Welcome to the March 2003 Smurfy News! - a free e-mail newsletter from www.MushroomVillage.com! This issue is sent to 2,469 voluntary opt-in members. Welcome to our new subscribers! (IMPORTANT: TO BE REMOVED FROM THIS LIST, YOU *MUST* FOLLOW THE LINK AT THE BOTTOM OF THIS MAIL! WE CANNOT REMOVE YOU ANY OTHER WAY!! All our members have requested to be on this list. Only YOU can add yourself, only YOU can remove yourself! We never spam! We always respect your privacy and we never sell, rent, share or distribute your contact information in any way!) =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= FROM THE EDITOR'S DESK =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= I am issuing this month's newsletter early because Schleich asked us to submit ideas for the new 2004 figurines! I wish we had more notice, but we will do what we can. Please read down for more info... We also have the NEW GENERATION Smurfs in stock. All our preorders are in the mail, if you don't have them yet, you will very soon! We have many new ex-SCCI members signed up for the newsletter this issue, a special welcome to all of you! I collected e-mail addresses during my postcard mailings to SCCI members this year. I hope some of you will visit the site too, I think you will be pleasantly surprised! Well, I need to publish this issue ASAP, so I'm gonna quit my yammering here and get to work! Enjoy this issue, and keep on Smurfin' On! -Pete www.MushroomVillage.com =-=-=-=-= CONTENTS =-=-=-=-= 1) NEW IN THE SMURF SHOP 2) 2003 SMURFS ARE HERE! 3) READER FEEDBACK 4) SCLEICH WANTS YOUR IDEAS! 5) 2004 SMURF IDEAS 6) SMURFY NEWS GIVE-A-WAY 7) CLOSING =============================================== -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- 1) NEW IN THE SMURF SHOP -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- We have been accepting 2003 New Generation Smurf preorders for several months, but are pleased to announce we have now received sufficient inventory to offer the figurines regularly! All 8 are well in stock, and you can buy one or all, as you desire. We also have a few, Back-In-Stock Smurfs, so look the list over to see if you need any - limited quantities on the Out-Of-Production pieces, and as always, First-Come, First-Served! The best time to buy a collectible is when you see it! If you need one of these, don't be sleepin' - it could be gone before you know it! 20008 Spy [Markings: Hong Kong, no paint dot] 20010 Prisoner [Markings: West Germany, red paint dot] 20040 Gift [Markings: CE, Germany, blue paint dot] 20055 Golfer (white shoes, silver club) [Markings: CE, China, Germany, no paint dot] 20057 Thirsty (thin yellow straw) [Markings: Hong Kong, no paint dot] 20060 Candle [Markings: Hong Kong, Wallace Berrie, red paint dot] 20063 Tailor (thread) [Markings: West Germany, no paint dot] 20076 Courting [Markings: Bully, Hong Kong, no paint dot] 20103 Pupil [Markings: CE, Germany, no paint dot] 20122 Cowboy (brown rope) [Markings: Portugal, mustard paint dot] 20130 Graduation (glossy purple) [Markings: CE, Portugal, blue paint dot] 20135 Tennis Smurfette [Markings: CE, China, Germany, no paint dot] 20142 Mermaid (blue/silver) [Markings: West Germany, mustard paint dot] 20160 Apple (dark green) [Markings: Hong Kong, Wallace Berrie, no paint dot] 20161 Clumsy [Markings: CE hotstamp, West Germany, no paint dot] 20163 Soccer Smurfette (no base) [Markings: Hong Kong, Wallace Berrie, no paint dot] 20171 Handy (black pencil) [Markings: Portugal, mustard paint dot] 20172 Jogger (orange) [Markings: Hong Kong, Wallace Berrie, no paint dot] 20174 Papa with Book (black magic) [Markings: Hong Kong, Wallace Berrie, no paint dot] 20186 Smurfette Baseball [Markings: Hong Kong, Wallace Berrie, no paint dot] 20211 Basketball (red shoes) [Markings: Hong Kong, no paint dot] 20212 Little Angel (red mouth) [Markings: West Germany, blue paint dot] 20222 Stewardess [Markings: China, no paint dot] 20226 Grandpa [Markings: CE, West Germany, black paint dot] 20231 Hula (Golden Yellow Hair) [Markings: CE, China, no paint dot] 20411 Azrael [Markings: CE, Germany, blue paint dot] 20413 Groom [Markings: CE, Germany, blue paint dot] 20418 Gargamel (hands up) [Markings: CE, Germany, blue paint dot] 20424 