Blab Thread: Your Collecting Goals

There’s a thread going on Blab about model collection goals. I’m always intrigued by other people’s collection goals and thoughts on the whole plastic pony pandemic. Some highlights:

“My goal is to be able to display all my models in a way they can be appreciated I’ve sold off a bunch and now have room to spread out the ones I really love, and I would like for it to always be that way.” – Amy on page 1

“I want to appreciate every model I have and absolutely love everything about it.” – Jonesbug on page 4

“My goals are adding horses to the herd that I’ve been wanting for a long time […] I’ve challenged myself to purchase them with money (mostly) earned through the hobby. ” – Nichelle (of Desktop Stables) on page 7

“In 11 years of model horse collecting, my goal has not been attained and never changes: Tighten my focus. ” -Susan B on page 7

“I’m supposed to have goals? Uh oh…” – happytrails on page 10

I’m definitely on board with a constant focusing and downsizing to prevent overflowing. This morning, even before seeing this post, I had made a new model horse resolution to only have one simple custom on each mold- no doubles unless it’s a drastic custom! That will maintain uniqueness and keep the numbers down. I want every model to be special, and if I have too many in my collection I don’t see how that can be. I’ve been thinking about selling quite a few of my customs (you may notice I added a Sales page on here). We’ll see.

Also, Happy Star Wars Day! It’s May Fourth, as in “May the Fourth be with you.”

Hobby Hodge Podge

Today I’m sharing a few fun things that I’ve found in my online hobby wanderings as well as the fruits of yesterday’s labor.

A member of the Fallen Leaves discussion group asked “What are your hobby rules?” I have always had my set hobby rules (at least, since I got back into the hobby in winter of 2009) but I had never written them out, which in itself was a good exercise. Check out the thread to see what other guidelines people have set for themselves.

The always-brilliant Laura Skillern of Don’t Eat the Paint replied to my question about paint storage (my post is at the bottom of the page, in the comments). I had no idea that mixed acrylic paint could actually be stored for future use. This could be revolutionary… if I ever get the nerve to try acrylic painting again. I would have to buy those special glass jars (egads! spending!) but it might really be worth it.

Jennifer Buxton of Braymere Custom Saddlery is in Texas judging the Lone Star Live and posted some totally inspirational photos of Lyn Norbury’s performance entries. Everything in these pictures was made my Lyn- that’s my dream and goal!

The two pictures below are screenshots of Jen’s post. All credit to her and Lyn.

Correction: Jen says that these photos are by Kellye Bussey. The Lone Star resin is owned by Susan Hargrove with custom sculpting by Sherry Clayton, and is painted and shown by Lyn Norbury.

What phenomenal entries, made 100% by the owner! So cool. And that Hazel resin is totally scrumptious. As I said I found these entries very inspirational, and I’m happy to say that yesterday I did finally get some photos of my Trakehner mare Doublet in her new bridle with handler. Everything in the photo is made my me.

Doublet, chestnut Trakehner mare, CM PS Chips Warmblood by me as a semi-portrait of the Thoroughbred gelding of the same name owned by Princess Anne.

And yesterday’s other achievement, perhaps less exciting but still pleasing- a halter photo for my finished POA mare, Diamond.

Diamond, blue roan leopard POA mare, CM PS Chips Pony, a portrait of the real POA mare who taught me to canter at summer camp

It’s intriguing to note that both of these models are portraits- it sort of ties into my model horse rules #3 and #5, that all CMs are by me and I have to really love all my models or they don’t stay in the collection. Both of the above models are portraits of horses that I dreamed about as a child, so now I have them-albeit in miniature form-and my childhood dreams are immortalized and treasured. Here’s a photo of the real Diamond and one of the real Doublet, from The Encyclopedia of the Horse.

Why Miniatures?

This has been circulating among hobbyists but if you haven’t seen it, it’s a good quick read. It’s an article about why adults place with miniatures.

The Smart Set: Railroad Ties – February 7, 2011.

Going in a new direction

Interesting thread on Blab about shifting your model horse hobby goals from collecting to customizing and/or building a more focused collection: Going in a new direction.

Good reading for me as I work on my new shelf unit.

Tips from other bloggers

Life has been a bit hectic– I’m sick, helping my friends move, and I quit my job –but I have a post or two in the works. Meanwhile, check out some of the cool stuff other hobbyists are posting.

• Laura of Don’t Eat the Paint is an amazing and resourceful sculptor. She posted lots of pictures of her wire and tape armatures in her latest post. Her archives have lots of helpful treasures too.
• About.com has a post detailing different types of leather for use in miniatures. It’s a good introductory guide although I still maintain that buying leather in person (in the form of thrift store items or leather scraps) is the best way to go to make sure you really get what you want.
• There is an interesting thread going on Model Horse Blab about how people afford the hobby. I particularly like Melly’s post (#43) on page five.

Gratuitous cute picture of troublemaker "Friday" and pal "August"