Recycling and the Collector

This post was inspired by a ModernWizard query/comment.

What materials annoy DAF collectors? Plastic inserts, styrofoam, and wire twist ties. We love the protection - everyone wants to get an intact doll or action figure. After we remove the doll or figure, we are left with packaging. Packaging and how to get rid of it. Responsibly. Time to breakdown the box, separating the cardboard from the clear plastic and/or any styrofoam. Hoping that the trash collectors will take the separated materials. Putting the separated materials in a large, dark plastic bag if/when the trash collectors are on a "garbage only" tour and then a litterer adds food to the recyclables. Grrr ...

Collectors, we have an alternative. And I don't mean putting everything in a large, dark plastic bag the first time. We can recycle our packaging junk by re-using it.

I don't have any recycling projects, but I know of at least three websites where you can find inspiring new uses for DAF packaging. Please see these links:

C. Bradford Gorby's 1:6 Scale Diorama Creations

and

J. Steven York's "Thinking inside the Box" post dated Tuesday, September 02, 2008

and

DollDivas Dioramas

You can also check archives of online boards like Men With Dolls or One Sixth Warriors for customized furniture and structures.

Now or Never Moment: Slim Tan Aoshima on Sale

The Internet is a wonderful, terrible thing.

I was checking the Men with Dolls board under the Price Police section. Moan. Oh, why did I do that? But it was good, darn great that I did. A fellow collector wrote that Hobby Link Japan has the Aoshima 07494 New Slim Body Type B (the tan ginger haired one wearing a jeans outfit) on sale. This doll has been a Grail doll since I bought the Action Figures book showing the CyGirl/Cool Girls and the Aoshima/Skynet figures. If ever I were to get her, I would have expected to pay through the nose for her. Fortunately, I can "just" get her. I shouldn't at this time, but how often would I see her for sale like this?

"The Men With Dolls Messageboard is dedicated to 1/6th female figures of all kinds. Of particular interest are the Cool/CY Girls made by Blue Box Toys and Takara JAPAN." The link to that message board is

http://menwithdolls.yuku.com/directory

I've picked up sales tips and kitbashing notes and read many fascinating diorama stories and seen incredible doll and action figure kitbashes since I joined that board in June of 2002.

I should note though that the Men with Dolls board can have nude dolls and action figures and that there are "adult" stories and photos in the board.