Inner Space: Watch Us Turn A Ceiling Nook Into A Mind-Bending Mini Galaxy

Hiya, happy Friday night! Our cat Suki was sick this week, so I lost a couple days staying up all night with her & being generally stressed and sad. Happily after extensive vet visits (and bills) she's on the mend, and only you fellow pet owners will understand my joy when I tell you, "she pooped today!!"

So with my cat poopin' and life looking up, let me show you an extremely cool project John and I finished a few weeks ago. It's also extremely hard to photograph, because it involves mirrors, lights, forced perspective, and an awkward space, but I have video coming that will help you see the full effect in all its glory.

First let's look at this awkward space:

Our friend Tim has an amazing new house that he and his folks have fully customized so he can best get around in his wheelchair. To that end, they knocked out a wall between his bedroom and study, leaving the space you see here with the ladder. This used to be a closet, and the ceiling inside is as high as the ceiling outside, leaving this narrow high niche between the two rooms:

(Remember that plug up there, it'll come up later.) 

The first time I saw this niche I told Tim it was PERFECT for hanging some of his Star Trek ship models. (Tim and I've been friends since the 7th grade, where we first bonded over our mutual love of Star Trek books.) Tim's learned some blind trust in my zany ideas over the years, so he was immediately onboard.

Our first step was essential but makes for boring photos: electrical work. John ran a wire from an existing wall outlet up to the top of the niche, where he installed a plug. Then he installed a wall switch where Tim could reach it, just below this picture:

We also painted the entire ceiling nook flat black.

While John did that, I was taping off 200 LEDs with little slivers of painters tape, which was super tedious and took a good hour and a half. Then I took the lights outside and spray painted the wires flat black:



These lights were tricky to find, but they're perfect for a galaxy display: cool white, 3 levels of dimmability, and a remote control that lets you set them to a twinkle for extra pizazz. (Yes, yes, I know stars don't twinkle in space. Let me have my fun.)  

After painting I took the lights home to begin the tedious process of removing the tape:



Once that was done, LOOK HOW COOL:

Baby Thor, Haunted Mansion Minis, & The Basement Of Every Trekkie/Whovian's Dreams

I don't know about you, but I've been leaning HARD on my favorite creators and fan pages lately to save me from doom scrolling. I've joined more fan groups on Facebook, watched a lot of Rachel Maksy on Youtube, and even convinced John to join me on TikTok, where we obsess over synchronized roller skating and sea shanties. Oh yeah. Gimmie all that beautiful randomness.

Sure, it's the ostrich approach to dealing with... ::gestures vaguely:: ... but at this point I've determined every non-destructive coping mechanism is valid. A better time is coming, we just have to hang on 'til it gets here.

So in that spirit, and for my fellow ostriches, here come some of my favorite finds and follows to interrupt YOUR doom scrolling.

*****

As always, The Replica Prop Forum is THE page to follow if you like anything geeky. It's a smorgasbord of smiles, like this: 

 Speak softly and carry a big hammer. Also wear a cape. Unless Edna Mode is around.

The RPF is also where I found Todd Pineapple Spann, who's been building something incredible in his basement for over 2 years. I've been eagerly waiting for him to finish so I could show you all, and happily for all of us, this week it's finally done!

Behold!

It's 8 minutes long, but you keep seeing new stuff the whole way through, I promise. Plus time flies when you're drooling on the keyboard. :p This was just the mini vacation from reality I needed when it came out earlier this week. Dang.

Also to whom it may concern:

Todd, I don't know you, but with this crowd that basement will at LEAST get you a first date.

*****

You know those things from your childhood that always makes you smile? For me one of those are the original Care Bears illustrations. I can't get enough of that pastel 80s style art. So last week I joined the Care Bears Forever in the Kingdom Of Caring group on FB to get pretties like this in my feed:

EEEEE! It's just so darn cute.

The group also posts toys for sale or trade, which can be a nice trip down memory lane. In fact I've joined a couple of toy groups, both for the nostalgia and to see peoples' collection photos, which are super addicting. Some give me great display ideas, too:

Let's Talk About A 27 Year Old Star Trek Episode

John and I've been re-watching old Star Trek: TNG episodes during lunch lately, and it turns out - to my utter delight - that he hasn't seen them all.  

On Thursday we watched The Inner Light, easily one of the top 10 TNG episodes of all time, and which I could almost recite from memory. (It's the one with the flute, if that helps.)

