The Secret Valley

I’m a sucker for books or movies that involve hidden lands, mysterious locations and adventure.

Rock Manor Games just recently released an English translation of The Secret Valley on Kick-Starter originally released and written in Spanish, French and German.

The Secret Valley is a Game that feeds my hunger for adventure, exploration and mysterious and sometimes dangerous locations.

In The Secret Valley up to four gamers play clans who compete to see who will be the highest ranking clan.

Start out with four to six Tokens and five to seven Cards per player. The Game goes three rounds.

Each player plays one Card and Token on their turn looking for best possible position on the grid.

Cards are played in these configurations; Adjacent, Surrounding, Row and Column.

Card types are The Thousand Steps, Sun Stone, Western Torrent, Fist Of The Giants and Mouth Of The Mountain.

Whoever has the highest score of points is the winner.

The game play heats up and the action is fast. Will you be the leader of the clans and claim the best location in The Secret Valley?

Rules can be found on the Rock Manor Games website.

John 16:33 - These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.

The Birth Of Art Deco

Two of my favorite art periods and styles are Art Nouveau and Art Deco. Art Nouveau is organic while Art Deco is much more geometric and formulaic.

That’s not to say Art Deco is not pleasing to the eye-it is-very much so. I absolutely love the logical and organized look of it.

If I were ever to become a fine artist Art Deco would definitely be my style.  It's so symetrical and organized in a systematic manner.

In The Birth Of Art Deco, Rizzoli Electa and author Jared Goss celebrate the 100^th anniversary of the famous : Exposition Internationale des Arts Decoratifs et Industriels Modernes centered on the The Hotel Du Collectionneur held in Paris in 1925.

The Exposition hosted over sixteen million visitors in its short run that showcased French luxury goods and design innovation.

The highlight of the exhibition was the work of designer E.J. Ruhlmann and his astonishing furniture and interior designs.

Art Deco flourished in architecture, furniture design, functional object seen around the house such as dinnerware, small appliances, room décor, etc.

While the exhibition only lasted six months it embodied the Art Deco design style.

This deluxe hardbound book is sheathed in a tan and burgundy slipcase with a gorgeous Art Deco room design piece of art on its cover. The slipcase protects the absolutely stunning book inside.

Vintage photos and art complemented by fascinating text about the exhibit combine to make a compilation of pages both on coated and uncoated paper that exudes Art Deco.

The uncoated pages capture the period of time when Art Deco flourished.  The pages look warm visually.  I get the feeling that they are old, but of course they are not.  It's a nice touch.  It gives the book a real sense of authority.

If you are a fan of Art Deco then this is the book to own.

John 1:16 - And of his fulness have all we received, and grace for grace.

Eight Inch Easy Handle Chef Knife

I’ve always been impressed by the craftsmanship the Japanese have for making knives of all sorts. The attention to detail, ergonomics, handling, fine-honed sharpness and the ruggedness of their blades are known all over the world.

Recently JapaKnives sent me their Eight Inch Easy Handle Chef Knife to review. I have to say, “I am impressed!’

My wife took one look at the knife and immediately told me that it was going to her kitchen. My wife is a slender woman who weighs just over 115 pounds. While she is very fit she was delighted that the knife was so light and easy to hold and use. She effortlessly picked it up and loved the feel, weight and handling.

The knife comes in a flat, custom-made, lidded box. Inside the box the knife cradles in a fitted alcove and is wrapped in clear plastic. The blade is protected by a perforated closed in sheath. Good thing too. The blade is very, very sharp. I tested it on a piece of paper and it sliced through it in an instant! Now that’s sharp!

It also sliced effortlessly through vegetables and cuts of meat-slice, dice and chop!

JapaKnives’ patented, wooden, top-handle, is secured to the 5CR15 Stainless Steel with a Japanese Super Steel Core blade handle with three, flush metal rivets for a secure fit.

I wasn't sure how the handle on the top of the knife would perform. I handled the knife and it fit firmly in my hand with no wrist strain and no slippage. The handle fit the contour of my hand and when I moved my wrist the knife moved with it making cutting, slicing and dicing smooth and easy. It’s almost like it became an extension of my hand.

