Quilting and Carving

A Break From Eyes

2012-01-26T10:14:00.000-05:00

It's nearly that time in March.....A quick little whittling. 2 1/2 inches tall...

Progress

2012-01-17T19:19:00.000-05:00

Notice the eyes in this first photo. They are painted on, not carved. Notice also the eye area. The top of the eye area (bottom of the brow) is carved at right angles to the plane of the face. The area of the actual eye ball is flat. This is what I am attempting to move away from. I need to have an eye that is carved, not painted. I also want to do all the carving with a pocket knife.

This photo is where I am today. The eye is carved. As soon as I practice this carving technique, and can achieve consistent results, I'll move on to carving smaller eyes. My goal is to be able to carve eyes that are about half this size.

Notice the eye area in which I carved this eye. The top of the eye area/bottom on the brow no longer is carved at right angles to the plane of the face. It is angled so that I can carve the eye lid, and have more room to carve a rounded eyeball.

Carvings Realistic Eyes

2012-01-12T17:14:00.001-05:00

The question of the day: CAN AN OLD DOG LEARN NEW TRICKS?
And the jury is still out on this question as it relates to me learning to carve realistic eyes.
Here's the problem. This Ol' dog has spent six years whittling. When I started someone told me that I need to practice, practice, practice. This I took to heart, This might have been the only time in my life that I actually followed instructions. I started carving faces, Santa faces. I carved lots of them. I practiced, practiced, and practiced carving faces. I got it down so that I could carve them in no time at all. I've carved at least two Santa pins every day for the past several years. The eyes on these faces were an after thought, and were mainly half carved and then painted. Or they were left squinting. I have just learned that to carve realistic eyes I must alter the way that I roughed out the eye area. This means relearning how to rough out the eye area. I have to "unlearn" my old methods, before I can learn the new methods. There is an old saying................"we cannot plant new crops without first uprooting the old roots and giving the new seeds a chance, we need to unlearn before we can learn anew". Unlearning is the key. How then do we unlearn our patterns and develop new patterns?

You see my problem?

Ready To Learn - Eyes!

2012-01-10T14:49:00.000-05:00

I've prepared several faces minus the eyes, in preparation for learning to carve eyes. I'm thinking this is a lot better than learning to carve eyes on the corner or flat side of wood. By preparing these faces prior to the actual eye practice, I'm hoping to maximize my learning experience.

Carving Realistic Eyes! A New Start!

2012-01-09T18:58:00.001-05:00

Carving small realistic eyes is a challenge, especially when using just a knife; a pocket knife at that. But that is what I will attempt to do. I hope you join me in my quest.

Maybe if we're real good and real lucky this will be the result. I'd really be happy if they were half as well carved, as this example by Mark Akers. The main problem is, how much detail must I give up to carve the eyes real small?

Update - Flower Girls

2012-01-08T08:40:00.000-05:00

Thought it was time for an update. Some remember the ongoing events that I posted, concerning my neighbors (Flower Girls), and the Gnomes. I haven't been posting anything about Gnomey and the girls for many moons. As the girls got older I came to think that they no longer believed, and that they were kinda going along just "for me". You know, kids do grow up. But every now and then The girls say or do something that leads me to believe that there might be a small part of them that still believe in the Gnomes. Maybe we'll have to contrive a test of sorts.
Mean while I started teaching the girls to carve.

Summer Quilt Assembled.

2012-01-05T17:13:00.000-05:00

That's a queen size bed the top is on. Now for a flannel back and some quilting.

All Failed The Test!

2012-01-04T11:14:00.001-05:00

I either included a test in the previous postings about the summer quilt, to see how many would catch the mistake, or more likely I made a bonehead mistake. I'll let you all figger out which. The dimensions of the larger white squares are not correctly posted. They were posted as 10" x 10". And if you peeked, you'd know that they were also cut at 10" x 10". These white squares must alternate with the pieced squares. What size are the pieced squares? Well the color was pieced from five 2 1/2" strips. After the five strips were sewn with a 1/4" seam they measure 10 1/2". Thus one can easily see that they will not match up with 10" white squares.

My next quilt will use 10" white squares......

"Sweatshop" Quilt Assembly Station

2012-01-01T17:52:00.000-05:00

I think this work station is the most efficient - at least for me. With this setup I don't have to get up from my chair. All the quilt pieces are at the ready on the left and at the top. Seams can be pressed at the right. What you can see in the top right, is the OTT LITE, which helps my tired ol' eyes see what I'm doing. Got everything I need within reach.

Details Of The Summer Quilt

2011-12-31T18:54:00.001-05:00

This summer quilt will measure 86" x 86" without a border when assembled. There will be 41 squares with the 2" color squares surrounding a white square, alternating with 40 (10" x 10") white squares. There are 656 (2 1/2" x 2 1/2") squares of color printed fabric. Thank goodness for strip piecing.

I had forgotten how hard it is on ones back to cut fabric strips with a cutting mat and a rotary cutter. I think I will cut some (4) PVC pipe pieces to extend the table legs, making the table taller. This way I won't have to lean over as much and kill my back. The PVC pipe pieces will fit over the table legs at their bottoms.

Attempting To "Rebalance" My Life!

2011-12-30T12:01:00.000-05:00

Oh boy! Where do I start? I sure as heck haven't been active with this blog. I do have several other blogs that have been taking up my spare time. And, I'll confess that I haven't touched my Featherweight for ages. But that is changing. I have been co-teaching a beginners quilting class at the senior center. I also started to make a new summer quilt.

This sample (first) block is ten inches by ten inches. The two inch squares surround a six inch white square. These squares will alternate with plain white ten inch by ten inch squares. I selected this quilt as a way to get back into using the Featherweight and quilting in general, because it's kind of easy. It's amazing how rusty one can get. My ol' Featherweight isn't rusty, but the lubrication kind of thickened and had to be cleaned and redone for the machine to operate correctly. This quilt will be a full sized quilt when completed.

Need to Make A Quilt!

2011-08-12T08:59:00.000-04:00

Dang, both Featherweights are covered with dust...My balanced life is out of balance...Too much wood carving....This should change....

Back To Whittling & Carving With The Girls

2011-08-10T19:29:00.000-04:00

The weather has cooled off a bit and the girls are back at learning some new skills. The first photo shows Zinnia with her carving knife working on a little Penguin. She's wearing her Kevlar carving glove, as she always does.

In this photo Zinnia is finishing up another 5 minute Owl.

I couldn't resist adding this photo of Zinnia. I'd say she is concentrating.

Here's what Zinnia has completed so far. This after three 20 minute sessions.

Now it's Dahlia's turn!

Dahlia is carving soap. We thought she was a wee bit young to handle a razor sharp carving knife. She never complained about her older sister being allowed to use a real knife. I like to think it's because she is using a real knife instead of a plastic knife or worse yet a Popsicle stick. However Dahlia's knife has a dull blade - it just cannot cut her.

I hope you can recognize that Dahlia has carved a Bear. In fact she said it's a Grizzly Bear. I think she's happy with her results.

TOO HOT!

2011-07-22T11:51:00.000-04:00

Really wanted to get the girls back to whittling and carving, but it's just too dang hot. We do the work outside on the patio. The heat index today is supposed to be somewhere around 110 degrees. Maybe we can do the whittling in the pool. But the soap carving might prove to be a problem.....

Dahlia's Soap Carving

2011-07-17T14:44:00.001-04:00

Soon on I realized that I could not begin teaching Zinnia to whittle without her little sister Dahlia learning too. So, the "Flower" girls are both off and running. Well not running, but whittling and carving. I started Dahlia with some soap carving. Carving soap involves the same knife cuts as wood carving and

whittling, but the knife does not need to be sharp.

Dahlia's first project is a Polar Bear. And I think it came out real well. And Zinnia's Whammie Doodle and owl came out real well too. Our next soap carving will be a PIG. Zinnia will keep on whittling a few of the little Owls.

Long Time - But back!

2011-07-16T12:12:00.000-04:00

Its been a while, but I am back with some current adventures with the Flower girls from next door. Whittling and soap carving.

