February is the perfect time to write about Halloween-y postage stamps. At least it is for someone who loves all things creepy and eerie. I recently started reaching out to my pen pals to see who might want to get Halloween-themed envelopes (or letters) year 'round and immediately started in on decorating envelopes. My one (small) fear is that I'm going to run out of ideas and have to send plain envelopes come October. (I'll share some of those images in a follow-up post; this one is going to be long enough.)
As per usual with my vintage postage series, there's a giveaway (my best yet)! I hope you stay long enough to at least scan the post, but definitely check out the end for contest details.
As mentioned earlier, vintage Edgar Allan Poe stamps were the philately equivalent of a gateway drug and led me to start gathering/collecting postage stamps. I don't believe I've exhausted the theme, but I'm pretty ecstatic with what I've managed to gather. I have started spreading them out a bit, so I'll mix a couple of my spooky postage stamps with some modern ones, so I can make my "supplies" last longer. If you're interested in growing your own collection, check out my tips at the end of the first vintage postage post.
There are actually two Poe stamps: a 3¢ from 1949 and a 42¢ from 2009. The latter is pressure-sensitive (sticker-style), so it may not truly count as "vintage," but in my book, anything I can't buy at the PO right now qualifies. I like to use these together, with a modern, lower denomination stamp to round out the current rate.
If I was excited about the Poe stamps, I was over the moon when I discovered the brightly-colored 10¢ The Legend of Sleepy Hollow stamp (1974). I have a love/hate relationship with the original story by Washington Irving, but I love the imagery! It also has a sentimental significance, not to mention all of the works it has inspired. In addition to the stamp featuring Ichabod on the run from a headless horseman, there is a 1¢ stamp from 1940 featuring the author. This stamp has a little-known dual purpose: Mr. Irving sort of invented Christmas as we know it (in the US anyway), so you could use them on holiday cards in December.
The 32¢ pocket in my stamp notebook is the fattest because it has both Alfred Hitchcock (1998) & Classic Movie Monsters (1997), among others.
In addition to being a fan of such classics as The Birds, Psycho, The Lady Vanishes, etc., I introduced my goddaughter to Hitchcock movies when she was nine (Rear Window was her favorite for a long time). I put one of these stamps on almost every letter I send her (along with a Sleepy Hollow one), so I tend to hoard them. Note the sweet laser-cut profile in the upper left corner of the stamp.
The Movie Monster stamps are just so...well, they're the perfect Halloween stamp. I have done a Frankenstein's monster-themed envelope and am contemplating what I might do for the other three monsters in the set. I have a candelabra rubber stamp that might do for the Phantom; the Mummy & Dracula would probably be easier.
The Night Friends sheet (37¢, 2002) features four different American bats. These are just fun.
Honorable Mentions
Harry Potter series
Circus stamps (current Circus Posters (forever) or vintage (29¢,1993)): at least the damn clowns (I am actually not afraid of clowns*, but I recognize their potential as scary creatures and have totally used at least one clown stamp as part of a postage collage.)
Carnivorous Plants (34¢, 2004).
Coming sometime in 2016, the USPS is releasing a Jack-o-lantern stamp, so there will be one more to add to the collection.
Outside the US? Canada still wins for its Haunted Canada series. I'm not sure what else is available - some countries have more fun than others with their stamps, but you might have to get creative when it comes to stretching the theme.
Giveaway Time
One lucky commenter will win the 18 stamps pictured in the "giveaway" image, left. Anyone is eligible - even if you've won before - and I'll ship anywhere. There is at least one of each stamp mentioned in the main part of the story (plus one from the honorable mentions category (Carnivorous Plants)). Bonus: one of my custom (ghost) postage stamps that you cannot get anywhere else. All of the stamps are unused and unhinged (cannot guarantee mint condition), and can therefore be applied and included as part of any US postal rate.
To enter, simply comment here and tell me which of the above is your favorite OR suggest a themed stamp not included in the post. That is it!! I'll pick a winner on March 5th or 6th. Shares are not required, but will be rewarded if I'm aware that a winner shared the link. Important: make sure I have a way to reach you if you win!!
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*Clown dolls are a whole 'nother story.
Hi, y'all. I'll be back to my normal, semi-regular blogging schedule soon. Life has just not cooperated, what with the husband and I getting violently (but temporarily) ill a few days apart ('flu or, if it's possible, some terrible contagious food poisoning (what we thought he had)).
I have posts in progress, just nothing ready to publish yet. Because I'm an impatient person and posting to Instagram is easier than writing a whole blog post, some pictures of the following can be seen there, but with less commentary (and no prizes).
Lip balm: I make lip balm and have some to give away, too.
Halloween-y stamps and themed envelopes, and yes, some (stamps) to give away!
I resurrected my old planner and created new pages for it. I may have a couple of free downloads to go along with that post.
