SDCFans - The Unofficial Fan Site For Silver Dollar City
Silver Dollar City & Celebration City Discussion => SDC Memories/ Park History => Topic started by: betamike on May 20, 2012, 09:57:47 AM
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Okay, I decided to begin the thread with an alarmist title just to get attention, but I just wanted to say that the picture below represents one of the smaller, but more important aspects of the Silver Dollar City experience for me.
Not to fire the flames of rumor (when to my knowledge it isn't even one), but how long before we will no longer have these awesome murals to represent our Park's past history? Jim Owen Float Trip, Silver Dollar City Railroad, Grandfather's Mansion....!!!!! These murals are an amazing part of the City and have been there as long as I've been alive.
Speaking to this group particularly, we are all mostly in a place where we don't have to pass through the ticket booths any longer. Do the first time Guests even notice these amazing little vignettes?
So I ask: If these went away, would anyone notice?
I think we should start a register of Historic Items to be Preserved in case the day comes when things like old fashioned ticket booths are, shall we say...outmoded?
http://www.flickr.com/photos/skinnytie/4914201707/
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Last year I started a thread that showed photos of some of the park artwork. The HH mural, FITH mural, Baldknobber pix in FITH, there is a wonderful mural in the Flooded Mine, showing a cross section of the mine. It is not totally original, the original was damaged by water over the years and I think it was either completely repainted or repaired extensively. Also the artwork of Gold Medal Flour in Sullivan's Mill. There is a wonderful mural at the exit turnstyles. Those ticket booth paintings are unique and should not be changed, either. I'd love to see all the classic artwork of SDC in a huge coffee table sized book, but for one reason or another the park management has never really paid much attention to their history...except in the 50th anniversary year. Most of the time when something is outdated or upgraded they toss the old stuff into the dumpster and add the new project...the old robbers shack is the most recent to go, and maybe Hobo Junction, too! On the other hand, saving the float trip channel and incorporating it into the Wildfire and AP lines, well, that was great. There is still a sign on the side of lost river that says "Dugan Salvage Yard," too. Thanks for reminding us, Betamike, about those ticket booth paintings. I took a look at them last week when I took my grandson up to the park for the first time. I'm glad they are still there. I'm also glad the treehouse and the first train depot, covered in vines is still in place. I don't know how much has to do with preserving the past, or how much it has to do with the costs of tearing something out. Think of that wonderful artwork on the back of Christmas Hollow that has the Norman Rockwell takeoff of the girl showing another girl her missing tooth. Think of the Uncle Sam painting on the front of the General Store urging us to send a postcard to the folks back home. Think about the Santitation Squad painting on the Springhouse with the men in "bobby" caps. SDC would just not be the same without the classic old artwork posted around the city streets.
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I agree with you that in most cases, it's an "affect" that makes the City what it is. Sometimes it is a building as well, like the Robber's Shack, but I know that progress usually wins out over actual architecture. Still, those are things worth preserving too.
I love the idea of a coffee table book of all this amazing art. The Sanitation Squad sign is one of my favorite items on Park (I've taken tons of photos of it). Just think of the access the folks who currently work at the City have at getting good photos of that stuff when they are stringing up Christmas lights!
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The cave waterfall is by far my favorite.
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Sorry If I am the bearer of bad news Beta, but I believe that the Sanitary Squad sign has been updated recently.
(http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu218/rubedugans/sanitary.jpg) old sign
(http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu218/rubedugans/IMG_0389.jpg) new sign
RIP Sanitary Squad
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BOOOOOOO!!!!!
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Sorry Beta! I saw it and thought about it in April to post when we returned home, but I had forgotten about it until this post. It will happen again, but I would hope some of the signs would be replaced with a replica of the original
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but I would hope some of the signs would be replaced with a replica of the original
I spoke with a man a few years back that came into business I was running that was a sign painter,. Older man had his portfolio with him and started to show it to me. I noted signs I had seen in SDC, much like the Sanitation Squad sign. I was intrigued and started what ended up being a long conversation about artwork at the city. Apparently this man was with the company for many years and told he that they had specific methods of painting and he had to learn them to produce these pieces.
