Custom Creations and Krazie Golf

Hershey's pot of gold Commercial

2011-12-31T11:28:00.001-05:00

Wow! Just found this on YouTube! (gotta love Youtube) A project Blast form the past! We designed and made the flowers in this commercial about 13 yrs ago. Fake flowers needed to have a root system that dropped dirt as it was pulled from the pot. It was a cool challenge and if memory serves me correctly they got a steal at about $300!

Since then we have made several projects for TVm theater and cinema, so if you need anything along those lines, don't be shy, give us a call!

Victoria's Secret Fashion Show 2011 PREVIEW

2011-11-29T01:00:00.003-05:00

One of our latest projects: Our Victoria's Secret PINK dog mirror balls make their appearance in this youtube video at 4:19 in.

We made a total of 8 dogs at 3ft long each. We then scored the internet for pink glass tile suppliers and cleaned up everything out there. Yes folks, there are NO MORE pink glass tiles available.

This was a great and challenging project to say the least, as there were the usual delays that happen when you take on not only a custom project, but a prestigious one as well. Everything had to be spot on to Victoria's Secret Pink Brand. The usual multitude of emails, texts and conference calls between our shop, the local production studio and the VS France office took place. Once we were off and running with our sculptures, we needed to find the pink glass mirror tiles and as mentioned above, there were not many out there and all needed to be special ordered and cut to our specifications.

Those tiles then needed to be overnighted, or we would not be able to cover our sculptures in time.

(can anyone say $3,000 in overnight shipping fees?.... those boxes were HEAVY)

The sculptures took 3 days to complete. It took another 6 very long days to completely cover each dog in mirror tile and as we neared the end of the very last dog, there were four of us who each took on one leg of the dog in order to finish up this past Sunday night (Nov 6) at 10:00pm in order to delivery them for instal the next day Monday Nov 7th. - The VSFashion show taped on the 9th, and the rest is Fashion History!

Please add your comments!

2011-10-18T16:49:00.002-04:00

I've now made it easier to add a comment! No more registering. Just open commenting!
Please feel free to post and let me know what you think of our work! It means a lot to me, so please go right ahead. Just please.. keep it clean and no spamming!

Thanks
Giovanni

Island of Dr More Glow

2011-10-14T00:51:00.000-04:00

Welcome, to the newest black light miniature golf course in Jacksonville Fl.: Krazie Golf's "The Island of Dr. More Glow"!

Installed at Cassat's Family Fun Center and Bowling Center, this 18 hole, 5,000 sq ft course is Krazie Cool and packed full of props and hand painted glow in the dark murals!

Your adventure begins with a relaxing sailboat ride but quickly you are thrown off

course and land on an apparently deserted island.

With no way off the island, you make your way through a forest and series of

spider webs, and come upon the castle of the mysterious Dr. Glow.

Having heard tales of his madcapped creations, you decide to enter the castle and

investigate, only to find out that one of Dr. Glow’s Krazie Robot experiments has

escaped.

Dr. Glow dares you to give chase through the Vortex transporter, where you will

eventually face off with the Krazie Robot. Follow it into the big city, scale up a building

onto the rooftop, where a hole in one sends it crashing into a 3D movie theater.

Will you defeat the Robot and return home? The lowest score decides it!

Calling All Ice Cream Sandwich Lovers

2011-10-14T00:45:00.001-04:00

Our latest Google lawn sculpture has arrived! Ice Cream Sandwich

This was a real "treat" to sculpt and we certainly had a blast, and getting an email from Google saying they "LOVE it" was the cherry on top. I don't know if anyone has ever actually placed a cherry on top of an ice cream sandwich, or if it's even an accepted practice, but hey... WTH. (maybe I should sculpt a cherry and send it over for ICS to wear as a hat.

Check out the video below and stay tuned, we are working on something really really tremendous RIGHT NOW!

Wizard of OZ is 72yrs old today!

2011-08-12T13:16:00.000-04:00

Another year has quickly gone by and today, I am reminded that The Wizard of OZ film debut is 72 yrs old! There are many amongst us that cherish this movie in one way or another, and the fan base that exists even 72 yrs later is still strong and ever growing. Personally we are always honored to be part of a historic moment and last year, we were asked to construct two very large Ruby Red Slippers and legs for the 71st anniversary of the movie. Below is our original blog post. And if we can help YOU out with any project for an event, trade show, branding or facility theming, just click your heals three times. And when you're done with that, pick up the phone and give us a call!

Original post: July 14th 2010:

It's 12:40 am Friday morning and NYC's Madame Tussauds decides they need an over sized pair of the world famous Wizard of Oz's Ruby Red Slippers in order to celebrate the launch of The Wizard of Oz Cinema 4-D experience in New York that coming Tuesday.

So who does one call to deliver such a HUGE pair of shoes?

Who else, but the King of Huge: US: Themendous. (Tremendous Theming)

The whole sculpture process took us 2 days Saturday and Monday for the Tuesday Morning on site installation call. Wow only 2 days you say? Hell yeah! We are certainly no strangers to those types of deadlines and we don't fool around when it comes to our theming. (well, we do fool around but that's what keeps us on our toes!) The 3D foam sculptures were delivered on time and set up for get this: 90 minutes! WOW you say, but that's all that was really needed to help get the word out about the 4D experience in the Big Apple. In fact, when the AP bulletins made their ways, one single photo of our now world famous over sized shoes got close to 4 Million hits on the internet alone!

Interested in seeing photos of how we made them? Check out our Facebook fan page and don't forget to hit "LIKE" !!!

Check out what some Bloggers have been saying about the event:

djmbm writes: Liza's collapsed, call a medic!

harlemite writes: That block is hard enough to navigate without those legs taking up valuable real estate!

allowyournecktobefree writes: ...furthering my theory that if you create a giant replica of ANYTHING, it will be considered art. (BTW: I agree)

sallysparrow writes: i somehow need to build these and make them come out of the side of my house (homeowner's association be damned!). (sally, give us a call, we can arrange something for you)

click here to see more blogger comments

dairy update

2011-07-02T15:07:00.000-04:00

Looks like doing this over my outdated iPhone isn't working so well, which is a shame, as I wanted to post some oddities. So, I will update the blog later this evening when I finally get home and have a glass of home made wine. Sorry folks. I seem to be stuck in a web!

(web actually part of our current black light minigolf project "Isle of Dr. More Glow" Installing next week at Cassat's Batt Bowl in Jacksonville FL.

Exciting interview with TechCrunch

2011-05-24T23:53:00.002-04:00

114468695AC039_TechCrunch_D, a photo by TechCrunch on Flickr.

I haven't posted the latest and need to catch up, but the 2 second drill is that we had supplied TechCrunch Disrupt here in NYC with some tremendous themed signage and stage props (more on that later) Anyway, earlier this morning, I was given to opportunity to interview with Sarah Lacy (TC editor at large) it was cool to say the least.

I will post a copy of the vid as soon as I get a copy! Some trivia...I went on right after Ashton Kutcher who was also interviewed by Sarah and Charlie Rose.

Via Flickr:
NEW YORK, NY - MAY 24: Giovanni Calabrese and TechCrunch editor-at-large Sarah Lacy attend TechCrunch Disrupt New York May 2011 at Pier 94 on May 24, 2011 in New York City. (Photo by Charles Eshelman/Getty Images for AOL)

Osama shot dead. Skeptics cry to see his head!

2011-05-02T17:00:00.008-04:00

Like a shot heard 'round the world, the news is all a flutter about the recent death of Osama Bin Laden. But now of course the conspiracy theories start. Did they really kill him? Why didn't they produce the body like they did with Hussein?

Who are we to believe? Well... doubt no longer.., "We" have the proof! That's right: WE: www.Themendous.com have Osama Bin Laden's Head!

And now it can be yours for a meer cost available only via ebay! Item# 180662096945

That's right... we are capitalizing on the death of this notorious and now dead terrorist and why not? He put thousands of industries into economic hardship. Killed bread winners and not to mention almost put us out of business back in 2001. So now, it's our turn to take this opportunity to re-coup on our financial losses. I would imagine that there are already T-shirt designers in production since late last night busy kicking out some funny Osama sayings like "where's your virgins now?"

