s. There was to be a bedding line in the early 2000s, but the deal fell through. Oz fans have been forced to rely on fabric companies to fill in the gap. Even fabric seems to be few and far between, but I'd think you'd be surprised at how many there really are.


Quilters often use their craft to tell a story. The universal theme of searching for where one truly belongs makes Oz a favored motif among quilters. Who wouldn't feel at home wrapped in a cozy Oz quilt?


Here are some of the Oz fabrics that have turned up over the years. Click on the photos to enlarge.







In addition to the patterns shown below, this pattern comes in yellow checks. A company identified as CBS had bedding and towels with Denslow illustrations. It's possible the fabric is theirs as well.

This next piece was sold as fabric on eBay, but I'm unsure if it was fabric or if it was part of the bedding line that had been cut up.

This fabric I really doubt is meant to be for the Wizard of Oz. I'm not inclined to believe that every little girl with a scarecrow is Oz related. Scarecrows are usually staples of farm scenes which are common in collectibles and a lot of times mistaken for Oz. It's hard to tell without seeing the entire pattern but there's nothing on this swatch that gives any hint of the land over the rainbow. However, it's worth noting in case I'm wrong.

This next piece is Wizard by Never Misbehaves. The book 100 Years of Oz: A Century of Images from the Wizard of Oz Collection of Willard Carroll by John Fricke dates this fabric to the 1950s.

The Wizard of Oz Collector's Treasury by Jay Scarfone & William Stillman identifies this fabric as being made by Home Fabrics & Draperies, Inc. Late 50s - early 60s.

Again, this is a piece that I'm unsure whether or not it's fabric unto itself or a piece cut from the Fieldcrest bedding line, early 1960s.

Fabric Pt. 2

100 years of Oz places this fabric in the 1970s, but the manufacturer is not named.

The green picture below shows a pattern on curtains by Ronni Ray. I'm unsure if the curtains were made from this fabric or vice versa. The same characters are also pictured on a white background which may or may not be fabric or from yet another bedding line.



This cheery fabric seems to have taken great pains to avoid copyright infringement, yet note the Wicked Witch hanging out of the castle holding a red shoe! I found this photo in 2003, but the actual date of manufacture remains unknown.

This is what I call the Dark Side of the Moon fabric. I found this picture in 2005 and I've only seen it once. It could possibly be foreign or unlicensed altogether. To the best of my knowledge this was the only fabric to use the MGM characters until this year.

The Friends of Oz flannel fabric was sold exclusively at JoAnn Fabrics.

This cute Japanese fabric is from a line of fairytales and what fairytale line would be complete without The Wizard of Oz? This fabric also came in white, red, lime, and pink.

Fabrics Pt. 3 David Textiles

In honor of the 100th anniversary of the publication of The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, David Textiles produced a large line of cotton and fleece fabrics in shades of green, gold, blue, pink, and purple. The patterns were designed by Beth Rruske and the fabric was licensed by the Baum Trust. This was a very popular line that sold out quickly.

Below is a link to a beautiful quilt designed by Jim Whitcomb. His website also features other projects using this fabric. Be sure to take a look around Jim's site. It's the most comprehensive Oz site and has been cited many times in articles on the internet and in magazines around the world.

http://www.geocities.com/Hollywood/hills/6396/ozquilt.htm

Fabrics Pt. 4 Quilting Treasures

An Oz-stounding line of fabrics commemorating the 70th anniversary of the MGM film comes to us from Quilting Treasures. The line starts with the lush sepia toned Under the Rainbow Collection. Dorothy's Kansas never looked so good!! .

The Over the Rainbow Collection transports us to the dramatic technicolor of Munchkinland where Dorothy not only encounters the native inhabitants but both her guide and her nemesis.

Pattern for Whirlwind Quilt

http://www.quiltingtreasures.com/stuff/contentmgr/files/c8137efab1b1f10313f825e4f22b8cd2/download/whirlwind_quilt_project_sheet.pdf

Pattern for Not in Kansas Anymore quilt

http://www.quiltingtreasures.com/stuff/contentmgr/files/8cafd91a52ec724a41902eeec6c32901/download/not_in_kansas_anymore_.pdf

Fabrics were expected for release this month, but have been pushed back to January or as late as February. Keep watching http://www.quiltingtreasures.com/ and the Curiozity Corner for news. There's already quite a buzz about the new fabrics and there are rumors of new patterns and possibly a quilt.