One of the things he shared was none of the paint could be shiny, it all had to me done in a matte finish to look right. These days when I look at the new signs I can see that this has been thrown out the window.
They are shinny now ( some are) and they don't have the " feel" they once had. Much like the sanitation squad they went from looking period to looking comical. I think it loses period when they do this.
Wish they would return to the hand done signs.
I did note the ticket booths today as I went through getting some folks in free with BAF. the murals are still there. I had forgoten about them until this morning. I hate to lose the old stuff. WE aren't Disney, and when they polish it up it seems like we are trying to be.
IT doesn't fit, come back with the traditional matte finish hand painted and drawn artwork.
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I had not thought about the matte vs gloss finish, but it is something that is very true. Looking at the newer signs, several are gloss. Others (like HDH) are manufactured via machine...which looses the hand carved/ personal feel.
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Aw geez, the whole character of the Sanitation Squad has been compromised. Look at those faces...how sad.
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At least it is still around albeit changed. Besides having a dirty sign couldnt be good business in the sanitation department....
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Ohh trams!!!!
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I hate the printed glossy signs. The old signs, hand-painted on wood, were perfect. They contributed so much to the theme and atmosphere, even when most people wouldn't notice.
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Well I had a vision when reading Beta's comments, and was drawn to an image in my head that I needed to create. For you BetaMike, and all others mourning the loss of the sign, I give you the first in the line of t-shirts (my original designs).
Who is in? Stay tuned for the rest of the designs throughout the summer months.
(http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu218/rubedugans/sanitationshirt.jpg)
(Oh, and thanks for modeling the shirt for me Beta ;D)
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Rube! I LOVE it!!!! I'd be the first one in line to buy one of these!!!
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I want one!
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Classic SDC imagery shirts? I want in!
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Thanks for the great feedback so far! Yes the artist in me came out on this one!
Dependant upon the interest, I might arrange for a few to be printed. It would have to be cost effective though, being that it would be a 3-4 color print , I know this could get pricey. Maybe I'll just take orders for an iron on image, and you can iron it on an 80's tee yourself!
I would like, as I said to try a few other designs, but who knows with time and everything if I'll get to the others.
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I feel all the old paintings are part of what gives SDC its charm and what sets it apart from other parks. My favorites would be the Kieffer paintings at FITH and outside the Ozark Marketplace. The ticket booth painting has a special place in my heart, too. As a kid they always gave me a little bit of a scared feeling, but in a good way. (Hard to explain really, but I would surely miss them if they were gone).
I would LOVE a coffee table book of all the art work across the park. The George Kieffer stuff especially, but the others as well. [Seriously, TPTB, if you are reading this, I would buy one in a heartbeat!]
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Well I had a vision when reading Beta's comments, and was drawn to an image in my head that I needed to create. For you BetaMike, and all others mourning the loss of the sign, I give you the first in the line of t-shirts (my original designs).
Count me in, I love the old designs on T shirts.
Frankly speaking I do not own any SDC shirts or caps because none of them seem to have the character that "is" SDC. I bought a polo some years back that had a small embroidered SDC logo with log and axe, they were on the chest where a polo pony would be, small and understated and something I would wear in daily life. Most of the tie dyed crap they sell these days is just not original enough or just too tacky for me to WANT to wear. I WOULD buy a Sanitation squad shirt !
What a great idea.
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What a wonderful idea!!!!!! Remember outside of FITH after the ramp exit the girl sitting in the bathtub with breast tops, you were supposed to pull down to reveal the rest :o, and it was her knees and an advertisement?? I'd get that shirt for my brother in a second!! Anyone have a photo of that?
