TAC has posted a new to me Kitty, see post 2999.
It is adorable.
Thank you....
http://countrysidemag.com/blog/cook/
Be Ready for Anything: Emergency Prepardness 101
February 25th, 2009 at 11:01 pm by Jerri
Emergencies are by their nature dynamic and intense; how well you think on your feet depends entirely on the situation. Emergencies fall into two categories: mobile and stationary.
Mobile Emergencies
This is the most common emergency, and the one most of us are least prepared for. These are the kinds of emergencies where you have to react fast. They include evacuations due to weather, disaster, and civil unrest. For these emergencies, you need to be prepared to move fast and travel light. You’re not going to have much time to pack, if any. If you want to ease the amount of stress during such a high-pressure scenario, keep an emergency back pack for every member of your family at the ready. Store it in your car or closet, somewhere where you can get to it in a hurry. Here are just a few of the basics to include:
* A pair of tennis shoes or comfortable walking shoes that you’ve already broken in. If you’re ordered to evacuate on foot, you don’t want to breaking in a new pair of shoes in a ten mile hike. Remember the pictures of all those office workers pouring out across the bridge in high heels and penny loafers on September 11th? How fast and how far you are able to move on foot might be the deciding factor in how well you fare. You’ll need comfortable shoes and a pair of socks.
* Two eight-ounce or larger bottles of water. Even if you aren’t on foot, there might not be any water available until you reach your destination. Water adds weight if you’re on foot, so limit it to two bottles per person. Even a pre-schooler can carry a couple of bottles of water.
* Toiletries. Keep a roll of toilet tissue, a small tube of tooth paste, spare tooth brush, bar of soap, comb, and other grooming essentials in your pack. Those with small children should pack a small Ziploc bag of wipes in children’s packs if they are old enough to walk along with a few diapers.
* A flashlight, preferably one that requires no batteries. There are inexpensive LED flashlights available that are powered by cranking a handle for a few seconds.
* A solar charger for your portable communication devices. There are relatively inexpensive solar chargers that will power your cell phone, ipod, ebook reader, and rechargeable flashlights.
* A small amount of cash. This can be as little as $20.00. You don’t want to carry too much cash, but some just-in-case money might come in handy.
* Some high-energy snacks. Things like granola bars, dried fruits, nuts and hard candy can take the edge off of an appetite and help ward off fatigue.
* Any medications you regularly use. Also include some basics like aspirin, as well as a basic first aid kit.
Take a few minutes to examine your surroundings. How far are you from town? If you’re in town, how far would you have to walk to get to your nearest shelter or even out of town? Your emergency back packs should reflect your location and circumstance. For instance, those in the North will probably want to keep a spare pair of gloves in their back packs. Think light. That 20 lb. pack might not seem that heavy standing in the hallway, but after walking a few miles in the scalding sun, it will feel like 200 lbs.
Share your suggestions with others. Log in and let us know what else you consider vital for a mobile emergency. Just roll your cursor over the word “comments” below to share your thoughts. In a couple of days, we’ll discuss what to have on hand for stationary emergencies, the kinds that require you to hunker down.
http://countrysidemag.com/blog/cook/
Many people share Amy’s sentiments. They want to be self-reliant. To them, homesteading is more than a lifestyle, it’s an identity. Sustainability is more than a concept or belief; it’s a core expression of who they are.
So, the question is: when you feel drawn towards the idea of self-reliance, what are the first steps you should take? The answer is easy—you don’t take steps; you crawl. With that in mind, here are a few ideas to help you get on your hands and knees. You’ll have to stand on your own two feet when you’re ready.
Ten easy tips for self-reliance
1. Never buy something new until you are sure a pre-owned version isn’t available.
2. Avoid purchasing items that aren’t on sale. Looking for bargains takes some time, but once you develop your own bargain search routine, it goes much faster.
3. Identify and develop a skill that can save you money. Can you sew, knit or crochet? What about operating a chainsaw or fixing small engines? Whatever it is, develop that skill to your full potential. It will come in handy.
4. Learn to barter. Many people are uncomfortable with the concept of negotiating for goods and services, but once you’ve done it a couple of times, it gets easier. Can you fix my computer? I’ll trade you a couple of chickens for it. See, it’s as easy as eating pie.
5. Make something from scratch. Don’t run out and try to make everything your family eats from scratch, especially if it’s not something you do on a regular basis. Pick a couple of things to start with, like soup or cookies. Try making your own wine or cheese. Give yourself time to make mistakes and get used to the idea of doing it on your own.
6. Don’t give up every creature comfort just because you think that’s what homesteaders do. Your level of comfort is just that—your level. If you need your laptop, don’t sell it on eBay and try to rely solely on the library’s. Get rid of the dishwasher or microwave instead.
