On my recent hunt for vinyl toys I came across Treeson, I was instantly moved by what happened to him. You wouldn’t expect that you would feel such compassion for a toy. But Bubi Au Yeung the designer of Treeson has created this phenomenal back-story and message that came from an article that she read about deforestation. In one of her interviews back in April of this year she describes Treeson as a character who wants to share with the world “the importance of protecting our nature and spread love among us.”

Treeson was born August of 2005 in a forest and raised by a tree that was eventually cut down by a logger. The result of it all was that he got stabbed in the heart by a branch and left homeless. Even though Treeson hasn’t had the best start in life, he goes around finding broken hearts, mends them and delivers them to the people who have lost them. The more I learn about this little guy, the more I wish I could be a part of his world.

If you want to be a part of Treeson’s world go here and you’ll discover the many stories of how Treeson spreads his love.

Source: ilikecharacters.com
Image Source: Treeson

Vinyl figures with a flock finish isn’t entirely new.  From Sket-One’s Kong Dunny to previous years Valentine’s Edition Be@rbricks, we’ve seen a fair share of this texture.  For 2010, Toy2R will deliver an entire series of flocked finished DIY Qees with a wide range of colors.  What I’m curious about is having seen the above colors, what should we expect of the “chase” figure?  We’ll just have to find out as next year rolls around.

Image Source: Qee 4 All

Here’s a fitted that combines two of my favorite things, plaid and Kidrobot’s Dunny silhouette.  Partially playful, this 59fifty features an all over Kidrobot print on the underbill and a large embroidery of a Dunny.  The inside of the embroidery is filled in with a plaid texture with colors seen throughout the entire cap.  The cap is available now at all Kidrobot locations and online.

Image Source: Amazingstore

Toy2R’s  Reservoir Dog Qees have yet to surface at any online retailer.  However, I came across another set that piqued my interest.  Here is an interest release from Toy2R in collaboration with Taiwan’s Kaoshiung Rapid Transit Network.  The two have produced a limited run of black and white KRTCO Kuso Qee Bears.  The design on the bears is a simplified representation of the transit system.  Having seen the blister card backing, I probably wouldn’t want to tamper with the overall package.  Unfortunately, this set was only available at KRTCO subway stations.  Hopefully someone on eBay will want to get rid of their set or two.

Image Source: Qee 4 All

Very similar to papercraft, artist Kazuma Takahashi has taken every day packaging and recycled them into 3-d art.  See the below gallery for otherwise thrown away Xylitol gum boxes, Marlboro cartons and Kit Kat boxes morphed into package craft insects, robots and animals.

Image Source: Design Blog

I’ve been a fan of Phu!’s post apocalyptic style urban vinyl for some time now.  Recently Phu! was invited to customized adFunture’s popular YOKA silhouette.  The above piece, Rebel Traxx, will be seen at DesignerCon in Pasadena, California next month.  Phu! listed that cable ties, broken toy parts, brass rivets and other spare parts were all utilized for Rebel Traxx’s creation.  Although, I’m not sure if I can spot all the parts used, I am curious as to what he used to make the vulcanized like sole for the Yoka.  For those that can make it out, DesignerCon takes place at the Pasadena Convention Center on November 21st.

Image Source: TOYSREVILs I LIKE TOYS

We last mentioned Munny will be accompanied by some new friends, Bub, Trikky, Rooz and Raffy.  The companions officially drop on November 19th.  However, those interested can see them at the upcoming Munnyworld toy exhibit on November 13 – 15.  For those that are wondering about a soft openings, the Eloquent Delinquents Gallery will open its doors to collectors and socialites at 8pm on the 12th.  Given the opening night is a chance to meet all 60 participating artists, this is a can’t miss event.  One of the key pieces to look for is Thunderdog Studio owner, Tristan Eaton’s custom Mega Munny.  I simply love how the Mega Munny acts as an open playground for the Thundermutt hiding behind one of the trees.