This is a "Whammie Doodle". This little ol' time toy is what I have selected to start Zinnia (Flower girl neighbor) with as she learns to whittle. Zinnie is 9 now, and has been asking me to teach her to whittle. Zinnie already has her moms old Swiss Army knife, and is real good at putting points on sticks.

I decided to start Zinnie out with a good carving knife. The knife has a 1 inch blade and seems to fit her hand just fine. A carving glove is quite another story. I am still trying to find a kids garden glove that I can "beef up" for her to use. But until then (Zinnie can't wait) we'll use a combination of Vet Wrap and masking tape on the thumb and fingers. After a bit of discussion about sharp knives and how to make a "Thumb Push" Cut to a Stop Cut, we were ready to start. The Whammie Doodle was selected for several reasons. It involves lots of the same simple Thumb Push cuts, can be done quickly, and results in a fun little toy.

And as you can see here, it works.

Zinnia had a blast, and wants to learn more. In fact as she left she asked me what time I get up in the morning.

March Carving!

2011-04-07T20:11:00.003-04:00

I spent the month of March in Florida, in the beach house. Yep, those are my feet sitting on the front porch of the beach house. This was most conducive to carving. I got lots done. Here's an example of one for the Christmas season.

Spring Rain + Puddle!

2011-04-06T19:17:00.005-04:00

A spring downpour, and a fairly deep puddle are hard for kids to resist.

What you cannot see in the photos is that both girls have boots on. The blue shirted is the older flower girl from next door. The photos are blurry because the girls were in constant motion. The blurriness may be good, given the neighbor flower girl nearly lost her pants in the bottom photo. To be a kid again.......

GNOMEO AND JULIET

2011-02-27T20:06:00.002-05:00

When the Flower Girls came over to get us to go to the movie they brought me a present - a table place mat. Will I use it? You bet I will.

The Flower Girls (Zinnia and Dahlia), their dad, my wife and I all went to see GNOMEO AND JULIET in 3D yet. An exciting afternoon. After all, the last movie I went to was Dances With Wolves or something like that. Its been a while. And believe me, the "sticker shock" at the costs was extreme. The tickets were $57, with the senior discount. The flower Girls dad paid for those, since we were their "Date". I bought the popcorn. Lets just say that I could have filled up the gas tank on the van for what the popcorn cost. But it was worth it. The movie was in 3D and it was fun. Fun even though it was basically a kid movie. Near the end my wife must have got something in her eye, as she had her hankie out, and using it. It was also a great success, because the youngest of the Flower Girls stayed awake for the whole movie. Yep! a fun afternoon.

Tomorrows The Day

2011-02-26T07:50:00.001-05:00

Tomorrows the day! Gnomeo and Juliet with the Flower Girls.....Report to come.

Snack Time!

2011-02-23T19:35:00.004-05:00

Dang! This can get expensive. Sun Flower seeds at $18 for 50#. I think there's 5 deer in the photo that you may be able to see, but there were 3 more out in the trees.

Gnomey Is Getting a Puppy!

2011-02-21T20:43:00.002-05:00

Decided to whittle Gnomey a little puppy. Puppy is 3/4 inch long. The next puppy will be whittled "cleaner". The first whittle of something is always rough for me. But whittling small things lets me do them over and over until I get it down.

Crate Training For Children - Really!

2011-02-17T20:07:00.006-05:00

This is not Quilting nor Carving related, but it's fun!
One of the fellows that I eat breakfast with has a really neat 12 year old boy. However, being like most 12 year old boys, he ocassionaly agrivates his dad. His dad has been sharing some of his concerns with us fellows. Well one day a few weeks ago he brought his son to breakfast with him due to a snow day at school. One of the guys asked the son, "what's this I hear about your dad and you"? The young boy looked up to his dad and asked, " can I say the word"? Dad answered, "OK"! The boy answered by stating, "dad said he'd whip my ass if I didn't straighten up". After most of us snorted coffee out our noses, and stopped laughing, someone mentioned how lucky he was that was all his dad did. Someone else asked how much the boy weighed. The lad responded 70 pounds. The fellow next said that his dog weighed 85 pounds, and whenever he screwed up he locked him in a cage/crate, to learn a lesson. He went on to say that kids could be put into a crate/cage. Well at this the young lad said, "no way, that's against the law". I piped up that back when my kids were his age we were allowed to "crate" them to teach them a lesson. He said, "no way", but I think he was beginning to wonder.

The next day I give this photo and the Permit to crate a child to the dad to show his son. I'd say the boy may have some serious doubts now. In fact his dad says his son has the beginnings of a new attitude. (If you click on the permit, you can read it)

Movie Date - Gnomeo and Juliet

2011-02-15T17:16:00.001-05:00

NO! I will not wear a tall pointed hat....period.

And The Winner Is------!

2011-02-14T09:00:00.003-05:00

In this little scene, the BLUE HAT! Course, if I ever get the others painted they too might be Blue Hats.......Yesh, I hate painting......

I Have a Big Date Coming Up!

2011-02-07T08:52:00.002-05:00

I was just invited on a date by two of the most beautiful girls. Two mind you! The "flower girls" invited me to go to the "picture show" (movies) with them to see GNOMEO AND JULIET. We're excited......I am carving small carvings of Gnomeo for each of them.......

The Gnomes Are Coming

2011-01-29T19:32:00.002-05:00

Gnomeo and Juliet the movie will open soon, and as soon as these are detailed and finished; they'll be ready.

Quilting Fun!

2011-01-28T11:51:00.002-05:00

I still co-teach a quilting class at the senior center in town. Last year this class was a beginner class. We have about a dozen ladies who have been participating. And you had better believe that they're good. We've got the basics down pretty good, and are making some really nice quilts. In fact, we are beginning to expand and challenging ourselves somewhat. We decided in addition to making our own projects that we would all make LOG CABIN squares and assemble them into a quilt to be auctioned off for the center. Some of the class have discovered that a 1/4 inch seam means different things to different folks. We have discovered that while the finished log cabin square should all measure the same, they don't. But since I said I'd assemble the quilt these adjustments will be my responsibility. I have a lot of practice in assembling my quilt squares that are not all the same measurements. This may be the first quilt that has 12 corners squares.

More "Proof" That Gnomes Live Here

2011-01-09T10:46:00.002-05:00

Our kitchen table is directly in front of large sliding glass patio doors. This morning while having coffee there was a loud thump. Looking up I noticed that a bird had flown into the door and was laying still in the snow. Within 10 minutes another bird landed beside the fallen bird, investigated, and then flew off. We have hawks and more than a few stray cats around the place, and thought that a hawk or a cat might have a free lunch. That's natures way. Some 20 minutes passed while we were not noticing the still little bird in the snow, nor anything else on the patio. When next we looked, the little bird was gone. The snow around where it had been laying was not disturbed. No hawk or cat got a free meal.

Given that Gnomes are protectors of nature and all; it's not out of the question that one visited the little bird and either brought it around, or carried it off to mend it.

30's Log Cabin Getting a Binding

2011-01-08T11:36:00.003-05:00

2 1/2 inch binding strips cut and sewn together, ready to be folded and pressed; then attached with my trusty Featherweight....A fun afternoon planned.

Simple Whittling Exercise

2010-12-31T13:23:00.006-05:00

I am always looking for easy projects that will help a newer whittler/carver practice, learn, and improve. This little "twistee-pointer stick" or Christmas tree ornament will do that.

This project is designed to provide repetitive knife cuts that will help one get familiar with their pocket or carving knife.

Start with a 1/2" X 1/2" X 6" piece of Basswood, and a sharp knife. The first thing to do is to carve a 5-minute owl at one end of the stick.

This 5-minute owl makes use of stop cuts, slice cuts, and plunge cuts.

After the owl is completed, taper the bottom of the piece to its end. At this point, you are ready to make a tapered-twisting-spiral stop cut from the bottom of the owl to the bottom tip of the piece .

Next, use the knife to make small cuts to the spiraled stop cut .

Do a bunch of these and you'll be amazed at how much more knife control you develop.
Do some with a Santa head instead of the 5-minute owl, for a Christmas tree ornament.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Years!

2010-12-24T07:55:00.004-05:00

It's Christmas eve! I would imagine that most who, from time to time, check this blog out either have grand children, great grand children, children of their own, or relatives with children. So hopefully it's a happy season.