Papa Smurf Thinking [Markings: Germany, blue paint dot] 20464 Studious Smurf [Markings: CE, China, Germany, blue paint dot] 20490 Smurf with Egg (Orange Bow) [Markings: CE, China, Germany, no paint dot] 20517 Hippie Smurf [Markings: CE, China, blue paint dot] 20518 (New) Basketball Smurf [Markings: CE, China, blue paint dot] 20519 Hip Hop Smurf [Markings: CE, China, blue paint dot] 20520 (New) Techno Smurf [Markings: CE, China, blue paint dot] 20521 Cyber Smurf [Markings: CE, China, blue paint dot] 20522 Workaholic Smurf [Markings: CE, China, blue paint dot] 20523 Show Off Smurf [Markings: CE, China, blue paint dot] 20524 Trendy Smurfette [Markings: CE, China, blue paint dot] 40226 Hammock (Microprint Box) 40250 Keyboarder (Microprint Box) 40259 School bench Smurfette (Microprint Box) Please see our interview with Schleich below for more info on these blue paint dots! http://search.cartserver.com/search/search.cgi?cartid=a-6296&category=id&maxhits=20&keywords=new0303 AOL Click Here! =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= 2) 2003 SMURFS ARE HERE! =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= We have received the balance of our new 2003 Smurfs and the last of our pre-orders shipped out this week! We stuck to our rule; "first-ordered, first-shipped" and so if you have not received your set yet, you probably did not order early enough to get in on the first half of our shipment. Do not fret! Your set is on it's way right now!! For those of you who preferred to wait until we had the new Smurfs on hand, please swing by! All of the new 2003 Smurfs are available right now - full sets or as many of any individual pieces as you'd like!! PLEASE LET ME KNOW WHAT YOUR FAVORITE NEW MODEL IS, AND WHY!! If you have received your new Smurfs, please press "reply" now, and tell us!! If you are eagerly awaiting your new Smurfs, please report back as soon as you get them!! I will tally up the results, and report on this in a future issue of the Smurfy News! To view and purchase the new 2003 Smurfs, please visit: http://search.cartserver.com/search/search.cgi?cartid=a-6296&category=instock&maxhits=20&keywords=new2003 AOL click here! =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= 3) READER FEEDBACK =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= "Thanks for the chance to get to know these little blue people even better! I think your site is wonderful. -Suzanne De Grace, Quebec, Canada" "I think it is so wonderful that you have all this information for the collectors, it's really a tremendous help. Keep up the Smurfy good work. :) -Jenn, Clearwater, Florida" "You are great and I use you to learn the value of any smurf that I am considering bidding on eBay. Mostly I buy from you if you are cheaper, after all, it is silly to bid when I can have the smurf from you. -Patricia Putnam, Stoddard New Hampshire" "I enjoy your web site. I've been collecting them for 25 years or more, Thanks for keeping them available in the USA. Judy Harzer, Roseville, Michigan" "I love your site, it is so fun trying to decide which smurf would look awesome in my collection. I Love coming to your site to see how many other smurfs there are, and how rare the ones I have are. Keep up the good work. Love those newsletters. - Carterfrick, Ontario, Canada" "I have been collecting smurfs since I can't remember. I started when they were released at the BP petrol stations in New Zealand. They are all in good condition and my collection is growing. I have over 100 little blue guys and girls. I have just starting collecting again and am fascinated by the many smurfs you have for sale. Keep on smurfing. -Karen Masemann, New Zealand" "My 7 year old son discovered Smurfs last year and still loves them! Thanks for your fun website...he surfs it often! -Laurie Reeves, Rittman, Ohio" "I love the selection you guys have...I could spend my entire paycheck here!!! -Mindy Faris, Powhatan, Virginia" "You're doing a great job with the site and giving everyone up to date information. Thanks for all you do for everyone. -Andrew Somer, Baldwin, New York" "I rediscovered my love for smurfs a few years ago while browsing on eBay, and soon after found smurf sites on-line. Your site has made adding to my