Working on a reboot

In the last 5 years of my life I have lost both my parents and biggest supporters. It has made the last year the hardest as I have had to navigate life without both my mom and dad. I miss them daily but find ways to keep them alive in my daily life. When my dad passed away in 2020 I had to go through his belongings and I discovered he had a passion for Peanuts. Charlie Brown and Snoopy. His love for them was as intense as my own for Rainbow Brite.

Before my dad passed away in October of 2020 he had mailed me a letter. In it he wrote on the back of some custom printed stationary the following:

“I am sending this to you because I never want you to stop doing things like this. I love it as I love you my daughter”

In August of 2024 I also lost my mother. Both deaths were quick. Both my parents had preexisting conditions that kept them from living longer. I miss them both daily.

Any time I see anything Peanuts (for dad) or Betty Boop (for mom) I say hello. “Hi mom” or “hi dad” to myself. 

It has been a full year without them both and I’m learning to move on and try to bring more Rainbow Brite knowledge to the internet.

Last year I completely the WordPress transfer of moving all my older content to the newest file manager. But I am not ready to continue updating. My real life and health has been a mess and I am concentrating on my health. I look forward to the day I can update more frequently and have fun again. Until then, keep a happy thought in you heart and a Rainbow in your sky. 

7 years later…

Wait…. Did I read that right? 7 years?

Ok. Something to say: life is hard.

My lack of updates and activity is not without merit. In the years since my last post the following occurred:

I had surgery

Lost my job

Fought for disability 

A pandemic 

My dad died

My mom went blind

And I moved twice.

All through this I have also battled depression and my own physical limitations and health.

I have multiple chronic illnesses: hives (which I assume is caused by an unknown autoimmune disease) degenerative disc disease in my lower lumbar and now my upper back as well as chronic pain and I’m still here and alive.

I did NOT get COVID (yet) and am trying my best to do what I can with what I have.

I updated instagram most often, sharing to twitter (x) and facebook.

Until I can find a better place soon updates will be slow. I have been so wrapped in taking care of my family I usually forget to take care of myself. But I am making strides to improve myself and look forward to Rainbow Brite’s 40th anniversary celebration soon! 

Look for products from The Loyal Subjects as well as from Hallmark in major stores soon this year (2024).

I am also trying to get BriteCast up and running again, so don’t give up on me!

Thanks for the support!

Happy New Year Color Crystals

Hey Brites,
It's been a while, but I've been dealing with a lot of health problems the last few years. These are not something I will go into detail about here, because I only what the bright and shiny news here.

Brite and Shiny News

1. Despite rests Brite Cast: The Rainbow Brite Podcast is still around. We released an episode in November of 2016. It's a special 2 hour podcast playing catch up with all the news that has to do with Rainbow Brite since our previous episode in June.
2. I'm working on parting with a huge part of my personal collection. This will come into detail in another post, so keep a look out if you are curious.
3. Rainbow Brite merchandise is in heavy flow, releasing the first Stormy Doll and Itty Bitty on Hallmark.com. If you can't find them in your stores you can order them online. ProTip: have orders under $50 sent to your local Hallmark store for free shipping.

I know I always promise to write more, but I write when I can, so hopefully that will be more frequently.

Until the next update!
Have a Rainbow Day!

Sunshine after the Rain

Hi Color Kids,

So much has happened. So wonderful and I feel truly lucky the past month.

1: There was an announcement of a Rainbow Brite celebration in Hallmark's headquarters in Kansas City MO. I took the time to go to this celebration to represent the fans, as well as meet new fans.
Katy of RainbowBrite.Net also came and we shared our cheer with others online on behalf of ourselves as well as "BriteCast".

2: We were able to meet the current creators of the new Rainbow Brite products, as well as see the Hallmark Archives where we learned even more secrets about the creation of her that we will be sharing as we can.

3: [Personal] I got a 3rd opinion on my back and had surgery to assist in helping it. I'm currently in recovery and hope to be able to come back to work soon. I've been spending the past 2 weeks in recovery so I haven't said anything about it, but now that the pain in lessening, I feel inspired to share what I can with fans, so hopefully you will see much more coming from www.rainbowbrite.co.

Until then,
I'm still resting but hope to have more for you soon.

Have a Rainbow Day!

Another Year, Another Day...

Hello Color Kids,

This is going to be yet another personal entry. I have had a lot of personal life issues that have kept me from being as active as I have been.

