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Marx Toy Museum – Moundsville, West Virginia

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Marx Toy Museum – Moundsville, West Virginia

The Marx Toy Museum in Moundsville, West Virginia houses a large collection of toys, photographs, and other historical documents related to the Louis Marx & Co. toy company.

For more stories behind some of your favorite toys visit Toy Tales.


New Toy: Google Cardboard

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I don’t really know how to explain exactly what it is… but it’s like a 3d game tha

My Review of Frosty Snowman Beaded and Buttoned Cross-Stitch Kit From Mill Hill #MH14-1304

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I was not someone who was hoping for a white Christmas. In fact, given the horrendous snow season we had last winter, I was hoping we'd have a mild winter and maybe even - no snow! Unfortunately Mother Nature was not cooperative. We had our first horrible snow storm last Tuesday and, horrible it was! There was only 4 inches of it, but it was heavy and wet. It was like trying to move concrete. Impossible to push. Needless to say, hubby and I were not happy campers.

Given how much we dislike snow you would think I wouldn't like crafting snowman or snow ladies. Au contraire! I love crafting snowman and snow ladies. Go figure!

So, when deciding what cross-stitch kits I wanted to make this year I decided to do one with a snowman.  This time I decided to do Mill Hill Frosty Snowman Winter Buttons and Beads Counted Cross Stitch Kit, 5 by 5-Inch.

The Mill Hill Frosty Snowman Winter Buttons and Beads Counted Cross Stitch Kit, 5 by 5-Inch pattern uses full counted cross-stitch and beaded half stitch as well as beads of various sizes for emphasis and depth. It also uses straight and Smyrna stitch for highlighting and emphasis. The pattern also calls for certain areas of the perforated paper to be left untouched as the background. In this case they were leaving sections of the navy blue perforated paper background untouched.

I decided to frame my finished cross-stitch picture using a Mill Hill wooden frame with snowflakes on it versus the Mill Hill Wooden Frame, 6 by 6-Inch, Matte Blue that was shown in the pattern picture. My frame is a 6" x 6" handpainted blue wooden frame painted with snowflakes but without glass.  Unlike the shadowbox frames I had been using more of the perforated paper would be seen surrounding the cross-stitch picture.

The pattern called for certain areas of the perforated paper to be left untouched as the background like the picture shown below:




However, I don't like seeing the different perforated sections in the background and since a lot more of it would be exposed with this kit and frame I opted instead to finish all of the background. I thought a background of navy blue embroidery floss would really enhance this picture so I finished the inside square background with two strands of DMC navy blue embroidery floss sewn as a half cross-stitch and the area surrounding the square with two strands of DMC navy blue embroidery floss sewn as a half cross-stitch.

The pattern also called for a single white strand of embroidery floss to be used for the straight and Smyrna stitching on the snowflakes. I opted instead to use two strands of the white embroidery floss for the straight stitching and Smyrna stitching as I wanted the snowflakes to stand out a little more.

I didn't realize until I was writing this blog post that I actually had made a big mistake on my snowman's cross-stitch.  I had forgotten to embroider his mouth and eyebrows with one strand of gray embroidery floss. As I'd already glued my cross-stitch to it's backing I couldn't correct this with a cross stitch. I could lightly draw this in, but I wasn't sure I would like that result. The ink might run on the embroidery floss. So, my snowman does not have a mouth or eyebrows. I should have known better and done a final check before gluing.

I also decided to once again utilize the rectangular wood frame jig that my darling husband built for me that I could tape the edges of my perforated paper to. The wood frame jig is a rectangular embroidery hoop of sorts, but without bending the perforated paper. He had made it out of 1/2" x 1" pine wood strips with an adjustable center strip that I used for this 5 x 5 square design.

I had learned from previous mistakes that I needed to draw diagonal lines to locate the exact center of the perforated paper and also drew diagonal lines across each corner of the pattern to get the center point as well.