We just tried our first Hot Pot. Had to do it at home, because there are zero restaurants within driving distance that serve the real thing. It was yummy and I have pics.
Sometime, down the line, I'll share the authenticity post I've been working on.
? I take suggestions. Comment away or email me (see profile for email link).
I didn't get any comments for the last giveaway, but that just means that the prize didn't interest anyone... or no one read the post. 'salright. I'm not quitting yet! I'll buy your love, somehow. ;-)
I just threw away* a hug pile of wooden blocks from my stamp collection. It's okay - I took all of the stamp parts (dies) off first. Back here (part 1), I went through how I did that. The subject of this post is the next step: remounting them all onto static clink backing and getting them into their new storage/home. Read to the end for a mini giveaway.
Disclaimer: this was a personal decision for dealing with my property. Your mileage may vary and you need to make sure you want this and know how to do it. (I hate including these things, but I recently read some comments on a blog post or forum where someone just blindly followed a random stranger's tip for revising a planner and this person destroyed an expensive binder because they didn't think it through. So, basically, think it through.)
Material List (updated)
Stamps on thin EZ Mount
Unmounted stamps - see part 1 for the how-to. One update: since most of my collection was several years old, I was dealing with a lot of traditional red cushion mounting; however, newer stamps seem to be using this gray foam (similar to what is part of the static cling set up) and it does not always cooperate with the cold or hot process explained in my other post. It's not just the cheap ones like I thought. I paid a stupid amount of money for a large mounted stamp because I fell in love with the quote on it and didn't think to make a note and look online. Getting that off the block/foam was a nightmare**.
EZ-Mount Static Cling mount materials (with foam for just the rubber piece, "thin" for those with their rubber still attached). I can't recommend The Stampin Place highly enough. They ship quick and handled a delivery issue (not their fault) super fast (no affiliation).
Stamps on traditional (with cushion) EZ Mount
How much? If you can be more patient than I was, unmount your stamps first, then lay them out on sheets of 8½x11" paper, leaving some room to get your scissors around. That will give you a pretty good idea of how much you need. I used less than I thought I would, but also misjudged how many sheets of the thin cling I'd need, so I have just under 1 sheet of the normal thickness left over, and too much of the thin, which I probably won't use much of. Alternately, order a sheet of each and try a few stamps out to see if you like it.
Storage solution. I went with binders and the pages that The Stampin' Place sells and I'm very happy. I have two binders and got 1 set each of tabs and pages. The tabs came in handy because I have multiple themes in one big binder (see video). You can also probably use older CD jewel cases (not the super-skinny ones) or, probably, empty DVD cases. Whatever will allow you to group your stamps as you like and give them a firm surface to stick to.
Really sharp scissors, preferably with a non-stick surface (they'll still get sticky, but less so). I was very happy with the ones I ordered.
Alcohol swabs to de-gunk your scissors as you work.
Acrylic blocks in a variety of sizes. You don't need ALL of the sizes, but you do want a few because if the block is too big, it can wobble on the ink pad or your stamping surface. If it's too small, you can't get even pressure to make the impression. I advise getting a coupon and hitting one of the big box craft stores for a set.
Damp paper towel, when it's time to put into your storage.
Instructions
Once you've unmounted some (or all) of your stamps and have all of your materials, peel away the backing from the (very) sticky side of the EZ Mount (the side with all the printing). Set the backing aside to protect any leftovers.
Lay out your stamps on the appropriate thickness (thin for those with cushion still attached). I have blurry pictures of this process; if anyone wants to see, comment with a way to reach you and I'll share them via Drive or something.
Cut out, taking care not to undercut (any stamp surface with detail needs to be fully supported). I err on the side of caution and leave a small margin. Replace printed backing on the sticky side to preserve remaining cling sheet & put it away.
Peel the paper backing off of the cling (non sticky).
Place into your chosen storage system. If your stamps don't want to cling to the pages, dampen them slightly. I kept a damp paper towel with me as I organized my collection after my marathon mounting and cutting sessions; I just tapped the back of the stamp on the towel and pressed it down onto the page.
Peek at my collection (continued apologies for the camera work and sound quality)
Mini Giveaway (updated to include image)
I have 1 sheet of thin EZ Mount to give away (US and Canada only this time, sorry). It was bent during shipment and replaced, so I thought it would be a good opportunity for someone else to try cling mount. The thin version is goof for stamps that still have their cushion attached. Want to try? Comment below. That's it. It's okay if you have won before. I'm aiming for FOUR comments this time. Oooh. But I'll end it in a week, regardless. On Feb. 21st, I'll pick a winner from the comments and mail out the sheet (so make sure I have a way to reach you!!). Easy as pie. No requirements to share (although I appreciate and love the shares) or to post on Instagram and tag people. Just comment. I'm also going to throw in a mini stamp pad (summer sky color), because I accidentally bought two of the same colo, and a 1" acrylic block. (Note: this sheet of EZ Mount is bent, but is good for mounting several stamps with cushion attached (also probably works for very small stamps).)
