We take for granted the things we have but being without everyday necessities, like water and shelter, can be devastating, especially for children.  Helping make a better tomorrow for the people of Haiti includes bringing happiness back to the children.  Toy2R is collaborating with Artoyz in France and Apex in the US to release this very special edition 2.5” Happiness for Haiti Qee Bear.

Limited to 500 pieces – this Qee can be purchased directly from Toy2R, Artoyz and Toy2R-USA.  Toy2R-USA has them available in their store right now: Relief Qee The proceeds from each sale will go directly to the American Red Cross to help their relief efforts in Haiti.  Help bring the back smiles to the children of Haiti with the purchase of this limited edition Qee.

For more information contact:

Toy2R – info@toy2r.com
Toy2R USA – info@toy2rusa.com
Artoyz – contact@artoyz.com
The Apex – theapex@apex-z.com

Why stop there?  If you really want to add fantastic flavor to your custom, bring a fork, a pile of napkins and some Cajun seasoning and come check out Lief’s Lily Black tutorial interview on the detail enhancing technique of Dry Brushing.  Bon Apetit!

“Why no, sir, I do believe that it was you who managed to get some of your creepy all over my cute.”

“Well, on close examination here, I do declare…”

“Yes, I agree!  It’s delicious!”

That’s right, folks– as chocolate and peanut butter was deemed by dessert lovers to be an instant classic, so too was the cute and creepy combo recognized instantly by the vinyl community as a gold standard.  And who executes this  winning combination better than Skelanimals?  We don’t have the answer for that, but we do know that cute, creepy, Skelanimals and Qee, mixed with a great batch of artists… well, now  that’s just got to be something wonderful to behold.

Check out the hot-off-the-presses news:

Skelanimals x Qee 2.5” Artist Series Collection

The dead need love too and now you can express it with Dax, Kit, Marcy, Jack and Chungkee from the global phenomenon, Skelanimals (www.skelanimals.com) , created by Mitchell Bernal!

Toy2R offers this teaser for the 2010 assortment of newly designed 2.5” Qee characters based on the Skelanimals core characters to be released worldwide. To add a unique spin to the line – the collection will feature “inspired by” original designs by some of the best designer artists from across the globe. More than 20 artists are participating in the first unearthly endeavor to bring Skelanimals to life in the designer figure realm. The collection will include a wide variety of artistic interpretations, all capturing the essence of the Skelanimals universe.

Road kill with heart will now come with a keychain attachment so you can carry your Skelanimals Qee wherever you go!

Eat Your Heart Out!

-original post: toy2rusa.com

It’s said that people born in the Year of the Tiger are well-liked for their charm and charisma, so it’s no surprise that Toy2R’s 2010 Year of the Tiger Qee Twin Pack has been popular since the moment that it was introduced.  Released just in time to commemorate the Chinese New Year, this set was made to be part of the celebration.

Tiger wears a lucky coin around his neck, and his companion sports an auspicious duilian saying to bring its wearer luck or wealth.  They may only be 2.5″ tall, but these little figures make a big impact.

This set will be landing in the states in early February- just as Chinese New Year festivities begin.  Retailers can purchase this very lucky set from Toy2R’s official distributor, The Apex Trading Company.

-Originally posted at toy2rusa.com

Ahhh San Francisco!  Creativity’s playground.  We spend every day thanking the stars that it is here that we’ve made our homes.  Our city by the bay may not be the biggest toy scene in this fair country but we rather selfishly think it is among the best.  Among all the creative hands and inspiring landscapes, perched on the hillside like a guardian of Toy-dom, sits Neon Monster, a haven for some of the most inspired collectible toys, comics and art.  The Apex is lucky to not only share this beautiful city with the Neon crew but to count them among the greatest of our toy loving friends.

