Are you going to Renaissance Fair?

I am whipped - and I don't mean by the Whipmaster Adam Whip.

I want one of these parasols but they won't give me one without a subscription - even though we've had one for 39 years!

I love all the colors at the Renaissance Festival!

We have been buying perfumes and incense from The Perfumed Dragon for at least 20 years!

Yummm, chocolate samples from The Chocolate Maker!

They're correct, these Sky Chairs really do fit about everyone!

Ooh, I found one of the Wee Folk!

One of the things I love about the Ren Fest is all the sellers of snoods.

I love this booth! He has brass keychains just for Me! Decisions, decisions....

I love these tiny Under the Mango Tree journals.

My Steampunkin and I visit Isher Creations and his mummified fairies.

Resting under my Big Sister's VERY stout parasol while watching Adam Crack perform.

I make a friend with a one-eyed armored Dragon Pet.

Visiting Madison at the Storybook Castle.

At last! My very own catapult from Siege the Day!

This guy at the Queen's Kitchen didn't want to give me (Me!) a Turkey Leg! Ooh, Pippaloo....

To be continued!

It's about time!

Wilde Imagination

Momma and I have been in mourning ever since Wilde Imagination announced in December 2012 that it was discontinuing its Imperium Park steampunk line.

It took a year, but photos of the newest Ellowyne Wilde were released today in all her steampunk glory.

Introducing, Just in Time!

Pru insisted we take a walk by the bay
But I didn't want to come out to play.
It's much too early, I rightly say.
But she talked me into it, Hip Hip Hooray.
I had to scurry, I had to race
to make it before the sun bared her bright face.
A stroke of luck!
I'm JUST IN TIME.
I get to see the sun rise,Isn't it sublime?

Just in Time Ellowyne features a hip steampunk-inspired ensemble and arrives bearing shiny hazel inset eyes behind thick lashes and a full rooted mane of mink. Including a cream bodysuit with elaborate collar, rich burgundy wool jacket with golden buttons and cameo detail, burgundy stripe skirt with fashion chain and bow detail and ribbed cotton tights, even Jules Verne himself would be proud! Our fashionable time traveler's ensemble is complete with sassy period button-up booties, a burgundy top hat with ribbon and chain deco, and of course, goggles. I dare say, the game is afoot! 

A limited edition of 1,000 dolls is scheduled to be available in April.

How shall I wait until then? Thank heavens my birthday is April 9!

My Stardust memory

Momma has become quite interested in "slim-bodied" 18 inch dolls ever since she got Carpatina's Ana Ming. When she was looking into them, she discovered a line of dolls that is, sadly, no longer in production.

Not only that, but she discovered that I am not the first time traveler!

Stardust Classics dolls were produced from 1997 to 2001. The 18 dolls were designed by Vernon Thornblad, who later  designed the Carpatina dolls.

The three Stardust Classics dolls all have a fantasy theme and are Laurel the Woodfairy; Alissa, Princess of Arcadia; and Kat the Time Explorer. Each doll had a series of four books with accompanying outfits, accessories, and furniture.

We (of course) like Kat - even if she is a blue-eyed blonde. (Maybe we'll have to make an exception for her someday?)

The following descriptions came from an old Stardust Classics catalog.

Kat the Time Explorer: Ten-year-old Kat is excited about spending a year with her aunt Jessie. Her excitement turns to amazement when she discovers that Jessie is working on a time machine. Soon the two are sent spinning back to London in 1851. They're thrilled to learn they've arrived during the Great Exhibition, the first world's fair. But the adventure turns into a wild search when the time machine is lost. Without it, they're stuck in the past! 

Kat is as curious as her namesake. So when her aunt repairs a time machine, she eagerly plunges into the adventure. The Stardust Classics doll celebrates Kat's enthusiasm. Her blue eyes reflect her lively curiosity. And with long blond curls and blushing cheeks, she's at home in the most elegant -- or practical -- outfits from long ago. Kat is 18 1/2" tall and easily posable.

Kat comes dressed for her first adventure in Victorian England. The floor-length gown, in dusty rose and ivory, is accented with rose bows and pearls. She also comes with slippers, tights and underwear, plus a copy of Kat the Time Explorer. Accessories sold separately.

Kat's Extras: This four-piece set sweetly complements Kat's Victorian ball gown. Her choker is a miniature cameo on a rose ribbon. The ivory and dusty rose accents are carried over into Kat's ribboned hair comb. And for true elegance, add the parasol and fan in lacy white. Both open and fold like the real things.


Kat's Egyptian Adventure 

Kat and the Secrets of the Nile: In 19th-century Egypt, Kat and Jessie join excavators looking for ancient treasures. They quickly learn that some of those treasures have been stolen. As Kat sets out to find the thief, she dodges dangers from sandstorms to crocodiles. But the greatest threat proves to be a clever villain, who's figured out Kat's on his trail.

Kat's Egyptian Outfit: Kat's Arabic teal dress, edged with golden coins, is topped by a fuchsia robe. Gold slippers and a gauzy veil with jeweled headwrap complete the look.

