Pretty Color Variations

I group my models by molds and then within their molds, by color. Sometimes that results in a "paint chip" effect like you can see in this picture.

Liz knew I was looking for a black eyed alabaster 5 Gaiter, so when she spied one for sale in Simone's collection at BreyerFest this summer, she snagged it for me. I love the effect on my shelf as the color transitions from a bright white alabaster to a creamier color, and then carmel palomino.(That palomino has been in the collection since it was released. No orange color ever. Always this lovely shade of carmel.)

By the same token, neither of my alabaster Semi Rearing Stallions has yellowed like Simone's 5 Gaiter has. (Red eyed on left, black eyed in right.) I was not the original owner of either of them, so I am unable to trace their history before they came into my collection.

While I think the creamy color is pretty, I would like to whiten this piece up. Our windows are the kind that block the rays of the sun, so I would have to take the Five Gaiter outside and put it in the direct sunlight. I always hesitate about that. What if the model bloats? What if all that gorgeous pinking fades because I did not protect it well enough? Or the wind blows it over and it gets scuffed?

I rarely whiten a model because of those concerns, and so this boy keeps sitting on my shelf in paint chip position. (Hmmm, Paint Chip would be a good name for him...)

And now a smile!

It's always fun coming across a photo where the people are wearing clothing that you made!

I made Jean's shortgown (left) and Whitney's bedgown (right.) They are Feast volunteers at one of the food booths. (Picture used with permission.)

I've Waited Decades!

 Thanks to Liz Cory, a model I have searched for for DECADES is now in my collection.

Yesterday I mentioned that I had two friends coming through town who I would be meeting for lunch.

Those friends were Liz and Sam Cory. 

They were on their way home from a family camping trip, and Liz was bringing me something she'd found at BreyerFest for me.

A vintage alabaster 5 Gaiter with black eyes! I have the red eyed version, but I did not have the black eyed one.

I had literally been looking for this piece for several decades and I had not found one that was in good shape and for the right price.

As an added bonus, this model came from my friend Simone Smiljanic's collection! She and I became friends in 1970 and were still corresponding frequently when Simone passed away in October, 2021. Needless to say, I am thrilled to add a piece of hers to my own collection.

I'd like to come up with a name that pays homage to both Liz and Simone. Any suggestions? Please put them in the comments!

Liz and Sam, it was so good to see you and to get a moment to have lunch and catch up. And thank you so much for finding my new 5 Gaiter. I am absolutely thrilled to have him!

November Collectors Club Newsletter

Breyer's November Collectors Club Newsletter was delayed by several days, but it is out now and it includes an article that I wrote about Simone Smiljanic's passing. Here is a screen shot from Breyer's announcement announcing the publication of the newsletter:

A link to the article would not work for everyone (only Collectors Club members have access to the newsletter), but I am not under any constraints from Breyer about posting it here. Here 'tis!

Simone  Smiljanic, a “Founding Mother” of the Model Horse Hobby

by Lynn Isenbarger

In October, 2021 the model horse hobby lost one of its “founding mothers.” That woman was Simone Smiljanic. Along with Ellen Hitchins, Marney Walerius, and Linda Walter, Simone (or “Simmie” and even “Smee” to her friends) was instrumental in the late 1960s in gathering hobbyists together and organizing us into the giant, multi-faceted hobby that exists today. 

All photos by Nancy Kelly and in the collection of Liz Cory.

Simone was from Indianapolis, Indiana and received her first Breyer, a palomino Fury, when she was three. That was only the beginning. Soon she and her friends were playing with their model horses together and then, as Simone grew up, she began writing penpal letters to her horsey friends who did not live close. Those letters morphed into a club, IMHA (International Model Horse Association) and then a newsletter, the Pony Express, which she printed from 1966 to 1973.

Due to long distances, these friends initially began showing their model horses via photo shows. But like today’s hobbyists, early collectors wanted to meet. Simone teamed up with Ellen Hitchins, one of her subscribers, and together they began hosting live shows held in homes and backyards. But these two weren’t done yet - they formed a new club, IMPHSA (International Model Photo Horse Showing Association), with Ellen as president and Simone as vice president. National recognition of all these hobby activities in Horse and Rider and Western Horseman magazines brought attention to Simone’s and Ellen’s clubs, which in turn led to an influx of even more collectors. The hobby has been thriving ever since.

Longtime hobbyist (and former JAH editor) Liz Isham Cory was a friend of Simone’s and remembers, 

I first met Simone at one of Marney Walerius’ first live model horse shows. We were all crowded around a table in Marney’s backyard to watch her judge. The whole process was so new to me, and I admired the way Simone deftly looked at each horse before assigning ribbons. I wanted to be like her some day.

I knew she was one of Marney’s good friends, and I noticed how kind she was. I looked up to her and I thought I wanted to be like her some day. She knew horses, models, and she was fun and kind, too. She left us way too soon. We will miss her.

Author Nancy Kelly, another long time hobbyist, also shared some of her memories of Simone.

She was one of the “four pillars” of the model horse hobby, active since the later 1960s. She helped lay the foundation for the hobby we know today. Her enthusiasm, energy, and wry sense of humor made her special. She shared her knowledge with so many people and helped many friends build their collections.

Her health has not been good for several years, but over the last few months it really took a turn for the worse. RIP dear one.

Simone’s kindness and helpfulness were legendary. Knowing my love of circus horses, she kept an eye out on eBay and other sales sites for me, sending me links when she found something she thought I'd like. I never asked her to do that - she simply did it because that's who she was - someone who loved the hobby and was willing to act as a friend or mentor to us all.

Thank you, Simone. Your friendship in the 1970s helped countless hobbyists get their feet under them in the new and burgeoning model horse hobby. Many of us are still here, enjoying what you helped start way back in the 1960s. You were a dear friend to so many and we will miss you. 

Rest in peace, sweet lady.

Two Christmas Cards of the Day

Yesterday's blog entry was about Friday's terrible tornado and I just did not feel right posting a Christmas card. So, today you get two!

These lovely drafters are from Nancy Falzone.

Michelle Oviatt created this card of Clydesdales and sent it to me.