Welcome to the latest issue of the Smurfy News(TM) - a FREE e-mail newsletter published by www.MushroomVillage.com! This issue was sent to 2,616 members on February 23, 2004. Welcome to our new subscribers!
(Note: This newsletter is "voluntary double opt-in." Subscribers request, and then confirm their subscriptions - we do not spam! We respect your privacy - we never share your e-mail address!)
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FROM THE EDITOR'S DESK
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Well, well, well! It has been a long time hasn't it? I feel I owe an apology to the many members eagerly awaiting this issue of the Smurfy News - this has been the longest break between issues since I started publishing the News back on January 3, 2000! I wish I could promise it will never happen again, but I find myself busier and busier with each passing day. So, I can promise the Smurfy News will continue to be published, but it will be published sporadically, as I can squeeze in the time to put together new issues. The holiday crush was a big factor in keeping a new issue from coming together - I hope the coming months will afford me more time to devote to future issues.
This issue does bring great news: the new 2004 Soccer Smurfs are in stock and shipping now *AND* we have added a boat-load of new Smurfs to our inventory - we have more back-in-stock listings to announce this issue than ever before!! We also feature plenty of reader mail (please, keep it coming!), some news from Schleich (including word on *FOUR* new promos!), an overview of the new 2004 Smurfs, some ideas for the 2005 Smurfs (deadline for 2005 ideas is coming soon, please submit your ideas soon!), a brief Smurf article from Vibe magazine, winners from our last contest, and an all-new contest!!
Plus, another upside - this is a larger issue than usual, so go grab yourself a mug of Smurfberry juice, kick up your heels and settle in - we got a lot of Smurfin' to do!
-Pete
MushroomVillage.com
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CONTENTS
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1) WHAT'S NEW?
2) SMURF MAILBAG
3) SCHLEICH NEWS
4) 2004 SMURFS ARRIVE!
5) 2005 SMURF IDEAS
6) PROPS - THE SMURFS
7) SMURFY NEWS GIVE-A-WAY
8) CLOSING
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1) WHAT'S NEW?
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The latest and greatest news at MushroomVillage.com is that the 2004 Soccer Smurf sets have arrived!! Now that they are in stock, we are selling the new Smurfs individually. If you were waiting until they were in stock to buy your set, or if you were interested in only some of the Smurfs, now if your time to buy! Use this link to order the new Smurfs:
http://search.cartserver.com/search/search.cgi?cartid=a-6296&category=instock&keywords=new2004
AOL Click Here!
MushroomVillage.com has also acquired a large number of Smurfs that came to market once Schleich liquidated all of their stock which had been made with the old PVC formulation. Items made with a certain PVC softener (used to achieve that "hand-friendly" rubber texture) are no longer allowed to be sold, and so their stock of figurines made with that softener was unloaded onto the collector market. The following listings are new at MushroomVillage.com, this is the greatest number of new listings we've ever reported in the newsletter, nearly 100 back-in-stock items!!
Use this link to view and purchase the back-in-stock listings:
http://search.cartserver.com/search/search.cgi?cartid=a-6296&category=instock&maxhits=20&keywords=new1103&bool=AND
AOL Click Here!
Or use this list of the new additions to check the markings against the pieces in your collection. If you need any of these, use the link above to grab them - quantities are limited! (Sorry for the double-spacing, it was the only way I could get my list host to format it properly...)
20001 Papa [Markings: CE, West Germany, no paint dot]
20020 Gymnast (red shirt) [Markings: Hong Kong, Wallace Berrie, no paint dot]
20024 Watchman [Markings: CE, Germany, Portugal, no paint dot]
20028 Gardener (large mold) [Markings: CE, Germany, blue paint dot]
20033 Clown [Markings: CE, Germany, no paint dot]
20042 Chef [Markings: CE, China, Germany, no paint dot]
20043 Digger (large) [Markings: CE, China, Germany, no paint dot]
20044 Lover [Markings: CE, West Germany, black paint dot]
20045 Artist [Markings: CE, Germany, no paint dot]
20049 Tennis Star [Markings: CE, China, Germany, no paint dot]
20051 Bowler [Markings: CE, black paint dot]
20056 Cardplayer (no circle) [Markings: CE, West Germany, no paint dot]
20059 Teacher (red) [Markings: CE, China, Germany, no paint dot]
20062 Telephone (thick cradle) [Markings: CE, Germany, no paint dot]
20064 Toothbrush (short toothpaste) [Markings: CE, China, no paint dot]
20091 Skier [Markings: West Germany, black paint dot]
20094 Bookworm [Markings: CE, Germany, no paint dot]
20097 Injured [Markings: CE, Germany, no paint dot]
