Thursday, March 27, 2008

Stamping

iHanna has me all fired up about stamping. I had purchased polymer erasers at Staples about 2 years ago and planned to make an alphabet. I made two stamps--and forgot to reverse the letters. And then I lost interest. Last night I whizzed along making all these letters plus a few more. It was lots of fun. And I made letters that actually SPELL something! I might make a new "e". It looks kinda fuzzy.

Here's my notebook. I had to write all the letters so I could SEE how to reverse them. And, of course, use the written alphabet as a "game board" stamping the finished letters. I have only two erasers left uncut--so I can make 4 more letters. Sigh!

I had some soft cutting squares (2.5 or 3 inches) so I cut a design into both sides (2 stamps) and because I was medicated (story later) I seemed more relaxed and didn't over think the design and they turned out rather nice. This is the first one printed four times. I used the new stamp pad I bought with my 40% off JoAnn's coupon last weekend. Not the best stamp pad. Dry. I like juicy ink.

About the medication. Gravity. And a 65 pound puppy eager to smell another dog's butt. One moment of inattention and I got pulled off my feet and flat onto the ground yet again. I took the medication "in case" I stiffened up, but, as usual, no real injury except to my pride. Both dogs stayed real close to my prone body as the treats in my pocket were close to hand (or paw). Riley was very interesting. As soon as Tessa showed an interest in me, Riley came over and pushed his way between us. Of course, that meant he was standing ON me. I have a few asphalt burns on my hand as a reminder, and after getting up off the ground, Riley and I did the 2 mile walk as usual. I'm a trooper.

G got called in to work this afternoon (his day off) so we tried to do all our errands pretty quickly. Library, return items to LL Bean, lunch. Riley is sleeping right now, we will walk around 3:30 and then a quiet evening. I could go out and buy more erasers. Or not.

I came up with a Program for our April Chapter Meeting and I guess I should make up some samples. And I found tutorials for an "Un Paper Bag" aka tote bag and for making buttonholes. Remember I was going to finally learn how to make a buttonhole in 2008? Both of these projects dovetail nicely with my Program Idea. The list of materials for the tote bag include "medium sew in interfacing". Hum. New to me. Could I use something else?

My program is to make a "Potluck Tote" to carry reusable dishes to meetings when we have a potluck (or any meeting where refreshments are going to be eaten/drunk). So we can stop buying/using/disposing of paper products. Everyone is doing pretty great with bringing a mug to meetings (wish they would also bring a spoon to stir their coffee and a small plate to carry their cookies and a cloth napkin) so they MIGHT be interested in this project. We'll be making a raw edge applique for the front of the tote. Think Pamela Allen style.

My "green-ness" is an example of how German I became in my 6 years as an ex-pat. And of course, my American elementary school teachers (K-3) required everyone in class to produce a clean cotton handkerchief every morning after the Pledge. Yes, they did. I still have clean, ironed hankies ready for inspection. And I also know where to go in case of an "atomic bomb" and let's not forget "Polio". It's incredible we grew up to be such whiny, driven, self absorbed Baby Boomers isn't it? We should be OCD and hiding in a closet (with the light on).

What I'm Doing Today: Not much. I may iron. Starch and iron. With steam.

2 comments:

Deborah Boschert said...

I LOVE the idea of the potluck tote! Very fun. You could even make a coordinating napkin. (Or maybe that was already part of the plan.)

Terry Grant said...

I love your letter stamps. You have inspired me. I think I need my own set of alphabet stamps.