Start planning your projects now and order your fabric early. Anticipation is high and I'm sure this is going to be the most sought after Oz fabric yet. Mass retailers like Jo Ann Fabrics & The Fabric Depot will not be carrying the Oz line as Quilting Treasures deals with only independent retailers, but you can order these fabrics from Karen Owens.

http://www.wizardofozland.com/fabrics.php

Any dream you dare to dream is possible with these 100% cotton medium gauge fabrics. Napkins, tablecloths, curtains, clothing, quilts.......let your imagination take you up over the rainbow and beyond.

Tin Man on DVD

http://www.tvshowsondvd.com/news/Tin-Man-DVD-Details/8592

I'll post cover art as soon as it's available.

Check out the website of Rick Ewigleben

Launched just in time for Christmas!

www.ricksartstudio.com

Munchkin Walk of Fame Print

Most of us weren't able to extend our congratulations to the Munchkins in person, but we still have a chance to commemorate the event thanks to artist Rick Ewigleben. You may refer back to my September 19th entry to learn more about this marvelous illustrator. The Walk of Fame print perfectly captures the charm of the beloved Munchkins as they receive their long overdue tribute.

This print or any of Rick Ewigleben's prints would be lovely ChristmOz presents.

I've re-posted the order from and Mr. Ewigleben can also be reached via email at ricksart@rcn.com. Credit cards are now accepted. The Munchkin print is $30 including shipping and handling. Click on the photos below to enlarge. When you place your order please let him know you saw his work on the Curiozity Corner.

The Magic of Oz Heirloom Classics Ornament Collection

Bradford Editions just announced these mercury glass globes topped with three dimensional figures to honor the bygone era that introduced two beloved holiday traditions; The Wizard of Oz and mercury glass globes. Both have greatly enhanced our Christmases and our hearts. The first set includes the ornaments 'Wicked Magic' and 'Ruby Innocence.' The ornaments are quite large measuring a whopping 5 inches tall. Item no: 15-00879-001-B2-DB Enlarge photos for detail. Thanks to Robyn Bodine for the heads up!!

Happy Halloween!!

Spend this Halloween in Oz!
Gilroy, Calif. -- Oct. 21, 2007 -- In time for this Halloween, Whitfield & Dodd Publications announces the availability of BOOK ONE in its Alpimar Series of Oz books -- Halloween in Oz: Dorothy Returns, and the free download of Chapter 1.

Entitled “Oz and Aftermath,” Chapter 1 introduces the new series, telling of Dorothy’s problems in the wake of her mysterious trip to the Land of Oz. The download is at http://www.halloweeninoz.com/files/HIO_Chap1r.pdf

Harry’s gone -- but Dorothy returns! With 553 pages, Halloween in Oz is written in the fuller style of twentieth-first century fantasy. However it keeps the spirit of, and remains in the era of, L. Frank Baum’s classic: The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, written in 1899.

Those who miss Harry Potter and grieve for Hermione will welcome Dorothy Gale back. And Dorothy is as feisty as Hermione ever was. Some of the boys at school in rural Kansas call her a spitfire when they tease her about her tale of Oz. But Dorothy is right. Oz was not simply a dream, as portrayed in the famous movie, but a real place -- as it was for Baum. And in Halloween in Oz, it is revealed that the Land of Oz is part of a larger alternate Earth, a world called Alpimar -- where magic reigns, not science and technology.

It’s a few months after the tornado, and Dorothy wants to visit Oz for many reasons: to prove to herself that Oz does exist, to escape the Kansas of 1900, where only boys are expected to do so many things, and to find an old tintype that was lost in Oz -- the only picture she had of her parents. (She had been orphaned only a year before, when her home near Bowling Green, KY, burned.)

Then, suddenly, the ghostly voices of her parents in a Halloween-night dream summon her back to Oz. Dorothy discovers that the opportunity for evil witchcraft is at its peak during Ozian Halloween -- which lasts for a "witch-week" of thirteen days! She finds old friends, like Scarecrow, Tin-man, Lion, the Munchkins, and new friends, like a mysterious boy with purple hair, a flight of bats, and her Kansas pumpkin-head magically brought to life.

