Blog closed

I'm closing my blog. See you around the spiral.

Tenth Annual Best Little Dorm in Wizard City-- Winners

Congratulations, as always Wizard Players came out in force with some very unique dorms. Without further waiting here are your winners!

Grand

Erica

 It was a late night and I was laying in my bed viewing my Shadowbox of vacation memories thinking about where I wanted to go on my next vacation. Before I knew it I was sound asleep and dreaming of two wonderful location which happen to be total opposite of each other. They were so clear in my mind, it was like I was transported from my bed to this beautiful location of impossibility. One side was a summery beach and the other was a winter wonderland.

 The Mantle Clock can be found on top of the well in the winter wonderland side and is used to bring out more of the woodworking details. The Palm Fronds are used to help create an island backdrop for the land side of the beach. The Padded Stool is placed in the sand so it appears to be a Frisbee that can be tossed around on the beach. Lastly, the Theater Mask and Dragon Pedestal are used in the Shadowbox and are 2 of Erica's favorite vacation treasures.

First

Iridian Willowglen

The Conjurer’s Collaboration Conference (or CCC because educators love to abbreviate) was held this summer at Ravenwood School of Magical Arts. In order to accommodate all of the participants from Pigswick Academy and The Arcanum, all faculty members had to share rooms. Organizers felt it was best to randomly pick names to assign dorm rooms. Unfortunately, this led to more than a few conflicts! Of course everyone wanted their space to be comfortable during their stay and as soon as they arrived, they pulled out their wands. Poof! Zap! Decorations appeared to suit the inhabitants. Madame Dalia Falmea and Professor Lydia Greyrose were assigned to the same room. They are obviously as different as night and day! Everytime Professor Greyrose crafted a piece of icy furniture, Madame Falmea’s fiery décor would melt it! Professor Greyrose was in a tizzy! Her yarn basket was getting wet! Her favorite plant was getting singed, so she put it in an iceberg to protect it. She loves the theater and her favorite comedyand tragedy masks were so scared they hid in amongst the balls of yarn! She tried casting a blizzard spell, but it just turned to raindrops and made the situation worse. She finally had to call Headmaster Ambrose to intervene. He cast a wall of thermal protection down the middle of the room so the teachers could focus on the conference and not on their décor! He also instructed the committee never to randomly assign teachers to be roommates ever again!

Use of items: Dalia’s pet, Ignatius (dragon pedestal) is playing in the embers of her fireplace. When he’s ready for a nap, he sleeps on his cushion (padded stool). The mantle clock is Dalia’s alarm clock on her bedside table. The comedy and tragedy masks are in the yarn basket next to Lydia’s chair. The palm fronds are in an ice chunk near the door (only visible in picture A).

Second

Katie

Paragraph 1:

The night and day represent two entirely different worlds throughout time. The night embodies the evil and darkness in our lives which juxtaposes the new life and hope of the day. It is the dramatic contrast between these two worlds that signifies the turmoil in our life that portrays the difficult and enlightening experiences of our lives. The night is characterized by the gloominess on one side of the dorm which portrays the fear and grief in our life during times of hardship that is illustrated by the wicked dragons and glum trees. Whilst the distinct vibrant side of the room displays that in despite of tough times, there is always hope. It is the plants and trees that implies renewal and new possibilities during the day. As it is the blooming flower in the center that signifies that it is rather a period of growth and developmental in life which is essential to overcome the obstacles we face. Just as the night and day comes and goes, the encounters of the good and bad are inevitable, that it is bound to our timeline, but it is how we chose to deal with these difficult times that allow us to achieve the best in life. Ultimately, the concept of night and day represents the idea of the good and bad experiences in life.

