Frog Collectibles & Other Such Nonsense: 02/01/2005 - 03/01/2005

Frog Collectibles & Other Such Nonsense

A look at my frog collectibles as I get them and my wacky world in the meantime.

Monday, February 28, 2005

Afternoon with Sprogz

The pond will never be the same! Those of you who have been following my blog from the beginning may remember that the first week I posted the Chicago Hop Nurse figurine. Well, stand back, because here she comes in a cuddly, fun plush. The plush are brand new for 2005. Six of them have been released. Chicago Hop Nurse Plush is number SP003.

Frog of the Day


Grumpy Old Toads - Bowler
Originally uploaded by KenCalvino.
It always makes me feel better when it's time to visit the toads of Mudwiggle Marsh. Maybe I feel at home amongst the legendary grumpiness!

This piece from Westland is entitled Bowler (#4607) and the following is from the tag:

Elias Rollybump is generally a good toad, but watch out for bowling night! Then, cigar but droppings littering the alley, he becomes the fierce old toad of the lanes. Muttering to himself in a fit of Grumpy energy, he throws his ball, daring the pins to stand against his will. A strike is on its way!

I just love the detail that is put into these pieces. The bowling shirt that has pins across the chest. The patch on the sleeve is the configuration of the pins. And who would have guessed that a toad would need a bowlers wrist guard. Every little detail down to the planks of the bowling alley floor with its red foul line. Just an absolute delight to collect!

Sunday, February 27, 2005

Afternoon with Sprogz


Sprogz - French Kiss
Originally uploaded by KenCalvino.
Oo la la! No self-respecting frog could resist the charms of this cutie.

This Sprogz is called French Kiss and is number SG007.

Frog of the Day

Today's a lazy day here at Frog Central. Cold and snowy - a good day to stay in bed under the covers. That is until the cymbals start playing. There's no sleeping through that!

This is a really nice ceramic piece from Andrea by Sadek. It compliments a previous piece that was featured.

Saturday, February 26, 2005

Afternoon with Sprogz


Sprogz - Green Thumb
Originally uploaded by KenCalvino.
It takes a lot of work to keep things growing nice around the pond. And this sprogz is working to keep a venus fly trap looking good. I'd say that he has a green thumb!

This Sprogz is called Green Thumb and is number SG210.

Frog of the Day

It's nice to have a frog angel looking over things here at Frog Central. But sometimes I think there's a little froggy devil hidden somewhere around here too!

This is a ceramic frog angel. The arms extend down a bit to make it a shelf sitter. It is beautifully done but there are no identifying marks to know who made it.

Friday, February 25, 2005

Afternoon with Sprogz


Sprogz - Malt and Hops
Originally uploaded by KenCalvino.
Every pond has one, that frog who spends a little too much time at the Bugs & Suds. And from the looks, it's definately been more suds than bugs!

This Sprogz is called Malt and Hops and is number SG080.

Frog of the Day


Kathleen Kelly - Dream Weaver
Originally uploaded by KenCalvino.
Somehow I don't think this was what Gary Wright had in mind when he wrote "Deam weaver, I believe you can get me through the night." But hey, you never know . . .

This is another one of the great creations by Kathleen Kelly from when she was working with Russ Berrie. It is part of the Russ line entitled The Country Folks and is named Dream Weaver. Kathleen Kelly has some great new stuff for this year that can be found at www.afroggyplace.com (link is in the right hand column).

Thursday, February 24, 2005

Afternoon with Sprogz


Sprogz - Car Hop
Originally uploaded by KenCalvino.
Remember the days when you pulled the car up to the A&W? Your order came out on a tray that hooked to your car window. Well there back and down at the pond they like to keep up with the current trends, so pull on in and order up your favorite bug burger and lilypad shake! I think I'm going to go right now . . .

This fun Sprogz is called Car Hop and is number SG248.

Frog of the Day


Avon - Cream Sachet Frog
Originally uploaded by KenCalvino.
Ding Dong - Avon Calling! This frog from Avon is filled with a Sonnet cream sachet. It keeps Frog Central smelling beautiful!

Wednesday, February 23, 2005

Afternoon with Sprogz


Sprogz - Hoppy Birthday
Originally uploaded by KenCalvino.
All the Sprogz at the pond wanted to get together and wish everyone who is having a birthday, to have a hoppy one!

This carbo-crazed Sprogz is named Hoppy Birthday and is number SG056.

Frog of the Day


Frog Fantasy - Gone Fishing
Originally uploaded by KenCalvino.
Here at Frog Central at the edge of the pond, many of the frogs put up their gone fishing sign and head out to try their luck. This one has taken along a picnic basket just in case.