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That infamous picture is available somewhere in one of the threads.....now which one I am not sure...
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Hmmm... I wonder why that picture is no longer around ;) lol... If anyone knows what thread the picture is in it would be cool to see it.
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The park artwork is in danger to some extent. Each successive new artist hired on wants to put his/her mark on things. Plus the days of Andy Miller and the original crew are gone...they worry alot about cost and keeping the budget, so that is why the look of signs on park has changed. Thanks Rube for the Sanitation Squad T..pretty cool looking. How about one with the FITH mural, a Baldknobber, Flooded Mine Mural, HH Mural highlights...hey the list goes on and on. (Watch out for copyright issues, though.)
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That's my big question... Even though it is basically my artistic rendering of the sign, it'd be like me makin Mickey mouse shirts to sell... It'd be questionable unless I give SDC credit. I have yet to make /sell shirts and have not received a cease an desist soo we'll wait and see! Until thn I'll just throw around a few more ideas.It us all in my head with 100's of other ideas. HFEC just needs to come talk to ms and will be set in the merchant dept. For a while.
I posted the bathtub sign a few years back. I have the photos of both the closed bottom half as well as the top half ... I'll look for it on here
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I posted the bathtub sign a few years back. I have the photos of both the closed bottom half as well as the top half ... I'll look for it on here
Rube, I found it: http://sdcfans.com/forums/index.php?topic=944.msg18200#msg18200 (http://sdcfans.com/forums/index.php?topic=944.msg18200#msg18200)
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I can tell you these shirts will sell! Sell! Sell! We are just now tapping the nostalgia market at Disney and the corporate folks are taking notice. Where once you saw generic designs, there are some really passionate Disney designers making "retro" designs that seem like they are geared to a niche crowd...and they are selling out.
When I wear the shirt that Rubedugans modeled the current design after (see below) at the City, I get complete strangers coming up to me all the time asking where to get one!
http://www.flickr.com/photos/skinnytie/4805653373/
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I agree Beta. I'll wear one of my design to the park, and see how many comments I can get!
Like I said it was in my head, so I made it. Wait till you see the other one I'll post this evening! Some of you will love it!
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OOOOkay here it is, this one comes in 2 colors...
(http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu218/rubedugans/daredevilred.jpg)
(http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu218/rubedugans/daredevil.jpg)
(Didn't know your shirt came in red there did ya' Beta?)
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Yes, Yes, Yes!!!!
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;D
Yes I am having fun an now I just need the time to make more designs Lord knows I already have the ideas!
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If you wear those shirts to the city, be sure to keep a pocket full of cards to give to people who ask where they can order one!
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Love it! Keep the ideas coming. Nostalgia is one of the big reasons we all come together on this forum. To share, and reflect on the good times at Silver Dollar City. :)
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I posted the bathtub sign a few years back. I have the photos of both the closed bottom half as well as the top half ... I'll look for it on here
Rube, I found it: http://sdcfans.com/forums/index.php?topic=944.msg18200#msg18200 (http://sdcfans.com/forums/index.php?topic=944.msg18200#msg18200)
Thanks to the both of you!! I forgot about the two heads! Wow, I tell my daughter about that sign every time we go.
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While we are talking about the many murals of SDC, I would like to point out that SDC has done a wonderful job of paying tribute to the Marvel Cave Mural in the Hospitality House. I like how they took out the beams, and put in new lighting; it really shows off the mural beautifully.
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^
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I loved that sign, and miss it. I am so glad I have the photos of it so I can remember it as it was, not just how I thought it was.
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Made 2 more tonight...here is one of them...the brown shirt just wasn't looking right, kinda like wearing a burlap sack...it works...if you like that sorta thing. Let me know what you think, I'll post the other one in a few days.
(http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu218/rubedugans/wilsonsfarmcopy.jpg)
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Love the shirts!!! Where is the sanitation sign? I don't remember seeing it anywhere.