I want to thank all who check out this blog and wish them a Merry Christmas, Happy New Years, and Seasons Greetings.

I am going to be one of the first who state and share a new years resolution. Last fall my daughter sent me a bunch of quilt tops that she has assembled. They are now machine quilted and are awaiting binding. One of my main new years resolutions is to complete the binding on these quilts.

Check out my new Blog http://tomsarks.blogspot.com/ This new blog is about making toy Noah's Arks.

My New Ark Blog

2010-12-23T09:56:00.002-05:00

This is an invite to check out a new blog that I am in the process of creating. The blog will chronicle the design and construction/carving of toy Noah's Arks, and the animals that go with them. I generally make 12 to 15 Noah's Arks each year for displays and shows, and as commissions. Here's the link!

http://tomsarks.blogspot.com/

Noah's Arks

2010-12-16T17:54:00.002-05:00

This blog is titled and generally devoted to quilting and woodcarving, both of which I do. I do these as a hobby, not a business. Since my hobby does result in items that others may wish to acquire, I offer some for sale. I have been making Noah's Arks with carved animals for a number of years. I participate in several art festivals, wood carving shows, and Christmas shows/sales each year. Through the years my Noah's Arks have been placed in several gift shops and offered. These efforts in total have generally resulted in the sale of 10 to 15 Arks per year. Four days ago the Columbus Dispatch newspaper ran an article that featured me and my Noah's Arks. I did not anticipate what would happen when this article was published. In four days I have sold the remaining two Arks from this years efforts, and received fifteen commissions for Noah's Arks for 2011. The power of the pen is at play.

Here's a link to the article:

Crafting toy arks floats retiree's boat

Latest Gnome

2010-12-03T16:29:00.002-05:00

My niece wanted me to try to do a Gnome playing a tuba. I tried to carve the tuba out of Basswood too but no go. Too small and to many changes in the grain direction. So I ordered a Christmas tree ornament and carved the Gnome to match the ornament. This little fellow is 3 1/2 inches tall.

IT'S BEEN OVER A MONTH!

2010-12-01T10:42:00.002-05:00

I can't believe it's been over one month since my last post. I am beginning to see why some folk dislike this time of year. Not me, I love it! It's just that everything seems to conspire to require ones attention at this time of year. Wood carving shows, craft sales, Christmas demonstrations, etc., etc.; all during the months of November and December. The following is a list from memory (a very suspect memory) of some of what I am talking about.

Carving demonstrations at quilt and gift shops
Dayton wood carving show and sale
Columbus Christmas Fair (Craft sale)
Article published in Woodcarving Illustrated
14 Noah's Arks and animals to finish (18 pairs of animals each)
80 carved Santa tree ornaments and pins
3 newly commissioned Noah's Arks (18 pairs of animals each)
24 sets of Santa earrings to carve
Quilting classes to co-teach
Quilting class Christmas part to carve ornaments for each class member
Christmas tree ornament exchange where 18 ornaments are carved and exchanged
Lots of small little whittlings done to give away.
Honey do list to keep up with...........

But, you know what? I love it. It's just that some things must be put on the back burner for a while.

The shows and sales are over. The commissions are completed. I'm just about caught up.
Oh, all most forgot, the shows and sales when well. I'm not rich in a lot of new money, but I did cover expenses and have some cash to spend for Christmas presents. And most of all I hope I made some folks happy with what I could offer them.

Holiday Season - Noah's Ark's

2010-10-23T09:02:00.002-04:00

Here's half of the Noah's Ark's that I have finished for the 2010 Holiday season. Each Ark averages 12 pairs of animals. The larger Ark's have more, small less. But all and all it means that I have to whittle over 600 animals to fill the Ark's. Maybe next year I'll scale back. Several of these Ark's are already spoken for (buyers). The smallest Ark has my pocket knife placed in front of it for a size comparison.

I am doing some Quilting too, along with co-teaching a weekly quilting class. I am presently providing one on one assistance for brand new quilters, along with keeping the older machines running properly.

Civil War Soldier Bust

2010-10-06T15:44:00.003-04:00

In an effort to escape from carving and painting animals for Noah's Arks I tried a bust of a Civil War soldier. The soldier is whittled from basswood and is just a tiny bit over 1 3/4 inches tall. I mounted him on a 1 inch wooden toy wheel.

Exercise For Quilters

2010-10-03T12:45:00.004-04:00

A member of the quilting class I co-teach passed this "Quilter's Exercise Block" out to all of the class. (You'll have to click on the image to read the info). The first photo shows the bag, with the block in it, and the second photo shows the block with the instructions.

How Long Does It Take?

2010-10-02T07:43:00.003-04:00

I have been whittling and carving for right at 5 years. I remember my very first attempts at using a carving knife, and asking "how long does it take to learn to carve"? Silly question! But the answer has stuck with me. An experienced carver told me, "carve 1000 faces and you'll begin to get there".

Now this brings me to where I am now. In my marriage contract it states that my wife does not do breakfast. I love breakfast! So, I drive a bit down the road and eat my breakfast in a local diner. I do this five days each week. While having my coffee I carve two Santa or Gnome heads for pins or tree ornaments. It has occurred to me that I've carved a lot of Santa and Gnome heads, during these past five years.

(5 days per week) X (2 Santa/Gnome heads) = 10 carved heads per week
(52 weeks per year) X (10 Santa/Gnome heads) = 520 carved heads per year
(520 Santa/Gnome heads per year) X (5 years) = 2600 carved heads.

But lets say I sluffed off and missed a few days. Lets round the final number to 2000 carved Santa and Gnome heads done in the past 5 years.

Hum! I'm not there yet. But then again he said, "carve 1000 heads and you'll BEGIN to get there.

Whittling & Carving Fast!

2010-10-01T10:26:00.004-04:00

Those who have followed this blog know that I like to whittle and carve as a demonstration to kids, and other interested folks. When ever I am participating in a carving show I like to whittle and carve small items and give them to interested kids. Part of my reason is to hopefully get some kids interested in wood carving. Plus it's just fun. One of the considerations in doing this is to have something that can be whittled or carved quickly. There's the 5 minute owl, the 5 minute wizard, and the Santa ornament. The Santa takes more time than the owl and the wizard. But I am refining the knife cuts to a point where I can complete a small Santa ornament in a very short time. The only reason to speed the whittling up is to have more Santa's to get out. Plus it's a challenge. Kids attention span is quite short, so I try to be fast, while maintaining safety.

The above small Santa can be done in 6 minutes. That's 6 minutes after some practice. But remember, each practice session results in a Santa. I carve these small Santa's in the round, on a 3/8" x 6" piece of Basswood. I can get 6 Santa's from the 6" piece (3 from one end then 3 from the other end). But since I give them to the kids who are watching, I cut them off as I go, and this means I only get 4 per 6" piece. I need to keep a "handle" to hold when carving.

They're Out To Get Me!

2010-09-29T08:10:00.002-04:00

Several days ago a very big white commercial truck ran a stop sign and used me and my van as a "stop cut". In non wood carving lingo, that means the large white commercial truck hit me. While the accident did not hurt me or my wife, it did result in considerable damage to the van. But since the accident I have noticed several cars pull out in front of me to the point where I had to slam on the brakes. I've noticed several more run stop signs. Maybe I am just more aware, but it sure seems they're out to get me.....

On patrol - Off to school!

2010-09-24T10:39:00.003-04:00

As I sat with my 73rd cup of coffee this morning I observed the kids moving up the lane to the school bus stop at the main road. The image reminded me of a squad of troopers humpin their rucks on patrol. Course they'd be technocolor instead of camouflaged, and I'd be viewing them through the wrong end of the binoculars. Kindergarden, 2nd and 3rd graders. Back packs larger then than they are, water bottle holders flapin, several complete with boonie hats. What a scene. And I'll bet it's repeated all over the country every week day.

Absent

2010-09-20T08:05:00.002-04:00

Been absent a bit. Been under the weather a bit. Been overworked a bit. Getting old a bit too.

I am convinced that there exists in each of our lives, certain points where we change. If we can remember these points, and the conditions that existed at the specific time, we can identify specifically when our bodies/mind had changes foisted on them them. I can identify three of these moments.

