All posts by Sylvia

Crafting, Sewing

Makers Camp

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Yesterday I took part in the Maker Space’s Maker Camp. This is our first time offering something like this. The camp started in Monday with 8 youths participating. The first day was Orientation, designing name tags, woodcarving and metal work. I have a few pictures, but I’m only posting those without faces as I have not gotten permission from the parents or teacher to show them.

Some of the owls carved by the young makers in wood working..

Tuesday’s activities were an introduction to stained glass soldering, sewing, and ceramics. My part was showing the students how use a sewing machine. I showed them the different parts and how to wind a bobbin, and thread the machine. I had previously cut 1-yard pieces of different fabrics for them to use for sewing either a pillowcase or a drawstring bag.

Most of the students had no problems. There were two who did not catch on as fast as the others but in spite of a few stitching errors, completed their projects first. Everyone was so proud of their work. I did have one who forgot to sew the bottom of his bag so he put it on like a skirt and walked around wearing it until his group went to their next project. The rest of the week is filled with more ceramics, screen printing, bike maintenance, graphics design, woodworking, and laser cutting.

It was a lot of fun working with those kids and I plan to do it the next time we have an event like this. The camp continues for the rest of the week and ends with the kids learning to screen print after creating a design to go on their shirts. We adults get to have a shirt made as well.

For the next camp, I may suggest adding paper-making and book binding – two things I like to teach. Both are suitable if we decide to host younger kids. Another thing they could do would be would be weaving on a cardboard frame. I have a lot of ideas for the craftier young people.

About me, Stuff

Old?

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In the last two weeks, I have been called “old” more than once. Not directly, mind you. (Okay, that’s an old people phrase.) But old? I’m only 76. How can I be old?

When I look in the mirror, I don’t see an old face. I see a face with some maturity, some lines, a bit of sag, but not old. My hair is 90% grey and not as curly as it used to be, but I’ve been going grey since I was in my early 30’s. Parts ache, but I’ve been hard on this body. Sprained wrists and ankles. Broken bones. Scars from all the stupid stuff I did as a kid growing up with mostly boys as playmates.

Arthritis seems to be invading so I have trouble with my hands and knees. My memory is still sharp. My memory is still sharp. Okay, I did that on purpose. But yesterday, I was referred to as “that old woman.” Say what?

And I have an appointment with the Geriatric Fall Clinic. Old people go there. I can’t just go to the regular Fall Clinic. And I keep hearing, “people your age…” I mean I use the “people your age” line when I’m telling my son he needs to consider his life choices, or telling a child they’re too old to be behaving that bratty.

But I’m not old. I know people a lot younger than I, who behave as though they’ll fall over dead tomorrow – they’re old. They shuffle along like 90 year-olds and complain about “young people”. They eat at old people restaurants so they can stuff bags with food from the all-you-can-eat buffets. They know where every restroom is in a three state area and they drive 10 miles under the speed limit. That’s old.

I know I’m getting there. Almost everyday I get an email – “so-and-so from our high school class has died” or the euphemistic “has passed.” I think of it as I failed to die. I’ve outlived a lot of friends, classmates, and relatives. In a way, it’s not fair. There won’t be anyone left to go to my funeral in 30 or 40 years from now. Or tomorrow, which ever comes first.

I’m not really concerned with my life ending. No one gets to live forever. When I go, I’m gone. Fast or slow. And on that happy note, have a good day.

Crafting, Sewing

Summer Camp.

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Next Tuesday, the 9th, I will be teaching some young folks how to sew. The maker space I belong to received a grant to buy instructional kits for various shop areas. My area got 6 beginner sewing machines and I’ll be teaching groups of 4 to 6 students the basics of machine sewing.

This is our first year doing this summer camp, so it will be a learning experience for almost everyone. I’ve taught classes before. I did a paper making class for some elementary students and their parents as part of a public library program. I’ve taught simple printmaking, bookbinding, and a sun-catcher class to a group of variously challenged adults as part of an outreach program.