*They are all coated with something or have adhesives, stickers, etc. on them. I doubt they're recycle-able.
**Now that I have converted my entire collection, my goal is to never buy another mounted stamp (what a waste), so I do most of my shopping online, where many shops offer unmounted dies as an option.
As promised in the previous Homemade Marshmallows post, I have some updates for my marshmallow-making process. I probably won't do another post unless I have an amazing breakthrough or attempt mini marshmallows; watch my Instagram feed for pics of future attempts.
I mentioned in that first post that I wanted to try for a firmer marshmallow; it was really the only thing I wasn't happy with. I also wanted to try a different flavor after reading notes for making cinnamon, but I realized that what I wanted wasn't the spice, but the candy flavor, so I decided to combine two experiments. If I was very lucky, I'd end up with a firmer marshmallow that also tasted like the cinnamon candies I enjoy. Well, I was lucky and this batch did not last long (I shared at least half, I promise).
I only made a couple of tweaks to my original process, linked above:
I upped the gelatin content to 25 grams (from 21). This was almost 4 envelopes (remember that the volume varies slightly by envelope, so weigh the powder - I can set aside or toss any surplus).
I cooked the syrup for longer (will need to get that a little less vague). I'm really trying to avoid using a candy thermometer, but to be consistent, I might have to. In this case, I put everything in the pan, turned the (gas) burner to high, stirred a little, then let it cook for about 9 minutes, making sure it was really boiling well for a minute or two.
The result was my idea of the perfect texture. I wasn't sure if that ¼ tsp. was going to be enough flavor, but I decided to start with that and add more if needed (can't take it back). In the mixer, that amount seemed very hot and I was afraid I'd ruined the batch, but after it set overnight, it kind of normalized/calmed down. So what I ended up with was something that had a very strong cinnamon scent, but wasn't too hot. I don't think I'll mess with that amount. I might try this with other flavors; as much as I like using all natural ingredients, like preserves, that just adds even more sugar.
I took a lot more pictures of the cutting and coating process that I thought I'd share (click each to enlarge). I had to get back in the groove and remember all the tricks I had worked out when I first started.
I see references online to oiling your knife before cutting, but I've never had to do that. This is the kind of blade I use. Sorry I can't give any details about it - it was in the drawer. It may be the "cheese knife" that came with the set.
Rub a decent amount of powdered (confectioner's) sugar onto a cutting board or other surface and turn out the slab. However you want, get the top and bottom covered with powder, and work it up the sides, too. While you're at it, now toss a handful or so of the powdered sugar into the pan you just emptied.
If you are into presentation, cut an inch or so off of each edge to help you make squares later. The edges curl up and always remind me of tentacles. They're perfectly edible -- I usually coat them in powdered sugar just like the smaller pieces and keep them for myself.
I am incapable of cutting perfect squares of any size on a consistent basis, but I come close by cutting strips as straight as possible, about as wide as they were high. Then I roll the strip in sugar, cut a second one and do the same. Now they won't stick together.
I cut two strips at the same time, aiming for a square, and toss the cubes into the pan.
Then I roll the cubes in the sugar and put them in a mesh strainer. A few shakes removes the excess sugar. All that's left is just enough to keep them from getting sticky. These I toss into a lidded container until I'm all done.
If I'm feeling generous, I package some up, add a label and share. I've used zip-style plastic bags, large party favor bags, pretzel bags, etc. (closing non-zip bags with washi tape). I prefer new, empty deli containers because they are not expensive and I can have multiple sizes on hand for leftovers, etc., too. But the food supply place was out last time we went so I got a package of these small disposable containers at Kroger (store brand) and just stuck a label on top.
Pic of my newest label (packaging might be one of my favorite parts of making things).
*To use enough of the grocery store (liquid) colorant to make the marshmallows closer to red would really impact the flavor, so they're pink. I've ordered some slightly-more-natural gel colorants to try in the future.
I struggled with how to title this. I want to explain what got me started gathering (not sure "collecting" is the right word) postage stamps and/or why I continue to do it.
Marshmallows Feb. 2016
Basically, it's so I can do this (right, and below) without going to the post office or standing in any line. As long as I keep my packages from crossing the 13 oz. mark (I keep them close to 12 oz. to avoid any scale discrepancies), I can apply postage and drop the packages in any mail box. I order current stamps from the USPS site & get vintage stamps mainly from eBay. While the USPS charges for shipping, the fee is pretty reasonable and it's worth it to avoid the line or dealing with *that* clerk. You know the one.