First, my current condition. One week ago from this past Sunday I provided wood carving demonstrations for a bunch of kids. As a result of this activity, I became infested with some "Kid Cooties" Cooties of the bad cold type. Colds are nothing new to me, or any of us. But up until this last "cold" I would be over the cold in a few days. It's now going on the second week and I am still not over this cold. Sore throat, headache, muscle soreness all over, snot and flem (green) from nose and throat, hives, the works. Yet another signal that my body has changed into being old.

Second condition, was when my legs gave out. Several months ago my son-in-law asked for my help in assisting him install cable to additional rooms in our house. This installation involved "snaking some cable from the basement up to the second floor. To achieve this we used a "snake". We ran into all sorts obstacles and interference pulling this cable. My assistance started and ended with running up and down the steps from the basement to the second floor about 100 times. At about the 50th trip my knees and legs started putting up an argument. The next day it was clear that my body had given me yet another signal that I was old. It was a correct signal, as my legs have never recovered.

Third condition, was when my arms, legs, and back gave out. Several months ago I was playing on the floor with one of the flower girls from next door. She climbed on my shoulders. I tried to get up to my feet. Couldn't do it. I had been able to achieve this minor feat at any time....up until then. Yet another signal; you're old.

I have not been able to come back from these life altering events. I am wondering if this "cold" will result in the same type of thing. An omen if what's to come.

Flower Girls at Play???

2010-09-12T07:04:00.002-04:00

While sitting on the swing on the patio, with a pocket knife carving some little 5 minute owls, I could not help hearing lots of commotion from the next door back yard. The Flower Girls were on their trampoline. I can only see the very top of the trampoline because of the bushes and trees. Actually I can only see the girls when they are jumping and at the very top of their jump. Not only were they jumping but they were screaming, yelling, and even whining. I walked over to find out what was going on. When the girls saw me they got off the trampoline and came running. Greeted me like they'd not seen me in weeks. I asked them. "What in the world all the commotion was"? They answered, "We were just trying to kill each other". And it sounded like it.

Cable Guys!

2010-09-11T11:25:00.004-04:00

Old TV died. Bought a new TV. I have cable. I have HD. I have a VCR/DVD. I have an A/B switcher so I can tape one show while watching another. Called Cable company to install new TV and hookup everything so it works. For $19.95, it's called a stress preventer. Cable guy comes like he's supposed to, when he's supposed to. Puts new cables in, changes out a few connections. I ask hime if everything will work the same as before. He says yes it will. I say even with the A/B switch? He says yes. Then he's out of here.

TV works fine. I throw the old remote into the box with the 37 others that I have accumulated over the years.

Go to watch a tape. NO WORKEE! Call cable company. Listen to 10 minutes of advertizing. Talk to a technician. Who asks my problem. He says you can't do that with the equipment I have. I say BS! Send another technician to make it do what it always has done. That's just tape a TV program and watch it later......

I know I'm old. I know I don't listen well. I know I don't follow instructions. I know I have to pay others to do this kind of stuff....

JUST DO IT!

I am waiting for the second technician to arrive,

I am calm!

OPPS! he's here.

Finally a good one. He actually explained and demonstrated everything to me. Made me demonstrate it all back to him. Went to the truck to do the paperwork. Came back and made me redemonstrate again. Then asked if I had any additional questions. He was so damn good I al,most asked him for a stock tip. Maybe I just looked stupid, but I sure appreciated his instructional manner......

"Secret Hiding Places"

2010-09-10T08:36:00.003-04:00

Me, "Honey, We have any more pretzels"? Answer, "Yes, on the floor in the back hall closet, between the red sweatshirt and the tan jacket on hangers". Dang! she was right.

Question, "Can you bring down the shampoo in the blue capped bottle, under the bathroom sink, beside the white capped shampoo, which is to the right on the left hand door, on the bottom shelf"? Me (after going right to the shampoo she wants), "Sure". I don't have a clue how she does this, as there are 37 different shampoo bottles under the bathroom sink.

Question, " Can you go to the basement freezer and bring a can of frozen OJ up to thaw? It's on the top shelf of the door, on the right hand side". It was.

Statement: When you to the grocery store, don't forget to get a can of peanuts. The last trip to the store yielded no can of peanuts. I walked up and down every row, but after a few minutes every can looked the same. There's trouble, when there's no peanuts at home. I said "they must have run out of peanuts". No buying that excuse. Here's the answer: You'll find the peanuts in the first row past the soft drinks; to the right when you face the pharmacy counter, about two thirds down on the top shelf. Dang! right again. I bought four cans.

About now, I was wondering about replenishing the supply of gummy bears. But I remembered that there are several hiding places for the gummy bears. Hiding these became a necessity when the Flower Girls came visiting. They have always been able to scope the candy out.

I am finding out where lots of stuff resides here at home......

Continuing Nurse Ratched Adventures!

2010-09-09T19:26:00.001-04:00

I am now experiencing a reoccurring nightmare. This nightmare stars my wife, who in the nightmare, has grown to like (make that enjoy); my new role.

Prepare and deliver to her, three meals per day.
Deliver two snacks per day.
Make sure we do not run out of Cheetos and Pepsi.
Make her toast following instructions and specifications more detailed than the engineering plans for the hydrogen bomb.
Do the dishes after each meal,
Do the wash.
Do my own ironing.
Fold the laundrey and put it where it belongs.
Do the shopping. Be aware of and use all coupons.
Answer all telephone calls.
Restock the bathrooms with toilet paper.
Anticipate the need for food items prior to actually needing them.
Plan the night meal earlier enough to take what is needed out of the freezer to thaw.
Carry the walker up and down the stairs each time she goes up and down the stairs.
Find things that she has placed in a cabinet, pantry, in a box, or on a shelf.
Sort the mail, throw out the crap, and give her the bills. This I gladly do. I don't ever want to know what things cost, and how much we spend.

Egads, I'm not made of the same stuff she is. Few men could do the day to day work that their wife does. Heal baby heal!

One Good Thing About Modern Things!

2010-09-09T07:57:00.002-04:00

Our old TV set began its death throes yesterday. After I got over the fact that it was at least 12 years old, I realized it was time to replace. Got on the Internet and determined what the highest rated TV set was. Measured the space in the cabinet where the set must fit. Decided that the largest TV set that I could fit into the space was a 32" set. Got back on the Internet at PRICE GRABBER and found out what the best price was, and printed it out. Took off to BEST BUY and purchased a new 32" set, for the same low price that I had found on the Internet.

Now here's the good thing about new/modern technology. The new TV set in the box weighs about the same as a folding chair. I had to get the help of a much younger and stronger neighbor to help me remove the old set from the cabinet. There's probably a 100 pound difference......Now lets see how long the new set lasts..

Keep Your Eyes Open - For Good Free Machines!

2010-09-06T14:11:00.004-04:00

If you're like me, you just cannot pass on a free sewing machine. If you ever are told that "my old machine just doesn't work anymore", or "they wouldn't give me anything on trade in", or "I found this in moms basement"; if the machine is offered - TAKE IT!

This model 4552 SINGER was offered to our class at the senior center. The owner said it didn't work, and if we couldn't get to sew, just throw it away. I took it and tried it out. Well it sewed, but the stitch was so bad, I could see why it was offered. But I remembered somewhere reading that the first thing to do when attempting to "fix" a sewing machine was to clean it. After that, return all settings to as near to zero as practical. Put a proper new needle in and be sure it is correctly set. Thread the machine with new thread, according to the instruction manual. Instruction manuals are available on the Internet. Begin to sew a test piece of folded fabric. Inspect the stitches, and adjust the tensions as necessary.

Through experience I have found out that the above actions will return most old sewing machines to service.

This older SINGER model 4552 now lays down a near perfect stitch.......and it was free.

A New Appreciation!