The book can be obtained at Amazon.com -- or expeditiously via the web site: http://www.halloweeninoz.com/ Contact alpimaroz@gmail.com ISBN 9780979856204
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Wizard of Oz Fabric

Karen Owens posted pics and is currently accepting orders for the new Wizard of Oz fabric coming in mid-December. WOW!! The prints are loaded with MGM characters and scenes, even the sepia fabric looks colorful. The crafting possibilities are endless and I can't wait to see how this fabric inspires. I will try to get more detailed photos to post. If you are interested don't wait too long. Oz fabrics have always been very popular and fabric based on the movie isn't very common so these prints will be HOT!

http://www.wizardofozland.com/fabrics.php

Ease on Down the Road February of 2008

According to Digitial Bits, The Wiz 30th Anniversary Edition will be released on February 5 2008. Details so far at dvdactive.com: http://www.dvdactive.com/news/releases/the-wiz.html

Mattel does it again

Remember last year how we all were scrambling because the 2007 Oz line was released early at WalMart? Then remember, again, how we scrambled, again, to find the Winkie and Winged Monkey giftset at KB Toys and Toys R Us. Mattel undoubtedly will upset a lot of the Wizard of Oz collectors who already have the Glinda and Wicked Witch dolls with this little gem. The Lullaby Munchkin is a Toys R Us exclusive. But, for now, she's only available packaged with the Glinda/Wicked Witch of the West giftset. I can only hope right now she's a teaser release for 2008 and that she'll be available for single purchase next year. As a collector and doll lover, I'm growing increasingly irritated with Mattel. It wouldn't be so bad if their reps were more forthcoming for info. So to all the folks who haven't purchased the witches yet.....congratulations. You get a free Munchkin. The rest of us just have to wait to see what the future holds.

New Addition to Barbie line

How cute is she??! Exclusively at Toys R Us.

Avon Watch Online

http://shop.avon.com/shop/product.asp?pf_id=32142&from=search&find_spec=Wizard%20of%20Oz&camp=200722&dir_delivery=1&rep_delivery=1

Wicked Candy Update

I was just informed by a See's Candies rep that the Wicked candy will be available at all See's Candie's shops in the month of October. They are expected to be for sale through the See's Candies website this week. Keep checking http://www.sees.com/ for details.

Candy and DVDs

It's October and the season of the witch is in full swing!!

The Paul Lynde Halloween Special featuring original Wicked Witch of the West Margaret Hamilton and rock icons KISS. Originally, slated for release on the 2nd the DVD has been delayed but is still expected within the next couple of weeks. Thanks to Jim Whitcomb for the reminder and release update.

To order from Amazon:
http://www.amazon.com/Paul-Lynde-Halloween-Special/dp/B000TEUSMC/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1/104-3344219-6374335?ie=UTF8&s=dvd&qid=1191544775&sr=8-1

Another DVD, the long awaited documentary that follows the 2003 Broadway season of several Broadway shows including the mega hit WICKED, from rehearsals all the way until the night of the Tony Awards. Available October 16th.

To order the Show Business Documentary:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000UAE7NG/ref=s9_asin_image_1/104-3344219-6374335?pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=center-1&pf_rd_r=1XX9EQ83MNRN73XK637J&pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_p=278240701&pf_rd_i=507846

For spell casters with a sweet tooth....Wicked Candy from See's Candies! Elphaba may feel unlimited, but the candy is not! Only available at See's Candies in Los Angeles throughout the month of October. Scare up a box while you can!

Candy photo courtesy of Defy Gravity07 at witchesofoz.com

The Show Business Documentary and Wicked candy are perfect to acknowledge the fourth anniversary of Wicked October 30th.

Hallmark WalMart Update

I have to say I have the best readers a blogger could ever want. You guys are really on the ball and so great about sharing photos and information. It's very much appreciated especially since finding the Hallmark merchandise at WalMart is so frustrating for many of us.

Eugene DeMarco wrote to let me know of yet another Hallmark card. I love how it spells out Oz when you open it and I really like the illustration of the Scarecrow. Here's a couple of photos courtesy of Mr. DeMarco. Also shown is the wonderfully wicked Halloween card.

The Wicked Witch card has to be seen in person to be really appreciated. The border, hat, and dress are coated in black glitter! The card comes with an orange envelope decorated with jack o'lanterns. Very Halloween!

It seems like new Hallmark merchandise at WalMart is cropping up all the time. If you are at WalMart in search of Oz be sure to go over everything with a fine toothed comb. I expect to see more as the winter holidays approach.