From Twitter 03-30-2011

09:07:16: Dougal's Doo Rags - fabulously fun adornments for fido and friends. Catnip items for your feline: #artfire #handmade http://bit.ly/37AVX
09:47:06: Artfire - Crazy Train - Shanghai Tai - Pearls, Precious metal clay, fused glass , wire-wrapping #artfire #handmade http://bit.ly/cw3Tq2
11:08:10: Designs by Baerreis - Amazing Band saw boxes and fabulous art - everything about trees #handmade #artfire http://bit.ly/37AVX
13:10:21: MossQ - Woodcarvings and blades will surprise you and bring smiles to your face. Scrimshaw to love #handmade #artfire http://bit.ly/37AVX
15:13:09: MadMoravian - Pens turned out of striking wood - fountain, rollerball, ballpoint and pencils. #handmade #artfire http://bit.ly/37AVX
17:16:09: My item of the week - A keychain with a hidden compartment in purpleheart - contact me for 10% off #handmade #artfire http://bit.ly/37AVX

Tweets copied by twittinesis.com

From Twitter 03-29-2011

09:07:07: Dougal's Doo Rags - fabulously fun adornments for fido and friends. Catnip items for your feline: #artfire #handmade http://bit.ly/37AVX
09:45:13: Artire - Crazy Train - Forget me knot treasure - Embroidered Pillows, Placemats, Table Runners #artfire #handmade http://bit.ly/cw3Tq2
11:08:18: Designs by Baerreis - Amazing Band saw boxes and fabulous art - everything about trees #handmade #artfire http://bit.ly/37AVX
13:10:27: MossQ - Woodcarvings and blades will surprise you and bring smiles to your face. Scrimshaw to love #handmade #artfire http://bit.ly/37AVX
15:13:10: MadMoravian - Pens turned out of striking wood - fountain, rollerball, ballpoint and pencils. #handmade #artfire http://bit.ly/37AVX
17:16:16: My item of the week - A keychain with a hidden compartment in purpleheart - contact me for 10% off #handmade #artfire http://bit.ly/37AVX

Tweets copied by twittinesis.com

Artfire - Featured Shop -HeartsAFireStudio

HeartsAFireStudio - is a member of the Texas Guild on artfire.  They've got some really neat stuff in their shop.  Domino pendants, bottle cap pendants, chainmaille, scrabble tile pendants, glass tile pendants and knitted items, too.  they're located in Waxahachie, Tx home to the Scarborough Fair Renaissance Festival.

Below are some of my favorite items form the shop.  Give them a look and a browse.....

From Twitter 03-28-2011

09:19:15: Dougal's Doo Rags - fabulously fun adornments for fido and friends. Catnip items for your feline: #artfire #handmade http://bit.ly/37AVX
09:44:27: Artire - Crazy Train - Forget me knot treasure - Embroidered Pillows, Placemats, Table Runners #artfire #handmade http://bit.ly/cw3Tq2
11:07:15: Designs by Baerreis - Amazing Band saw boxes and fabulous art - everything about trees #handmade #artfire http://bit.ly/37AVX
13:09:17: MossQ - Woodcarvings and blades will surprise you and bring smiles to your face. Scrimshaw to love #handmade #artfire http://bit.ly/37AVX
15:13:08: MadMoravian - Pens turned out of striking wood - fountain, rollerball, ballpoint and pencils. #handmade #artfire http://bit.ly/37AVX
17:16:13: My item of the week - A keychain with a hidden compartment in purpleheart - contact me for 10% off #handmade #artfire http://bit.ly/37AVX

Tweets copied by twittinesis.com

At the Movies: Sucker Punch

Sucker Punch: 3

I consider this to be a cross between: Kill Bill, Inception, Underworld and Burlesque.  There probably ought to be another film in there, maybe Inglorious Basterds?  A fun film, if somewhat violent and a little confusing.  And weirdly, a surpising, to me, ending.

At the Movies: The Adjustment Bureau

The Adjustment Bureau : 4

A good science fiction love story with Matt Damon.  My in-laws had claimed that it was tough to follow, but after watching Inception recently, this was pretty easy.

Aggiecon 42 - Don't Panic - a summary

This weekend was the 42 edition of Aggiecon and it was my 29th consecutive time to go to the con.  It was held at the College Station Hilton.  Not my favorite place for the con, but while the MSC is under construction, it'll have to do.

I left for the con bright and early Friday morning, as is my tradition.  This year, I skipped breakfast.  There were a couple of cafes on the way to College Station that I was going to try instead of grabbing donuts from Shipley's.  Up 45 and onto the Beltway, zooming around Houston without too much traffic.  Zigging off onto 290 and zagging onto Hwy 6.

At this point, the bluebonnets and other flowers starting showing up, so I stopped a couple of times to take pictures.  Here are a few of the images I captured:

I drove on up to Navasota and found the place I wanted to try for breakfast, but it was closed.  The next stop was Wellborn for the Hullabaloo Diner, but they were closed, too.  So, I ended up skipping breakfast, and lunch, for the day.

I made it on in to CS and the con hotel.  I got my badge and then checked into the hotel.  I then caught the tail end of the "Don't Panic" panel, which was the welcome to AggieCon panel.  I chilled in the reading nook for a while with Elizabeth Moon's "Kings of the North", occasionally chatting with folks who stopped by.

Around 3, I dropped into "Have all good ideas been done?" where it was the unanimous consensus that the answer was "no."  The next panel was "Steampunk Jewelry" where they discussed where to get gears, glue types, resins, molds, silicone, etc.  An informative panel.

Time for a little more reading and then off to dinner at Los Nortenos with Bill P.  Back to the hotel afterwards for a brief respite before hitting the "Texas in 2013" party.  Then to bed.

Up early and off to the Kettle for breakfast, some more reading and then some panels.  First of the day was a reading by Matthew Bey and then the "Airship GOH" panel.

The third panel was "How to get started selling your artwork" where I chimed in with a few tidbits.  A couple hours break for some more reading of "Kings of the North" and then off to listen to Kim Kofmel read a couple of stories.

