CUSTOM CREATIONS - A Special Linden Set

Just giving you all fair warning....this post has a lot of words.  But it will also have a lot of cards.  And more important than anything, it will have a great story of the enjoyment of the hobby.

When I started this blog almost five years ago, one of the first posts talked about custom card creations.  I love the art of design, observing techniques, dissecting layouts and trying my hand at it.

The first custom card I ever made was this Ilya Kovalchuk offering.  I look at it now with a sweet smile and a bit of a gawk.  I can see where ny ambition level was at the time but I can also see what I have improved on over the years.

For those of you who remember the days where the Beckett Boards were the place to hang out and talk cards, you may remember some of the custom card contests that were set up.  The rules were pretty simple.  A head-to-head knockout tournament.  Each person developing a new card for each round with the board members submitting their votes.

I always enjoyed these contests because they were nothing but fun.  No egos or prizes, just creating for the joy of it.

What I also enjoyed about those contests was the simple, but important, organization brought by one certain individual - a fellow custom card creator.  At the time his handle was WingzOfKyiv but I got to know him as Eugene.  A person passionate about creating new and exciting cards...in addition to seeing what others could offer in the same respect.

For years after the great Beckett Battles, Eugene drifted away from the hobby.  I moved on to another forum once Beckett made some changes (it's never been the same since).  But a few months back I noticed some new customs pop up from a guy names Wingz198.  They had a flavour and style that I instantly recognized.  Sure enough, Eugene was back to show off some new creations.

I offered a hearty hello and enjoyed what he had created.  I mentioned how much his designs and overall attitude towards the hobby had an impact on me.  To this day, I think very highly of his efforts.

A couple months ago I received an e-mail from him asking for my address.  I didn't know what to expect but happily forwarded it to him.  Not long after, I received one of the coolest gifts I've been given in this hobby.

Here's where the cards begin.

Customs.  Trevor Linden customs.  Sixteen of them to be exact.

Each unique and done with the attitude and essence of enjoyment.  I can sense it in every single card in the set.

And make no mistake....this is a set.  I have already proudly put them in toploaders and placed them in amongst my other Linden cards.

Part of the collection, they will be a strong reminder of those great memories and of a solid hobbyist.

I really enjoy the fact that Eugene hunted down many different photos.  Rather than just reuse the same one over and over again.

Each design built with a vision in mind.

These scans do not do the cards justice.  I have seen the digital version of these cards and the vibrancy is much greater (he mentioned that he was still experimenting with the printing process (I think we all are).

This is one of my favorites.  A great photo from a fantastic season.  It also has a similar look to a set that I have er, was designing.  I feel like a little revisit is in order.

I like that each card has something new to it.  Always trying new things.  One of the biggest lessons I learned from my early days of creating.

When you find something you like, keep it in the arsenal.  But always look to do more.  Expand your horizons.

Eugene often had an international taste to his concepts.  Even though he lives in Omaha, his roots are in Kyiv.  And I have no doubt that the world of international hockey was a part of his life growing up.

Mmmmmm....Trevor at the Olympics.  What great memories of that.

I'm just glad Rob Zamuner was on that team in 1998.....made Trev's inclusion a little less critical.

He scored a big goal in the game against the Czech team late to send it to overtime.......

where they botched it in the shootout.  No Gretzky?  Why no Gretzky?  I think he's still pondering that one on the bench.

Colors, cutouts and a cool title.  That's what customs are all about.

Well, back in the day they were.  Did you see my Kovalchuk?

Recognize that jersey?  Bonus points if you do.

And double bonus points if you know the set that was the inspiration for this card.

I like the fonts used in this one.  The photo is great too.  I love how it fills the frame up fully.

Oh yeah!  Some junior hockey goodness.  I love when a person does some digging.  Another great photo.

A parallel.  An auto parallel.  I hope there aren't a bazillion different colors to chase now.

Again, always trying different things.  Sometimes they work, sometimes they don't.  But if you never make a bad card......don't expect to ever have a good one.

Not that this one is bad.

Bonus points times three for the name of the player who was drafted first overall just ahead of Trevor.

Last, but certainly not least, one last card.  Commemorating Linden's two Memorial Cup titles with the Tigers.  I can still remember back to those days fondly.

Just like I can remember the wonderful times spent creating cards in those early days.  Hours spent just trying to figure out how to use the photo editing program.  Discovering new textures, colors, fonts, techniques.