Like all of JapaKnives’ knives it is hand-crafted and thoroughly inspected and has a free lifetime replacement guarantee.

The wooden handle opens up to the cavity in the upper part of blade allowing your hand to get a firm and comfortable fit. On the upper left of the blade is a hole allowing the knife to be hung on a peg. I love the etched in Japanese inscriptions on one side.

As much as my wife loves this knife I’ll be lucky if she allows me to use it and that’s OK. She deserves the best food prep and kitchen utensils made and JapaKnives’ Eight Inch Easy Handle Chef Knife is one of the best.

Be sure to check out Japaknives' website by clicking here and photos and videos of their Eight Inch Easy Handle Chef Knife can be seen by clicking here.

Proverbs 31:10 - Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies.

A Giant Squid Walks Into A Bar...

Leave it to Sherman the shark and his aquatic buddies to parody a Western in The Thirtieth Sherman’s Lagoon Collection: A Giant Squid Walks Into A Bar... by writer and artist Jim Toomey and publisher Andrews McMeel Publishing.

This time around Sherman’s Lagoon takes on ancestry, Zen gardens, cosmetic surgery, the meaning of life, predators as friends, froggy tempers, science fair projects, walking fish, flea markets, going to court, hair bands, beach parties, a fortune teller, a flying saucer and other unexpected and off the wall things and events.

Of course when it comes to Sherman and his friends nothing seems as it appears and you can expect plenty of laughs, surprises and of course Sherman’s unique take on life and all of its quirkiness.

So, dive in, hold your breath, go deep and maybe, just maybe, you’ll meet up with Sherman. But remember, he’s a shark and a hungry one. Friends don’t eat friends-maybe.

Jeremiah 29:11 - For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.

The Lost Island

Imagine yourself with a group of explorers. Your assignment is to explore a mysterious lost island that is both feared and avoided by fisherman and explorers who have all disappeared when they dared to explore the island.

Legends say that The Lost Island (from Rock Manor Games on Kickstarter) is populated by amazing and unnatural creatures and its landscape is a hodgepodge of mountains, woodlands, rivers flowing backward and who knows what else.

The player who survives and sees through the island’s illusions and creates the most accurate map is the winner.

Players (two to four) get a game sheet choosing either the A or B side. They choose their Territory Type. On each turn players draw symbols of the Territory Type of the active player.

The active player throws three dice and then announce the Territory Type. The chosen dice represents the number of spaces to draw with the Territory Type.

Each player must update their maps of the chosen Territory Type.

Through a number of Territory Types, numbers are drawn and areas are filled on the maps. Highest score wins. There is a lot of player interplay, strategy and clever maneuvering throughout the game.

Player pits against player and only the smartest, craftiest and cleverest player completes their map and wins the game.

Rules can be found on the Rock Manor Games website.

Ephesians 4:29 - Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers.

Critical Thinking Skills For Dummies

As a former high school teacher coming from a professional business background the key skill I taught my students was Critical Thinking Skills.

Head knowledge is fine, physical capabilities are essential and social interaction is key-but-without critical thinking skills a person will face difficulties in all these areas and many more.

Critical thinking skills allows a person to interact, evaluate, organize, communicate, determine fact from fiction, draw correct conclusions and function socially, professionally and intimately with others.

Wiley Brand and author Martin Cohen invite readers to explore the amazing world of Critical Thinking in Critical Thinking Skills For Dummies 2^nd Edition.

I for one could use a refresher course. One’s never to old to learn new skills-it’s one of the keys to critical thinking.

Follow along as the book explores and explains how to get started, how people think and develop their skills, solve puzzles, gather information, listen, write, argue (properly), use logic, persuade others, present evidence, justify their opinion and avoid pitfalls.

It’s all in this extremely informative book written in a clear concise manner, laid out logically and presented in a manner anyone can understand.

Hebrews 11:1 - Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.

What’s Up?

Over the last 34 years I have written product reviews. At first it was only about comic books. As the years passed I began reviewing other pop culture items: toys, trading cards, die-cast, etc.

Before long my reviews branched out to other merchandise such as camping gear, electronics, home goods and so forth.

I’ve always strove to write the best, honest and complete reviews as possible.

Most of the times I succeed. Other times, not so much so.

