Thursday, December 04, 2008

My Coraline Box

All over the web, boxes have been surfacing, each containing artifacts from the upcoming stop-motion 3D animated feature, Coraline, based on the book by Neil Gaiman. If you've been reading my blog for a while, you'll know that I adore the man and his work. And his voice. And all that. I'll stop now. Sorry.

Anyway, when I started seeing Coraline boxes appearing on blogs of all sorts, I dreamed of getting one, but didn't imagine I really would. And then this arrived in the Knitty mailbox. Dudes, I cried with the happy when I realized what it was.

There are 50 boxes in total. This is box #8.


















Now that you've seen the images, I have to tell you something: most of the tools are not metal, despite what your eyes tell you. I have seen them from millimetres away, and if I didn't touch them, I'd never believe they weren't metal, machined to look so menacing and evil. I don't know what they are made from -- some sort of modelling material -- but they're very light and perfectly sculpted and painted to create the illusion that they clearly have achieved. This is not CGI...this is all work done by hand. Remember that when you watch the movie next February.

I am so honored to have received such a gift and want to thank the team in Portland, Director Henry Selick and Mr Gaiman for the whole fabulous Coraline experience.

Because this Coraline box is so uniquely configured, I am hoping to find a way to mount it safely to the wall [in the Knitty office, of course]. Because having it sit, closed, on a shelf would just be criminal.

You'll find the full set of images in my Flickr stream, captioned, for those as obsessed as I am.

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posted by Amy R Singer @ 5:21 PM 61 comments

Comments:
This is amazing. I have never read any of Mr. Gaiman's work, but now I must before I see this movie. How do I get a job like that???

-Liz
# posted by Blogger Liz : 6:05 PM, December 04, 2008
 
Oh this is beautiful! Yes, and creepy, but that's why I love Neil Gaiman :) You're posting pictures of the box on the wall once you figure it out, right?*

*I don't really have any ideas on how to mount it. One of those shadowbox frames maybe?
# posted by OpenID akasha111182 : 6:18 PM, December 04, 2008
 
That is amazing. I love seeing the pictures of these. They are so incredibly intricate.

However it's mounted on the wall you probably ought to get a choir of angels round, for good measure.
# posted by Blogger Meryl W : 6:33 PM, December 04, 2008
 
Oh Amy -- What a rush
(I see a doll pattern in our future...)
Those tools are amazing.
How fun to anticipate February
XXO --laBou
# posted by Anonymous Anonymous : 6:35 PM, December 04, 2008
 
You could probably have some kind of plexiglass box made for it that would allow you to put it on the wall but keep it safe and clean. It's absolutely fabulous-- what a treat!
# posted by Blogger JD : 6:40 PM, December 04, 2008
 
That is so, so cool. I'm so excited for you!!
# posted by Anonymous --Deb : 6:53 PM, December 04, 2008
 
So beautiful! It's really been a treat to get a peek into these boxes from all the knitters I follow online.
# posted by Blogger Tara : 6:55 PM, December 04, 2008
 
yes, for sure, put it in another box, maybe a glass display kind of box on a horizontal surface, like those "memory boxes?" or like they display antique medical implements in display cases? I wouldn't mount the box itself directly to the wall--it really is a work of art. when i scrolled down, i said "oh wow"!
# posted by Blogger ...e... : 6:56 PM, December 04, 2008
 
Dear Amy,

Thank you for turning me on to this. I can't get to the book store fast enough.

Sincerely, Lady Euphoria
# posted by Blogger Lady Euphoria Deathwatch : 7:44 PM, December 04, 2008
 
Oh my gosh, how lucky for you! And they picked items specifically for YOU! The tools remind me of Edward Scissorhands, but it's still very cool.
# posted by Blogger KelleBelle : 7:45 PM, December 04, 2008
 
SOOOOOO beyond cool! :)
# posted by Anonymous Kim : 7:51 PM, December 04, 2008
 
So damn cool! I too love Neil Gaiman and his blog and many of his books and his voice. Oh, that voice!
# posted by OpenID kmkat : 8:10 PM, December 04, 2008
 
SWEATERXXS--How cool is that?!
# posted by Blogger Shannah : 8:51 PM, December 04, 2008
 
How completely cool! I'm gobsmacked for you to have received such an amazing gift out of the blue, and for the movie team (who you think is awesome) to in turn tell you how awesome they think you are! I'm happy for you to have received something that makes you so happy. Enjoy!
# posted by Blogger Amy McWeasel : 9:37 PM, December 04, 2008
 
Holy crow, this is THE coolest Coraline box I've seen yet! What a fantastic gift! :D
# posted by OpenID newleaf31 : 9:38 PM, December 04, 2008
 
I adore Neil Gaiman and have read most of his works:) I cant wait to see Coraline:)

Congrats on such a wonderful gift
# posted by Blogger Terraskye : 10:38 PM, December 04, 2008
 
Wow. That is the most awesome, personalized, and I'm sure - appreciated - parcel in all of blogdom. What a fabulous venture for the movie team to embark upon.