My mother has been ill, and for the last 3 years she has lived with me, but since her health began to decline last fall, so now lives with friends. I hope to find a better living situation for her as soon as we can find out what has made her sick.

As for myself, a year ago I was diagnosed with Degenerative Disc Disease (aka DDD). It ends up a lot of females in my family have it, but I actually got MRI's to prove mine now. I lost the ability to walk for a while, and recently I've had my symptoms flare up and have started losing it again so I'm trying epidural shots to relieve the pain. It worked last year, but I don't know if it still will, and it's been messing with my concentration. Anyone who deals with chronic pain will know what I mean. Still I have kept a full time job as well as attempted to keep things going on the website, but because of the pain I often can't think clear enough to do my private projects.

I've been trying to keep up with things on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, etc with official sources share Rainbow Brite news, or if I find something cute to promote. It all comes down to the not being able to think clearly. Anyway, I recently decided that due to current events my beloved Rainbow Room will be dismantled, and boxed.

But this is good for you too, because I plan to catalog all my items so you can see them. As well as selling items I don't want/need.

I hope to have more about that in the future.

In the mean time, what are some things I've done so far:

January of this year I re-branded many of the social media site names to Rainbow Brite.Co. In doing this I have also worked on the site layout. I'm hoping to start more features with fans and artists, but I want to organize these posts and haven't.

Anyway, thanks for hanging in there with me, and I hope to have more news soon.

Have a Rainbow Day!
Renee

Personal Progress

Hello Color Kids,
I've had a lot of personal things to over come this year. From my health, personal theft and various trials and tribulations. Still I'm here. It's made updates slow, but its getting better.

I'm working on getting some things updated this weekend. The Official Rainbow Brite Facebook page has been releasing never before seen images from the making of Rainbow Brite and Star Stealer. If you aren't already following them, you should. They have also released preview photos of the new Itty Bitty line of Rainbow Brite toys. Very exciting information and you should follow them if you don't already!

If I can keep the momentum going, check back for more!
Have a great day!

A fan in need is a friend, indeed

Pat Fraley and Michele Ivey 2011

Michele Ivey of Cowabunga Corner, is one of the biggest Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle fans. 

She maintains a website, vlog, and does all she can to promote the TMNT brand. She does what many fans dream they could do to be part of the fandom they love and helped shape them into the people they are today. Her dedication to her fandom is almost as close to her dedication to her family.

She and her family do need help, so I'm hoping to help her out a little by sharing her posts with Rainbow Brite fans too. 

Michele is a Rainbow Brite fan also. She has a few childhood toys still, and has even interviewed Patrick Fraley, the voice of the original Lurky, and in TMNT the original voice of Krang!

Click this link to go to the donation page she has set up and read the full story of what she is asking fans and friends to help save.

If you can't donate, please share and help get the word out.

Share the Rainbow!

Rainbow Brite, My Dad and Me

Me & Dad 1981

Hello Color Kids,

Me & Dad 1982

This is going to be a very personal entry regarding Rainbow Brite and my history with her. One that I wanted to share with you.

In recent weeks I've been dealing with a family emergency. My dad has been in the hospital with a heart condition and I went to Tennessee to be with him. This was hard because this was the week before the new show on Feeln was coming out. However during this time I was drawn more to the original Rainbow Brite then I had been before.

Me & Dad 1985

You see, my family has supported my Rainbow Brite fandom since I was small, but my dad has a very special part in all that. It was my dad who bought me my Rainbow Brite doll for my 5th birthday. It was my dad who put together my Rainbow Brite Bike and gave it to me. It was my dad who bought me my Rainbow Brite costume when I told him I wanted to be her for Halloween in 1985. For all his flaws he has moments where he shines.

My dad loves to quote me as a child. "Once I asked you what you wanted to be when you grew up and ya said 'Nope daddy, I know I've got it made. I'm not going to grow up.' and that tickled me to no end." I guess if you consider my current interests are the same as they were as a child, I kept my word.

Me & Dad 2006

Anyway, as absent as some parents can be, even after divorces, separations, etc... and as much as my dad can currently drive me crazy, push my buttons and every level in between I also remember that he supports me, loves me, and helped make me the person I am. He says I'm his Rainbow Brite, but I know I wouldn't have what I do if it wasn't for him and my mother being such loving people to their little color kid and I'm thankful for them both.