Eugene....thank you very much for the absolutely wonderful gift.  I will cherish these cards and include them in my collection forever.  Thank you as well for your efforts in making the hobby a more enjoyable place for me to visit and be a part of.

Thanks to everyone who stuck with me until the end.  These cards are worth it.

HHOF AUTOS - Yet Another Trade To Announce

Last weekend was the final card show in the "monthly card show" circuit.  Boy does the season ever go quick.  It seems like only yesterday that I was drafting my hockey pool team, cursing my picks immediately after and trekking out to the first show of the year.

And now here we are.....only one more local card show before the summer months hit.  I'm kind of looking forward to the change of atmosphere, cracking out the golf clubs, a few beers on the patio, BBQ nights.......and relaxing a bit from the Linden chase.

I'm getting ahead of myself.....back to the cards.

In addition to the many cards I picked up to replenish my trade box, I also made a last minute trade for yet another Hall of Fame auto.  It's a name that I already have crossed off the list, but the card just spoke to me.

Red Kelly

(Inducted in 1969)

See....I told you so.  This is a great looking card.  A nice big signature...solid and crisp.  A good action photo with a great Leafs logo in full view.

I picked it up because I knew that I'd be trading for it.  I wouldn't have picked it up as a cash only deal.  I figured "Why not".

It replaces a card which is quite nice in its own right....but is playing second fiddle to the new add.

A tough choice I know.  Especially when you add in the dilemna of which team to go with.

Red played more years as a Wing, but had better offensive numbers with the Leafs.  I decided that the card and photo trump all.

So with that, another card is added....but the final tally remains the same.

I'm looking forward to the big show in May.  One last hurrah for the season.

Current Collection - 42 HOF autos

LINDEN CARD OF THE WEEK - A Gold Cup

I'm slowly getting some hockey card housecleaning in order.  Does that mean my collection is a little more organized?  Not yet.  But soon.  For reals.

OK.....I don't know when I'll get around to it, but a little is better than none.

I've been transferring some of my Linden cards out of magnetic one touch holders and have been putting them into regular toploaders.  In the past, I would put all my memorabilia cards in one touch holders.  But with the wave of jersey cards now upon us, I have decided to be a little more selective with what gets put where.

It was crazy to think that a $1 jersey card was getting the royal treatment while my quad auto /5 was getting slipped into a simple toploader.  Well that all changed this past weekend.  Now, all the "bigger ticket" cards are in the one touch holders and the rest are in toploaders.

Simple as that.

I also did a tiny bit of blog cleaning.  I don't have a huge blogroll on the right hand side of the site, but decided to remove a couple of blogs (please....no offense) and added a few new reads.

I have always been intrigued by a couple of blogs written by one "cynical buddah".  His Rollie Fingers collection and Robin Yount collection are ones that I truly enjoy reading about.  It makes me feel like I'm not the only crazy one chasing endless cards of a certain guy.

I like checking out all the blogs listed on the side and urge you all to hunt down more fun reading material.

Now......on with the show.

Today was a one card mailday and while the card itself doesn't have any huge patch or a wicked auto, it does knock another one off the list.

2012/13 Upper Deck The Cup

#85 base gold  /25

It's a nice looking base card parallel and in fact I forgot that I needed it.  I've passed on a few copies recently thinking I already had it (and that doesn't happen too much).

When this copy popped up, I had to ask about the odd line in the upper left corner.  The seller (whom I later learned is a member of the hobby boards I belong to...and have known for a bit) let me know that it appeared to be a printing defect as opposed to damage from mishandling.  The moment I knew who the seller was.....I knew I'd be bidding on the piece.

The auction ended and I won the card for a decent price.  A few days later and here we are.

Simple as that.

This puts me one step closer to finishing the second year of Cup (non 1/1) cards.  It was a much better chase in comparison to year one.  Only 4 cards to chase as opposed to 11.  The crazy thing is that the one last card I need.........the regular base card.

Is that patience or just laziness?

Speaking of....I've got to get back to cleaning up my collection.

MY COLLECTION - Replenishing The Trade Box

With all of the trading I have been doing of late, I'm finding that my trade box is getting a little lighter.  While I do feel like I've got a good chunk of cards to haul around with me to trade nights and such, I also feel like the quality of cards has slid a bit.