What got me started? It began about 6 years ago. Like most people, I may have had half a book of stamps somewhere around the house, but needed to mail several small packages. I took my little stack of 4 or 5 envelopes, and got in line. Not one of those packages reached its destination. Not a single one. What was my crime? "Sassing" a crabby counter clerk. When it was my turn, the clerk proceeded to grill me about the contents of my packages (5½x8½" booklets in catalog-size envelopes). She went above and beyond the call of duty when it came to the Hazmat questions (fragile, liquid, perishable, etc.). I would usually say something like, "no, none of them," and that would be good enough, but not for her: she wanted me to tell her exactly what was in each envelope. I swear, I felt like I was crossing the border.
They were identical, yet each time, she asked me what it contained. I finally said "it contains nothing fragile, liquid, perishable or anything else you've asked me. It's paper. It's all paper. They're all the same." (Something like that - it has been a few years!) She stopped asking, I paid, and went on my merry way. And the rest is history. Like I said above: none of those packages ever reached their intended recipients. That's quite a petty little tantrum, and I vowed to never let her touch my mail again.
At first, I just would let whoever was behind me in line go ahead if her window was the next one open. Then, I discovered cool, old stamps like Edgar Allen Poe, movie monsters, etc. and went from there to finding that you could order larger denomination stamps* and have a variety of basic, modern stamps. I may have gotten a little carried away with my collection (see video, below), but now I can put any price together with what I have on hand and send packages to my heart's content (you can easily do this with just current stamps). I just go to the PO to check my box and only stand in line a few times a year to hand over boxes with a pre-paid label. And so far, none of my packages have gone astray.
Important note for organization: The face value is not printed on the stamp for many denominations over 20¢ . This is no big deal if you are using it the way they intend, using a stamp for a service (which is printed on the stamp), but if you're going to use them to make up a larger rate, a way to identify the actual face value is essential. I use a 3-ring binder and a LOT of labeled sheet protectors. If there is a rate change, these unmarked/forever stamps will need to be relabeled, but right now, I know that this stamp is worth 71¢ and this one is worth 93¢, etc.
Here's a peek at my collection and how it's organized:
Last week, I stood in line for 10 minutes because I was out of the $1.20 Global stamps and needed to mail something sooner than a shipment could arrive. Ten minutes later, I learned that they were out of them, too (as is everyone else). Total waste of time! I also find that even the friendliest clerks get agitated when you go there with a list of denominations you need, especially if there is anyone waiting behind me. The website is easier to navigate, although it's still arranged pretty strangely (the $2 Inverted Jenny stamps are not listed with the over-49¢ stamps; they are only on the "sheets" page & don't come up in their search (I can't even link to them easily)). I sat down the other night and ordered the stamps I was out of and paid via PayPal without standing in line behind three people doing complex transactions (attempting to rent a PO box without ID, sending a package without tape, applying for a passport...), without leaving my desk, or anyone rolling their eyes at me or making huffing, impatient noises behind me.
Want to do this yourself? (My recommendations.)
You need a scale that does partial ounces (in the US (I got mine at Harbor Freight); a digital kitchen scale might work)
Get a copy of the measurement card** with the thickness slot cut out (print it on cardstock & laminate if you can) Note: I can not find a valid link for these right now. Check the postage label for an upcoming post.
Use the "calculate price" function of the USPS site religiously.
Use the print & ship function when your domestic package exceeds 13 oz. and take advantage of the discount. These packages come with free tracking and insurance up to $25 or $50.
Have a few padded envelopes (dollar store unless you can buy in bulk) and some clear tape at least. (Get good tape. Can't go wrong with Scotch or Ducktape.)
A calculator comes in handy, so you don't add more postage than you need (or put on too little), but my computer has one, as does my phone, and my tablet, so I'm covered there.
Educate yourself about the rules. Some post office associates don't even know their own rules really well. You know there is a 22¢ surcharge (non-machinable) if your envelope is square, rigid or you addressed it sideways? Do you know that you don't have to pay that 22¢ for each condition, just once per envelope? So, a square, rigid envelope isn't 44¢ extra like I've been charged in the past. It's 22¢ extra (and there's a stamp in that amount just for that purpose). By knowing this and applying the postage myself, then dropping it into a box, I don't have to have that argument anymore.
Then buy a sheet each of the small denomination stamps, and whatever you can swing for the higher denominations. $9 will get you 20 each (1 sheet) of the: 1¢, 2¢, 3¢, 4¢, 5¢, 10¢ & 20¢ stamps. There are also 22¢ stamps (great for that extra handling) & 35¢ (domestic post cards, add-on for heavier letter), and so on. If you want to get into vintage stamps, read my "guide" at the end of this post. You can benefit from some of my early mistakes!
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*I don't buy anything more expensive than the $2 denomination stamps. Anything that crosses the 13-oz mark qualifies for a discount if you print your own labels, so I do that, even if it's less fun. I stock up on anything I can get that is between 49¢ and $1 - they come in handy when you're putting together the $3.15 or $2.74 rates.
