toy story 3 treats.

Toy Story 3 came out last Friday. It makes me and Caleb feel so old to see that Andy is going off to college and that his dog is old and his toys are going to be given away because we were really young when the first movie came out. Nevertheless, everyone around us keeps saying that it is Pixar's best film to date, so I'm definitely interested in going to see it sometime.

If you also are from the Toy Story generation, or just love those good friends Woody and Buzz, then you might want to celebrate their third film with some treats. Bakerella created some great recipes for Disney Family to help you get in the mood of movie-watching. Below are a couple of my favourites. Her cake pops are so cute and look fun to eat too!

Hamm cake pops

Mr. Potato Head cake pops

If you really want to jump into the Toy Story 3 action, there are lots of other treats and crafts to do here.

the young victoria.

I love watching period pieces, well really any film that takes place in the past. A few of my favourites are Pride and Prejudice (the old version too), Persuasion, Ever After, Elizabeth: The Golden Age, Tristan and Isolde, Marie Antoinette, Bright Star, anything really. So that is why I'm so surprised that it's taken me this long to discover The Young Victoria starring Emily Blunt and Rupert Friend.

Can't wait to see it.

Update: I watched the film this past week (June) and loved it!

stop motion 2.

Today I want to start off the week with a little stop motion. If you recall, I love stop motion. On the weekend Caleb and I did end up watching Fantastic Mr. Fox.

This movie is beautiful. It felt a little too indie at some points for us, but overall, we really enjoyed watching it. The colours in the background and a lot of the costumes are beautiful burnt oranges, amber, and golden yellows. The attention to detail in the filming is magnificent. This movie truly is a wonderful piece of art.

Since February, I've seen even more commercials and videos filmed using stop motion cameras. Then last week I saw this stunner on the Urban Outfitters site.

It is a video camera made by LEGO that films in either live action or stop motion. All you need are a couple of AA batteries and you're ready to start filming. How much fun is that?! The do-it-yourself-er in me is so excited that anyone could make their own stop motion videos (with such a unique looking camera at that).

Last week I didn't get to continue showing different paper projects that I've found and admire. First I was sick and then Caleb was sick so the week didn't turn out quite like we expected. So, I promise that soon I will continue sharing my love of all things paper with you.

commercial break.

Good morning.

I thought I'd kick off Tuesday morning by sharing a great video that any dog lover, such as myself, will love. I do realize two things. First, this is the second post in a row that features dogs. Don't worry, this blog is not becoming a dog haven, I am not changing the blog's name to Poop 'n' Scoop or something like that. Second, this video is a commercial. I do not normally like watching commercials, but I feel like there is minimal branding and you can really enjoy the (possibly) epic feel of it. I should be back later today, but for now, enjoy.

stop motion.

When I was young, I really enjoyed the stop motion animation of Wallace and Gromit after receiving three of their videos from my aunt. The amount of time and energy it must take to make a stop-motion video that flows nicely - it must involve hours of work and lots of dedication (not to mention attention to detail).

I think I enjoy really well done stop-motion because it displays the well-honed ability of someone to acknowledge and take note of everything that is happening in their environment during a single second and translate that to a single frame; and then tie it to the frame before and after.

My sister Danika showed me this video by Oren Lavie a few months ago, and maybe you've seen it, but I love the stop motion filming of it.

Since then I've also discovered another short stop-motion film directed by photographer Angela Kohler.

Isn't it beautiful? I particulary like the part when she's in the water with the whale and the ship.

Another stop-motion film (a little longer this time) is Fantastic Mr. Fox. As an avid Roald Dahl reader growing up, I think that Caleb and I will have to rent this or borrow it from the library sometime soon. Not only does Wes Anderson use stop-motion animation but it sounds witty (and had George Clooney in it... at least his voice anyway).

Is there any particular animation technique that you really liked growing up and don't see too often anymore? Or that you have learned to appreciate over the years? Have you ever tried making a stop-motion short film? Or do you have a favourite stop-motion film that I haven't linked to? I've been intrigued by stop-motion for a while and have wanted to attempt one of my own. We'll see if that turns into anything. These videos inspire me.