Sid Dickens Fall 2012 Preview Review

Hi again everyone. I've been about as motivated to type up this review as Sid Dickens was to design the Fall Collection for 2012 (Collection of Curiosities), which is to say that if I can do better than mail this review in, I will have one-upped Sid. But before we get to this collection's review here are the previous ones: Spring 2012, Fall 2011 and Spring 2011.

Sid Dickens Spring 2012 Preview Review

The first picture of the first tile of the Spring 2012 collection appeared yesterday on the 10th of January. This means it's time for the return of the most popular biannual blog post (Fall 2011 / Spring 2011). I know most of you come for the pictures, but for the three of you who come to read what I think, I will once again be live-blogging each day's release(s). So check back daily for updates. The tiles and my thoughts are after the break.

Sid Dickens Fall 2011 Preview Review

Well, it's everyone's favourite biannual event: the release of the next Sid Dickens collection!!!

I know this is a happy time of year, because my Sid Dickens Spring 2011 Preview Review is the most viewed post on Here's Jonny. So, I'll change things up a bit this time.

I'm going to live blog this release. That's right. Check back here daily for my thoughts on each day's announcements!

Playing Blocks: Starting Over Again

We moved about two months ago, and people have been clamoring for pictures of the new place ever since. I wish I could say that it's taken us this long to get settled in, but it hasn't. We were unpacked, and had all the decor up on the walls within a week. And by decor I mean we put up the Sid Dickens blocks.

Sid Dickens Spring 2011 Preview Review

Starting on January 6th the Sid Dickens company released photos of the new collection (Through the Looking Glass) one tile per day. I wish I could say something nicer than, "I love that they teased us for nine straight days" with the previews. I am underwhelmed and worried that Sid has lost his muse.

Here are the nine tiles and my initial thoughts, as well as some sober second thoughts about the entire collection and the direction Sid appears to be heading.

Sid Dickens Addictions are Contagious

It turns out that the serious addiction problem people have with collecting Sid Dickens Memory Blocks is highly contagious. Once people see the tiles, they have to get their own.

Playing Blocks IV

I spoke too soon when I said I wouldn't bother getting Piano Keys for a while yet!

Playing Blocks III

We did some birthday shopping and got two more blocks. At the time it was retiring, now it is retired, Imperial Column and ongoing favourite French Crest. This whittles my list of current tiles that I desire down to one: Piano Keys. However, the display only leaves space for pairs, quartets and sextuplets, so I'm going to hold off on Piano Keys until it has a partner, and the partner has to be something that goes with Trans, since that is the block that will be displaced from the living room display by the move of Musical Notation and the introduction of Piano Keys. My current wishlist of retired tiles doesn't really offer any options here either:

1. T30 German Script
2. T64 Roulette
3. T82 A (Aristocrat)
4. T89 Trademark
5. PQ9 Stripe
6. PQ10 Stripe with Script and Seal
7. PQ11 Medieval Script

Playing Blocks II

I spent some time on the weekend hanging out with my nephews. We played Cranium Cadoo and Thomas the Train (they were nice enough to let me win once), and of course we ventured out into the blustery fall afternoon to swing, climb, slide and play basketball. This also gave me a chance for some woodworking projects. I fixed one of my degree frames that had come unglued in the corner, and we made a bunch of Sid Savers on which to hang the remaining blocks ... as well as an additional 30ish. This should cover the entire rest of my collecting career (with another 20 spares), especially given the appeal of recent collections.

Playing Blocks

Last weekend I crossed two blocks from my wishlist, because I'm not sure I'm going to like the bisque finish, and the completist in me figured I couldn't live without another Tree or Skull!

1. T45 Piano Keys
2. T123 French Crest
3. T191 Tree of Life Evolution
4. T199 Imperial Column
5. T205 Destiny (Black)

I'm Addicted to Sid Dickens Memory Blocks

Those of you who know me are well aware that I am highly addicted to Sid Dickens Memory Blocks. I got my first one for Christmas from my sister in 2004. I then searched high and low for the coolest block Sid has ever made. After a few months of picking up tiles at retailers I found the Message Board (RIP) on Sid Dickens' website, and through it I started picking up retired tiles from other collectors.