20100 Cake (red) [Markings: Hong Kong, no paint dot]
20103 Pupil [Markings: CE, Germany, no paint dot]
20104 Pirate [Markings: CE, West Germany, no paint dot]
20119 Smurferman (white base) [Markings: CE, China, Germany, no paint dot]
20121 Ice Skater [Markings: CE, West Germany, black paint dot]
20127 Superman [Markings: Portugal, mustard paint dot]
20137 Surfer [Markings: CE, China Germany, no paint dot]
20138 Haymaker (Yellow) [Markings: CE, Germany, no paint dot]
20139 Nurse (white apron) [Markings: CE, Germany, no paint dot]
20157 Grouchy [Markings: CE, West Germany, no paint dot]
20160 Apple (#1 Teacher) [Markings: Hong Kong, Wallace Berrie, no paint dot]
20163 Soccer Smurfette (no base) [Markings: Hong Kong, Wallace Berrie, no paint dot]
20164 Papa with Lab Glass (orange) [Markings: West Germany, mustard paint dot]
20168 Jump Rope (thin) [Markings: Hong Kong, Wallace Berrie, no paint dot]
20172 Jogger (orange) [Markings: Hong Kong, Wallace Berrie, no paint dot]
20185 Sailor [Markings: Hong Kong, Wallace Berrie, no paint dot]
20193 Mop and Pail [Markings: Hong Kong, no paint dot]
20194 Smurfette Jogger (purple) [Markings: Hong Kong, Wallace Berrie, no paint dot]
20197 Thanksgiving Smurf with ear of corn [Markings: Applause, Portugal, Wallace Berrie, no paint dot]
20203 Blue Baby with Rattle [Markings: None, no paint dot]
20209 Dentist [Markings: CE, China, no paint dot]
20230 Wild [Markings: CE, Germany, no paint dot]
20231 Hula (Golden Yellow Hair) [Markings: CE, China, no paint dot]
20232 Gargamel with lab glass [Markings: CE, China, Germany, no paint dot]
20402 Slouchy [Markings: CE, West Germany, no paint dot]
20403 Nat [Markings: CE, Germany, no paint dot]
20404 Sassette (dark red hair) [Markings: CE, Germany, no paint dot]
20404 Sassette (orange) [Markings: Applause, CE, China, no paint dot]
20405 Puppy (grey) [Markings: CE, Germany, no paint dot]
20405 Puppy (brown)[Markings: Applause, CE, China, no paint dot]
20408 Nanny [Markings: CE, Germany, no paint dot]
20410 Smurfette with Mouse [Markings: CE, Germany, no paint dot]
20414 Video [Markings: CE, Germany, no paint dot]
20416 New Football [Markings: CE, Germany, no paint dot]
20417 Bodybuilder (gold shorts) [Markings: CE, Germany, no paint dot]
20419 Boxer [Markings: CE, Germany, no paint dot]
20420 Scruple [Markings: CE, China, Germany, no paint dot]
20422 Tramp [Markings: CE, Germany, no paint dot]
20425 Furious Gargamel [Markings: CE, Germany, no paint dot]
20429 Hefty [Markings: CE, Germany, no paint dot]
20430 Viking [Markings: CE, Germany, no paint dot]
20431 Monk [Markings: CE, Germany, no paint dot]
20434 Slouchy's First day of School [Markings: CE, Germany, no paint dot]
20436 Saxophone [Markings: CE, Germany, no paint dot]
20438 Mobile Phone [Markings: CE, Germany, black paint dot]
20440 Sport swimmer [Markings: CE, China, Germany, no paint dot]
20445 Disco Smurfette [Markings: CE, China, Germany, no paint dot]
20446 Smurf Child w Doll [Markings: CE, Germany, no paint dot]
20451 New Singer [Markings: CE, Germany, no paint dot]
20456 Sportsman [Markings: CE, Germany, no paint dot]
20458 Newsman (Blue Smurf) [Markings: CE, Germany, no paint dot]
20460 Golf [Markings: CE, Germany, no paint dot]
20462 Caretaker [Markings: CE, China, Germany, no paint dot]
20463 Smurf with Sandwich [Markings: CE, China, Germany, no paint dot]
20468 Climber [Markings: CE, China, Germany, no paint dot]
20497 Smurfette in Bunny suit [Markings: Hong Kong, no paint dot]
20499 Pewit (blue shirt) [Markings: Hong Kong, Wallace Berrie, no paint dot]
20499 Pewit (green shirt) [Markings: None, black paint dot]
20501 Paul Revere [Markings: Hong Kong, no paint dot]
20503 Christopher Columbus [Markings: Hong Kong, no paint dot]
20505 George Washington [Markings: Hong Kong, no paint dot]
20506 Abraham Lincoln [Markings: Hong Kong, no paint dot]
20511 Baby in Easter Egg (yellow) [Markings: CE, China, Germany, no paint dot]
40070 Sailboat (old box)
40110 Forklift (old box)
40219 Rowboat (old Schleich box) [Markings: Figure: Germany, red paint dot; Boat: Germany]
40222 Airplane (new Schleich box) [Markings: Figure: CE, West Germany, no paint dot
40228 Rocking Chair (new Schleich box) [Markings: Figure: Hong Kong, Wallace Berrie, no paint dot]
40232 Log car (new Schleich box) [Markings: Figure: CE, China, Germany, no paint dot; Car: CE, China, Germany]
40233 Helicopter (old Schleich box) [Markings: Figure: CE, West Germany, no paint dot]
40248 Stork with Baby [Markings: Figure: none, no paint dot; Nest: CE, West Germany, no paint dot]
40507 Weightlifter (purple, gray weights, new Schleich box) [Markings: Figure: CE, no paint dot]
51906 Wreath [Markings: Portugal, no paint dot]
Iron-on Patch - Normal [Markings: Made in China]
Grand Bazaar (Magic Smurf) [Markings: IMPS, Brussels, no paint dot]
Smurf Collectibles book (Lindenberger/Martone)
Here is the link again, for your conveinance:
http://search.cartserver.com/search/search.cgi?cartid=a-6296&category=instock&maxhits=20&keywords=new1103&bool=AND
AOL Click Here!