Anyway... below is Bin Laden's head. To give you some history on this pic: We made this back in 2002 for a client of ours from Seaside Heights NJ. His featured the Bin Laden head as a paintball attraction. "Shoot Bin Laden" Players would shoot at a guy wearing the mask while trying to hide. The client literally made a KILLING! Now here is your chance to own a hand sculpted original! Want more than one? Call us for a special quote and we will send our highly trained Navy Seals Sculptors to work and get you your heads, just in time for the summer season!

Check out some other cool Paintball heads we made last year for the same client:

The Jersey Shore "shoot the guidos" edition. He capitalized on what was hot. Is that wrong?

here is a video of the masks in action. Unfortunately, just like the current video of Osama getting shot is not available, neither is video of our Osama mask on any youtube channel (bummer).

An artist in the making!

2011-04-27T21:44:00.001-04:00

Here's a quick blurb I thought I would share... As far back as I can remember, I've always been drawing in one form or another, but never held on to anything. Well today, upon my return he from work, my son presented me with a little gift he made for me during his day. As you can see he is turning into quite the little artist himself! His words to me were: "um papa, I drew the Silver Surfer, Iron Man, and Spiderman for you. I suggest that you put it in a frame and hang it up". You betcha! Yes I will. In fact I will make sure of it and also make sure that he will have these great creations and memories for as long as possible! Oh and by the way, if anyone is interested... Prints to help support his college fund are available for a mere $10.00. A real steal and great investment from a great future artist!

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Buy from us, you bastards, we're better than the other guys!

2011-04-21T01:53:00.086-04:00

I've always found myself to be a creative person, able to come up with funny, off the cuff, some times dark comedic scenarios towards the promotion of things in general. I remember a grammar school contest where we were asked to come up with an ad for Tropicana orange juice (why exactly, I don't know), but I drew a carton of orange juice next to a glass and some school books, and wrote the slogan: "Juice...it's great before a test" In my opinion it was the better of the submissions but I did not win because "I didn't specify what KIND of test" I remember thinking "Seriously? ... a test ... ANY TEST" DUH! Today, as a business owner in the very demanding field of amusement park and family fun center theming and attractions, I constantly find myself re living my grammar school advertising contest day, in my need to convey our products and services.

Maybe I never would have been the great advertising executive I once thought I would be, and since I find my sculpting skills to be very high up in the scale of abilities, I don't think I would want to do anything else. It's almost second nature to me. But it is the advertising and promoting of our company that still baffles me to this day. After all, we have been in business for the past 19 years now and find new comers with less experience overall, gaining more exposure. Today, we were discussing new promotional ads and how to creatively convey: "Buy from us you bastards, were better than the other guys". (See: off the cuff, dark). Is that not PC? I posted the same question on my facebook page and received a comment from someone high up in the industry: "I kind of like exactly what you said. It's attention grabbing and to the point! Think anyone has ever tried that approach?!?" Well I don't know, but I do like grabbin attention and getting to the point thats for sure. My YouTube's video channel (giocal) proves that. How about re-running an old ad where we included pics of oversized head sculptures for the MTV music awards? Pics included Ozzy, Snoop Dog and Fred Durst holding their oversized sculpted heads. The ad slogan read: "WE GIVE GREAT HEAD". The immediate reply was "I love it! Better to be provocative then politically correct. Even if someone doesn't like it, it gets their attention". I agree. We are in a creative industry and thinking outside the box is what makes one shine.

But what direction should our next ad campaign take? What ads work better than others? Which direction do you take to properly convey your message? Who are we? What do we do? What sets us apart from the others? These are all valid questions that apply not only to me and my competitors, but our clients as well.

So I put the question to you: What do you look for in an advertisement?

note: I don't readily give out my personal Facebook page but I do invite you to follow my public Facebook social sites: Follow us here for theming! and here for black light minigolf!

Ad # 1) ..... Too Racy? Would the slogan scare you away?

Ad # 2 ... Too much information? Too messy?

Ad # 3 ... Too clean? Does it convey our services?

what you see is what you get

2011-04-19T00:27:00.001-04:00

At Themendous, we take serious pride in our black light miniature golf course design and fabrication. Our designs are not sell points, but blue prints to YOUR next mini golf course. Here you see a great example of why we excel in our Krazie Golf courses and what sets us apart from our competition.

In today's industry, everyone seems to boast they are "leaders in the industry" because of volume. Well we are proud to say that we do not boast volume, and while others boast, we simply deliver !

Are you looking for some new theming, 3D sculpted signs, indoor / outdoor mini golf or just looking to add to an existing attraction? Give us a call today and see how we can help you!

Be sure to visit our sites: www.themendous.com and www.krazie-golf.com

www.themendous.com

Snitches get stiches

2011-03-21T23:55:00.001-04:00

A little job dropped in our lap and so we jumped to the occasion. This 30" tall 3D foam sculpted duck tool all of one Sunday afternoon to put together. I'm not really sure how it will be used other than for an advertising piece. We love getting these last minute sculpts as they really keep us on our toes, so if anyone would like to challenge us and our quick abilities, bring it baby!

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Making the Google Honeycomb sculpture

2011-03-01T10:03:00.001-05:00

We certainly do have fun creating all these great lawn sculptures for Google, and this was was no exception. Thinking that there are so many people that take both photos and video's with the lawn sculptures, we decided to include an open cell to serve as a creative Photo Op with Honeycomb.

As you can see with our photos, there is much fun to be had.

Click HERE for a quick look at some progress shots (we sent Google during our work progress).

And don't forget.. If you or someone you know is looking for their very own sculpture, be it brand, custom logo, event, or even an http://androidify.com/ version of yourself, give us a call as we would most certainly love to work with you!

p.s. Don't forget to follow our blog! Click on the connect button on the lower right!

Honeycomb delivery!

2011-02-28T16:12:00.000-05:00

The honeycomb emerges...

2011-02-28T16:11:00.000-05:00

Here it is, Our latest and greatest Over sized 3D sculpture of the Google Honeycomb. This was a fun one (as we got to play with the open cell "photo op" here at the shop before it was delivered. Loading the truck with this one...THAT was a story unto it's self! Stay tuned for some fun photos, and if you find yourself at the Google HQ's, taking some photos and video, please remember to send us a copy! We would love to see them!

A honeybee supervises the delivery of the honeycomb

2011-02-28T16:07:00.000-05:00

We have been Busy Bees! Something sweet is coming!!!

Paying homage to the Android statues

2011-02-19T21:27:00.002-05:00

One of the cool things about this guy's job is that he gets to see cool things like all the cool Google lawn sculptures that we made... and THAT... is COOL !

You're welcome cool dude... You're welcome.

It's a Girl !!!

2011-02-03T01:06:00.001-05:00

Wow, I can't believe it! I still can't get over it. A GIRL! I mean, I was fine with either a boy or girl, since quite honestly we already have a boy, but now that she's here, I can't even explain how I feel. Excited for sure. I think my biggest problem now is that I am torn between two names: Giovanna or Isabella. I like both, so I guess we need to sleep on it until tomorrow.

The other concern/problem is that I have to learn how to wash her after she does her "business". I mean my son was easy there was nothing there for his "business" to get up into. Man am I in for some surprises huh? Well...looks like we have another product tester on our hands for our family fun center props and theming and black light minigolf. We'll have to get her started right away!

IT'S TIME

2011-02-02T09:13:00.000-05:00

I know I promised that the next time I would post was to have an updated and complete rundown of our most recent works, but what can I say... there are more important things afoot!

THE BIRTH OF OUR GREATEST CREATION #2

Yep, that's right! Today (02/02/11) we will not be introducing our latest black light miniature golf installation or tremendous over sized 3D foam sculpture, but rather: the birth of our 2nd child!

Everyone is nervous and excited! Our area has been getting hit with snow storm upon snow storm and even now, as I type, it is sleeting and the car is covered with ice-ice baby! So off to a careful drive to our area hospital.

Our first son Dante (now 5) is on pins and needles. He is adamant about having a girl, but we won't know until the very moment! Stay tuned... we will certainly post our latest creative shop endeavors, but first: Our BABY !!!

Greatest putt-putt shot of all time

2011-01-24T15:55:00.000-05:00

While some people may argue that miniature golf is not a sport, I beg to differ. It is a game of skill and zen like patience. This shot and video is now making its viral run around the block and if you think you've seen some great trick shots before, there is a reason why this video is entitled "The greatest putt-putt shot of all time" I wonder if he would have been able to do the same with one of our krazie golf miniature golf courses?