About 20 minutes in John asked, "Wait, he's aging? HOW LONG HAS IT BEEN?" and I got the biggest grin, realizing he was about to experience this story for the first time. (Isn't that the best feeling?)

After the show was over, John spluttered for several minutes. It was glorious. What finally came out was, "So... so... this is the best Star Trek episode of all time, right? This is it? This has to be it!"

I told him it was definitely in the Top Ten, but that did get me wondering what the all-time best episode is. I'm sure there are plenty of Buzzfeed-style lists out there, and everyone's mileage will vary, but what springs to mind for you guys?

I've been pondering this all morning, and even though it's been decades since I've seen most of these episodes, I have so many particular moments that spring to mind: Q with the Mariachi band. That single tear running down Locutus' face. Troi as a "cellular peptide cake." Data's daughter Lal, pounding her chest as she feels for the first time. The ship's kids celebrating"Picard Day." Worf and his "warrier's drink." Lwaxana Troi doing ANYTHING. Oof, so many good, gut-punching, hilarious moments. 

(I know, I still haven't picked my top episode! This clearly needs more research.)

Speaking of the heir to the holy rings of Betazed, while it's not from a TNG episode, the moment when Lwaxana handed Odo her wig in the turbolift at DS9 is one of the best in all of Trekdom for me. I love that scene.

Also while I was looking for an episode photo for The Inner Light I discovered there's a commemorative plate for it. Whaaaat. Remember when we had commemorative plates for everything? Ha!

Now, don't get me wrong, the art is lovely... but how is it that Picard's kids - who are in the episode for maybe five minutes - made the cut, but not HIS WIFE who is in the entire thing?! I need to speak to someone's manager.

I vividly remember my best friend Chris having a TNG plate like this on his bedroom wall, btw. Ahh, the 90s.

I also found this gem of a factoid on Wikipedia - you'll have to embiggen it to read:

They made the classic blunder! NEVER underestimate the "emotional fury" of devoted fans when screen-used PROPS are on the line! NYAHAHAAAAA.

That inspired me to go see if there's any other Inner Light merch out there, and would you believe there is?

 You can buy an official probe necklace replica for way too much money on Amazon, ha.

Or for a free option (at least for those with Amazon Prime): I've been listening to this orchestral arrangement of Picard's flute melody while writing this, and it's absolutely gorgeous! Reminds me of the Shire theme from Lord of the Rings.

Now quick, tell me which TNG episodes John and I should watch next. (We're not watching in any particular order; just picking random seasons and watching a few in a row.) Yesterday we watched the two-parter where they time travel back and meet Mark Twain, which is another great one. Love me some Guinan being mysterious. :D

******

Oh hey, if you're not into overpriced probe necklaces {snerk}, but are still itching to shop, I have lots of fun nerdy suggestions in my Amazon lists:

I've linked all kinds of goodies, from Harry Potter and Disney to my favorite toys and puzzles, plus more mundane stuff like cat gear and the clothes I wear. I've left comments on everything I actually own, which is most of it, so look for the comment bubbles above each item to read my reviews.

As with all my Amazon links, if you purchase any of these John & I will receive a small percentage, but it doesn't cost you anything. So you get to shop, we get to feed the cats, EVERYBODY WINS. 

Thanks, gang. Live long and prosper.

FOE Finds: Baby Thrones, Bear Lamps, & CROWLEY SAYS HI!

I'm a perpetual lurker over in Fans of Epbot, because it gives me such joy to see 5,000+ geeks basically participating in the world's best Show & Tell. My Facebook feed is 70% photos of your pets and crafts and toys and outfits and really, REALLY bad jokes - and I wouldn't have it any other way.

As I lurk, I also sometimes screen-shot a few of my favorites. Then, because I'm terrible at this, I wait a good 4 months before asking John to go find all the people whose posts I saved and see if they'll let me share here on the blog. :D Which he - and they! - graciously did. So thanks for the team effort, gang!

Now here's a little sampling of things to make you smile, all from your friendly neighborhood FOE:

 This seems appropriate this week!

 I know what you're thinking. You're thinking, "Dangit, Jen, you can't show us a baby Iron Throne without a baby on it!!"

WELL YOU ARE IN LUCK, MY FRIENDS.

BEHOLD!

Allison, I think I speak for us all when I say, Bless you for bringing this into the world. 

(The cute kid, too! :p)

*****

Karen said she made the pot of petunias necklace - my favorite part! - from buttons. So clever!

