Sunday, October 02, 2011

Closer look at Alexander's 2011 Witches

Madame Alexander outdoes themselves year after year and they never cease to amaze me.  Their 2011 line has produced some of their best Oz dolls yet.  The Wicked Witch and Glinda are exquisite and no photos can do them justice.  They are SO much more beautiful in person. If their outfits could be replicated for adults, they'd be amazing Halloween costumes!! 
Magic Bubble Glinda's bodice and sleeves are pink satin embellished with a lavender sequined and beaded butterfly and embroidered lavender butterflies.  Glinda's organza skirt is decorated with faux pearls, pink stones, and embroidered bubbles.  The two layered tulle underskirt is covered with silver glittered dots.  She's wearing shimmering pantyhose with pink and gold shoes.  She comes with an embroidered organza gown embellished with faux diamonds and of course she has a metallic wand.  Glinda has the Cisette face and stands at 10". 











More photos can be seen here.  The only minor complaints I really have about Glinda is the plastic used for her crown.  I think the plastic detracts from the appearance.   And she can't hold her wand.  Hopefully, Madame Alexander can work out some finger joints so dolls can grip their accessories.  That said, they do come with ribbon to tie on wands and brooms, in the case of the Wicked Witch of the West.
The Haunted Forest Wicked Witch of the West is one of my favorite witches.   I love the colors used on this doll, feminine yet still wicked!  She's more detailed than a lot of cameras can pick up.  Her dress is black satin with a velveteen bodice tied with fuchsia ribbon.  Her skirt is embroidered with fuchsia trees and flying crows. (I have to assume they are crows for what other birds would be flying around a haunted forest and that would be a neat albeit probably unintentional tie in to The Wonderful Wizard of Oz). She has a two layered short tulle black petticoat and black striped stockings.  Her hat is embroidered with a fuchsia winged monkey and a sheer fuchsia ribbon hangs down the back.  The underside of the brim is striped with shiny green and gold.  Black lace up boots complete her look.  She comes with a broom accented by a fuchsia ribbon.  Again, my only minor complaint is that she can't grip her broom. The Wicked Witch also has the Cisette face and stands at 10".  More Witch photos can be seen here.








Ruby Slippers Necklace - QVC




Shoes and chain are sterling silver.  The pendant measures just over 1 inch long and 1 inch wide.   The chain is 18 inches long.  Comes gift boxed with red pouch. 



http://www.qvc.com/qic/qvcapp.aspx/view.2/app.detail/params.item.J262885.desc.Wizard-of-Oz-Sterling-Crystal-Ruby-Slippers-Pendant-wChain

UPDATE: The necklace will be featured on QVC again Oct. 16th, Nov. 22nd, Dec. 3rd, and Dec. 19th     

Friday, September 30, 2011

SS Sarna Gifts and Housewares

Ruby Slippers Wooden Jewelry Box  
measures  7" by 5 1/2"       3"deep




Passport/Luggage Tag Set



Dorothy and Toto Clock
measures 12" diameter



Metal Thermometer
measures 13" by 2 1/2"



Poppyfield Single Wine Box



Set of 2 Glossy Totes
large measures 12" by 10 1/2"  just over 5" deep
small measures 9 1/2" by 7 1/2"  just over 4" deep


Wicked Witch Porcelain Clock
9 1/2" by 9 1/2"



Set of 2 Trays
12 1/2"  by 12 1/2"   over 2" deep



What you've seen is a small sampling of the large S.S. Sarna line.  You can see more on their website and order many of the pieces at http://wizardofozland.com/index.php?cPath=84&osCsid=ed827898a9cfc915e1eda954a44fe14d



Monday, September 12, 2011

Chesterton Must Be Over the Rainbow!


Visitors will feel they've been whisked away by tornado and dropped into a magical land this weekend when the streets of Chesterton come alive with the sights and sounds of Oz. This year the Chesterton Wizard of Oz Festival is commemorating 30 years of fandom and frivolity. It's hard to imagine what started as a 3 hour affair has grown into a weekend celebration that welcomes 40,000+.

The fest offers many activities sure to appeal to all manner of Oz enthusiasts. Parties, silent auction, parade, there's even a showing of The Wizard of Oz at the 49er Drive In Theatre. Food, craft, and Oz vendors line the main streets. Representatives promoting the new animated feature Dorothy of Oz will be taking up half a street! Dorothy of Oz is based on the book by Roger Baum great grandson of Wonderful Wizard of Oz author L. Frank Baum. Roger will be in attendance this year. Jersey Jack, the makers of the limited edition Wizard of Oz pinball game will also be on hand.
 