I guess for now I will just need to say: WOW and truly TREMENDOUS! Who could have even thought to attempt such a shot? My hat off to the guy who made this most cool shot of all time!

Great Shot dude!

ARRRRGH!

2011-01-13T12:35:00.000-05:00

So much to do! So much to say!!!!! We have fallen behind on our blog posts. What can I do? We're bizzzy! Since the last post, our ship has obviously been completed and has set sail for.....FINLAND!

Yep. Finland the really funny thing about it: the ship is... on a ship! A container ship that is and scheduled to arrive in February for install at a family fun center there. info to be posted as soon as I get it, or- as soon as I get to posting it! :) But I promise, the next post will have a run down of what has happened since October all the way up to what we are currently working on: "The Island of Dr. Moreglow" Possibly our best black light miniature golf construction yet! Stay tuned :)

When you love what you do

2010-11-03T23:58:00.000-04:00

They say time flies when you're having fun. Well we must be having fun because I just turned around and realized it's midnight. Time to call it quits for the day :(. The shop has been going gangbusters these past 3 weeks with little rest. The good part is that our yearly IAAPA trade show booth is really coming along. The bad part? Well, there really isn't a bad part. Exept for the fact that there isn't enough time in the day. Oh well, there is always tomorrow. Or should I say later today? Check out a teaser photo of what we are working on for our show.

We've been baking something...

2010-10-25T12:02:00.001-04:00

BAM! This past weekend, our latest and greatest TOP SECRET project for Google Corp. has been revealed!

This little goodie (10ft tall and 8 ft wide) boasts a calorie count of 12 million with a serving size of the world wide web! So take a bite, but be careful as even the Biggest Loser may not be able to help you out of this one!

For our readers interested in the actual Gingerbread program release date, there is no word yet on any announcement or code dropping, or is there? Maybe we know and won't tell you. Na, Na, NaNa, Na!

Below is the official Youtube video on the unwrapping, but I know what you are all thinking right now... Where is that good looking Gio? Oh yeah... and his making of the Gingerbread video. Well, what can I say, we have been extremely busy preparing or our upcoming trade show as well as other cool projects out on the floor, one of which include a mad cool 18 hole black light mini golf course soon to open in Jacksonville Fl. So, keep following us, I'll have the making of video up hopefully by this weekend!

Check out these cool thechie links covering the Gingerbread:

http://techcrunch.com/2010/10/22/android-gingerbread/

http://www.androidcentral.com/gingerbread-android-google-unveiling

http://www.engadget.com/2010/10/22/google-catches-giant-gingerbread-man-mounts-on-front-lawn-vide/

Today is Miniature Golf Day (all day!)

2010-09-21T17:14:00.001-04:00

Miniature Golf Day

Miniature Golf Day is today, September 21st ALL DAY! So hit your local miniature golf course for some fun.

Miniature golf is wildly popular by adults and children. It's a great date for couples, young and old. It's a great place to hold a birthday party for kids, and you don't have to be good at miniature golf to have fun. With twists, turns, and a variety of obstacles, your score is partially the result of luck, but of course if you are good enough, you can always turn pro. That's right, there is such a thing as "pro mini golfers"

Do you have a favorite place to play Miniature Golf or Black Light Miniature Golf? If so, We would like to hear about it. And, if you know of any existing location that could use our expertease of Tremendous Theming to liven up or update, please give them our name or tell us about them!

Of course, we just LOVE to create new locations, so step up and don't be shy. Ask us how we can help you design and open a great facility!

It's V-J Day today in Times Square NYC (the WWII Kiss)

2010-08-14T17:10:00.004-04:00

I'm not sure how many of our readers are familiar with the iconic photo of the WW2 kiss between a sailor and a nurse in 1945, taken in celebrations marking the end of WW2 in Times Square, New York. The photo was taken by Alfred Eisenstaedt on August 14 1945 and became world-known after being published in Life magazine. Hundreds of people are set to re-enact the kiss in Times Square today. To help commemorate the 65th anniversary of the U.S. triumph over Japan, V-J Day, a 26 foot statue representing the image has been installed for viewing both today, and tomorrow (Aug 14-15, 2010).

Not only is today a great day for the 65th anniversary, but it is a great day for us: Custom Creations Theming, as we had the pleasure of working on "The Kiss" or "Unconditional Surrender" statue for our client J. Seward Johnson, serving as both sculptural and hard coating application (which protects the inner foam carving from any weather as well as add durability) This hard coat (Futura Coating) is the same coating we use on every single project that we manufacture in our shop!

Some more info on the photo: Edith Shain was the nurse kissed in the original photograph. Shain's identity only became known in 1970 when she wrote to the man who took the photo to say it was her and she had been working in Doctor’s hospital, NYC at the time. A man called Carl Muscarello also claimed that he was the sailor in the photo but this has never been confirmed and remains disputed. To read articles and photos posted by world news presses and click HERE.

At Custom Creations Theming we like to boast ourselves as the "KING of HUGE". I believe that we certainly fit that title in our various works not only displayed in Times Square 3 times already this year, but in the majority of our works for the family entertainment industry across the globe!

Are YOU in NYC today and tomorrow? The statue is certainly worth the drive in to see for yourself!
Send us your photos and comments on the sculpture, as we would gladly post them here!
Dont forget to follow us on our Facebook Fan Page (click here)!

It's been a busy summer so far

2010-08-07T11:06:00.001-04:00

A great big sorry goes out to all of our followers, as we have not been doing a good job keeping our blog updated as it should be. However, we do have a good reason for it and that is that we have been extreamly busy here at the shop. Some recent cool projects this summer so far include: Two 18 hole black light miniature gild courses in Germany, a 10' tall sculpture of Michael Jackson, a life sized foam sculpture of Jerry Lee Lewis, a 16' tall Christmas Tree with equally scaled, over sized Teddy bear and train, Giant Wizard of Oz Ruby Red slippers and yes.... Even a large set of tennis balls!

For now, most of these new projects can be seen on our newly designed web page: http://www.custom-creations.com (another project that took us away from posting here).

I hope you are all enjoying your summer and look forward to posting our current projects soon!

Giovanni.

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

There's no place like home (or a theming company like ours)

2010-07-14T15:59:00.002-04:00

It's 12:40 am Friday morning and NYC's Madame Tussauds decides they need an over sized pair of the world famous Wizard of Oz's Ruby Red Slippers in order to celebrate the launch of The Wizard of Oz Cinema 4-D experience in New York that coming Tuesday.

So who does one call to deliver such a HUGE pair of shoes?

Who else, but the King of Huge: US: Themendous. (Tremendous Theming)

Interested in seeing photos of how we made them? Check out our Facebook fan page and don't forget to hit "LIKE" !!!

Check out what some Bloggers have been saying about the event:

djmbm writes: Liza's collapsed, call a medic!

harlemite writes: That block is hard enough to navigate without those legs taking up valuable real estate!

allowyournecktobefree writes: ...furthering my theory that if you create a giant replica of ANYTHING, it will be considered art. (BTW: I agree)

sallysparrow writes: i somehow need to build these and make them come out of the side of my house (homeowner's association be damned!). (sally, give us a call, we can arrange something for you)

click here to see more blogger comments

BlackLight Mini golf: 1 year Anniversary of Neptunes Labyrith in Melvindale Mi

2010-06-22T18:03:00.001-04:00

Looking for a Black Light miniature golf course in Melvindale Mi? Well you can find it here.
Play Atlantis is a 33,000 sq ft facility that entertains children of all ages. The aquatic-themed indoor playground offers glow-in-the-dark miniature golf, bouncers, laser tag and a video arcade.

Krazie Golf (tm) installed this great 9 hole miniature golf location in the summer of 2009. June 2009 to be exact! So, with it's 1year anniversary upon us, we thought it would be apropos to give them a BIG thumbs up, congratulations, and best wishes for continued success!

So stop in and ask for the owners: Mike or Eric and give them a great big high five for opening such a great location for families of all ages to create such memorable times together. Mention this blog article and who knows... they may even give you a free round of mini golf!

For more of this story, click on or type the links below:

Our YouTube channel walk thru
-or-
http://www.thenewsherald.com/articles

-or if you wish to read and see our other blog posts during the location's installation, click here.