If you want some direction as to mounting, I'm sure most *reputable* fine art framers would be able to offer advice. Without seeing the materials, it's hard to know, but I would consider a spring-clamp mount (like one you might find to hang a Franklin Mint collector's plate, but different) that would grip the box without penetrating it. You may consider having the letter or other documents archivally mounted (pressure mounts, no adhesive). I would consider a plexiglass front for the cabinet (perhaps hinged in the middle to allow occasional access?) to keep dust off, though that will obscure some of the charm of the "reach in and see what's real" factor.

Regardless, it requires some thought about the investment, and how that will protect the box and contents, weighed against the enjoyment of having such a unique thing, and getting to explore it.

I would advise against sealing it into a box. Surely, the exquisite work of so many hands was intended to be shared with other hands.

I am awed by the thought, the scope of the endeavour, and the level of personalization that went into this. Simply. Altering.
# posted by Anonymous etcgirl : 11:45 PM, December 04, 2008
 
Hi there! There's the possibility that the metal tools are made from precious metal clay or some other polymer clay process (there's an extra light version of the stuff).

But how cool! If you need info on long-term storage and temperature-humidity control, I bet I can either tell you or point you to someone who can. Just PM me or something.
# posted by OpenID wordtapestry : 11:54 PM, December 04, 2008
 
Unbelievably cool! I live in Portland, work in comics, and I had no idea this was going on here... You are soooo lucky! Thanks for sharing this.
# posted by Blogger Lois B : 2:31 AM, December 05, 2008
 
Oh, how wonderful! I'm so looking forward to Coraline, too -- congratulations on being one of the box giftees!
# posted by Anonymous marymac : 2:49 AM, December 05, 2008
 
I can't even believe how awesome that is.
(covet)

Maybe someday I'll be lucky enough to see it in person.
# posted by Anonymous leslie - knitting therapist : 4:12 AM, December 05, 2008
 
Eeee! That is so cool! Just a warning, I don't know how much it means but you just posted a password on that tag! ;-) I'm soooo excited for this movie!
# posted by Anonymous Monica : 8:18 AM, December 05, 2008
 
much awesomeness. how beautiful. how inspiring. how perfect for a tiny obsession. ;)
# posted by Blogger Penny : 9:03 AM, December 05, 2008
 
That's amazing !
I so want to see this movie and by the way - thanks for letting me know this Gaiman...
Some holiday reading are in order.
Thanks !
# posted by Blogger Sam : 10:07 AM, December 05, 2008
 
That. Is. Super. Awesome.

Definitely seeing the movie now. I like Gaiman's stuff (American Gods, particularly), but haven't read this one, so I was on the fence. Not anymore!

PS. I hit on his daughter at a Bryn Mawr party once. I'm not sure she noticed.
# posted by Blogger Molly : 10:18 AM, December 05, 2008
 
Stunning! You're so lucky :) Don't be surprised if I show up unannounced on your doorstep wanting to peer at this it in person!
# posted by Blogger Ysolda : 11:38 AM, December 05, 2008
 
I found out about Coraline when browsing audiobooks at my library. It's read by NG himself and has very creepy original music for the rat' songs. I didn't know there was a "big deal" about the book until you mentioned the upcoming movie, and then teased with the first photo of the Coraline box. Now I'm so thrilled that I got to listen to the book by the author himself and know exactly what to look forwards too.

Another thing I'm looking forwards to is being on maternity leave next year and having a baby in one arm, and my Wii remote in the other hand so I can play my Coraline video game:

http://www.gamespot.com/wii/adventure/coraline/index.html
# posted by OpenID jeloca : 12:21 PM, December 05, 2008
 
Unspeakably beautiful!!! I can't wait to get back home to Portland! Just another measly year and a half...
# posted by Blogger Sharon Rose : 12:59 PM, December 05, 2008
 
Any idea who got the other 49 boxes?
# posted by Blogger Jessica K. : 2:04 PM, December 05, 2008
 
AHHHHHHHH!