Me & Dad 2014

Anyway, I wanted to share that with you.
Have a Rainbow Day!
Renee

2014 Rainbow Brite Character Review (Appearance)

Hi Color Kids,
The new Rainbow Brite character designs have been slowly coming out all week! Today, the last Color Kid was posted and I couldn't help but want to review them!

A year ago before the show came out I actually did some soul searching regarding "if the color kids were re-designed, what could they be like?"

In the original 1980's British Audio books the Color Kids were given different accents, Patty O'Green was honestly Irish for example. So I thought that based on their names, what were some subtle changes they could do to provide different nationalities to each kid.

So I did a break down of the nationalities : NOTE: THESE ARE MY OWN THEORIES. THESE ARE NOT FACT
 Red Butler: Southern American
The name is very much a parody of "Rhett Butler" the male lead in Gone with the Wind. A character made famous by "Clark Gable". I thought it would be interesting if Red could actually be a southern gentleman. Though you will have to be careful with the "Red neck" comparison..har har.

 Lala Orange: French
Lala was always given "French" features, such as wearing a Beret, and being so fashion forward. Even her name "Lala" is very much like: "oh là là":  french phrase for surprise meaning "Oh my," "Oh, dear", or "oh no".
Why couldn't she be French?

 Canary Yellow: ?????
Canary was another "blonde" character like Rainbow. But the characteristics of the character weren't very defined, other then her liking to dance and having a very "sunny" personality. Someone suggested to me she could perhaps be Russian, because of the blond hair being such a characteristic in the culture and her being a Ballet dancer.

 Patty O'Green: Irish
Patty's name really speaks a lot to being "Irish", Her cute pigtails and freckles on her cheeks.

 Buddy Blue: Spanish
Buddy was always very Sporty, but his personality often reminds me of a soccer player, and Soccer  is the most popular sport in Spain.

 Indigo: Indian or African
The original Indigo was dark skinned, but I have seen Fan Art that makes her "India Indian", This can be traced to the fact that Indigo Dye was first mass produced in India, but her costume seems to be inspired by Arabian/Genie costumes or harem pants.
However, she can also be considered African, because Africa is also close to the Asian areas that inspired the color.
Like I said , I've seen in fan art, both ways.

 Shy Violet: Asian
Shy Violet's "bun" hair style, knee high socks, and shoes reminded me of Asian school girls. Asian schools have a dress code which includes such things. Primary/Elementary (age 6-12). She is a very "smart" character too.

Planeteers!

When I brought this up to a friend they said "Oh! So it's Captain Planet and the Planeteers!"

This made me laugh.

Anyway, the kids were released and here is what they look like! (See right)
I was surprised to see Shy Violet with those almond eyes! It was like they read my mind! That is how I really knew I wasn't the only one who had the thoughts about these characters.

Now weather or not the other characters are anything like I mentioned above, I have no idea. They probably have nothing in common with my theories, but I think Shy Violet, the one who has the most dramatic change in appearance is really sweet looking.

"Stereotypes"
A stereotype: a widely held but fixed and oversimplified image or idea of a particular type of person or thing.

I don't want to make something positive and turn it negative by including characteristics that can be considered stereotypical and mean. Some races and cultures may feel honored to be included! On the flip-side you are also going to have people angry over such a stereotype. And to those people I don't understand.

Shy Violet can still be smart and sweet no matter what "nationality" she is.

Now, there is a hint that Monday, October 27th there will be more surprises! I can't wait! Will we see the Dark Princess?  who knows! I don't!

Until then,
Remember, the power is yours!
RAINBOW POWER!

Rainbow Brite is BACK!

Hi Color Kids.

If you haven’t heard yet, I wanted to let you all know about the NEW Rainbow Brite Animated show! After 30 years our favorite color sparkler is back with an all new look and fun adventures on Feeln. It's a video streaming services featuring family friendly programming.

The new trailer for the new Rainbow Brite was released last week. And I have to admit I was afraid at first. I was scared because I actually liked what I saw and I felt I was betraying the first Rainbow by liking it. I love the original Rainbow Brite. She has been a part of my life for decades and she holds a special place in my heart. Several times in the past they have tried to replace her for a new generation and it hasn't worked. I have hopes for this new Rainbow.

In the beginning of the Trailer she is hyper and joyful and her happiness is infectious!

They have kept her young and fun and I think kids today will love her!