King of Kings Statue burns

2010-06-15T16:40:00.002-04:00

In today's emails I receive notice that the "King of Kings" Jesus Statue (also known as the "Touchdown Jesus" statue was struck by lighting last night and burned to the ground. The statue and the area around it suffered approximately $700,000 in damages and thank God, no one was hurt.

I also understand that the church has already made a statement that it plans to rebuild the statue, which led me to contacting them, and offering our help. The online articles have stated the original structure to have cost $250,000 and took over a year to build YIKES!!!!!! Seriously? Well, I can say one thing is for sure, we can certainly build that for less and a lot quicker (two months tops)! We do not tote ourselves as the "King of HUGE" for nothing! Simply reviewing this blog's history of oversized projects alone proves that!!! Anyway, I'm not looking to diss anyone, but I do hope that if the church is going to rebuild the famous and now even more famous statue, that they will award us the job. If they do, you our fans and readers will certainly know about it!!! Stay tuned!

You can read more on the story here: http://www.usatoday.com/news/nation/2010-06-15-touchdown-jesus-fire_N.htm

check it out: we made news under a social media story on the "King of Kings" (click here)

Sculptor Secrets! (I'm not a painter)

2010-06-11T23:23:00.002-04:00

Damn it Jim, I'm a Sculptor not a Painter! This Sculptor DOESN'T paint!

Our resident Scenic painter John works his magic with black Light paint for a recent Krazie Golf black light miniature golf course installed in Dresden Germany, this May 19th (photos coming)

Sculptor Secrets! "shapes & sizes"

2010-06-11T23:17:00.001-04:00

My little cousin Vincenzo stops by for a job interview. He was hired on the spot.
But if this video is being viewed by some government labor official ... NO he was not. I'm kidding. On the part about hiring him, not the part of his stopping by. or am I ? After all, this is Sculptor Secrets.

Sculptor Secrets (buying paint)

2010-06-11T23:05:00.001-04:00

Sometimes we go on supply runs with so many things to buy that you tend to forget something, like where we parked the van or where I left my glasses. or simply....... wait, what was I talking about ???

It's Cinco de Mayo all over again!

2010-05-05T01:13:00.021-04:00

Wow, I can't believe how fast the year has gone. Why it seems as if it were just yesterday that the country was running around ducking for protection from the swine flu and then along came Cinco de Mayo to take our minds off everything "flu-ie" Anyway, Last year at this time, we were working on this cool project for Canobie Lake Park. The REALLY cool thing is that we are currently working on ANOTHER project for Canobie right now! Unfortunately, we can't show it to you just yet, as the park wishes that we keep it a secret. One thing that I will tell you is that we: "the King of HUGE" will hold up to our name! So, sit back grab a tequila, and enjoy this blast from the past!

SCULPTOR SECRETS! (featuring Dante)

2010-04-27T01:54:00.001-04:00

Shhhhhhh. (we use child labor)

Sculptor Secrets! (Homework)

2010-04-19T20:52:00.001-04:00

It's no secret that we are always working. And that brings on many responsibilities... Like this dirty little secret!

Wonka Hat

2010-04-12T18:16:00.001-04:00

I can't believe we NEVER posted this video!!! Back in February of 2009, we were contacted by Nestle Corp, who owns the Wonka Experience (Willy Wonka Chocolate), to build an oversized version of Willy Wonka's hat. Who else would they turn to other than the "King of Huge", aka: US: Custom Creations!

Here is the video which can also be found on our Youtube channel: "giocal" Enjoy, and eat some Wonka bars!

Sculptor SECRETS ! (tale of the tape)

2010-04-07T17:27:00.001-04:00

That's right.... here at Custom Creations Theming AND Krazie Golf, we guard our abilities and techniques, so that our competition has to work harder to be as good as we are. BUT... we are willing to share some secrets:

Enjoying the day!

2010-03-21T10:37:00.000-04:00

Wow the weather finally broke and I am enjoying the sun with my family. After a long hard week preparing our black light mini golf courses for Germany, it is a great day to spend time together! Later tonight however, it's off to NYC for a major outdoor install. We begin the install at 10:00pm and hope to be done by Monday morning 2:00am I hope the weather holds out. Stay tuned!

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Googled by Google

2010-02-23T00:39:00.003-05:00

By now, it's no secret that we are Google's goto theming company for all their Googleplex lawn sculptures and we are extremely proud to boast that. So without further ado, Attached is a really cool article written on us by Sign Builder Illustrated . By the way... Google really rocks. Not because they are a really cool client of ours, but because they really know what they are doing business wise. A great example of this is their newest introduction of Google Buzz is going to be amazing!

We would love to hear back from you on our content and abilities. Please take a moment to write a comment and let us know whats on your mind or just to say hi!

Let it Snow, Let it Snow. NO Please dont.

2010-02-10T01:32:00.004-05:00

Well, the reports are snow and a lot of it for our area. Earlier today, my wife and VP of Operations here at the shop: Dena, made a preventative strike at the forecasted snow by heading out to Home Depot and buying up some rock salt for our ritual "shovel your walk and driveway before you are able to go anywhere" dance. This dance is well known amongst most neighborhoods. It usually involves a lot of back breaking, sweating and freezing of the body parts followed by gasps of air and runny noses. And when the fun is all over...you can bet you'll be too tired to go to work. Good thing I can do some designing from home, so the day may not be wasted. But I hope it doesnt come down much. My van has a problem backing up out of the driveway on snowy days. Cross your fingers... there is a lot to do at the shop as we are fast approaching major deadlines with our Black light mini golf course construction for Dresden Germany. Pictures and Videos to follow!

Oh Yeah... Dena mentioned that the local Spanish news "Telemondo" was there at Home Depot and video taped her walking down the isle with the bag of salt. We said we had to make a point of watching that station's news, but although we forgot. If any of you happened to watch it (the latino news that is) and you see a sexy woman walking down a Home Depot catwalk isle with rock salt, thats Dena!

NON DISCLOSURE AGREEMENT

2010-02-06T23:33:00.002-05:00

Ever have one of those? ARRRRRRG! I love them and hate them at the same time! Love them, because it contains the promise of a reeeeealy special hush hush project, hate them because you can't brag about it, well....at least until it's done and out anyway.

So, last week, I was slapped with a N.D.A. (and I liked it). But I can't talk about it. It's OK really, because you all know how quite and modest I am about our work here at Custom Creations Theming.

YEAH RIGHT! I'M F-N DIEING OVA HE-YA !!!

Why? Because we got the job and I can't say nuttin see ?

So... What can I say? Stay tuned! That's all.
Meantime, We are still working on our Germany Black Light Miniature Golf install with photos and videos to be uploaded shortly!

It's 3:00a AM

2010-01-29T03:08:00.001-05:00

It's 3:00 AM Boys and Girls.....Do YOU know why I'm still up?

So that I can update our blog! I didn't want anyone to think we forgot about you, it's just that we've been pretty busy working away on a number of new things here ate the shop. Our biggest venture (right now) is the newest Black Light Miniature Golf course we are building for a new location is Dresden and Dusseldorf Germany. The Locations will be called "Krazy Town" The theme is various towns around the world. I must say that this theme has posed it's self to be very challenging, as we are trying to give each town a "Krazy" feel about it. Posted are some progress photos. I'll try to get a new production video up asap!

Well, It is late and I've just noticed that it is now 3:08 AM woo-hoo!

The Google Nexus One

2010-01-05T00:20:00.003-05:00

Well, here we all are, January 5th 2010. As the world eagerly awaits the news that Google will release something big, HUGE, in fact, we all wonder if the rumors are true. Will it be the Nexus One that the internet world is buzzed about? There were secret photos and youtube videos and they were quickly removed off the face of youtube and then there were and are videos and photos that seem to be there to stay. There are articles and more articles. Rumors and rumors. Is it happening yes or no?

One of the things we do here at the Custom Creations theming shop, is build oversized props.
Last year Google Corp. had contacted us and asked us to build an oversized Android robot for the launch of Android. we jumped to the occasion and finished that bad boy in 4 days! Then came Cupcake at 8' tall, then came Donut at 8' diameter and then Eclair at 10' long. Google has been good to us.
Why? Well, to toot our own horn, we do excell at what we do small or large, we get the job done. Of course being the self proclaimed "king of HUGE" doesn't hurt.