Good news for our International customers! We tried switching to UPS shipping which offers tracking on Intl. packages, but it was too expensive, so we switched back to cheaper USPS shipping. If you are a non-US member who was recently turned off by higher shipping rates at MushroomVillage.com, please visit us and give us another try for new, cheaper shipping!!
We also added destinations - we now have shipping rates for 33 Countries outside the US! If your Country is not listed, let us know and we will add it!
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2) SMURF MAILBAG
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"Haven't received your newsletter for a while, unless I've missed previous ones :( Regards from England. -Martin Reeves Maidstone, Kent England"
PETE REPLIES: Martin, I am sure you did not miss any, as I said above, I have had to cut back on the publishing schedule. Just haven't found the time. However, I did archive all the old Smurfy News newsletters at the site. If you or anyone thinks they may have missed an article, or wish to view a back issue at any time for any reason, you will find them archived at the Smurfy News page:
http://www.mushroomvillage.com/Smurfs-smurfynews.html
AOL Click Here!
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"I am simply thrilled that the Smurfs are headed back to the USA!!! Hip Hip Hurray!! I love it that my daughter can enjoy some of my favorite childhood cartoons such as Strawberry Shortcake and the Care Bears. Nowadays it's increasingly hard to find good clean cartoons. Three Cheers for Smurfs! (and MushroomVillage.com of course!) -Jayme Harper, Solsberry Indiana
PETE REPLIES: I agree Jayme! Personal obligations kept me from the NYC Toy Fair this year, but I did touch base with the usual Schleich reps that I network with at this show, and they assured me that there was a heightened interest in the Smurfs at this year's show!! I didn't get the nitty-gritty details, but I do hope that means that an increasing number of U.S. venues placed orders so that they can begin to offer the little blue guys. Of course, the biggest selection of Smurfs can always be found at MushroomVillage.com Now I am hoping that there will be an increasing interest in the Smurf property at this year's licensing show! New licensing deals would mean new Smurf products, and greater visibility! Everybody keep those fingers crossed!
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"Hi. I collected Smurfs for my children when they were young and as they got older and I found any lying around I added them to my growing collection. The main problem came when my daughter left home and wanted to take her Smurf collection with her! We finally sorted it out with the tossing of a coin for each of them. Thank you for your newsletters which I look forward to. Thanks, June Tragardh, Preston, Victoria, Australia"
PETE REPLIES: Boy, what a dilemma! Believe me, you are not the first Mom to become a Smurf addict herself after buying them for her children! Some were hooked from the start, other inherited the collection as kids left home, or adopted them after finding them forgotten in a closet or attic. I'm glad you and your daughter worked it out, Papa Smurf would be proud!
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"I am 62 years old and have been collecting Smurfs the last 15 years, after my daughter left home and didn't want her Smurfs. I love Smurfs! -Gail Hillen, Key Largo, Florida"
"See June? Told ya so! Wait a minute Gail, did I read that right? Your daughter didn't want her Smurfs? Is she crazy? Keep enjoying the hobby!
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"I can't wait for the Smurf movie....I think everyone agrees with me when I say "Thanks a million for reporting such fantastic news!" - Miranda Shake, Westville Illinois"
"It's great to know they will be releasing another Smurf movie. My friend is an avid Smurf collector and I love helping make her collection grow. My daughter is a Smurf cartoon fan and she was very glad to know about the movie, as she has been thrilled to see the re-release of Smurf cartoons on one of our French channels here. Keep up the good work. -Suzanne De Grace, Gatineau, Quebec, Canada"
PETE REPLIES: We're excited too, but I hope our Smurfy members understand that we got wind of this project really early on, and while we have been able to confirm it is true, those in the know have been very secretive about what stage the project is at. When A&A Computer systems announced in a press release in February 2002 that IMPS had purchased 3ds max, the world's best selling animation package, they indicated that "I.M.P.S., proprietor of the license for worldwide merchandising of the Smurfs, is working on a pilot for a new cartoon series, which will possibly be produced in 3D." We were able to confirm with IMPS at the 2003 Licensing show that a film was in the works, and materials they had on display at this venue does indeed hint that the work will be 3D. I continue to hear chatter from my inside sources that things are moving along - we were most recently told that a deal with a Hollywood studio to do the movie is underway! People constantly say to me; "I see Strawberry Shortcake, Mutant Ninja Turtles, Care Bears, My Little Pony and other 80's favorites back in stores - where are the Smurfs?" Well, I am keeping my ear to the ground and will continue to publish details as I learn of them - hopefully, we will not have too long of a wait!