The new Rainbow is not mine, and I love my Rainbow, but I am also loving this new one. I've thought about it a lot since the release and I have concluded that I am not betraying her, my childhood or my fandom! Those memories are safe in my heart. There is a Rainbow in my heart, painted there decades ago, and it can't be replaced. But I think the new generation deserves their own Rainbow.

I know she is different, but kids today are different. I don't expect them to be the same as I was growing up. I was born in a time before the internet, and things are different. I have nieces and nephews that are nothing like me when I was a kid and I'm GLAD. I want them to be just as happy as I was if not happier, and that means things change. But as things change that doesn't mean we forget about the past.

This new Rainbow Brite show has shown us several things from the original show, not continuing it, but remaking it for a new generation. I see my Rainbow Brite in this new show. So far we've seen a new color castle with color kids, sprites, Starlite, Rainbow Brite and Brian! The Key to Rainbow Land, the pits, etc.

In fact in a previous episode of the Brite Cast I said: the new show needed to remember the original, and needed to include things the old generation would like for it to be successful. My exact words were “I'm hoping they will keep us in mind, because it is our generation that is teaching the new generation and if we don't like its not going to be shown.”

I DID NOT say that meant they had to remake the original show in the same style. I think the new show has included everything I had hoped they would. They are remembering us, honoring us, and this makes me excited.

Yes, the new Rainbow Brite does speak differently but kids today do speak differently. From “OMG” to “SELFIES! The 80s slang things were awesome, rad, rude, and it made that era fun.

History has a way of repeating itself. For example when I was in High School I was wearing vintage clothing my parents wore. When I go to the stores now I see the fashions I used to wear when I was about 10 or 12 years old. I never thought I would see the generation where my childhood would be repeated. But it also reminded me how my parents may have felt about my generation re-hashing theirs. Still its not a bad thing.

In relation to cartoons, there were cartoons rebooted in my childhood, even your childhood that were popular in decades before for us: For example: Let me bring up two of the most popular characters in history.

Bugs Bunny:

Mickey Mouse:

Too large a comparison? Then lets look at Garfield.

These are characters you love and have a special place in your heart, but they didn't always look like you remember them.

And that is just what makes a generation. It doesn't erase the generation that came before, but in enriches its history.

Rainbow Brite deserves another chance. She has waited so long and I want to give her this chance, not for me, but for every kid I know who I know will love this Rainbow.

The New Rainbow Brite airs online November 6^th 2014 on Feeln.com

Feeln offers streaming family friendly programming for $4.99 a month or $47.99 a year.

You can also see more of the new Rainbow Brite on Facebook, Twitter, Tumblr. And of course Feeln.com

Also tune in to Brite Cast, theRainbow Brite Podcast featuring myself and Katy Cartee Haile of RainbowBrite.Net

Have a Rainbow Day!

The Wrath of Con!

Greetings Color Kids!

It's been a few days past that of the Dragon Con event in Atlanta Georgia, and I am truly feeling it.
My costumes were perfect for the convention. All were very nice and light and comfortable in the heat and humidity. My shoes also held up nicely each day.

Katy Cartee Haile as Strawberry Shortcake
and Me as Pinkie Pie

I was able to meet up with Katy Haile from RainbowBrite.Net and she and I were able to share the rainbow with so many fans we saw! We promoted our websites and the podcast to many there who loved Rainbow Brite and took the time to tell us so.

Day 1: On the First day I dressed as Pinkie Pie from My Little Pony. This day was a "discovery" day where I spent most of my time hunting down the places I would want to visit later. I went to the walk of fame and also got autographs I wanted early. I then met with Katy after the Panel with C Thomas Howell and Cary Elwes.

Katy actually got to hug and meet Cary and squee like the Fangirl she is.  LOL

I fangirled on Goofy (aka Bill Farmer) on the walk of fame, but it was worth it. I also met Gigi Edgley in the elevator. She stood right next to me. I didn't know who she was originally. I said "You look familiar" she said "I was on a show called Farscape" and I gasped and said "Jim Henson's Creature Shop!" as I watched ALL those and loved it greatly. She was the hostess of the show. It was so nice to meet her, but I didn't take the interaction beyond that other then to show her to the escalator so she could leave to the event she was trying to get to.