I love writing reviews, injecting recollections and my own personal experiences and thoughts.

But, I’ve always felt like something was missing. Of all my years of reviewing, first in print and then online, I was not doing what the Lord has placed me to do.

“What is it?” you ask.

It’s letting the love of God shine through. To witness to people and share with them the gospel and the love of God.

God so loved the world that he sacrificed his own son Jesus on a cross in order to pay for mankind's sins. He suffered, died and rose again defeating death and hell.

All he asks is for you to believe in him, ask for forgiveness and know he has paid your sin debt. It’s a free gift-all you have to do is accept it and you are assured an eternity in Heaven.

Even an old, crusty man like myself can believe that-and I did. I’m asking you to do the same.

Another thing that I’ve been neglecting is loving people like I should. I’m guilty, like most of us, of making my plans, keeping busy and missing out on what life is really all about.

It’s not about collecting things or impressing friends, neighbors, family, co-workers and people in general. Fame and fortune will never satisfy. We are appointed once to be born and then to die. Life is a vapor, a puff of smoke and single second on a clock.

Everyone grows old and inevitably dies. Where you choose to spend eternity after your body dies is up to you. I choose salvation.

I want to bring joy and happiness to people. I plan on opening my eyes, looking about me and experiencing this wonderful life God has given me. I want to tell my family, friends and those I meet that I love them and wish the best for their lives. I encourage you to do so too.

There is nothing more satisfying than bringing a smile to a person’s face, comforting them, being there when they need someone and caring-really caring.

It’s taken me a long time to realize that’s it’s not about me. God willing I’ll live another day, see some of my plans come to fruition and continue to write reviews.

It’s entirely up to God. He paid the cost so that I might serve him, love him and share his love with others. Forget the past, don’t worry about the future.

Get saved, know that your sins are forgiven and move forward. The price has been paid. You past will be forgiven and forgotten. He promises to make you a new creature. Sometimes I forget that.

We all have faults and done things that were really stupid. I know I have.

It is my sincere hope to share more encouragement in all my upcoming reviews. Please take moment and read the scriptures I include at the end of each review.

I am so appreciative of my readers, those companies and publishers that provide review samples and the opportunity God has given me to write, share my thoughts, feed my creative urge and having done so for over 30 years. Man-I really am old!

God bless!

St. John 3: 16  For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

Mechanical Praying Mantis

Not long ago I was looking through one of my Facebook pages and an ad popped up. Not just any ad. It was from Metalkitor advertising their line of metal (you heard right) kits.

I loved building Erector Sets when I was a kid in the 1950s and 1960s. Metalkitor model kits and puzzles that are made of metal are like Erector Sets-on steroids! There are lots of bolts and screws, gears, springs and all sorts of other mechanical fasteners.

I’ve seen some impressive puzzles/kits before, but never in metal and never ones that had articulated points, moving parts and lights. Intrigued I clicked on their website link and looked at their products. Wow!

The site had all sorts of metal and mechanical goodies including insects, animals, engines and Steampunk.

I was blown away by the selection. There’s ever conceivable type of animal, a huge amount of insects, mythical creatures, all types of engines and boy, do they have Steampunk

There are literally dozens of metal puzzles and model kits to choose from offered in all sorts of skill levels.

There are puzzles and models for all ages. Build them yourself or make it a family project or you could even start a club and cooperate in building the puzzles or model kits.

Out of curiosity I watched a couple of Metalkitor’s videos on YouTube just to get a feel on how to go about building the puzzles and model kits. It’s a little intimidating at first but as I watched the videos it all looks logical and sequential.

Follow the instructions and diagrams carefully and with a little time and patience any of the puzzles or model kits can be completed successfully.

I contacted Metalkitor inquiring about reviewing one of their products. They replied and they sent me their Mechanical Praying Mantis kit. Cool!

As I prepare to build the purple-wing Mechanical Praying Mantis I’d like to offer a few suggestions.

First, look through the Instruction Manual thoroughly. Make sure all the part trays are included. There are seven in all (A through G). Each tray is segmented into sections and numbered. Laser cut parts are grouped by type. Do not mix these up. They are very precise and are used for specific areas of construction.