**AKA Notice 3A. I have a plastic version and it is very handy. I'm not sure where it came from, though. I don't know how much they cost, but this page says that they are available at Business Mail Entry Offices.
This week's Mixed Tape Monday post took a turn from what I had initially planned. I wanted to share the first song, but when I reviewed it for lyrics, I realized that it spoke to a completely different theme even if it wasn't immediately obvious.
[See the first Mixed Tape Monday post for the background and how to participate if you want to play along! I'm going to do a couple more of these, and if I'm the only player, this will probably become a random, when-I-feel-like-it feature. (No harm, no foul, no pouting.)] Authenticity is an important topic to me; in fact, it's the theme of my life this year. It's something I have struggled with my entire life and when I turned 50 last summer, I declared that my 50th year would be the year of Mel Being Authentic (technically the 51st, unless the year before we turn one is our 0st year).
Wow. I started writing this post on the weekend and it got LONG and turned into something very deep, so I'm going to take all that deep content and move it to a new post for some time in the future.
This song has been deeply important to me for about 20 years, give or take. When I first heard it, my mother was dying, so I think the impact was immediate and obvious. It came on the radio, and I parked my car and cried. Then I bought the CD (may have been a cassette at first - I've had several copies) and listened the shit out of it.
The thing is, my parents, while they loved me, did not give me the message of "be yourself," as the song says. Discussing that kind of thing is probably best left for therapy and not a blog, but I'll just say that there's a reason I struggle with authenticity to this day. When I listen to the song now, I focus on the verses.
The lyrics that speak the strongest to me are in the second verse: "Cardboard masks of all the people I have been, thrown out with all the rusted, tangled, dented, goddamn miseries. You can say I'm hard to hold, but if you knew me..."
I used to wear a lot of masks. Being accepted, being liked, not ever upsetting or inconveniencing anyone... that was what I lived for. And it was a less than ideal existence. So I started throwing away the masks, along with their goddamn miseries. And I was hard to hold, hard to get close to, because, well, no shit. If you're not real, you can't fucking relax.
Cat Stevens: If You Want to Sing Out Sing Out (from Harold and Maude)
The only versions of a soundtrack for Harold and Maude that exist (last I heard) are ones made by fans & some random print available only in Japan. Several years ago, I introduced a friend to this movie on a day one or both of us was blue. (It's a dark comedy with a strong message of authenticity.) She LOVED it. So for her birthday, I put together my version of the soundtrack. I managed to get every song in the movie (had to buy several albums to do it), including some version of the classical pieces. It turned out amazing (I'll post a pic beneath the video).
This song is all about being yourself. I don't think it's "easy," like the lyrics say, but it's definitely possible.
Here's my version of the soundtrack. I was sad to find I only had small, poor quality images, but I think the full-size ones were lost in a hard drive crash, so I suppose I'm lucky to have any at all!
I don't really cook, by the normal definition. I do breakfast and I do sweets. Since sweets are not good for me, I don't make them a lot, but sometimes... I just gotta. I've been craving marshmallows for a few weeks and, last weekend, decided to make some. {Update at end}
My recipe is pretty much this one, except that I make a couple substitutions: Butter's Famous Marshmallows. I've tried several different recipes and this has a couple of things going for it, mostly that it's practically fool-proof and doesn't require a candy thermometer. Other than the sticky factor, the hardest thing about making these for me is buttering the plastic wrap. I'm still trying to perfect it - I'd like to get them a little firmer, but otherwise am very happy with this recipe and my changes.
I use vanilla bean paste instead of vanilla extract (same measurement, generally). It's great for confections like this: it's a little sweeter, and you get these lovely little flecks of vanilla bean in the marshmallows. I've linked to the brand I like and the actual bottle I buy. Obviously, if you can find it locally (and in smaller bottles), do that. I do not have a lot of options where I live.
If I'm making "plain" vanilla marshmallows, I use a little more of the vanilla bean paste (about 1 tsp. more than the 2 Tbs. called for). If I'm making other flavors, I don't add extra.
If you're using the Knox gelatin in the little envelopes, be aware that the weights vary from packet to packet. The recipe calls for 3 envelopes, but to be on the safe side, I weigh the gelatin before adding it to make sure I have 21 grams.
I just started using Lyle's Golden Syrup instead of light corn syrup. One bottle like those I linked to makes 2 batches with some left over. (Corn syrup is not the same as the high fructose corn syrup that I avoid like the plague, but I wanted to try to find a substitute anyway. In something like marshmallows, you can't replace the corn syrup with anything that crystallizes, so no honey or simple syrup. You need something known as an "invert sugar," and Golden Syrup is an okay substitute.)
I use the melted preserves method to flavor a batch, but I measure ¼ c. of syrup after heating and straining, instead of heating that amount of preserves. I use cherry preserves from Bonne Mamon (don't buy them from this link! It's just for reference. Even Wal-mart sells this stuff now for half this amount) - it melts great (not all do). And bonus: I can use the jars for candles.
