Noah and Villains to Invade the Vault

Us here on the East Coast will be able to see the artist Noah tonight at Room For One More and tomorrow at the Diamond Horseshoe (full WDW schedule here)... West Coast fans will get their next chance on October 15th. That's the date Noah releases his original Villains portraits, his line of Villains Lady's fashion tees and LE Villains Vinylmation at Vault 28 in Downtown Disney District at Disneyland. The release begins at 8am.

Picture from NoahFineArt.com

All four of the Villains’ portraits will be available on short sleeve fashion tees in sizes small to x-large, and the Evil Queen will also be available on a long sleeve tee. We were able to give you a heads up about this exciting event and a sneak peak at one of the Vinylmation from August's D23.

To make the occasion a bit more special, Noah will release 36 nine inch and 36 three inch versions of the Poison Apple Vinylmation above. The 3" figure will be $150 with the 9" selling for $595. Please note: due to the limited quantities, a wristband will be required to purchase the Vinylmation figure and will be distributed behind the Rainforest Cafe at 7 am on October 15th.

As most of Noah's 9" creations do, the Poison Apple comes on a stand with a print behind it. This one of course features the Evil Queen. Noah will be on hand for a signing of this new collection between 5 p.m. – 8 p.m. on October 15 at Disney Vault 28 in the Downtown Disney District. Noah will also have for sale for some original artwork featuring four of your favorite Villains.

Picture from NoahFineArt.com

Picture from NoahFineArt.com

Picture from NoahFineArt.com

Picture from NoahFineArt.com

The original artwork will be available for $7,500 each. There will also be LE canvas wrapped giclees for $295 (16" x 20"). Fore more info on this event and Noah, check out Noah's Official Blog.

Spotlight On: Custom Vinylmation Artist John Ward

interview conducted by DV reporter Lee

Destination Vinylmation: What got you started with wanting to put your own style onto a Vinylmation Canvas?

John Ward: I started creating vinyls as soon as I saw that Disney was selling Create Your Own figures. I've always been creative and have loved Disney for as long as I can remember, so buying some blanks and making my own Vinylmation figures was a no-brainer for me.

DV: When you are creating a Vinylmation, what do you like to incorporate in the designs?

John: I enjoy the Vinylmation figures that Disney creates; however, I feel they could do more with the backs of the figures. With the pieces I create, I try to make the back of the figure just as interesting to look at as the front. I also like to try to create a story in my vinyls.

DV: Tell us the story of your first custom!

John Ward: I created my very first custom, which was The Adventures of Ichabod. The front of the piece has the Headless Horseman having already thrown his pumpkin head; the reverse has Ichabod and his horse, Gunpowder, looking very scared with the moon on the ear.

DV: One of my favorite pieces that I saw at your table during the Florida Project was your Ratatouille custom! The detail work on it is awesome!

John Ward: Ratatouille is one of my favorite Pixar movies and I wanted to create a vinyl for the movie, but I had to think of how to make both side of the vinyl interesting! Almost immediately I thought how Remy "puppets" Linguini through his recipes. So you have Linguini on the front, cooking away, and on the reverse in the silhouette of Remy under his hat, along with Gusteau at the bottom.

DV: Such an awesome design! I love the storyboards that play out on your work! How long does it take for your artwork to come to life?

John Ward: It usually takes me around a week to complete them. I also do commissioned pieces.

DV: I think I may have a job for you already!! Where can we go to see more of your work?

John Ward: My website is www.siberianarts.com and it has all my Vinylmation customs that I've done so far, along with some concept art of ones I plan on creating. I also have displayed other pieces of art that I've done. All of my Vinylmation customs are for sale and can be made to order. I also have a Facebook Page: Siberian Vinylmation Customs, be sure to "like" it; I put my new customs up there first!

DV: Absolutely! Consider yourself "liked"! I am very excited to see what you will do next!

On John's 9" Dr. Facilier, a black light reveals a different face!

Minnie Malice Takes a Creative Look at the Alice Vinylmation

Minnie Malice’s Adventure into Wonderland

A Creative Look at the Soon-to-be-Released “Alice in Wonderland” Vinylmation Series 

All pictures borrowed from the Official Vinylmation blog.

Yesterday, while lounging in a tree branch, the droning sound of my tutor mixing with the crisp spring breeze, I was shocked to see a white rabbit running through the field. Now, this was no ordinary Rabbit.