7. Develop an imagination. Learn to look at things differently. The more uses something has, the more valuable it is. The more imagination you have, the less you throw away. Just ask my tightwad friend, Roger.
8. Grow a garden, no matter how small.
9. Talk with others about your quest for self-reliance. You might meet with some resistance or eye rolling at first, but your friends and family will be more interested than they let on. Inspire and be inspired.
10. Embrace failure. Just because your first attempt at something, say cheese making, produces something other than cheese, don’t give up. Keep trying.
And, if like Amy, you feel “far removed” from other homesteaders, reach out and make some connections. For starters, leave a comment or two on this post. Click where it says ” leave comment” below and share with us what steps you took to become more self-reliant.
And remember, it’s not our fault we want to be more self-reliant; we really were born this way.
Posted in Homestead Skills
NAIS: Too little too late?
January 15th, 2009 at 12:11 am by Jerri
Wholesome milkThe National Animal Identification System (NAIS) has stirred up a hornet’s nest of problems for the USDA. Opposition to the program has been widespread. Citing the abject failure of a similar program in Australiaas well as the cost to small farmers, and voicing concerns about individual property rights, opponents have demanded the program be abolished.
On the other hand, the USDA claims it needs to be able to move fast in case of an outbreak of disease. It sure sounds fine and good, until you consider that we are in the middle of an epidemic on American dairy farms, and the USDA hasn’t moved at all to stop it.
Sixty-eight percent of all dairy cows in America are infected with an always fatal disease called Johne’s (pronounced yo knees). In 2004 the USDA estimated the infection rate to be at 20%. Today, 68% of the nation’s milk is infected with Johne’s, a three-fold increase in only four years, but the USDA doesn’t feel the need to mandate an eradication program. Why? Because the majority of infections are on factory farms, nearly every confined dairy animal is infected; it would be expensive for confined animal feeding operations (CAFOs) to replace every infected animal. But that’s okay, because they don’t have to. The USDA is fine with this epidemic, and refuses any serious at dialogue about the subject.
Cow sick with Johne’s Disease
So, if the USDA is aware of the Johne’s epidemic, why aren’t they focusing their efforts in that direction? If you think it’s because Johne’s doesn’t affect humans, think again. Crohn’s Disease, virtually unheard of in 1940, was on the rise by 1950, about the same time as the concept of factory farming showed up on the scene. Today, a generation later, up to two million Americans and even more Canadians are infected. Most cases of Crohn’s Disease are diagnosed in children, who will suffer a life of physical misery because of the debilitating symptoms for which there are treatments, but no cures. Read more»
Be Prepared: Medicinal herbs you should keep on hand
January 10th, 2009 at 5:37 am by Jerri
home grown herbs make great remediesCountryside readers who remember the Great Depression have generously shared their memories of the era with the rest of us. In those memories, are stories of homemade medicines. Homemade remedies are often just as effective as expensive over-the-counter pharmaceutical remedies. You don’t need expensive cleaning solutions for minor cuts and scrapes. Soap and water work just as well. And you certainly don’t need spendy cough drops for dry throat.
Before you spend your money on store-bought remedies, try a few of these home remedies that can save you money and support your well-being:
* For minor burns and sunburns, gently dab the area with fresh aloe. Don’t have an aloe plant? Don’t worry, they are relatively inexpensive and easy to grow from seed.
* Is someone dancing all over your last nerve? Try a cup of chamomile tea, but forget the tea bags. Buy chamomile flowers in bulk. It’s much less expensive without the bag and string and the stupid little paper tag that always falls into the cup. Brew me up one, too.
* For canker sores or sore throats, make a tea out of sage leaves and add a tablespoon of cider vinegar and a 1/2 teaspoon salt for an effective 3x daily gargle.
* Did your goat kick you? Put 1/8 cup of chickweed in a piece of cheesecloth. Wet the poultice and place it on the bruise. Chickweed has a cooling sensation when its wet. It can help stop swelling and discoloring.
* Have a chesty cough? For what it costs for a little bag of pre-wrapped cough drops you can make your own from horehound.
Ingredients
1 3/4 pints horehound leaves and stems
1 pint water
3 cups granulated sugar
1/2 cup butter
-boil the leaves and stems in the water for half an hour.
- Strain, discard leaves and add sugar.
- Add butter and return to a boil.
- Mixture is ready when syrup has reached the “hard ball” stage when dropped into a saucer of cold water.
- Pour into a buttered shallow tin.
- Let cool and mark into squares with a butter knife.
- After it hardens, break squares apart and wrap each one in wax or freezer paper.
Take a look through your medicine cabinet. How much did all those tubes and bottles of stuff cost? How well do they work? Before you buy another bag of cough drops with more high fructose corn syrup than medicine, or an expensive salve, think about buying the ingredients to make your own instead. More often than not, they will be just as effective, less expensive and have far fewer side-effects than their over-the-counter competitors.