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Way to go. Another winner of a shirt!! :)
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Love the shirts!!! Where is the sanitation sign? I don't remember seeing it anywhere.
Wolfhunter, I believe the sanitation sign is above Mary's Springhouse in Midtown.
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Ok ill look for it next time i go thanks
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Rube,
I want a Wilson Farm shirt. I think that looks awesome
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Thanks Okie! I'll keep that in mind.
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Hmm... what about a thunderation shirt...
http://www.themeparkreview.com/forum/files/46_thunderation_171.jpg
Id buy that
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That can be done very easily...I have several wating for creation, I will put that one in the queue for you Wolf.
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While you are all awaiting Thunderation...try this one on for size...again thanks @betamike for the modeling...for as much as I am using you on this thread, I should make you sign a modeling release form!
(http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu218/rubedugans/chairrepairgraycopy.jpg)
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Ten thumbs up!!! :o :) ;D
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I'm not trying to stir up the old "Why did they ever close it" debate, I just wanted to highlight a nifty vintage Waterboggan shirt on eBay (http://www.ebay.com/itm/vintage-90s-SILVER-DOLLAR-CITY-WILDERNESS-WATERBOGGAN-T-Shirt-LARGE-theme-park-/330758310833?pt=Vintage_Unisex_T_Shirts&hash=item4d02bb4bb1) right now.
(http://www.videohomesystem.com/ebaypictures/vintagess-1341274907-88397.jpg)
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1987 at its finest!
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Love the shirt! Sadly, with the exception of the one someone bought (that you then purchased from them), the late 80's was the last time SDC made any charming decisions with their shirt merchandising. I think right after this we saw the neon and paint splattered designs that would have a longer shelf life...like the shirt version of a Twinkie. Blech!
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So I live in Springfield and would like to buy a couple of the shirt designs. Where/When could this be made available to me? I could pick them up on my next trip to Branson.
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I think right after this we saw the neon and paint splattered designs that would have a longer shelf life...like the shirt version of a Twinkie. Blech!
I think the tie died stuff is really trashy. I look in earnest for something that would be interesting to buy and there is a complete lack of
t-shirt and clothing that someone with a thimblefull of taste would wear........Hows that for a bad opinion! Really I dont understand why that is the case but the tye dye seems to rule the city.
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The tie dye sells because it's in style this year everywhere. I don't like it either. SDC does have some nice, heavy hoodies and t-shirts, but I don't want anything with tie dye or glitter! LOL I want the plain old fashioned logo w/o the sparks flying.
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The tie dye sells because it's in style this year everywhere. I don't like it either. SDC does have some nice, heavy hoodies and t-shirts, but I don't want anything with tie dye or glitter! LOL I want the plain old fashioned logo w/o the sparks flying.
Since when did Tie Dye get popular again? This isn't the mid 90s.
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LOL!!!! I was going to say the same thing! Also, the tie dye stuff started being purchased IN BULK at the City in the early 90's and has remained a constant ever since. Maybe it is in style, I wouldn't know since I have an iota of taste, but I guess you could make the argument that if you hock enough bad stuff, it will eventually be in style at some point!
In this category I might give the Merch folks at SDC an "E" for effort and an "I" for Imagination.
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So I live in Springfield and would like to buy a couple of the shirt designs. Where/When could this be made available to me? I could pick them up on my next trip to Branson.
@underdog The shirts I have created: Sanitation Squad, Ozarkian Daredevilry, Wilson's Family Farms, and Tiny's Chair Repair were (for legal reasons) only designs, and for my personal use, I cannot as I understand it, sell these shirts. These are basic iron on type designs, that at some point would be great to sell or for SDC to carry...hint hint HFEC Contact Me!!!! I have so many more of these designs still to make! For now they are just for my/ our entertainment, so Enjoy. If I get the nod/ go ahead, believe me, I will let you guys know first.
