Showing posts with label GI Joe. Show all posts
Showing posts with label GI Joe. Show all posts

2/22/2013

Electrostatic Flocking

JamesFL aka OOAK Zoo, the wonderfully talented re-paint artist, posted this image and information about electrostatic doll head flocking.

This is what James wrote:
Here's a pic of my GI Joe that I had custom flocked by Ray Cairo of Flock Concepts, he's a master at electrostatic flocking (the fibers stand on end like a brush)...this is not the shake n' bake style of flocking (which actually looks more like felt). I've asked him if he would flock the 16" girls and guys and he said he would, so you just need to contact him with your ideas. He can also do a shorter velvet type flock like on the vintage Kens. He doesn't work with rooted hair so if the head you want flocked has rooted hair you'll probably have to pull it all out first. He can also mix short and long flock fibers, for example shorter on the sides and longer on top for a sort of flat top look.
I've seen electrostatic flocking in action when Alain Tremblay did a workshop at the last Gene convention in Philadelphia a few years ago.  I posted a picture of my flocked head Trent previously on this blog but here it is again.
 It's a great look for some dolls and if you wish to learn more about this process or have someone do this for one of your dolls, check out these links. 

FLOCK CONCEPTS WEBSITE

FLOCK CONCEPTS FORUM

5/29/2011

Honoring Those Who Have Died Serving in the US Military

A brief background on the origin and meaning of Memorial Day:

Memorial Day, originally called Decoration Day, is a day of remembrance for those who have died in our nation's service. There are many stories as to its actual beginnings, with over two dozen cities and towns laying claim to being the birthplace of Memorial Day. There is also evidence that organized women's groups in the South were decorating graves before the end of the Civil War: a hymn published in 1867, "Kneel Where Our Loves are Sleeping" by Nella L. Sweet carried the dedication "To The Ladies of the South who are Decorating the Graves of the Confederate Dead" (Source: Duke University's Historic American Sheet Music, 1850-1920). While Waterloo N.Y. was officially declared the birthplace of Memorial Day by President Lyndon Johnson in May 1966, it's difficult to prove conclusively the origins of the day. It is more likely that it had many separate beginnings; each of those towns and every planned or spontaneous gathering of people to honor the war dead in the 1860's tapped into the general human need to honor our dead, each contributed honorably to the growing movement that culminated in Gen Logan giving his official proclamation in 1868. It is not important who was the very first, what is important is that Memorial Day was established. Memorial Day is not about division. It is about reconciliation; it is about coming together to honor those who gave their all. 

Two wonderful doll photos posted today highlight this remembrance.

From Valerie in Chicago:
The sailor on the right is vintage from the 1960's, middle is vintage doll, replica outfit and vintage accessories, on the left a GI Joe Club doll from the 90's.
 
From Pamnaz:

Gene, Trent and Gene