So today's trip to the local card show had a little bit of a mission behind it.  Replenish the trade box.  And what good timing.....last show of the season (for this location).  So a few sales were on the table.  In fact, the topic came up a couple times.....I'll get into that in a bit.

But first, some of my pickups.

One of the great concepts that has been developed over the past few years has been that of the Social Signatures variety.  I love the look of my Linden SS from Panini Classics last year.  Great design.  The one small miss is of course the lack of the social signature.

In fact, that's been the big drawback with all of Panini's attempts at this set.  You get a handful of players jumping on board with the idea only to have it ruined by some who decide to only slap their auto on the card.

This year Panini decided to give it the ol' college try again.  They announced that a (minimum) 70-card offering would be inserted into multiple products put out by Panini this season.  For the record, I like the cross-product set builds.  The Private Signings idea was hugely successful in my opinion.

Panini decided to do a show of the roster of signers.  I've got to say....I was impressed.  That was until I saw a tiny group of non-compliers.  So I'd like to say "Thanks!" to Anze Kopitar, Carey Price, Jaromir Jagr, John Tavares.  Thanks for ruining it.  I count only 6 cards out of the 70 - SIX....with guys who didn't read the instructions.

Dang.

And with Panini not doing hockey after this year, it might be a while before we see this concept fully realize its potential.

With the release of 13/14 Titanium, the quest started for these cards.  Here's what I picked up today.

Andrew Shaw was a nice find.  I think any player from Chicago would be on the radar these days.

Nice hard-signed signature with the twitter handle just below.  Slow down though Andrew.....I can barely make out your penmanship.

Jake Gardiner.  Not a big name, but playing for a big team (hobby-wise...let me add that).

Jake and Andrew must have gone to the same writing class.  Gardiner just a little bit better.

George Parros.  OK....not really the cream of the crop in terms of player pickups, but still a nice looking card from a sweet set.

George's fists may have hindered his signing ability.  Sloppy.

Sheldon Souray.  Now I'm scraping.  Is he still playing?  Did he retire?  He's so off the radar for me (ever since picking him in my pool a couple years ago....for shame).

Another guy who might have been rushing his order.  After all, there's extra letters and numbers that need to be added.

Maybe Anze had it right.  A solid signature......no social.  Why ruin a good thing eh?

Wrong.  Way to blow it Anze!

Part of the reason why I picked up these five cards is that they were in the cheap boxes.  These days (if I'm not finding Lindens or Masks at the shows) I'm scrounging the loonie and toonie boxes for deals.  My wallet only allows for so much.

And at $7 for the five cards......I'll do that.  The Kopitar might recoup that alone (or at very least make for good tradebait).

Now a quick aside.


At today's show I overheard (and was partially involved) in some talk about people gravitating towards the cheap boxes.  People questioning why they even set up at the show - or for that matter, why they rip wax to begin with.  If all people want are cheap cards why bother.

I interjected with my two cents.

I'm not a huge box (or case) buster so I'm not investing into the hobby that way.  But I think the root of hockey card collecting is very simple...

If you are doing something that you don't like - DON'T DO IT.

Nobody is forcing anyone to open boxes.  Nobody is forcing anyone to put certain cards on their table.  People will gravitate to what interests them.

Would I like to open more?  Yup.  But my focus is set on Linden cards.  Often I have to choose between opening stuff or buying singles.  I choose singles (most of the time).

Would it be great to get top dollar on cards at your show?  Yup.  And I'd love to buy more singles.  But if they aren't named Linden then I've got to be a lot more selective.  That's part of the reason why the discount boxes appeal to me.

And who's not a sucker for a good deal?  Really.  If you don't like people scrounging in your cheap boxes....don't put them out on your table.

I heard the comment that the $10 bin turned into the $5 bin, the $5 into $2 and the $2 into $1.....and watch the people flock.  Duh?  People pin in on a sale.  And if you've got your cards priced to go....they'll go.

Unfortunately, a lot of people won't pull the trigger on a good deal unless it's a stupidly good deal (myself included).  Would I have bought these five Social Signature cards if they were double the price?  Probably not.  I might have picked up one...or two.  I bought these cards for the purpose of putting them into my trade box.  So there has to be a bit of room there to move on my end.

