TíaBel's blog on privacy reminded me of something that happened not long after we bought a house in this (very) small town.
A couple of friends were in town for the day. When they got here, they realized they had left our new address & phone number at home. They went to the Chamber of Commerce Tourism & Visitor's Center and asked if they could borrow a phone book. We hadn't been here long enough to be in the book. So they looked up the number of the company where my husband works, asked to borrow the phone, and called. The receptionist answered, they asked for my husband, told him they'd left our 411 at home, and had him give them directions to the house. When they hung up, the clerk in the Visitor's Center said "Oh, you should have told me who you were looking for. I can tell you right where they live."
Bottom line: there is no privacy in a small town.
26 September 2007
25 September 2007
“BY DOING, LEARN”
For some reason, my alma mater has two mottos. The one quoted above comes from Aristotle’s Nicomachean Ethics which says something like “For the things we must learn before we can do them, we learn them by doing them”.
That's my approach to arts & crafts. I rarely go to classes or workshops; I almost never read instructions.
While I don’t pretend to be an expert like Martha Stewart or the Crafty Chica, I have experimented with glues and glitters and glitter glues and I’ve learned some things along the way. Here you'll find some of the products I use and why I like them.
PART 1: STICKY SITUATIONS
My husband is convinced that as a child I suffered some traumatic experience involving a lack of glue, as I seem to be compelled to buy one of every kind of glue I see. Though I remember no such trauma, I won’t deny succumbing to sudden bouts of oniomania in the adhesive aisles of craft stores and home centers. Even though my “glue pantry” is well-stocked, I seem to reach for the same handful of adhesives 99% of the time.
Elmer’s Craft Bond Paper Craft Glue Gel. It really does dry “ultra clear”, just like it says on the label. Unlike the white glues that dry clear, this glue goes on clear so it’s easy to see what you’re doing. It’s a thick no-run gel yet it can be brushed out in a thin layer. I’ve used it to glue rhinestones, milagros, grosgrain ribbon and other assorted materials to paper. Another bonus: It’s less than $3 and it’s sold at our small-town W-Mart, so I don’t have to drive 90 miles to a craft store in the city to buy more (though a 4-oz bottle lasts forever).
Elmer’s Craft Bond Spray Glue. I use this for large and/or fragile materials like tissue paper. Want to glue papel picado to something? This is all you need. (Spray the back of the “flag” then gently float it against whatever you want to adhere it to, starting at one end and carefully smoothing as you go.)
Scotch Permanent Double Sided Tape. Works well in lieu of Grafix (see below) for adhering smaller pieces. Like the Elmer’s products, it’s economical and is available at W-Mart.
Scotch Double Sided Removable Tape. Like the above-mentioned tape, but removable. For when you’re having trouble committing.
Grafix Double Tack Mounting Film. Imagine a cross between double-sided tape and contact paper. I haven’t been able to find this locally, so I order it from Dick Blick. It’s not cheap, but it’s worth every penny. This is the best thing for most fabric- and paper-to-paper applications. This is what I use to make ATCs, notecards, altered journal covers, and stickers. For a collage, rough cut around the item you want to cut out, leaving about ½” or so around the image. Cut a piece of Grafix about that size, peel off the backing paper on one side only, and stick it to the back of the image. With your tiny scissors, cut out the image. (I use Honey Bee® non-stick craft scissors, the ones with the dark non-stick coating on the blades.) At this point you have a sticker. If you’re ready to adhere it, peel off the remaining piece of backing paper and place it where you want it. A big thanks to Flickr friend Paint Floats for telling me about Grafix!
Durwin Rice’s Under Glass Glue. There is probably no real difference between Durwin’s under glass decoupage glue and good ol’ Elmer’s white glue, the kind we used in grade school, and I say this because in his book, New Decoupage, he recommends Elmer’s. But I know Durwin, I like Durwin, I like his store/workshop/gallery, and I want him to stay in business, so I don’t mind paying a little more for his glue.