So where am I going with this? Obviously I am not a writer. Well, January 5th 2010 may well go down on the record books as a momentous occasion. Not just because of Googles announcement (whatever that may be ;P) but because Custom Creations will have had somewhat of a hand in it. (the day of course) How? Well, I am sure that at the press release, reporters will be viewing our handywork and taking pictures of not only what we built in the past, but what we have built for January 5th.

YESSSSSS. We have been keeping our mouths shut about what we know. While the internet world scratched their heads, We here at Custom Creations knew all along and have been busting at the seams with the inside information for the past month! Of course with this project, there was a really special perk and that was...... a special "gift" of a sort. A sweet gift at that. At this point, do I really need to say it?

Google Nexus One pricing and launch date leak

2009-12-31T00:13:00.002-05:00

Technology blogs are awash with rumours about Google's forthcoming Nexus One handset.

HOLY COW!!! January 5th is the day that is announced! Talk about starting off the year with a bang! Here at Custom Creations, we couldn't be any happier. Truth be told, the biggest reason is that we are a big supporter of Google, especially since they are a big supporter of Custom Creations.

Those who are familiar with our work and this blog, know that we had been hired by Google to build the varied over sized props that adorn the Google HQ in Mountain View CA. those props include the 13' tall Android, the 8' tall cupcake, 8' diameter Donut and 10' long Eclair. But what is next for us here at Custom Creations? Well, for now, All I will say is you will have to stay tuned by Subscribing to our blog as well as following us on www.twitter.com/kraziegolf or www.twitter.com/customcreation
ALSO, if you wish to see video of our recent Google projects, simply type in "GOOGLE" in our blog search field.

Google has invited journalists to an event next Tuesday, prompting speculation that they will announce the launch the Google Nexus One mobile phone. The Google Nexus One is the first mobile handset designed entirely by Google. The phone runs Google’s Android operating system and the hardware was designed in collaboration with HTC.

The invite says: “With the launch of the first Android-powered device just over a year ago, we’ve seen how a powerful, open platform can spur mobile product innovation. And this is just the beginning of what’s possible.” Gadget blogs are also quoting leaked documents saying that the phone will be available unlocked for $530 and for $180 as part of a contract with T-Mobile.
(article snipit from http://www.telegraph.co.uk/technology/google/6911323/Google-Nexus-One-pricing-and-launch-date-leak.html)

Our first Blogger Blog post

2009-12-29T23:12:00.002-05:00

Wow this social networking stuff is pretty crazy, isn't it? For us here at Custom Creations and Krazie Golf it certainly has enabled us to raise the bar on our abilities. We have tried to post on a regular basis but have found that to do so is not as easy as one might think. And while we do find it important to keep our followers, clients and potential clients alike informed of our latest black light miniature golf projects, laser mazes an family fun center theming, it is equally important to spend as much quality time with our family as possible. Thus a juggling act makes it's way into the center stage: the iPhone Blogger Blog app!

Personally I love the iPhone and all of it's great business abilities and apps. I am writing this entry with it now! So, here it is. Social media, updating our blog, keeping our clientele in the loop and spending more time with the family. All possible with the modern day technology at hand.

Curious to see what we are currently working on here at the shop? Well, here is a clue. It has to do with everything I just mentioned above. There is a huge, and I mean HUGE rumor out about a certain new gadget. The buzz is all over the technology sites and office cooler cluches. Could it be that we have the inside scoop? Hmmmmmmm. IDK. All I can say for now is: Stay tuned to find out!

Until then, enjoy the rest of 2009 and have a great 2010!

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Off to Chicago

2009-12-20T01:55:00.002-05:00

While this, our latest install, is now installed, we thought you would like to see a little more about us and how we get around... join us won't you, as we head off to Chicago via the ferry from Weehawken NJ, to NYC, E train into Queens and then try to fool Luc into thinking we missed our stop! All this....Plus a bag of chips...on our next installment!

Luc is stuck in Chicago

2009-12-19T20:40:00.001-05:00

Lets send some warm thoughts to our man Luc. He was up in Lake Zurich this weekend to finalize our latest Black Light miniature putt course : "Lazy Largo Island" at www.putt-n-play.com
He was supposed to have returned home by now on Jetblue, but his flight was canceled for 6:00am Sunday. I just now got an email from Jetblue that indicated his flight was once again canceled until this Monday at 6:00am. Sorry Luc, at least you have a nice warm hotel to stay at instead of a cold airport floor! (Do we know how to take care of our people or what?!?)
Keep warm in the Hilton's jacuzzi tub LUC!

Our Latest 18 hole Black light mini golf is called "lazy largo island". It has a tropical, laid back feel with tiki's, over sized parrots, sharks, surfboards and cheeseburgers! If you should find yourself in the Chicago area: Lake Zurich, you should definitely give yourself a real treat and stop in to play a round. Heck, play 2 rounds!

Vegas Baby part 2

2009-12-12T22:13:00.001-05:00

We are falling behind on our postings and I hope to get the majority uploaded fast. Here Luc boasts about a bunch of things that Custom Creations can make.

If you would like a bunch of things from Custom Creations, give us a call at bla bla bla bla bla bla

But to be completely serious, if you are looking for creative black light miniature golf courses or laser mazes or simply outstanding theming (is there such a thing as "simple" when it comes to outstanding?), Give us a call!

The Google Street View Trike

2009-11-24T23:16:00.005-05:00

So COOL ! Google is introducing the Street View Trike !
At the 0:06 mark, the trike passes by Google HQ, where our Oversized Android Robot, Google Cupcake and Google Donut is sitting. Unfortunately, the video was taken before our Google Eclair was delivered, but hey, we are glad to see our product out there!

I need to see the trike view of Google HQ now, just to see the props up close!

Vegas Baby

2009-11-20T04:54:00.001-05:00

We've said it before, but never has it been so true.... We can make anything... ANYTHING out of styrofoam!

IAAPA '09 Booth Setup

2009-11-17T05:16:00.002-05:00

Here we are at our annual trade show the mother of all shows; IAAPA (International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions), where we get to show off our sculptural abilities including our Black Light mini golf, Black Light Laser Maze and General Theming and Signage.

Come on down and get a free photo of yourself with us, or yourself wit our props. Free Photos courtesy of: www.triprism.com

It's IAAPA time!

2009-11-16T12:56:00.002-05:00

Well, we haven't posted anything in a while, due to being very very busy, and we have Many Many videos that need posting.

We are prepping for our IAAPA '09 show in Vegas and will be setting up our booth today for the show opening tomorrow (Tuesday - Friday) if you are attending the show, please make a point of passing by booth #5635 there will be much to view!

Eclair or not to Eclair?

2009-10-14T11:05:00.005-04:00

Eclair
Originally uploaded by customcreationstheming

Here's Gio contemplating what could be the next giant pastry Google Corp. will ask Custom Creations to make! A 10 foot tall flan? A dainty 5 foot creme brulee or even and old fashioned sundae? The possibilities are endless!

The 10' Long Eclair has made it's way to the Google campus, joining the Android, Cupcake and Donut. We don't know what will come next from Google Corp. (or do we???) but we do know it will be HUGE!

Swine Flu Comes Full Circle

2009-10-07T16:17:00.003-04:00

Here's a video from this past winter with us taking precautions against the swine flu. With all the controversy surrounding the H1N1 vaccine, maybe you should take a couple of tips from us:

The Swine Flu is upon us and we have taken all steps necessary to protect ourselves, in order to get our project done without getting sick.

This is just another fine example of the steps we take to make sure that our clients are happy with the results of our hard work and creativity. In these troubled times protection is key. Remember: No glove, No love!

I can haz donuts?

2009-10-02T13:38:00.005-04:00

Check out this article on Phandroid and the nice link back to our videos where you get to see the making of the Google cupcake.

Thanks for the link and the great photo shown here!

Haunted Attraction Photo Op

2009-09-25T16:16:00.002-04:00

As of this video posting, we are selling this monstrous, gory, oversized, photo, opportunity sculpture. This is great for all haunters, professional or residential!

Call us for a price (201) 223-5125. Hurry up, or it's going in front of my home and I will be the one to get all the news and press coverage and then you'll be jealous!

King of the Road

2009-09-21T12:00:00.003-04:00

Goliath
Originally uploaded by customcreationstheming

Goliath left the shop and was heading down the highway, looking for adventure and whatever comes his way...okay, I'll stop now.

