If you've not yet watched Jim Shore and Robin's latest vlog (you hace watch the full video here), I would highly recommend setting aside some time and making a cup of tea before you do.
Yes, there are plenty of exciting new releases to discuss, but what struck me most wasn't actually the figurines. It was the warmth.
The vlog felt less like a product presentation and more like being invited into a family conversation. Jim and Robin are a wonderful double act, bouncing naturally off one another, sharing stories and clearly enjoying each other's company. There is an obvious bond between them, and it creates an atmosphere that feels genuine, relaxed and incredibly welcoming.
Of course, there were also some spectacular new releases...
Disney Takes Centre Stage
For Disney collectors, there was plenty to get excited about.
The standout piece for me was a stunning new Mickey and Friends castle scene.
This is not a small shelf filler. It's a true statement piece, featuring Mickey and friends gathered around the castle in a display that looks every bit as magical as you would hope. It is exactly the sort of figurine that becomes the focal point of an entire collection.
I suspect this will be one of the most talked-about Disney releases of the year.
Other Disney highlights included:
- Minnie Mouse holding a kitten, which is impossibly cute.
- Winnie the Pooh and Piglet sitting beneath a crescent moon.
- Bambi resting alongside Thumper in a peaceful woodland-inspired scene.
- A brand-new Eeyore figurine.
- Several exciting additions to the Disney Villains range.
One of the most interesting discussions centred around the villains.
Robin commented that villains help "make the movie", something I think many Disney fans would agree with. Jim then explained his approach to designing villain figurines. He aims to remain faithful to the characters, portraying them in an elegant and visually striking way while ensuring their darker side still shines through.
As Jim put it, they may look elegant, but they still need that evil streak.
New villain releases include Hades, Cruella de Vil and the Evil Queen, who appears holding the famous heart box from Snow White.
Sesame Street Arrives in Style
One of the most interesting new licences is Sesame Street.
While the larger display pieces are impressive, I found myself particularly drawn to the train collection.
What makes these pieces special is how unmistakably "Jim Shore" they feel. The train carriages are covered in beautiful folk-art inspired patterns and decorative flourishes rather than simply acting as platforms for the characters.
Even better, the collection features a bespoke font designed specifically for the train series.
The details are wonderful.
Cookie Monster's carriage was a particular favourite. Look closely and you'll discover cookie-inspired elements incorporated into the rosemaling design. It's exactly the sort of detail that collectors love finding.
Jim also hinted that the Sesame Street range may continue to expand in the future.
My wallet is already nervous!
Hello Kitty, Garfield and Snoopy
The June preview also introduced several new licences.
A new Hello Kitty collection immediately caught my attention. Jim spoke about how iconic the character is and how she has remained popular across multiple generations.
Six figurines were shown, although Jim hinted there are additional pieces still to come.
The Garfield range also looks promising, but it was the Snoopy and Peanuts releases that seemed to generate the most enthusiasm from Jim himself.
During the discussion he spoke warmly about attending a Peanuts fan event and the opportunity to spend time with fellow Snoopy enthusiasts.
Moments like this remind you that Jim is often a fan himself. His passion for the characters comes through naturally and undoubtedly influences the pieces he creates.
Villages, Museums and Dreams
One of the most exciting announcements involved the upcoming Jim Shore Museum Experience.
Construction is already underway, and Jim promised to keep collectors updated as progress continues.
What excites me most is the vision behind the project.
This isn't simply going to be a building full of display cabinets.
Jim discussed gathering vintage pieces, carvings and decorative objects to create immersive displays around the artwork. The goal appears to be creating environments and scenes that tell stories, almost like stepping into a village built around his artistic journey.
The museum will showcase Jim's work from the very beginning through to the present day.
Robin shared examples of some of Jim's earliest creations, including beautiful reindeer pieces, early Mickey Mouse artwork and some of the angel designs that helped establish his reputation.
I genuinely cannot wait to see what this becomes!
If the finished museum is anything like the vision described in the vlog, it will be an absolute feast for the eyes.
Ireland, Family and a Pot of Gold
One of my favourite moments came during the discussion of a colourful new St. Patrick's Day figurine featuring a rainbow and pot of gold.
The piece includes Irish Gaelic wording, and the conversation soon turned to Jim's personal connection with Ireland.
Jim explained that Ireland holds a special place in his heart and revealed that he owns a home there. Robin also shared that her husband, Daniel, is even currently learning Irish Gaelic.
It was one of many moments that made the presentation feel personal rather than promotional.
A Family at the Heart of Everything
The more I watched, the more one thing became clear.
Family sits at the centre of everything Jim Shore does.
Whether discussing Ireland, museum plans, grandchildren's graduations, family dogs or holiday celebrations, the conversation continually returned to the people closest to him.
Robin also revealed a heartwarming new Christmas release called Santa's Rescue Sleigh, inspired by real family dogs. Even better, proceeds from the figurine will support an animal charity.
The family influence is everywhere.
Even the museum project has involved contributions from multiple generations of the Shore family.
One Last Surprise...
Just when I thought the announcements were over, Jim confirmed a new Corpse Bride collection.
As a fan of Tim Burton's dark, quirky style, Jim clearly seemed excited by the opportunity. Given the success of Nightmare Before Christmas within the Jim Shore range, it feels like a perfect fit.
And perhaps that sums up the entire vlog.
Yes, there were Disney announcements.
Yes, there were new licences.
Yes, there were museum updates.
But what I enjoyed most was spending an hour in the company of Jim and Robin.
Their enthusiasm is infectious, their family bond is obvious, and their love for collectors shines through every conversation.
By the end of the vlog, I wasn't just excited about new figurines.
I was excited about being part of a collecting community that feels a little bit like family itself!
You can watch the full vlog here
Have you watched the latest Jim Shore vlog? Which upcoming release are you most excited about? For me, it's a toss-up between the Disney castle scene, the Sesame Street train and that museum project! ✨🏰🚂🎨❤️