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"I love getting the Smurfy News newsletter. I want to make a Smurfy bedroom but for some reason my husband does not think it is a good idea. Oh well, I will keep working on him! Thanks for keeping us all up to Smurf. -Betty Hartung, Akron Ohio"
PETE REPLIES: I can't imagine why your husband would object - it sounds Smurfy to me!!
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"Hmmmm - I noticed that you were saying you are 33 and loving the Smurfs. Papa Smurf (my husband) is 62 and I am 59 and still going strong in the collecting department. One Christmas, I gave him over 100 Smurfy things. We are constructing a Smurf Room too. It is a loft in our open concept home. Our display cases are in one end of the living room. No one would see them up stairs. I have quite a few of the little critters and much other Smurfy things, including a caricature of my husband, as Papa Smurf, on the side of his 1995 Freightliner cross country truck. He had to retire, due to health reasons (2 major operations within 4 months) and the freightliner sits forlornly in the back yard waiting for someone to want to go trucking. Of course, the Papa Smurf will be removed. All across country many folks know our papa smurf. Regards, Patricia E. Putnam, affectionately know as Mama Smurf Stoddard, New Hampshire"
PETE REPLIES: See Betty? You and I are not the only ones! Patricia, this sounds just great, and I bet Betty agrees! How is my room coming along? Well, I just bought the Smurf ceiling light-fixture globe with the Smurfs riding Merry-go-round horses for the Smurfs ceiling fan in my room (My wife wants to put the Smurf-on-the-moon globe that was on the fan in the hallway outside that room...) and for Christmas, she bought me the full set of resin Plastoy Smurfs that were recently released! These will go on my desk, right next to the Pop Rocky Smurf I just got! I also carpeted the room, and new furniture was ordered, has arrived, and is being assembled!! I hope to complete the room within a month or so!! I can't wait until everything is in place, and I can unpack my collection and load the room! Of course, I will feature before and after pics at MushroomVillage.com
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"I just recently got Smurfette in her car and a Smurf in bed at Hot Topic! I love to see it coming back! I also recently got engaged on top of the Eiffel Tower and when he proposed - my fiancé handed me the bride and groom Smurf for our cake toppers! -Krista Joy Luedtke, St. Louis Park, Minnesota"
PETE REPLIES: Congratulations Krista! Yes, Smurfs are available at Hot Topic, as well as smaller shops throughout the U.S., but since there is generally no licensing of Smurf products for the US market, other than the figurines being distributed by Schleich North America, any other products need to be brought in from overseas, like the British Smurfs skateboarding poster some retailers have imported. If licensing deals are worked out for the U.S. market, you should see more! We are told such deals are in the works, and we were happy to see Schleich took out a full page ad in the newspaper for the American Intl. Toy Fair! Many buyers for large chain attend this show, and the 80's are hot right now - The stage is set! We hope the right people will see the Schleich Smurfs at the fair and decide to sell them!
I hope your fiancé knows Smurf collecting can be addictive! I started out just buying the occasional figurine for my wife when we were dating, and look at me now, sheesh! Nothing makes a hobby more enjoyable than sharing it with someone you love!
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"Hello!! I hope you are having a Smurfy day!! I am now because I have discovered your website! I am a BIG Smurf fan. My fiancé's nickname is "Smurf," because he's always grouchy (Grouchy Smurf). He has his nickname tattooed on his stomach in three inch high letters. I Love it!! And in his honor I have grouchy Smurf leaning on a mushroom tattooed on my ankle. Thank you for this web site!!! -Amanda Arvizo, Ft. Stewart, Georgia"
PETE REPLIES: That's cool Amanda! Did you see the Smurf tattoo Rachel from Wales has on our Museum page? Here's a link:
http://www.mushroomvillage.com/smurfs-museum.html
AOL Click Here!
Send us pics of your tattoo, and we will add it! Any other members out there have Smurf tattoos? Let us know!
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"I have been collecting Smurfs since I was 14, I'm 42 now and I have an extensive collection and am interested in getting some more. By the by everyone I know calls me Smurfette and it has been that way for years. I just can't get enough of the little blue guys! -Cindy A. Barry, Uxbridge, Massachusetts
PETE REPLIES: Boy, if we ever got together for a Smurf meet, I think there'd be a lot of trouble with all the people nicknamed Smurf, Smurfette, Papa Smurf, Mama Smurf, etc. We might have to actually go by our names!!
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"I love your newsletter, you do such a great service for all us Smurf lovers. Here in Australia there's not a lot of info that is available for Smurf fans. Thank you, thank you, thank you deeply for this! Smurfy things in Australia are so very, very, very hard to come by and you are my only link to Smurfs! Thanks so much again...Have a wonderful day, hope to hear some news soon. Kind Regards, Paula Lewis, Byford West Australia, Australia"
PETE REPLIES: Well, a couple of members from Australia told me that Smurfs were named a top 10 toy, to be awarded as prizes for a contest in Australia! Could they be on the rebound in Australia too? We'd love to see a similar declaration here in the U.S.!