We'd love to see any photos taken by anyone lucky enough to see him on the road. Drop us a line and send us your photos of our nine foot tall King of the Road!

Goliath

2009-09-16T13:11:00.004-04:00

Goliath
Originally uploaded by customcreationstheming

Here's our magnificent Goliath which will ship out on Saturday. All 9 feet of him is ready for some hardcoating then painting then it's off to South Dakota! Click on his photo to be taken to the Flickr set for more shots.

Monster in the Shop

2009-09-11T15:03:00.004-04:00

This 3d sculpted monster needs a good home (the prop, not the Luc - we need him here).

Makes a great photo op display or lawn ornament. Great for haunted attractions, parks or any crazy venue.

Interested? Give us a call! He's ready to ship right now!

Goliath

2009-09-09T09:05:00.002-04:00

Here's a photo of our latest sculpture in progress "Goliath". That's the King of Huge himself, Gio, standing next to it. It will be over 9 feet tall, a towering, massive piece of brilliance sculpted by our fine artists here at Custom Creations.

You know you want one. Give us a call and get your own!

Halloween Monster

2009-09-01T14:59:00.004-04:00

Here's a Halloween photo prop we're working on at the shop. With Halloween fast becoming the most popular holiday in the US, many parks and recreation centers are staying open past Labor Day to help families celebrate the fall festivities.

Give us a call and let's build something just for you this season!

Coaster Warriors!

2009-08-14T14:07:00.002-04:00

Our good friend Jeff Guilkey has posted a fantastic video. If you're a rollercoaster fan check out Coaster Warriors. Jeff has a new website devoted exclusively to theme parks, amusement parks, family entertainment centers, ride manufactures, park chains, roller coasters, thrill rides, and so much more coming in the spring of 2010 called Theme Park Channel. He's our number one fan and we appreciate all of his support and most of all enthusiasm for the work we do.

Thanks Jeff!

Sinbad's mini Golf Part 3/3

2009-07-29T15:54:00.002-04:00

This is it... The detailed walk thru.
Here we take you on a tour of our latest install: "Sinbad's Black Light Mini Golf Adventures". Room by room, you get to see the detail and understand why we are different from the competition. Why our theming looks so TREMENDOUS. Why we don't give you the same old, same old. And most importantly, WHY you should give us a call to build YOUR black light miniature Golf course!

Sinbad's Black Light mini golf Play Through Pt 2/3

2009-07-28T21:11:00.001-04:00

A play through on our latest Black Light Mini Golf install for Plaza Lanes in Femont Ohio

Our latest Krazie Golf, black light mini golf install: "Sinbad's Black Light Mini Golf Adventures" which can be found at Plaza Lanes in Fremont Ohio.

This video shows a quick room by room

For a detailed viewing, see part 3/3 "Sinbad's Mini Golf, Detailed walk through"

Sinbad mini golf install Part 1/3

2009-07-28T21:04:00.003-04:00

Our latest Krazie Golf, black light mini golf install: "Sinbad's Black Light Mini Golf Adventures" which can be found at Plaza Lanes in Fremont Ohio. This video shows a quick pre-set up of our props and murals. Each room was prepped with their respective sculptures, so that we could get to the nitty gritty install right away. To see the finished videos view all 3 parts !!!

In the news

2009-07-28T09:24:00.002-04:00

Here's a link to an article written about Gio's supersized talents and how he became the "King of Huge". Click here to read all about it!

BOUNCED CHECK ALERT !

2009-07-06T17:01:00.013-04:00

Franks Big Chair, aka: Shore Shots

The company we made the oversized Chair and other oversized props for, has not only bounced their check on us, but is NOW CLEARLY AVOIDING us.

How could this happen one would ask? What Happened?

I guess the answer is that you truly learn something new EVERY DAY. in this case, we learned that even if you have a contract with someone, DO NOT repeat: DO NOT delivery your goods until the check has cleared and the cash is in your bank. We have a contract and received the check. unfortunately for us, we did not receive notice from our bank that Mr. Killino's check was a member of the NBA until after the goods were shipped out. (which leads to other questions to the bank's ways of business, as an email alert would have been better than the mail notice, don't you think?)

What was his reason? Apparently, the oversized props he ordered were too BIG, and that he could in NO WAY use them. Can you imagine that? Now of course this an out and out lie, because we have already received reports that he has been using our props since the 4th of July weekend. So, we have repeatedly called Mr. Killino with no avail until last Thursday, when he sincerely apologized for his situation and admitted that he HAS been using the props. "So where is my money" I asked Frank. "Oh I'm sorry, I will overnight you a certified check making good on my previous check" he says. Well, would any of you reading this be surprised to know that the overnight check was never received? HA!

That RAT BASTARD !

I just called him to tell him that what he did was literally take food out of my 3 yr old son's mouth.

Maybe he should hear from a few others and be asked, no... be told, to pay up.

Who knows, maybe he will come to his senses and be professional?

Frank Killino's cell: (856) 904-1977 Although the phone always says that the mailbox is full

maybe he can be reached at home: (609) 224-5221 here at least I get to leave a message

or his email: killino@comcast.net

If any of you can please pass along to contact Mr. Killino as well as pass this warning not to do business with Frank Killino of Shore Shots on 2902 Boardwalk in Wildwood NJ, I think it's time for his "wake up call".

Luc's Fan Video's

2009-07-05T01:47:00.008-04:00

Our good buddy Luc has graced us with these funny vids making fun of....well...ME. I love it! I hope that it will open the flood gates to other similar videos from other viewers and fans. SO don't be shy, go ahead and submit your own "Gio here, from Custom Creations" videos! Lets see whatcha got!

Check Bouncing Frank Killino's BIg Chair

2009-06-26T02:02:00.002-04:00

Have you ever walked down the board walk, spotted an oversized chair and thought to yourself: "man, my day just wouldn't be complete if I did not have a picture of me in that oversized chair", or "I so have to have a photo of me in that huge chair". well, being the king of HUGE, we have taken that thought and raised the bar. Here is a taste of that bar's position: The overall project is a beach scene which consists of an oversized lifeguard chair, an 8' sand castle 2 life preservers, a 10' L surf board, a muscle man and bikini clad woman relief sculpt. Check it out...

Live ustream.tv feed of a sculpture this Friday 6/26/09 !

2009-06-17T22:53:00.016-04:00

We will holding a live www.ustream.tv feed of a current sculpting project for a Wildwood NJ client. I think it would be fun to show how we rip into the sculpts and demonstrate some skills. As some of you have already viewed in our production video's and already know that we have fun at what we do, but of course it would certainly be more fun if there were an audience involved and participate in some Q&A.

So, on Friday June 26th, 3:00 pm eastern time, we are wanting to experiment a little. This will be live and you will have a chance to interact with us at the shop.

The sculpt project is a multiple component project: An oversized photo op theme for a boardwalk Photo OP center. The project consists of a hugely oversized life guard chair which (the center of attraction) which will be able to fit about 25+ people. An 8' tall sand castle, oversized life preservers, 10' tall surf board a characterized relief sculpted muscle man where you place your head on his body and the piece that I will be sculpting live: a characterized relief sculpted sexy woman, where you place your head in on the body. Together, the project makes for a great photo op as well as being able to use each component separately! I hope that I can spark enough interest in viewership.

To comment during the show, you will need to log onto www.ustream.tv and open a free account. Once you have done that look for us under GIOCAL, which is me: Giovanni Calabrese

Hope to see you all then!

Thanks, Giovanni

Americans to spend more on entertainment

2009-06-16T23:25:00.011-04:00

I thought the below attached article was an interesting read and agree with the report. What this basically means to me is that local FEC's will be seeing some serious black in their bottom lines. They will however be competing against each other, so I offer one bit of advise... No one will come to your fun center if your fun center "aint" FUN! See my video blurb here. If you think that simply painting your FEC walls primary colors will make your place "fun", I am sorry to tell you that you are mistaken. Fun means having a mix of all the right things. From video games, to redemption, to interactive involvement all the way to the overall layout. YES the layout! I recently received a desired floor plan from a client who is looking for an 18 hole black light miniature golf setup in a 5,000 sq ft location. My immediate question was why an 18 hole? Why not a 9 hole and mix the rest of the location with other "FUN" stuff? Why crowd an already small space with one attraction leaving room for very little more? Now don't get me wrong, It's not that I don't want to sell an 18 hole glow golf course, of course I do. But this is not the client for it. I certainly couldn't and wouldn't bring myself to doing such an underhanded move, as the sheer sight of the floor plan almost spelt out disaster on the pocket. Today's FEC's, if planned for "fun" will be successful, even in today's economy. If anything, this economy is just right for FEC's, for the sheer reason of "Daycations" and Staycations".