While the end results of this design were wonderful some things in the kit and in the instructions could be improved upon so I'd like to offer the following constructive suggestions:

The cross-stitch chart was in black and white as was the floss color code and symbol key. Both were easy to read and very clear. While I had no problem with the chart and keys I did have a problem with the way the DMC floss was presented. All of the floss was tied together in one big knot so you had to separate the floss pieces yourself, sort them, and try to interpret which color belonged to which floss # and symbol key on the color chart. If you only have a few colors to deal with this isn't a problem. However, if you have several different colors to choose from that are close in color then interpreting the chart can be tricky. You may assign the wrong color to the wrong symbol if the colors are too closely aligned.

As I have done with other cross-stitch kits I've completed I had to design my own thread color sorter and symbol key. I took a piece of thin cardboard and cut a 1" x 9" long rectangular piece out to use as a thread sorter. I then punched 10 holes in my cardboard strip in which to tie each of the different colors. Just above the hole I wrote the DMC floss # and & the respective cross-stitch symbol. I then inserted the floss threads that went with that # and symbol through the hole and tied them in a loose knot. This kit could be much improved if a thread sorter with respective #'s and symbols was provided.

This kit came with two envelopes of beads. Usually there are plenty of beads left over.  This time I thought for sure I was going to run out of the orange beads. I ended up with only one to spare.  Good thing I didn't lose any.  They should have supplied a few extra orange beads.

The kit included a small star. The button was okay except it was glued to a small piece of cardboard which did not easily come off and the glue used had hardened and extended over the sides of the button. It was very difficult to cut with scissors it was so hard. I managed to make it presentable enough to use in my picture. I have found over time that the buttons used in the Mill Hill cross-stitch kits are usually of poor quality and the worst parts of the kits. Sometimes I use them sometimes I don't.

The wooden frame came with a 6" x 6" cardboard mounting board for the picture but had no back so I I decided to cut a 6" x 6" white foam board as filler for the back. I also cut a piece of heavy decorative paper and taped it to the back of the picture with double sided tape to finish the back of the frame. The frame could be hung as a picture or stand with an enclosed dowel peg used as an easel and I opted for the latter.

My results with the totally finished background, square edges, and decorative frame is shown below:


Despite the relatively small issues I had encountered with the kit I was happy with the way my Frosty Snowman turned out.

It took me 36 hours to complete this picture including the framing. As always, my comments are meant to be constructive to enable future purchasers to benefit from my experience and to enhance their ability to create a wonderful little cross-stitch design.

Mattel Cricket Bug Racer Has Critics

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Surprise, Mattel’s Cricket Racer Toy Car has critics … Yep, you actually load a real cricket in who drives around. “There are four modes for Bug Racer including cricket in charge, where the cricket steers the car depending on where it moves, and drag racer mode, when two Bug Racers compete against each other.” Read […]

Desk Diary 20160106

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It's been awhile since the last Desk Diary (4 months!) and things have changed quite a bit again. I a...

Not Doll Related - Dog Naming Contest

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We are getting a new baby purebred toy poodle. His birthday was 11/6/15 and we're having a heck of a time picking a name for him. He's also a bit difficult to photograph as he's all black except for his eyes which shine with a midnight blue cast.


His working name is Rocky which is a cute name for a dog, perhaps a Boxer, but not a tiny poodle who weighed in at 1-1/2 pounds yesterday and won't weigh more than 6 pounds at maturity.

I'm asking for suggestions for a name. I do prefer a two-syllable name but will consider every entry.
What do you get if I choose your suggestion? I will send you a signed photo of him or, if you prefer, you may choose to have me photograph any one of my dolls and I will mail you a signed photo of that doll instead.


WIP for Cute Every Day “The Ultimate Cute & Kawaii Art Show”

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We’re just 10 days away from the opening of Cute Every Day “The Ultimate Cute & Kawaii Art Show” at Leanna Lin’s Wonderland! Join us for the opening reception on Saturday, January 16 from 6-9pm! Serious inquiries can contact the gallery at orders@leannalinswonderland.com. The show will be posted online a day or so after the […]

Happy Birthday Lightning McQueen – Humans, Eat For Free

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The Disney Store has a new 10th Anniversary Lightning McQueen. Yep, it’s been 10 years – well, I was going to wait until March to note it. And he should have some sort of birthday cake or a teeny tiny Desert Art Lightning McQueen diecast present. Thanks for the heads up, “Quercy.” And for humans, iMGUR […]

LEGO City Architecture Series

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In addition to the regular building architecture series, LEGO has launched a new city series with iconic buildings. New York City – with the Flatiron Building, Chrysler Building, Empire State Building, One World Trade Center and the Statue of Liberty.   Berlin – with the Reichstag, Victory Column, Deutsche Bahn Tower, Berlin TV Tower and the Brandenburg Gate & Features […]

Nathan Drake charts way into Funko's Pop! line

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Nathan Drake, the star of Sony's Uncharted video game series, has found his way into Funko's Pop! line and is currently available for pre-order.