 Paragraph 2:

The night is denoted by the concept of darkness and evil which is rendered by using dragon pedestals. The dragons, being a symbol of chaos and evil by their petrifying gaze instil the idea of fear and darkness we experience in our life during times of hardship. In contrast, the palm fronds that are used amongst a variety of other plants represent the idea of the renewal and goodness of life during the day. Whilst the integration of the palm fronds in the blooming flower embodies the unfolding of leaves to signify growth. The turmoil of the good and bad times occurs during the length of our lives, where we must endure during these times of distress. This is portrayed by incorporating the padded stools, as it is our patience and resilience that plays a vital role in our development as individuals. Whilst the use of numerous padded stools indicates that we are not alone as individuals, but rather there are other people who bear these challenging times and also there are others that you are united with during this passage of hardship. Throughout time, the night and day pass and switch over, they are never static. This is similar to how our experiences of the good and bad come and go, which is implied by the inclusion of the mantle clock floating above us, as reminder that time always lingering around us. As we endure these difficult times, we often seek to achieve satisfaction and happiness and to others may act like everything fine despite our grief. The theater mask is a symbol of the barrier we put up to others to seem brave despite our suffering during the night.

Third

Keller Spirit

Title: The Iroquois Twins

From the womb of earth arose

Two friends who fought like foes

Though much alike, and twins they were

Dislike and hate shan't cease occur

The twin of night sought darkness and evil

His might was not either gentle nor feeble

The twin of day shone bright like the sun

He fought to atone and slights, undone

As day conquers night, and night conquers day

This is the cycle of our everyday

Bloody is the battle of infinite rift

Always remember each day is a gift

Using the required items as more of the main components in the dorm, rather than an outlier, was my main goal during the build.  Because I based it on the Iroquois legend of creation, I used the palm fronds as substitutes for feathers in the Night twin's headdress.  The back of the mantle clock is used for the base of the headdress, as a replacement for what would normally be animal hide.  Dawning the face of the Night twin is the theater mask; speckled with stars and moons.  My character is used as the Day twin, who I positioned inside a grown, sunk, nimbari brazier as his "light."  I used the cushion of the padded stool as pools of blood to show their everlasting battle.  Lastly, the dragon pedestals are meant to be the hands of Night twin breaking out of the ground.  (Unfortunately, it did not turn out as well as I had hoped.  The hands are easier to visualize by focusing on the mask instead, or squinting, or crossing your eyes.) XD

Judges Choices

Judge A

The use of the five items and decorations brought this dorm together. Paragraphs were very interesting to read.

"Through the Looking Glass"

By: Ellie Rose

Each day is a new beginning. A new slate, a new opportunity, but most of all, a new experience. For Ellie, her day begins the moment her bedside alarm goes off and ends at night when she arrives back home tired, and ready to rest. This daily routine becomes ever so familiar to Ellie. Once the alarm goes off, she hurries down the stairs, greets the dog, waters the plants, and heads straight to her makeup table. This makeup table, plays a significant role in Ellie's life. On this table lies products such as Krokotopian eyeliner, Zafarian imported eyeshadows and an exclusive Wysterian lipstick set designed by Belladonna Crisp. However, as aesthetic this vanity looks, it symbolizes a deeper subject in Ellie's life. This being, her self-confidence. As Ellie stares back at her reflection and a vision of a grotesque stares back at her, she cannot help but feel a sense of obligation to put on a mask of makeup before heading out to explore the spiral. Though, as this routine continues through her everyday life; Days turn into weeks, and weeks turn into months, and months turn into years. By now, her plants have grown and died, and have grown again, and Ellie too, has grown older and wiser. She has learned to grow fonder of herself and begins to reflects back to the days when she let a distorted image of her define her strength as a wizard. As she stares back intensely into the mirror, she no longer sees a grotesque. She sees herself and she is proud. She remembers that she could not have done this without the support of the many impactful wizards surrounding her. She reminds herself on days when she doesn't feel her best, that confidence and self appreciation is not something that can be accomplished in a span of a day, or over a night, but rather it is something that is achieved gradually over time. As day and night come and go, Ellie realizes that with the emmaculate support of her friends and the experiences that have paved the path of her wizard's career, that it didn't matter how others perceived her, but rather how she perceived herself. And at last, through all of it, Ellie finds peace as she now proudly believes that she has become the best version of herself. 