2010-09-06T06:54:00.003-04:00

I have always realized that keeping up a house was work. I will however fess up and say that at times I wondered why some thing had to be done like they did. I always knew my wife went shopping, clipped coupons, saved money by shopping sales, never ran out of the things needed to keep the place working. But I gotta tell you, I never realized just how difficult the total job is. Doing the big things is hard enough, but all the little things that make the big things happen are a whole nother thing. And there is just the two of us. How moms with a family continue to manage is beyond me. Here's just a sampling of what I mean:

Toilet paper: Making sure there are spare rolls in the bathrooms - at all times! That's even more important than replacing the rolls on the dispenser.

Bread: Breads bread to me, but someone I know requires fresh baked bakery bread. I still have not mastered the secret of buying two loafs at a time and splitting them and triple bagging smaller bags, and freezing them to prevent molding. I still wonder why my cheap bread will last for weeks without molding and wife's only four days.

While we're on the bread thing, I never realized that making toast was such a detailed art. How much easier can it be to make toast, add butter and jam? I learned that the toast must be just so dark (well not dark at all, just one and a half shades darker than white, but hot and a wee bit crispy). All the top surface of the bread MUST be covered with butter. The butter must be of a required consistency, that is only achieved when taken out of the icebox for 30 minutes at room temperature of 70 degrees. The thickness of the butter must be correct too, but so far I don't know what that is. I just keep adding more. I am sure I'll be told when I have enough. The jam is not a big deal. I think it's the butter that is critical.

House and out side plants and flowers: Why do they die when either over watered or under watered?

I'm tired, gotta rest.

Thirty minute nap later!

I now know how/why my underware is always clean and in the drawer.
I now know that the orange juice does not automatically get made when it needs to.
I know you have to plan ahead for meals and thaw frozen stuff.
I now realize that if you don't sweep the floor on a regular basis you'll need a shovel.
I understand that if dishes are left overnight it's harder to wash them in the morning.

I could go on and on about all the little things around the house that my wife always did, that I never gave a whole lot of thought to. I'm learning!

New Skills Continued

2010-08-30T15:11:00.004-04:00

As explained in earlier posts, I am being Nurse Ratched to my wife who is recovering from a total hip replacement. In addition to my "nursing" duties I am am learning a whole new set of skills. Yesterday I focused on the laundry (washing. drying, and folding). Today, lets take on shopping for food and drugs. Two items that should be quite easy and not time consuming at all. Yea, right!

The shopping trip was initiated by the crime of supplying my patient with stale bread for toast. I was handed a list of things to purchase. Eight things to be exact. Bread, hamburger buns, eggs, American cheese, peanuts, washing detergent, Pepcid Complete, and ALKA-SELTZER.

Instructions included using two $4 coupons (pepcid Complete and WISK washing detergent). My wife provided me with a job aid in the form of the ad from the flyer that had a picture of the WISK that was on sale.

Going to the store is not a real easy everyday thing here. We live out in the county, and every shopping trip involves about 14 miles round trip.

First stop was Walgreens for the Pepcid Complete, and ALKA-SELTZER. No problem with the Pepcid Complete, except a mild heart attack at the price. Instant heartburn. Found the ALKA-SELTZER, but every box had been opened. Now momma didn't raise no fool. Never buy a package that has been tampered with or opened. I passed on this item, to purchase at the next store.

Second and final stop Giant Eagle. Started out great, 1 pound of American cheese. Bread is fresh bakery bread. Only two loafs left, both with a sell by date of August 31. Into the cart one goes. On to the eggs. List states one dozen large eggs. Sorted through about 100 cartons of eggs, but all had a use by date of September 3. I guess we'll have to eat these eggs in 4 days. On the list, so into the cart the eggs go. Start looking for peanuts! Found the display for the special on the WISK, but no red bottles with 36 loads as pictured in the flyer with the $4 off coupon. They had 26 load, 50+ load, and 96 load. The coupon is only good on the red bottle-36 load size. Hightailed to the customer service counter for a "raincheck". Gal tried to take advantage of my telling that they were substituting the 26 load bottle for the 36 load bottle. Here again, momma didn't raise no fool. 26 loads of wash is a wee bit less than 36 loads. No way, give me the raincheck-but make sure it lasts after the coupon expires, next week.

Continue and look for peanuts. No friggin peanuts can be found. I know they're there, but damned if I can find them. I look at my watch, and see I've been here for 45 minutes, just to purchase 7 items.

I go to the checkout with my measly 7 items. Six checkouts and only two open; each with about four customers in line. I picked the one that I thought would be the fastest. Wrong again! Lady in front of me had two screaming kids and about 10 to 15 items to purchase; one of which was a gallon of wine. She tried to pay for the stuff with food stamps or some other kind of voucher. Took the cashier and the assistant manager about 10 minutes to convince her the wine could not be purchased with the voucher. By the time it was my turn the cashier was whining to the lady behind me that she would be glad when her shift was over, that the whole day had been a day from Hell. I observed the cashier ring up my seven six item, correctly. As she kept on complaining about the rude customers to the lady behind me, she commenced to put my fresh bread into the bag and toss everything else in on top of the loaf. I said, " hey! you just crushed my loaf of bread by tossing everything in on top of it". She looked at me for the first time and snarled," do you want me to replace it?" My reply, "I really don't care, but the bread is for my wife, and she would say, REPLACE IT!"

Now I can understand why my wife does not enjoy shopping like she used to.

To be continued.......

New Skills!

2010-08-30T12:52:00.002-04:00

In addition to my nurse Ratched routine, there is a whole new skill set having to do with the everyday activities of managing a house. Now I realize that most women will laugh at my plight with this new skill set. But you see, I have been a "kept man" for nearly 50 years. In the past ten days I have had to learn to do the following activities. Maybe I haven't learned, but I have had to do them, never the less.

a. Sort light from dark stuff to wash. Sounds easy. Sounds straight forward. Not so! There seems to be shades of gray (or any other color). If not mastered, pink underwear may result.

b. Load the washer. Simple! Well, what if you try to do more than you should. Don't ask me how I figured that one out.

c. Set the controls. Hot or Cold? Light load, normal, or heavy load. I did find out that the "heavy load" setting will not compensate for cramming all the towels and levis, and bathroom rug into the washer.

d. Add the soap. Everything is fine here, until I discover that there are at least three kinds of soap. God, I hope I picked the right one. What ever happened to the boxes of regular soap? Now it's all liquid (at least at my house).

e. Load the dryer. This proved the easiest thing. That is until after the load was dried, when I found out I should have pulled some stuff and put them on the line to dry. Something about"delicates".

f. Unload the dryer. There again, this should be simple. I did not know that you must unload the dryer as soon as it quits its cycle. Never, never let the dried clothes sit in the dryer.

g. Fold the laundry. Not so simple, when there is a right way and a wrong way to fold.

If I can get some rest, I'll go into the other skills I'm learning. Consulting on meals, shopping and the whole area of coupons, cleaning, bed changing, putting toilet paper rolls on the roller, etc, etc.

Birthday Present!

2010-08-25T13:23:00.005-04:00

Well, among everything else that is happening I had a birthday slip in. I had honestly forgot about it. But the Flower Girls did not. Notice the Gnomes holding hands to form the "H".

In addition to bringing flowers for my wife, and some cake for me, they brought me a present. The present is a great little Gnome Home for a flower bed. I love it. Gnomes will be next.

After hugs and kisses, the girls begged to see the incision from my wife's hip replacement.

Slight Delay in Postings

2010-08-22T12:06:00.005-04:00

Some may have noticed that there has been a delay in new postings. There is a reason. I have been distracted from the normal day to day activities that some times become the basis for my blog postings. I have assumed the role of "Nurse Ratched" here at home. My wife had total hip replacement surgery on Wednesday August 18, and is recovering here at home. As amazing as this surgery is, it still limits ones mobility for a while. It means that I have new responsibilities, and a new role as "coach". One one hand, I have available a whole new area of posting possibilities. While, on the other hand, my allotment of time has been altered. One of the "Flower Girls", has been over to visit, and the other will be here any moment now. Perhaps out of these visits I'll have something of interest to report.

Shadow Box

2010-08-11T17:17:00.002-04:00

Seems I'm always losing some of my small carvings. The shadow box is a great way to not only display the small carvings, but a good way to keep them too. I put a small dab of that "Reusable Adhesive Putty" on the base of the pieces and that hold them in place. This shadow box measures 16" x 12".

Little Ark!