There is one pop-out, laser cut, metal part sheet (S), one bag filled with plastic, translucent purple wings and body parts and a large bag filled with numerous small bags all containing screws, bolts, springs, lights and other small fasteners and parts-all are numbered.

A separate bag of tools is also included that holds two small Phillips head screwdrivers, five Allen wrenches, three bolt and part tightening tools, tweezers and a small magnetic rod for picking up small parts.

I suggest you have a separate, small segmented box for placing small parts into as you use them. Again, take your time, pay attention and keep organized. It makes the whole process a lot easier.

An Xactor handle and blade, easy release tape, glue or epoxy (mistakes do happen), a flat-head screwdriver for poking out parts, a magnifying glass or scope and small pointed tools for manipulating parts are some extras you may want to consider.

I have large hands and I wear glasses so any additional tools that aid me in assembling the Mantis are welcome. There are a lot of very small parts so be careful. Work in a well lit, flat surface. An overhead light and a small flashlight or stationary light would be helpful.

I am impressed. I have never seen such an well organized model kit before. The attention to detail is astounding. Every part(s) is carefully categorized in the trays and bags, The segmented flats make it easy to find parts during construction and the individually numbered bags with small screws, etc. practically eliminates the problem of losing small parts.

When the Mechanical Praying Mantis arrived via USPS it came in a New Year themed, colorful, flip-lid, heavy cardboard box.

Inside the Mechanical Praying Mantis box with its slide on lid and covered with color photos on all sides, opened easily after cutting the tape sealing the lid.

Inside the box on top was the large Instruction Manual sitting on a foam inner lid.

Under the lid were the various trays, bags and parts. The shipping box and product box guaranteed that the Mechanical Praying Mantis (color-coded) parts would not be damaged during shipping or when stored.

As a graphic designer I cannot help but be depressed by the design, engineering, planning, packaging and overall appearance of the product. It took a considerable level of talent and team work to pull off such an impressive package.

Paper choice, colors, content packaging and instructions, along with the tools needed were carefully planned and executed.

Besides being a fun project to complete it is a challenge and offers the opportunity to slow down and relax.  Metalkitor kits are excellent educational tools.

Children need structure, critical thinking skills and ways to improve their dexterity, cognitive skills, problem solving challenges and goals. Metalkitor provides all of that in their kits.

As a former high school teacher I recognize the enormous potential of the Metalkitor kits. I taught graphic design and drawing but I also taught AP classes for advanced students as part of the school’s career planning/vocational program.

Metalkitor kits would be great tools and exercises for such classes as mechanical engineering, CAD or any other vocational class that teaches building, mechanical repair, etc.

I believe it would be wise to let students construct such kits. What better way to learn about metal work, fasteners, couplings, tensile strength and the other components of building a device, vehicle or building? Group projects would teach students how to cooperate and work with each other.

I taught drawing. The Metalkitor would teach students of balance and counterbalance as it pertains to drawing human figures and animals. It would enable them to visualize and illustrate objects in 3D.

The possibilities for educational tools are unlimited. Metalkitor kits are more than ‘toys’ or ‘puzzles’ or ‘fun projects’. They could be so much more.

I highly recommend Metalkitor kits. The attention to detail, engineering, design, subject matter and mechanical movement are impressive.

Small parts are easy to locate and larger parts pop out easily with no rough edges or flashing and fit together precisely-a sign of excellent planning and engineering. 

The Mechanical Praying Mantis figure moves its legs, pinchers, head, torso, wings and other body parts enabling it to pose in dozens of positions with no shifting or loose parts. Add the translucent parts that are illuminated and you can’t help but be impressed by the talent, time, effort and engineering that went into its design and execution.

When I consider the amount of effort, man hours, assembly, design, material selection, manufacturing, laser-cutting, tooling, parts sorting, packaging of flats and bagging of parts, instruction's writing, drawing, schematics and printing, box printing, assembly and packaging and the shipping I am astonished that the cost of the Mechanical Praying Mantis kit is not at least three to four times of it's asking price.  Astounding!  Well done Metalkitor!  

For a look at other Metalkitor kits and projects click on this link. For a closer look at the Mechanical Praying Mantis figure with additional photos click here. for videos click here.

Philippians 4:13 - I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.

