Smurfs, Avatar, and Boo Berry: North Port Florida Culver’s Blue Cutlery Crafts

 

I live in Venice, Florida, but also work in nearby North Port.  In time, I've become friends with some of the folks at the local Culver's restaurant.  Culver's is famous for its frozen custard.  They also have blue plastic utensils.  One day I decided to make a very unique cross over.  Smurfs (using standard Culver's spoons), Jake Sully from Avatar (using a long ice cream spoon), and General Mills Cereal ghost Boo Berry (using a fork).  The Smurfs and Jake Sully enjoy their familiar forest setting in a small house plant.  Boo Berry enjoys haunting the house.

Pua the Pig’s Seaside Luau: The Rise of Moana’s Sidelined Sidekick

 

When Disney first revealed details about “Moana” years ago, I was intrigued by the cute pig character, Pua. Of course, when the movie was actually released, Pua was barely in the film. From a story perspective, I can understand why he wasn’t included. But a funny thing has happened. Though he was not a big part of the movie, Pua became a smash hit merchandising character.  I made Pua here using shells and shark teeth from the beaches in Venice, Florida.

I finished Pua 3 days after Hurricane Ian struck Florida. We were luckily spared significant damage in our neighborhood.

My first introduction to “Moana” was in 1990 on a very memorable trip to Hawaii. While on Oahu, we visited the (then) brand new Disney Store at the Ala Moana Center mall. 

We also visited Maui for about a week. We took a drive to the remote town of Hana. On the way, we saw a “Baby Pig Crossing” sign deep in the jungle.