The figure is based on Nate's appearance in the upcoming Uncharted 4: Thief's End (aka the biggest reason thus far to own a ps4) and features the intrepid explorer holding a rope with a grappling hook. (Possibly so he can climb onto your shelves?) While I'm a little surprised that we haven't seen a Pop! Nathan Drake before, he should be a good companion to any number of Pop! Kratos figures.

Funko's Pop! Nathan Drake can be pre-ordered for US$10 and has an expected March release.

[ Pre-order at Entertainment Earth ]

Nathan Drake charts way into Funko's Pop! line screenshot

worth 1000 words: itty bitty boxes

DIY the Coolest Intergalactic Ride with Makedo’s Cardboard Space Pod Kit

HOW TO CHOOSE A COLOR SCHEME THAT MATCHES YOUR HOUSE

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Simply owning a house is only halfway to getting the home of your dreams. Your interior design choices are key to turning that dream into reality. And color choices play a significant role in tying all your design choices together. So before you start buying furniture and homewares let me show you a dead simple… [read more]

The post HOW TO CHOOSE A COLOR SCHEME THAT MATCHES YOUR HOUSE appeared first on Our Ordinary Life.

Should I use an air mattress as a regular bed?

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Air mattresses are popular for use as an additional sleeping space in the home, or as a portable sleeping space while camping; but what if you want to use an air mattress as your main bed? It should be said that there is no maximum time you can inflate an air mattress for, so theoretically… [read more]

The post Should I use an air mattress as a regular bed? appeared first on Our Ordinary Life.

Who Are All These Social Networking, Social News Sharing, Social Cataloging, Social Shopping, and Social Bookmarking Services Websites? - Updated 1/6/2016

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Back in 2010 I wrote a post about all the social networking, news sharing, cataloging, social shopping, and bookmarking websites out there. Since then much has changed and social networking and social media has literally exploded online.  It's everywhere.

What hasn't changed is the Internet is still growing and adapting. What may have been in a few years, months, or even days ago might not be in now. Not only have all the social networking services, social news sharing services, social cataloging services, social shopping websites, and social bookmarking services websites exploded, but there are social media management tools now to help you manage all your social networking accounts.

While all the social media websites, applications, and services are all just a little different what they do have in common is they are basically social media type websites where you can interact with them and contribute to them in a various number of ways, either by joining their community, suggesting websites you like, sharing your lists and collections, sharing your likes and dislikes, rating various items, commenting on various things, blogging, sharing photo's or video's, sharing news stories, interacting with people who share similar interests, buying products or asking for suggestions as to what to buy, asking questions, looking for suggestions, sending a message, scheduling a get-together, or just telling them what is going on in your life.  You might be asking for advice, sharing some advice, asking where to go for advice, or trying to learn something. Just about anything and everything is handled via social media these days.

If you're unfamiliar with the terms social media, social bookmarking, social networking, social cataloging, social shopping, social news sharing, social network aggregators, or social media management systems and tools here's what they mean:

a) Social media are interactive websites and tools that use the internet to communicate and share information either using: text, audio, video, images, podcasts, blogs, forums, and other means of communicating.  Also known as user-generated content (UGC) websites.  According to Wikipedia, "Social media technologies take on many different forms including blogs, business networks, enterprise social networks, forums, microblogs, photo sharing, products/services review, social bookmarking, social gaming, social networks, video sharing, and virtual worlds."  For more information on social media please CLICK HERE.

b) Social bookmarking websites allow users to share, manage, search, and organize bookmarks of their favorite URL's. Sometimes they contain descriptions, comments, tags, keywords, and votes for or against. Sometimes the bookmarks are public or they have your restrictions on who may see your bookmarks. They may or may not have web feed capabilities, and other social networking features like groups, email capabilities, etc.