Karen is actually one of my friends IRL, because a million years ago (or maybe 5-6) I tweeted to the world at large that John & I were at Disney, and did anyone want to meet up? And she did! Just hopped in her car and drove out to Epcot, by herself, to hang with us all night.

I don't know if I'd be that brave, but I'm glad she was.

*****

YASSS. This makes me so happy, and reminds me of all the little Star Trek conventions I went to growing up. Everyone was there to talk and laugh and sing Klingon Karaoke, and I'd never felt more welcome to be my nerdy, Bajoran-earring-wearing self. I hope it's still like that, Melanie. I bet it is. 

*****

You ever see a craft that makes you want to drop everything and go make one just like it?

This "Baby On Borg" Is The Cutest Punny Cosplay From Dragon Con

 I love puns, and I love cute. So when I spotted THIS at Dragon Con over the weekend, I positively squealed with delight:

RESISTANCE IS FUTILE. 

You *will* love her.

 D'awwwwww.

You don't see many kids at Dragon Con at night, so props to this mom for braving the crowds with her cutie-patootie.

And yes, more DCon cosplay is coming!

February Art Roundup!

Whoah, this month is really slipping away! Well, here's one more dose of February sweetness for you:

 Set of 4 Star Wars 12X12 prints (more options available), $70 by OctopusTreeHouse 

(or you can buy them individually for $20 each)

Will we ever get tired of adorable Star Wars art? NO WE WILL NOT.

But I've gotta follow it up with some adorable 'Trek art. Sorry. Got to.

Set of 4 original Star Trek mini paintings, $76 by Tim Art Mclaughlin

Tim's individual character paintings are just under $26 each, and you're going to have a hard time picking a favorite, between all the superheroes, princesses, and pop culture icons. (I want half his store, easy.)

I didn't even post my top favorites, since I'm half hoping no one else will buy them and then I'll be forced to get them myself. Ha! So, yeah, go see the rest!

Next up, when dapper pigs fly:

Steampunk Flying Pig 8X10 print, $10 from the Satrun Twins

(These are the makers of that awesome "We Are All Wonderwomen" print I featured ages ago.)

They also have a version in pink:

Hee!

David Lizanetz, aka Sour Apple Gallery, paints over real comic book pages, and the results are gorgeous:

 Wonder Woman, signed & numbered 11X14 print, $19.99

 Harley print, or you can still buy the original for about $220

Lots more at his shop, so go see!

Our local comic shop had an art show this month, and of course I couldn't leave empty handed. John and I snagged the original of this Captain America by Brian Demeter:

  It's actually woodburned & then painted - my crappy photo doesn't do it justice.

I also bought this 8X10 print for the give-away board:

Oh! And then over on Brian's website I found these fabulous wooden ties:

They flex at the V joints, so they must have a fabric lining on the back. SO COOL. No word on pricing, but you can see the rest here!

Christopher Uminga recently did a series of re-imagined Star Wars characters, and it is SUPER fun:

Check out blue Chewbacca!

 Definitely feeling a little Sully from Monsters, Inc vibe here - and I love it.

Head over to Uminga's online store to see the rest - both originals and prints - starting at just $20.


I love getting to share art I love here, but one unexpected benefit is getting to know some of the artists themselves - many of whom are just ridiculously nice. Check out the ACEO Bianca Roman-Stumpff made me after I featured her fabulous Puff Monsters:

And here's another ACEO from last month's Craig Michael Scott:

Craig even made this available as a print, with my blessing. You can get one here!

On top of sweetness like that, I also keep getting free prints. Granted, it's all for you guys, since I put nearly all of it up on the give-away board, but I'm still pretty chuffed that Epbot is making enough of a difference that artists want to give back. HAPPY FEELZ ALL 'ROUND, YOU GUYS.

So. Give-away board additions!

 Hello Pony, signed 11X17 print by Charles Thurston

(Charlie finally has some of his kids' booklets, like If You Give a Hobbit a Ring & Whobacca available in his Etsy store. GO GET 'EM.)

I purchased two prints by Nathan Szerdy for the board a while ago, but now he's given me three more!

 

(Currently doing a happy dance, because I managed to buy the original of this from Nathan last month. I won't get to pick it up 'til MegaCon, though, so I'm counting down the days.)

Check the board for Nathan's other prints - I can't believe no one's grabbed his Merida yet.

And finally, though I hate to end on a sad note...

 

See you on the other side, Dr. Spengler.

Art by Timonthy Lim. No sign of a print yet, but I wouldn't be surprised if one was available soon.