Movie Night

Poor Jeremy. Imagine having to put up with your out-of-touch parents in the latest Zits collection of daily and Sunday Zits comic strips in Movie Night by Jeremy Scott and Jim Borgman and publisher Andrews McMeel Publishing. Oh, the pain!

The Complete 2023 Zits Collection tackles eating, selling a van, table tennis, too much tempo, taxes, mowing, a summer job, a mullet, skateboarding and almost every conceivable thing a teenage boy can mess up, baffle his parents, confuse his girlfriend, surprise his friends and generally turn the world upside down.

I raised a teenage boy and what makes Zits so funny is that like Jeremy my son did some outrageous things and somehow both he, my wife and I survived.

Teenagers, ya gotta love ‘em.

1 Corinthians 16:14 - Let all your things be done with charity.

Music From My Youth

I was young-in my teens bumping up against my early 20s. As a young boy/man I had never really been interested in music that much.

Oh sure, I knew all about Elvis Presley, The Beatles, etc. that I had heard on the radio or seen on TV like The Ed Sullivan show. But as far as actually purchasing LPs it was a no go...until.

It was the 1970s. I was in the 11^th grade attending my art class taught by Ms. Tichenor. She liked playing music as background noise. The kid loved it as her music tastes was similar to their own.

To me the music was nothing more than chatter. That is until one day.

She put on a new album by some guy named James Taylor. The first song up was Fire and Rain. I was hooked. I asked my teacher who it was and she told me his name.

At the time I was working at Pinch-A-Penny (much like a Walgreen’s or CVS) as a stock-boy. One of my jobs was to restock the LP section.

That day after school I went to work and immediately went to the record section. As luck would have it James Taylor’s album was there and I bought it.

That night I took it home and played on my little portable record player. I played the album over several times.

At school I started asking other students about similar albums and before long I bought Carol King’s Tapestry album and Simon and Garfunkel’s Bridge Over Troubled Water LP.

Soon I was buying albums every week. I purchased Led Zeppelin, America, Loggins & Messina, Crosby, Stills and Nash, CSN&Y, Seals & Croft, Emerson, Lake and Palmer, Traffic, The Moody Blues, Harry Chapin, Linda Ronstadt, David Bowie, Gordon Lightfoot, Alice Cooper, The Who, The Beatles-you get the drift.

Over the next few years I branched out to Paul Simon, Paul McCartney, John Lennon, Stevie Wonder, Carly Simon, Jim Croce, Cat Stevens, Melanie, Isaac Hayes, George Harrison, Don McLean, Jethro Tull, The Eagles, Billy Joel, The Doobie Brothers, The Allman Brothers, John Denver, Elton John, Creedence Clearwater Revival and so and so on. So many great groups, solo acts and albums.

I have many of the albums still.

Some may say I’m stuck in a time warp-listening to albums I loved as a teenager and as a young man. And they’d be right. So what? I enjoy them. I consider them the comfort food of music.

They remind me of simpler times, When music was raw and unfiltered and not altered by computers or cranked out with the same beat but with different words.

I’m sure there are still some talented musicians and singers out there-those that both write and play their songs-simple, clean and true. You know who they are.

They are artists, not showmen. They perform substance, not popular trends and gibberish. They captivate with a single guitar or piano-not synthesized music that is over-produced and congested.

Sure, you can call me old fashioned and an ancient grandpa that is out of touch and that’s OK. Make fun-have your laughs.  Just remember-one day you'll be my age-it's inevitable

In the meantime I’ll sit back and listen to some real music with substance, meaning and a message and that’s something you can never take away from me.

Romans 12:18 - If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men.

SparkO Wearable Flashlight And Magnetic Mount

I ride a bike- a lot. One of things that is essential when riding a bike is to have a bright light (which also flashes) so vehicle drivers can see you.

I don’t like having stationary light on my bike because (unfortunately) if I decide to go to a store or to make a ‘pit stop’ my light might not be there when I get back.

I need a powerful light, that flashes, strobes, adjusts its brightness and that I can take with me.

I also need a light that once I remove it from my bike I can take it home and use it there-whether it is around the house, in the garage or even at night if I have to go outside to find something. A magnetic stand would be nice.

Scoutlite must have heard me because its new SparkO Wearable Flashlight and MJ-6571 Magnetic Mount fit the bill.