PARAGRAPH 2:

In this dorm, I used the 5 required items to symbolize important aspects in Ellie's journey towards self appreciation. In the perspective of the dorm, the key points to keep in context are time, insecurity, deception, support, and lastly growth. I used the mantle clock to represent time. In Ellie's daily routine, she never fails to wake up to the sound of an alarm. The alarm marks the start of every new day. As night goes and day comes, it becomes more clear to Ellie that makeup plays a big role in her life. At her makeup table, the presence of the dragon pedestal incapsulated in the mirror represents insecurity. As Ellie looks at her reflection and sees herself as a grotesque, she uses that vision as a justification to apply makeup. Often, makeup is considered as a mask-like addition to one's face. Because of this factor, I utilized the theater mask to represent deception.  As these previous furniture items represent the short-comings in Ellie's life, we must also look at the other aspects present in her dorm. I used the requirement of the padded stool to signify support. Located in the window as a plant holder, the padded stool serves symbolically as an object that lifts things up. It also represents the endless love and support that Ellie's friends provide to her. By putting the plant at such height, it is able to flourish and become more radiant as days pass. Very similarly to the plant holder, Ellie's friends and the support system that Ellie has, greatly motivates her to appreciate herself more. Ellie doesn't realize it, but through her morning routine as she tumbles down the stairs, pets her dog and nonchalantly waters her plants, she plays a substantial part in gradually aiding their growth. This leads us to the last and final required item, being the palm fronds. The palm fronds represents growth in Ellie's life. In each passing day, the plants grow more beautiful.  Ellie learns that loving and appreciating herself did not come easy. As the plants grew and bloomed extravagantly, so did Ellie. She is reminded that without the balance of good and bad in her journey, she could not have found the perfect blend to becoming the best version of herself. Ellie's story is often a familiar one amongst many individuals struggling with their self image. However, it is important to reflect on oneselves and remember that Rome wasn't built in a day. If you ever find yourself relating to Ellie, always remember that growth comes with time, and that the experiences learned from the days that come and the nights that go are merely the baby steps in progressing towards happiness. 

Judge B

The eternal struggle - siblings! The story is short but full of punch, I giggled more than once! Loved the shower!

Jacqueline Smith

I really dislike sharing a home with my brother, we are total opposites - like apples and oranges or day and night.  He is dirty and untidy, and I like to be clean with everything in its place.  If you want proof take a gander at the pictures I took whilst he was out.

My brother never throws anything out or puts anything away, so there are always empty cans and cartons lying around – as you can see on his red table with matching stool (about the only thing which matches).  He also refuses to sweep as he doesn’t like the colour of my broom – seriously!  So, all the dirt on his side seems to find its way to the back of his room and now even has ‘shrooms growing.  I suppose you will not be surprised to learn he is never on time, especially now the clock is broken after he threw it in the corner.  My brother is so grubby that there is no way I will let him use my wonderful bath with the dragon shower head. AND he has a really warped sense of humour – he bought the theatre mask and said the sad face was me as I am such a grump, hmph!

Judge C

Great imagination coming up with the 'magical mirror' reflecting the day

Adam RavenSpear

There is a forest with a magical mirror in the center. It is night in the forest, however the reflection in the mirror shows it during the daytime. The mirror also shows a change in season; it is Fall in the forest, but Spring in the reflection. The mirror is guarded by a monster with two heads, each head wearing a mask that is the opposite of the other. The monster can control the time shown in the reflection with the clock it wears.

The padded stools were used to create birds flying in the daytime sky. Palm fronds decorate the forest. Two dragon pedestals were used to create the heads and body of the monster. The monster wears the mask to make it look mysterious, and the clock because it can control time.

Judge D

Wonderful job decorating! Inventive story, I especially liked the reason for bringing the stool!

Kristen MoonDreamer

I received an extremely rare drop: a map to the legendary pirate, Mimic Marauder’s treasure! (He obtained the nickname by being such a spectacular mimic, he would awe entire ship crews with his talent and afterwards, while his audience remained distracted talking about the performance they had just witnessed, he would secretly pillage their ships!) I set sail in my row boat with some supplies and found Mimic's skull-rock cavern, although a serpent was keeping me from collecting some of the treasure. I don't know where time went, but as I looked out of the cave, I knew I was going to be late getting home: the sky was already ablaze with the setting sun, and the moon was high in the sky!