*is so envious!*
# posted by Blogger JC : 2:14 PM, December 05, 2008
 
Whooooooooo! Amazing, amazing, amazing. Thanks so much for sharing this with us!!!!!!
# posted by Blogger Anna : 2:57 PM, December 05, 2008
 
I'm completely jealous. I love all of Gaiman's works starting with Sandman. He's a wonderful speaker (you can feel free to run on about his voice... it's worth running on about), and I'm just lucky enough that he has given talks at MIT a number of times that I've gotten to see.
# posted by Blogger Seanna Lea : 4:05 PM, December 05, 2008
 
Wow! Amy, that is just...so many dimensions of cool and awesome.

I am surprised you didn't explode with glee.

Thank you for recommending that Neil Gaiman e-book a few months ago--I really enjoyed it.

Birdy
# posted by Blogger Birdwell : 4:19 PM, December 05, 2008
 
I can't think of a more deserving person to get such an extra-special gift like this. Thanks for sharing your gift and excitement with us!
# posted by Blogger Renee : 4:25 PM, December 05, 2008
 
What a wonderful gift!
You are very lucky :)
Greetings from Barcelona
# posted by Blogger debolsillo : 4:43 PM, December 05, 2008
 
Words totally and completely fail me. You know how rare that is. My brain totally feels full with an odd combo of creeped-out-ed-ness and blissful geeky joy.

It's perfect.
# posted by Blogger Dawn : 4:49 PM, December 05, 2008
 
Hokey smokes! Well, my mind is all a-crackle with the coolness of this. I've been looking forward to this movie for a long time. Did we natter on excitedly about Gaiman on that afternoon walk, or was it just something we would have done had there been more time? Really, that's indescribably fabulous.

By the way, honest to Jebus, everyone needs to go to coraline.com and use the sweaterxxs password RIGHT NOW. Just trust me on this.
# posted by Blogger Andrew : 5:38 PM, December 05, 2008
 
What a super creative marketing scheme. Brilliant! I am one of many who have never heard of Coraline before and now I am curious to learn more.
# posted by Anonymous Anonymous : 9:29 PM, December 05, 2008
 
Having been a propmaker, I'd like to take the risk of stating the obvious:

As you consider mounting options, I'd like to point out (since I didn't see it in the comments above) that you'll want to verify that what you have received isn't the actual prop piece from the film. The other mystery boxes have contained actual prop items; in fact, box #1 has the doll (or an amazing replica of it) described in your text.

I'd compare the included photos with the box you've received, and look for matching landmarks. I can see many in the photos you've taken, and your box, in my opinion and as near as I can tell from the included production stills, bears more than a passing similarity to the one in the included photos.

Regardless, congratulations on your gift! My wife, ardent seamstress that she is, will no doubt be jealous... Her "Coraline" girly-tee is in constant rotation in the daily wardrobe.
# posted by Anonymous Obi-Shawn : 11:03 PM, December 05, 2008
 
Oh, man. What an amazement. Both in that it's so well made, with such care and attention, and that they sent you one and wrote just to you.

Remember years ago, when you told people you did stuff online and they furrowed their collective brow and stifled themselves from warning against the axe murderers your online acquaintances were sure to be? It would seem we've entered an era when genuine (marketing) well-wishers are paying attention, and are spreading joy and happiness. (I hope this is a trend that continues just as it is, untarnished!)
# posted by Anonymous Kim Werker : 11:37 PM, December 05, 2008
 
Seriously cool. You have the best job!
# posted by Blogger Sheila : 1:04 AM, December 06, 2008
 
I don't know the story of Coraline but reading that letter gives me chills (in the best way). An entirely handmade movie is beyond my wildest dreams. I can't wait to see it!
# posted by Blogger Kristin : 8:06 AM, December 06, 2008
 
Brilliant! When I heard about the knitting in the movie, I hoped the PR folks would know to make sure that the online knitting community would all know about the knitting in the movie -- looks like they were on top of it!

As for mounting this -- you might consider getting in touch with the lovely people who sent it! If you have technical questions about materials and storage. The idea I have is: Have someone make hinged glass or Plexiglas doors for the box, so that it can be hung on the wall open, and covered, and people can see in, but a glass door could be unlatched and you could touch or investigate what's inside.

