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There’s something about Jessie that’s always made my heart stir — that spark of courage wrapped in laughter, her voice echoing across a sunset sky, and the way she can be both strong and tender all at once. When I began dreaming up my Once Upon a Stitch: Rodeo Collection, I knew she needed her own chapter — one that felt wearable, warm, and true to her heart. This isn’t a high-end makeup line or a collector’s item meant to sit untouched on a vanity. This is affordable, nostalgic beauty — the kind you can find at your local store, made for families, for creators, for dreamers on a budget. Every color was chosen to feel like Jessie herself: alive, hopeful, and dusted with a little golden-hour magic. The Sunset Rodeo Collection (Warm Tones) (inspired by golden light, laughter, and the warmth of friendship) This is the palette for storytellers — the ones who see God’s beauty in the glow of the setting sun and the hum of an old song. Lipstick Shades: Sunset Red and Prairie Rose — bold, playful reds kissed with coral warmth. Blush: A soft, sunlit peach to bring color to the cheeks. Eyeshadow Quad: Warm browns, saddle tones, and a golden shimmer that looks like sunlight on a dusty trail. Highlighter: Sunset Glow — a champagne gold that glimmers like prairie dust. When I wear these shades, I think of Jessie swinging her lasso under that amber sky — confident but kind, strong but joyful. The Prairie Skies Collection (Cool Tones) (inspired by denim, moonlight, and quiet courage) If Sunset Rodeo is laughter, Prairie Skies is reflection. It’s Jessie under the stars, thinking of her past but dreaming of her future. Lipstick Shades: Sky Red and Rose Dust — cool cherry red and a romantic dusty rose. Blush: A cool pink that freshens and brightens. Eyeshadow Quad: Dusty denim blues and twilight taupes with a soft sage shimmer. Highlighter: Prairie Light — pearl-toned and ethereal, a whisper of moonlight on skin. These cooler shades bring balance to the warmth of the Rodeo line, creating a palette that feels versatile, modern, and beautifully nostalgic. 💄 Why Wet n Wild I wanted this collection to be realistic for everyday women and families — accessible, joyful, and kind to the wallet. Wet n Wild offers that balance of pigment and price, allowing everyone to feel part of the magic. No one should have to choose between art and affordability. Each product in this collection can mix with what you already own — it’s about creativity, not consumption. Layer these colors over your favorites, blend them into your morning routine, or save them for a Disney day when you want to channel Jessie’s spark. 🎨 The Heart Behind the Colors Every Rodeo hue tells a story: The reds remind us of bravery. The rose shades whisper of tenderness. The golds and pearls recall hope — the light that never fades, even after the sun sets. Jessie reminds us that joy and sorrow can live side by side — and somehow, that’s what makes the story beautiful. Printables & Patreon Printable sticker sheets for the Sunset Rodeo and Prairie Skies collections are now available for Patreon supporters. These label-style sheets let you decorate your palettes, lipsticks, or journals — small reminders that beauty doesn’t have to cost much to feel magical. If you’d like to support the making of Once Upon a Stitch: The Rodeo Collection, you can join the community on Patreon — every daisy sticker, every rope border, every bit of golden light helps keep this little prairie dream alive. If there’s one thing Toy Story has always reminded us, it’s that no toy gets left behind. Even when a toy is scuffed, broken, or missing a piece, it still has value — because every toy has a story. That’s exactly what inspired my latest project: giving Buzz Lightyear a brand-new look in shimmering cobalt metallic armor. Why Buzz Needed a Makeover I’ve been slowly building my Toy Story collection, starting with Jessie and working my way toward Woody, Buzz, and Rex. Like many collectors, I’ve seen photos of rare metallic Buzz Lightyear variants floating around online — exclusives that were released in limited numbers over the years. But I never had one myself, and honestly, I don’t remember ever seeing them in stores. So I decided: why not create my own? This wasn’t about “ruining” a toy — it was about celebrating Buzz in a new way. He’s still the same Space Ranger we know and love, but now he shines with an upgraded look that feels like a Super Command edition straight out of