Me as Rainbow Brite, Katy as Baby Brite
with Misc Rainbow Brite at DragonCon

Day 2: I dressed as Rainbow Brite and Katy dressed as Baby Brite! We went to a She-Ra Panel and met up for an 80's Cartoon photo shoot arranged via Facebook. I am not on many of those pages, I guess I should be.

That night I went to the Georgia Aquarium and met another Rainbow Brite there. It was very much a Rainbow Brite Weekend.

Day 3: My last day at the convention I decided to wear a less complex outfit and dressed as a Unicorn. Originally I had designed his outfit to be around a "Last Unicorn" ponch, which I was unable to get before the convention. I compromised by wearing a generic butterfly tunic shirt with long white skirt. The unicorn horn was designed by me, and I really need to make an online tutorial for how I did it so that other fans can make Unicorn horns.

Me as a Unicorn, Rambo Brite and Katy as Rainbow Brite

The last day I went to more panels and parties and even ran into a "Rambo Brite" cosplayer. I met him at my local con, but was unable to meet up with him because my costume melted. I really wish I had now! His costume was FANTASTIC!

Over all the convention was fun and I look forward to going to more now that I have a better idea of what to expect.

While waiting in line Katy and I recorded a quick Mini podcast part which should be up soon.

Since I got home from the convention I've had to deal with fatigue. I call this the wrath of con...the fatigue that follows such an event when you aren't used to it. I need to work on that for my next one.

Until then, have a Rainbow Day!

Getting Ready for Con!

Hey Color Kids.
Happy to report that Brite Cast has made a lot of news lately with the announcement of the new "Rainbow Brite" cartoon in the works. We found out and were able to confirm that one should be coming soon. Keep an eye on Brite Cast for more news on that.

Another bit of news from Brite Cast is that both the hosts, myself and Katy Cartee Haile of RainbowBrite.Net will be attending a convention and doing a meet up. We are both attending Dragon Con in Atlanta Georgia. I'm very excited to go, as it is a convention I have always wanted to attend. I'm plotting out 3 costumes for the event, too.

Costume 1: Rainbow Brite (of course!) : Sadly my original costume I worked so hard on this past year did not survive alterations, and will not be worn. I am instead fashioning a costume from store bought clothing I am customizing.

Costume 2: Pinkie Pie (human form) : At first I thought of doing "Tickled Pink" but feared any "Stylized" version would just appear as a generic Anime character with pink hair, so I changed a few things up and decided I could do Pinkie Pie! Hopefully people with "get it".

Costume 3: Unicorn (Original Design) : I'm a big fan of the Last Unicorn. I learned recently that they released some official clothing based on the movie, so I decided to pay tribute with an original design around a piece of clothing being sold. I made my own unicorn horn and hope that it will go well with the design.

I am not sure on which days I'm going to dress as what, but I'm hoping to have lots of fun! If you plan on going, maybe I will see you there!

Until I find more to write about,
Have a Rainbow Day!

Drip! Drip! Drop!

Hi Color Kids,
Well, no sooner did I make that post and was getting all comfortable in my living space, my rainbow room sprung a leak.

*cries*

Yes, I am mortal to the forces of nature, and apparently a leak decided to form in the one room in the house where I store all my rainbow stuff. Luckily I caught the leak before any major damage could be done, but since a minor patching to the roof I am now on "ceiling watch". You may not know what this is. It's like looking up to the sky for rainbows, only you're looking for wet patches that could be leaking tiles.

This isn't fair to say the least. My house is new (to me) having just moved in a little over a year ago, so a leak like this has my confidence wounded.  Alas, you did not come to this blog to hear about my leaky roof. You came here to read about my rainbows.

Okay, so apart for leaking roofs, I was planning on getting a new Rainbow Brite Costume...but plans have been derailed due to ...leaky roof.... All my money is going to that.

But I do plan on wearing my old costume again soon, to a local comic convention. It's very small. It's only it's second year running, but I am excited to attend and hang out with other people as geeky as me.

What about Brite Cast? Well, I recently discovered a lot of Brite Cast listeners! Thank you all for tuning in.
We've been trying to schedule a new episode, but due to schedule conflicts we haven't been able to record. If you like any of the previous episodes, why not run over to the Brite Cast Facebook page and leave some comments.

Until next time, don't let Murky rain on your parade!
Have A Rainbow Day!

My Rainbow Room/Color Cave: Update 05

Greetings Color Kids!
I know it's been a while since I last blogged, but a lot has been going on.