This piece is part of the Frog Fantasy series from Westland and is entitled Gone Fishing. It is Westland's inventory number 3527 and dates to 1996.

Tuesday, February 22, 2005

Afternoon with Sprogz


Sprogz - Juliet
Originally uploaded by KenCalvino.
There would be no Romeo if not for Juliet and how fair she looks. Although I'm a little worried about the size of those teeth!

This beautiful Sprogz is called Juliet and is number SG069.

Frog of the Day


Cuddly Quarry Critter - Floppy
Originally uploaded by KenCalvino.
Down at the Quarry not every frog is made of stone. This cute frog is a cuddly plush!

From Second Nature Design, this is a Cuddly Quarry Critter and is named Floppy. To see the complete line of quarry animals you can go to www.quarrycritters.com.

Monday, February 21, 2005

Afternoon with Sprogz


Sprogz - Romeo
Originally uploaded by KenCalvino.
OK Romeo, time to go on stage! Romeo just loves the theater but he can't understand why the only part he can get is in a Shakespear play. . .

This Sprogz is called Romeo and is number SG068.

Frog of the Day


Ribbitt Fruit Chews
Originally uploaded by KenCalvino.
Sometimes it gets to be tiring work here at Frog Central and I need a quick pick-me-up. And what's better than the healthy quick energy from Ribbitt Fruit Chews. Although I must admit that some of the frogs here get a little nervous. . .

Ribbitt Fruit Chews are made in Canada for a company in Nashville called Great American Opportunities Inc. They really were quite good!

Sunday, February 20, 2005

Afternoon with Sprogz


Sprogz - Slap Shot
Originally uploaded by KenCalvino.
It was heartbreak to have to tell Slap Shot that the hockey season had been cancelled. He has waited so long and was ready to play. I guess he better look for work in Frogs on Ice!

This Sprogz is called Slap Shot and is number SG038.

Frog of the Day


Enesco - Frog Mom and Kids
Originally uploaded by KenCalvino.
Here at Frog Central it was a good day to sleep in - snowy, rainy, cold. I bet this Frog Mom would like to sleep in too, but she's got a couple young ones to keep her busy.

This piece is from Enesco. Enesco has a lot of frog collectibles. This is inventory number 305715 (according to tag on bottom). No other information is known about this cute piece.

Saturday, February 19, 2005

Afternoon with Sprogz


Sprogz - Battery Jumper
Originally uploaded by KenCalvino.
Feel like you need a re-charge in your life? Need that little pick me up? I think this Sprogz has the right idea to getting a charge out of life!

This Sprogz is called Battery Jumper and is number SG023.

Frog of the Day

Wonderful giant frogs were placed throughout Erie, Pennsylvania this last summer and are showcased in the book Leap Frog - The Ribbitting Tale. It is available through the Erie Art Museum on their website. It shows all of the frogs that were sanctioned for the exhibit of frogs that were placed all around town in great color photos as well as giving the artists name and brief history of most of the pieces. There is also a section of creative look-alikes that were created by people who lived in Erie and just loved the project and wanted to show their support. A fun read that provides a lot of laughs to see the creativity of all the artists.

Friday, February 18, 2005

Afternoon with Sprogz


Sprogz - Fly Fishing
Originally uploaded by KenCalvino.
Fly fishing is the favorite pastime around the pond and of course down at the Bugs & Suds there are a lot of fish stories. And this Sprogz is telling a whopper!

This Sprogz is called Fly Fishing and is number SG063.

Frog of the Day


HugFun - 10" Frog
Originally uploaded by KenCalvino.
This is another of my plush frogs. It is made by HugFun and is their 10" frog. I found this guy at a rummage sale and he's in really great shape. He does not have a hang tag but with eyes like that, who could refuse?

Thursday, February 17, 2005

Afternoon with Sprogz


Sprogz - Jolly Frogger
Originally uploaded by KenCalvino.
The old movie about the Jolly Frogger is a classic. So many tadpoles want to emulate him and costume shops at the pond always sell out of pirate stuff as soon as they get it. But from the size of this guy, I think he might be the real Jolly Frogger - Run!!

This Sprogz is called Jolly Frogger and is number SG083.

Frog of the Day


Philippines Party Frog
Originally uploaded by KenCalvino.
Just returning from New Orleans and the celebrations of Mardi Gras, this frog thought he was going to be crowned King Bacchus. Even though he wasn't, it still looks like he had a fun time!

