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Christmas at Disney's California Adventure Park

Disney's California Adventure Park offers some very unique and fun Christmas Tree displays made out of unusual objects.

Like this tree made of metal Car wheel covers.

My favorite area is Radiator Springs 

from the movie "Cars".  They even have a cute car snowman to greet guests as they enter "Cars Land".

and it did not disappoint. Everywhere I looked there were touches of Christmas.


The first tree I spotted was made from old "Route 66" signs.
Route 66 signage tree

The next tree was made of cones.
Traffic Cone Tree

They even had a wreath made from wrenches and garland made from car filters.
Wrench Wreath

And of course where there are cars, there is oil.
Oil Can Tree
And in the junk yard, there was an old scrap metal tree.
Scrap Metal Tree
And a tree of tires.


I will upload pictures from the rest of the park on a different post.  
Happy Holidays!

A look at Project Junktopia at their booth at the OC Mini Maker Faire 2013

If you love the world of miniatures (and are not tied into the 1" ratio rules) and love to make items yourself, then you will enjoy the world that Project Junktopia has created through their marvelous displays of wooden toys and unique characters.

Janet Schriever, of Project Junktopia, is a toy inventor and designer.  She also creates amazing characters out of the ordinary things.  Below are some very cool wings that she made from fabric, wood and other easy to find items.  Her designs are very cool and I recommend seeing them in person.
She was also demonstrating how to make this fun steampunk inspired mask (Junktopia Goggles with Mustache Maker Kit) with moving parts that is available on the Junktopia website.



To learn more abot Janet Schriever and her wonderful world of recreated characters and object, just check out her Project Junktopia site.






Amazon Preview to Black Friday Deals are going on now.

Here is a link to some of the fabulous deals that Amazon is offering as a countdown to Black Friday.

Shop Amazon - Black Friday Deals Week - Big Savings, No Waiting


The deals which include computers, software and more are from November 24 through the 30th.  I recommend you keep checking the deals out as they release new ones, so fair I have picked up some great deals on software.  This includes Word Perfect which I use for my law classes for a great price.  I only paid $19 for the program last night during the one hour special price period.



If you are looking for computer supplies, camera equipment or computer programs, you are going to want to keep on eye on the various specials they are having.



Exploring 3D Printers at the OC Mini Maker Faire 2013


OC Mini Maker Faire 2013 in Irvine, California was a great opportunity to explore and learn more about 3D Printers.

The 3D Printers are unique in that they actual replicate a digital drawing/design/model out of plastic.

The process is fascinating to watch.

The actual replication is done fairly quickly
3D Plastic Printed Puzzle

and the finished product is an amazing 3D replica of the original digital model.

The upside of this process is that it allows for an artist to create prototypes.

They can also produce multiple pieces to sell at small venues.

The artist controls the finished product from design to finish.

There are a large selection of 3D printers out in the market now.

That being said, the wax can vary in colors, texture and thickness.  The amount of the plastic materials various in accordance to the digital model specifications.  The price on these printers can vary as well.


Dia De Los Muertes aka: Day of the Dead

I came across this fun "Dia De Los Muertes" (Day of the Dead) display over in Frontier land at Disneyland.  It is a great photo opp if you are heading out to Disneyland for the day.




If you have never attending a "Dia De Los Muertos" celebrations, there is one at the Hollywood Forever Cementary in Los Angeles, California this weekend.  There will altar displays, costumes, entertainment and some amazing artwork.





More Halloween Costume Inspirations


For those who are still trying to come up with their last minute Halloween costumes, 
Fairy Costume and Make up
here are some pictures of various costumes I came across this year.

Harry Potter Costume
A female Robin Hood Costume.

Female Robin Hood

This Knight Costume is fun and made up of recycled beer cans.
Knight Costume made up of Recycled metal beer cans.
Another Knight Costume made of recycled materials and Duct Tape.

This corsette is made up of playing cards.

Here is a better view of the green fairy costume.

Here are a few more fairy costumes.


Where there are fairies, there will be trolls.

And of course everyone loves a Doctor Who costume. 

Doctor Who Costume

A close up of a Deer Costume Make up done without airbrushing.
Male and Female Puritan Costumes


Death Dancer (Macabre Dancer) costume

And of course, what party is not complete without a star trek costume or Star Wars costume.




Finally, we have "Ruffio" from Hook (a Peter Pan movie).

And two female Satir Costumes.



Have a great Halloween!

Halloween Costume Ideas: Alice in Wonderland Costumes at the Rennaissance Faire

Alice in Wonderland is always a fun favorite when it comes to costuming.  This year at the local
Alice in Wonderland gets a kiss from the Giraffe

Renaissance Faire, I got a chance to see some fun "Mad Tea Party" themed costuming.
Tweedle Dee and Tweedle Dum

Below is the Renfaire version of Alice in Wonderland, hoops and all.

Renfaire Alice in Wonderland
A more evil version of Alice in Wonderland (gaming version )  was also to be found.

Then there is the "Red Queen" who took on a more "Pirate" personality.


One cannot forget the "Cheshire Cat"......
Here is a close-up of his hat.
There was also a steampunk themed brown rabbit present.

I came across some pink flamingos too.

And not to be left out, Tweedle Dee and Tweedle Dum were present too.

And then there was this cool "Black Diamonds Costume".


And here are a few more photos from that day.
Pink Flamingo in her converted (baby crib) vehicle

Pink Flamingo in capitivity.

Three of Hearts Costume.