Munnyworld Toy Exhibition
The Eloquent Delinquents Gallery
41 Wooster Street, New York, NY

Image Source: VPEast

We’ve seen Lego hip hop albums among other things Lego.  And while pop-up books may amaze all ages, there is nothing like the one in the Youtube clip above.  Watch the video and see  how this next level pop-up book reveals an intricate diorama including Kyoto’s Golden Pavilion.  All built in Lego pieces of course.  I’m really curious as to how many hours was spent planning and executing this brilliant piece of art.

Source: Topless Robot via talpaz

Over the years, we’ve seen improvements upon the Kidrobot Munny DIY silhouette.  A variety of accessories ranging from eyeglasses to vehicles.  The latest to come from Kidrobot are Munny’s friends, Bub, Trikky, Rooz and Raffy.  A whole new series of DIY Mini MUNNYWORLD characters are coming out November 19th to complement the original character design.  However, if you’re a die-hard Kidrobot fan along the east coast, you’d want to come out to the preview of MUNNYWORLD on November 12th from 8 to 10pm.  See the flyer below for details.

Image Source: Kidrobot KRonikle

In honor of Hello Kitty’s 35th birthday, MIMOBOT has teamed up with Sanrio to offer special USB flash drives. The commemorative series comes in three versions: Hello Kitty® Apple MIMOBOT®, Hello Kitty® Fun In Fields MIMOBOT® and Hello Kitty® x MIMOBOT®. From October 23-November 15th, Sanrio will be hosting a special event called the “Three Apples Exhibition” to celebrate the popular Japanese kitty’s birthday as well.

To learn more information about the exhibit and special 35th anniverary products, click here.

“As part of Hello Kitty’s 35th Anniversary celebration, Sanrio Global Consumer Products is pleased to announce a new partnership with Mimoco, creator of the MIMOBOT® line of contemporary character-based USB flash drives. The collaboration will transform SANRIO® characters into MIMOBOT designer flash drives, debuting in early September with multiple Hello Kitty x MIMOBOT designs produced and released in time for the pop icon’s 35th Anniversary on November 1st.”

Source: MIMOBOT

Simone Legno, creative director of Tokidoki, recently created a “Mini Karl” Lagerfeld 10 inch vinyl figure to be retailed at $190 (USD). Mini Karl will be sold at Tokidoki flagship stores in New York, Milan and Los Angeles. Colette is also selling the Karl Lagerfeld figure online and exclusively in store. One Thousand figures have been produced of the mini version Chanel’s creative mastermind.

Tokidoki will also offer Mini Karl T-shirts next spring for their K collection. I think I may want to add “Mini Karl” into my toy collection now!

Source: Tokidoki

I have such a soft spot for urban vinyl.  Add in a technical functionality and I’m sold.  Splitterbot fits the aforementioned requirements.  It serves as a cool keychain.  But remove its head and you’ll unveil a male jack.  The eyes are double as headphone jacks.  With that said, you can now share music from your iPod with a friend wherever the two of you are.  If this little guy gave you the insatiable need to impulse shop, here is where you can get it.

Image Source: Albotas via Geeksugar

The September issue of Muse Magazine is dedicated to Model Natasha Poly.  Models.com had an exclusive preview into the photo spread, which features the work of famed photographers Sølve Sundsbø, Craig McDean, Terry Richardson and Panos Yiapanis; fashion directed by Riccardo Tisci; artwork by Jeff koons, John Kleckner, Barnaby Barford, Richard Phillips, Chantal Joffe and Billy Sullivan.

The artwork, make-up and photos involved with Muse’s 19th issue is amazing. New images, along with animations from the editorials will also appear on Models.com daily. An interview with the model was recently posted here.