 




In addition to Roger Baum, many other Oz dignitaries will be in attendance. The beloved Munchkins and Munchkins -By-Marriage Karl Slover, Margaret Pellegrini, Myrna Swensen, and Mary Ellen St. Aubin are back to reminisce with fans. Michael Siewert will be displaying select pieces from his amazing Judy Garland: Dressing of a Legend costume collection. Artists Rick Ewigleben and Joe Shipbaugh will debut their beautiful coloring book inspired by Michael's collection. Wizard of Oz/Judy Garland historian extraordinaire John Fricke will have his glorious new book Judy: A Legendary Film Career. Caren Marsh-Doll, Judy Garland's stand in during filming of The Wizard of Oz will have her fascinating autobiographies about her personal life and her experiences during Hollywood's hey day. Robert Baum great grandson of L. Frank Baum will be participating in various festival events. Robert was instrumental during the filming of The Dreamer of Oz and much of his personal collection can be seen in the movie. Jean Nelson, the founder of the Yellow Brick Road Shop and festival will be out and about so be sure to congratulate her on one of the longest running Oz events in the country!! 



One of the most anticipated festival events is, without a doubt, the Collector's Exchange and Auction. This year the auction will take place at Chesterton Middle School and they'll have a fabulous array of vintage and new memorabilia. There's donations from our favorite manufacturers including newcomers Funko, Schylling, and Cafe Press. Fantasy artist Jasmine Becket-Griffith sent a beautiful framed canvas. Trendsetters donated at limited edition trio film cell piece with a backlight. Longtime collectors Chuck Chicanowicz and Michael D. Manzini have graciously donated from their troves of Wizard of Oz and Judy Garland collectibles. A good number of the auction items are one of a kinds and hand made. Shawn Ryan's donation is a replica Munchkin Coroner costume that was worn by Meinhardt Raabe. Barb Huddleson made shadow boxes with autographed Munchkin photos. A very special 30th anniversary quilt made by Deb Dwyer will be on display throughout the festival and at the Auction/Exchange. Raffle tickets will be sold for a drawing held during closing ceremonies. Barb and Deb and many of the festival volunteers are from The Everything Oz Club, a delightful haven for fans of anything and everything Oz. Year after year they donate their talents and time to make the festival a pleasant experience for everyone. If you can't check them out during the fest, then please look them up online after. Vendors from all over the country will be at the auction peddling their Oz wares including first time festival attendee Fred Trust of RareOzBooks.com. Fred specializes in hard to find and vintage Oz books.



 




Amidst all the fun and games, please take a moment if you can, to remember those less fortunate. This year the festival has teamed up with Toys For Tots. Toys For Tots does an incredible job bringing joy to underprivileged children. This is a wonderful opportunity to spread the magic of Oz, but any new toy will be accepted.  
 


Please support the donors and sponsors not just one weekend, but all year long. Their generosity helps keep the Oz fest running year after year.

Congratulations Team Chesterton!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Here's to another 30 years!!!! (at least!)

Please enlarge photos for detail



http://www.judygarland.net/   - Michael Siewert

Friday, September 02, 2011

Bradford Exchange Wicked Witch of the West Glow-in-the-Dark Sculpture


18 inches tall resin sculpture adorned with 30 glass jewels.   Edition of 5000.  
$179.95 plus $18.99 shipping.   Payable in 5 installments.  Enlarge photos for detail.

http://www.bradfordexchange.com/products/112922001_wicked-witch-of-the-west-sculpture.html



Looks like a fabulous sculpture!!   I'm hoping for a Dorothy with glowing ruby slippers follow up!!

Friday, August 26, 2011

Wizard of Oz at CafePress


 
Individuality is a trend that should never go out of style.  There was a time, not so long ago, when choices were limited to the mundane.  These days, originality is encouraged and embraced like never before.  Almost everything can be tailored to our specific needs and wants.  Cars, cell phones, household appliances, even contact lenses can be found in every color of the rainbow and in colors nature never intended.  It's cool to be custom.  CafePress recognized the growing demand for more personalized product and became one of the leaders of personal expression.


CafePress came about in 1999 when co-founder Fred Durham combined two of his nine failed business ventures.  One assisted small businesses in online sales and the other helped people print more effectively. 

CafePress is the ultimate customization experience.  They offer apparel, drinkware, posters, canvases and much more.  You design the product but CafePress handles the printing, sales,and distribution.  Their print facility is located in Louisville, KY.  They turn out about 10,000 products every day and each item is checked by a quality assurance team.  On the average, 160,000 new designs are created each week.  CafePress.com boasts 11 million unique visitors every month.  And CafePress stands behind their work.  If you are unsatisfied with your purchase, CafePress offers a no questions asked return policy. 

Whatever your passion, you can design merchandise to suit your own style.  The sky's the limit.  If you love cats, host your own club, or need items to promote a charity, or you have a favorite movie, like say, for example, The Wizard of Oz, unleash your creativity and were your love on your sleeve.  Literally.

CafePress has teamed up with Warner Brothers to create the Wizard of Oz fan portal.  Currently, there are 376 Oz inspired motifs to choose from.  Put your imagination to the test and submit your own designs. Just be sure to read the rules first.  Shown below are samples of the fan designed Oz wares.


 











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Friday, July 29, 2011

Sarah Graham "We're Off to See the Wizard"

You may remember the fabulous Oz display Harrods put on for their 2009 Christmas season.   Please see this previous entry for more details.   Sarah Graham created bright, beautiful art for the occasion.  She continues her series with We're Off to See the Wizard.   More info can be found here:  http://www.sarahgraham.info/default.asp?id=216&ver=1