Thursday, December 30, 2010

Vandor January 2011


Lenticular Notebook






Magnets





Sticky Note Set

Friday, December 17, 2010

Westland Spring 2011


Emerald City and Ruby Slippers Tealight
 
 
Flying Wicked Witch Tealight



Wicked Witch of the East Legs Tealight 3.25"



Salt and Pepper Shakers
 







Wicked Witch Bell 4"



Glinda Bell 3.75"



Best Friends I Ever Had Limoge Box 5"
 
Wicked Witch Limoge Box 4.5"


Wicked Witch Castle Lighted Box 5.5"

Thursday, December 16, 2010

Toto's Grave Situation



After a full life of joyful celluloid antics and as a beloved family pet off screen, the little female Cairn Terrier who was Toto was buried in a modest grave on the kennel property of Hollywood dog trainer Carl Spitz around 1945. Much has been lost in the name of “progress” and Toto’s final resting spot was a causality of the expansion of the Ventura Freeway in 1958 when Spitz was forced to relocate. The kennel grounds were destroyed and apartments now stand where the most famous film dog in history once played.


The past can not be undone, but there is an effort underway to ensure Toto has a permanent tribute in the Los Angeles Pet Memorial Park.

JP Myers is becoming a champion to memorialize the lost, but not forgotten souls of Americana. He raised funds for a beautiful headstone for Jack Norworth who penned the lyrics to “Take Me Out to the Ballgame.” Now JP Myers has teamed with author Steve Goldstein (L.A.’s Graveside Companion: Where the V.I.P.s R.I.P) to take up the cause for Toto.

The Wizard of Oz brought Toto immortality, but she has appeared in at least 14 other films alongside such notables as Shirley Temple, Spencer Tracy, and Greer Garson. It’s difficult to fathom such a symbol of loyalty and bravery was once a timid little creature that was wary of strangers. A frustrated couple incapable of house training her properly had left Toto in the care of Carl Spitz and ultimately abandoned her. Toto was discarded by a couple, but in that simple thoughtless act she was given to the world. The gentle perseverance of Carl Spitz brought Toto out of her shell and one day she would journey over the rainbow winning the hearts of millions.

In the book I, Toto by Willard Carroll Carl Spitz’s widow says her husband would be so very happy Toto is still loved and remembered today. “He once said that one of the saddest experiences of life is outliving our dogs. It’s good to remember them. To honor them.” Undoubtedly, Carl Spitz would be overjoyed today. And Toto too.


You can help Toto by donating, promoting the effort, and/or leaving messages of support. Visit the links below for more details and to learn more about Toto.

Toto Canine Movie Star Memorial Marker Official Facebook Page

If He Only Had a Grave: An Effort to Honor Toto

Terry the Dog AKA Toto Turner Classic Movies Blog

And just for fun here's a look at the newest Toto in Oz-dom from Andrew Lloyd Webber's production of The Wizard of Oz. How adorable is this little guy!!

Wizard of Oz Blog: Toto Training

I want to do a more in depth Toto entry at a later date but in honor of Toto’s memorial, here are just some of my favorite Totos. I love Toto and Toto collectibles so much, they’re really all my favorites so it was really difficult to choose just a few!

Shown above this blog entry is a plush Toto charity event giveaway Kurt Adler 2009

Shown below is the 5" tall figurine. A "lifesize" 16" version was made in an edition of 1000 Merry Mac 2002


Mary Tretter Wizard of Oz Storybook Ornament Collection Ashton Drake 2000


Flocked figurine Presents 1989


Doll accessory Effanbee 1990

Run, Toto, Run! limited edition ornament Hallmark 2010


MGM Grand figurines 1997


San Francisco Music Box 2003


Toto porcelain surprise box Warner Brothers Studio Stores edition of 500 1998


Make Room for Toto Snowbabies Department 56 2002


gold charm 1999


Bad Little Angel still 1939 Barefoot Boy glass slide 1938


Portraits of Oz plate Hamilton Collection 1989


I, Toto by Willard Carroll 2001

Friday, December 03, 2010

Glass Ornaments


Beautiful storybook styled glass ornaments of characters from the Wonderful Wizard of Oz. Sold at Carson Pirie Scott stores. Check the site for store locator.

http://www.carsons.com/?siteID=qBNKlhsBsB4-5HTLOu2rJ6GaFKoLp5VYJg

It's unknown whether there is a lion ornament or not. I apologize for lack of info. I'll update if I hear any more.







Beautiful photo courtesy of Joe Shipbaugh and thanks to Louis Berrillo for the heads up!

Thursday, December 02, 2010

Early December Misc.


Bradford Exchange has just introduced a jacket for women priced at $119 plus shipping.
 
 

Celebriducks has added Glinda to their popular Oz line and as you can see they've designed snazzy new packaging for the Oz ducks!


F.Y.E. has added light covers to their Oz line. Please scroll down to see more. The Oz stockings are on sale for $9.99 and the light sets seem to be going fast. My store was temporarily sold out.

 
Byers Choice is well known for their Christmas carolling figurines. They usually stand around 12" to 14" This year they have introduced Dorothy and Toto as Christmas Dove exclusives. They are sold separately. Dorothy is $68.00 plus shipping and Toto is $20 plus shipping.




If you are wanting to get this year's Barbies you may not want to wait much longer. Mattel is sold out of the vintage Wicked Witch and Miss Dorothy Gale. They seem plentiful in the stores for now, but once they're gone they are gone.