He wore blue glasses that sat perched upon his nose, a red jacket with a yellow undershirt, and he had a golden pocket watch peeking out of his jacket pocket. He was obviously dressed as if he was attending some sort of special event or occasion, and as he dashed across the field, with the most worrisome look on his face, it seemed indicative that he was, as he claimed, late for whatever it was he was heading to.

Curiously, I followed him, if not only to get a better look.

He scurried into a rabbit hole, and though I knew better, I followed him until I found myself free falling down, down, down through a long, dark tunnel. I continued to fall for what seemed like hours, and was quite certain I was going to keep falling till I popped out on the other side of the world!

Nevertheless, soon enough I came to the bottom and while looking up I spotted him, the White Rabbit. He was running through a long corridor that ended in a small, locked door.

Now, I could relay to you the events that took place between this point in my story and the next; however, my tears and an uncooperative doorknob seem nothing but silly in retrospect. Needless to say, I eventually passed through the door, where I came across quite an astonishing fellow.

I was fairly sure all the dodos were extinct, but I guess I was wrong. Mr. Dodo was jovial chap who was quite friendly, if not entirely helpful. As you can tell, he continuously held a smirk, and despite being dressed as a 18th century gentleman—with his white hair pulled back into a small ponytail and tied in a blue bow—he was unable to answer my question of where the White Rabbit had gone. Frustrated, I left Mr. Dodo to search for the rabbit on my own.

I came to a wooded area, and as I did I met a pair of twin brothers who, instead of helping me, insisted on telling me riddles that were cryptic and nonsensical.

The first twin went by the name Tweedle Dee and was almost identical to his brother, who went by the name Tweedle Dum.

Both brothers wore a blue bowtie, over a long collar embroidered with their names. This of course was useful, seeing as they were each so indistinguishable from the other. As I searched for a way to tell them apart, I realize that the flags that stuck out from the top of their caps flew in the opposite direction of each other—another helpful and distinctive mark.

While I tried to tell them that I was in a bit of a hurry, they insisted upon telling me the story of the poor little oysters, which, they claimed, all became victims of their own curiosity—A warning against, I suppose, my own meddlesomeness.

The little oysters were cheerful and carefree, with big, ear-to-ear smiles—Oh yes, I realize that oysters do not have ears! They had gray shells that were offset by the purple and pink of their faces. And with the sea bubbling above their heads, these little oysters were very cute; though, I should confess, careless with whom they associated.

While I enjoyed the twins’ story very much, I was desperate to find the White Rabbit. So, I bid them farewell and continued my search.

Now, this is the point of the story where I came across the caterpillar—a hookah smoking and pretentious Lepidoptera.

The caterpillar was a beautiful shade of Aqua, and had a very long, extended neck. By far, I have to say, this caterpillar was the most interesting looking creature that I had come across. His expression was smug, and I found him a bit incorrigible; hence, I left him in a huffy.

I soon I found myself very lost, but luckily someone showed up to give me some guidance. Tired and frustrated that I still had not found my white rabbit, I sat down and began to cry. Though my heavy sobs I heard a singsong voice echo above my head. To my amazement, I watched a purple cat magically appear in a tree branch.

He was striped, with glowing yellow eyes, a wide and mischievous smile, and a long, puffy tail. And he told me that, if I wanted, I could ask the Mad Hatter or the March Hare where the White Rabbit had gone. Though, I was not excited to hear that I would have to converse with mad people, the cat grinned and told me that “We’re all mad here…”

So, I followed a path out of the woods, and quickly came across a large banquet table with at least 50 places ready and set for tea.

At the head of the table was a man in a top hat, with a card reading 10/6 sticking out of the side. I assumed so much that this was the Mad Hatter that the Cat had told me about. With buckteeth, a wide grin, and a mustard colored suit coat he was singing, very loudly, about how it was his “unbirthday”.

Sitting next to him was the March Hare. I could tell it was him because of he had long floppy ears and a cotton-white tail that stuck out of his pants. With whiskers and knitted eyebrows, he too was singing about his “unbirthday”.

Though both kept insisting that I have a cup of tea, I never once was allowed to drink any—let alone have my own cup. So I finally left them to their own maniacal behavior.

As darkness was falling around me, I once again felt despondent and lonesome, when the magical Cheshire Cat appeared once again to show me a short cut into the Royal Garden of the Queen of Hearts. After helping a deck of cards paint a bunch of white roses red, the Queen appeared before us.

She was decked out in her black, yellow, and red royal garb, with a yellow crown atop her head. Strangely enough, though being the Queen of Hearts, she was nothing but boisterous and mean—especially considering that she continued to scream, “OFF WITH THEIR HEADS,” anytime anyone did anything she disapproved of.