Star Command headquarters. The Process: From Classic to Cobalt Armed with a couple of bottles of Hobby Lobby craft paint — metallic cobalt blue — I set out to transform Buzz’s classic suit. The result? Buzz now looks like he’s ready for an elite mission — upgraded, battle-tested, and still very much the hero of Andy’s room. What This Makeover Means I love how Toy Story constantly reminds us that toys (and people) can always be renewed. A little creativity can turn something ordinary into something extraordinary. Buzz’s new cobalt armor isn’t about covering flaws — it’s about showing how even a classic toy can evolve while keeping its heart. And of course, this makeover ties right back into the spirit of Pixar nostalgia. For long-time fans and collectors, it’s a nod to those rare metallic editions. For me, it’s a personal project that celebrates the idea that toys are family — and family doesn’t get left behind. Watch the Transformation I filmed the full repaint process so you can see Buzz’s journey from classic to cobalt in real time. When most collectors think of Toy Story figures, they imagine Woody, Buzz Lightyear, or Jessie. But in 2001, Japanese company Medicom Toy released one of the most unusual and rarest Toy Story collectibles ever produced. Instead of focusing on the main toys, Medicom surprised fans with Andy Davis, Sid Phillips, and Scud the dog—all sculpted as 9-inch vinyl figures. These figures are considered grails for Toy Story collectors, and nearly 25 years later, they remain some of the hardest pieces to find on the secondary market. The History Behind Medicom’s Release Medicom Toy Corporation, based in Japan, is famous for its detailed vinyl figures and limited runs. In 2001, they launched a Vinyl Collectible Dolls line featuring characters that most toy companies ignored. Instead of Buzz and Woody, Medicom turned the spotlight on Andy, the boy who loved his toys; Sid, the infamous neighbor who destroyed them; and Scud, Sid’s loyal but mischievous bull terrier. Because these were Japan-exclusive Toy Story figures, they never appeared on U.S. toy shelves, making them especially rare for Western fans. The Figures in Detail Andy Davis (9”) One of the only official Andy figures ever created, this collectible shows Andy in his classic green t-shirt with shorts, smiling with wide blue eyes. For fans, it’s surreal to see the boy behind the toys represented in figure form. Sid Phillips (9”) Complete with his iconic black skull t-shirt and mischievous grin, Sid’s vinyl figure perfectly captures the troublemaker who terrified toys in the original Pixar film. Scud the Dog (9”) Sid’s fierce bull terrier was also released, featuring painted spots, a spiked collar, and a growling expression. Scud is one of the only official Toy Story pet figures produced at this scale. Why Collectors Love Them
These figures stand out because:
Today, finding a complete boxed set of Andy, Sid, and Scud is extremely difficult. On rare occasions when they surface, prices can soar into the hundreds of dollars per figure, depending on condition. A Hidden Corner of Toy Story Nostalgia For fans of Disney Pixar history, the Medicom 2001 figures highlight just how far Toy Story’s cultural impact reached. Even background characters were brought to life in collectible form, reminding us that Pixar’s storytelling world was bigger than just Woody and Buzz. These vinyl dolls have become a piece of Toy Story nostalgia that most fans have never seen in person. Whether you collect rare Disney toys, hunt for vintage Pixar memorabilia, or just love uncovering Lost Toy Story treasures, these Medicom releases are some of the most fascinating artifacts from the early 2000s. When we think of Toy Story, most of us remember Woody, Buzz, and Jessie’s big-screen adventures. But tucked away in Pixar history is a little holiday special that many fans have forgotten: Toy Story That Time Forgot. First aired on ABC on December 2, 2014, this 22-minute short combines Christmas magic with dinosaur action figures, delivering a story that’s part adventure, part heartwarming lesson. The special begins just after Christmas, when Bonnie takes her toys to a playdate at her friend Mason’s house. Mason has a brand-new set of toys still wrapped in the glow of Christmas morning — the BattleSaur action figures. These dinosaurs aren’t just plastic warriors; they think they’re real and have no idea that they’re toys at all (a clever callback to Buzz Lightyear’s original confusion in Toy Story).