2010-08-06T16:38:00.002-04:00

A little Noah's Ark always needs pairs of little animals. My pocket knife is there so you can better get an idea of the sizes involved. With this ark are, camels, brown bears, polar bears, elephants, horses, and rhinos.

Oh! I am also selecting some 30's fabric to start cutting for some quilt squares. That is, if I haven't forgotten how.......

Spots!

2010-08-01T14:18:00.003-04:00

What better way to spend a Sunday afternoon, than painting spots on cheetahs. Could it be stripes on tigers? Maybe! You'd better be sure your hand is steady...

Painting of Animals Started

2010-07-30T19:09:00.002-04:00

Spent some time painting the animals today. Did the base color only. No spots, stripes, or other colors yet. Have to break up the tasks to keep from getting too bored...

Noah's Arks - Progress!

2010-07-29T08:33:00.003-04:00

Here's a few of the arks that are nearly done. Must still add some antique look to them.

And some of the bazillion animals I have to do. Some of the arks will get 12 pairs of animals and some 18 pairs. These 75+ will next be painted.

Surprise! Something quilting related.

2010-07-27T19:48:00.001-04:00

A flea market find. Toy sewing machine for one whole dollar.

Something "COOL" Not Quilting or Carving

2010-07-24T18:36:00.006-04:00

The temperature today was 94 degrees, and the heat index was 104. I even heard on the radio that we were under a heat advisory, and if we had any older neighbors we should check on them. I waited until about noon to be checked on, but no one came. So I decided that it was just too hot and muggy to do anything around the house. I remembered that the BLAST FROM THE PAST car show was in town. Over 600 cars in town. They closed off the streets and parked these beauties every where. Most were on the main drag, which is about 8 blocks long.

Hope you enjoy looking at these as much as I do.

Time Out for a Mini Carving

2010-07-23T08:40:00.002-04:00

Took a couple of minute off from the Noah's Arks and animals to carve a mini Civil War soldier bust. The carving measures 1/4 inch wide x 3/4 inch tall. After carving, dipped it into sanding sealer, waited for it to dry then applied Mylands dark wax and buffed.

Weird as it may seem, I do these mini's to relax....

Ark #2 completed

2010-07-22T09:00:00.002-04:00

Ark number 2 is done, and measures 15 inches from bow to stern, and 18 inches tall. Just need to wax it.

My plan to complete all the arks took a turn when someone just ordered 5. Now I must find the time to make some more. Egads! Right now I'm painting the first thing in the morning, when eyes are fresh and hands more steady. About 2 hours maximum per morning for painting. Next is about 2 hours of carving animals. In the afternoon I spend some time carving Santa's and any other things. Busy busy busy!

Two Arks Painted!

2010-07-18T12:09:00.002-04:00

Several days ago I might have mentioned that the Flower girls and I were going to play Tom Sawyer. Instead of me painting some Noah's Arks I would get the Flower girls to do it for me. I asked their mom, and she said I didn't know what I was getting into. But she said alright. I set up a table with a tarp over it. Brought out two small paint brushes, and a bucket with about 2 inches of paint in it. I put an old tee shirt on each girl, and turned them loose. The stack of photos shows nearly everything, except the clean up. What did I learn? That you really can paint with your hands if are so inclined.

What's On My Bench!

2010-07-17T16:17:00.000-04:00

Pieces and parts of six Noah's Arks.

New Ark Completed!

2010-07-15T12:02:00.003-04:00

Here's the new "economy" Noah's Ark, completed. I plan to have several of these available at a Christmas Fair (Sale) in November. I'll have 6 pairs of animals, plus Mr/Mrs Noah for each of the arks. This Ark is 13 inches tall and 12 inches long.

Now I just need to put a price on it. Any suggestions? Lets hear from you.

New Design - Smaller Noah's Ark

2010-07-14T20:21:00.003-04:00

This is a new design for a smaller Noah's Ark. The animals that I placed on the Ark are about 2" tall. I am attempting to arrive at a design that will work with 6 pairs of animals. In this manner I am hoping to keep the price lower. I'll post a photo of the completed Ark tomorrow.

Going To Try to Pull a "TOM SAWYER"

2010-07-13T17:48:00.003-04:00

I'm thinkin the Flower girls must be gettin a wee bit bored this summer. I need to get some paint on some Noah's Arks. I think I'm goin to try to get them to paint the Ark hulls with me. I've got the dark brown paint, some sponge brushes, lots of blue tarps, and some old tee shirts they can wear. Wish me luck!

Ark Progress - Money Saving Tip!

2010-07-12T16:18:00.005-04:00

If you notice, I like to paint the Noah's Arks in various shades of BROWN, GREEN, RED.These colors are bright enough to appeal to kids and still retain a certain subdued look for collectors. I seldom pay full price for paints. Sears used to label all mixed paints that did not work out as "OPPS" paint; and then discount it. As you can see I am using FLAT wall paint for the most part. Check out the prices on the cans ($1.00 - $4.00).

Each time I select a paint to use, I like to make a sample on scrap wood. I want to make sure that the selected paint dries to the proper color.

Noah's Arks - Progress

2010-07-11T12:30:00.003-04:00

The wood that is used in the arks is 3/4" pine, 1/4" plywood. and recycled crown molding and other moldings.

When ever possible I use recycled or end cuts of 1/4" plywood too. I have several builders who drop stuff off for me.

When I make just one or two arks at a time I usually paint the pieces before assembly. This time, doing six at a time, I don't have the room to paint each component separately. I'll assemble and paint after. Probably will be more difficult.

Christmas Fair 2010 - A

2010-07-10T08:25:00.005-04:00

These are some photos of what I am making for the 2010 WINTER FAIR sale that is held in November. I am making six Noah's Arks with 16 pairs of animals.

As many pairs of earrings as I can get done.

As many Santa ornaments and pins as I can get done.

And, as many pencil toppers as I can.

I already have about 40 pencil toppers, 30 Santa pins, 20 Santa tree ornaments, and three Noah's Arks with animals.

I'll be posting my progress in photos as the time permits. And time will permit, as this is when I rest my hands......

Christmas 2010-Starting Now!

2010-07-09T20:02:00.002-04:00

ChristmasFair is a craft fair featuring 150 artists and crafters with unique, handcrafted items....pottery, folk art, paintings, stained glass, jewelry, photography and much, much more. 2010 is the 24th year for ChristmasFair!

I am one of the 150 that participate in this event. This will be the first time for me, and I have begun to build the items I'll have for sale. In addition to the Santa ornaments, pencil toppers, and just plain carved Santa's; I'll have Noah's Arks.

Beginning in the next few days, I'll be posting up my progress in preparing for this event. I'll be posting photos of the Arks and the various stages of their construction. I'll show photos of carving and painting progress of the pairs of animals.

I may also try something that I've always wanted to do. That being, attempting to price the Noah's Arks; with your input.

Went for a swim!

2010-07-07T17:00:00.003-04:00

Well the flower girls made it back from there vacation. Two weeks Colorado and Kansas. While they were gone I repaired a rescued gnome that was their favorite, but broken. Then I returned it plus a smaller new one to their flower garden. They noticed them both within one hour. I overheard the oldest one telling the younger one that it's proof that gnomes have magic. She said, "I remember mom threw Mordecai in the trash last year, because his leg was broken off."

You all know that it's hot. 93 degrees here and no wind. The girls have a large inflatable pool that they filled with water, and have lots of fun playing in it. I go over and talk with them, and they try to splash me; but either their mom or dad tells them not to get me wet. And generally they listen and stop splashing. Well this PM I decided to have some fun. I emptied my pockets, took off my shoes, and left my glasses at home. I walked over and started to talk to the girls , and as soon as they started to splash me; I jumped in. Needless to say, they were stunned. So was their mom. Also, needless to say, we (I) had a ball. I am nice and cool now.

A Rescued Gnome!

2010-06-26T19:51:00.002-04:00

Here's a little 8 inch tall Gnome that I found in a flea market. It set me back 25 cents. I'll find a good home for him in the flower girls flower garden.