This is a votive candle holder (in the cup). There is a sticker on the bottom that states it was made in the Philippines. Other than that I have no information on this froggie.

Wednesday, February 16, 2005

Afternoon with Sprogz


Sprogz - Pond Weed
Originally uploaded by KenCalvino.
Uh oh. That dazed look, that smirk. All classic symptoms that someone's been smoking some pond weed!

This Sprogz is called Pond Weed and is number SG035.

Frog of the Day


Hagen-Renaker - Frog Princess
Originally uploaded by KenCalvino.
This frog princess was getting tired of all this frog king stuff. She may be tiny, but she has a lot of croak!

This is a really tiny frog, measuring only 1 1/4 inches long. Entitled Frog Princess, this piece is from Hagen-Renaker.

Tuesday, February 15, 2005

Afternoon with Sprogz


Sprogz - Croak Rocket
Originally uploaded by KenCalvino.
Oh what the tadpoles want these days. As soon as they are old enough they're looking for the latest mode of transportation - and around the pond that means the Croak Rocket. The fastest thing on two wheels!

This Sprogz is called Croak Rocket and is number SG238.

Frog of the Day


Boyds - Jebediah Puddlejump
Originally uploaded by KenCalvino.
Frogs love to play in puddles and heck, just as his sign says - Fun is where you make it!

This piece is from Boyds Bears & Friends, Wee Folkstone Ribbit & Co. and is called Jebediah Puddlejump . . . What a Drip! It is a limited edition piece. The edition number of my piece is 3E and is piece number 1926. This piece dates to 1999.

Monday, February 14, 2005

Afternoon with Sprogz


Sprogz - Toadally Flipped
Originally uploaded by KenCalvino.
Valentine's Day is in full swing at the pond! And it looks like someone is toadally flipped!

This Sprogz is called Toadally Flipped and is number SG036.

Frog of the Day


100_1336
Originally uploaded by KenCalvino.
Happy Valentine's Day!!

This plastic wall hanging is from amscam. Lots of glittery fun!

Sunday, February 13, 2005

Afternoon with Sprogz


Sprogz - Parajumper
Originally uploaded by KenCalvino.
Daredevils abound around the pond, but none so daring as parajumper. No one knows how he got those dragonflies to go so high. But the look in his eyes tells me I don't think he'll go that high again!

This Sprogz is called Parajumper and is number SG025.

Frog of the Day

This is the last member of the band of this set. The guitar player with the wild outfit! Maybe he's trying to emulate that crazy rock band, the Frogtones.

This porcelain hinged box is from Direct Connection. There is a little heart in the box. This is part of a set of four (the other three have already been displayed).

Saturday, February 12, 2005

Afternoon with Sprogz


Sprogz - World Cups
Originally uploaded by KenCalvino.
It's the world cup championship and the lady frogs are ready to go.

This Sprogz is called World Cups and is number SG065.

Frog of the Day

The weather has turned nice today here at Frog Central and Mrs. Mud Hopper wants to go out for a hop through the woods. It's not that warm!

This is a wonderful Kathleen Kelly doll from when she was with Russ Berrie. It is part of The Country Folks collection and is Ms. Mud Hopper. These dolls are made with a bean bag body and resin arms, legs, and head. A lot of fun to collect and highly collectible. Not many of each are made every year and can be gone quickly.

Kathleen Kelly continues to make these wonderful dolls and can be found at www.afroggyplace.com (link at right).

Friday, February 11, 2005

Afternoon with Sprogz

Lizards! Oh my! It's best not to speak or hear about them, then hopefully you won't see them around the pond. These two guys are "speak" and "hear" - you'll have to take my word for it that "see" is on the other side. He has his eyes closed so you can't see him.

This fun candle holder Sprogz is called See, Speak, Hear No Lizard and is number SG107.

Frog of the Day

Mardi Gras this past week was a lot of fun. The best part here at Frog Central was following the New Orleans style frog band around the pond.

This piece is made of ceramic and hand-painted. It is sold by the Andrea by Sadek company and is inventory number 16340.

Thursday, February 10, 2005

Afternoon with Sprogz


Sprogz - Je T'Aime
Originally uploaded by KenCalvino.
Ah, the language of love. This Sprogz has gone off to foreign ponds and came back being able to say something special to his lady frog - Je t'aime.

This Sprogz is called Je T'Aime and is number SG010.

Frog of the Day

Frog Central may not be located in the heart of New York, but being as this week is fashion week there, some of the froggettes decided to show off the latest styles. Here is a wonderful number . . .

