And while we're on the topic...

I've been busy with commissions for quite awhile now, rehairing several Cardcaptor Sakura dolls for an extremely patient customer, the same customer who's Sakura doll I rehaired several months ago.

These dolls had the same strange, rotting original hair that the first doll had.  They have all been rehaired in nylon hair, which should stand the test of time.

As fun as these were, I'm taking a break from dolls (and commissions for that matter) for awhile now to focus on my collection cataloguing and MLP Fair prep.

Elf

Rehairing

Like many collectors, I find myself with several ponies in my herd that are either bald or otherwise in need of new hair.  I have discussed restoration before, but alternate rehairs have been in vogue for several months now in the community.  Some collectors have voiced concerns that vintage ponies in perfect condition are being sacrificed for the fun of alternate rehairs.

While I can't speak for all collectors, I'm sure this is not the case.  There have been many times I've seen a pony who's body and paint are in excellent shape, but who's hair is less so.  I've got a few examples below:

Honeysuckle I bought at my first MLP Fair back in 2006 (much like the SS Buttons deflocking, let it never be said that I rush into anything).  I bought her for 75 cents because, although her body was in near-mint condition, her hair looked like a wire scouring pad and felt much the same.  I very much doubt that any amount of conditioning and straightening was going to improve this original hair.

Little Giggles came to me with not much more hair than you see now.  Again, her body is in near-mint condition, and although she's pretty cute bald, she'll be much cuter with big curls again.  She's also been waiting patiently to join the Hair Club for Ponies for several years.

I can't actually recall the events of Cloud Puff joining my herd, but I know she's been here for at least 3 years, and I think she was a Fair purchase.  The hair she has isn't actually in terrible condition, but she's had quite a haircut.  Her symbols have a bit of wear on them, but otherwise she's in good shape.

Finally is blue hearts Dazzle Glow, one of my luckiest Value Village finds.  Her only flaws are a few scratches on her symbols and, unfortunately short, thin, dry hair.  Her mane is almost crispy, her tail is thin and wispy.  She may have some rust as well, but I haven't gotten her head off yet to be sure.

All of these ponies will be staying with me after they've been restored, however I will still be marking the bottom of their feet to show they have been rehaired.  This is especially important if you're using the original colour of hair, so that down the line other collectors will know what they're handling.

The reason I'm rehairing these 4 girls now is that I want all the ponies in my herd to look their best when I take their photos for the catalogue pictures.  It's the push I finally needed to get to work on these girls.  I will post photos of them as they are finished in the coming weeks.

Elf

Ponies, ponies everywhere

I must admit, I do enjoy organizing things.  Especially ponies.

In the Geek Cave, I've decided to split my collection.  One side will be Vintage (G1 and G2), the other side will be Modern (G3 and G4).  I'll still have the ponies on risers, but I'm also planning to display several with the playsets, and also to ultimately have the ponies more spread out so they can be properly seen.

With a large collection and a small room, it's also important to utilize all your space as effectively as possible.  I have several things that I want to display, but that I don't need to get at very frequently, such as my 25th anniversary sets.  Wall shelves above the closet are perfect for this, and I'm even using the bottom of the shelves for displaying my MLP Fair badges from past years.

It's not done yet (is it ever really?) but I'm really happy with what we've accomplished so far.  I'm also looking forward to many more hours of pony organization.

Elf

Hailing frequencies open

This is, by far, my favourite of the customs I made for Geek Market last autumn.  So much so that I wasn't completely sure whether she would be for sale or whether she would be staying with me.  As it turned out, I didn't quite finish her in time and she's now got a permanent home in my own collection.  This is Classic Trek Uhura.

Her uniform is made of Fimo.  Her earrings are jewels.  All other details are painted on.  And she's been rehaired in nylon Black Magick.  I've styled her hair as closely as I could manage to how Uhura's appeared early on in the show.  I've actually just styled her hair finally, which is why she wasn't posted to the blog earlier.

I envision this pony on her way to the bridge for her shift, singing away down the corridors of the ship.  Really wishing I had a little Enterprise moc-up I could've used for the photo shoot.

Elf