Here at The Apex, we’re toy fans.  Now admittedly, one might get the impression that we are a bit partial to vinyl and I won’t deny that I have a special place in my heart for our little plastic friends but my love of all things toy is sparked more by the artistry behind the piece than the actual medium.  So when a plush like Mitch comes along, it’s all I can do to keep my composure!  Read on…

Neon Monster continues to solidify its place as San Francisco’s premiere destination for art toys with its own line of exclusive character figures. On January 25th, Neon Monster will unleash Mitch in 100% recycled fleece plush. Mitch is a depressive aesthete dreamed up by co-founders Isaac and Jacob Pritzker. “He’s a tough cyclops with a soft side,” said Isaac. “We made him out of plush so people can bask in his gruff hugability at a price point easy on the wallet and from materials easy on the planet.”

Supporting the San Francisco art scene is a priority for Neon Monster, who tapped the talents of local artists, Reuben Rude and Lauren Venell to bring Mitch to life. In addition to exhibiting his own art, Reuben has worked as a product designer for STRANGEco and a colorist on over 100 issues of Savage Dragon and early Spawn comics. “Reuben has been a remarkable asset in the production of the visual aspects of the Neon Monster brand. His combined experience in the designer art and illustration community has made him a wonderful resource for our company,” said Jacob. Neon Monster also worked closely with Lauren to develop the three-dimensional pattern and plush prototype from Reuben’s design. Lauren is the founder of sweet-meats.com, whose humorous hambone plushes can be seen in shops around the world. She is recognized for combining a unique knowledge of product development with a highly skilled ability to sew and create complex patterns. Co-founder Kristy Klinck referred to working with Reuben and Lauren as “the perfect collaboration,” saying: “Bringing Mitch to life has been an incredibly rewarding experience. Everyone involved in the process has really worked hard to give Mitch a unique personality.

Mitch is a giant misfit, rather anachronistic in his taste, and with a tendency to slide into psychotic episodes. His full story, and those of his fellow characters, will be progressively revealed on Neon Monster’s dedicated microsite, The Bestiary. The Mitch toy measures 14 inches when standing and can sit due to his bean-bag bottom. He is available in two limited edition colorways: albino-pink and grey. The plush is made of 100% recycled fleece and meets environmental and kids’ safety standards. Each plush comes packed in a signature kaiju-style reusable plastic bag. For further details and ordering information, please see: www.neonmonster.com. Grey Mitch ($39.95) is now available here, and the rarer albino-pink Mitch ($49.95) is available here.

Founded in 2007 by four collectors who wanted to share their love for limited edition collectibles, Neon Monster features a hand-picked selection of art toys, comics, records and apparel. In December, Neon Monster was invited to participate in Design Miami’s Limited Edition Experiences retail environment held in conjunction with Art Basel. Their Cave of Wonders installation, which featured a life-size “candy-coated” high-density foam sculpture of Mitch, was well-received by high art and high fashion shoppers. Upon returning from Miami, Neon Monster was voted Best Amalgamation of Comic Books, Graphic Novels, Toys, Records etc. by SF Station. “The move to launch our own brand has been part of the Neon Monster plan since the beginning,” said Kristy. Stay tuned for more!

On December 1^st, The Exhibition Vinyl Cph, was held in Copenhagen at the Danish Architecture Center (DAC). The show runs through February 2^nd and features over 30 original customized 16 inch Toyer Qee figures. More than 650 people were in attendance to view this unique take on the Toyer Qee. From painted and sculpted designs to a Toyer made out of more than fifty 2.5” Toyer Qees – each piece is an incredible work of art.

The aim of the project was to break down the borders between art and graphic design without any limitations. Vinyl Cph was curated by Jesper Elg and Soren Rose Kjaer, an ambassador for the Red Cross. Soren contacted Toy2R with the idea of donating proceeds from the sale of these pieces to support the relief efforts in Haiti. These amazing creations are now up for auction at http://vinylcph.dk/ , where 50% of the proceeds will go directly to the Danish Red Cross Organization to help Haiti.Bids will be accepted through February 2^nd and shipping is available through Fedex or DHL.