1: I think I pretty much finished my "Rainbow Room"

 

I still have a few boxes to make so I can box some variant dolls. I'm hoping that with the cleaned space I can start video blogging from this area and give you all updates on products and tips on collecting.

2: Brite Cast: the Rainbow Brite Podcast: had it's 1 year anniversary. I'm working on getting a new website designed and working on upgrading the video software for the video casts.

3: the RainbowBrite.Co.Uk website had a theme overhaul, and I'm still working out a few bugs trying to get the whole website up to date.
Due to some server issues I couldn't update the website in months, and have been working moving everything to a new server and getting it restored and upgraded. You have no idea how much of a pain this process was, but I'm happy it was successful.

Since it is a New Year I will try to set a few goals for the year.
1: Starting a Video Blog
2: Continue archiving
3: Refining my Rainbow Brite Costume. My shirt and boots need to be completely remade. My measurements weren't right when attempting to enlarge the costume to adult size.
4: Show off said costume at a convention! More news on that as I settle the details.

Anyway, until next time, keep the rainbow alive!
Have a Rainbow Day!

New Year's Coming!

Hey Color Kids,
I thought I would take some time to let you all know what has been up! If you visit the website...you can see that...well... NOTHING has been up for some time. *sad face*

We're sorry about that. Updates have been slow because of technical issues with the site's main server. We are working on this! It's going to take a while to get things up and running, and while we were hoping to have it done before the new year, it doesn't look like it's gonna be happening, at least not that soon. Please be calm while we make the required changes.

We do hope you all had a happy holidays! Please check out the Brite Cast Christmas Special were Katy and I wrote our own "Night Before Christmas" Rainbow Brite themed poems.

See you in the New Year!
Sorry for all the delays!

For Sale: the Key to Rainbow Land

Hi Color Kids!
Happy Holidays! Merry Christmas!
I want to give you an offer this Christmas. I will make a custom Rainbow Brite Key to Rainbow Land for you or someone you love for Christmas.
I am asking for $20 each key. This will get you a key replica painted to look like the picture below.

This key will be made for you, so if you prefer all yellow and no gold, that's what you get.

These are made out of plastic, not clay, so they will be more durable. You can wear it as a necklace, or just display it on your Christmas tree as an ornament.

The key measures 1.75 Inches Wide (the handle) x 3.54 Inches Long (the length) and about .3 Inches thick.

If you are interested please email me: twinkmail@rainbowbrite.co.uk

To make sure they are to you by Christmas, I would like to get any order this week only (Dec 2 - 6), so I can start making them.

I look forward to hearing from you!
Have a Rainbow Day!

My Rainbow Brite Costume

As a child I wanted to be Rainbow Brite for Halloween, but was unable to obtain a Rainbow Brite costume. But this year, the 30^th anniversary of the Rainbow Brite brand, I decided to make it a reality.

I bought a vintage size 8 McCall's costume pattern and with my mother's help we increased the size of the pattern to fit me, as an adult. My mom chose taffeta as the fabric, because of it's good breathing and shape keeping. Since I live in Florida, the fall days are some what iffy. Between surprise rain, and heat and cold fronts, I know I wanted a costume that could hold up to it. Also, the fabric photographed so well!

A lot of it was experimenting with the pattern and a lot of mistakes and successes. My favorite part of the dress was a part that I designed completely from scratch: The Color Belt.

I made a removable color belt. To get the Rainbow as close to the real belt, I actually increased a real Rainbow Brite image from the 80's and used the belt image as a template. The Rainbow itself is felt, as the costume requested, but I made my own improvements

1: To make the belt have weight and substance I bought firm felt and made an actual belt base. I cut it into strips and sewed the strips together.

2: I wrapped the taffeta fabric around the felt belt, and made a pocket in the back to insert custom LED lights.

3: I bought battery operated lights and arranged them in a “Rainbow” pattern to back light my belt for a fun lighted effect. I wanted a sound effect box, but I didn't have one...maybe in my next costume...