            The Palm Fronds are on the sand, leaning against a barrel; it is a small fan to promote staying cool in the tropical climate. The Padded Stool is on the beach barrel (behind the Palm Fronds), and I brought it on my journey because hours of a wooden row boat seat didn’t sound fun! 😉 The Mantle Clock is on the barrel in the boat, and it is to keep track of time, because rowing in the dark can be dangerous (it also acts as a paper weight for the treasure map). The Theater Mask can be seen on the front of the treasure chest; it is the symbol of the Mimic Marauder! The Dragon Pedestal is by the treasure chest; it is a serpent that seems to have arrived to claim its part of the treasure!

Honorable Mentions

Alex Frost

Mitchell MythHunter

Destinty DragonDreamer

Noah

Julia Fire

Austin Fire

llewella RubyFlame

Jacqueline Sky

Daniel Dragonblade

Brooke Spriteshield

Mark Dragonhaven

Brand Brand

Lucas Silver

Amber Roseblossom

Megan IceBreeze

Random Draws

Dolan FairyGiver

Molly HexSong

Samantha WaterFlower

Morgan Nightshade

ThomasDuskCaster

Julia

Sydney ShadowWalker

Ellie IceRiver

Brian

Keller AnvilHorn

Tenth Annual Best Little Dorm in Wizard City- Contest

I simply love a decorated dorm. 

Soooo....

This contest has ended.
Winners will be posted HERE

Let's get ready to ----DECORATE!!!

Do you have the best dorm in Wizard City?

Do you like to decorate?

The Tenth Annual Best Little Dorm in Wizard City contest starts now! Hurry! You only have until July 22 , 2019 4:00 pm Central to enter. This isn't just any little old decorating contest, though. There are twists and turns ahead!

The Twist:
Decorate your dorm to represent what you think "Night and Day" themed dorm would be like.
Example:  Design your dorm to represent "Night and Day ( It can be literal or philosophical). " Explain in a paragraph your Night and Day theme.
Twist pt 2: You must use all 5 items below.

1. Palm fronds
2. Padded Stool
3. Mantle Clock
4. 1 Theater Mask (Only one, no more than one) Crowned shop 5000 gold
5. Dragon Pedestal

Wizard101 Central Wiki  Has an great search engine to find housing items


Wait! Here's your Turn!

The Turn: 
Write 2 paragraphs : Both paragraphs are important, must have both

Paragraph 1 -Write about how your dorm represents The theme "Night and Day". Explain your theme. Be creative

Paragraph 2 - Focus on the use of the 5  special items. Making a LIST ( as in 1-5) will not be accepted.  Must be in paragraph form

( Be sure to tell the Judges how you used each of the 5 items and how they worked into your dorm room theme and design.)
Putting an item in the corner and saying, oh I dropped that over there, doesn't give the reason why you used that item. 
This is a decorating contest you must at least try to decorate. Glitching is not required to win

( You may add a title.)


Official Rules:
* Using all 5 items pictured above, you must decorate your dorm to represent the theme "Night and Day".
* This contest begins July 12, 2019 and ends July 22, 2019 at 4:00 pm  (Wizard101) Central time. 
* You may use as many other items as you wish to make your dorm complete.
* You may only enter once.
* 2 Paragraphs must be sent with your entry screenshots.
* 3 screenshots will be allowed (no videos), No more than 3.
List of screenshots; 
Do not edit your screenshots. Do not write on your screenshots.
A. Your wizard (with name showing) must be in one of the screenshots. (This screenshot CANNOT use control G or Photomancy)
B. This screenshot must show as many of the 5 items as possible , hidden items must be seen, (Judges cannot tell if you have all 5 items if they can't see them). Any of the 5 items not shown must be seen in one of the other screenshots
C. One best over all screenshot of your dorm room. (This screen shot you CAN use control G).
* All prizes will be awarded Via email of entry.
* Nobody may win in more than one category of prizes.
* To be fair to all entries you must stay within the dorm room space. (If you use floating/castle magic techniques you must stay within the walls of your dorm room.) Sinking items into walls is fine. Outside (Blue areas) walls cannot be seen in screenshots.
* Your wizard name must be sent with your entry. (Such as Paige MoonShade)
* Yes you may use build a castle blocks, though you still must stay within the dorm room walls.
* Friendly suggestion; Don't build your dorm in test realm. Reasoning being test can reset or close at anytime with little notice.