Time is running short for a chance to own one of these pieces. With help from art collectors and designer toy fans, we can help those in need in Haiti. Go to http://vinylcph.dk/ or www.sorenrose.com now.

Toy2R would like to thank everyone involved in this project. Images of each custom will be included in the Qee Gallery (http://www.qeeworld.com/qee-gallery/) at www.toy2rusa.com once the auction concludes.
-Originally posted on toy2rusa.com

Flyer

Toy2R and The Apex Trading Company join forces to lauch the USA debut of several new releases during Designer Con in Pasadena on November 21st.

Both of Kozik’s reimagining of the classic Toy2R Toyer figures will be available – the 11″ Toyer Z and 11″ Toyer Enemy Figures. Apex will also be offering their exclusive version of Kozik’s 6″ Glow in the Dark Potamus figure.

Qee highlights include the availability of the 8″ Emon Burton Qee Bear by Ian Christy, the 8″ Adventure Quest Deady Qee by Voltaire as well as the 2.5″ and 8″ Reservoir Dog Qees.

Other available exclusives include Apex’s 2.5″ Paper Cut Qee Bear – Blue Edition as well as a very limited quantity of the 2.5″ Black Nickel Edition of the Real Metal Qee produced by Fully Visual. This is the first time this version has been made available and quantities are limited!

Apex will be holding a Raffle as well as a Treasure hunt – so be sure to drop by Booth #30 for your chance to win some cool prizes!

Many other surprises to come!! Don’t Miss Out!

Come say hey to the Qee Crew during Designer Con – held November 21st at the Pasadena Convention Center!

-TOY2R USA INC

Representing lowbrow street based artists, Genuine Artikle Gallery and Art Toy Boutique features paintings, urban vinyl, blind box, DIY & designer toys, handmade apparel and accessories.  In-house printing of their limited edition clothing and exclusive collaborations with showcased artists are two of the many ways GA represents the best of the true underground art scene by showing what’s really happening under the radar.

Qee 2 Life

Qee 2Life exhibit will feature 50+ customs from the following artists:

Julie West, Keith Poon, Nemo, Bishop 203, Rudy Fig, Betso, F+, JJ Rudsill, Phoneticontrol, Phu, Pocket Wookie, Tony Depew, Reactor 88, Soopajdelux, Travis Cain, Jay222, Nerviswr3k, Kat Brunnegraff, Niark1, Nasty Neil, Desn, Malasada Martin, Task One, Sinned NYB, Bryan Collins, Jeremy Regan, Dli$h, Perry J Osman, Eric Ziobrowski, Ian Ziobrowski, Zam, Nolan Treadway, Nate Voss, Jeff Bockoven, Adam Niesen, Jack Irons, Zac Barton and more.

Exhibit opens December 12th from 8pm -11pm. Featuring DJ Six-3-One and sponsored by Toy2R USA and The APEX Trading Company.

Genuine Artikle
527 Hawkins Ave
Ronkonkoma NY 11779
631-615-2830
info@genuineartikle.com

Video by Andrew Huang http://www.andrewthomashuang.com
Music by VNV Nation

Toyer-Z and Toyer Enemy

Two mech warriors land to battle one another for ultimate dominance!

Introducing the rebirth of the iconic Toy2R character – the Toyer. As Toy2R preprares for its 15th Anniversary to begin – we proudly announce the release of Frank Kozik’s Mech/Kaiju take on our Toyer character: The heroic Toyer Z and the darker Toyer Enemy.

Packing some serious punch – both figures come boxed and are ready for display. Each limited edition figure stands just under 11 inches tall and feature 9 points of awesome articulation.

Available through APEX Trading Company in North America, both figures will be hitting the shores just in time for the holidays!

If you’ve already put your pre-order in to APEX for these, we’ve got you covered. If not, we are submitting our new order to Toy2R on Monday, Oct 26th. This will be the last full-sized order in
time for Christmas!! Contact us ASAP for more info! -The Apex