What are your thoughts???

Here is the article:

The number of US residents spending money on out-of-home entertainment is on the rise, according to research.
The Harris Interactive poll found that although the majorities are still inclined to decrease spending on eating out and entertainment, the numbers are better than they had been two months ago. read more here

Play Atlantis Pt 3

2009-06-11T23:40:00.001-04:00

Well here it is... day three of what should have been a 2 day install. We were hoping that the trucking delivery of our props would have taken place on Saturday, but they could not get there until Monday morning. Oh well, some times these things happen, which is why it is always a good idea to plan ahead.

Play Atlantis of Melvindale Mi is the newest installation of our
Krazie-Golf tm black light miniature golf: "Neptune's Labyrinth".

When owners Mike K ostrzewa and Eric Anderson decided to turn their 33,000 sq ft. warehouse into a family fun center and include a black light mini golf, the choice to use Krazie-Golf tm was easy.

Both owners were amazed at so many sculptures were spread out across the floor as they were being unloaded off the truck this past Monday morning. Owner Eric Anderson commented: "is all that stuff going in there"? referring to the 2100 sq ft space alloted to the mini golf. There were still some walls that needed to be built by the owners, but as soon as the installation was completed from the Krazie-Golf tm crew, the owners immediate reaction was an overwhelming "WOW"! "I've seen nothing like this. Nothing that compares" states Eric Anderson. He's right. Nothing compares. We take pride in our work from design to fabrication, we cut no corners no matter what the challenges are.

Are you building a new FEC or upgrading an existing one? We would love to hear from you and discuss how we can help you with your plans. We hope that this video helps answer questions that you may have about our services and how we can work with your plans.

We look forward to hearing from you!!!

Play Atlantis Pt 2

2009-06-08T01:26:00.001-04:00

part 2 of our install (sunday)
The trucker is on route for a Monday morning delivery. Our sculpts are inside and are raring to get installed. (so am I) Need to get home and give a big hug and squeeze to my family!

Play Atlantis

2009-06-06T21:28:00.001-04:00

The newest of our black light Miniature golf installations in Melvindale, MI. Here is a behind the scenes look at how the deal goes down!

On The Road Again

2009-06-05T15:25:00.002-04:00

Gio has left the building.

If you're headed out to visit the world's largest tire in Detroit or you just feel like visiting Melvindale, MI, be on the lookout for Gio and Carlos the Second who are on a road trip to install Play Atlantis, a blacklight minigolf experience.

I call it "blacklight minigolf experience" because it will be unlike any other in the area. This location will have an underwater theme and each prop is sculpted by hand from original designs produced in house by our staff of artists. There will be about 25 large hand painted murals, major props like the whale in this photo hung from the ceiling, hand painted and sculpted coral.

It will be phenomenal!

The birth of VaynerMedia

2009-05-28T16:16:00.001-04:00

The VERY first episode of winelibrary and the birth of VaynerMedia.

Put the FUN back in Fun Center

2009-05-28T15:50:00.003-04:00

We just concluded a business development meeting here at the shop. After discussing several fun center related "things", the conclusion was this:

"You can't have fun at the Fun Center,
if the Fun Center aint FUN" !

Seriously... why would anyone, ANYONE, want to go to a boring fun center? It's not just the video games and rides that give the "fun center" it's meaning, it's the EYE CANDY. It's the THEMING. It's the SIGNAGE. It's the overall first impression you make on your clients and in today's economy, if you fail at making that first impression with a fun center, you will fail at keeping that client for your ROI.

Theming helps to create a long lasting memory that is shared amongst friends and family. It transports you to a virtual land of make believe adding to the center's attractions/rides stand out from the competition and thereby helping to make the fun center FUN.

My worst experiences in fun centers have been walking into rooms with nothing but brightly painted walls. How is that supposed to convey fun? Who's idea was it to paint each wall a different bright color and what made them think that dong this would bring in crowds of people?

Are you opening a fun center or looking to renovate an existing one? Remember one thing: Keep the FUN in Fun Center !

Play Atlantis and Another Road Trip!

2009-05-27T14:58:00.005-04:00

We should be on the road again the second week of June, this time heading out to Melvindale, MI to install a nine hole blacklight course called "Play Atlantis". You can see sample photos here.

This course is going to be a great success for owners Mike Kostrzewa and Eric Anderson. Indoor mini golf is the perfect year round sport that entire families can enjoy together. Children love the funny fishes and pint sized putters while teenagers enjoy the very cool atmosphere of playing in blacklight and parents' hearts swell with happiness at seeing the family together having fun.

While we're motoring around Melvindale, we're going to check out the world's largest tire because we are the King of Huge, after all.

We look forward to a fantastic grand opening for Play Atlantis opening soon in June. See you there!

Google Android

2009-05-24T00:08:00.001-04:00

The Android Robot was a mad rush job for Google in October of 2008. It was completed in all of four very long days and stands 13 feet tall and is 7' - 6" in diameter. We made it to ship out in four pieces and easy to assemble.

Quick fact - the truck left our shop on a Friday at 7:30 pm and made it to the Google Campus that Monday at 5:30 AM. Now THAT'S service!!!!! (Not like Roadway who lost our Funexpo crates for a month. They suck and I wouldn't recommend them to anyone. Unless of course you wish to lose your shipment) The trucking company we used for the Google Shipments was Jo-Ed Trucking.

Back to Android: Google absolutely loved our work, and really, what's not to love? Even retired U.S. General Colin Powell loves our work - OR- he would never have agreed to a photo with the Robot. (as seen in the video & posted previously)

BTW: He was reported to have said these very words: "Man oh man, if I had this Android Robot, created by no other than Custom Creations, I could have sent people running for the hills"! (That's what I was told he said. Who am I to say that he didn't, right?)

Happy Memorial Day Weekend!

2009-05-22T20:06:00.005-04:00

We just got back from Funtown Splashtown USA where we freshened up the giant Chinese dragon entryway we made for their Dragon's Descent ride. It's a fantastic sculpture measuring 31 feet wide by 18 feet high. We made this amazing sculpt back in 2001. It took us 60 days to complete at 18 hour days and earned us IAAPA's honorable mention award for "Best New Product".

The dragon had 2,189 large scales each with 5 hash cuts, thats 10,945 cuts. The medium scales amounted to over 1000 and small scales amounted to over 650. It was delivered in 5 sections on 2 flatbed trucks

You can see photos of how we made it here.

Funtown Splashtown USA is a beautiful place and we wish we could have stayed through the weekend to enjoy the rides and attractions.

Alas, duty called and we were off to our next project at Canobie Lake Park to repaint a shark kiosk that serves frozen ice. The weather was perfect for shark painting, bright sunshine and a nice breeze and the sound of peacocks calling in the background. Being city folk, we were awed by all the beautiful birds at the park that weren't pigeons. We hope to return soon to Canobie and enjoy this historic park especially when our new signs are installed. You can see the giant fries, sub sandwich, pizza and sub sandwich in the videos posted here previously.

Gio promises to work all weekend on new videos for the blog and believe me, they'll be worth the wait. Maybe my dancing on top of the dragon's back will make the director's cut! (and then again maybe not)

Want Fires with dat?

2009-05-17T12:32:00.001-04:00

Order up!
Did someone order fires and super size it for a little extra? You bet: Here is a looky look at the completed Canobie Lake Park signage!
I think I need a biggie shake to wash that down!

Fathead TV spot

2009-05-14T09:14:00.002-04:00

Here is another fine example of an oversized prop built by who? Us of course!

In the summer of 2007, we were asked to build a four foot 35mm camera for a Fathead TV commercial.

We were given only FOUR days to build it.

The result was both hilarious and HUGE !

Thumb War with Gary Vaynerchuk

2009-05-14T00:24:00.002-04:00

As some of you know, I am a fan of Wine Library TV and its host Gary Vaynerchuk. Today, Gary announced the pre-sale of his new book "Crush It!". The announcement inspired me to re-post an old video of ours where I had the opportunity to thumb wrestle Gary (a self proclaimed thumb war champ). The event took place at a Tweetup hosted by Gary Vaynerchuk, (twitter @garyvee) and put together by @eva_abreu at the Wine Library in Springfield, NJ.

I challenged Gary to a thumbwar. Knowing I would be confronted by the man, I had put much training into the challenge the night before (note the Rip Van Winkle style beard - I was up all night). I did not have this the day before, yet somehow the sheer physical drain on my body produced it. (Actually, I had grown it as a fundraiser for the great cause Give Kids The World - see prior videos) The result of my overnight cramming? EPIC, KILLER, SHATTERING, SHEER LEGACY! (for Gary, of course)

Will I be looking for a re-match?

YOU BETTER BELIEVE IT.

Canobie Lake, part 6 fried DOH!

2009-05-11T00:51:00.001-04:00

Dont hate us because we build great themed props for family entertainment centers, themed environments for amusement parks, black light miniature golf courses and 3-D sculpted signs! We work very VERY hard at what we do and after 18 years in the business, we just want to strut our stuff. Which is exactly what happens in this episode of our Canobie Lakes sign project.

PS: Our new web page will soon be up. Stay Tuned!

National Mini Golf Day

2009-05-08T15:44:00.004-04:00

On Saturday, May 9, all of America will venture outdoors to play a round of mini golf. This is a time honored holiday that some historians have debated goes back many hundreds of years and may have originated in Scotland. Others, believe it only began recently with the opening of the Paramus, NJ mini golf.

What sets this outdoor mini golf course apart from others are the props. The props are creative, whimisical, original and were designed and hand made by Custom Creations (that's us!). This is not your old lady mini golf course with a couple of fountains and tasteful landscaping. This course is fun and unique for the whole family. Take a look for yourself here

Besides fantastic outdoor mini golf courses, we also make blacklight mini golf props that are the hands down, very best, one of a kind, most creative, most incredible, just the all around best you'll find anywhere. Look here and be prepared to be amazed. In fact, we're so amazing - look who dropped by today to help us celebrate National Mini Golf Day:

He knows who the real King is!

It's on like Donkey Kong!

2009-05-07T16:28:00.000-04:00

The number 5635 will soon bring on a TREMENDOUS meaning!

This will be one for the record books. Stay tuned...

Also, we are hard a work on our projects and have not since posted our latest webisodes, but I promise to asap! The projects are Krazie cool and will soon be out for delivery!

To all our readers -and you know who you are- please sign up to our RSS feed. We would love to hear from everyone: Amazon, Google, the Linkedin followers, the guys in London, Mass, Sydney, Broo-Ku-Leen, and yes, even you up in Canada !!!

A special hello to our good friends in Huatulco Mexico! We miss you BIG TIME !!!

Canobie Lake Part 5

2009-05-06T00:32:00.001-04:00

It's Cinco de Mayo and the festivities continue here at Custom Creations in pandemic proportions. But be careful, the swine flu is still lurking about in this 5th edition of our Canobie Lake Park signage project.

Canobie Lake Part 4

2009-05-05T18:03:00.002-04:00

The Swine Flu is upon us and we have taken all steps necessary to protect ourselves, in order to get our project done without getting sick.

This is just another fine example of the steps we take to make sure that our clients are happy with the results of our hard work and creativity. In these troubled times protection is key. Remember: No glove, No love!

"Once on This Island" Tree

2009-05-04T14:21:00.005-04:00

When Ridgefield Memorial High School in Ridgefield, NJ needed a hero prop for their production of "Once On This Island", they turned to Custom Creations to get the job done. Here are a couple of photos of the tree at our shop.

Gary Bonacci, self proclaimed "volunteer stage and theater construction advisor technician or something" knew that if he had to make the tree out of wood, mesh, paper and fiberglass, it would weigh a ton and take a month to make it. Having hero props for the high school made by Custom Creations in the past, Gary knew that they made things fast, lightweight and strong and approached owner Giovanni Calabrese, a Ridgefield school board member, who generously donated the tree to the high school. (Just in case the taxpayers were wondering- wink wink)

The tree was made in one day and then the students painted it at the school. "This isn't the first time we have made hero props for school plays. Over the years, we have had several schools contact us for our work. Of course the other schools were charged an affordable fee but Ridgefield's hero prop was free of charge" quoted Giovanni.

Needless to say (but we'll say it anyway), the play was a smash hit. With the tree as an integral part of the play, being featured in about 80% of the scenes, who would doubt that it would be anything less than a hit? But seriously, the Ridgefield High School students are incredibly talented - from the the actors to the musicians to the "behind the scenes" crew. They have a bright future.

Great job everyone!

There's a Pandemic at Custom Creations and Stivens is in the middle of it!

2009-05-03T00:29:00.003-04:00

Canobie Lake Part 3

2009-04-30T01:56:00.002-04:00

Here is Part 3 in our 3-D sculpted sign project for Canobie Lake Park. I will be the first to say that I was not at the shop on this day. I was away on "special assignment" so I asked Maritza to tape an episode. Sometimes you just need to let go and leave the job to someone else. This was not one of those times.

All joking aside, did you know that aside from oversized sculpts like the ones created for Google Android and their Cupcake, Custom Creations also excels in signage of any size?!?

Follow this exciting webisode to see how the projects for Canobie Lake Park turns out! (I promise, I won't leave again).

Cupcake Client Revealed

2009-04-28T17:58:00.002-04:00

Here it is!!!!! The secret is officially out!! WOW this cupcake weighs a whopping 465 lbs. Ingredients include: 350lbs of flour, either many, many eggs, or just one from a really big chicken, a pinch of sugar, a barrel of butter, 200 gallons of milk and a dab of Custom Creations. (isn't that sweet?)

But seriously, we put some amazing effort in getting this tremendous cupcake done in no time at all for their product launch: "Cupcake",
a software development application for its Android 1.5 software update!

Q: did you know that Custom Creations also built the 13ft tall Android seen in the background? Why yes we did!

Want to learn more? Want to see more?
Well, it's coming. That and MUCH MUCH more!

Question of the Day

2009-04-28T11:06:00.001-04:00

How many engineers does it take to uncrate a cupcake?

Latest and Greatest

2009-04-27T12:48:00.002-04:00

Never fear! We're hard at work here at the shop and will be posting new videos and photos for your enjoyment very soon.

We love you, we miss you. Call us. Please.

(Does that sound desperate? It's not meant to be. But call us. Seriously.)

The Cupcake has arrived!

2009-04-21T17:30:00.002-04:00

This just in from our top secret client: The Cupcake project has arrived in California! (oops, I just let out another clue as to who the project is for) Oh well... Did that clue ring any bells? (darn, did it again)... It's been a long day.

Canobie Lake Episode 2

2009-04-21T15:59:00.002-04:00

We must be chefs, 'cause were cookin' up a storm here at the shop. Form a straight line and be sure to know what you want to order or there's no soup for you!

Here is episode 2 of our amazing 3-D sculpted signs for Canobie Lake.

Canobie Lake 3-D Signage

2009-04-21T14:08:00.003-04:00

Did you know that Custom Creations also makes 3-D sculpted signs? Not only do we excel in oversized sculpts, black light miniature golf and other fun theming for family entertainment centers and amusement parks, but our abilities also translate well into signage of any size! Follow this exciting webisode to see how the projects for Canobie Lake Park turns out!

Top Secret Project - Episode 5 - Cupcake Painted

2009-04-17T03:02:00.004-04:00

Well, here it is: the cupcake is painted and ready for delivery. Remember, we can't tell you who the client is until their product launch. (We do believe we have dropped some good hints along the way)

In the meantime, this is what our client has said about our last two projects for them:

"Giovanni, you and your team did an incredible job -- against all odds and a crazy, unrealistic schedule. You rocked!" and

"That is SO AWESOME. Perfect!" ... AR

Top Secret Project Episode 4 - The Secret Revealed

2009-04-16T02:08:00.002-04:00

Here it is. The long awaited answer to what we're making. Did you guess correctly? Now that you know what it is, can you guess who it's for and why?

I certainly gave you a good amount of clues!

(Painted view to be posted tomorrow night.)