How to enter:
Following the official rules posted above, you will decorate your dorm in a "Night and Day" theme and submit with no more than 3 screen shots of your dorm along with your 2 paragraphs by July 22, 2019 at 4:00 PM Central US time.
How do I submit entries? Send all entries to ContestPaigesPage@gmail.com email.

( If you are under the age of 13 you need to have your parents or guardians permission.)

Late entries will not be accepted. Please make sure everything is correct before sending your entry in. Any entry with more than 3 screenshots and more than 2 paragraphs will be immediately disqualified. No exceptions." No editing will be allowed on screenshots, ( Do not Write on your screenshots). Please take your time and make sure everything is just how you want it.


Please read the Questions and answer in comments before you ask your question it is mostly like already answered. If you get to bottom of page  LOAD MORE for more Q & A. Please do not ask a question that has already been answered a few times . I will not answer the same question that has already been answered please read the Comments to find your answers. 


Good Luck Everyone! 
Here are your prizes. :)
Thank you KingsIsle for these amazing prizes!

Over 30 winners !!!!! 

Prizes:

Grand Prize

30000 Non-Transferable Crowns

EverAfter Village House

Botanical Gardens House

2 Additional Castle Elixirs

Teleport Tapestry Bazaar

Monstrodome

Fantasic Voyage Gaunlet

Gobbler-Vision

6 Sonic Springs

First Place 

30000 Non-Transferable Crowns

EverAfter Village House

1 Additional Castle Elixir

Monstrodome

Gobbler-Vision

6 Sonic Springs

Second Place 

25000 Non-Transferable Crowns

EverAfter Village House

1 Additional Castle Elixir

Gobbler-Vision

6 Sonic Springs

Third Place

20000 Non-Transferable Crowns

EverAfter Village House

1 Additional Castle Elixir

Gobbler-Vision

4 Judges Choice Awards 

25000 Non-Transferable Crowns

EverAfter Village House

Botanical Gardens House

2 Additional Castle Elixirs

Teleport Tapestry Bazaar

Monstrodome

Fantasic Voyage Gaunlet

Gobbler-Vision

6 Sonic Springs

15 Honorable Mentions

5000 Non-Transferable Crowns

Gobbler-Vision

10 Random Draws(valid entries only)

2500 Non transferable Crowns

Gobbler-Vision

*Valid entry = All 5 items, 2 paragraphs, no more than 3 screenshots of your decorated dorm room and your Wizards name.

CODE DETAILS
Codes can be redeemed from any location worldwide, but are only redeemable at http://www.wizard101.com/promo for use on the KingsIsle version of Wizard101. This promotion cannot be redeemed for Gameforge or Taomee hosted versions of the game.
To enter your game code:
* Visit http://www.wizard101.com/promo
* Enter your account information and click LOGIN
* Enter your unique code and press SUBMIT
* Click ACTIVATE CODE
* Redeem your item(s) from the in-game gift window or look for rewards of Crowns to appear in your Crowns History on the Wizard101.com website.
Maximum number of redemption's per code: 1
Maximum number of unique codes that can be redeemed per account from this promotion: 1
If you encounter an problem redeeming your game code, please send an email to community@wizard101.com and include your code and Wizard101 account name, but never the password!


Misc Information:
Name must be shown in one . How to get name to show, Open Spell book-- gear--first joystick--overhead names everyone.