[sob]

 ***

Ok, I *think* that's everything, but to be honest, I feel like I'm drowning in art over here. Heh. So let's play catch-up, shall we? This month, I'll be picking three winners to select their choice of art from my Pinterest give-away board. Gotta whittle this stash down a bit!

You know the drill: enter by commenting below, and I'll pick three random winners by next week. (And I'll ship anywhere, so bring it, internationals.)

Happy commenting!

 ****

UPDATE: The give-away has ended, and our winners are Scrivvet, Seungmina, and Hello Haha Narf!

Congrats, winners, and please e-mail me your choice of art from my Pinterest give-away board (along with a 2nd choice, just in case) and your mailing address!

A Steampunk Star Wars Film? MAKE IT SO.

My friend John Strangeway, aka Steampunk Boba Fett, stars in this epic short film, "Trial of the Mask." The visuals are just stunning - lots of great beauty shots - and I really love the storyline. No spoilers, just watch:

That's all fan-made, you guys! Sweet Staypuft, I LOVE MY FELLOW GEEKS.

(Btw, someday I want to get a picture in my Vadore costume with David Lee, the steampunk Vader in the film. Then I'll make a little steampunk Vader cat to hold, and turn the photo of the three of us into Christmas cards. It's brilliant, brilliant, BRILLIANT.)

(Ahem.)

(Hi, David! I know we've never met, but I promise I'm mostly harmless.)

Oh, and rest assured I've already reamed Strangeway out for that ending.

And to end on a laugh, you MUST WATCH this perfect snowflake of a find from my friend Chris:



I haven't laughed this hard in AGES. Oh. Migosh. Seriously. I foresee myself playing this at least three more times today. ("SHUT UP, WESLEY.")

Week's Best 6/14/13

Rachel and her boyfriend Trevor cosplayed as Hermione and Ron going to the Yule ball... for their own prom!

BRILLIANT! Haha! (And thanks for the link, Heather N.!)

- Do you like historical conspiracy theories? Then read this. It's fascinating. (I can't wait to see Hollywood's version hit theaters - because you know it will.) via SuperPunch


- It's been pouring pretty much all week here, but we headed out to Epcot on Tuesday anyway to meet up with some readers, and....

We found it!!

(Not sure what I'm talking about? Click here.)

Took a fair amount of searching, too, since it's hidden behind/inside a partition pretty much backstage, though just barely. If you go looking for it yourself, follow the path between the Imagination Pavilion and The Land, and hope the wooden gate is open!


- In other news, Patrick Stewart continues to be a delight on Twitter:

Oh captain, our captain! ALWAYS. :)

- And speaking of Twitter, this happened on Wednesday:

Now, Felicia Day is a personal hero of mine, and probably the one person I most aspire to be like (with a healthy dollop of Jenny Lawson, of course). This was the first time she's ever directly mentioned me, but I think I handled it pretty well:

 

 

If you caught the fact that I unconsciously made both a Phineas and Ferb AND a Grinch reference, then you may now award yourself ten thousand Geek Points.

I'll be sure to let you guys know when Felicia invites me over for a girls' night out, or, more likely, admits she mixed me up with someone else. ;)

Moving along...

- Jessica Angus is a costume designer and supplier who's created the most jaw-dropping, uber-realistic Toothless (from How To Train Your Dragon) quad costume I've ever seen:
 

You're really got to watch the video of her in motion to get the full effect, though:

via NerdApproved

Jessica's site DreamVision Creations sells all kinds of supplies for creating your own creature and furry suits, but it looks like she stopped taking costume commissions in 2011. Oh, and if you check out Jessica's DevianArt gallery, you'll find several of her adorable Toothless plushies - including one that's five-feet tall! This two-foot version is my favorite, though:

D'awwww.  DO WANT.

Jessica stresses that these are not for sale, though, and she also doesn't sell any patterns. I can understand why with the copyright concerns, of course, but that doesn't stop me wanting one!

- Here's some adorable geeky goodness we CAN buy, though: 3D Marvel phone cases from Disney:

 photo by TouringPlans

Not the most practical, sure, but now you can turn your phone into an action figure!

These are being sold at the Disney parks, but when I went hunting for a place to buy them online I also found these designs, and oh. my. CUTE:

DYING.

I found all of them over on Amazon for about $30 apiece. Now you just have to decide between Batgirl, Joker, Wonder Woman, and Harley. And maybe Superman. Ok, basically I want them all except Batman. Because he looks grumpy. Which is totally in character, but still.

Happy Weekend, everyone!