Ingredients
Notes
If you want to try making some yourself, you don't need a lot of specialized equipment, but I'd say that a stand mixer is essential, since you need to whip the mixture for at least ten minutes and be pouring boiling syrup at one point while the mixer is running. I use a heavy-bottomed pan to make the syrup in & would recommend a really good pan for that step. Beyond that, you need a glass/pyrex baking pan (or pans). The smaller the pan, the thicker the marshmallow. The 9x9" called for in the recipe would give you really thick marshmallows. I use a 9x13" (I think) pan and cut them smaller.
The recipe doesn't call it out up front, but you also need unsalted butter (softened, half a stick is plenty) and clear plastic wrap.
Have a pan of HOT, soapy water ready to drop utensils, etc. in as you finish with them. Even if you're careful and don't have any spills, it's still a sticky activity, but as sticky as it is, it all melts away with some hot water.
Just-poured marshmallows. Enlarge to see the vanilla flecks.
I always let my marshmallows sit overnight before cutting (with at least a towel over the plastic wrap, and maybe a flexible cutting board). The next day, I cut and and toss them with confectioner's sugar. I put them all in lidded containers until I can repackage to share with friends. They're good fresh, but (if they last), I prefer them about a week old.
Unless you have some kind of huge, industrial stand mixer, you cannot double this recipe. You have to make each batch separately.
Update: The marshmallows shown here were made last weekend. Last night, I attempted an experiment and made/poured a batch of RedHots (cinnamon) and OMG. As soon as I can, I'll do a follow-up post with my modifications (upped the gelatin content slightly (4 g) and cooked the syrup long). I took many pictures the cutting and coating process and will focus on that for the most part.
First off, I had to Google "OTP." Apparently, I've been doing fandom all wrong, because I don't know all of the initializations. Anyway, OTP = One True Pair (characters who belong together). Now, I don't know if this means the characters ended up together like they should, or if they just belonged together. I'm going with the latter, because I don't know if I could do five with the former.
1 Malcom & Inara (Firefly). It would be a nightmare, yeah, yeah, I know. But the heat! If they could turn off their pride, they might be good for each other.
2 Samwise & Rosie (Lord of the Rings). I'm still a little annoyed that the LoTR movies didn't keep to the part of the story where Sam & Rosie moved in with Bilbo and were a family all together, with all the kids, etc.
3 & 4 Neville & Luna, Harry & Ginny (Harry Potter). In the books, Neville and Luna do not get together, but they manage a moment in the 8th movie. Doesn't matter. They were two of my favorite characters and I had high hopes for them. Harry and Ginny did end up together, and it was good.
5 Scarecrow and Mrs. King as probably my first "shipper" experience. I rooted hard for those two to get together, but when it happened, it actually killed the show (I'm sure behind the scenes stuff had as much an impact as writing, but if the show had ended with the wedding, it might have been okay.) They had to be on the list because...first.
Happy early Valentine's Day! Right out of the gate, let me show you what I received this week for the alternative holiday of Galentine's Day. Scroll down to see the cards I got for my husband this year.
A few days ago, I went to the post office and was excited to find one of those keys that meant I had received something that wouldn't fit in my PO box. I practically ran to it, and yay!! One of my pen pals, known online as Fairy Art Mother, has a craft night every year with some girlfriends and they make Valentines. I was a lucky recipient of one of her Galentines!!
When I got the package home, I opened it to find an embellished cigar box. So fun!!
Inside was a smaller gift-wrapped package, and under that was a festive Mona Lisa, slyly smiling back up at me.
When I opened the present, I howled with delight. The little frame is sitting to my right as I type this. I might need to find it a safer home, because my desk is chaos, but I loved it all: the concept, the package, the decorations and the present. It's made me want to send Valentines (or Galentines), but I have a little too much happening right now to track down materials. Next year, though, watch out!!
Gabrielle d'Estrées et une de ses sœurs (Gabriella d'Estrées and one of her sisters), artist unknown, circa 1594
Valentine's Day has never been my favorite holiday, as I'm sure is the case with anyone who was not popular in school. There were the obligatory cards in the years when each student who wanted to pass out cards had to give one to every classmate. I got cards then. But once it was voluntary, they were scarce. Like a lot of people, I just shunned the whole thing, (instead of turning it into something fun, like I could have).
My first Valentine's Day with my husband is probably my favorite. Not because he got me jewelry or flowers. Oh, no. He got me a stack of Hellboy comics, volume 1-5 (I had loved the movie, but never read the comics). There's not really a faster way to a geek's heart than something from a favorite fandom.
I have not had the same success (getting perfect gifts for him), but I think this year I've done pretty well. I need to find something to go along with them, but check out the cards I got for him! They arrived last night and I don't think I'm going to make it - I'll probably give them both to him early.
