Domo!

IT'S HARD FOR ME TO SPEAK OR THINK COHERENTLY WHEN I AM FACED WITH DOMO. Inexplicably, as some people stroke out when faced with puppies or babies, when I am faced with most toys from Japan, I become a drooling, blabbering idiot without rational capability to think or exist beyond an excited vegetable. I have lots of hobbies, but none can rival my toy collection. It's an absurd habit for an almost-25 year old to have, but I DON'T WANNA GROW UP. Domo is a rebel, a rapscallion, a lover, a fighter, a biter, a dogsitter, an astronaut, Domo may be the almighty Jah. Now you too can collect his multiple personalities via blind box collection from Think Geek!

"Domo, amongst his other talents, is an artist and master of disguise. Normally, he's the brown we all know and love. But sometimes he just has to turn green to blend in with some grass or plaid to blend in with a . . . uh . . . kilt! And sometimes he enters stealth mode and becomes as clear as clearish plastic. And even if Domo really doesn't do all that, these 2" Domo Qee Collectible Figures do.

2" Domo Qee Collectible Figures are adorable. Each Domo Qee (pronounced "key") is full of mystery. There are over 15 different versions in this series, ranging from regular to plaid to silver to camouflage - and you never know which Domo you're going to get. Ah, the exceitment! As a bonus, each package contains one extra Domo part (arm, leg, body, etc). Collect all 6 and you can assemble your own clear Domo. 2" Domo Qee Collectible Figures - a dash of mystery, a tablespoon of fun, and a whole heaping helping of adorable. Awww."





I don't consider my toy collection complete without at least half of these. To all you procrastinators out there, my birthday is in 2 days. Don't be afraid to extend the festivities by sending a few of these my way!

Munny made a friend!

Your favorite DIY toy has come individually, super-sized, glow in the dark, mobile, and now Kidrobot is introducing the Munny FRIEND! This indecipherable shape (giraffe? goat? cat?) lends itself to the imagination and is not yet available in stores or online. Keep checking back though, Kronikle just announced this launch and with rabid fans chomping at the bit, they're sure to drop soon!



In the meantime, check out the other Munny merch to satiate your desires. Personally, I'm partial to the Houndstooth Munny tee. Christmas, anyone??

Vinyl store in San Diego now!

The nearest Kidrobot store to me is in Los Angeles. Now, I'm sure LA is a great town. There's a ton of artsy stuff going on non-stop, it's a giant hub of the world, a really lovely place with lovely people... right. As much as I LOVE the 2 hour drive up there to buy overpriced (albeit cool) clothes and knick-knacks, I'd just as soon stay local and buy my vinyl wares in the neighborhood. Now, thanks to Gunnzo, I can do just that!

Gunnzo is located in Old Town San Diego at 2445 Juan Street. It doesn't look like much from the outside (the store is located in the left side of a house smack in the middle of an incredibly steep residental street), and the inside consists of a small front room which leads to a slightly larger and more angular back room. All of this is attached to a great back porch which opens into a small courtyard linking the other side of the house (I'm assuming). What it lacks in space it makes up for in cozy quality.

Chika Sasaki has opened the only designer toy store in San Diego as far as I'm aware, and I'm hoping it works out beautifully for her. I got to go to the "opening" party where every attendee got a free Mini Munny Mobile to decorate as they pleased! I got to talking with a guy there (Jesse? Maybe? Bad with names) and apparently this entire venture started from her own personal collection. From the sounds of things, it seems like she has more internet business than walk-ins, but I'm sure as the buzz continues she's going to find herself in a great spot to dominate the toy market in San Diego. Not only does she have a great collection of hard to find Dunnys, Gunnzo is the exclusive US retailer for MINDstyle Asia Exclusives.

The fact that this is a toy store by a toy collector means that some things are off-limits, but what is for sale isn't grossly inflated with outlandish retail upcharging. Yes, she's got to make a profit, and her collection is small but very thorough. Sasaki seems to have a good handle on what's available and what's coming, so I'm expecting great things from her.

UGH NO FAIR

Kidrobot LA is JUST far enough away to make me a crazy person for driving up there just to shop. Still, they have so many ridiculously cool events that my sanity is often tested by my desire to go up there and blow my life savings on toys. Tonight Frank Kozik is kicking off his summer apparel series with a signing and pre-release of the new 1984 Labbit from 6-8. All the details can be viewed here and also below.


Is it bad I would move to LA just to be a hobo outside the store?

This week with Core77

It's always a bittersweet moment when I get the monthly Core77 emails. On one hand, it's always refreshing and inspiring to get a first hand look at brand new design and what people are really creating all over the world. Now that I'm out of school and in a non-art saturated environment for the first time in my life, I have to make sure I keep on top of what's going on. On the other hand, it's super depressing to NOT be in that sort of atmosphere on a daily basis. I try to use it as a motivator to keep myself in tune with the creative juices.