Double Dave's for dinner, "Sucker Punch" at the local theatre, a couple of parties and then off to bed again.

Up early Sunday morning and on the road back to Houston.  Overall, a much better con than last year's
 and probably the most panels I've been to in a long time.

Item of the week: Purpleheart keychain

Besides pen and bottle stoppers, I've also turned some small keychains.  All of them, so far, have a hidden compartment (it's not tough enough to find to call it "secret") that's a good size for stashing  toothpicks, a spare twenty, or possible even some small pills.  The purpleheart that this one is turned out is just an amazing color.  and it's the wood's natural color, even.

Here's the description from my listing on artfire: This is a key chain with a hidden compartment useful for storing a small number of bills, matches, or toothpicks. Perfect for the house and car keys with a little extra bonus. This one is turned out of Purpleheart and completed with gold-plated hardware.

Aikido Thursday Night - 3/24/11

Aikido players:  Tim, Trey and Troy.

Techniques:

Troy started out the evening working on 11-14 with Trey as uke.  He's doing pretty well on the new stuff.

Trey then worked on kneeling Koryu Dai San.  In the process of that, we worked on Troy's approach to uke'ing for that set of techniques.  It went pretty well, overall.

Aftermath: None of note.

Weekend update

Friday:

Up at the normal time to head off to College Station for Aggiecon.
Stopped a couple of times along the way to try for pictures of the wildflowers.  I think I got one or two that are half-decent.
I'd hoped to get breakfast in Waller or Wellborn, but neither of the places were open when I drove by.  The Wellborn place didn't open up until 11 am.
Dinner was at Los Nortenos with Bill P.

Saturday:

Breakfast at Kettle
Aggiecon
Dinner at DoubleDave's

Sunday

Up early to head home as no panels interested me
Brunch at Birra Poretti's
NCAA basketball
Folded flyers for Armadillocon Art Show
Put some polyurethane on the Art Show box
Did some preliminary filtering of the wildflower pictures I took over the weekend.

More info on Aggiecon will follow, hopefully tonight.

Volleyball, 0-3

I substituted on a Rec level team last week.  We played ok, and we played them close, but we ended up losing all 3 games.

Man is it tough playing after several months away.  My reactions were not up to snuff.  At least I wasn't too sore the morning after.

From Twitter 03-27-2011

08:51:11: SonoraKaysCreations - custom jewelry design using hair from your favorite horse #artfire #handmade http://bit.ly/37AVX
09:43:08: Artfire - Crazy Train - Kaleida Eclectics - Artisan jewelry - sterling, copper, brass, aluminum. #artfire #handmade http://bit.ly/cw3Tq2
15:13:10: MadMoravian - Pens turned out of striking wood - fountain, rollerball, ballpoint and pencils. #handmade #artfire http://bit.ly/37AVX
15:55:11: Pegaleg - On Fire for Handmade - Fused glass, necklaces, bracelets, earrings, supplies #handmade #artfire http://bit.ly/37AVX
19:20:20: MadMoravian - Men of Artfire - Pens, pencils, bottle stoppers. Chainmaille jewelry. Stained glass #artfire #handmade http://bit.ly/37AVX

Tweets copied by twittinesis.com

From Twitter 03-26-2011

09:22:48: SonoraKaysCreations - custom jewelry design using hair from your favorite horse #artfire #handmade http://bit.ly/37AVX
09:49:46: Artfire - Crazy Train - Kaleida Eclectics - Artisan jewelry - sterling, copper, brass, aluminum. #artfire #handmade http://bit.ly/cw3Tq2
19:40:43: Pegaleg - On Fire for Handmade - Fused glass, necklaces, bracelets, earrings, supplies #handmade #artfire http://bit.ly/37AVX
22:16:20: MadMoravian - Men of Artfire - Pens, pencils, bottle stoppers. Chainmaille jewelry. Stained glass #artfire #handmade http://bit.ly/37AVX

Tweets copied by twittinesis.com

From Twitter 03-25-2011

09:13:33: SonoraKaysCreations - custom jewelry design using hair from your favorite horse #artfire #handmade http://bit.ly/37AVX
10:08:20: Artfire - Crazy Train - My Father's Gifts - Pearls, beads, findings and bags #artfire #supplies http://bit.ly/cw3Tq2
11:53:23: At Aggiecon for the weekend. Art show is a bit of a disappointment. Drive up was nice, with a couple of stops for pictures.
11:56:58: Picked up a number of books from Zane at Edge books (the only full book dealer) and got his con off to a decent start.
18:02:18: MadMoravian - Men of Artfire - Pens, pencils, bottle stoppers. Chainmaille jewelry. Stained glass #artfire #handmade http://bit.ly/37AVX
20:52:41: Pegaleg - On Fire for Handmade - Fused glass, necklaces, bracelets, earrings, supplies #handmade #artfire http://bit.ly/37AVX

Tweets copied by twittinesis.com

From Twitter 03-24-2011

09:05:59: SonoraKaysCreations - custom jewelry design using hair from your favorite horse #artfire #handmade http://bit.ly/37AVX
11:00:29: Artfire - Crazy Train - My Father's Gifts - Pearls, beads, findings and bags #artfire #supplies http://bit.ly/cw3Tq2
12:53:58: CWLubin - Artisans n Wood - amazing miniature turnings, ideal for the scale dollhouse #artfire #handmade http://bit.ly/37AVX
15:10:01: MadMoravian - Men of Artfire - Pens, pencils, bottle stoppers. Chainmaille jewelry. Stained glass #artfire #handmade http://bit.ly/37AVX
17:13:06: Pegaleg - On Fire for Handmade - Fused glass, necklaces, bracelets, earrings, supplies #handmade #artfire http://bit.ly/37AVX
18:41:36: My item of the week - Baron Rollerball in Sunset Orange Spalted Maple - contact me for 10% off #artfire #handmade http://bit.ly/37AVX