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"I love reading the Smurfy News and I am excited that new Smurf fans are being born every day. I am 33 and have over 500 Smurfs and other items. I have a question. I just bought the Smurf Rings of Saturn Ride... and have no idea how it holds together. I know the Smurf in the spaceship goes around, but nothing keeps it all together. Thank you and I look forward to the next newsletter. -Davio Dakotablu, Brooklyn, New York"
PETE REPLIES: Oh boy! Another New York Smurf fan! I get so much mail from all over the world, that I am a little surprised when I hear from someone in my own backyard! The Saturn ride is a great piece, but I do not have it myself, so I can't really help with it. Guess where I am going to send you? Yup, the MushroomVillage.com bulletin boards! I *know* members there have this piece, and maybe you'll find the information there that you are looking for. Now, I sound like a broken record here, but there's no denying it! THE place to go for Smurfy *anything* is the MushroomVillage.com bulletin boards! Buy Smurfs, Sell Smurfs, Trade Smurfs, post wanted ads, get ID help, get value help - if it's a Smurf question, that is where to ask it!! Here is a link to the boards:
http://www.mushroomvillage.com/cgi-bin/forum/dcboard.cgi
AOL Click Here!
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"You said always handle Smurfs with cotton gloves. My grandkids have there own size at the door to the Smurf room with there name on them. All 10 of them. -Malona Newell, Port Orchard, Washington"
PETE REPLIES: Malona, it's just a hunch, but I strongly believe that in due time, we will have the last laugh, when our Smurfs are still minty mint, and everyone else's have yellowed. I have done a lot of research on this, and plastic and rubber collectibles in particular are not very stable over the long term. To sum it up, "An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure!" The chemical softeners used in rubber toys loose their effectiveness over time and rubber toys will become weak and brittle. You should never try to bend a rubber collectible (think of how brittle old rubber bands become), and keeping it from heat and sun will go along way in preserving condition. Both ultraviolet rays, and high temperatures hasten this breakdown. The cotton gloves keep the porous rubber from absorbing skin oils and other dirt from your hands like a sponge. Once skin oils are in the PVC, they oxidize, contributing to the yellowing we see in white PVC over time.
Here at MushroomVillage.com, ALL Smurfs are handled *only* with white cotton gloves. As a rule, Smurfs received for inventory are unpacked with these gloves on, and immediately transferred to heavy-duty 4mil zip-loc style baggies, where they remain until they are shipped to our members. We do NOT handle our Smurf stock with bare hands, to ensure that our customers receive Smurfs in the same excellent condition we do!
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"It's wonderful to know that I'm not the only one who thinks that blue is best. Smurfy greetings -Darren Porcth, Bath England"
PETE REPLIES: Smurf on! My true blue brother!!
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"By the way, I've been recommending your sight to a few of my own customers! I'm a balloon artist, and occasionally people will ask me to make Smurfs out of balloons. Whenever they do we always talk about Smurfs and I mention your site. You site, in my opinion, is the best Smurf resource out there, and I just wish that IMPS would pay you two hundred thousand dollars a year to run their site, because yours is better and you are nicer!" -Scott Sparling, Federal Way Washington"
PETE REPLIES: Whoa! What a compliment! Thank you Scott, I do appreciate the kind words, they keep me going!! (And in IMPS' defense, they are just protecting a very valuable intellectual property - the law says if you abandon intellectual property, it's free for the taking. By having IMPS threaten legal action against web site's and others that are using the Smurfs name and image without their protection, Studio Peyo is demonstrating that they have not abandoned the property, and are actively protecting their interests. Veronique Culliford, none other than Peyo's daughter, head's up IMPS!!
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"I live for your monthly news letters. My wife and child are almost as important! -Scott Sparling, Federal Way Washington"
PETE REPLIES: OK Scott, I had to publish this too, because I just thought it was so funny! Now stop buttering me up!!
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3) SCHLEICH NEWS
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We announced in our last issue:
There will be 8 new Smurfs in 2004. The theme is "Soccer" and the models are the following:
Goalkeeper Smurf
Benchwarmer Smurf
Playmaker Smurf
Goal-Getter Smurf
Trainer Smurf
Fan Smurf
Fan Smurfette
President Smurf
Also, Schleich will re-introduce the following Smurfs:
20064 Toothbrush Smurf
20118 Umbrella Smurf
20134 Judo Smurf
The new and re-introduced Smurfs will replace the 12 Music Smurfs from 2002 as they will be retired. This will leave us with a total of 50 Smurfs as before. There are no changes with the rest of the Smurf range.
Member "Baboune07" was the first to spot the problem with this announcement:
"Hi Pete! Just one small thing...There are 8 new Smurfs + 3 re-released Smurfs, so that makes a total of 11. With the twelve musicians gone, there is one missing! Somebody can solve this? -Baboune"
Of course this was right! I asked Schleich and sure enough a small detail was left out - 20104 Pirate will be reintroduced in 2004 as well.