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Since when did Tie Dye get popular again? This isn't the mid 90s.
It came out of the closet again this year. I teach school and kids from elementary to high school are into tie dye. We were at the Farmer's Market this morning, and I think every other kid was wearing some sort of tie dye.
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My new SDCFans shirt,
Thanks Shave for the picture..
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OK!!! that didnt work!! :o :o :o
try this!! ??? ???
http://www.flickr.com/photos/sanddunerider/
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Sanddune that look exactly like something you would wear.
Fits you to a " T "
How did you do that?
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Well...it happened, and not the"it" that is a good thing. Somehow on my month out of town, my removable hard drive went missing (It is more than likely in Breckenridge CO at this point in the house we stayed in...but the shirts are gone. All that remains is the images on my photo account of the mock ups. I was so upset having lost the drive, I was going to make more iron-ons for my own use, but that apparently wasn't in the cards! I didn't mind the shool/ work information on the drive, or all the lessons I lost that were on there, I was upset about the SDC artwork, and scans that I lost! I usually back these things up, but right now I am running 2 different computers, 1 for artwork that has my photoshop license, one for work/school (I am a teacher so these are one in the same!). SO when I did the original files, in order to upload them, I transferred them to my drive, and that was the end of it for them!
SO, I spent a few hours yesterday and remade 2 of the 4 I have created, and also went ahead and made 4 more while I was at it. I still have to remake the Wilson's Farm (one of my favorites from the old bunch), and the Tiny's shirt, but one of the new one's I made yesterday SOO made up for having to redo those others! What others would you all like to see?(ALL OF THEM IS NOT AN ANSWER!) Give me specific places/ locations and I'll see what I can do!
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A flooded mine one would be cool!
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Yea it Would! I have a few I am going to try for FM but none of them are too great. When find the right one I will pass it along!
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I think a carries candles or a beccas basket weaving or a similar store would be cool
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I had only thought of rides and restaurants...I can do a store too! That opens up a huge amount of possibilities!
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Hate to hear about the loss of the hard drive. As a Graphic Design guy myself, I fear that loss more than anything.
Loved all your designs, and would love to see you recreate them again, but like a phoenix out of the ashes....many times loss produces even more creativity. I love the idea of a shop themed t-shirt. Think of the iconic shops that HAVEN'T been eroded into something chinzy over the years, they have as much personality as those iconic rides.
BUT...if you want my wish list for shirts, here they go (in no particular order)
- Carrie's Candles (something with those swirly candles or the dipping station?)
- Brown's Family Candy Factory (naturally)
- The American Plunge (done in a similar distressed style like the Disney Designerland site's bicentennial stuff?)
- Jim Owen Float Trip
- Mine and Mill restaurant (can you imagine part of the design is on the top and part on bottom...or front and then back)
Anyway, hope you resurrect your stuff. Oh, and the thought of my "model" torso being somewhere in Boulder, Colorado is quite hilarious.
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I have several GB cards because i have to submit artwork on them many times, and 2 separate Big drives-one is a TB(terabyte) and has everything on it. It is the one thing I would for sure save in a fire (it has all my SDC scans of ALL my items as well). I will add your requests to the list Beta!
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How about the Mine Restaurant? The hubs just requested the blacksmith shop followed by the knife maker.
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Thanks Gilligan! A Blacksmith is in the works already, and I will add Knife maker to the list.
My mind is swirling with ideas! if only I hadn't gone to the Cardinals game tonight, and I didn;t start with students tomorrow! There is always evenings and weekends!
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I would like to see Grandfather's Mansion. Either Interior or Exterior. :)
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I'm a political junkie...how about a "Re-elect Shad Heller, Mayor" shirt? That has a lot of meaning to it, if you think about it!
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No I am voting Eatan Dolittle! :P
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I'm a political junkie...how about a "Re-elect Shad Heller, Mayor" shirt? That has a lot of meaning to it, if you think about it!