They're both from my talented pen pal Amy, and you can find her amazing cards at her Etsy shop, in addition to all kinds of other great things. These cards are under the Valentine category, but she also has a Cthulhu and Friends category that is really worth a visit! (All of the categories are, but a shop that has an entire Cthulhu section? Come on!)
The left card is Cthulhu Pickup Lines (blank inside) & the right card... well, Cthulhu has a bouquet of cultists. On the inside is a tentacled heart. I'm kicking myself for missing the third Chtulhu valentine, but these cards don't say "Happy Valentine's Day," so I will get it later and hand it over at an appropriate time.
I own collections of two types of stamps. The postage variety you've seen plenty of, but I haven't posted much about my rubber art stamp collection. My love of these stamps dates back to early childhood, when my paternal grandmother let us play with a very old set of stamps intended for schoolkids. These weren't rubber, but a very hard substance, maybe even wood. I used the crap out of those! Years later, something like 25 years ago now, I came across some really great stamps in a gift shop in Cadillac, MI. I was in a temporary "cute" phase and bought several. And then I went batshit insane like I do with every other hobby and started amassing huge quantities of things. Also like every other hobby, my interest in it waxed and waned, and I added stamps and used them when I was into it, and they languished when I wasn't.
A few months ago, I started working on organizing my office. I had new furniture with lots of drawers, and still more stuff than I could possibly fit into them, including a collection of rubber stamps that extended back well over 20 years (not counting the set from my grandmother that I'm never getting rid of). I decided that I could only have two drawers of stamps and accessories and proceeded to cull the massive collection by at least half. I had long since left the cute phase behind, so those were the easiest to get rid of. What was left was a mixture of permanently mounted (on wooden blocks) and a variety of applications to stick a stamp to an acrylic block. I had an entire collection of crying women, lots of silly and sarcastic ones, plus (naturally) tons of Halloween stamps.
Long story short, I decided that I wanted all of my stamps to be the same style and ordered materials to convert every single one to static cling (those that weren't already that style). What I ordered was something called EZ Mount. It comes in two thicknesses, and if you're going to convert a collection, you'll want both kinds. The thin kind is good for stamps that won't come off the thick foam mount they came on. The normal (thick) kind is for the ones that you were able to separate from the block and old foam (just the die). One side is super sticky, to adhere to the stamp, and the other side is smooth and it will temporarily stick to an acrylic block or a hard plastic surface like a CD or special organization tabs and pages (which I ordered (one set of each to start); I also found a big binder to stick them all in).
When I'm done, all of my stamps should fit into that binder and I'll get at least one drawer back (still need one for accessories like stamp pads, embossing powder, heat gun, etc.). I ordered the cling sheets and pages/tabs from The Stampin' Place (no affiliation). Some of the items are on Amazon, but the prices were painful. This shop has reasonable prices (except the scissors I link to below, which were cheaper on Amazon) and takes PayPal. You can use any acrylic blocks -- I got a set at a craft store with a 40%-off coupon to supplement the few I had from way back.
That was a while ago, and I still had the bulk of my remaining collection in a drawer on wooden blocks. The other night I decided to just get started. I looked up suggestions for "un-mounting" the stamps and dove in. It wasn't as bad as I thought. Except for a few stubborn ones, they all either separated from the block easily with their foam in good shape, or the rubber part (the die) peeled right off the foam. Less than ten percent needed special care (the smaller or cheaper a stamp, the more likely they were mounted in a non-traditional way).
Feel free to look around the interwebs for some other suggestions. The key is be patient. and peel slowly and carefully. Once you have a die that brought some chunks of foam along with it, you have a less fun challenge ahead. (Image: far right is a die that came off cleanly, center is a couple that wouldn't come off their foam, but were in okay condition, left are some that came off less than smoothly.)
There are two main ways to separate stamps from the blocks
Cold. I tried this after I'd done the majority of stamps the second way, but wish I'd tried it first! I put a bunch of stamps in the freezer for 30 minutes or so (15 might be enough). Then I pulled a fingertip up against the edge of the rubber in a few places to see if it would lift. When I found that spot, I carefully lifted the die away and slowly peeled it off of the foam. A couple peeled right off the block, with the foam intact. I have both kinds of mounting materials, so I let them be. (At this point, my poor thumbnails, already normally a mess, were just toast.)
Heat. The procedure is the same as above, except you microwave the stamps (rubber side up) one at a time for 10-12 seconds ( I split the difference and went with 11 - some people say 20, but that seems like a lot). I used this method for the majority of stamps. It worked pretty well,
but the heat also released ink and oy, was I a mess! If I had to do it again, I'd start with cold, and set aside any stamps that wouldn't cooperate, and try heat on them.
Scrubbing away the leftovers.