The new Schleich numbers are 20525-20532, in the same order as listed above. Wait a minute - we have always been under the impression that 20530 was Millennium Smurf! Well a rep from Schleich Germany set us straight - The Schleich # for Millennium Smurf is #20936 and the special mold Millennium keychain is #20937. This is not in agreement with what is published by other websites, but this information comes right from Schleich Germany, and we are listening to them! The correction has been noted throughout our site, including our collector checklists.
We also learned that 40603 Western Play set is also going to be pulled from regular production - if you need this piece, we have limited stock, and are trying to place a last chance order before they are gone!! If you want this piece, don't delay! Get it here now:
http://search.cartserver.com/search/search.cgi?cartid=a-6296&category=instock&maxhits=20&keywords=40603
AOL Click Here!
Here are other tidbits of interest we have learned recently:
- The mold number on Schleich's figurines identifies the cavity within a mold that a particular figurine comes from. The number of cavities per mould varies according to the size of the figurine; an elephant mould might have one cavity whereas a Smurf mold might have 4 to 6 cavities.
- Schleich does create test versions of different color variations for figurines, but they are only used internally. Schleich has never conducted test sales in the field of different variations. (This calls into doubt many of the so-called "testversions," a few color samples are understandable, but some "testversions" are so widely available as to raise suspicion.)
- During 2003, Schleich unloaded their inventory of Smurfs made from an old PVC formulation that was banned from use. During the time that both old and new formulation pieces were in-house, a blue paint dot was used to signify that a piece was made from the new formulation. Now that the old formulation has been sold off, there is no need for this dot, and newly made pieces are produced without a blue paint dot. Pieces marked with a blue dot are considered a variation by those who collect them. (As their use was fleeting, I consider them a desirable variation that we will find harder and harder to locate in years to come!!)
And finally, posted at our Bulletin Boards by SmurfyAngelNY regarding 20064 Toothpaste (raw tube): "Hi, is this version actually legitimate? I received mine and was looking at it to see and I am still not sure if it's legit or could have been manipulated with reason being, I can't tell if the toothpaste tube is raw, unpainted or painted white or paint removed. I noticed the bottom of the feet are of a different shinier white than the rest. Does anyone know for sure if this Smurf is legit? Where did these come from?"
I can answer this! These Smurfs were among those that came to the collector market in 2002 when Schleich unloaded their old stock. A new law taking effect forbid the sale of toys made with the PVC softener used in older Smurfs. As explained by the dealer who acquired these from Schleich: "These were to be painted red with the promo imprint "Colgate," but as the customer had cancelled his second order no one cared about painting the tube anymore - they were kept in Schleich's stock until I got them." MYSTERY SOLVED! These are genuine variations molded and painted by Schleich! I acquired 20 of the 25 pieces that were available to me, and then I made a big mistake - I sold them for $8 each, less than I paid for them! They are already trading at $50!! Sorry, MushroomVillage.com has no more available for sale :( If you scored one of these, TREASURE IT!! It is a rare piece for sure, and 100% legitimate, straight from Schleich!!
And here is some "Hot-Off-The-Press" news - there will be FOUR more promos available very soon!! These will be the classic 2" PVC manufactured by Schleich. MushroomVillage.com is making special arrangements to distribute these limited-edition pieces! A portion of every sale goes to the German helping organizations that are producing them, Malteser Hilfsdienst, Johanniter Unfallhilfe, Deutsches Rotes Kreuz & Melteser-Jugend!! More information will appear in a future newsletter, or tune into the MushroomVillage.com bulletin board for information as things develop:
http://www.mushroomvillage.com/cgi-bin/forum/dcboard.cgi
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4) 2004 SMURFS ARRIVE!
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Oh, and by the way, the new 2004 Soccer Smurfs are here and the preorders ship this week!! Here is a brief report:
20525 Goalkeeper - This player guards the goal, and is the only one allowed to touch the ball. His white and yellow gloves are to protect his hands. He is wearing black shorts and a green shirt with a black "1" printed on the back. His tongue is clamped in the corner of his mouth as he concentrates on the ball.
20526 Benchwarmer Smurf - This Smurf appears to be bored as he waits for his chance to enter the game. He is sitting on a brown bench, and has a yellow number "4" on the back of his orange shirt.
20527 Playmaker Smurf - This Smurf is bouncing a checkered Soccer ball on his knee. This is a single-mold piece, the ball is not molded separately, as it used to be on older Soccer Smurfs. This player has a yellow number "10" printed on the back of his orange shirt.
20528 Goal-Getter Smurf - This Smurf has just scored a goal, and has lifted his shirt over his face - a soccer tradition. It is also tradition to show a message under the shirt - in this case the shirt lifting reveals "Goal Goal" printed on his undershirt. The four Smurfs described so far have silver metallic cleats painted on the bottoms of their black shoes.
20529 Trainer Smurf - This Smurf seems to very frustrated with his team, and is stretching both sides of his hat down over his head with his eyes shut and teeth clenched. He is wearing yellow pants with vertical orange stripes running down the legs.