Egyptian Jewelry: Jewelry worthy of a pharaoh. The golden collar and armlet are fashioned from flexible metal for easy fit.

Plum Traveling Suit: Kat's perfectly suited for 19th-century Egypt in this stylish skirt and peplum jacket. The outfit is a mix of plum and gold florals, with velvet and braid trim. Comes with blouse, boots and socks.

Excavation Accessories: A handy set on desert digs. The straw hat shelters Kat from the hot sun, while the backpack holds the fragment she found and her pick for unearthing finds.

Egyptian Furnishings: Shopping the market of Minya, Kat spots two handsome pieces: a wooden trunk and a colorful fringed rug.

Egyptian Treasures: Four reminders of Egypt's rich past: pharaoh's crook, hawk-headed burial pot, serving tray and statue of an Egyptian cat. 

Kat's Mongolian Adventure

Kat and the Emperor's Gift: Kat and Jessie travel to Kublai Khan's court in ancient China, where their arrival sets off a power struggle. Caught in the middle are Kat's new friends, Princess Cocachin and Marco Polo the explorer. While Chin is being forced to leave China to marry a cruel man, Marco is forbidden to depart. But when Kat tries to help them, a crafty enemy plots to trap her in the past.

Blue Velvet Gown: For Kublai Khan's dinner, Kat wears this deep blue velvet dress with trailing skirt. Comes with sash and red lace-up slippers.

Silk Coat and Cap: An exotic addition to Kat's dress. The pleated coat, cut longer in back for dramatic flair, is magnificently matched by the silk cap.

Statue and Banner: Two striking pieces from the Khan's court: running horse statue and bold banner.

Mongolian Winter Outfit: Kat's cozy ermine-look coat is trimmed with black fur at the cuffs and collar. Comes with suede-look cap and boots, also edged in black fur.

Oriental Treasures: Four Oriental objects crafted with extraordinary beauty: floral teapot, two teacups, green perfume bottle, umber vase.

Kat's Renaissance Adventure

Kat and the Missing Notebooks: In Renaissance Italy, Kat tries to get a young artist apprenticed to Leonardo da Vinci. But her scheme is derailed by the theft of da Vinci's notebooks -- which she shares blame for. And more than her friend's career is at stake. Unless Kat finds the books, a spy may execute an evil plot and a masterpiece may be lost.

Satin Gown and Accessories: Kat is breathtaking in a gown of midnight blue with ice-blue overskirt and matching slippers. A delicate drawstring bag and beaded headpiece complete her elegant outfit.

Florentine Treasures: Three mementos of Florence: leather-look satchel, cloth-bound artist's sketchbook and ornate wooden chest with domed lid.

I am especially interested in her Egyptian and Mongolian adventures. Have you explored time with Kat?

I'm a Toys Я Us kid!

Toys"R"Us

It's official, I am the luckiest Vinyl American ever.

Momma got a seasonal job at Toys Я Us!

Toys Я Us is a dedicated toy and juvenile-products retailer founded in 1948 and headquartered in Wayne, N.J. The company now operates more than 877 Toys Я Us and Babies Я Us stores in the United States, more than 685 international stores, and over 170 licensed stores in 35 countries and jurisdictions.

Charles Lazarus started Children's Supermart (which would evolve into Toys Я Us) in Washington, D.C. , in 1948 during the post-World War II baby boom era as a baby-furniture retailer. Lazarus began receiving requests from customers for baby toys. After adding baby toys, he got requests for toys for older children.

The focus of the store changed in 1957, and Toys Я Us was born in Rockville, Maryland. The company's mascot Geoffrey the Giraffe (formerly known as Dr. G. Raffe) made his debut during 1957 in print advertisements for Children's Bargain Town. He was known for saying "Toys"R"Us," a quote that later became the company's name. Dr. G. Raffe was renamed Geoffrey in 1969 when Children's Bargain Town became Toys Я Us, and became the official Toys Я Us "spokesanimal."

The original Toys Я Us store design in 1969-1989 consisted of vertical rainbow stripes and a brown roof with a front entrance and side exit. Some brown-roof locations still exist, although some have been painted different colors or renovated.

Incidentally, Toys Я Us acquired toy retailer FAO Schwarz in May 2009.

FAO Schwarz, founded in 1862 during the Civil War and the oldest toy store in the United States, is known for its unique high-end toys, life-sized stuffed animals, dolls, and games. The FAO Schwarz flagship store on Fifth Avenue in New York City is a popular tourist destination, and has gained iconic status for its floor piano, cameos in major motion pictures, and real-life toy soldiers.

Cup of brown joy

Sadly, we are not attending Wild Wild West Con II this weekend due to inclimate weather and Momma's weak lungs.

To cheer us up Momma got us our very own cookies bisquits so Clementine and I could participate in the honourable sport of tea duelling.