What about those that didn't cooperate? I had a handful of dies that brought either a tiny bit of backing with them, up to huge, terrible chunks. The majority of these were mounted using non-traditional methods like that double-stick mounting tape or some weird black foam I've never seen. I decided to take a risk and try an oil-based cleaner like GooGone to release the adhesive holding the foam to the rubber.. (If you decided to do this, take care and test it out on something you don't love, just in case. Again, I'm no expert.) I added a tiny bit to the back of the stamps and let it soak for just a few minutes. Then I took a nylon scrubber that I dipped in warm water and rubbed the back of the die. Most of the bits left behind fell right off. The two stamps with the weird black foam and the two with mounting tape (none of them my work) took a little more work, but eventually it all came off. I immediately rinsed each die in warm water and patted it dry.
Next step (after the scissors I ordered arrive), will be to re-mount all of these stamps onto the EZ Mount and cut them out. Once they're in the binder, I'll need to find a way to decipher what some of them are (no more helpful images on the back). The plus side is that the acrylic blocks make image placement a breeze, and the binder should mean all of my stamps are in one place and easy to flip through. Unmounted stamps are way cheaper, too, and it's the work of seconds to apply the cling foam.
Quite honestly, the main drawback that I see in going to an all static cling system is that you have to either keep a list or have a damn good memory to know where stamps came from (if you care). If you have cool stamps, someone will inevitably ask "where did you get that stamp?!" (Of course some of my stamps are so old that I can certainly refer to the list I made before I discarded the wood, but my answer has a good chance of being "they're long out of business, sorry.")
Did you ever sit on the phone and play music to a friend, or, better yet, read the lyrics to them? It's been a very, very long time since I did either of those things. I still love music, old and new, and find meaning in the lyrics, but now I put a playlist together and burn it to CD and send it out. (I still hear from people about a Giftmas mix I sent out a few years ago. People actually kept it and pull it out every season!)
Last year, I lost most of my playlists. I still have all of the music, but it's not as well-organized as it used to be without those thematic groupings. I've been skipping through my collection, trying to find songs for a new mix (CD), and I had this idea about sharing a song or two here, the reason I like it, and maybe even going old school and including some key lyrics*. I'm always looking for new music, so I'm inviting other bloggers to participate.
If you want to play, it's pretty easy. Post your first entry to your blog, making sure to use a label or tag specific to this topic (I'm using "mix tape"). Email me (see profile) your URL with that tag included (mine is http://melwritesletters.blogspot.com/search/label/mix%20tape). I'll check it out to make sure it's not spam and then add you to a page I'll create once I have my first joiner. No rules beyond that. If there is interest, I can put together a list of suggested themes, but there's no schedule other than being on Monday (ish). You can do as many songs as you want. That's it! (There are no original ideas & alliteration is easy - I just looked on Instagram and it's already a thing. But I already made the graphic, so... I'm rolling with it.)
My first picks
Disturbed: The Light
Starting out with something newer. I'm linking to the lyrics video, but if you go to it, there's a link to the official video (hard for me to watch because it's about an injured fire fighter & my father was on the local fire department pretty much my whole life until he retired)..
I bought the album after hearing their cover of Sound of Silence (next). The first time I heard this song, I was afraid (because I'm not religious), as unlikely as it was with an E (explicit) label, that it was another one of those rock numbers that alludes to religious themes to appeal to as wide an audience as possible**. Then I watched the lyrics video and relaxed. This song absolutely gives me shivers every.damn.time. I never listen to it once without hitting replay and if I'm in the car, watch out! I belt out the lyrics (off-key) at full volume. I've been through some dark places. Other people helped, but I was never going to come out the other side without digging deep and finding something in me.
Partial lyrics
An unforgivable tragedy
The answer isn't where you think you'd find it
Prepare yourself for the reckoning
For when your world seems to crumble again
Don't be afraid to turn away
You’re the one who can redefine it
Don't let hope become a memory
Let the shadow permeate your mind and
Reveal the thoughts that were tucked away
So that the door can be opened again
Within your darkest memories
Lies the answer if you dare to find it
Don't let hope become a memory
When you think all is forsaken,
Listen to me now
You need never feel broken again
Sometimes darkness can show you the light
Sickening weakening
Don't let another somber pariah consume your soul
You need strengthening, toughening
It takes an inner dark to rekindle the fire burning in you
ignite the fire within you
Disturbed:The Sound of Silence (cover)
My music collection contains both this version and the original. I listened to the Simon & Garfunkle version the other day, after listening to Disturbed's amazing cover over the last few weeks, and it (the original) seemed so fast. I'm not going to post lyrics for this one, because the song's been around longer than me (and that's saying something) and this version changed only the pace/arrangement. I love it because it's a haunting retelling of a song I grew up listening to and actually (in my opinion) surpasses the genius of the original.
*If you do this, be careful clicking on lyrics sites. A lot of them are virus-ridden. Check official sites first, and then have some kind of script-blocker going to protect your system. Or transcribe them yourself, old-school.
**Creed
