Unutterably Silly So what are you doing RIGHT NOW?

[WT Sharpe]

Know what's great about being around kids if you wear hearing aids? With the volume turned all the way down, they're the next best thing to having a pair of ear plugs.

[Stitchawl]

Originally Posted by WT Sharpe

Know what's great about being around kids if you wear hearing aids? With the volume turned all the way down, they're the next best thing to having a pair of ear plugs.

+1!

Asia is the capital of Noise. There are no noise pollution laws and sound trucks are the norm, blasting out at 130db driving in convoys around town.

A push of the button and I don't hear 'em. Being deaf isn't all bad...


Stitchawl

[WT Sharpe]

Originally Posted by Stitchawl

+1!

Asia is the capital of Noise. There are no noise pollution laws and sound trucks are the norm, blasting out at 130db driving in convoys around town.

A push of the button and I don't hear 'em. Being deaf isn't all bad...


Stitchawl

I knew you'd like that one!

[dreams]

Originally Posted by WT Sharpe

We just gave Crystal away. I really have grown to love that dog, but she needs someone who can pay more attention to her than I do. The woman we gave her to seems real nice, says she has a large yard, and has small children, with whom Crystal seems already in love. I hope everyone will be happy together. Now that I'm retired, it's just too much for me financially to keep two dogs up and running. They get expensive!

So sorry to hear about Crystal, Tom. I know she was very energetic and I hope that Crystal settles in nicely with her new family.

[Stitchawl]

I'm getting ready to make a plaster mold for casting lead.
I'm shaping modeling clay around the back of the handle of one of my fencing weapons so I can use that to make the plaster mold to form a larger lead weight to change the balance point of the epee. Once the plaster hardens I'll remove the clay and melt lead into the hollow mold. Then I have to figure out how to attach the lead weight to the end of the grip... I love to tinker!

Stitchawl

[Rumpelteazer]

Mentally preparing for cleaning my desk.

Getting into scrapbooking has one advantage: I am forced to clean my desk (and keep it clean). At the moment it's a dumping ground of stuff that can either be thrown away or needs to be put away. I had planned on doing it yesterday but couldn't be bothered, but I just got a message that I can pick up my photographs. Now I have everything to start scrapbooking, except for a clean desk, so I'll have to do that this afternoon. That way I can spend Friday, my day off, on my new hobby.

[Rumpelteazer]

LOL, I just disappointed my father terribly, I think.

Even since getting into scrapbooking I've also wanted to get a Sizzix Big Shot die cutting and embossing machine. My father heard me go on about it and wanted to know what it does, so I showed him a YouTube video. After that he went online to see what dies are available and found several he thinks he can use to decorate the shop window and the announcements we put up.

He wanted to know when I wanted to buy a Big Shot. He was disappointed when I told him my next big scrapbooking purchase is going to be an album and page protectors and after that I want to start saving for my mini-cruise. But it's fun to see both my sister and father are getting enthusiastic about being creative (my sister wants to make cards) and I don't mind it if they use my tools.

[kindlekitten]

I have one, I love it!

[Rumpelteazer]

Originally Posted by kindlekitten

I have one, I love it!

I seriously want a Big Shot.
At the store I'm responsible for the announcements (changed opening times, when there's no consulting hour, etc) and I've already told my father that from now on those are going to be more creative than the message just printed on a white A4.

Whilst cleaning my desk I also found a bunch of artsy bookmarkers, which I've put with the rest of my embellishments.

Now I just have to get over the fear of sucking at scrapbooking and get over the fact that I'm going to cut up all those beautiful papers.

[kindlekitten]

do you have a demonstrator or just watch the youtubes?

[Rumpelteazer]

Originally Posted by kindlekitten

do you have a demonstrator or just watch the youtubes?

I just watched a load of YouTubes, I planning another trip to the scrapbook store next week to pick up an order. I'll have to ask if they have a demonstration model.

[bjones6416]

Dogwoods are blooming here, and the sky is so blue after the 4 inches (!) of rain we got Sunday night. Spring has sprung!

[kindlekitten]

Originally Posted by Rumpelteazer

I just watched a load of YouTubes, I planning another trip to the scrapbook store next week to pick up an order. I'll have to ask if they have a demonstration model.

a, no, find out if they have a "demonstrator". it will be an individual that works with groups of crafters and shows different techniques etc. I don't normally go in for the girlly girl things, but started doing this a couple of years ago, and I have to tell you, it is so relaxing and encouraging. the way we've done it, is that you pay a VERY nominal fee (maybe 5 bucks) which covers the cost of the paper and embellishments, there are usually 2 to 5 projects for that "meeting" and then depending on how organized the group is, you may be expected to spend 10-20 dollars in orders. it's worth it at least for a little while to learn some of the different techniques you wouldn't otherwise pick up on

[Rumpelteazer]

Originally Posted by kindlekitten

a, no, find out if they have a "demonstrator". it will be an individual that works with groups of crafters and shows different techniques etc. I don't normally go in for the girlly girl things, but started doing this a couple of years ago, and I have to tell you, it is so relaxing and encouraging. the way we've done it, is that you pay a VERY nominal fee (maybe 5 bucks) which covers the cost of the paper and embellishments, there are usually 2 to 5 projects for that "meeting" and then depending on how organized the group is, you may be expected to spend 10-20 dollars in orders. it's worth it at least for a little while to learn some of the different techniques you wouldn't otherwise pick up on

They do organise workshops (both online and at the store) and crops. But always on Saturdays, when it's the busiest day at our store so not a possibility for me. At the moment they don't have anything planned involving a die cast machine. I'll ask if there is someone who can give me a private tutoring session when I buy the machine.

Scrapbooking isn't a well known hobby in the Netherlands. But I think it's a good hobby for me, I've always tried to be creative with photo albums, adding other things (ticket stubs, leaflets, etc). It is all a bit overwhelming for me, all the products, tools and techniques. I think the biggest challenge starting is not to want to do too much with all the things you've just discovered but keep it simple.

[kindlekitten]

go on the website and see if there is a demonstrator near you