Mordecai

2010-06-25T14:53:00.003-04:00

It's been a while since I've posted. Out of town, very busy, worn out, etc, etc , etc. Always excuses. The flower girls are currently on vacation, so it's very quiet around here. Sometime last year I retrieved the pictured gnome from the flower girls trash. Its left leg was broken off, and their mom could not keep the glue holding it together when she tried to repair it. I took it on the sly. Well I just ran across it. I carved a long piece of wood to fit into the body and the leg. Kinda like an internal splint. Next I glued the whole thing up and it's holding very well. What I plan to do is place the repaired gnome back in their flower garden, and wait to see what happens. This was the girls favorite gnome. The younger sister even slept with it on occasion. They named him Mordecai.

I'll prepare a note from Gnomey explaining the healing powers of gnomes. Healing and repairing expertise, that is.

Mini Weapons of Mass Destruction

2010-05-25T19:42:00.003-04:00

In a previous posting I mentioned the Arts Festival, and the Popsicle stick switchblades that were a big success with the kids, and some dads. One of the neat things that happen at these events is the comments from the kids.
Upon seeing the Popsicle stick switchblade, a little girl asked if I had seen the book MINI WEAPONS OF MASS DESTRUCTION. I said no! She said that I should get it, because it's really good. Well my carving buddy ordered a copy and it'll arrive this week. I googled it up and on the cover it has an illustration of a mini catapult made from clothes pins. Cannot hardly wait for the fun I'll have with this book.

"How About Some Quilting"

2010-05-18T14:01:00.002-04:00

I woke up this morning with the memory of a little voice that had whispered into my ear, "the name of your blog is QUILTING and CARVING, how bout some quilting". The little voice just had to be this Gnome. He is correct. I need a quilt project to begin.

Arts Festival - #1

2010-05-17T14:06:00.004-04:00

The Arts Festival was a good one. The weather cooperated. finally. Large crowds. Lots of family's and lots of kids. I made expenses in the first morning, and from then on it was just fun, fun, fun. I did sell one Noah's Ark, got one commission, and and an inquiry about photos for a magazine. When I say I had fun, it's because all I need to do is make expenses. The top seller was to kids. The "Popsicle stick switchblade". These were a surprise seller. Of course the price of $3.00 was a major factor. I took a bucket full of them. The kids liked them, and one older fellow bought five to take to the office. Some ones going to be in trouble. I spent a lot of time sitting and whittling, the little 1/4 inch wizards and small totum poles to give out to interested kids.

Art Festival Report #2

2010-05-17T08:22:00.003-04:00

No photos! My booth looks the same as what I posted from last year. The weather cooperated and it was nice for a change. Crowds were good. But the folks seems more intent on spending their money on fatty food, than "art". Although, I did fine. At least on the inexpensive and fun carvings for the kids. I'll post some photos of these later. But now it's time for the "soapbox". Sorry but I cannot help myself.

What is happening to us, as a nation? I'm talking fat. Not merely heavy as one ages, but fat. And fat from the "get-go". Way, way, way too many FAT young parents pushing strollers with fat babies. Way too many fat young teenage girls parading around with their fat bellies hanging (and I mean hanging) out. More like waddling. I couldn't help but feel sorry for them. Destined to be that way forever. Never being able to look into a mirror and seeing themselves as a healthy, sexy woman. I don't mean just a few. I am sure there were just as many (maybe more) obese teenagers as thinner ones. And not just the girls, the boys are getting huge too. Also saw many obese middle aged folks on scooters (mobility devices), because they were either too heavy to walk around or the health affects from fat had immobilized them.

As with any outdoor festival, the food vendors were plentiful. But unlike the art vendors, many of the food vendors ran out of deep fried food, and had to replenish several times during the weekend.

We discussed this with a doctor that stopped to chat. He shed some more light on the subject. He said if you're poor(er), you can hardly afford to eat healthy. Full fat hot dogs under $1.00 a package, compared to fat free at over $4.00. Healthy whole grain bread at over $2.00 a loaf compared to to more unhealthy bread at under $1.00. And on, and on, and on.

I'm off my soapbox now. In to the kitchen for a donut.

Gutter Fringe!

2010-05-10T18:24:00.002-04:00

Sorry, forgot to get a photo. You'll just have to use your imagination!

We have several large mature maple trees, that were loaded with seeds - you know, the twirlers/helicopters. In the winds of this past weekend they all blew off the trees. And every damn one of them landed in our gutters. Our gutters are covered with a perforated top, designed to keep leafs out. Every little hole, and there are millions of them had a maple twirler stickin out of it. When the wind blew, they waved like wheat in the field. The gutters on both first and second floor were loaded.

This morning Flower Girl Dahlia noticed them and started laughing. She asked me what they were. I responded, "why it's gutter fringe". The look on her face was indescribable. She ran up for a closer look, and her laughter was even louder. What she said next reveals how smart she is. She said, "those are tree seeds and you better get them out of the gutter or they'll grow into trees". I took her advice, and hired a younger, unemployed friend to clean the gutters.

Moms Day Aftermath!

2010-05-10T09:01:00.002-04:00

I probably never will really comprehend the awesome responsibility that a mother has. But what really is the ultimate mystery to me is how so many mothers manage to be so involved in so many things, and do them all so well. I some times whine (well more than sometimes) about how I can't seem to get everything done. And each mothers day I think back on all the things that mothers always get done. So, there is just really no excuse for me not to have made a quilt lately.

"Show Time"

2010-05-05T08:39:00.009-04:00

Those wood carvers who enjoy participating in the carving shows, arts festivals and exhibits know that the season has started. I've already participated in one wood carving show, this season. The Johnny Appleseed Show in Mansfield Ohio. This was a good show, in all; and for me too. I have three more major shows, Delaware Arts Festival, Dayton wood carving Show, and Christmas Fair, Columbus Ohio. These are all fun shows, but require lots of prep. By prep, I mean carving and whittling. I need to have at least three Noah's Arks complete with carved pairs of animals for each show. And the idea is to sell them, which then may mean making additional arks. I guess what I'm saying is that it's kinda like fishing. You enjoy the whole experience, whether you catch any fish or not. And sometimes catchin fish is to much of a bother. I also must have a complement of carvings and whittlins for each show. This means that sooner or later I have to set prices. My goal is to just cover expenses. This usually happens. But not because my items are pricey, but just the opposite.

Mushroom!

2010-05-04T16:41:00.004-04:00

It's been a bad year so far, for the local morel mushrooms hunters. One of the fellows at the diner this AM said it's been so long since he's seen a morel, that hes forgot what they look like. I got to thinkin, that I should carve him the perfect morel, and mount it on a cane for him. This way he'd have a reminder of not only what a morel looks like, but what a perfect morel looks like. He'd have the benefit of a cane, and a stick to keep from having to lean over all the time and move debris out of the way.

Redefining "Work"

2010-05-01T14:25:00.002-04:00

The word "work" has many meanings. Before I retired, it meant only one thing. After I retired it came to mean another thing. I "worked" very had to have this new meaning accepted. I started out with the premise that carving and quilting was what I wished to spend most of my time doing. My first obstacle was to stop thinking that I was just "playing" around when carving and/or quilting. Next I had to cause my wife and others to stop thinking I was just playing around. I had to do something that caused others to have the same ideas about quilting/carving as they do about mowing, painting, and cleaning. What I hit upon was a series of actions that I had to take. First I had to make an investment in tools and equipment, for carving and quilting. After all we did this for mowing and cleaning. Next I had to carefully consider what I said about carving and quilting. No more out bursts of, " boy this is fun", "wow - cool", or "yesh! this isn't hard". No, I had to use phrases like, "crap, I'll never get this", "boy, I sure screwed this up", and "this is harder than it looks". The capper was when I paid money for a table at a carving show. Now this means that I must have carvings to display; and to possibly sell. It wasn't long before I heard my wife say, "hey! you had better get to work carving for that show". Now she just says, "he's out in the shop working". Or am I out in the shop "playing"? Don't care, there's a smile on my face.

Gnome For You - A New Blog!

2010-04-29T09:10:00.002-04:00

I have started a new Blog:

http://gnomeforyou.blogspot.com

This new Blog will feature my hand carved Gnomes at first, but will be including photos of other folks hand carved Gnomes as well. One of the reasons to start up this new blog is to provide a place for the folks who have received one of my Gnomes to post photos of their Gnome in different scenes. Could be kind of like the "traveling Gnome" from the TV ad.