Regardless, this email contained some of my favorite topics inside and outside the realm of interior design- toys and books! The New York Toy Fair (aptly titled "Inspiring Growth") just ended and Core77 was there to capture all the highlights of 2009. They got some great photos that can be seen here, and the show site can be viewed here. I mean, how awesome would it be to just hang around the newest (and some of the classics!) and hottest toy designs and play all day??? Here's a couple of my favorites:


Great dolls by Lunar Loft. Reminds me of uglydolls, but more like cute robots.

Crystallized Swarovski Lamborgini by Maisto. The ultimate bling for any child under 7.


Lego- never a disappointment. How can I live so close to Legoland but have never been???


A new name to me, Kosen's wrinkle-pup made me smile.


I love wooden fruit. It's an oldie but goodie. Just something about the simple, familiar shapes in miniature is comforting. Not necessarily the most innovative, but still a classic (this one by Estia Holzspielwaren)


The only thing better than a real s'more is a fake one, I guess... by Reel Roaster


This little world, perfect for a munchkin or small child, seems easy, breezy, bright, safe, and fun. Great stuff by Melissa and Doug.


I haven't heard of EnviroBlox before, and I don't even know how cool their product is, but this T-Rex is about as cool as it gets.


Skuut's answer for speed and style, for all single digit ages.


Before we get too lost in what's new and good, Core77 also brought around a book of mistakes! Design Disasters: Great Designers, Fabulous Failure, and Lessons Learned by Steven Heller revolves around a single question- what makes good design and bad design? I would definitely like to get my hands on a copy. Here's the review via Coree77 by Robert Blinn. It's an easy to read concise review, so if it's any indication of the book's quality I'd say it's a winner.

Alexander Girard

Folk art isn't one of my favorite genres, but add a contemporary twist to any sort of toy and of course my attention is grabbed. My sister actually sent me this link to Alexander Girard's work, and I was intrigued. His estate now handles the ongoing branding of his work, which includes dolls, fonts, puzzles, woodwork, and more. Here's a few from his doll collection:




It's like broccoli, cats, color and dolls all in one! FUN!


Apparently he also has a large collection of nativity scenes, with focus on color and simplicity in composition. I should send some to my mom to mix with her Fontanini nativity. A good mix, right?

Ye Olde Series

Words cannot describe my excitement. Right now, at this VERY MOMENT, the BEST BOYFRIEND IN THE WHOLE WORLD is walking into KIDROBOT SAN FRANCISCO to add to our ever-growing Dunny collection!

Only this is no ordinary trip for Dunnys. Yesterday the latest in a long line of amazing series was released- the Ye Old English Dunny Series!





I DON'T GET THEM UNTIL SUNDAY BUT I AM ALREADY DROOLING WITH ANTICIPATION!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

bags on sale at kidrobot

Kidrobot is having a TOTALLY BODACIOUS SALE right now, with apparel up to 75% off and bags 50% off! I love Frank Kozik's Labbits, and this bag is freaking awesome. If I was still in school I would definitely consider dropping some dolares to snag this item.

This would be another perfect item of the Dunny-loving traveler. Personally, I find their prices a bit over the top, but right now would be a perfect time to grab the can't-live-without items while they are A) on sale, and B) available! Kidrobot is notorious for selling out of hot items, so we'll see how these turn out.

hiroshige

AWESOME! I FINALLY have a few buckaroos to buy random things that I don't know I can't live without until I see them. Today we had a great day with our 2 visiting friends from Richmond, and the first thing we did was hit up a nearby bookstore whose name escapes me for the moment. I think it's 5th Street Books, considering it's on 5th street. Anyway, I snagged this gem and I couldn't be happier. I love Japanese prints more than anything. Except sushi. And Dunnys. Which brings me to my next point...

This baby was welcomed into my life as well today. I have had good luck with getting other mystery Dunnys, but this Huck Gee Dunny is now sitting comfortably in the front of my Dunny shelf. Also, I was able to snap up this Series 5 Dunny by Aya Kakeda as well:

After that it was just a blur of burritos and cat figurines in Chinese stores. All in all, a good day. This is a bit of a scattered short post, but I'm a little distracted with half listening to everyone in the room and also I'm pretty tired. I will re-iterate my excitement levels at a later time, for I feel this does not do justice to my true emotions.

12 days 12 deals day 1!

Kidrobot is having an AWESOME promotion going on: 12 DAYS 12 DEALS!!! Everyday from now until December 21, they will unveil a new special offered for one day only. Today's deal is a TOTALLY RIGHTEOUS 8" DUNNY by NIGHTMARE IN JEREMYVILLE for 20% off! Normally already a steal at $50, this irresistible creature can be yours for the amazing price of only $40. How can you resist a face like this?

n

This special comes with a carrot accessory and a 14" x 17" poster. So if anyone is wondering what to get me for being such an awesome human being, feel free! Although if I'm this excited about Day 1... imagine what glorious treats are in store for the next 11 days!!!! I can't wait!

the one that i hope won't get away

Please. Someone. Anyone. Pretty pretty please with sugar on top.

the one that got away

Woe is me. I got the Kidrobot email a few weeks ago announcing the new 8" Dunny by Ron English for Art Basel Miami, and I tried to ignore it since temptation, my weakness for Dunnys, and my current financial shit situation all merged to create The Perfect Storm. Of course this "freakishly rare" and awesome new addition to the Dunny family sold out in like 2 seconds. I am left sad and empty on the inside.