I’ve done basic book making classes for members and the public at the maker space several times as well as helping a troop of Girl Scouts with bookbinding. I have two classes scheduled for beginning paper making. These are paid classes where I provide the tools and supplies. I don’t actually make much money on these classes except to cover the cost of supplies. These particular classes are the first where I’ve offered a two-tier pricing – one for adults and half-price for ages 5 to 17.

For the Summer Camp, I plan to start with a simple pattern to show them the basics of reading a pattern. They won’t get much practical experience with the pattern, but I want to show them basics like seam allowances and markings and fabric grain. I’ll have some kits made up for making either a pillow case or stuff sack. I’m not certain if I will let them use an iron to press the fabric.

I’ll explain the parts of the sewing machine, how to wind a bobbin, and how to thread the machine. I’ll demonstrate each step and let the students try the steps. Next, I’ll explain the guide markings on the throat plate and how to tell if they are sewing straight. I’ll show them how to tell the right/wrong sides of the fabric and how to pin the seams together. I’ll give a demo on starting and ending seams.

They should have an hour to make the pillowcases and stuff bags. I’ll post pictures of the bags. The students might be holding them up, but there won’t be faces showing. I don’t post pictures of kids without parental approval.

About me

I screwed up.

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I had a little fender bender. Nothing major. I allowed myself to get distracted while waiting for the light to change at an intersection and tapped the car ahead of me. Seriously -a tap. But to the dude driving, it was major. I didn’t have my phone with me so I couldn’t take any pictures.

It was a small spot and smudge on his rear bumper but you would have thought I had rammed him hard. We did the exchange of information and I asked him to text me the photos he took.

I made a report to my insurance, thinking I would just warn them that a claim would be coming from this guy’s insurance. I particularly specified that there was no damage to my car, I was merely sending information.

I did get the photos from the guy and only one photo match what little damage I originally saw. Bad move, not being able to take my own pictures. The ones I received showed more damage than I remembered, included a massive swipe along the bumper.

My insurance asked me to send photos of the damage to my car. Yes there are a few dings and scrapes, but it was a used car, 11 years old. Next thing I know, I’m getting an estimate for repairs to my car. I immediately wrote back and said I’m not claiming and damage. The scratches and whatevers are not new.

I was copied into a message from the estimator to the agent when he forwarded my email to her where I’d stated that I sustained no damage. Basically, “look at what our customer wrote.” I guess people don’t turn down money. However my latest email says payment is on its way.

I realize it doesn’t make any difference to whether my rate will go up or not. Next year I will pay more for my insurance just for making the report. The estimate for the damage they saw in the pictures I sent was $1200 plus. I have a $500 deductible so a check for $700 or so is on its way. Honestly, I should just take the bus, except I can’t always get where I’m going by bus. Story of my life.

Crafting

 Creating Artist Trading Cards with Dollar Tree Crafter’s Square Items

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Way back during the Great Covid Lockdown, I did an online session on making Artist Trading Cards for members of the Bodgery, a maker space here in Madison.

Supplies

From the Dollar Tree

Crafter’s Square:

  • Stencils
  • Stickers
  • Rub-on stickers
  • Tempera Watercolor
  • Rubber stamps

Other supplies

  • Sheet of sturdy paper such as card stock, drawing paper, watercolor paper, or Bristol board sized 8-1/2 by 11 inches.
  • Ruler, craft knife, and cutting mat, or paper trimmer
  • Ink pads
  • Paint brush – about ½ inch (across or in diameter) depending on whether you have a flat or round brush.
  • Scissors
  • Magazine or book pages
  • Glue or glue stick
  • Pencil
  • Fine-tipped black pen
  • Something to use as a palette.
  • Two containers for water
    • One for rinsing brushes
    • One for clean water to dilute paint.
  • Rag or paper towels for wiping brushes.

Optional:

  • Craft heat gun or hair dryer for drying paper.
  • Cosmetic sponge or dauber for distressing edges.
  • Distress ink or tan ink pad for distressing edgesd
  • 12 x 12 single-sided cardstock cut to 7 by 10-1/2 inches.

On the back of the sheet of paper, mark boxes 3-1/2 inches tall by 2-1/2 inch wide. The number of cards will depend on the orientation of your paper. 8-1/2 by 11 will make 9 cards;11 by 8-1/2 will make 8.