The back of the circular light is magnetic and sticks securely to my bicycle. I can even flip the light open and adjust up, down, right or left depending how I position it on the Magnetic Mount. I can also wear it on my cloths. 

The handy snap-shut retaining ring is also magnetic and it securely fastens to my jacket, shirt, head band, cap lid-you get the idea. It’s also very light and stays in place. The rubber 'hinge' is tough and durable.

The light is also intensity adjustable. It can go from a soft light all the way up to super bright light with the simple push of the button on the front of the light case. Different button sequences adjusts the light to red or white, blink, pulsating at different speeds and soft light to bright. It’s amazingly adjustable and easy to use.

It can even attach to your cellphone:  Check-out these other cool SparkO Flashlight features:

• Hands-free lighting
• Comes in various colors: Forest Moss, Glacier Blue, Canyon Clay and Basalt Black
• Clips to your cloths or collar
• Sticks magnetically to metal surfaces
• Stands independently or works handheld
• 300 lumens of CRI95 studio-grade light in just 52g
• Extremely light
• Three color temperatures (cool/neutral/warm)
• 14.5-hour runtime
• USB-C charging
• IPX5 water resistant
• 1.5m impact resistance

It's a Reddot winner of 2025!

Look over the detailed instructions and before you know it you’ll be a pro at using this handy little (and powerful LED) SparkO by Scoutlite. Check out the Scoutlite website by clicking here, to watch a demonstration video (scroll to the bottom of the page).

The SparkO comes in a foam-packed box with a USB-C power cord for quick recharges and an instruction sheet. The Magnetic Mount comes in a similar small box without the foam.  All packing materials are made using Eco-Friendly materials.

The MJ-6571Scoutlite Magnetic Mount consists of a large magnetic ring with an adjustable arm where a smaller magnetic ring is attached. The smaller ring magnetically attaches to the SparkO Wearable Flashlight.

You can set and adjust the Magnetic Mount on any metal surface (vertical or horizontal) or by placing the one of two small metallic rings to the bottom of the large ring you can sit the Mount on a table, etc. The small ring makes the large ring non-magnetic.

Or you can adhere the rings to non-metallic surfaces so you can magnetically attach the Mount.  The two hinges adjust easily and keep the magnetic ring stationary in whatever position it is set at.  There is no wobble or looseness. It’s an incredibly versatile stand!

Both the SparkO Wearable Flashlight and Magnetic Mount  are made of metal with nice designs and pleasing aesthetics.

Whether you ride a bike, like to walk, need a small light around the house, a handy by the bed nightlight or a small light or a thousand other uses I highly recommend the Scoutlite SparkO Wearable Flashlight and Magnetic Mount.

They will ‘brighten up’ your day!

Psalms 55:22 - Cast thy burden upon the LORD, and he shall sustain thee: he shall never suffer the righteous to be moved.

Miss Cat The Mystery Of The Melting Snow

It’s a mystery or mysteries.

At the ski resort Snoboll mystery stacks on mystery and it’s up to Miss Cat and her Olaf (the octopus) to solve them courtesy of Jean-Luc Fromental, Joelle Jovlivet and Thames & Hudson.

While at the resort Cat has a frightening dream about all the snow and ice melting. Is it a premonition?

Later she meets a man who is looking for his lost love. All he has to remind him or her is a snow woman replica.

He hires Cat to find her and what she uncovers is sinister, hot, spacey and oh so pizza!

What could it be?

Discover for yourself in this delightful detective tale featuring some of the most memorable characters ever created for a kids book.

I absolutely the love the story and the art is quirky, colorful and fun to look at.

Can you solve the mystery in Miss Cat The Mystery Of The Melting Snow?

Jeremiah 29:11 - For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.

The Magic Study

Do you believe in magic? Some people do. Personally I enjoy the slight of hand that most people call magic. As far as really being able to make things disappear, levitate, call up spirits or perform impossible stunts call me a skeptic and naysayer.

Still, it’s fun to imagine.

What if there was place where magicians hang out, buy their ‘supplies’, talk shop and feel like thy can let their hair down and reveal their true magical selves?

