What this library needed most was --- BOOKS! Books are expensive. I sent out a blitz text to family, friends and co workers asking for empty cereal and snack boxes. I received several and was able to cover them as they came in, with faux leather looking scrapbook paper. This filled in the gaps inside my bookshelves. A little craft glue and fancy papers really dressed the boxes up and transformed them into regal books! Walt and his family put their feet up inside his Disneyland apartment above the Main Street, USA fire station in 1955. Note Lillian's Cinderella slippers. Ron Miller is pictured too. Walt and Lillian Disney along with their grandchildren in his apartment above the Disneyland Fire Station. Imagineer John Hench once recalled another occasion at Walt’s apartment to author Bob Thomas. “When we were waiting to go to dinner at Disneyland one night, we went into his apartment above the fire station. He wasn’t there. He finally came in from the balcony and said, ‘You know, there are lots of happy people out there.’”
Art Linkletter recalled sitting with Walt and Lillian on the balcony watching the fireworks. When it was over, Art commented on what a great show it was and Walt answered "And we got everything we paid for-12 sky rockets, 8 flares...". Art said "We were watching them and he was counting them!". I placed a bid on a furniture auction at my local college and won this 3' x 13" x 80" bookcase for the library. It has adjustable shelves which is a plus!! I ran out of paint - LOL - but the bookcase is perfect. This bookcase holds A LOT of books! Until I am able to actually fill each shelf, I placed temporary prop books to hold space.
Disney artist and Imagineer Bruce Bushman pictured here with Walt Disney, was a lead designer of the original Fantasyland as you can see by his concept art on the walls. Bushman was first hired by the Disney Studios to work on Fantasia on April 5, 1937. In the years leading up to the 1955 opening of Disneyland, Bushman was one of the many Disney artists tapped to help design and build Walt’s theme park. The Disneyland prospectus that was used to attract financial investments included a number of Bushman’s concept drawings for Fantasyland. Bushman designed the 70-foot tall canopy to top off King Arthur Carrousel, which was a refurbished merry-go-round, and had it look like it was made of fabric even though it was actually aluminum. The canopy is “supported” by vertical lances and shields. Bushman designed each shield and included artwork associated with the Knights of the Round Table. However, because there were more shields than authentic artwork he was forced to improvise. His solution was to include the coat of arms from his wife’s family, as well as those from a number of fellow Disney artists. Bushman also helped design the Casey Jr. Circus Train. Disney Legend Ken Anderson said: “We did the little circus train, and we had a beauty. Bruce Bushman had worked and worked to get the design just right on this train.”
As the design of the Dumbo attraction progressed, Walt wanted to to make sure the elephants were large enough to accommodate adults as well as children. To make sure they could comfortably fit, Walt looked to Bushman - who was a tall man - and told his team to use him as their model for ride vehicles. Walt said to Bushman “If it fits you, it’ll fit anybody.” I love the Beast's library at Disney's CA Adventure in California. Belle from Beauty and the Beast was one of the MOST requested characters for my outreach events. She is kind, smart and makes friends easily. If you recall in the story, the beast gives Belle the library in his castle. The spare room needed a makeover. I wanted to go fairy-tale dreamy and decided to create my own version of the Beast's Library. (On a budget!) While at the library, every 4 minutes, wildfire changes the library from light to dark, then back to light again. When the beast arrives, the room grows dark and the portrait of Prince Adam (the beast) is marred from the beasts anger. Note the expression change on Prince Adam's face. When the room is light and undisturbed, it is magical. There are books everywhere. Podiums and tables display open books where you can discover which beauty and the beast character you are based on a personality test. The space is basic - 12x12 - two windows and beige carpet. My to do list:
Stay close, we'll see how the fireplace mantle was installed. |
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