Once you mark off the card shapes, turn the paper over. Squeeze a small blob of the three primary colors onto the palette. Dip your brush into the clean water container and then into your first color.

Make random streaks and lines in each color across the paper. Clean brushes after each color to keep them clean. Overlap marks to create additional colors. Let paints dry.

Stamp images randomly across paper to create additional background interest. Cut cards apart and distress edges if desired. Use book pages to select words and phrases to decorate front of cards. Select embellishments from sticker sheet for front of card.

Before gluing items down, test arrangements. Once you are satisfied, glue everything down. To ensure lasting adhesion, apply glue to each sticker and phrase before laying them down. Glue stick adhesive tends to dry out and lift after a while.

Crafter’s Square art supplies.

A couple of finished cards.

The items are fairly nice to use and affordable so any one with a couple of dollars can make a small piece of art to share. You don’t need to spend a lot of money on art supplies.

Since the time I did this class, Dollar Tree has added more craft supplies including fabric and vinyl that can be used with die-cutting machines such as Cricut. If there’s a store near you, check them out.

Crafting

What the heck is with the long absence?

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Total depression- the kind that makes you want to just give up. But I didn’t. I got help, but it took a long time. Things are looking up and I’m getting more involved. I’ve spent too much time not doing anything except hiding between book covers. Books aren’t demanding. They don’t ask to borrow money and not pay you back on payday. They don’t call and then proceed to tell how their life is sucky and not ask how I’m doing. They don’t make you feel unloved and useless. And it’s better to read a book than to try to eat the pain away. Been there, didn’t work. Weighed 200 pounds. Not any more.

I’m holding the line here. I have a long way to go. I’ve started by getting my surroundings in order – getting the house presentable, clearing weeds and invasive plants from what used to be my garden. I’ve got a few tomato and pepper plants in pots. Pots of flowers are on the front steps. I’ve mowed a few times. Everything looks good from the street.

I’ve showered more. I’m certain people who encounter me appreciate that. I’ve been eating more fresh stuff instead of frozen pizza. I wore myself out doing a screen printing project for the makerspace I belong to – 120 aprons and 90 tote bags as gifts for our members. Tough work to do alone in a week, but it was a last minute decision and everyone else works during the day.

After all that, I did a “State of the Union” type presentation to the membership. It went well in spite of a few technical difficulties and interruptions. One of our founders doesn’t quite understand that we know who she is and she doesn’t really need to remind us of the fact whenever she is present by interrupting.

I’ve fallen six times in the last month. No injuries to speak of, but a bit concerning. I’m being sent to the Geriatric Fall Clinic. Apparently, I now fall – see what I did here- into the Geriatric category. I didn’t notice. But now when I look, I can see that some old woman managed to swap bodies with me – gave me this wrinkly and painful one. This old body seems to fall down too much. I want my other one back.

That’s probably all the update you can take for now, so I’ll end here. As a friend used to say, “Rest and be kind.”

Bookbinding, Crafting

Making book cloth using iron-on interfacing

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I like to have colorful book covers for my handmade books. I have a supply of library quality book cloth, but it is solid-colored, boring, institutional looking, but it’s very sturdy.  I also have some nice Japanese papers that I use to cover book board as well. But sometimes I want a cloth cover, but not a plain one. I found some videos on YouTube that showed a way to make book cloth from regular fabric. The videos I learned from are listed below.

The supplies you will need are:

  • A Fat quarter from the fabric store or a half yard of fabric

A fat quarter, if you don’t know, is a specific cut from a yard of fabric. It is not the same as a quarter yard. When you order a quarter yard, you get a cut of fabric 9 inches in length across the width of the cloth. A fat quarter comes from a yard of fabric cut lengthwise and widthwise to make 4 equal sized pieces of fabric, 18 by 18 inches for 36-inch-wide fabric or 18 by 22 inches for 45-inch-wide fabric. Fat quarters are readily available in fabric and craft stores and in the sewing section of Walmart and similar stores for under $3.00 US.