I can already tell that all of my spending money in the near future is going to go towards saving for my sleeve, buying beer to take the edge off a long day at work, and blowing it on toys. Great role model I am.

AWWW YEAH

MUNNY on the Run! from Kidrobot on Vimeo.

New goal- revamp this whole shebang. This blog needs a major facelift. New layout, more pictures, more emphasis on quality, perhaps weekly updates on certain topics like Toy Tuesday or something along those lines. No more "I Like Coffee!" spur of the moment posts (unless it's REALLY a defining moment in the day), and I want to take more pictures on my Nikon D40X instead of just my phone due to convenience. I mean, the phone is alright, but I'm excited to go camping in Idlewild this weekend and maybe get some good stuff going on to jump start this jam.

I mean, photography is the easiest, most immediate way to capture something beautiful! There's only thought, and very little action, to snip out a piece of the world to share with others. How can I be passing this up? Well, I know exactly why. It's bulky and cumbersome to just carry around for whenever the mood strikes. I need to talk to my grandfather (who is an insane photo enthusiast) about getting a small digital camera to just pop into my purse for everyday use.

Anyway, changes are coming. The winds are shifting and now that my weekdays are taken up by a real job, I'm going to start focusing on where this is going to take me and what I can do to continue to better myself as a person and as an artist. Yesterday I was looking at graduate school materials for Otis College of Art and Design in LA. LA would be a great place to go to art school, but I know that right now at this very moment I am not in the right state of mind to even seriously consider this very massive step. I need to get straight and get involved and get some stuff done to prove to myself and schools that I've got what it takes to go balls out. I've also put out feelers for learning how to knit. Just being able to do something with my hands, especially something where I could multitask and hang out or watch movies or whatever during would be great.

I hope my enthusiasm and zeal don't wane or turn into nothing. I have a realistic view of what I can accomplish right now with no money and no studio, but as long as I dig my heels in and plan accordingly, I think I'll be able to slowly but surely get on my way. Here's hoping!

reindeer dunny

Kidrobot, why must you torture me so? This 3" Dunny by Chuckboy is adorable, feisty, and a perfect holiday gift for the toy enthusiast. Oh, if only I had 10 disposable dollars! If there was a Kidrobot store in San Diego, I could kiss any and all money goodbye.

DUNNY SERIES 5!!!!!

YES! As any reader of my blog knows, I LOVE LOVE LOVE toys, especially Kidrobot toys. I am a borderline obsessive collector (or I would be if I wasn't a poor ex-student waitress!) So of course, the news that this Thursday marks the release of yet another soon to be amazing and spectacular series of Dunnys has me tickled pink and dying of anxiousness. I had really good luck with the French Dunny series, so I'm hoping it will carry over to this series as well.



Designers: Amanda Visell, Aya Kakeda, Clutter, Devilrobots, Dirty Donny, Frank Kozik, Huck Gee, JMGS//Jellymoon, Jesse LeDoux, JK5, Junko Mizuno, Kathie Olivas, MAD, Mad Barbarians, MISHKA, Reach, Sneaky Raccoon, Steven Harrington, TOOFLY.

Chupacabra!

Sara Antoinette Martin has done it again! Her "El Chupacabra" figures are ridiculous. There's a limited run of 500 brown and 250 ghosts (shown) and I once again mourn my toy addiction that cannot financially be quenched. I'm just lucky there's not a Kidrobot San Diego, because I would be the creepy regular who lurks outside and is a lame superfan. One day I'll make it big and be able to fill my longing soul with toys that delight me in peculiar ways.

word word word

Today is day 3 of gloom- where is the sun??? blah blah blah. Anyway, Core77 has an awesome photo set of the New York Toy Fair! Anyone who's met me knows I have a slight obsession with all things vinyl. This brightens up my day even if it IS dreary. Also, the word of the day seems pretty enthusiastically optimistic, so here it is.

ebullient (i-BUL-yuhnt, -BOOL-) adjective

Bubbling with enthusiasm or excitement.

[From Latin ebullire (to boil up), from bulla (bubble).]

new dunny serieS!

COMING SOON! the FRENCH dunny series! I for one can't wait for these to come out. This is promising to be one of the most amazing series yet.

currently listening to that whistling song

Back due to popular demand! Thanks Annie!
I'm currently stuck on listening to Peter, Bjorn, and John's "Writer's Block" CD. I definitely don't think I'm alone on that one.
Anyway, back to serious stuff. DUNNYS. This little gem by Tara McPherson, should be arriving on my doorstep any day now! Now my 8" Dandy dunny will have a new friend!

Damon Soule

Damon Soule- wow. I remember seeing his stuff on kidrobot awhile back, and I stumbled across it again today. Why have I become obsessed with toys and fantasy novels? Really. But who couldn't with stuff like this?