This piece is from Collectibles Features and is named simply Attendant. It is item number 2365. This is part of a set, which will be featured here in the future, called Frog Kingdom. It is a fun set with amazing detail.

Wednesday, February 09, 2005

Afternoon with Sprogz

Valentine's Day is getting nearer and all around the pond the guys are practicing for the big day.

This Sprogz is called Spawn For Each Other (Boy) and is number SG013.

Frog of the Day


Marble Frog
Originally uploaded by KenCalvino.
Here at Frog Central it's been pretty busy, but this little marble Happy Frog was willing to wait for his time under the lights.

This is a small frog. It has the word Marble stamped on the bottom. The price tag was still affixed and it states "Happy Frog" and "CH-18 JB202." I do not have any further information on this cute little frog.

Tuesday, February 08, 2005

Afternoon with Sprogz


Sprogz - Spawn To Be Wild
Originally uploaded by KenCalvino.
Ok, ok, who took a picture of me?

This Sprogz has always had a wild streak - his favorite song is "Spawned to be Wild." Now that song will be stuck in my head all afternoon -
Get your croaker warmed up,
Hop around the town,
Spawned to be wild. . .

Cool song for a cool Sprogz. His name is Spawn To Be Wild and is number SG004.

Frog of the Day

The lovely strains of the violin are a reminder that Valentine's day is soon around the corner. And the keepsake bottom in this hinged box already contains a little red heart.

This frog is one of a set of four (and the third that has been put up here). It is from Direct Connection. They have quite a few frog hinged boxes in their inventory and they are a lot of fun to collect.

Monday, February 07, 2005

Afternoon with Sprogz


Sprogz - Sprogz
Originally uploaded by KenCalvino.
Every pond has its start and since this guy is called Sprogz, rumor has it that he was one of the first. But then that begs the question, which came first, the frog or the tadpole?

This Sprogz is called Sprogz and is number SG002.

Frog of the Day


Boyds - Ms. Lilypond
Originally uploaded by KenCalvino.
Ms. Lilypond may be teaching the most important lesson, but I don't think the tadpoles are listening.

This piece is from Boyds Bears & Friends, Wee Folkstone Ribbit & Co. It is called Ms. Lilypond . . . Lesson Number One. This is a limited edition piece. Mine is edition 1E, piece number 6878.

Sunday, February 06, 2005

Afternoon with Sprogz


Sprogz - Toadfather
Originally uploaded by KenCalvino.
I made you an offer you couldn't refuse. I mean, we're all family here at the pond. Unfortunately, when you don't hop when you're told, someone's going to croak.

This Sprogz is called Toadfather and is number SG024 (although I always tell him he's number 1 - just look at that piece he's carrying!)

Frog of the Day


Radko - Hop Along
Originally uploaded by KenCalvino.
The past few warm days here at Frog Central made us think we made it through another cold winter. Thoughts of gardening and flower beds flashed wildly through the imagination. Dreams were dashed and reality set in as this morning saw a return to frigid temperatures. So this wonderful froggy will have to provide us with beautiful flowers for now.

Radko ornaments are fun the whole year around and this was from 2004's spring collection. It had a small production and is very hard to find. It is called Hop Along and is number 1010843.

Saturday, February 05, 2005

Afternoon with Sprogz


Sprogz - Hop-A-Long
Originally uploaded by KenCalvino.
It's fun to go out to the dude ranch for the weekend and pretend that you are really a cowboy. But watch those saddle sores come Monday!

This Sprogz is called Hop-A-Long and is number SG011.

Frog of the Day

It seems like Christmas year round here at Frog Central. And another frog band begins to strike up the music!

This ornament is from The Robert Stanley Collection. It is part of a set of a frog band, this one playing harp. It was purchased at a store called Hobby Lobby and it appears from the tag that the set was made exclusively for them. The ornament dates to 2000.

Friday, February 04, 2005

Afternoon with Sprogz


Sprogz - Horny Toad
Originally uploaded by KenCalvino.
Uh oh. The new issue of Playfrog just arrived at the pond. They're will be a bunch of hony toads hopping around tonight.

This Sprogz is called Horny Toad and is number SG012.

Frog of the Day


Russ - Fruggy Hot Pink
Originally uploaded by KenCalvino.
I heard of seeing pink elephants, but pink frogs! I have got to stop drinking that special blend iced tea. . .

This plush frog is from Russ and is part of their Girl Powrrr line. It is called Fruggy which comes in different colors and sizes. This is the larger size and is in hot pink! It is their item number 24120.

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