Tweets copied by twittinesis.com

From Twitter 03-23-2011

00:55:46: My item of the week - Baron Rollerball in Sunset Orange Spalted Maple - contact me for 10% off #artfire #handmade http://bit.ly/37AVX
09:06:21: SonoraKaysCreations - custom jewelry design using hair from your favorite horse #artfire #handmade http://bit.ly/37AVX
10:05:51: Artfire - Crazy Train - Shiny Cat Creations - handmade soap, body butter,whipped cream soap #artfire #handmade http://bit.ly/cw3Tq2
14:21:41: MadMoravian - Men of Artfire - Pens, pencils, bottle stoppers. Chainmaille jewelry. Stained glass #artfire #handmade http://bit.ly/37AVX
15:55:55: Pegaleg - On Fire for Handmade - Fused glass, necklaces, bracelets, earrings, supplies #handmade #artfire http://bit.ly/37AVX
16:27:59: CWLubin - Artisans n Wood - amazing miniature turnings, ideal for the scale dollhouse #artfire #handmade http://bit.ly/37AVX
20:05:21: My item of the week - Baron Rollerball in Sunset Orange Spalted Maple - contact me for 10% off #artfire #handmade http://bit.ly/37AVX

Tweets copied by twittinesis.com

From Twitter 03-22-2011

09:17:36: SonoraKaysCreations - custom jewelry design using hair from your favorite horse #artfire #handmade http://bit.ly/37AVX
09:38:44: Artfire - Crazy Train - Shiny Cat Creations - handmade soap, body butter,whipped cream soap #artfire #handmade http://bit.ly/cw3Tq2
10:52:04: CWLubin - Artisans n Wood - amazing miniature turnings, ideal for the scale dollhouse #artfire #handmade http://bit.ly/37AVX
14:09:11: MadMoravian - Men of Artfire - Pens, pencils, bottle stoppers. Chainmaille jewelry. Stained glass #artfire #handmade http://bit.ly/37AVX
16:19:10: Pegaleg - On Fire for Handmade - Fused glass, necklaces, bracelets, earrings, supplies #handmade #artfire http://bit.ly/37AVX

Tweets copied by twittinesis.com

Artfire - Item of the week in my shop - Baron Rollerball in Sunset Orange Spalted Maple

This pen is one of my favorites.  I just love the wood, even though I normally hate the burnt orange color as it's the school color for a rival university. To give it a little more exposure, I'm making it my item of the week.  As my item of the week, I'm offering a 10% discount on the pen to the first person interested.  Just drop me a comment or a tweet.

This is a Baron style pen with a rollerball refill turned out of a Spalted Maple blank that was tinted a Sunset Orange with satin hardware. It has a nice heft to it and is probably a good size for a man's hand. The cap for this pen screws onto the cap to close the pen, or to the end of the barrel to keep it close while writing. This pen takes Hauser refills.

From Twitter 03-21-2011

08:50:18: SonoraKaysCreations - custom jewelry design using hair from your favorite horse #artfire #handmade http://bit.ly/37AVX
09:36:08: Artfire - Crazy Train - Something Old Something New - Necklaces, Bracelets, and Earrings #artfire #handmade http://bit.ly/cw3Tq2
11:16:58: CWLubin - Artisans n Wood - amazing miniature turnings, ideal for the scale dollhouse #artfire #handmade http://bit.ly/37AVX
13:56:19: MadMoravian - Men of Artfire - Pens, pencils, bottle stoppers. Chainmaille jewelry. Stained glass #artfire #handmade http://bit.ly/37AVX
15:56:10: Pegaleg - On Fire for Handmade - Fused glass, necklaces, bracelets, earrings, supplies #handmade #artfire http://bit.ly/37AVX
17:59:13: My item of the week - Baron Rollerball in Sunset Orange Spalted Maple - contact me for 10% off #artfire #handmade http://bit.ly/37AVX

Tweets copied by twittinesis.com

Weekend update

Friday:

Aikido
NCAA basketball

Saturday:

Blueberry muffins
In the shop working on a plaque for a colleague
Aikido
NCAA basketball

Sunday:

Off to woodcraft for lathe chuck parts

In the shop working on a plaque for a colleague

NCAA basketball

A failed Lemon Chess Pie.  The recipe I followed left out some ingredients in the body of the recipe.

"The Adjustment Bureau" at the theatre

Aikido Saturday Afternoon - 3/19/11

Aikido players:  Tim, Trey, Dan, Marvin and Gayle.  We also had an old student of Ray's (Tom, I did not catch the last name) stop by and work with us.  A Nidan.

Ukemi:  12 fall normal warmup.  I also worked with Marvin on his falls.

The Walk: Twice, per usual.

Releases: Did some work with Marvin and Gayle on their releases.  We're up to the second release.

Techniques:

Tom and I uke'd for Trey on Owaza Ju Pon and the standing portion of Koryu Dai San.  It went pretty well.

Aftermath:

None of note.

Aikido Friday Night - 3/18/11

Aikido players:  Tim, Trey, Troy, and Dan.

Ukemi:  Normal set of 12 falls

The Walk: Twice, as usual.  

Releases: I worked with Troy on the releases

Techniques:

Troy uke'd for me on the kneeling section of Koryu Dai San.  It went pretty well..

Aftermath:

None of note.

Artfire - Featured Shop - madeouttawood

Derek, the owner of madeouttawood, has been turning things on his lathe since 2004.  He turns a variety of things, include rings, pens, keychains, bowls.  He specializes in custom wooden rings with inlays created out of natural and recycled materials.  when you take a look at the rings below, you'll be amazed with what he can do.  Take a look and drop him a note!