PART 2: ALL THAT GLITTERS
In some ways, I had a rather sheltered childhood. No one in my family used words like “classy” or “ritzy” or “uptown”. No one in my family owned anything with rhinestones or glitter. The world around me had the soft patina of antiques and heirlooms. Then I discovered the Crafty Chica. While I may never learn to love luchalibre or telenovelas, I have developed a taste for glitter and rhinestones.
My favorite way to glitterize projects is with either Plaid’s Mod-Podge Sparkle or DecoArt’s Star Lite Topcoat – six of one, half a dozen of the other. Both are milky but dry clear w/ a fine, subtle glitter in them. It's easy to put on a thin coat or layer thicker coats. I use it on papers and fabrics.
For colored glitter, I use glitter glue pens. They're good for making a narrow- to medium-width line. I often apply it w/ a toothpick or very fine brush for a really thin line or small highlights.
The above-mentioned are not to be confused with glitter gel pens. These look more like traditional ballpoint pens, but the ink is glittery. (They also come in metallics.) These leave a fine line and are perfect for writing and for highlighting intricate images such as lotería cards.
I don’t like to use loose glitter because it can get pretty messy, but for an all-over solid glitter effect, it’s the best option. It would depend on the object being glitterized, but I would probably use Elmer's "Craft Bond" Paper Craft Glue Gel, brushing on a thin coat of glue over the area to be sprinkled with glitter. (For a muy cute project that uses lots of glitter, check out the Crafty Chica's San Chihuahua.)
I'd love to hear about your favorite glues & glitters plus any tips & techniques you've learned along the way. Please feel free to comment here, on Swap-Bot, Flickr, My Space or via email.
That's my approach to arts & crafts. I rarely go to classes or workshops; I almost never read instructions.
While I don’t pretend to be an expert like Martha Stewart or the Crafty Chica, I have experimented with glues and glitters and glitter glues and I’ve learned some things along the way. Here you'll find some of the products I use and why I like them.
PART 1: STICKY SITUATIONS
My husband is convinced that as a child I suffered some traumatic experience involving a lack of glue, as I seem to be compelled to buy one of every kind of glue I see. Though I remember no such trauma, I won’t deny succumbing to sudden bouts of oniomania in the adhesive aisles of craft stores and home centers. Even though my “glue pantry” is well-stocked, I seem to reach for the same handful of adhesives 99% of the time.
Elmer’s Craft Bond Paper Craft Glue Gel. It really does dry “ultra clear”, just like it says on the label. Unlike the white glues that dry clear, this glue goes on clear so it’s easy to see what you’re doing. It’s a thick no-run gel yet it can be brushed out in a thin layer. I’ve used it to glue rhinestones, milagros, grosgrain ribbon and other assorted materials to paper. Another bonus: It’s less than $3 and it’s sold at our small-town W-Mart, so I don’t have to drive 90 miles to a craft store in the city to buy more (though a 4-oz bottle lasts forever).
Elmer’s Craft Bond Spray Glue. I use this for large and/or fragile materials like tissue paper. Want to glue papel picado to something? This is all you need. (Spray the back of the “flag” then gently float it against whatever you want to adhere it to, starting at one end and carefully smoothing as you go.)
Scotch Permanent Double Sided Tape. Works well in lieu of Grafix (see below) for adhering smaller pieces. Like the Elmer’s products, it’s economical and is available at W-Mart.
Scotch Double Sided Removable Tape. Like the above-mentioned tape, but removable. For when you’re having trouble committing.
Grafix Double Tack Mounting Film. Imagine a cross between double-sided tape and contact paper. I haven’t been able to find this locally, so I order it from Dick Blick. It’s not cheap, but it’s worth every penny. This is the best thing for most fabric- and paper-to-paper applications. This is what I use to make ATCs, notecards, altered journal covers, and stickers. For a collage, rough cut around the item you want to cut out, leaving about ½” or so around the image. Cut a piece of Grafix about that size, peel off the backing paper on one side only, and stick it to the back of the image. With your tiny scissors, cut out the image. (I use Honey Bee® non-stick craft scissors, the ones with the dark non-stick coating on the blades.) At this point you have a sticker. If you’re ready to adhere it, peel off the remaining piece of backing paper and place it where you want it. A big thanks to Flickr friend Paint Floats for telling me about Grafix!