YES! Shad Heller - and - Grandfather's Mansion. Good ideas!
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I made 4 more today, some better than others...Once I finalize, I will share a few.
I have plenty in the works, or ideas scribbled down and thanks to all for any new ideas, my list is growing! Believe it ir not I have gotten some great ideas, or alterations to my existing designs because of you all! Any more you have I'd be glad to entertain.
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I hate to hear about the hard drive. I also learned the hard way to save my most important documents, and pictures, and art designs in two different locations. One on my computer, and the other on a thumb drive just in case.
However, it is nice to hear that this has actually inspired you to improve on existing ideas, and to come up with new ones! I can’t wait to see what more you have coming down the line. ;D
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Rube, here's another request from the hubs - he would like to see something about the "olden days" when you could black powder shoot. I never did shoot, but I used to love to be there when they were shooting.
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This one is for you Beta since you inspired me. I had to recreate parts of the original painting and get rid of the glare from the ticket window...but I think it turned out pretty good. What do ya'all think? (by the way I think my total is up around 21 completed shirts with about 20 more in the works/ waiting to be manipulated!)
(http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu218/rubedugans/cave.jpg)
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That is some hot stuff!! Keep up the good work! And if you ever feel like giving out bday presents I am a medium and my bday is in october... ;)
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Thanks Missin' I like this one, it reminds me of an actual shirt I once had back in the early 80's.
My Dad, wife, and Daughter are all Oct (24th,20th,18th)
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cool rube! i like cave stuff.. ;D
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Love the Marvel Cave design! It would be cool to take some of the old 1960's era post cards and put these words above or below it: "Wish you were here? Silver Dollar City"
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I have a few text samples that I have recreated using some of the old ads/ signs etc. The postcards...I think I have a few of those...maybe a bit more than a few...
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Been going through old threads here and I'm resurrecting a very old one!! What happened with this project Rube? I'm assuming life just got in the way of fun? That tends to happen too often!
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Rube has a child now...and between work and a wife and kid, well, you know, there are priorities. He can give you more details. :)
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Oh, I completely understand! Life has got me busy too and I'm not married and no kids. I can't imagine.
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Ahh the shirts...Yes Life got in the way. Aside from the little one that arrived Oct 2011, she had sye problems which led to a surgery in Feb 2012, My pops had stage 4 cancer and 2 heart attacks, I have been dealing with teaching 7 different courses daily, while coaching 2 sports a year, sponsoring 2 clubs, and servicing the web, and computers in my workplace, all while trying to sell a house. Needless to say, I had a thing or two come up.
I love these shirts, and will someday get back to them, I have a few weeks left this year to fill with some art work still!
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I completely understand, was just wondering. Life is more important than a t-shirt.
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Rube, how is your daughter doing? Was the surgery successful? Sorry, if this is too personal; my daughter had the same problem when she was little, and she's fine now.
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She is a trooper for sure! Despite it being bad when she is tired, things seem to be progressing in the right direction. Though we still have chances of a corrective surgery to finely tune the alignment of the eyes, she is hanging in there!
Since I had forgotten about this thread..how about a design?
(http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu218/rubedugans/train_zps37a235d5.jpg)
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And another...in a shiny gold print color that didn't quite transfer too well...
(http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu218/rubedugans/funeral_zps040a1d52.jpg)
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And another...in a shiny gold print color that didn't quite transfer too well...
(http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu218/rubedugans/funeral_zps040a1d52.jpg)
OH Geez! LOL!
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I know Gilligan the gold IS a problem isn't it?
No, I wanted to capture a FITH themed shirt, but in this case I could not find a good image of a sign/ atmosphere piece on hand so...I recreated the undertaker!
You don't like it?
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The old entry sign to Grandfathers Mansion had some very nice script with a bit of filigree added in there for flair.
(http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu218/rubedugans/mansion_zps2928a1a6.jpg)