24 July 2011
Adhesive Storage
Many of you know how frustrating it is to get all the supplies together for your oh-so-inspired project that you've been looking forward to having time to work on forever, and low and behold, out of all those tubes of adhesive, not one will work! Aaaargh! Most of us keep an assortment on hand to have the proper one of the proper duty, hence they don't get used regularly. Just a few pointers to prolong their expensive little lives!
Do not allow them to freeze - it alters the chemical properties in a "not-so-nice" way, just like paint. Heat will ruin a few, but freezing will ruin nearly all, so tuck them in a temperature controlled corner.
Make as small an opening as possible on the tubes that have this option to allow less air entrance. Plug the hole with a tack, tiny screw you can twist out next time, or an aluminum (non-rusting) nail which reaches beyond the neck. Dip this plugged tube into your hot wax used for room scenting if available.
First use on "cements" could use a bit of olive oil or pan spray on the lid threads to both help seal out the air and hopefully aid the next opening. Be sure to clean the bottle threads prior to closing so you don't seal yourself out!
Two part epoxy resins should be mixed with only a bit more than you anticipate needing (allowing for errors) because it's easier to pitch a little than hope it will wait while you mix more. ALWAYS use disposable tray/surface and stick for mixing, such as a waxed cardboard surface cut to size.
Should you decide there is no way to get the remaining adhesive from the tube, before throwing it out, cut the center open to use what has not set yet if it is not accessible any other way, since it is a write-off. May get the last project out of the tube after all intead of simply throwing it out.
Above everything, for the sake of organization and logic, seal all glues and adhesives (even glue sticks) in air tight bags or well sealed containers to minimize the ability to air set. You may be very pleasantly surprised at how this one simple trick extends the life of these sometimes expensive supplies which most of us don't use on a daily basis! I just liked being able to find the one I wanted in one place!
Common adhesives to have on hand:
E6000
Tacky Glue
Clear Silicone Sealant
Gorilla Girl Epoxy Gel
photo quality glue sticks
sticky dots
Modge Podge
wood glue
Fray Check
and many more to suit your particular crafts!
Do not allow them to freeze - it alters the chemical properties in a "not-so-nice" way, just like paint. Heat will ruin a few, but freezing will ruin nearly all, so tuck them in a temperature controlled corner.
Make as small an opening as possible on the tubes that have this option to allow less air entrance. Plug the hole with a tack, tiny screw you can twist out next time, or an aluminum (non-rusting) nail which reaches beyond the neck. Dip this plugged tube into your hot wax used for room scenting if available.
First use on "cements" could use a bit of olive oil or pan spray on the lid threads to both help seal out the air and hopefully aid the next opening. Be sure to clean the bottle threads prior to closing so you don't seal yourself out!
Two part epoxy resins should be mixed with only a bit more than you anticipate needing (allowing for errors) because it's easier to pitch a little than hope it will wait while you mix more. ALWAYS use disposable tray/surface and stick for mixing, such as a waxed cardboard surface cut to size.
Should you decide there is no way to get the remaining adhesive from the tube, before throwing it out, cut the center open to use what has not set yet if it is not accessible any other way, since it is a write-off. May get the last project out of the tube after all intead of simply throwing it out.
Above everything, for the sake of organization and logic, seal all glues and adhesives (even glue sticks) in air tight bags or well sealed containers to minimize the ability to air set. You may be very pleasantly surprised at how this one simple trick extends the life of these sometimes expensive supplies which most of us don't use on a daily basis! I just liked being able to find the one I wanted in one place!
Common adhesives to have on hand:
E6000
Tacky Glue
Clear Silicone Sealant
Gorilla Girl Epoxy Gel
photo quality glue sticks
sticky dots
Modge Podge
wood glue
Fray Check
and many more to suit your particular crafts!
22 July 2011
Gratitude
I spend too much time wishing I could change things. Mind you, there is nothing wrong with that, it inspires me to come up with solutions and brain-storming is one of my favorite activities. I am not satisfied with mediocrity, which compels me to look for how I can best apply my efforts to bring about improvements. No problem there - that is a good thing in my book. The time wasted dreaming about "what if" is however wasted and boarders on complaining about existing situations, which I can either attempt to change or find satisfaction in since they are my choice. Which brings me (finally - deep breath!) to my point. Do you spend near as much time in your day recognizing what is flowing well as you do on the problems that arise? Few of us do, but it is important. Recognize what family members did today that you are proud of, not just the snags that call for adjustments. Give them strokes on purpose to counter the discipline that is required. Make it a ritual if you can, so it doesn't get brushed aside for less important things. Breakfast or supper routine to find one thing to thank each other for (in spite of any grudges that may be lingering for other reasons)? Notes in lunch boxes, a bedtime habit, figure it in. My family members love to point out their disappointments, but aren't nearly so vocal about thankfulness. That is where I get the "attitude" entering my home most often. I do work to demonstrate how to change this around patiently as I am able (ignore the outbursts that sound just like a toddler - don't know how those sneak out!). We are all works in progress, which way do you want to progress?
I think my first introduction to gratitude journaling was through Oprah, though I'm no longer sure. Her website included the gratitude journal, which I used. A very dear friend posts three gratitudes every evening on facebook which I find wonderful inspiration for others to join in. It is a splendid thing to add to your life if you are not already practicing it for a multitude of reasons. Given the amount of time I express silent self-pity, anger, and other less than charitable things in my day, it is vital that I collect a bit of time to give to the opposing side! Listing the simple to complex things I am grateful for in my day gives me a small positive recognition to my higher power that I am thankful, not merely whining. Overall, I do know how fortunate I am, as is my immediate family, we enjoy relatively good health, security of a home and nourishment, a wonderful area of the globe to live on and a life that offers opportunities daily for us to succeed and excel if we should accept them, and above all a relatively peace filled environment. I take all this for granted when I dwell on grievances that I make no effort to change or that I cannot change. Make time to recognize and express your gratitude for your fortune on a daily basis. It does make a difference. You will see.