collection fun, easy, and just plain enjoyable. Thank you very much for all of your effort - you must have a blast! -dellery, Yardley, Pennsylvania" "Your newsletters and websites are so informative and comprehensive. It is so refreshing to have so much information so easily available, especially in comparison to how difficult it had been collecting and finding info several years ago. -Spranzan, Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts" "Keep up the great work! As a former member of the S.C.C.I, I think you have done a wonderful job passing on information to collectors around the globe!!! -Reny Sanluis, Lake Worth, Florida" "I love smurfs and love your website. It is the only one I use when buying smurfs off eBay because I know you have the most extensive and accurate information. I have had to threaten my husband with serious bodily injury if he ever thinks of selling off my precious blue babies. Thanks Pete, you are the best -Juli Dobson, Anchorage Alaska" "I always enjoy your news letters. They keep me posted on what's new. I am still trying to get my Smurf room together. Hope it gets done this year. -Linda Lucito, Pollock Pines, California" --- THANKS TO ALL OF YOU!! THIS IS JUST THE TIP OF THE ICEBERG! I receive hundreds of greetings, well wishes, and Thank You's every month, and I appreciate them all! That is how I know I am doing a good job!! Please keep that feedback coming, and remember - I like to know what you'd like to see as well!! About my Smurf room - I made some calls, and I'm finally getting that Smurf ceiling fan installed this month (about time, we've had some warm days here in New York!) and I've finally admitted "I'm no carpenter" and have decided to have the wall display unit professionally built at the same time. I plan to display the bulk of my 2" figurines in this unit, and they are itching to get out of their bags and boxes! I can't wait! Next I plan to carpet...Hmmmm, Smurfy blue, ya think? Oh, here's one here from 'Shadow,' who sought information on the character Laconia: "Hello Pete, I really love the Smurfs newsletters! Thank you sooo very much for the help with the search for Laconia. I really appreciate it so very much. Also a big thank you for the other members who offered their help. I didn't realize Laconia wasn't deaf and she was just a friend of the forest. I saw the episode when I was just a little toddler so I assumed she was deaf because she knew sign language. I'll have to look for both episodes on video soon. Thanks again for everybody's help! MushroomVillage Rocks! -Shadow" IT WAS OUR PLEASURE! GOOD LUCK FINDING THOSE EPISODES, I THINK YOU WILL GET THEM :) =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= 4) SCLEICH WANTS YOUR IDEAS! =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= We posed a few questions to Schleich recently... MushroomVillage: "We received our new 2003 figurines. As you know, many of my members are collectors with particular interests about the new Smurfs. I see they have a blue paint dot again, like last year. Am I correct in thinking that this identifies pieces made using the new PVC formulation?" Schleich: "You are right about the blue paint dot. We added this when we changed from the softener that was banned in October 2000 by the EU officials to a new and accepted softener." MushroomVillage: "Can you tell me where the new pieces were painted?" Schleich: "All new Smurf models come from China and have been painted there." MushroomVillage: "I guess if other models were molded using the new formulation, they would have blue paint dots as well? Has the new formulation been used to produce any of the other models that are regularly available, or are these pieces left over from earlier production runs?" Schleich: "All Smurfs shipped from us to our customers do carry the blue dot since October 2001, when further shipments with the old formula were stopped according to the EU regulations (Manufacturing already stopped in October 2000 as previously advised). Each and every Smurf manufactured after the change to the new formula will carry the blue dot." **WE HAVE MANY PIECES IN STOCK WITH THIS BLUE DOT, AND WILL ANNOUNCE HERE AS NEW PIECES BECOME AVAILABLE WITH THIS NEW MARK! MARKING COLLECTORS, TAKE NOTE OF THIS IMPORTANT NEWS!