It would be a great place to pick up a few new magical tips, maybe purchase some elixirs or magic potions or chat with a wizard, warlock, witch or creature from another dimension.

Why do most people picture practitioners of magic dwelling in old, musty, dark and dungeon-like dwellings?

Where is it written that magic has to be dark? Why so sullen? How about a little color and light?

Light and colorful is what you get with Rolife’s DIY Miniature House The Magic Study. It’s cheerful, warm, bathed in sunlight and furnished and decorated with lots of books, curiosities and wall hangings. There’s even a big, bright, predominately purple stain glass window! The Magic Study even has its own arcane lettered sign!

As with all Rolife kits The Magic Study comes packaged in a sturdy, heavy-gauge cardboard box with a flip-lid with tabs.

A slip-sheet covers the box and showcases The Magic Study with color photos on all sides and specs on the back including material used, 267 pieces contained, age appropriate guidelines (14 years and older), LED and a notice that batteries are not included.

Inside the box, neatly arranged and secured is a parts sheet, instructions-complete with numbers coinciding with the part numbers on the construction pieces and objects, safety instructions, an icon illustration sheet, die-cut and foldable books and other paper objects, a shrink-wrapped series of board flats and five bags.

Inside the bags are a battery box, a set of tweezers, a small Phillips head screwdriver, furniture parts and room accents and plants, jewels, various fasteners, marbles and other loose decorative room objects.

When you begin assembling The Magic Study be sure to look through the instructions first, test the light, peruse the parts list and acquaint yourself with the sequence of assembly. Always follow the instructions. Never skip ahead!

Other objects you may want to use while building the kit are a flat-head screwdriver to poke out pieces, liquid glue, a Xacto handle and blade and a magnifying glass. Be sure to work in a well-lit area.

Slow down! Take your time! Enjoy the process and look, really look at what you are building. Examine all the parts, the furniture, the room decorations and especially the colors and lighting.

Carefully remove the parts from the boards. Never take out more parts than you need. It’s easy to loose small parts. Build smart.

Assembling The Magic Study may take some time (I estimate four to eight hours) but it's well worth the effort.  Try to imagine how impressive it will look on your fireplace mantle, bookshelf or in a display case.

The pop-out pieces remove easily from the board slats with just a little push.  Assemble the colorful pieces using the tabs and slide-ins for perfect fits.  The parts are durable and fit snuggly together with no gaps, rough edges or mismatched designs or colors.  Perfect!

The decorative small pieces are made either of wood or molded plastic.  Take a moment to look over the details and scaling-it's impressive.

Look at the open-arch beam ceiling room with its archaic sign, a vented roof, a decorative bookcase with arcane books (with bindings you can read), a chest with papers and magic items (crystal ball, a butterfly and various paper objects), the wood and slate floors with a circular magic tome in dark brown in the middle), the hanging and potted plants, a wooden chair, a magician’s hat, a wooden candle holder and a jeweled wand.

Other goodies include books scattered about the room, a beautiful stain-glass window with astrological symbols, a hanging glass light shade with working light, an owl, a snake, a small bookcase with drawers, a magician’s globe, a three-legged pot with jewels and pentagram in gold, pedestals, a small green chest, mounted specimens, scrolls and containers, wall-hangings, half-walls with two steps down, a broom, a small chest with labeled drawers, mounted specimens and other magic objects.

Pick up the pieces, examine them and take in a little of their miniature magic. So many objects!  Look them over, admire their archaic details and color and appreciate the incredible amount of design work, computer laser cutting and the sheer effort that went into assembling the entire kit.  Wow!

Harry Potter, Merlin and Dr. Strange would be proud to have The Magic Study as their own. What a delightful and enchanting miniature house. It’s ‘magical!”

Wave your wand. Recite your arcane enchantment spell. Don your wizard's hat and robe and get ready to rustle up a little magic!

The more I look at The Magic Study, the more I see.  It is so packed with magical goodies, furniture, wall hangings, decorations and curio objects it's hard to take it all in.

It's an amazing, marvelous, impressive assembly of parts and objects that carries a little 'magic' all its own.

For photos and a video of The Magic Study visit the Rolife site by clicking here.

To see what other amazing miniatures Robotime artists/designers have created click here.

Hebrews 4:12 - For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.