Big Josh and His Camper

Happy Monday from the Moppets! We're just hanging out in the air conditioning today because it's HOT outside! Not that we're complaining - even here in Tennessee we got a lot of snow and cold this year. This beautiful sunshine is a balm to the soul! Last time we talked, I showed you my newest addition to the Moppet Family: Big Josh with Karate Chop Action Arm! He's seriously cool. And he's also done!

He was a bit of a process, so I wanted to share it with you.

I started with a very naked little Big Josh (well, I guess he has tighty-orangies on) that I found at an antique shop for an awesome price. He didn't even have the boots that are pictured with him - I luckily had those in my old Barbie stash from when I was a kid. My brother had a Big Jim, and had cast him off when he "grew out of dolls" (but Big Jim is an ACTION FIGURE!). His loss, because I inherited the boots and kept them because I used them for my Ken dolls.

Then began the process. After a good bath and disinfecting (because antique shop - ew!), I made the pattern. (The picture looks like his hip joint has popped out. It hadn't, I just had his leg turned at a funny angle. He's in really great shape for an almost 50 year-old doll - his Karate Chop Action arm even works!) I hate this part of the process the most. Making the sloper to make the pattern to make another sloper to fit the pattern. Ugh. Tedious, but well worth the time if done right. Since I had no pattern to begin with (Ken's too big, Sunshine Steve is too small), I had to start from scratch.

Oh, and hey! Doesn't he look a bit like Dan Haggerty?

Those of us who are old enough to remember Grizzly Adams know what I'm talking about. You do, don't you? Uh-huh. You do. At first I thought I would just do a pair of jeans or khakis and a shirt, something that would be similar to what Big Josh would have been like in his box. But then I ran across this great material in my stock box that made me want to let my imagination take flight. With this leather-looking material in hand, I decided to make him a pair of buckskin trousers and a jacket. Underneath it is a plain yellow tee-shirt.

I think he turned out wonderfully. He's so cute, I just can't stand it. I cleaned up his camper and set him on an adventure with his binoculars, his lantern, and his campfire!

The camper itself is in good shape, too, considering its age. These campers were made of cardboard covered in printed vinyl, so Big Jim's Camper and Barbie's Country Camper are both prone to splits along the edges of the vinyl. Someone had put a clear packing tape along one edge that had been damaged. I didn't dare take it off for fear of doing more damage, and it looks pretty good as is. The side that slides out to reveal the inside of the camper also has a small tear in a corner that has been fixed with tape. The windshield (as in most of these campers) is missing. But the wheels work and everything else is in really good condition.

I imagine someone's children or grandchildren could get a few years' of wonderful, imaginative play out of this. Certainly, it would last for many years of display in a collection. And he's officially looking for a loving home! Have you done something creative today? Something that you love and that brings you joy? If not, you should go do that! Seriously. Quit reading this, switch off the TV, and go find joy. Blessings,

#Mattel #BigJosh #BigJim