Ultimately, the mindset of setting up at a show needs to be "Here I am, here's what I have, here's what it's priced for.  I'm ok with all of it and if I don't sell a single thing....I need to either accept that - or change what I'm doing".

I don't dictate what you price your cards for.....but I do decide if I'm buying from you or not.  And when my wallet is on a leash, there's got to be something that catches my eye for me to chase it.

Sorry for the mini rant (I don't feel like I ranted, but it felt long).  I just don't like people setting up at a show and then complaining the whole show about why things suck.

This is a hobby......have fun.

HHOF AUTOS - Three Chi's And A Bos

Trade night on Thursday and that means yet another opportunity to add to my HHOF Auto project.  And once again....it was a smashing success.

It was a relatively quiet night.  I think it was partially because of the lack of new hockey product released.  About half the usual crowd showed up. But that's OK....any chance to talk shop is a good one.

My first trade brought to me a trio of Hawks.  And three of probably the best known Chicagonians... Chicagoites.... Chicawgans.... players.

Tony Esposito

(Inducted in 1988)

This is probably the nicest Tony O auto I've seen.  I love this set (as the Clark Gillies card in the project will attest).  Strong and sharp, it's exactly what I wanted to add to the signature set.

And the photo.....c'mon.  It's how I remember Esposito the best.  That unique hunch, clean fibreglass mask and the big #35 on the sleeve.  Simply awesome.

Denis Savard

(Inducted in 2000)

What a tremendous talent.  Overshadowed in the 80's by some guy named Wayne, Denis Savard carved his own path by being feisty, fierce and flashy.

The Savardian Spin-o-rama is something that still gets referenced to this day.  I remember watching some of his goals than thinking "Who else could pull that off?"  The answer - nobody.

I haven't really had the radar going on Savard autos, but I would think this one sits in the average pile.  A little sloppy when holding it up against some of his contemporaries, but still a nice overall card.

Better than having a sig of his in a Habs jersey (no offence)....Denis will always be a Hawk to me.

Bobby Hull

(Inducted in 1983)

Yeah.....this is a big one.

Hull's auto is legendary.  Instantly recognizable.  A little oversaturated in the open market, but when it comes to adding his name to the project - I'm holding the doors wide open.

I really like the look and design of this card too.  Just a great addition to the collection.  Hull's purposeful penmanship just finishes the card off perfectly.

Huge - HUGE add.

Cam Neely

(Inducted in 2005)

Now get along you guys.

Neely's induction into the Hall Of Fame I think opened the doors for a lot of other players getting consideration.  Here's a player that had his career severely shortened by injury, never won a Cup but basically redefined the phrase "power forward".

Do I think he's worthy of being in the Hall?  I'll leave that for another discussion.  All I know is that his name is on my wantlist, there was a card available and I was able to make a trade for it.

And I like the card.  The Trilogy Ice Scripts concept is one that I've focused on very little but always seems to be an eye-catcher to me.  The auto is just a little streaky, but more than adequate.

And speaking of his signature, what a unique looking stroke.  I've seen a lot of his cards with sticker autos on upside down.  I can see how that might happen.  Difficult to do with a hard signed offering....but I guess it could happen.


Four more for the pc which puts me a little closer to the halfway mark.  Still plenty of momentum.  I'm hoping that the struggle doesn't really hit until I'm well into the 80's.  Fingers crossed.

Current Collection - 42 HOF Autos

RATE MY MASK - Petr Mrazek

Petr Mrazek likes the show "Homeland".  He also likes "24" (one of my faves).  One show he's never watched though is "Family Guy".  So why does he have the lead character Peter Griffin slapped on the side of his mask?

It was a question that I did a little digging on....and as a result, came up with the most recent installment of Rate My Mask.

That.....and I just wanted to post a mask that had one of the most identifiable cartoon characters of a generation (and that's a sad commentary on society....but that's for another day).

The Czech-born netminder was drafted 141st overall in the 2010 Entry Draft by the Detroit Red Wings.  They have a way of picking very well deep into the draft.  He had fantastic junior career with the Ottawa 67's, posting a pair of 30-win seasons and was making waves with Detroit's farm team.

To me, he's best known as the top goalie at the 2012 World Junior Championship held in my home province.  Although he sported a record of 3-3, his 2.49 GAA and .928 SV% were tough to miss.  As was the 52-save performance in a 5-2 win over the USA.

So where does Peter Griffin come into play on all of this?

