Custom Monster High Tiki Dolls

My children and I  loved the Monster High, Escape from Skull Shores special that aired last year around spring break.   That is when I made our first tiki to add to our Monster High collection.   He was quickly crafted out of items that I gathered from around the house.

Since then, I have made a few for others to dispIay with the Skull Shores dolls.   Tiki was my first attempt at making a custom doll.








  I just finally got around to making the blue masked tiki. I am really pleased with how he turned out.   The only tricky part was getting the horns as close to the same size as possible.   I am considering making another blue tiki, just so I can perfect him a little.

Some of my Tiki photos were originally posted on my other blog, The Squeaky Grocery Cart and on the Tiki Tumblr page.

Thrift Find: Transformers G2 Scrapper Constructicon

For the last couple of weeks, I have been making a weekly trip to our local Goodwill store.  This store just recently opened, which I am not sure if it's good or bad.   It is really close to home and work.  So whenever I get a free minute, I go check it out.

They have really been keeping it stocked with some great merchandise, compared to the other GW in town.  I picked up a generation 2 Constructicon.   It is missing some stickers and its accessory pieces.   This is the third Transformer I have picked up at this store.   All have been priced .50.    You can read about the other Transformers I purchased here.

When I was younger, my mom hated buying me toys.   She desperately wanted me to play with baby dolls but I just wasn't into that.  I loved my Barbie dolls, but I couldn't stand baby dolls.  Not to mention, that I also  loved all the Star Wars, GI Joes, and Transformers I could get my hands on.    She hated buying "boy toys".    One Christmas, I got the Autobot Blaster.  That was the only one that I ever had.  I have been slowly picking up vintage Transformers.

On this trip, I also picked up a really cool pair of Woodies sandals.   I googled them and found out that they retail for about $40 and are hand painted.    I scoped these out for weeks.  As a general rule, I don't buy shoes at the Goodwill.  But, for some bizarre reason, I just couldn't resist these.

I would look at them and put them back.  This went on for several weeks.  I would try to hide them, but at the Goodwill that is virtually impossible.  I am surprised they were still there.  Finally, green was the color of the day and I got them half price.    I don't really think they have been worn.  They have been properly Lysoled and sanitized.   Now, if the weather will just warm up.

Thrift Find- Harry Potter Mountain Troll

A couple of years ago, I  started collecting the Mattel Harry Potter figures.  The figure line is characters from the first 2 movies.    I picked up the first couple at the flea market and have slowly added more.  

I picked the Mountain Troll up for $1 at one of the local Goodwill stores.    The lady who rang me up, had that look of disgust like, "why are you buying this ugly thing?"   I got the standard question, "What is this ugly thing?"  

The Mountain Troll is one of the deluxe creatures from the 2001 toy line.  There is a little damage to one hand, but its not really noticeable.    I really love all the detail and texture that this figure has.  The entire line was really well made.

I really love this series and can't wait to find a Fluffy the 3 headed dog to add to my collection.

Wordless Wednesday: Fun with Legos

Island of Misfit Toys- Mechanic from Bionic 6

My "island of misfit toys" is really just a cardboard box that toys that don't fit into any collection get sent to.   The toys  either come from box lots or "grab bags" I pick up at my favorite local  thrift store.     Some I will take the time to research.  Others, like Happy Meal toys get re-donated.

I have had this guy forever just hanging out in the box.   I finally took the time to research him.   This is Mechanic from Bionic 6.
  The cartoon aired in 1987.   I honestly don't remember this show at all!  so I can't wax poetically about these characters.   Although, I am interested in FLUFFI now. I would love to see what the figure looks like.   FLUFFI is a gorialla/robot butler of sorts.

The figures are interesting because they are die cast.   The Mechanic has a good weight to it. The only draw back is that being die cast, the paint chips off.   From some of the other articles I have read, this particular figure, even fresh out the package had problems with chipping on the feet and backside.   I don't expect that many of the figures  found in "the wild"  would be in good condition.  This one has a lot of wear and chipping.  

It has the usual points of articulation.   My figure has really weak leg and knee joints, making him impossible of standing on his own.

Overall, the figure is well sculpted and visually interesting.  From what I have learned about the show, it captures the quality of the character.   The Mechanic wasn't the brightest bulb in the box.   Now, I just have to figure out what I am going to do with this figure.

Flea Market WTF?- It's a bed ... I think?

It's a bed.  At least that is what the seller said it was.   I guess if you are into monster trucks or pick-up trucks, then this is the bed for you.  There were 2 for sell, not sure what the asking price was.  

Thrift Find: It's raining vintage Transformers (G1 Metroplex & Onslaught)

The weather today wasn't the greatest for thrift treasure hunting.    We have been blessed with sleet and freezing rain today.  But, the Goodwill has been raining vintage Transformers.    This is the second time in about 2 weeks that I have found some generation 1 Transformers.      Today's grand total for the pair was $1. 

These two are in played with condition.   Onslaught especially has a lot of sticker wear and missing accessory pieces.    A side from the Transformers featured in the cartoon, my knowledge of them is greatly lacking.   I had to Google information on both of these robots.

Metroplex when transformed is actually a city.  This is surprisingly one of the easier to transform.   There is a helipad for a helicopter, parking spaces.  The city scale is more suited to the mini-bots.  I need to find some mini-bots.   He is missing Six Guns, Slammer, and Scamper.


From what I have read, this Metroplex is the second version.  In order to cut costs, Hasbro replaced chrome thighs and rubber wheels with stickers with plastic wheels.

Onslaught is a Combaticon.   I love his motto, " The mind is the greatest weapon".   He has 3 modes, robot, vehicle, and battle station mode.     Onslaught is the leader of the Combaticons and when together they form Bruticus.   Like I said, I am missing the accessory pieces.   There is a chest plate that completes him in robot mode.   For the price, I am not going to complain.  I think they are awesome.

Despite the weather, I scored a great find today.