20530 Fan Smurf - This Smurf is all decked out in the team colors; yellow and orange face paint is printed on his face, he is waving a flag and blowing a metallic silver horn with his eyes squeezed shut.
20531 Fan Smurfette - Smurfette is also sporting the team colors, she is even wearing orange and yellow underwear! She is also holding up a striped towel or scarf, and is blowing a metallic silver whistle.
20532 President - This is the owner of the team, wearing a gray suit and a tie reflecting team colors. He is holding a metallic gold trophy with a "1" on it.
These were produced by Schleich Germany, and this mark ("Schleich Germany," along with the Schleich logo - an "S" in a circle) appears on them. They are also marked "CE" since they are a product of the European Union, and "Made in China" as that is where they were molded and painted. They are dated 2003, the year they were produced, and do not have any paint dot marking. (As mentioned above, the blue paint dot we have been seeing will no longer be used, now that the old Schleich stock has been purged, and it is no longer needed to identify new from old formulation at the Schleich warehouses.) And, of course, the pieces are marked "(C) Peyo" and have mold numbers on them.
As reported previously, we are shipping a glossy informational postcard with each 2004 set we sell, as well as our usual freebies with every order: free Smurfy stickers and a free Schleich catalog; the new 2004 edition! We will also ship one of our popular refrigerator magnets with each set!
Our collector checklists have been updated to include the newest figurines. Be sure to visit and print a copy of the checklist, so you can keep track of which Smurfs you still need! Here's a link:
http://www.mushroomvillage.com/Smurfs-figureslist.html
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PLEASE VISIT OUR OTHER SITES!
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If you have enjoyed the quality service you receive from MushroomVillage.com, please consider visiting our other sites:
www.MegaGlass.com - Offers a growing line of decorative glass novelties for floral arrangements, aquariums, mosaics, landscaping, arts/crafts, design/decor - the possibilities are endless!
www.LandOfMarbles.com - Marbles make great gifts - nostalgic for Grandma & Grandpa, & kids love 'em too! We offer everyday playing marbles to high-end collectible & contemporary art glass marbles.
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5) 2005 SMURF IDEAS
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Can you believe time is running out to submit ideas for 2005 Smurfs? Yup, the process of choosing designs has to begin early, so that there is time to create the new figurines. (It takes about 3 months to make a finished PVC figurine from a sketch.)
By the way, did you ever wonder how a new Smurf PVC is made? MushroomVillage.com features a page that describes the process! Visit:
http://www.mushroomvillage.com/Smurfs-makeSmurfs.html
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As in recent years, Schleich desires to create a theme for the 2005 set. Recent themes have been the Musical Band (2002), New Generation (2003), and now Soccer (2004). Since we know that Schleich wants to release Smurfs in themed sets, please keep this in mind when submitting your ideas!
Also keep in mind that Schleich cannot create Smurfs that incorporate trademarks or licensed personalities without the blessing of the owner of that trademark or license. As it is, Schleich needs IMPS' blessing to produce a new figurine, if the design also has to be approved by another party, it is probable it will not be considered. So keep away from ideas like New England Patriots Smurf, James Bond Smurf, etc.
Just to get you juices flowing, here are a few ideas we have received already; submitted on the MushroomVillage.com bulletin board, or sent to me directly:
"Star Wars Smurfs; like "Smurf Vader," "Luke SkySmurfer," "Smurfette Leah," and "Obi Smurf Kenobi." Throw in the mechanical Smurf as C3PO and such and we'll have a full set. Gargamel could play the evil emperor and maybe their little puppy friend could be Chewbacca. Han Solo could be "Handy Solo." [Note from Pete: cute idea, but this is the sort of idea that would require an OK from other parties, and is likely not to be considered...]
"Services (Army, Navy, Air force, Police, Fire, Ambulance, Coast Guard/Life Guard, Doctor/Nurse)"
"National Dress (American (kind of like Uncle Sam Smurf), French with cloth cap and baguette, Dutch with clogs, Britannia, Mexican with poncho etc) or if that's too much then just set of Smurfs holding/wearing t-shirts of different countries."
"Circus theme (ring master, lion tamer (or re-release model of him), acrobat, clowns, ballerinas, Smurf on unicycle, usher)"
"Party Smurfs - Smurf with present, Smurf opening present, Smurf eating cake, Smurf with blind fold on playing game, Smurf giving birthday card, some dancing Smurfs, eating food Smurfs."
"Beach Smurfs - sun bathing, sand castle building, holding bucket and spade, playing sport, eating ice-cream, and beach towel Smurf"
"I have been waiting for a Nativity Set issue. Smurfs as Mary, Joseph, Baby Jesus, Shepherds, Wise Men and even dressed as animals. Throw in a manger and it is complete!!"
"Medieval Smurfs - jousting, jester, king, queen, peasant Smurfs."
"How about 'Feel Better Soon Smurfs' with figures such as Smurf with measles/chicken pox, Smurf eating bowl of soup, Smurf in housecoat/pajamas, Smurf with box of tissues."
"Birthday Smurfs that are holding a gem for the month of the birth - garnet, emerald, diamond..."