From Twitter 03-20-2011

08:18:03: FromTheHipDesigns - Creative note cards and jewelry personalized for you #artfire #handmade http://bit.ly/37AVX
09:43:49: Artfire - Crazy Train - Something Old Something New - Necklaces, Bracelets, and Earrings #artfire #handmade http://bit.ly/cw3Tq2
10:52:27: Designed By Audrey - On Fire for Handmade - bookmarks, bracelets, earrings, and necklaces #artfire #handmade http://bit.ly/37AVX
13:57:19: MadMoravian - Wonders in Wood - Turned keychains, pens, bottle stoppers and chainmaille jewelry #artfire #handmade http://bit.ly/37AVX
15:02:29: EpicArtGlass - Men of Artfire - Handmade etched glass art, sea glass, glass jewelry, woodwork #artfire #handmade http://bit.ly/37AVX
17:05:34: My item of the week - Sierra Elegant pen in Red/Black Box Elder burl - contact me for 10% off #artfire #handmade http://bit.ly/37AVX

Tweets copied by twittinesis.com

From Twitter 03-19-2011

08:18:18: FromTheHipDesigns - Creative note cards and jewelry personalized for you #artfire #handmade http://bit.ly/37AVX
09:36:12: Artfire - Crazy Train - Mumsey's Mouse House - Handmade Mouse Cake Toppers and Christmas Ornaments #artfire #handmade http://bit.ly/cw3Tq2
10:52:49: Designed By Audrey - On Fire for Handmade - bookmarks, bracelets, earrings, and necklaces #artfire #handmade http://bit.ly/37AVX
13:57:22: MadMoravian - Wonders in Wood - Turned keychains, pens, bottle stoppers and chainmaille jewelry #artfire #handmade http://bit.ly/37AVX
15:02:32: EpicArtGlass - Men of Artfire - Handmade etched glass art, sea glass, glass jewelry, woodwork #artfire #handmade http://bit.ly/37AVX
17:02:55: My item of the week - Sierra Elegant pen in Red/Black Box Elder burl - contact me for 10% off #artfire #handmade http://bit.ly/37AVX

Tweets copied by twittinesis.com

From Twitter 03-18-2011

08:18:21: FromTheHipDesigns - Creative note cards and jewelry personalized for you #artfire #handmade http://bit.ly/37AVX
09:36:25: Artfire - Crazy Train - Mumsey's Mouse House - Handmade Mouse Cake Toppers and Christmas Ornaments #artfire #handmade http://bit.ly/cw3Tq2
10:53:09: Designed By Audrey - On Fire for Handmade - bookmarks, bracelets, earrings, and necklaces #artfire #handmade http://bit.ly/37AVX
13:57:21: MadMoravian - Wonders in Wood - Turned keychains, pens, bottle stoppers and chainmaille jewelry #artfire #handmade http://bit.ly/37AVX
15:01:54: EpicArtGlass - Men of Artfire - Handmade etched glass art, sea glass, glass jewelry, woodwork #artfire #handmade http://bit.ly/37AVX
17:03:22: My item of the week - Sierra Elegant pen in Red/Black Box Elder burl - contact me for 10% off #artfire #handmade http://bit.ly/37AVX

Tweets copied by twittinesis.com

From Twitter 03-17-2011

08:18:48: FromTheHipDesigns - Creative note cards and jewelry personalized for you #artfire #handmade http://bit.ly/37AVX
09:32:20: Artfire - Crazy Train - DLC Welch - Treasure boxes and porcelain jewelry #artfire #handmade - http://bit.ly/cw3Tq2
10:52:13: Designed By Audrey - On Fire for Handmade - bookmarks, bracelets, earrings, and necklaces #artfire #handmade http://bit.ly/37AVX
13:57:50: MadMoravian - Wonders in Wood - Turned keychains, pens, bottle stoppers and chainmaille jewelry #artfire #handmade http://bit.ly/37AVX
17:03:20: My item of the week - Sierra Elegant pen in Red/Black Box Elder burl - contact me for 10% off #artfire #handmade http://bit.ly/37AVX
19:36:52: EpicArtGlass - Men of Artfire - Handmade etched glass art, sea glass, glass jewelry, woodwork #artfire #handmade http://bit.ly/37AVX

Tweets copied by twittinesis.com

From Twitter 03-16-2011

00:27:39: EpicArtGlass - Men of Artfire - Handmade etched glass art, sea glass, glass jewelry, woodwork #artfire #handmade http://bit.ly/37AVX
08:24:45: FromTheHipDesigns - Creative note cards and jewelry personalized for you #artfire #handmade http://bit.ly/37AVX
09:32:18: Artfire - Crazy Train - DLC Welch - Treasure boxes and porcelain jewelry #artfire #handmade - http://bit.ly/cw3Tq2
10:52:21: Designed By Audrey - On Fire for Handmade - bookmarks, bracelets, earrings, and necklaces #artfire #handmade http://bit.ly/37AVX
13:59:37: MadMoravian - Wonders in Wood - Turned keychains, pens, bottle stoppers and chainmaille jewelry #artfire #handmade http://bit.ly/37AVX
17:03:44: My item of the week - Sierra Elegant pen in Red/Black Box Elder burl - contact me for 10% off #artfire #handmade http://bit.ly/37AVX
19:15:30: EpicArtGlass - Men of Artfire - Handmade etched glass art, sea glass, glass jewelry, woodwork #artfire #handmade http://bit.ly/37AVX

Tweets copied by twittinesis.com

From Twitter 03-15-2011

08:18:32: FromTheHipDesigns - Creative note cards and jewelry personalized for you #artfire #handmade http://bit.ly/37AVX
09:31:20: Artfire - Crazy Train - RM Designs - Vintage, pearl, and crystal jewelry #artfire #handmade http://bit.ly/cw3Tq2
10:55:26: Designed By Audrey - On Fire for Handmade - bookmarks, bracelets, earrings, and necklaces #artfire #handmade http://bit.ly/37AVX
13:57:06: MadMoravian - Wonders in Wood - Turned keychains, pens, bottle stoppers and chainmaille jewelry #artfire #handmade http://bit.ly/37AVX
17:08:47: My item of the week - Sierra Elegant pen in Red/Black Box Elder burl - contact me for 10% off #artfire #handmade http://bit.ly/37AVX

Tweets copied by twittinesis.com

Artfire - Featured Shop - Silverfox Wood Studio

Ginny, the owner of Silverfox Wood Studios, is a fulltime studio artist and woodworker.  You can certainly tell that by the quality of the items she has in her shop.       She has artistic woodturnings, freeform clocks, ikebanas, and oil lamps, as well as writing instruments and wine stoppers.  you might find her at shows around the Tallahassee area now that she's getting her studio back into motion after moving from South Florida.  Take a look at some of the items in her artfire shop:

From Twitter 03-14-2011

08:18:08: FromTheHipDesigns - Creative note cards and jewelry personalized for you #artfire #handmade http://bit.ly/37AVX
10:52:31: Designed By Audrey - On Fire for Handmade - bookmarks, bracelets, earrings, and necklaces #artfire #handmade http://bit.ly/37AVX
13:57:13: MadMoravian - Wonders in Wood - Turned keychains, pens, bottle stoppers and chainmaille jewelry #artfire #handmade http://bit.ly/37AVX
14:54:58: Artfire - Crazy Train - RM Designs - Vintage, pearl, and crystal jewelry #artfire #handmade http://bit.ly/cw3Tq2
17:03:18: My item of the week - Sierra Elegant pen in Red/Black Box Elder burl - contact me for 10% off #artfire #handmade http://bit.ly/37AVX
20:33:48: EpicArtGlass - Men of Artfire - Handmade etched glass art, sea glass, glass jewelry, woodwork #artfire #handmade http://bit.ly/37AVX

Tweets copied by twittinesis.com

Artfire - Item of the week in my shop : Sierra pen in Red/Black Box Elder Burl

This pen is the item in my shop on artfire that has been seen by the second highest number of folks.  To give it a little more exposure, I'm making it my item of the week.  As my item of the week, I'm offering a 10% discount on the pen to the first person interested.  Just drop me a comment or a tweet.

This is a Sierra style pen turned out of a Box Elder Burl blank that was dyed red and black with satin and chrome hardware. It is a good size for either a man's or a woman's hand and is 5 1/2 inches long. This has a button click, retractable mechanism. It uses a Parker refill.

Weekend update

Friday:

Aikido

Saturday:

Blueberry muffins
Off to Woodcraft to get some casters for the art show box.
Installed the wheels on the box
Aikido
Dinner at Durango's
D&D at Robert's
Daylight Savings Time - yecch!  phooey!

Sunday:

Off to Woodcraft to get an addapter for my lath vis-a-vis SuperNova chuck.
Turned some bungee cord anchors for the art show box
4 hour nap (see Daylight Savings Time)
Meatloaf and mashed potatoes for dinner.

Aikido Saturday Afternoon - 03/12/11

Aikido players:  Tim, Trey, and Brad

Ukemi:  12 fall normal warmup

The Walk: Not today.

Releases: Today was an interesting day.  Tim had Brad uke for the releases.  Trey and I were instructed to stop him from doing the normal releases at some point during the exercise.  Brad was then suppose to come up with some way out of the release and, if it came up, work into a technique.

So, we played with releases all day.  Trey and I expanded some of the responses that Brad came up with and attempted to turn them into a variety of techniques.  For the two of us, it was an opportunity to take a break for the normal routine and "play".

Techniques:

Only as a by-product of release counters.  We did no structured work on techniques today

Aftermath:

None of note.

Aikido Friday Night - 3/11/11

Aikido players:  Tim, Trey, Troy, Sal, Dan, Marvin, and Gayle.  We also had a couple of potential students look in on their class.  They seemed to be a bit financially strapped, so I don't know if they can afford the very reasonable fees we charge.

Ukemi:  Normal set of 12 falls

The Walk: Twice, as usual.  I then spent a bunch of time working with Marvin and Gayle on the final stones of the Walk.  We then ran through the whole thing a couple of times.

Releases: I worked with Marvin and Gayle on the footwork and timing of the first release.  I had them do the footwork as I walked toward them.  I then had them do it with me attached to them as in the normal release.  As usual, tori not keeping their hand in their center was an issue that popped up.

Techniques:

We did some strike the dummy drill.  I uke'd for a bit with Marvin, Gayle and Dan as tori.  We then had Sal uke a bit for the same set of three.

Aftermath:

None of note.

Aikido Thursday Night - 3/10/11

Aikido players:  Tim, and Troy.

Techniques:

I was the tori for the evening.  Tim had me working on the last eleven of Koryu Dai Yon No Kata.  Compared to last week, when I was working on the same thing, I did much better.  I started working on remembering the order of them, as well.  I'm not very close on that part of the process, yet.  I did have it down for a bit, but I think it will take a while for it to sink in.

Aftermath: None of note.

From Twitter 03-13-2011

07:54:07: Duckshirt - Men of Artfire - half-aprons in 2 and 4 pocket styles and an amazing variety of fabrics #artfire #handmade http://bit.ly/cw3Tq2
09:29:02: Artfire - Crazy Train - Just for You Jewelry - Chainmaille and wired braceletes and necklaces #artfire #handmade http://bit.ly/cw3Tq2
10:01:00: RobAndLean - Artisans in Wood - Fabulous rings in wood and metal. A number of designs made to order #artfire #handmade http://bit.ly/cw3Tq2
12:07:15: BettysPorcelain- Texas Artfire - A porcelain artist with both glazed and bisque hand painted pieces. #artfire #handmade http://bit.ly/cw3Tq2
14:11:16: The Glass Flow - On Fire for Handmade - Torch work and etchings as well as stained glass. #artfire #handmade http://bit.ly/cw3Tq2
16:15:18: My artfire item - Flat Top American Ballpoint in Red/Black Box Elder Burl - contact me for 10% 0ff #artfire #handmade http://bit.ly/cw3Tq2