Woody and Buzz tag along, but it’s really Trixie’s story this time. For years, she’s longed to be played with as a “real dinosaur” instead of just Bonnie’s make-believe companion. When she meets the Battlesaurs, she finally gets the chance. But the joy of roleplay quickly turns dangerous when the Battlesaurs try to trap the Toy Story gang in their world of combat. With help from Woody, Buzz, and her friends, Trixie realizes that being a toy isn’t about proving your strength — it’s about the joy of being played with and loved. Why It Stands Out Unlike the Halloween-themed Toy Story of Terror!, this short feels like a Christmas adventure with a twist. It balances:
Character growth: Trixie finally gets her “hero moment” and embraces her identity as Bonnie’s toy. It’s a mix of holiday coziness and action-packed fun that kids loved — and many parents may have caught when it first aired back in 2014. Where to Watch Today Originally aired: December 2, 2014 on ABC Home media: Released on Blu-ray/DVD in 2014 (often bundled with Toy Story of Terror!) Streaming: Currently available on Disney+ For collectors, physical copies are still floating around online through Amazon and eBay — a great way to make sure this special stays part of your holiday library. Why You Should Revisit It Toy Story That Time Forgot may not be as well-known as the main films, but it captures something special: the thrill of new toys, the heart of the holiday season, and the timeless lesson that play is what makes toys truly come alive. If it’s been years since you’ve seen it — maybe back when your kids were little — this Christmas is the perfect time to revisit it. Whether you stream it on Disney+ or pop in a DVD copy, it’s a nostalgic, action-filled short that deserves a spot in your holiday lineup. Technicolor Memories Tip: Pair this short with Toy Story of Terror! for a seasonal Pixar double-feature — Halloween and Christmas, the perfect way to relive Disney/Pixar nostalgia all autumn and winter long. Remembering Pixar’s First Halloween Special When you think of Pixar, you might remember big-screen adventures, heartwarming friendships, and dazzling animation. But in 2013, Pixar surprised us with something new: their very first Halloween television special. Toy Story of Terror! premiered on ABC on October 16, 2013, bringing Buzz, Woody, Jessie, and the rest of Bonnie’s toys into a spooky new adventure. At just 21 minutes long, it may be short — but it’s packed with laughs, frights, and heart, making it one of the best seasonal treats Pixar has ever offered. For those of us who grew up watching Disney specials in the fall, it instantly felt like a modern echo of those nostalgic TV evenings with the family. A Spooky Roadside Motel Adventure
The story begins with Bonnie and her mom driving through the night when a flat tire strands them at a roadside motel. While Bonnie sleeps, her toys venture out of the suitcase to explore, only to find that something is snatching them up one by one. With Rex panicking, Woody staying cautious, and Mr. Pricklepants narrating every moment like a horror-film critic, the setup leans into classic scary-movie tropes. The setting — a dimly lit motel hidden among the trees — is perfect for suspense, and Pixar balances eerie tension with playful humor. But it’s Jessie, not Woody or Buzz, who takes center stage. Her struggle with claustrophobia resurfaces when she’s trapped, forcing her to face her greatest fear to save her friends. This choice gives the special real emotional weight, reminding us that even in spooky moments, Pixar never loses sight of character growth and heart. Nostalgia, Tropes, and New Friends One of the delights of Toy Story of Terror! is how it tips its hat to classic horror while still being family-friendly. Mr. Pricklepants predicts every “rule” of scary movies — from splitting up to the ominous sound in the shadows — which adds a layer of playful parody. And then there’s Combat Carl, voiced by Carl Weathers. A brand-new character at the time, he became an instant fan favorite. His pep talk to Jessie (“Combat Carl never gives up! Combat Carl finds a way!”) is both hilarious and inspiring. It’s these little moments that make the special rewatchable year after year. Why It Still Matters Even though it first aired more than a decade ago, Toy Story of Terror! remains a seasonal gem. It captures what we love most about Pixar: characters we know and love, put into new situations that test their courage, deepen their bonds, and still make us laugh. For Disney nostalgia fans, it also recalls the tradition of TV specials — something that feels rare in today’s streaming age. Watching Toy Story of Terror! feels like gathering around for a vintage Halloween treat, much like those golden-age Disney episodes that aired on TV in the fall. Whether you’re a lifelong Pixar collector, a fan of Disney Halloween memories, or just someone looking for a short but spooky story, Toy Story of Terror! delivers. It’s funny, it’s a little creepy, and it’s full of heart. And for those of us who treasure nostalgia, it connects us back to that feeling of watching Halloween specials on cool autumn nights — popcorn in hand, lights turned low, waiting to see what happens next. So this Halloween, don’t forget to dust off this special and watch Jessie, Woody, and Buzz face the motel shadows together. |
Welcome to a place where Disney nostalgia meets storytelling magic. I create uplifting, history-rich content celebrating Walt Disney’s original vision and the golden age of Disneyland. From forgotten dining spots to untold stories of Walt’s creative team, this blog is a tribute to imagination, innocence, and timeless joy.
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