However, Momma didn't read the Articles of the Honourable Association of Tea Duellists before purchasing them for us and didn't realize these frosted beauties (inspired by Clementine's cameo!) are not permitted.

Unfortunately those honourable snacks, bisquits brown and bisquits fruit are forbidden for use in Tea Duelling under Queen's regulations. 

We also have too many, since only six are permitted for the duelists.

Oh well, we shall still enjoy our "cuppa and nom."

Gold standard

Best Doll Boutique

If you've got it, flaunt it.

Some people can handle the steampunk look and others can't, so who am I to argue when someone wants to bestow their couture steampunk hand-me-downs upon me.

Best Doll Boutique created this
Steampunk Victorian Style Costume for American Girl or other 18 inch doll several months ago but I missed out on it then but, since I am well known for my fabulous sense of style, it was just offered to me.

Set the scene this season in this glorious six piece steampunk costume. The excellent quality, highly unique design is simply sensational, offering a vintage Victorian style. 

The set is limited edition - only two of a kind. This costume is the last one. 

✿ The golden jacket is made of flower print brocade and is rich with details, including real front lacing, puffed sleeves, lace trimmed sleeve cuffs, and a black cotton lined interior. The black net detail on the front have attached gears and the other side of the jacket is decorated with Lady Cameo brooch and black chain.

✿ Gorgeous white lace blouse features long puffed sleeves, a stand up collar and a black lace trim. Closes with velcro on the back for easy opening..

✿ Steam punk handcrafted black velvet top hat is a fun, whimsical, and adorable, and adds charm to any outfit! It has an elastic headband attached to the bottom, a golden brocade sash around the base, two metal gears and safety pins and a black feather. The brim of the hat is decorated with a gold trim. 

✿ The two layer ruffle black lace mini skirt has an elasticized waist and golden trim on the hem. The front of the skirt is decorated with a gold chain, safety pin and gold button. 

✿ The black stretch tights are with the elastic waistband. 

✿ Front buckled two tone black & golden faux leather steam punk boots are hand-painted by me with gold paint and decorated with gears and safety pins. They have front zipper closure. This is a truly unique designer piece.

We shall see when it arrives if Clementine or I shall wear this stunning creation, but I'm thinking it looks more like Clementine. What do you think?

Cameo appearance

When Clementine arrived I couldn't help but notice the delicate cameo around her neck.

When I asked her about it, Clementine said she'd had it for as long as she could remember and that she loved cameos.

I promptly gave her (with Momma's permission, of course) the cameo locket Momma got for me at Comicon.

It seemed appropriate to me since it continues Clementine's skeletal gunslinger theme and the locket and chain are copper - Arizona's largest mining industry. (Arizona’s early economy relied on the "five C's": copper, cotton, cattle, citrus, and climate (tourism).)

Cameo is a method of carving an object such as an engraved gem, item of jewelery or vessel made in this manner. It nearly always features a raised (positive) relief image with a contrasting (negative) base.

Today the term may be used very loosely for objects with no colour contrast, and other, metaphorical, terms have developed, such as cameo appearance. Another generalized meaning is an image of a head in an oval frame in any medium, such as a photograph.

Momma has promised to put photos of us in Clementine's locket so we shall always be together.

 

I've Comicon and gone

Phew! What a day.

We got there shortly after the Comicon opened and already there were huge crowds, but we got our passes and went in.

Momma's friends Jennifer and Steve were already there and had gotten George Takei's autograph. They even got to meet his husband Brad!

(As a side note, Jennifer had gifts for Momma and that other doll Luna but nothing for me, hmph.)

We spent a lot of time walking around the exhibit hall and checking out the cool stuff and Momma bought me a robot head! Now I can make my own!

Momma's friends went to get their photo taken with Leonard Nimoy and we went to find some lunch. Just as Momma got our food (quesadillas for everyone!) her friends called and said the line to meet Evil Wil Wheaton was really short and to get back downstairs!

Momma left the food with my big sister and Grandmomma and grabbed me and we hustled downstairs.

We got in line where he signed a photo of himself ... and me! He said I was "great" and not the first "doll" he's signed. (But I was the first at this Comicon.)

Someone said I should get a bikini to show off his signature. I'll have to go to the library to find out what a bikini is, but it can't possibly expose more skin than what I saw today. The things those girls were wearing!!!

After eating a quick lunch we went to a huge room that seated 4,000 people to hear Leonard Nimoy talk. He sure was funny!

After that, my big sister and Momma's momma headed home but Momma and I stayed to play. We finished the Exhibit Hall and Momma got me an incredible cameo locket. I hope I can get back to 1864 okay, but I think it will be fine.

Fellow steampunkers thought I was great and I got lots of compliments. 

We finished the day with a Steampunk Fashion Show. I was not asked to model but one man offered to make me my own little aether gun!

After this we were all exhausted so we decided to head home, but Momma said we might go to Coppercon in September! 

Slides can also be seen HERE: https://picasaweb.google.com/112240988257177027782/PhoenixComicon?feat=directlink