They couldn't have picked a more perfect recipient! Yay!
# posted by Blogger rose : 12:26 PM, December 07, 2008
 
Oh my goodness, I'm so jealous of your box. I am dying to see the movie when it comes out. I love the tiny knit sweaters. WTG and Congrats!
# posted by Blogger Cher : 2:31 PM, December 09, 2008
 
Thank you for the new knitty. its wonderful. cheers deborah
# posted by Anonymous Anonymous : 12:32 AM, December 11, 2008
 
Oh, lucky you!

I didn't know you got one til I read about it on Caffaknitted's blog. The first one I saw was Cleolinda's (she of the hysterically snarky & brilliant Movies in 15 minutes) and these boxes are incredible!
# posted by Blogger Stilaholic Nartian knits : 3:34 PM, December 12, 2008
 
How wonderful! I laughed with glee when I saw your box because as I was posting about mine last night I was on the Coraline website and saw the animation of that box in the Other Mother's workshop and thought that it would be a cool box for someone to get. I'm thrilled they did that and am thrilled for you. Here is a link to my post that went up last night.

http://www.stainlesssteeldroppings.com/?p=1028
# posted by Blogger Carl V. : 8:45 AM, December 16, 2008
 
Lucky you! I've been looking at the other boxes and yours is IMHO the best! I would keep it on a old antique music stand - that way the items wouldn't be sliding down as they would if hung on a wall.
# posted by OpenID sm255 : 9:03 AM, December 22, 2008
 
Incredible! what an amazing treat!
# posted by Blogger Stacey : 7:44 PM, December 24, 2008
 
This is the coolest thing ever! Congratulations!!! I also LOVE NG and am eagerly awaiting the movie release. Enjoy!
# posted by Anonymous Anonymous : 9:03 PM, December 24, 2008
 
Amy, I love you, but I'll have to hate you just a little for this. My eyes aren't green for nothing.

*swoon*
# posted by Blogger Zabet : 8:16 PM, December 27, 2008
 
i'm a self confessed gaiman geek. I just finished the graveyard book. congratulations! amazing present for the new year.

can't wait to see the movie.
# posted by Blogger tatcee macabuag : 7:53 AM, December 29, 2008
 
OMG. This is totally amazing. Can I be you?
# posted by Blogger Romi : 10:57 PM, December 29, 2008
 
wow that's a beautiful piece of artwork!!! Thanks for sharing. :)
# posted by Blogger k. borcz : 3:11 PM, January 12, 2009
 
HUGE congrats to you!!!I have been looking and looking and dreaming.....oh sigh what a wonderful magical gift!!!!!!!
# posted by Blogger Dees : 3:42 AM, January 16, 2009
 
Thanks so much for sharing! Who knew such a thing was done? How cool!
# posted by Blogger Amy : 10:06 PM, January 27, 2009
 
This may be of interest. ..

Coraline Feature on WK Radio: An interview with Henry Selick and Travis Knight. Friday, Feb. 6th 10am

Coraline, a new film directed by Henry Selick (James and the Giant Peach, The Nightmare before Christmas), opens Friday, Feb. 6th. It is the first animated feature film from Laika, the cutting edge collective of designers and filmmakers run by Travis Knight (son of Nike founder Phil Knight). Coraline is based on the popular children’s book by Neil Gaiman, a fairytale / nightmare story about a young girl who finds a passage way to an alternate reality in her home.

Ketzel Levine (of NPR) interviews Henry Selick and Travis Knight for WK Radio.

Tune in www.wk.com/radio
Friday, Feb. 6th 10am
# posted by Anonymous Anonymous : 1:45 PM, February 05, 2009
 
i know this is gunna sound really crazy. but if you ever want to get rid of this i would buy off you or you can give it to me. the opening scene of the movie is my favorite and i love this box. so please reply to me asap if you get tired of this because i truly want it.
# posted by Anonymous aramis : 10:30 PM, February 09, 2009
 
fyi my email is aro_mis00@yahoo.com
# posted by Anonymous aramis : 10:36 PM, February 09, 2009
 
This is my favorite 'box' of the fifty. It really looks like the original prop to me, which is a great collectable item. Would you be wiling to share (public or private) some measurments of the box? thanks
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# posted by Blogger dcy0588136 : 11:38 PM, November 18, 2009
 
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