I think my first introduction to gratitude journaling was through Oprah, though I'm no longer sure. Her website included the gratitude journal, which I used. A very dear friend posts three gratitudes every evening on facebook which I find wonderful inspiration for others to join in. It is a splendid thing to add to your life if you are not already practicing it for a multitude of reasons. Given the amount of time I express silent self-pity, anger, and other less than charitable things in my day, it is vital that I collect a bit of time to give to the opposing side! Listing the simple to complex things I am grateful for in my day gives me a small positive recognition to my higher power that I am thankful, not merely whining. Overall, I do know how fortunate I am, as is my immediate family, we enjoy relatively good health, security of a home and nourishment, a wonderful area of the globe to live on and a life that offers opportunities daily for us to succeed and excel if we should accept them, and above all a relatively peace filled environment. I take all this for granted when I dwell on grievances that I make no effort to change or that I cannot change. Make time to recognize and express your gratitude for your fortune on a daily basis. It does make a difference. You will see.
20 July 2011
Was that scrabbled or scrambled eggs?
Being this warm, I always opt for quick and simple meals that don't heat the house too much. When I got a text asking for a reminder of what I put in my "scrabbled" eggs I had to giggle. That would be a good distinction since they are a bit different, but so well received that I am often asked how to make them. I consider them basic as I've done them this way for centuries (wink)!
In a bowl whisk together as many fresh eggs as you desire (I figure 2.5 per),
some milk to keep them from drying out and scorching too quickly,
a teaspoon or more of horseradish,
some diced up fresh onion,
a teaspoon or so of Worcestershire sauce,
some Mrs. Dash (yellow cap) or your personal blend of favorite spices,
cooked bacon or sausage crumbles,
and some pepper.
Heat a couple Tbls of butter (margarine has too much water to use well) in a full skillet on medium heat, pour in the egg blend and start moving the cooked base to the center until it has all been stirred through and well cooked. Turn off the heat, top with sliced Velveeta cheese spread and cover with a lid for it to melt through while you make the toast. There you have your scrambled eggs on toast sandwiches. Naturally you can modify the basic recipe to suit yourself with peppers, jalapenos, fried cubed taters, ham cubes, different cheeses, and more.
Make extra if it's possible, because I've found that these roll into a flour burrito with a bit of salsa or nacho cheese sauce, wrapped in waxed paper twisted at the ends for later heating, and sealed in a zip bag in the freezer are a fast snack/meal later as a breakfast burrito you can heat and run with.
Perhaps you can tell I got called away again today and by the time I grabbed my camera - gee, surprise, dead batteries! Not to worry, I have 2 sets charging now so should be rarin' to go tomorrow, um, maybe!?! So I decided to get this one of my favorite standby's in the kitchen listed. It's a great recipe for the guys to master too, since not real precise about measuring and timing. Thanks for bearing with me on my slow start - we will get rolling real soon?! Happy day to you and yours.
In a bowl whisk together as many fresh eggs as you desire (I figure 2.5 per),
some milk to keep them from drying out and scorching too quickly,
a teaspoon or more of horseradish,
some diced up fresh onion,
a teaspoon or so of Worcestershire sauce,
some Mrs. Dash (yellow cap) or your personal blend of favorite spices,
cooked bacon or sausage crumbles,
and some pepper.
Heat a couple Tbls of butter (margarine has too much water to use well) in a full skillet on medium heat, pour in the egg blend and start moving the cooked base to the center until it has all been stirred through and well cooked. Turn off the heat, top with sliced Velveeta cheese spread and cover with a lid for it to melt through while you make the toast. There you have your scrambled eggs on toast sandwiches. Naturally you can modify the basic recipe to suit yourself with peppers, jalapenos, fried cubed taters, ham cubes, different cheeses, and more.
Make extra if it's possible, because I've found that these roll into a flour burrito with a bit of salsa or nacho cheese sauce, wrapped in waxed paper twisted at the ends for later heating, and sealed in a zip bag in the freezer are a fast snack/meal later as a breakfast burrito you can heat and run with.
Perhaps you can tell I got called away again today and by the time I grabbed my camera - gee, surprise, dead batteries! Not to worry, I have 2 sets charging now so should be rarin' to go tomorrow, um, maybe!?! So I decided to get this one of my favorite standby's in the kitchen listed. It's a great recipe for the guys to master too, since not real precise about measuring and timing. Thanks for bearing with me on my slow start - we will get rolling real soon?! Happy day to you and yours.
19 July 2011
No time like the present!
I cannot begin to add up the hours of pleasure and inspiration I have found on the internet just cruising blogs. I've meant to get started and like everything else I've not yet tried, I feel a bit intimidated, but that won't last long! I love to teach, I love to create, I love to learn and I am not tooooo bad at writing, so off we go. I guess first I will take some photos of the diverse projects I work on and get them posted, since show seems better than tell in a visual forum, right?! Gives me an excuse to find my camera - only kidding - it's right here in front of me gathering dust - and record a few things. Off I go . . . back later to post more. Thanks for the indulgence here. (grin)
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