Feigning nicety with me, she invited me to a game of croquet, played however, with a flamingo and a sleepy hedgehog instead of a proper mallet and ball.

My hedgehog was green, sleepy with bags under its eyes. His quills unkempt along his back, he had a look of surprise as I tried to hit him with the beak of my flamingo.

It should be noted that, while my hedgehog was green, I did notice that the Queen’s was pink—an interesting variation.

The game was cut short game, however, because the Cheshire Cat had appeared upon the back of the Queen, and being his mischievous self, played a trick upon her. In all of ruckus that ensued, the Queen mistakenly blamed me for the Cat’s prank, and blaringly ordered that my head be taken off.

So instinctively I ran. I ran as fast as I could, chased by the Queen’s card soldiers.

Next thing I knew, I was flaying my arms in attempts to keep the soldiers away from me, when I awoke under the tree that I had been sitting in when I first had seen the Rabbit.

It was all a dream—One unbelievable, magical, and nonsensical dream.

As I sat there, under that tree, trying to regain composure of myself, I thought back upon those 11 figures that I had met in my dream. As my adorable kitten, Dinah, chased a butterfly around the field, I wondered, just maybe, if I could have meet Dinah in my Wonderland.

Perhaps, she could have been the 12th figure.  Just how wonderful that would have been, if not only to have a friendly face in such ridiculous madness.

But as I thought about it, I was reminded of those poor little oysters, and how their curiosity ended for them…

Spotlight On: Vinylmation Custom Artist Karen Turner

Today we would like to share the work of Karen Turner. Karen lives in Valrico, FL where she creates custom jewelry and Vinylmation. We recently talked with her about her passion for Disney and creating these works of art.

Destination Vinylmation: Were you into creating artwork before custom Vinylmation?

Karen: Definitely!!  I have painted ceramics for years and years and have always been working on some sort of project or another, even as a kid.  I majored in art in college for awhile, but I wasn't sure what I was going to do with an art degree. I then changed my major to History (I was going to be a teacher).  After college I managed my Brother's insurance office for several years (thereby proving that what your college major is often has nothing to do with what career you will have after college!!)  while toying with the idea of selling my work online.  Finally, a couple of years ago, I worked up enough nerve to open a shop online and create full time.  In my shop I have jewelry, hand crafted boxes, hand painted ceramics, ornaments, and my latest edition to my shop is of course, custom Vinylmation.

Karen's "All the Colors of the Ocean" necklace

DV: How many customs have you done?

Karen: About a dozen or so.  Right now I have five in my shop, but I first started with making customs for my Niece.  She and I both love Vinylmations, so I painted one for her based on drawings she would make for me when she was younger of a winged heart with a halo (Angel Hearts she called them).  I also painted a tonal gold and silver one and a pink polka dotted one for her. Those got me hooked on painting custom Vinylmations.  When the Jr Raindrops came out, I thought a rainbow would be neat to go with it and a sunshine as well.  So I painted a 3" rainbow and a Jr sunshine.  When my Dad saw the rainbow one, he said you should sell that and you could name him Roy G Biv for the colors of the rainbow.  So, now I have a line of different Roys - traditional, pastel, and bright.

Roy G Biv 3"

DV: Do you collect Disney's Vinylmation?

Karen: Oh definitely!!  And I must say, when I discovered your website my Vinylmation addiction grew!!  I love all the updates and in depth analysis you do on the different vinyls.  I have a feeling from the pictures of Vinylmations I have seen from the D23 Expo, my wallet is going to be hurting in the coming months!!

DV: What is your favorite figure?

Karen: Just one?  That's impossible!! My favorites that I actually own are: It’s a Small World 3" from Park 3, Squares from Urban 4, Mardi Gras, and  Love 9" from Urban 6. My favorites from the ones I don't own (yet) are Magical Stars from Park 1, It’s a Small World 9" from Park 1, Teacups from Park 1, Birds on a Wire, Red Scream, Railroad from Park 9, Skyway from Park 9, Living with the Land from (a future Park series), and the Gumball Ear hat set.

Urban 4 Squares

DV: What is your personal favorite custom that you have done? Tell us about it, the design and inspiration.

Karen: Well, I love my Roy G Bivs, but I think my absolute favorite customs I have done are Cumulus Mouse and my Autograph Mouse.