c) Social networking websites are usually groups of people who share common interests or activities. Usually they contain individual users profiles, social website links, email or instant messaging capabilities, blog capabilities, photo storage capabilities, etc. Usually there is a sharing of ideas, activities, events, and interests by each user. The focus is individual versus forums which would have a group focus. The social network's niche might be old friends, classmates, books read, music liked, interests, services offered, and more.  Social networking is accessible through desktops computers, laptops, tablets and mobile devices.

d) Social cataloging websites help users to catalog and share things owned or of interest to them, like: books, CDs, DVD's, recipes, photos, hobbies, crafts,  etc.

e) Social shopping and social commerce websites offer shopping and selling over the Internet in a social networking and information sharing setting.

f) Social News sharing services are websites where you can submit and share a news story and have the users of that website vote on it. Social news sharing websites may also be aggregator type news sites that gather and catalog articles by interest and then provide an RSS feed for those interests.

g) Social Network Aggregators are tools and services that collect all the information from multiple social networking services and gather it in one place for you.

h) Social Media Management Systems and Tools are websites, apps, and systems that allow you to easily manage your online social media presence or update and/or schedule posting to all your social media accounts from one application. 

The various social bookmarking, social networking, social news, social shopping and social cataloging websites are always evolving - even to the extent that it's difficult to tell some of them apart. The lines are blurring.  For sure - there are many of them, with many more to come as the trend towards connecting, communicating, and selling over the Internet continues to grow.

You see the buttons everywhere to share this URL, page, comment, or blog post on the various toolbars, blogs, websites, and social networking websites. But, who are all these social networking services, social news sharing services, social cataloging, social shopping, and social bookmarking service websites?

Please CLICK HERE for my summary of some of the more popular services.

Mattel Disney Pixar CARS: Precision Series Singles at TRU

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The Precision Series singles are available at retail at TRU. They are definitely hefty and high end. Open singles PICS HERE. Also available at Amazon.   Tweet This Post

Bandai Disney Pixar CARS: Do We Need Another Hero – Hatch N?

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Thanks for the heads up & photos, “Michael VN.” Hatch ‘n Heroes Lightning, Mater & Francesco. Fun for little tykes. They basically seem to Kinder Eggs without any chocolate … or a transformer … Thanks, “Michael NV.” Tweet This Post

Gecco Corp's Ultraman is up for pre-order

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Gecco Corp recently released images of its upcoming 1/6-scale Ultraman, now also available for pre-order. The statue will feature interchangeable arms with a Spacium Blade, an interchangeable unmasked head, and glowing LED elements.

This surprisingly cool-looking Ultraman statue stands roughly 33-cm tall (which is about 13-inches) and sports some amazingly crisp paint. As an added bonus, the interchangeable masked head can be placed in Ultraman's arm as an optional accessory.

Gecco's Ultraman can be pre-ordered for around ¥36,800 and is slated to release in May.

[ Pre-order at HobbyLink Japan  | AmiAmi ]

Gecco Corp's Ultraman is up for pre-order screenshot

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Diamond's top 100 best-selling toys for 2015

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Diamond Comic Distributors recently released (via ToyNewschest) a list of its top 100 best-selling collectibles for 2015. Surprisingly (or perhaps unsurprisingly?), it's topped by an old favorite: DST's Marvel Select Deadpool!

First released in 2010, the Marvel Select Deadpool has since top 10'd quite a few yearly and monthly bestseller lists. I suppose it's an ongoing testament to the character's popularity, the craftsmanship of the figure, and its general availability. (Editor's note: I still don't own one myself!)

Coming in second was the Batman: The Animated Series Batmobile (designed to fit the 6-inch figures), followed by the Joker and Harley Quinn statue, figma Skyward Sword Link, and the Batman: Arkham Knight Batman.

Did you pick up any of these top 100 toys in 2015? See the full list after the jump.

Diamond's top 100 best-selling toys for 2015 screenshot

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Toy Chest: Code-a-Pillar Edition

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Toy Chest: Code-a-Pillar Edition

Teach your preschooler how to code with the 'Code-a-Pillar' and 7 other things I wanted to share this week.

For more stories behind some of your favorite toys visit Toy Tales.

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