4: I also added two over sized buttons on the back to mimic the real double buttons on a REAL Rainbow Brite image (from behind)

From head to toe, here is the costume

Head:

Wig: Blond Pony Tail Wig (Ebay) $19.99

 

Bow: Left over scrap taffeta from dress, Blinking Red Star pin from party store ($3)

Eyes: Blue Contact Lenses (Pinky Paradise) $21.99

Dolly Eye lashes: $4

Cheek Star: Foam Star painted purple

Basic make up: Pink lip stick, pink cheeks, pale make up (I'm olive skinned, so I had to lighten my skin to match the hair and eyes)

 

Dress: Shirt: homemade

Jumper/skirt: homemade

Crinlin: Homemade

Boot Covers: homemade

Accessories:
Twink Purse: vintage twink, stuffing removed, and zipper installed, taffeta scrap for strap

“Prism” Ball: Store bought blinking ball with rainbow strips and blinking lights

Umbrella: Large Rainbow Umbrella Store Bought with 2 strands of battery LED lights, sewn to umbrella. (Lights were $3 each)

Over all look: PRICELESS!

I debuted my costume at Mickey's Not-So-Scary-Halloween-Party in Disney World.

The costume was a big hit with fans. My mother came with me and she kept telling me how people were commenting as I walked by.

I stopped for photos a lot, and gave "star sprinkles" (foam star stickers) to anyone who asked for my photo or stopped me to comment on it. This included costumed families and Disney Cast members. One of my favorite is when an official Disney Character actually called to me...a real one! Sadly I was unable to get a photo with them because they went on break, but I love that my costume called to them.

I was told I needed to be in a contest that my costume was so well done. I blushed so much. It was such a wonderful time. I was told I made so many people happy and made their nights by being there representing their childhood and this character.

I hope I did the fans, the brand, and everyone who appreciates costumes justice.

This really was a dream come true. Some times you have to take your dream in your own hands and make it happen.

Also, don't forget to tune in to Brite Cast to hear mine and Katy of Rainbow Brite.Net's costume memories!

Until later,
Have a Rainbow Day!

Bye bye my Starlite

Hi Color Kids,
Things are slow here with updates. Sadly real-life events have kept me from exploring my Rainbow Land as much as I would like. Still I am here for you guys.

One problem I had was my Starlite had to be put out to pasture. Starlite was my truck. From the moment I bought it, for the past 8 years he has been my "Starlite". It just fit him, being a smaller truck and white, he just seemed like a horse to me.

This past week his transmission went out, so I traded him in for a new car....a new white car.....a new...small....white car.

This is a my new Honda Fit Sprite....I mean Sport.

I named him Twink in honor of his spritely size and over all cuteness.

Other things going on is working on the Brite Cast episodes. Sadly we are behind, and it's my fault. I lost half the recording of the August episode and we had to re-record it in September.

Also, I'm working on a long time dream of mine...my very own Rainbow Brite costume. More of that to come in a later post...with pictures...when it's done.

Anyway, until more later, have a Rainbow Day!
Renee'

Getting ready for a Rainbow Christmas

Hey fans.

This summer Rainbow Brite's 30th anniversary ornament was released and there are many fans from all over the world who want them. Sadly international shipping is not an option on Hallmark.com.

However in the season of giving and thanks I would like to extend a helping hand to anyone who would like one sent to them over seas. I live in the United States and want to help those who can't get these on their own.

I have checked with my local post office and it seems the postage to ship a package that small would cost about $10 parcel post.

If anyone would like an ornament please contact me here or email me via the "Contact" page on the RainbowBrite.Co.Uk website.

So shipping is $10 parcel post, or $19 priority. + $14.95 for the ornament

You won't pay anymore for the ornament then if you were to order it yourself. I am not upping the price or charging anything for this, and am doing it as a favor to any Rainbow Brite fan who would want one.

Have a Rainbow Day!
Renee'

NOTE: I am not authorized to "Sell" any Hallmark item, as I am not selling them. This is a courtesy for fans as a favor not for profit.

Doll Repair Hint: Color Belt

One of the many problems with Rainbow Brite dolls is their Color Belts going missing. The dolls belts were originally glued on their dresses and after a few years many of them fell off and are missing. I decided to check for a way of getting a belt on missing dresses, so I asked a friend who did embroidery to help me. She took a few of my belt less dolls and looked up a pattern and attempt to put it on one of the older dresses. You need to be careful with this, because the dresses are made of nylon and could tear.
Either way, we were successful!
We located a nice "Shooting Star" pattern, and were able to adjust the colors to match, and put it on a dress. Here is the finished product:

The design also works on the larger dresses as you can see here.

You can find the pattern for this here: Shooting Star Pattern
I hope this helps you also!

Have a Rainbow Day!