The meaning of Inside the dorm walls. This means You may sink items into wall for a feel but if you have to go outside the wall space to take a screenshot , it's a no.

How to take a Screenshot!
( Advice is to close chat box)
Players can quickly take a screenshot now using the Print Screen button on their keyboard. This will save the file in your C:/Program Files/KingsIsle Entertainment/Wizard101/Bin folder (note this will capture your entire screen, so if you are running Wizard windowed, it will capture everything on your screen) You will see the following text to let you know you took a screenshot. In your email make sure to state which image is A,B or C

Another way to take a screenshot using your Print Screen button. Follow these steps:
while in the game, press Alt+PrtScn buttons
Alt+Tab to desktop and start MSPaint or similar application
create new image file
press Ctrl+V or otherwise paste the clipboard content
save the file in a safe place you'll remember 

(Desktop is what I use) I would name your screenshot A,B or C

You can then either drag your screenshot into your email or add it as attachment to email to my contest email. 

Decorating month is postponed

Dear Reader,

Decorating month is postponed this year.  My in real life is very bust for June. Below will be posted some helpful links for decorating.

Thank you
Paige MoonShade

Dorm Room Decorating 101 Part2
https://www.paigemoonshade.com/2012/07/dorm-room-decorating-101.html

Terra Forming-Simple and Easy
https://www.paigemoonshade.com/2015/06/terra-forming-simple-and-easy.html

The Art of Making Something Come to Life
https://www.paigemoonshade.com/2015/06/the-art-of-making-something-come-to-life.html


Spider Webs and Candles
https://www.paigemoonshade.com/2015/06/darkmoor-cobwebs-candles-and-skulls.html

The art of making something new
https://www.paigemoonshade.com/2010/09/art-of-making-something-new.html

Simple Floating Tips Using A Carved Podium
https://www.paigemoonshade.com/2013/12/simple-floating-tips-using-carved-podium.html

Creating Apple Trees
https://www.paigemoonshade.com/2016/06/creating-apple-trees-wizard101.html

Themed Decorating
https://www.paigemoonshade.com/2017/06/themed-decorating-wizard101.html

Dorm Decorating with Castle Magic
https://www.paigemoonshade.com/2017/06/dorm-decorating-with-castle-magic.html


Dorm Decorating Without Glitching
https://www.paigemoonshade.com/2017/06/dorm-decorating-without-glitching.html


Sinking Large Items in Dorm Walls
https://www.paigemoonshade.com/2017/06/sinking-large-items-in-dorm-walls.html

Player Detectors Castle Magic

https://www.paigemoonshade.com/2018/06/player-detectors-castle-magic-wizard101.html

Display Treasure Cads

 Wizard101 introduced the treasure display, for 550 crowns each you can display all of your most valued cards. as seen below you can see the full version treasure card display. This version is great to show off your most priced treasure cards.

 With portrait only you can transfer the treasure card into a portrait version. This is my favorite way of display. When you decide you do not want that treasure card displayed simply switch to another and that card goes back in your hand. I had a lot of fun testing each treasure card to see what they looked like.

Now for those crafters out there you can pick up this recipe in the Wizard City Library from Kara RuneWright for 20,000 gold. This recipe seems to be a very simple one too. Can't wait to see All of those treasure cards displayed.

Fansite Festival 2019

Come dance with me in Wizard city commons, 

Scarecrow realm. All Areas.

 April 13, 2019 

10:00 am Central, 11:00 am Eastern, 8:00 am Pacific.

Take a screenshot during the dance party, of yourself dancing at the party.  Make sure to have  your wizard's name showing. Tweet your screenshot to @PaigeMoonShade using the hashtag #Paigedanceparty2019 to be entered into a random draw.  Only on April 13th any entries before will not be counted

Amazing prizes to be won!!!

To see all the other contests happening the April 13, 2018  check out Fansite Festival

Spring Cleaning Contest From KingsIsle

It's spring cleaning time and what better way to celebrate spring is with a contest from KingsIsle.  Check out Spring decorating contest at Wizard101 HERE. You only have until March 24, 2019