Durwin Rice’s Under Glass Glue. There is probably no real difference between Durwin’s under glass decoupage glue and good ol’ Elmer’s white glue, the kind we used in grade school, and I say this because in his book, New Decoupage, he recommends Elmer’s. But I know Durwin, I like Durwin, I like his store/workshop/gallery, and I want him to stay in business, so I don’t mind paying a little more for his glue.
PART 2: ALL THAT GLITTERS
In some ways, I had a rather sheltered childhood. No one in my family used words like “classy” or “ritzy” or “uptown”. No one in my family owned anything with rhinestones or glitter. The world around me had the soft patina of antiques and heirlooms. Then I discovered the Crafty Chica. While I may never learn to love luchalibre or telenovelas, I have developed a taste for glitter and rhinestones.
My favorite way to glitterize projects is with either Plaid’s Mod-Podge Sparkle or DecoArt’s Star Lite Topcoat – six of one, half a dozen of the other. Both are milky but dry clear w/ a fine, subtle glitter in them. It's easy to put on a thin coat or layer thicker coats. I use it on papers and fabrics.
For colored glitter, I use glitter glue pens. They're good for making a narrow- to medium-width line. I often apply it w/ a toothpick or very fine brush for a really thin line or small highlights.
The above-mentioned are not to be confused with glitter gel pens. These look more like traditional ballpoint pens, but the ink is glittery. (They also come in metallics.) These leave a fine line and are perfect for writing and for highlighting intricate images such as lotería cards.
I don’t like to use loose glitter because it can get pretty messy, but for an all-over solid glitter effect, it’s the best option. It would depend on the object being glitterized, but I would probably use Elmer's "Craft Bond" Paper Craft Glue Gel, brushing on a thin coat of glue over the area to be sprinkled with glitter. (For a muy cute project that uses lots of glitter, check out the Crafty Chica's San Chihuahua.)
I'd love to hear about your favorite glues & glitters plus any tips & techniques you've learned along the way. Please feel free to comment here, on Swap-Bot, Flickr, My Space or via email.
07 September 2007
AN ALPHABET OF GOOD ADVICE
Accept differences
Be kind
Count your blessings
Dream
Express thanks
Forgive
Give freely
Harm no one
Imagine more
Jettison anger
Keep confidences
Love truly
Master something
Nurture hope
Open your mind
Pack lightly
Quell rumors
Reciprocate
Seek wisdom
Touch hearts
Understand
Value truth
Win graciously
Xeriscape
Yearn for peace
Zealously support a worthy cause
Be kind
Count your blessings
Dream
Express thanks
Forgive
Give freely
Harm no one
Imagine more
Jettison anger
Keep confidences
Love truly
Master something
Nurture hope
Open your mind
Pack lightly
Quell rumors
Reciprocate
Seek wisdom
Touch hearts
Understand
Value truth
Win graciously
Xeriscape
Yearn for peace
Zealously support a worthy cause
02 August 2007
AMÉRICA
"América"
por José Luis Perales
Me hueles a merengue y a bolero,
a caña y a café.
Me hueles a corrido y a charango,
carnavalito y miel.
Me hueles a maracas y a guitarra,
a gaucho solitario y a sabana,
a piel morena y sal.
Me hueles a canela y a bananas.
querida siempre y siempre maltratada,
soñando libertad.
Me hueles a guayaba,
a cordillera helada,
a tierra verde,
y lluvia tropical.
Me hueles a pradera,
y a eterna primavera.
Me hueles a futuro y libertad.
Me hueles a tabaco y a manises,
a dátiles y a ron.
Me hueles a emigrantes que se fueron,
cantando una canción.