Senior Center Quilt Class

2010-04-24T19:21:00.002-04:00

Some may remember that I co-teach a quilting class at our county senior center. This is a group project that we are doing the final assembly on. The finished quilt will be raffled off for the center. Each class member did a couple squares. All and all a fun project, that will result in a very nice quilt. Next we have to add an inner border and a wider outer border, then quilt it.

Flower Girls Return Gnomey's Hat!

2010-04-23T08:11:00.003-04:00

The Flower Girls returned Gnomey's hat, after finding it stuck in the trampolines side net. I guess they thought that since Gnomey hand wrote the note, that he may need an eraser. I also noticed that they had spruced up around Gnomey's door. They had left some new sprouts, saying that they may be flowers. One of the Flower Girls, exclaimed, "don't pull them out. Mom's already POISONED the dandelions". I told her she could pick my dandelions, as I won't poison the ones in my yard.

Gnomeys Hat and the Trampoline

2010-04-21T17:01:00.003-04:00

Gnomey's printer is on the "fritz", so it's back to the ol' writing.
There was no hat in the mailbox this morning, so I prepared this note from Gnomy, and left it.

GNOMEY BOUNCES - TOO MUCH!

2010-04-21T09:11:00.002-04:00

I told the Flower girls to be sure to keep the door to their trampoline zipped up, or critters might get in at night and start bouncing. This is evidence that Gnomey sneaked in at night. And by the looks of things might have bounced a wee bit too much.

Yesterday evening the girls came running up to our house, with the hat. I was at a wood carvers meeting so my wife told me of the excitement. Both were out of breath, and Dahlia was most excited. She said, " Gnomey was bouncing, and has hat got stuck in the side of the trampoline". Zinnia explained and demonstrated how Gnomey must have bounced so high and had his head to the side, when his hat got stuck. They wanted to know what they should do with the hat. My wife just told them to put it in Gnomeys mailbox.....We'll see!

Johnny Appleseed Woodcarving Show

2010-04-19T09:33:00.005-04:00

The Johnny Appleseed Woodcarving Show was held in Mansfield Ohio this past weekend. This is a very well run woodcarving show that attracts many great carvers, as participants/exhibitors as well as folks to see some great woodcarvings. While the attendance of folks to look and see might have been down this year, I did well in selling some smaller stuff. This first photo is an example of some ornaments and and pins that I displayed.

Here's some more of my miniatures. I decided to concentrate on Gnomes this year. Maybe I'm trying to generate some more interest in the Gnomes and the fun they can bring into ones life.

Here's a photo of my table. I sold a Noah's Ark and a whole lot of Gnomes and small Santa ornaments and ear rings.

Here's an example of why I said some great carvings at this show. That blue ribbon says "Best of Show". This is a carving by, Ron Allinger, Quincy, Ohio.

Gnomey Plays a Trick!

2010-04-19T08:15:00.002-04:00

Flower girl told me that Gnomey played a trick on me. I said, "That's what Gnomes do sometimes". She said, "Gnomey didn't pull any dandelions." I said, "yep! I noticed." She said, "I know! you must have been mean to him, and he's just getting even."

Gnomey and the Great Dandelion Trick!

2010-04-15T17:05:00.002-04:00

A beautiful sunny spring day greeted us yesterday and today. I've already had to mow Yesterday afternoon I noticed that there were lots of dandelions in full bloom. Then early this morning I noticed that the dandelions were still closed up. I could not let this opportunity for a Gnome "adventure" pass me by. I told the youngest Flower girl that I'll bet Gnomey would pull all my dandelions tonight after dark. Next I told her to look at my yard when she gets up in the morning, and give me a report.....

Trampoline Fun!

2010-04-10T16:33:00.003-04:00

Returning from vacation, we found a trampoline in the Flower Girls backyard. Notice, it's one of the new models with no springs. This means that there are no opening for legs to go through and cause injuries. The girls didn't like it when I said the trampoline looked like a kid cage. I asked their dad if the zipper door had a lock on it.

I told the girls that they should be sure that they close the zipper door every night. They asked me. "Why"? Well, I could not resist. I replied, " The other night I heard something bouncing in the middle of the night". To that, Dahlia stated, "Gnomes"! I said, "either Gnomey or a possum". Zinnia next exclaimed, Gnomes arn't heavy enough to make the trampoline bounce". Zinnia is pretty smart, she just got all excellents on her report card. But Dahlia came to my rescue, by stating "Gnomes are magic you know"!

Gnomes, Gnomes, Gnomes!

2010-04-09T17:18:00.005-04:00

I have been busy whittling some little Gnomes. I didn't start out to do so many, but it just happened. The smaller Gnomes are about one inch in height, the larger ones three inches. Some are glued to drift wood from the beach, with shells on them.

Gnome with Red Hat!

2010-04-08T19:06:00.003-04:00

This little 3 inch Gnome is an example of how a carving may be finished with a minimum of effort. Painting takes a lot of effort, and the results can sometimes make the piece look like a plastic piece. For this carving I decided to just give the hat a light wash of red water color paint. After the hat dried I used a tooth brush to apply a colored wax over the whole carving. After buffing it looks older than I am.....This is a fast way of finishing a carving.

Whittle Sticks!

2010-04-07T17:05:00.003-04:00

I whittled these little "Whittle Sticks" to have something that was fast, easy, and that kids might like. These "Whittle Sticks" are 1/4" x 1/4" x 4", and I whittle wizards, owls, penguins, eagles, Santa's, anything else that is fast and easy on them. Some are finished with shoe polish, some with colored wax. I have been able to whittle one of these in about 10 minutes, while explaining what I am doing to the kids that will always stop and watch. The kids that are interested, get one. I'll bet I gave away 20 on the beach. Maybe a future wood carver among them.

Tom & Gnomey Home From Florida

2010-04-06T15:14:00.003-04:00

We arrived home yesterday afternoon from Florida. I was there for five weeks, so glad to get home. The Flower Girls come running (and jumping up and down) greet us. They soon revealed the reason for the jumping up and down. They had a huge trampoline set up in their back yard, and had been spending all time out of school and bed jumping up and down. Dahlia gave me a hug and asked me if I brought Gnomey home. I said, " I think so". I told that when I was packing to come home that I had a pile of carved Gnomes on the table, and when I woke up the next day that the Gnomes were all lined up in a row. I said that I thought that was Gnomey's way of telling me he was there. Dahlia next said, "yeah, he'd do that".

This is the note that Gnomey will leave when he knows he won't be seen.

Carving Cleanup!

2010-03-23T16:42:00.003-04:00

Our condo has a balcony looking out over the gulf. This has become my carving area when it's warm enough. There's quite a bit of wind that comes in off the gulf, so the wood chips might have become a problem. I did not want them blowing off the balcony into/onto other folks balconies, or anywhere for that matter. We also eat our lunch on the balcony too. One day the wind blew some potato chip crumbs off the table onto the deck. I noticed that as soon as we went inside, some sparrows flew in and took away the potato chip crumbs.

Light bulb goes off inside head! I wonder if the sparrows would swoop in and take away the wood chips too. This I had to try. I felt guilty watching the sparrows flock in and in quite a frenzy remove the wood chips, thinking they were food. The sparrows did this for several days, then must have figured out what was happening. Now, if I leave just a few chips they'll clean them up for me. But not a big mess.

The Strangest So Far!

2010-03-15T19:55:00.003-04:00

This is not quilting or carving! But it was the strangest happening that I've seen on vacation in Florida - so far. While sitting on the balcony of the condo carving, my wife said yesh there's a traffic jam of strollers coming down the bike path. I looked up and said, "look! it's synchronized strollers". Just then they all pulled a right hand turn off the bike path and parked the strollers against the fence. They commenced to pull out bungee cords and hook them on to the fence. Next, on the count, they started arm exercises. After about 5 minutes they packed up and off they went down the bike path.
15 minutes later they came back. This time they started jumping jacks. Before I could grab the camera they were back at the bungee cords. Like I said; the strangest so far. I got three weeks to go, so I'm sure this will be topped.