Tweets copied by twittinesis.com

From Twitter 03-12-2011

08:54:09: Duckshirt - Men of Artfire - half-aprons in 2 and 4 pocket styles and an amazing variety of fabrics #artfire #handmade http://bit.ly/cw3Tq2
10:28:58: Artfire - Crazy Train - Just for You Jewelry - Chainmaille and wired braceletes and necklaces #artfire #handmade http://bit.ly/cw3Tq2
11:01:25: RobAndLean - Artisans in Wood - Fabulous rings in wood and metal. A number of designs made to order #artfire #handmade http://bit.ly/cw3Tq2
13:08:02: BettysPorcelain- Texas Artfire - A porcelain artist with both glazed and bisque hand painted pieces. #artfire #handmade http://bit.ly/cw3Tq2
15:11:22: The Glass Flow - On Fire for Handmade - Torch work and etchings as well as stained glass. #artfire #handmade http://bit.ly/cw3Tq2
17:14:58: My artfire item - Flat Top American Ballpoint in Red/Black Box Elder Burl - contact me for 10% 0ff #artfire #handmade http://bit.ly/cw3Tq2

Tweets copied by twittinesis.com

From Twitter 03-11-2011

08:54:17: Duckshirt - Men of Artfire - half-aprons in 2 and 4 pocket styles and an amazing variety of fabrics #artfire #handmade http://bit.ly/cw3Tq2
10:26:25: Artfire - Crazy Train - Gertiengus 2 - fused glass dichroic and art glass pendants, earrings #artfire #handmade http://bit.ly/cw3Tq2
11:01:52: RobAndLean - Artisans in Wood - Fabulous rings in wood and metal. A number of designs made to order #artfire #handmade http://bit.ly/cw3Tq2
11:23:37: Stylish, steampunk ladies jacket from Eclectic Oddities currently marked down layaway available #afpounce #artfire http://ow.ly/1s9lfe
13:07:10: BettysPorcelain- Texas Artfire - A porcelain artist with both glazed and bisque hand painted pieces. #artfire #handmade http://bit.ly/cw3Tq2
15:11:42: The Glass Flow - On Fire for Handmade - Torch work and etchings as well as stained glass. #artfire #handmade http://bit.ly/cw3Tq2
17:14:57: My artfire item - Flat Top American Ballpoint in Red/Black Box Elder Burl - contact me for 10% 0ff #artfire #handmade http://bit.ly/cw3Tq2

Tweets copied by twittinesis.com

From Twitter 03-10-2011

08:54:03: Duckshirt - Men of Artfire - half-aprons in 2 and 4 pocket styles and an amazing variety of fabrics #artfire #handmade http://bit.ly/cw3Tq2
10:27:29: Artfire - Crazy Train - Gertiengus 2 - fused glass dichroic and art glass pendants, earrings #artfire #handmade http://bit.ly/cw3Tq2
11:01:43: RobAndLean - Artisans in Wood - Fabulous rings in wood and metal. A number of designs made to order #artfire #handmade http://bit.ly/cw3Tq2
13:08:24: BettysPorcelain- Texas Artfire - A porcelain artist with both glazed and bisque hand painted pieces. #artfire #handmade http://bit.ly/cw3Tq2
15:10:32: The Glass Flow - On Fire for Handmade - Torch work and etchings as well as stained glass. #artfire #handmade http://bit.ly/cw3Tq2
17:14:30: My artfire item - Flat Top American Ballpoint in Red/Black Box Elder Burl - contact me for 10% 0ff #artfire #handmade http://bit.ly/cw3Tq2

Tweets copied by twittinesis.com

From Twitter 03-09-2011

08:54:11: Duckshirt - Men of Artfire - half-aprons in 2 and 4 pocket styles and an amazing variety of fabrics #artfire #handmade http://bit.ly/cw3Tq2
10:24:16: Artfire - Crazy Train - Prairie Soy - A variety of scented soy-based candles, as well as handmade soaps #artfire http://bit.ly/cw3Tq2
11:02:14: RobAndLean - Artisans in Wood - Fabulous rings in wood and metal. A number of designs made to order #artfire #handmade http://bit.ly/cw3Tq2
13:09:49: BettysPorcelain- Texas Artfire - A porcelain artist with both glazed and bisque hand painted pieces. #artfire #handmade http://bit.ly/cw3Tq2
15:11:24: The Glass Flow - On Fire for Handmade - Torch work and etchings as well as stained glass. #artfire #handmade http://bit.ly/cw3Tq2
17:14:49: My artfire item - Flat Top American Ballpoint in Red/Black Box Elder Burl - contact me for 10% 0ff #artfire #handmade http://bit.ly/cw3Tq2

Tweets copied by twittinesis.com

From Twitter 03-08-2011

08:55:10: Duckshirt - Men of Artfire - half-aprons in 2 and 4 pocket styles and an amazing variety of fabrics #artfire #handmade http://bit.ly/cw3Tq2
10:23:24: Artfire - Crazy Train - Prairie Soy - A variety of scented soy-based candles, as well as handmade soaps #artfire http://bit.ly/cw3Tq2
11:01:32: RobAndLean - Artisans in Wood - Fabulous rings in wood and metal. A number of designs made to order #artfire #handmade http://bit.ly/cw3Tq2
13:10:58: BettysPorcelain- Texas Artfire - A porcelain artist with both glazed and bisque hand painted pieces. #artfire #handmade http://bit.ly/cw3Tq2
15:11:22: The Glass Flow - On Fire for Handmade - Torch work and etchings as well as stained glass. #artfire #handmade http://bit.ly/cw3Tq2
17:15:07: My artfire item - Flat Top American Ballpoint in Red/Black Box Elder Burl - contact me for 10% 0ff #artfire #handmade http://bit.ly/cw3Tq2

Tweets copied by twittinesis.com

Artfire - Featured Shop -PitterPotterHouse

The proprietor of PitterPotterHouse has a fulltime job as a realtor but still manages to create some really nice pieces at the throwing wheel.  With all of the animals she has at home, I won't be surprised is she creates some horse-theme works at some point.  What she has in her shop at the moment is really quite nice!  Take a look at just a sampling from the shop below:

