Order up!

I'm offering four different versions of my conversion figures in my web store. My first order was for the "Andy" character, a red-haired, freckle-faced little guy with a split in his front teeth. I finished the figure this week and shipped him to his new home in Pennsylvania.

I was already working on a figure when the order was placed. I'd added larger ears and dimples. I asked my customer if they'd be interested in having the dimples and ears added to their "Andy", and they agreed. So the final result is pictured here.

Concerns over stress delayed the opening of a store for special orders, but so far I've been okay with it. I've been able to make progress on my Ebay figures, keep up with my "real job", attend to my duties as Chamber of Commerce president, take on two more community projects, AND still complete my special orders.

Of course, my dogs bark at me now because they think I'm a stranger.

Tale of the tape

Sometimes I get real excited about products I see that I THINK will improve the quality of my figures. I've been using blue painters tape (similar to masking tape) to quiet the contact between the brass rod and the brass loop on the eye synchronizer. I wrap the brass rod with a short length of tape. But I've been on the lookout for a plastic tape as a replacement. Well, I found some. It's actually plastic electrical tape that comes in several colors. So I used it to wrap the brass rod. And as they say, "the best laid plans". The texture of the plastic tape actually sticks to the contact point on the brass loop, which then makes the eyes stick in one position. Turns out the texture of the painters tape is much better suited for the purpose. No sticking!

So I AM sticking with the blue painters tape because I'm NOT sticking with the blue painters tape. (Who's on first?)

Second time around

Because the winner of "Riley's" first auction didn't pay (or even answer a single email... fume, fume, fume), the little fellow is back on the block. If you'd like to review his full story, please click on over to EBAY.

Faster than a speeding bullet

No, not really. But I'm going faster than I expected as I fulfill my first special order for a figure. I'm also able to complete a few tasks on the other figures I have under construction that will eventually be offered on Ebay.

Speaking of Ebay, I've run into my second deadbeat. The first refused to pay for an audiobook I auctioned last year. Not a lot of money was involved, but there was a lot of hassle. The second deadbeat involved a more substantial sum. The winner of the auction for "Riley" not only did not pay, the fellow wouldn't even answer an email. There was nothing but silence on the other end of the computer. Very frustrating and very disappointing. I just can't understand how some people can be so dishonorable.

On a happier note, "Jimmy" (pictured above right) will soon be rooting for "da Bears" as he makes his way to Chicago.

First order of business

Well, it took a couple of weeks, but I got my first special order for a vent figure. My customer ordered an "ANDY" character. He's the redhead in the photo. I advertise that it takes 4-6 weeks for construction and delivery, but I've already started a couple figures, either of which could become "ANDY". I'm pleased to get my first order. Some businesses frame the first dollar they receive and hang it on the wall. I'm not sure framing my first email order from Paypal will have the same effect.

A little love for Lovik

One of the cutest figure designs around is the Lovik line of little guys (and gals). I just purchased a used Lovik figure on Ebay. The fella looks like he's in need of some minor attention. Also, it appears that his only animations are the ball & socket neck and a moving mouth. I may upgrade the figure by adding self-centering eyes and raising eyebrows. He may need a new paint-job, too.

It's always interesting to examine the materials and methods of other vent-builders. It opens my mind to new approaches. Some I adopt, others I don't. But I'm always amazed and impressed by how many ways there are to build vent figures.

A little whippersnapper

"Jimmy" will make a wonderful partner for someone. He's cute, a little small for his age, and frankly rather precocious. His full story can be viewed on EBAY

The World Is A Stage

By request, here's the location of Jay Johnson's blog, The World Is A Stage: http://hellandhayes.blogspot.com Check it out. There's something funny going on there right now. (Be sure to read the "Comments").

I feel better now

Now that I have that diatribe off my chest (Mr. Superiority), I'll ask you the question I posed at the home improvement store. I'd like to get a recommendation for a brushable non-oil-based primer that will work on wood and accept acrylic paint. The store guy said that latex primer won't accept acrylic paint ( I seem to recall something about that in Mike Brose's book). For health reasons, I prefer to stay away from paints and primers that require turpentine for brush clean-up.

I'd like to use the primer on my wood eyeballs so that I can cut down on the number of coats of paint I currently apply. Any thoughts?

Mr. Superiority

You've probably met this guy before, too. It's not the same guy, but every town seems to have a few of 'em. It's the guy (or gal) who works at the local home improvement store that goes out of his way to make you, the customer, feel stupid. This guy answers every question with another question designed to make you feel inferior for even asking the question. Before he's gonna help you, he'll make sure you know he's smarter, more experienced, and superior in every way to you. When he finally does answer a question, he'll be intentionally cryptic. He'll throw in a few technical terms for the pleasure of seeing you wrinkle your brow in confusion. He'll turn away and pretend to go back to whatever he was doing before you bothered him so that you have to get his attention again to make further inquiries. Then he'll turn back to you with this look of "What? You're so dense that my answer didn't sufficiently enlighten you, you idiot?"

So now you have to parry back and forth to get the information you require. He'll talk in circles until he's reached some orgasmic tipping point where he feels he can actually provide the information you sought with some degree of clarity.

And then, this is the part that really pisses me off. The guy suddenly turns very friendly and polite so that any inclination you might have had to tell him off would make you seem to be the unreasonable one.

It's not like I was asking for instructions on how to assemble a ten-story building. I just wanted to know about paint primer, for gawds sake!

Favorite blog

"The World Is A Stage", the blog by ventriloquist Jay Johnson, is my favorite blog. As you might guess, Mr. Johnson has a very creative mind. He's funny, a little twisted now and then, and very often makes fun of himself. I also enjoy his tales of life as a professional entertainer and ventriloquist. There was a time in my youth when I aspired to do what he does. (In fact, I even auditioned for the role he won in "Soap"). So hearing about his adventures, his travels, his friends and associates is very entertaining and quite amusing. His long blog entries, often hilarious diatribes, show what an active mind he possesses. Jay Johnson is one of our great living-legend ventriloquists. He's also a terrific blogger.

I'm all talk

This little funnyman hopes to find someone to be his "straightman". Take a gander on Ebay.

You must be joking

If there was sound, I suppose this miniature comedian would be making you laugh. Hopefully soon, someone will give him a voice of his very own.

How now cow?

I was asked recently why I prefer Elmer's Glue to other glues to attach wigs. I replied that I use Elmer's because it's easy to apply, holds firmly, but can be unattached if necessary without ruining the wig.

The person asking the question was also wondering why I don't use hot glue. The reason I don't is self-preservation. I always burn the crap out of my fingers every time I've used it.

I also don't like the Velcro solution because the stickum on the underside of the Velcro doesn't seem very secure on the wig. I find it difficult to sew the Velcro onto the wig, too. So... it's glue.

My question to you... is there another better glue (or solution) to consider?