** MushroomVillage: "We have heard the new 2003 Smurfs referred to as both "New Generation Smurfs" and "Teenager Smurfs." We wondered if this was Schleich's intention?" Schleich: "Teenager Smurfs is not exactly what we wanted them to be. The proper title is "New Generation Smurfs." Do you have any ideas for new Smurf figurines for 2004? We would like to continue to have them themed and are open for suggestions from third parties." MushroomVillage: "I will pose this question to my members and forward a list of suggestions to you :)" Schleich: "We hope to have been of help and are looking forward to your suggestions for the 2004 Smurfs. These ideas should reach us no later than March 31, 2003 since work has to start soon." DID YOU HEAR THAT? Schleich wants our help!! THIS IS YOUR CHANCE TO BE HEARD!! How much would you love to have YOUR ideas become the next Smurf figurines?? Read On, and then 'reply' with your ideas!! =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- 5) 2004 SMURF IDEAS =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- When Schleich asked for 2004 Smurf figurine ideas, I went right to the www.MushroomVillage.com bulletin boards to spread the word! Click here to visit the bulletin boards: http://www.mushroomvillage.com/cgi-bin/forum/dcboard.cgi AOL Click Here! Remember, Schleich would like to issue new Smurfs in themed sets. Last year we had the Smurf band. This year is the "New Generation." Can you think of a theme you'd like to see the Smurfs in? We will forward all ideas to Schleich, but remember, their interest right now is in themed sets, so try to suggest a theme, along with a few or more examples... Check these suggestions out from the bulletin board, give it some thought, then hit 'reply' and let us hear your ideas! We will compile all the entries we receive, and forward them on to Schleich for their consideration. "I would like to have some more smurfs from the TV series again or the old style. But I think Schleich needs a theme, which is modern to sell much as possible smurf to the kids." "International Historical figures, maybe Napoleon, Florence Nightingale, Gandhi, Mozart to name a few I would love to see as smurfs." "Fancy dress party, plenty of scope there." "International costume smurfs. I really would like to see Smurfette in a traditional Welsh costume." "How about "Reunion Sports?" Wheelbarrow Race, Sack Race, Horseshoes, Three Legged Race. I have seen puzzle with some of these activities." "I would love to see the complete cartoon series, all of them, Homnibus, Bigmouth, Nasty Smurfette before she was good, Hogatha, ALL the smurfs." "How about a "Smurfs Around the World" or "Smurfs thru History?" "I love holiday-themed smurfs and would be thrilled if more were made! I don't have a lot of display room at home, so setting up smurfs for the current holiday season is always a fun event." "A Queen Smurfette to go with the king smurf" "Smurfs around the world like the Barbies are made with a country's traditional clothing." "A huge smurf mushroom that opens like a doll house and has rooms, and I want more smurf furniture to put in it, maybe some additional household accessories." "How about military smurfs! They don't need to have weapons, just smurfs in the military dress uniforms. You could have uniforms from different countries represented!" "How about a group of "occupational" smurfs? By this I mean postman, bus driver, pilot, etc?" "I'd like to see a set of Super-hero Smurfs!! Smurfs modeled on recognizable Characters. My ideas would be Smurfette Xena Warrior Princess, Smurf Superman, Smurf Batman, Smurf Spiderman, Smurfette Wonder Woman, Hulk Smurf." "I also like the idea of Classic Smurfs. Smurfette from her first appearance as an evil smurf - black hair, I'm not sure what other classics you could do. I guess just normal smurfs...pick a few. Papa Smurf, Brainy Smurf, Handy, Greedy, etc." "My idea for the 2004 Smurfs is a group of "classic" Smurfs holding things like a bouquet of flowers, a red heart, a Smurf with baby smurf on his shoulders, a lollipop, an ice cream sundae, Smurfette holding a string of paper dolls, maybe a Smurf reading a Smurf comic book, a smurf with a birthday