"Initial Smurf - maybe a letter on the shirt - so you can spell names out."
"Simple Smurfs making different gymnastic positions; standing on 2 hands, rolling, standing on one leg..."
OK, that should get some juices flowing! I will print the full list of suggestions, as sent to Schleich, in the next issue...If you would like to submit an idea, please hit reply now! There is not a lot of time left, so don't delay - submit your idea today!
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6) PROPS - THE SMURFS
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From Vibe Magazine - Tuesday, August 19, 2003
By Jeff Sanico
"Deep in an imaginary forest, a tribe of blue-skinned creatures in soft white skullies frolics in a community of mushroom-shaped cottages. No, this is not your brain on drugs. It’s the Smurfs—the adorable elfin folk who infiltrated American pop culture in the ’80s with their kid-friendly notions of a society based on equality, fairness, and respect, especially for Mother Nature...
For the rest of this article, please visit it's page in the MushroomVillage.com archive, located at:
http://www.mushroomvillage.com/smurfs-article034.html
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IF ANYONE HAS SMURF-RELATED ARTICLES NOT ARCHIVED AT OUR SITE, PLEASE HIT 'REPLY' NOW AND TELL ME ABOUT IT SO IT CAN BE ADDED!!!
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7) SMURFY NEWS GIVE-A-WAY
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Well, as always we had entries from all over the globe - Australia, Belgium, Canada, England, Germany, Italy, Malaysia, Netherlands, New Zealand, South Africa, Spain, Switzerland, and of course, the United States of America!
And now here are our lucky winners:
Congratulations Victoria Lucie Yyerman of North Yorkshire, England! Your name was the first drawn, and so you win your choice of prizes, which was the mint-in-box Gargamel's Castle Pop-Up Play set by Wallace Berrie!
Congratulations Gail Hillen of Key Largo, Florida! You did not specify a preferred prize, so I am awarding you our most requested prize of our 2 remaining prizes - you have won the Mint 20005 Gold Smurf!
Congratulations Yvette Wilde of Etiwanda, California! You were our third winner drawn, and did not specify a preference, so you have won the pair of vintage Harmony earrings! How cute these are!
Here is a comment submitted with a recent entry:
"I have been enjoying your Newsletters for some time and have recently been enjoying the MushroomVillage.com website. The ID Guide has been wonderful for me and the message boards are fun to get new information.
I wanted to submit an entry for Gargamel's Pop-Up Play set. I have been wanting this play set for some time now and I can't believe you're giving one away! I only have one small house for my Smurfs and I am in "desperate" need for more display items for the little guys! Thanks! Keep on Smurfin' -April Bash, Lexington Kentucky"
Good News April, I have one more Gargamel's Castle Pop-Up play set to award! This is the last of our lightly-damaged pieces - the play set itself is Mint, NRFB, but the box has slight crushing at one corner.
We also have 2 other prizes to award in this issue! Our next prize is a complete 40100 Snail Cart! All the pieces are there, but the box is not. If you don't collect boxes, or you could use the piece for a diorama, you're in business!
The last prize is 40503 Discus Thrower. The Super Smurf is Mint and with box, but an end flap is missing from the box.
When you enter, be sure to let me know which prizes you prefer; castle play set, snail play set, or discus thrower. I do try to award winners the prize they want, if it is still available! Otherwise I will award a second or third choice, or choose a remaining prize for you, based on what seems to be most requested of the remaining prizes.
Enter the drawing by completing our secret entry form - only Smurfy News subscribers are given this link:
http://www.mushroomvillage.com/contestform.html
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THE WINNER WILL BE ANNOUNCED IN THE NEXT ISSUE OF THE SMURFY NEWS!!
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8) CLOSING
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Well, this brings another issue to a close! I want to say again that I do feel a bit badly that I have had to cut back on the publishing schedule for the Smurfy News. I do want to encourage everyone to continue to contact me with any Smurfy News - I will absolutely continue to harvest and publish materials here - just not as frequently. The lower frequency of publication is going to force me to pack each issue with more newsworthy stuff, and less filler, so do not despair - of course we will continue to serve you as a FREE collector resource, and the informative Smurfy News is here to stay as well!
So, if you have not done so already, please hit 'reply' now and let me know how you found this issue, let me know about your Smurfy finds, let me know about any news you here. As I've said before, please do not think "Pete must know already..." Somebody has to be the first to tell me!! Remember, if it's about Smurfs, it's all good!
With this, I leave you to your collecting! May it continue to bring joy into your life! And remember, if you need a Smurf fix, don't sit around waiting for the News to arrive, C'mon over the MushroomVillage.com! There will always be something new at the bulletin board, and you never know when I will add new listings, articles, etc.!
Until next time,
SMURF ON EVERYBODY!!!
-Pete
www.MushroomVillage.com
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'SMALL PRINT'
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The "Smurfy News" is a FREE e-mail newsletter published periodically 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! 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.
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SHARING IS CARING!! We collect and disseminate information the world over to keep Smurf collectors united and having a Smurfy good time! 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. Submissions become the property of MushroomVillage.com. They may be edited and republished in all media.
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