Me hueles a torrente y a quebrada,
a sangre campesina derramada,
para tu libertad.
Me hueles a mujer enamorada,
querida siempre y siempre abandonada,
soñando frente al mar.
por José Luis Perales
Me hueles a merengue y a bolero,
a caña y a café.
Me hueles a corrido y a charango,
carnavalito y miel.
Me hueles a maracas y a guitarra,
a gaucho solitario y a sabana,
a piel morena y sal.
Me hueles a canela y a bananas.
querida siempre y siempre maltratada,
soñando libertad.
Me hueles a guayaba,
a cordillera helada,
a tierra verde,
y lluvia tropical.
Me hueles a pradera,
y a eterna primavera.
Me hueles a futuro y libertad.
Me hueles a tabaco y a manises,
a dátiles y a ron.
Me hueles a emigrantes que se fueron,
cantando una canción.
Me hueles a torrente y a quebrada,
a sangre campesina derramada,
para tu libertad.
Me hueles a mujer enamorada,
querida siempre y siempre abandonada,
soñando frente al mar.
EL SUR
"El sur"
por Jorge Luis Borges
Desde uno de tus patios haber mirado
las antiguas estrellas,
desde el banco de la sombra haber mirado
esas luces dispersas
que mi ignorancia no ha aprendido a nombrar
ni a ordenar en constelaciones,
haber sentido el círculo del agua
en el secreto aljibe,
el olor del jazmín y la madreselva,
el silencio del pájaro dormido,
el arco del zaguán, la humedad
esas cosas, acaso, son el poema.
por Jorge Luis Borges
Desde uno de tus patios haber mirado
las antiguas estrellas,
desde el banco de la sombra haber mirado
esas luces dispersas
que mi ignorancia no ha aprendido a nombrar
ni a ordenar en constelaciones,
haber sentido el círculo del agua
en el secreto aljibe,
el olor del jazmín y la madreselva,
el silencio del pájaro dormido,
el arco del zaguán, la humedad
esas cosas, acaso, son el poema.
19 March 2007
LAS HUELLAS DIGITALES
I love this piece.
"Las Huellas Digitales"
por Eduardo Galeano
de El libro de los abrazos
Yo nací y crecí bajo las estrellas de la Cruz del Sur. Vaya donde vaya, ellas me persiguen. Bajo la cruz , cruz de fulgores, yo voy viviendo las estaciones de mi suerte. No tengo ningún dios. Si lo tuviera, le pediría que no me deje llegar a la muerte: no todavía. Mucho me falta andar. Hay lunas a las que todavía no ladré y soles en los que todavía no me incendié. Todavía no me sumergí en todos los mares de este mundo, que dicen que son siete, ni en todos los ríos del Paraíso, que dicen que son cuatro. En Montevideo, hay un niño que explica: --Yo no quiero morirme nunca, porque quiero jugar siempre.
"Fingerprints"
by Eduardo Galeano
from The Book of Embraces
I was born and raised under the stars of the Southern Cross. Wherever I go, they follow me. Under the cross, the sparkling Southern Cross, I live out my fate. I have no god. If I had one, I would beseech him not to let me meet death: not yet. I still have a long way to go. There are moons at which I have not yet howled and suns which have not yet set me ablaze. I still have not swum in all the seas of the world, of which they say there are seven, nor in all the rivers of Paradise, of which they say there are four. In Montevideo, a child explains:"I never want to die, because I want to play forever"
28 February 2007
NEW MALTESE CAT
After being petless for almost a decade, we now share the house with a gorgeous maltese* cat. It's a she, and she is about 2 years old. She is absolutely the best pet I've ever had, and I love her already!
(*) Just as "tabby" refers to a striped cat, "Maltese" refers to a solid gray (aka blue) cat with short hair. It is not a breed, but rather a description of coat color and pattern. Of course, a "Maltese cat" can also refer to a cat born on the island nation of Malta, regardless of coat color and pattern.
For more on blue cats, see my other blog at
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