cake in a party hat, a Smurf with a video game controller playing a video game like playstation, a Smurf holding a bunch of animal balloons, etc. You get the idea." "How about a "Living Legends" line of Smurfs which includes living legends such as Nelson Mandela, George Best, David Beckham and so on. Perhaps Schleich could promote these "Living Legends" to appeal both to children and adults, where children will learn about what these people have achieved and their standing in life today and be produced along with a small leaflet explaining about their lives and accomplishments. Not only would this boost Smurfs into the limelight more (as a great number of people I meet think that Smurfs vanished with the National Garages here in the UK) but it would allow all ages to learn about our World today and enjoy it at the same time by collecting Smurfs. Who knows schools may even desire "Living Legend" Smurfs to include them in their history classes. When I was at school we learnt about what had happened in History but only a small part on history in the making." "Would like an original gangsta wisesmurfz smurfgang including GangstaBonniesmurfine in the classic gangsta outfit with hat, GangstaClydesmurf in the classic gangsta outfit with hat, GangstaRastasmurf with shades and dreads, GangstaFunksmurf in baggy outfit with headband and cap, GangstaAfrosmurf with goldtooth and big microphone-hair, GangstaPimpsmurf in white dress with shiny hair laid back, GangstaMilismurf with big body in military outfit." "Getting some of the "missing" smurfs from the cartoons could also please me." "HOLLYWOOD/STAR SMURFS (timeless, recognizable, collectible to smurf and memorabilia collectors.) Marilyn Monroe Smurfette (in various classic outfits from Marilyn's Movies), Charlie Chaplin Smurf, Elvis Smurf, James Dean Smurf, Smurf with Academy Award, Smurf reading movie magazine" "COUPLE/PAIR SMURFS - 2 smurfs who interact together/Super Smurf: Dentist and Patient in a Chair set, Cashier and Customer set, Chiropractor and patient on a table set, Sculptor and model set, Smurf watching TV (super smurf)" "Smurf Collector Smurf - a smurf holding a miniature figure of a smurf." "what about smurf fantasy series, - like "Halloween smurfs" or old style like those smurfs never made (papa schlips), or other funny like in "smurfs and the egg." "All country smurf, where each country is represented (Italy, Belgium, Australia, Japan, Canada...)" "Horror movies would be great too." "How about ancient Egyptian Smurfs like Cleopatra and King Tut." "Theme: WORLD PEACE. Smurfs representing the many Countries of the world - maybe they can be molded so they can all join hands?" "As a collector, who likes so much the SMURF-A-GRAMS, I want new ones of them!!!" Here's my ideas: "Generations" or "Family" with Baby, Smurflings, Smurfette, Normal, Papa, Grandpa and Nanny. "Seasons" - Playing in Snow, Gardening, Grilling/Picnicking, Raking leaves? And my favorite - How about A Smurf Birthday Party? Playing party games (pin-the-tail-on-the-donkey?), wearing party hats, blowing party horns, singing "Happy Birthday," blowing out candles, eating the cake, opening presents, etc. (I also LOVE the idea of a Smurf Collecting Smurf - a Smurf holding a Smurf figurine! How neat would that be?) =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- 6) SMURFY NEWS GIVE-A-WAY =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- Congratulations April Bash of Lexington, Kentucky! You won last month's Give-a-Way, 40247 Jokey with Gift Super Smurf!! Let's see what comments April submitted with her entry: "I am a 100% smurf freak! My eBay name is smurf-arootie & I collect everything smurfs. I've told it all before on these entries. The most recent items I've bought include hand-made curtains (perfect condition!), Canoe Super Smurf, and Rocking Horse Super Smurf. And I found a talking smurf at the Good Will for $1! He still talks perfectly! Take care and thanks for the newsletters!" Well April, I hope you are just as excited about your prize! This Smurf is not easy to get!! This month's prize is a complete 2001 Smurf Kinder Set! We have a limited quantity of these Kinders remaining. Ferraro (The manufacturer of Kinder Magic Eggs) is cracking