From Twitter 03-07-2011

09:01:05: Duckshirt - Men of Artfire - half-aprons in 2 and 4 pocket styles and an amazing variety of fabrics #artfire #handmade http://bit.ly/cw3Tq2
10:59:47: Artfire - Crazy train - Arts Farm - vintage & antique books, prints, glass, pottery, jewelry #artfire #handmade http://bit.ly/cw3Tq2
11:10:05: RobAndLean - Artisans in Wood - Fabulous rings in wood and metal. A number of designs made to order #artfire #handmade http://bit.ly/cw3Tq2
13:07:26: BettysPorcelain- Texas Artfire - A porcelain artist with both glazed and bisque hand painted pieces. #artfire #handmade http://bit.ly/cw3Tq2
15:11:07: The Glass Flow - On Fire for Handmade - Torch work and etchings as well as stained glass. #artfire #handmade http://bit.ly/cw3Tq2
17:14:20: My artfire item - Flat Top American Ballpoint in Red/Black Box Elder Burl - contact me for 10% 0ff #artfire #handmade http://bit.ly/cw3Tq2

Tweets copied by twittinesis.com

Artfire : Item of the week - Chrome Flat Top American Ballpoint in Red/Black Box Elder Burl

This pen is the item in my shop on artfire that has been seen by the most folks.  As my item of the week, I'm offering a 10% discount on the pen to the first person interested.  Just drop me a comment or a tweet.

This is a Flat Top American style ballpoint turned out of Box Elder Burl that has been dyed Red/Black with Chrome hardware. It is a medium weight pen, suitable for either a woman's or a man's hand and comes in at 5 1/2 inches long. This has a double twist, retractable mechanism that uses a Cross refill.

From Twitter 03-06-2011

10:22:18: Artfire - Crazy train - Arts Farm - vintage & antique books, prints, glass, pottery, jewelry #artfire #handmade http://bit.ly/cw3Tq2
11:50:08: Artfire - Texas Guild - JMcCoy - He does some fabulous work with wood, transforming it beautifully #artfire #handmade http://bit.ly/cw3Tq2
12:58:01: Artfire - Artisans in Wood - Clocks and Things - Amazingly detailed scrollwork for boxes and clocks #artfire #handmade http://bit.ly/cw3Tq2
15:03:25: Artfire - On Fire for Handmage - Studio Knits - custom, hand knit hats, cowls, and more #artfire #handmade http://bit.ly/cw3Tq2
17:05:41: My item of the week on Artfire - A Carbara pen in Sunset Spalted Maple - contact me for 10% off #artfire #handmade http://bit.ly/cw3Tq2
19:08:01: Artfire - Men of Artfire - Paper Piecing Designs - scrapbook pages, premade piecing embellishments #artfire #handmade http://bit.ly/cw3Tq2

Tweets copied by twittinesis.com

Aikido Saturday Afternoon - 3/5/11

Aikido players:  Tim, Trey, Brad, Dan, Marvin and Gayle.  The biggest crowd we've had in a while

Ukemi:  Light ukemi.  I then helped Marvin with his rolls

The Walk: Twice, as usual.

Releases: I worked with Dan, while Trey worked with Brad.  We spent a long time on them as it had been a while since Dan had been able to attend a class.

Techniques:

I worked with Dan on 1-3 of Ju Nana Hon Kata.  He did amazingly well considering how long he'd been gone away.  We struggled a bit with the eye flash for Gyakugamae-ate, but that will come soon enough.

Tim had Trey work on 5-9 of Owaza Ju Pon.  Trey's a glutton, so he's going to be doing them on both sides for his next demonstration.  So, we worked on them on both sides this afternoon.  After those, Trey wanted to do 1, 3 and 4 from Owaza Ju Pon on the right side.  Tim then had him do #2, both sides, as the final technique for Trey's workout.

Ter\\rey then declared that I had to do some of my kote gaeshi variants that I had been working on recently.  There are several in Yon Kata, mainly Juji garami nage, and Ushiro waza kote gaeshi.  After some minor struggles, I managed to do passably well with them.  Trey then decided that I had to do #2 from Owaza Ju Pon, as well, for my last technique of the evening.

Aftermath:

Tired.  Judo candy was a necessity.

Aikido Friday Night - 3/4/11

Aikido players:  Tim, Trey, and Sal.

Ukemi:  Light ukemi.  I've discovered that my left sided air falls are non-functional.  I'm have to grab some time sometime soon to rebuild them to where they once were.

The Walk: Twice, as usual.

Releases: Trey worked with Sal

Techniques:

Trey worked through the first 5 with Sal on both sides.  Tim then had me work with Sal, as well.  It went pretty well.  Well enough that Sal was awarded his Yonkyu promotion!

Tim then had me do some more work on Yon Kata.  I was able to Ushiro waza kote gaeshi relatively quickly this evening.  I then continued on and worked on the last 6 of the kata.  The troublesome ones are, at the moment, Juji garami nage, and Tenkai kote kugiki.

Aftermath:

None of note.

Aikido Thursday Night - 3/3/11

Aikido players:  Tim, and Trey.

Techniques:

I was the tori for the evening.  Tim had me working on the last eleven of Koryu Dai Yon No Kata.  I did not make it through all of them, as I got stuck on Ushiro waza kote gaeshi which is 5th one of the final 11 (or #19 in the kata overall).  We spent about 20 minutes on it and I just did not get it.  I was having trouble with the hand switches and the off-balances.  I got close, but did not get comfortable.

Aftermath: None of note.

From Twitter 03-05-2011

10:20:26: Artfire - Crazy Train - DS Photography - Fantastic photos and unique deer antler jewelry #artfire #handmade http://bit.ly/cw3Tq2
11:50:45: Artfire - Texas Guild - JMcCoy - He does some fabulous work with wood, transforming it beautifully #artfire #handmade http://bit.ly/cw3Tq2
12:58:10: Artfire - Artisans in Wood - Clocks and Things - Amazingly detailed scrollwork for boxes and clocks #artfire #handmade http://bit.ly/cw3Tq2
15:06:35: Artfire - On Fire for Handmage - Studio Knits - custom, hand knit hats, cowls, and more #artfire #handmade http://bit.ly/cw3Tq2
17:05:54: My item of the week on Artfire - A Carbara pen in Sunset Spalted Maple - contact me for 10% off #artfire #handmade http://bit.ly/cw3Tq2
19:11:33: Artfire - Men of Artfire - Paper Piecing Designs - scrapbook pages, premade piecing embellishments #artfire #handmade http://bit.ly/cw3Tq2