Source: Models.com

By now fans of both TOY2R and Transformers should be holding onto their dropped jaws.   No veteran to customizing vinyl, Rotobox Vinyl Anatomica gives us their take on the merging Decepticon, Devastator.  Each Toy2R Qee represents the individual Constructicons, can transform between robot and vehicle mode and finally merge into the nearly 2′ tall Devastator.  I’m really impressed with how closely it resembles both the 80’s cartoon and toy version of Devastator.  Sad to say is this is a 1 off only.  But I’m sure Rotobox Vinyl Anatomica may consider accepting a commission.

Image Source: TOYSREVILs I LIKE TOYS via Rotobox Vinyl Anatomica

PengTao Yu’s Mirage Chess Set is pretty next-level.  First off its portable and the hair pin like pieces fit in into the back compartment of the projector with ease.  Also, due to it’s size and mobility, you can have a round with a friend just about anywhere.  What’s more impressive are the 3 modes in which you can play.  You can go the traditional route with the projector displaying a full size board for physical 1 0n 1 mode.  Or you can go online and challenge someone else on the internets.  The third mode is a practice and training mode in which you can go against the computer.  With ease of us (flip it open to turn on the projector) and portable, I don’t see why this concept shouldn’t be picked up for production.

Image Source: Yanko Design

For those that don’t wanna dig for Huck’s Ninja Dunny blind box after blind box are in luck.  This Friday, the Ninja Dunny artist proof goes on sale at Huck Gee’s eBay site.  25 pieces will be available numbered, signed and marked “AP” at noon PST.  Asking price is $100, much like his series 4 Skullhead Dunny.  Don’t sleep, I had the red, white and black one in my cart sometime ago and upon hitting order, it was copped by someone else.

In other news, Huck is also dropping a new print entitled, Sgt, Vasquez the “R&R” print at the same time.  I personally don’t know the story of Sgt. Vasquez or the UTCSO clonettes standing behind him.  But I do like what I see.  Much like previous Huck work, each of the 99 prints will be signed and gold embossed on the corner.  The print will run for $75 each and I have a feeling it’ll be an easier pickup than the AP Dunny.  Good luck to those interested this Friday.

Image Source: Huck Gee

It’s been a good minute since I’ve stopped by pocketwookie’s site to see what new custom masterpieces he’s been concocting.  While copping a wood grained Toy2R figure last night, I got an email announcement from Mr. Morris himself sharing ecstatic news of a Toy2R event in his hometown of Lincoln, Nebraska.  As seen on the flyer, there will be more than a handful of participants, live music and giveaways.  The event will be held at The Public Shoestore on October 2nd.  Considering there will be limited edition door prizes, those that can attend should arrive early.

Image Source: pocketwookie

Last week, we showed you what the production wooden 3″ Kidrobot Dunny’s will look like.  The above bizarro world like Dunny is a creation by Brooklyn based artist, David Weeks.   Appropriately named the Chiseler, this run of 5 only 7″ tall Dunny comes with a laser etched box and will run for $1200 each.  It’s quite the price tag, but come September 22nd, I’m sure the sell out will be immediate.

Image Source: KRonikle

Goodbye vinyl, hello wood.  Recently on the KRonikle, Kidrobot posted up an image of an upcoming all wooden 3″ Dunny.  I’m wondering if future series will utilize these wooden fellows as the new canvas.  No details were given, but I definitely need 1 or 4 of these guys.

Image Source: Kidrobot KRonikle

Recently, Mimoco and Infectious have collaborated on a six week Mimobot design contest.  This is your standard design contest where the winning entry will be mass produced.   Actually, the grand prize is really enticing as the winner would get $1000, $415 worth of Mimobots and an Infectious Skin prize pack.  The rules are very specific as seen below.

* Use the template to show us both the front and back of your design
* You can only use 8 colors in your design (no limitations on what color though)
* Please note: the Grand Prize winner must assign exclusive rights to the design to Mimoco
* No gradients – solid colors only please

This contest ends October 8th.  To my design buddies Hou5ton, Devin and Scotbot, I’m hoping to see an entry from you.  Off topic, I’m curious as to why gradients aren’t allowed.  Any thoughts?

Image Source: Infectious