  • Lightweight fusible interfacing – the double-sided kind. One side will be fused to the fabric and the other to the next item on the list. The interfacing can be found in the fabric by the yard section of the fabric stores and as a 1-yard pre-packaged cut in the crafts area of other stores.
  • White tissue paper. You want white because the dye used for colored tissue tends to bleed if it gets wet.

You will also need:

  • An ironing board
  • A pressing cloth
  • An Iron
  • A cutting mat
  • A ruler or yard stick
  • A rotary cutter or scissors

Wash and dry your fabric to remove any sizing. I usually wash all my fat quarters at one time, iron them, and fold them once and lay them on a clothes hanger for later. Place your fabric on the ironing board with the wrong side up. Iron out the creases and wrinkles using the steam setting. Cut the interfacing slightly larger than the fabric. Lay the interfacing with the paper liner side up. Turn off the steam setting or empty the iron. Press according to the instructions on the interfacing package. Follow the package directions fir when to peel off the backing paper. Peel the backing paper off and cover with the tissue paper. Iron again to attach the tissue paper. When cool, trim the tissue paper edges flush with the fabric using your rotary cutter or scissors. Roll the book cloth into a tube to avoid creases and store until needed. Use like regular book cloth.

 

Treasure Books

Nik the Booksmith

About me

The family is broken.

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Way back in the “olden days,” I was an unwed mother. Big shame to the family and impossible to stay there in town because of the shame. With the help of my college’s chaplain, I was able to recover my scholarship, resume my education, get my daughter into a good foster home, and graduate.

The funny thing is that the family that took my daughter in never actually gave her back. The lease on my apartment ended, and they took me in for the last month of my final semester. They helped me out financially by having me babysit their son and my daughter. They kept her while I moved to the big city to find a place to live and hopefully, a job.

Even after I picked her up for the “last” time, they took care of both of us. We always had their home to go to for holidays and vacations even after I got married. Even when we moved because my husband was in the military, they would fly my daughter to their town for most of the Summer. They had adopted two other girls, but always had room for their “other” daughter.

When I got divorced, my life was a mess, and I couldn’t handle an angry teenager, so they took her back. She lived with them and their three kids while in high school. They treated her as their daughter and their kids called her their sister. Never did they ask me for money toward her support.

They supported both of us emotionally and occasionally, financially. Her foster father walked her down the aisle when she got married in 2008. I made her foster mother stand in the photos with us as mother of the bride. Their home was where I went on vacation and for holidays,

A few years ago, my daughter lost the only father she had ever known due to age. And a few days ago, she lost her other mother to pneumonia-related breathing problems. The funeral is in a few weeks. I wasn’t certain I could go. My daughter wasn’t certain she could go since she changed jobs.

But her big brother and her sisters want her there. Her brother bought plane tickets for both of us as they consider us a part of the family still. So in a couple of weeks, I’m going help lay to rest the last of the couple who taught me about family and love in a way my “real” family never did.

Hug your parents and grandparents.

About me, Stuff

Clearing Clutter

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I decided to clear out my file cabinet. The first thing I did was get rid of 25 years of receipts for oil changes, tires, and repairs for my former wheels. That was quite a thick folder.

Next went 10 years of gas/electric bills. Another fat folder but not as fat as the one for the car since I stopped getting paper bills when I started paying electronically. Ditto for the water bills.

I then moved on to instruction booklets and receipts. I reduced three folders to two much thinner ones. There were a lot of instructions for small appliances and tools that I no longer own. There was a fat folder of veterinarian receipts, some with rabies tags still attached.

I figured that out when I had to spend 20 minutes attempting to pluck aluminum shards from among the cutting blades of the paper shredder. I succeeded until I put too thick a sheaf of paper in and jammed the blades again.

The shredder still works. It was guaranteed to shred credit cards. It’s my third shredder — I’ve had this one maybe 10 or 12 years. I filled a clear recycling bag with two shredder bins-worth of paper shreds to go into the recycling bin. I think I can shred tax returns up until 2016 or so. At any rate, I’ll start shredding from around 2008 and fill another bag.

I’m getting better. The funky fog that trapped my brain is lifting. Eventually, I will be able to get back to weaving, bookbinding, and printmaking. But for now, accomplishing one or two small things is progress.