Cumulus Mouse 3"

I got the idea for Cumulus Mouse while watching Up - a super favorite movie of mine.  The scene where Carl and Ellie are cloud watching and finding shapes in the clouds gave me the idea for it.  I used a textured paint to build up the clouds and kind of let the clouds take their own shape, except I did put a few hidden Mickey shapes in the clouds (I love hidden Mickeys at the Parks) just for fun.

Autograph Mouse 9"

Autograph Mouse is a 9" I did for my own collection using the 9" Glow in the Dark.  I had read about the problems people when having with their vinyls that had been signed by characters smearing.  So I made up a list of all the characters I would want to have an autograph of and Googled them and found images of their autographs.  For the characters that don't give autographs (Nemo, Dory...) or don't really make appearances in the park (Jessica Rabbit, Bolt..) I creates a signature that made me think of that character.

Autograph Mouse 9"

I also Googled Walt Disney's and Roy Disney's signature and put them on the vinyl - I figured without them there wouldn't be any of this, so they definitely had to be on it.  I really like how it turned out.  It would have been great to have had the characters sign it, but this way I had no smears, and signatures I couldn't have gotten any other way.

DV: What have you learned from creating your customs that you can pass onto other custom artists?

Karen: The first few are hard - more like learning experiences.  But once you get a feel for the material it's gets easier to translate your idea to the figure.  Really, you have to be flexible with vinyls - sometimes their shape works great with a design, sometimes it makes the design really difficult and you may have to tweak your idea some.  So just be open to a little change and have fun!!

DV: What's next?

Karen: Lots!!  I am working on a Night sky vinyl now that is looking really good.  I've got a hidden Mickey in the stars, which I love!!  I am also working on some Christmas themed vinyls - holiday lights, one that looks like an ornament that are turning out really well.  I have some other ideas brewing that I need to take time to get down on paper to see if they will translate to the vinyl well.  And I should get some inspiration soon because I have several trips to WDW planned for the next few months and I always get great ideas there!!

Topiary Mickey 3"

DV: Where can people go to see more of your work, see what you have for sale and contact you? 

Karen: You can see all of my work at my shop www.flightsoffancydesign.etsy.com  and even more photos on my Facebook Fan Page Flights of Fancy Design. I am delighted to take custom orders as well.  My email is flightsoffancydesigns@gmail.com.

DV: Thanks for showing us your work Karen.

Karen: Thanks so much for featuring me in your Spotlight On series - I am so delighted by this!!  I am glad you had such a great time at Disneyland - I have been trying to get everyone on board with making a trip out there in the next few years so both my nieces can see Disneyland. I included some other pictures of some of the Vinylmations discussed in the questions for you.  Let me know if there is anything else you need.  Thanks!!

The Customation Project Wrap Up

Congratulations to Cesar and all the artists involved in The Customation Project. It was an event held in California on September 24 showcasing the talents of custom Vinylmation artists. We would like to share some pictures and a video from the event. The full photo album, and believe me, you MUST see it, can be viewed here.

The Customation Project from Antonio Diaz on Vimeo.

Spawn by Celeste

Dia des los Mickey by Lucas Yoshida

Batman and Joker by Cesar

Marty McFly and Disneyland by Angie Annett

Epic Donald by Chelsey Zhang

The Faries Den by Celeste

Soldier by Chelsey Zhang

Dr. Jones and Dharma Mickey by Cesar

From left to right: Jesus Paez, Chelsey Zhang, Celeste Villanueva, Lucas Yoshida, Cesar Diaz, Angie Annett.

Aulani Press Exclusive Vinylmation

As if being in Hawaii wasn't enough of a treat, it appears that members of the press at the Grand Opening of the new Alunai Disney Resort received a special treat in their goodie bag. This news is unconfirmed as of this moment, but here is an excerpt of a post by Goonie that we found on the Vinylnation forum:

"So... hate to share this, but I just returned from Disney's Aulani's grand opening in Hawaii. Select press attendees staying at the resort were given a special present after the Grand Opening Presentation. A numbered and limited hand-painted Vinylmation by a Hawaiian artist housed in a 2-piece custom hand-made wicker box wrapped with a Disney's Aulani Grand Opening sleeve of paper. Inside is a printed description and numbering. Artistically, they are definitely an acquired taste... but are EXTREMELY limited. (These are not the for-sale Menehune ones from the store -- the are very crudely hand painted)"


Sounds like an eBay hit to me. We still have not seen any of these pop up anywhere and as of this post, no pictures have been found on the net.


Update: 9/28/11 Pictures uploaded courtesy of Erik (Goonie)