Tweets copied by twittinesis.com

From Twitter 03-04-2011

10:20:09: Artfire - Crazy Train - DS Photography - Fantastic photos and unique deer antler jewelry #artfire #handmade http://bit.ly/cw3Tq2
11:49:59: Artfire - Texas Guild - JMcCoy - He does some fabulous work with wood, transforming it beautifully #artfire #handmade http://bit.ly/cw3Tq2
12:59:47: Artfire - Artisans in Wood - Clocks and Things - Amazingly detailed scrollwork for boxes and clocks #artfire #handmade http://bit.ly/cw3Tq2
15:04:33: Artfire - On Fire for Handmage - Studio Knits - custom, hand knit hats, cowls, and more #artfire #handmade http://bit.ly/cw3Tq2
16:55:48: Crossstitch cards, on artfire, has a great card for the family with a new baby girl. Take a look http://bit.ly/cw3Tq2 #artfire #aftweet
17:08:47: My item of the week on Artfire - A Carbara pen in Sunset Spalted Maple - contact me for 10% off #artfire #handmade http://bit.ly/cw3Tq2
17:50:59: Crossstitch Cards, on artfire, has a neat Mother's Day card. Get ready for the day early! #artfire #aftweet http://bit.ly/cw3Tq2
20:23:59: Artfire - Men of Artfire - Paper Piecing Designs - scrapbook pages, premade piecing embellishments #artfire #handmade http://bit.ly/cw3Tq2

Tweets copied by twittinesis.com

From Twitter 03-03-2011

10:18:26: Artfire - Crazy Train - AuntiEm Boutique - Fabulous lined aprons in vintage style with a modern look #artfire #handmade http://bit.ly/cw3Tq2
11:51:58: Artfire - Texas Guild - JMcCoy - He does some fabulous work with wood, transforming it beautifully #artfire #handmade http://bit.ly/cw3Tq2
13:05:44: Artfire - Artisans in Wood - Clocks and Things - Amazingly detailed scrollwork for boxes and clocks #artfire #handmade http://bit.ly/cw3Tq2
14:48:48: Artfire - Men of Artfire - Paper Piecing Designs - scrapbook pages, premade piecing embellishments #artfire #handmade http://bit.ly/cw3Tq2
15:09:25: Artfire - On Fire for Handmage - Studio Knits - custom, hand knit hats, cowls, and more #artfire #handmade http://bit.ly/cw3Tq2
17:05:16: My item of the week on Artfire - A Carbara pen in Sunset Spalted Maple - contact me for 10% off #artfire #handmade http://bit.ly/cw3Tq2

Tweets copied by twittinesis.com

From Twitter 03-02-2011

10:23:02: Artfire - Crazy Train - AuntiEm Boutique - Fabulous lined aprons in vintage style with a modern look #artfire #handmade http://bit.ly/cw3Tq2
11:50:17: Artfire - Texas Guild - JMcCoy - He does some fabulous work with wood, transforming it beautifully #artfire #handmade http://bit.ly/cw3Tq2
12:58:19: Artfire - Artisans in Wood - Clocks and Things - Amazingly detailed scrollwork for boxes and clocks #artfire #handmade http://bit.ly/cw3Tq2
14:00:45: Artfire - Men of Artfire - Paper Piecing Designs - scrapbook pages, premade piecing embellishments #artfire #handmade http://bit.ly/cw3Tq2
15:04:44: Artfire - On Fire for Handmage - Studio Knits - custom, hand knit hats, cowls, and more #artfire #handmade http://bit.ly/cw3Tq2
17:06:22: My item of the week on Artfire - A Carbara pen in Sunset Spalted Maple - contact me for 10% off #artfire #handmade http://bit.ly/cw3Tq2

Tweets copied by twittinesis.com

From Twitter 03-01-2011

11:49:35: Artfire - Texas Guild - JMcCoy - He does some fabulous work with wood, transforming it beautifully #artfire #handmade http://bit.ly/cw3Tq2
12:57:14: Artfire - Artisans in Wood - Clocks and Things - Amazingly detailed scrollwork for boxes and clocks #artfire #handmade http://bit.ly/cw3Tq2
13:59:15: Artfire - Men of Artfire - Paper Piecing Designs - scrapbook pages, premade piecing embellishments #artfire #handmade http://bit.ly/cw3Tq2
15:06:01: Artfire - On Fire for Handmage - Studio Knits - custom, hand knit hats, cowls, and more #artfire #handmade http://bit.ly/cw3Tq2
16:47:50: Artfire - Crazy Train Artisan Guild - SOFINOS-DESIGNS #artfire #handmade http://ow.ly/3Rhrn
17:05:17: My item of the week on Artfire - A Carbara pen in Sunset Spalted Maple - contact me for 10% off #artfire #handmade http://bit.ly/cw3Tq2

Tweets copied by twittinesis.com

Art Show box

I got it in my brain to build a box on wheels to convey the stuff I need when running an Art Show.  It's in the building stages at the moment.  It's been assembled and prepped for hinges, etc.  I decided it needs to be painted, and with something more than just a plain paint.

Since most of my work is for Armadillocon, an armadillo of some sort seemed appropriate.  It will probably also be used for selling my pens and stuff at craft show, I'm also going to paint the Czech flag on the top.  But, below, you will find the armadillo I created to go on the sides of the box.  It has been transferred onto the box, so now I just need to get/find paint and apply it.

Artire - Featured Shop - UniqueNique

UniqueNique is a member of the On Fire for Handmade guild that I belong to on artfire.  While her selection is not huge, it is diverse and gorgeous.  She offers unique and original handmade jewelry. The shop features different styles, from delicate to bold, classic to unusual. If you're into glass of various colors, shapes and sizes, you'll probably find it in her shop.  She uses glass, dichroic, copper wire, sterling wire, crystals and many different kinds of beads.

She's originally from South Africa, so I bet she's got a charming accent, but moved to the U.S. in 2001.

Give  look at some of the items in her shop: