Wonderland Expedition Kit: greatest gift ever?

The Lucky Girl sez, "My incredible boyfriend Absinthetic made me a Wonderland Expedition kit, from back in 1867 when a biology professor was sent to investigate the tragic fire and curious occurrences surrounding the Liddell house fire. It's full of samples and documentation from the final known trip down the rabbit hole, and is also completely awesome. "

Now, this is true love. Have I mentioned that Alice in Wonderland is my favorite book? And the first book I ever read to myself? And that I'm married to an Alice? Wonderland expedition kit (Thanks, That Lucky Girl!)

[#1 posted by elmow , August 2, 2008 12:54 PM]

This is such an amazing gift. The best gifts are the truly thoughtful ones and this must have taken a lot of work. Very cool.

I keep a close eye on your AiW posts; it has always been my favorite book, too.

[#2 posted by Takuan , August 2, 2008 1:03 PM]

a labour of love. THIS is the kind of thing we should spend our time on.

[#3 posted by zootboing , August 2, 2008 1:06 PM]

Oh Wow.
Alice in Wonderland is one of my favorites too.
I Actually had a roles-assigned Costume Alice In Wonderland party for my 18th, and my brilliant friend who came as the Jabberwock made a mask that I am prepping to hang on my office wall this fall.
Lucky Girl- that has got to be the most loving well-thought-out gift I've ever seen.
Foolish gentlemen who think DeBeers=Love, please take note. THIS is the way to a woman's heart!

[#4 posted by thelibrarianne , August 2, 2008 1:24 PM]

That's the most amazing gift I've seen in a while! I love Alice in Wonderland too- I'm extremely jealous. Kudos, Absinthetic.

[#5 posted by Alys , August 2, 2008 2:02 PM]

Now *that* is one heck of a gift.
I especially like the 'Miskatonic University' references.

[#6 posted by absinthetic , August 2, 2008 2:23 PM]

Thanks guys, but the true credit lies with AlexCF (www.alexcf.com), his kits were the inspiration for this...if you want to see some REAL talent, check out his work. :)

[#7 posted by elmow , August 2, 2008 5:58 PM]

Hey Absinthetic! AlexCF's kits are fabulous, very imaginative...but what impressed me about your kit was the thought, the time and the effort you put into making a gift for Lucky Girl. Inspiration is one thing; follow-through is something else. The attention to detail was a bonus. She is Lucky indeed.

[#8 posted by byronba , August 2, 2008 6:17 PM]

Speaking of Alice in Wonderland. I just ran across a re-telling of the Wonderland story by Frank Beddor. There are a series of books starting with
The Looking Glass Wars which then moves on to
Seeing Redd (The Looking Glass Wars) and a few others as well that fill in the back-story.

So far I've only picked up "Seeing Redd" but now I want to get the others too.

[#9 posted by tim , August 2, 2008 9:25 PM]

FWIW I used to work for Alice's great-grandnephew @ Interval Research. Interesting chap.

[#10 posted by tboot , August 3, 2008 12:41 AM]

I'd love to see more cool homemade gifts. Might make a nice ongoing feature.

[#11 posted by Mithrandir , August 3, 2008 5:20 AM]

Charles Dodgson was most likely a pedophile.

[#12 posted by Sean Grimm , August 3, 2008 12:28 PM]

@11

Yeah, wow, really adding to the conversation with that. As far as current evidence suggests there is no proof. There is some definite speculation due to Dodgson/Carroll's enamoredness with young girls while some people are outright convinced because he had the hobby of photographing girls in the nude. Something that is still done in modern times by artists, although there are still accusations.

Anyway, that kit is absolutely wonderful. A labor of love.

[#13 posted by J Joslin , August 4, 2008 9:05 AM]

I think that this is a lovely, romantic gesture. However, Cory, I question your choice to promote a piece of art made in a style that is clearly appropriated from another artist. As Absinthetic himself says, quite graciously, "The true credit lies with AlexCF (www.alexcf.com)...if you want to see some REAL talent, check out his work." I must say that I agree with him. How about it Cory? We'd love to see a post on AlexCF's marvelous creations!

[#14 posted by ctp , August 4, 2008 11:07 AM]

Wonderful work...as is AlexCF's. I have a question though: Why do I love stuff like this so much? This is not rhetorical, nor do I have any problem with liking it so much - I really just want to understand it better. What is it about this kind of stuff? I remember being captivated by the Griffin and Sabine books, even though i knew full well that I was looking at something mass produced - not even hand crafted like this work - it still hit me in the same place. When I come across kits like this that _have_ been handcrafted so well I really can't adequately describe the feelings that come over me. Anyone care to analyze it? Or if any analysis has been done post a link?
Many thanks!
CTP

[#15 posted by ctp , August 4, 2008 12:41 PM]

I forgot to mention it, but the work of Joseph Cornell touches that nerve for me as well - just without the joyous unpackability :)

[#16 posted by eustace , August 4, 2008 7:23 PM]

Talented artist sets bar high for gift-giving!
This is a gift that would not be out of place in a gallery.