Well, I mentioned he had a strong showing on Detroit's farm team - the Grand Rapids Griffins - during the 2012/13 season.  He was expecting to play a bunch again on the farm this year.  So.....why not mash Peter (Petr) and Griffin (Grand Rapids) into one heck of a mask.

Even if it didn't really mean anything to Mrazek, just having this character on the side of his lid ripping open his suit to reveal his Superman outfit would get people's heads turning.

The bold red and white colors do a similar job of being bold and noticeable on the rest of his mask.

I feel like a lot of goalies are going this way these days.  Bold colors with strong lines.  A little hint of old school.

Designer Dave Gunnarsson (who does pretty much everyone's masks these days) airbrushed a nice, but safe, piece as he developed this look for Petr.

"He knew what he wanted on his mask, and with that name and that team name, he knew what would fit perfect on his mask.  I brainstormed some ideas and got started, and as you can see this mask has super powers."

Well, I don't know about that.  There's a lot more to a mask than just a Family Guy reference (points for that though).

In addition to Super Griffin, Mrazek's mask utilizes the Wings' logo along the bottom right down the jaw line.

Again, simple can sometimes work.  But I do think there's a little lacking here.  It feels just a bit too empty for my liking.

If you look closely, you can also see a subtle Griffin in the red of the mask.  This mythical creature has the body, tail and back legs of a lion with the head and wings of an eagle.

How many other uses of the word Griffin can be applied to this mask?

Ah yes, the striking Griffin shield on the top of the goalie mask.  Of course.

I'm waiting for RGIII to make an appearance on the backplate.

Speaking of backplates, you should check out Petr's from his junior days. One of the best ever.

Definite points for that.

All in all, the mask has some strong looks, but some definite weaknesses.  Kryptonite does Mrazek in.

2 out of 5


Now it's your turn to RATE MY MASK!!

I'VE GOT SOME BAD NEWS

I would just like to begin by saying that this is not an April Fool's Joke.

There are times in a person's life when decisions need to be made.  Decisions that are bigger than a simple collection.  Some cards in a box and some junk in a closet.  Sometimes those decisions are difficult....but they are for the greater good.

That's why this post might be the toughest one to write in the five years that I have been blogging.




(BEGIN SOMBRE MUSIC)

There are items in my personal collection that (I guess you could say) mean more than others.  They have sentimental value, they may have been gifts or tough chases.  Sometimes they are bigger ticket items or those rare gems.

I smile just a little more when I see them in the binders or take them out of the boxes to look at.  They provide great memories.

Rarely do I part with any of these items.  In fact, for the most part, they are off limits to others.  And respectfully, nobody has ever asked me to part with an item in my personal collection.

But today I was presented with an opportunity that I just couldn't turn down.  Will I reget what I did?  Maybe.  And that's why I'm typing these words.  It's just that important.

I happened to stumble on a thread posted by a fellow hobbyist who is collecting one of the most challenging sets I think I've ever seen.  This person was showing off a recent pickup.  The moment I saw the card and read the story, I knew that I would have to dip into my vault and part with a cherished item in my collection.



(DEEP BREATH)

Yes, it's the Paul Kariya golf card.

I know, I know.....you must think I am crazy or just not thinking straight (and maybe that's the case).......but sometimes there are things out there bigger than a crappy looking golf card.  Like helping someone else build the set.

That's right - someone is actually building the 100-card set.

For those of you who have not been following my blog for all these years, Paul was essentially the inspiration, the nucleus, the seed of what has become one of my favorite side projects.  To The Bike Spokes!

It was many moons ago that I saw this gem and decided it was worthy of it's own post.  For those of you who have not read it (or would like a refresher, here it is).

So when I found out that there was somebody who was actually building this set, I knew I had to sacrifice.  It's for the greater good.

I'll miss you.....jeans-laden, lazy golfer guy.  I'll miss you.....camo-themed background.  I'll miss you.....silly mustache side photo.

(TEAR WIPE)

Parting is such sweet sorrow.  (That's from a book).

As much as this pains me to do, I know that there will be someone happy on the other end of this (I think).  And I'll always have this post.  This scan.

I feel like I'm just rambling now.  This stream of consciousness thing is getting a little out of hand.  I need to reel it back in.

Ooooooooohhhhhh.....hockey player themed fishing set.

Dibs!