down on the sale of all Kinder toy products in the USA, even those which are out of egg. In the USA, it is illegal for a non-nutritive item to be partially or entirely embedded within a confectionary product. Kinder Surprise Eggs are Chocolate eggs containing a small toy. They are illegal to sell in the US. It is not illegal to sell they toys out of the egg, as we sell them, but for whatever reason, Ferrarro is cracking down on US Kinder dealers. KinderMagicUSA recently folded under pressure from Ferraro, and Kinders.US recently stalled plans to open a retail site, due to Ferraro's actions. These collectibles are going to be harder for Americans to buy! Get them at www.MushroomVillage.com while you still can! http://search.cartserver.com/search/search.cgi?cartid=a-6296&category=instock&maxhits=20&keywords=kinder&bool=AND AOL Click Here! Enter the drawing for a FREE set by completing this secret entry form for Smurfy News subscribers ONLY!! If the winner has purchased a set already, their money will be refunded. This set sells for $40! Here's the link: http://www.mushroomvillage.com/smurfs-contest.html AOL Click Here THE WINNER WILL BE DRAWN AND ANNOUNCED IN NEXT MONTH'S SMURFY NEWS!! =-=-=-=-=-= 8) CLOSING =-=-=-=-=-= I published this issue a little sooner than usual because I wanted to give readers time to submit ideas for Schleich. I know, it's a short deadline, but Schleich did ask at the last minute. I'm sure my members will do what they can to help! We hope Schleich will be open to our suggestions in future years, and we will make a point to ask earlier next year. I plan on taking a bit longer to publish the next issue, so don't be alarmed by a delay - it'll be on the way in due time! Until then, keep those e-mails coming! Smurf On!! -Pete www.MushroomVillage.com =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= FORWARD, SEARCH, SUBSCRIBE =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= If you haven't already done so, please forward this issue to one or two of your friends or associates. Thank you so much! You may search for Smurfabilia in our database, the largest resource of it's kind on the Internet! Please visit our ID Guide page: http://www.mushroomvillage.com/smurfs-idguide.html AOL Click Here! To subscribe, unsubscribe, or edit your profile, please visit www.MushroomVillage.com and enter you e-mail address in the Smurfy News subscription form, or use the link at the very bottom of this e-mail. =-=-=-=-=-=-=- 'SMALL PRINT' =-=-=-=-=-=-=- The "Smurfy News" is a FREE e-mail newsletter published for your enjoyment every month by your friends at www.MushroomVillage.com, joining or leaving the list is voluntary, we do not spam and we never sell, rent, share or distribute your contact information in any way! MushroomVillage.com carries the full range of current production Smurf products by Schleich as well as much of the retired line and other Smurfabilia. If you enjoy this newsletter, please help support us with a purchase - Smurfs make great gifts! SHARING IS CARING!! Please submit information, news, articles, stories and anything Smurf-related to www.MushroomVillage.com - just hit reply now, or use the "Contact Us" link at the site. We collect and disseminate information the world over to keep Smurf collectors united and having a Smurfy good time! The Smurf character is a registered trademark of Studio Peyo - License I.M.P.S. MushroomVillage.com is a collector resource and retail Smurf shop only, it is not affiliated with I.M.P.S. or Peyo. For information on licensing the Smurfs name and/or character, contact I.M.P.S. at rue du Cerf 85, Genval 1332, Belgium The contents of this newsletter do not necessarily reflect the opinions of MushroomVillage.com. MushroomVillage.com makes no warranties, either expressed or implied, about the truth or accuracy of the contents or information provided by the sponsors or by the writers. Use info contained herein at your own risk. (C) 2003 MushroomVillage.com All right reserved. Please do not reprint or host our materials on your website without explicit permission. However, if you found this newsletter interesting, we grant you permission, and strongly encourage you, to e-mail it to an associate or friend. Thank you!