Gale's Gallery XII: Gadgets Galore- But Do You Need Them?

Hi,

I realize you are all on pins and needles waiting for the final installment of buying appliances.  Soon, very soon.  I would like to announce that I am ever so slowly transitioning to the cabinet department and learning kitchen design.  What little bit I've had time to do it has been fun!

I will be the first to admit that I am a craft supply junkie.  Though I have intentions of getting to all of them someday, I have many that haven't left the package.  So many ideas, so little time!  I am a sucker for those 40% off coupons at Jo-Ann's, Michaels and Hobby Lobby.  However, for me, Dick Blick seems to have the best regular prices and I get a 10% "frequent flier" discount.  You can too.  Just sign up.

The few folks I have actually let see my basement and master closet are amazed at my stash, but more amazed that I don't use it:)  I have markers and ink pads that dry up never used.  (But now I know how to fix that!)  I think I hoard the supplies afraid that there won't be any more or since most of my life I have been self or temporarily employed, I might not have money later.  I remember always loving getting new school supplies (especially the BIG box of crayons!)

Anyway, here is a list of essentials for any crafter.  This list doesn't take in to account anyone's "specialty,"  just a toolbox of supplies even if it's for kid's school projects.  The key to saving time and money is to keep it all together.  I was constantly buying what I'd forgotten I had and it takes the fun out of making something if you are always having to hunt things down.

Scissors:  Large ones, small ones, special ones for fabric and paper.  Never use one pair for both.  (also goes for hair shears-- NEVER use on paper!)  This is an item that's worth investing in good ones.

Exacto-knife

Clear ruler:  24" is a good size.

Various Papers:  Cardstock (not the same as construction paper!), scrapbook paper, novelty paper, handmade paper, printer paper -you can never have too much paper.

Paper Trimmer:  The larger the better, but anything is better than nothing.

Adhesives:  A zillion choices, but at least glue sticks, fabric glue, double-sided tape, hot glue/gun nice to have, masking tape, clear tape

Black Permanent Ink Pad:  Staz-On is a good brand.  Clean any stamp IMMEDIATELY or it will never come off.

Basic Greetings Rubber Stamps:  Good for tags and quick cards.  I now buy the cling kind and use with acrylic blocks to save storage space and ability to see placement better.

Markers:  For basic, everyday use-- any kind will do.  Water-based ones clean up better, alcohol based  ones are generally permanent.  Store flat so they last longer.

Acrylic Paints:  The best for most basic crafts.  They're cheap and washable.  Try to get a smidge higher quality than bottom of the barrel.  The few cents more are worth it.

Brushes:  Like scissors, you are only as good as your brush.  Keep good ones for yourself and give the kids the cheap ones.  Never get paint in the ferrule and always clean them immediately, if not sooner.

Glitter:  I just like having it around...

Stencils:  The ones with numbers and letters can come in handy.

Hole Punch:  Basic office supply one is fine.

Craft Mat:  Makes clean up a breeze.

Paper Towels:  Essential and I almost never have them handy!

Well, I think that does it!  I could go on and on...but I won't!

Happy Crafting!

Gale

The Trip To Nowhere In Particular

Greetings from the 'Creek!

My daughter wanted me to write something funny because my previous posts have been "too educational."  OK.  I will hold off on the third installment of appliance shopping for now.  Since it's summer, I am not going to post much because I figure everyone is too busy having more fun elsewhere (if indeed that is possible.)

So... long ago in a county far, far away in southern Ohio we begin our story.   For many years we were tied up showing dogs on weekends in October and often took a pretty trip through PA to Havre de Grace, Maryland along the Chesapeake Bay. My husband and son like trains and I like pretty fall foliage so I had been wanting to ride on this scenic railway I'd read about.  I had visions of picturesque views of a fall color wonderland winding along the hillside.  But, peak season lasts about a minute in Ohio some years, so it didn't happen.

The first year that it looked like the ride timing would work out, I ordered online around $80 in tickets.  (1 senior, 2 adults and 2 kids.)  The train has special rides for Santa, robberies, Easter Egg hunts, etc., that are likely quite fun and worth the price.   For more info:  Hocking Valley Scenic Railway  BTW, it's run by volunteers who are keeping history alive and that's a good thing.

It all started after an hour and 1/2 plus drive to get to Nelsonville, Ohio.  The first thing my disappointed hubby said was "You didn't tell me it was a diesel."  I should have known that would matter as he is a steam guy with a state steam operator's license.  However, the group is in the process of restoring a steam one, so maybe next time.

Well, the train ride itself is about an hour.  You don't really go anywhere.   At first the train is going backward.  The track lays alongside of RT 33 and the hills are on the other side of the road.  Basically, you see the road, cars, road signs and power lines with a few trees on the left.  On the right you see the rear of lots of garages and the stuff folks store behind them.  At one point the train stops and then pulls forward (so you are getting a rerun of scenery,) you pass through the station and go up to a little frontier village.  They have you get off for 1/2 hour to browse at demonstrations, shop and potty.  Then, the conductor goes through and flips the backs to the seats and the train pushes you back to the station, but at least you think you are going forward.  It wasn't their fault of course, but the trees weren't even great that year.

Afterward, I was looking forward to getting back home and our dogs were surely looking forward to their dinner.  But that was not to be for awhile...

My father-in-law joined us as he likes trains too.  On the way back he said he wanted to "stop by" the "presidential cemetery" near Lancaster.  When asked where it was he said "I don't know.  It's around here somewhere."  So we pull off onto country roads and eventually/miraculously landed on it.  Big hint---no signs.  The kids were young and we were chatting, so it wasn't until we were pulling up on it that I asked the obvious...."Who was buried there?"  His answer, "Well, there aren't any presidents there, just the owner and his family."  Mark started laughing and we looked at each other and I said (under my breath) "You've got to #$%&ing be kidding me!"

This tiny Stonewall Cemetery is actually in someone's front yard and I'm fairly sure we were trespassing.  The story is this guy wanted U.S. presidents to have a nice place to be buried, so he deeded the rights to this 1/2 acre plot to every president in perpetuity.  Obviously, we didn't stay long.  Since we were late anyway and hungry, we got to the best part of the trip:  we had BBQ ribs and watched part of an OSU game at a Damon's restaurant.

Well, it was certainly a memorable trip, if nothing else....

Until next time have a safe, Happy 4th of July!

Gale