Illegal Food Part 2: The Buckeye Institute’s 1851 Center for Constitutional Law Steps In
January 4th, 2009 at 7:10 pm by Jerri
Jars of canned food.A couple of weeks ago, I reported on the raid of a food cooperative in LaGrange, Ohio. If you missed it, you can read the original story here. Since the raid, no criminal charges have been brought against the family who was held at gunpoint for hours while authorities searched their farm for “illegal food.”
On December 17, 2008, the The Buckeye Institute’s 1851 Center for Constitutional Law filed suit on behalf of the Stowers in Lorain County, Ohio. The Center lists the Ohio Department of Agriculture, the Lorain County Health Department, and the Ohio Attorney General as defendants. Lawyers for the center claim that these administrative officials didn’t have the authority to execute a search warrant. After all, these are only administrative positions, glamorous as they may be (yes, I’m being facetious).
Government administrators make the rules; they don’t enforce them. That’s the job of the justice system. Apparently, in Ohio, the state has either forgotten this, or chosen to ignore it completely. Either way, it’s a problem for the more self-reliant among us, even if we don’t live in Ohio.
These days, you need a license to do just about anything. In some states, you can’t provide daycare without a license, not even to family members. In Wisconsin, you can’t make and sell cheese unless you are a licensed Wisconsin cheesemaker…and it’s not a cheap license to get. In the Jan./Feb. issue of Countryside, there’s an article about illegal midwives.
I remember a letter to the editor in the local paper a few years ago after a much-loved daycare was shut down because the provider didn’t have license. She wrote an eloquent letter thanking the families who trusted her with their children over the years. It was truly sad, but in the letter was a gem. The busted daycare provider observed that having a license doesn’t make you good at what you do; it just makes you licensed. Now, that’s the truth if I ever heard it.
Time and time again, Countryside recieves mail from homesteaders who got caught in the bureaucratic web of state and local licensing. Getting out is often impossible. The best thing the self-reliant can do is find out what license they need before they grow, preserve or ingest anything. To do anything less would invite the fury of some low-level state or county administrator who apparently has the authority to send the SWAT unit to your home. If this happens, hand over the canned tomatoes and sauerkraut, all of it, or they’ll shoot. How’s that for enforcing local licensing requirements?
Eureka! I’ve finally figured it out. I know why some homesteaders are successful and others are defeated before they even begin. The difference is imagination, the ability to look at one thing and see another thing entirely. Take my friends Roger and Ann. They live a highly self-sufficient lifestyle, providing their own shelter, power and food. They work hard, but they also think hard. For these homesteaders imagination and self-reliance go hand in hand.
Roger is a confessed tightwad. His motto is “Use it up and wear it out. Make do or do without.” He sticks to his motto, and it’s not so much his determination that anchors him in his sustainable lifestyle; it’s his great imagination. Roger can look at one thing, and see something completely different, something no one else sees. To some folks, an old trampoline is just an old trampoline, but to Roger it’s a frame for a rounded greenhouse. The springs can be used to make a gate, and the trampeline’s surface might have holes in it, but it will still provide plenty of shade for pigs. Imagination increases the value of things that others view as worthless. Homesteaders can make do without a lot of things, imagination isn’t one of them.
Wayne and I were discussing building a windbreak or some sort of temporary shelter for the dry cows. When the wind picks up out of the east they are exposed. Of course, we don’t want to spend a fortune on building supplies for a simple windbreak. We also want the windbreak to be movable, not only so we don’t have to pay taxes on a permanent structure, but because it might come in handy for shade in the pasture. We penciled out a few numbers and decided to put the project on the back burner. (Which around here means it’ll just be shoved completely off the stove. I’m pretty sure we don’t even have a back burner.)
Roger the tightwadI’m a frequent visitor to Roger’s blog, Confessions of a Tightwad. During a pre-holiday jaunt through the blogosphere, I stopped in at Roger’s site to see what he was up to. Lucky me! It turns out Roger had been busy solving our windbreak/shelter dilemma. Instead of using tons of lumber, we could use a few tall, skinny balsams or aspens and some spare tin. Hey, we have both. Thanks to Roger’s Zen-like imagination, he saw inexpensive, abundant building material where others saw scraggly and small trees. Check out Rogers inexpensive, moveable, non-taxable animal shelter. Now, that’s good ol’ homesteading ingenuity.
*
Countryside Magazine Blog © Countryside Publications.
[Interesting use of barb wire...granny]
http://tightwadconfessions.rfdamerica.com/
Root Cellar Success
January 19th, 2009
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At the house we used to live in, I had built a cellar in one corner of the basement and that worked fairly well. Now that we are at the cabin we need some place to store potatoes, apples, and carrots that is cooler and more humid than the cabin but will not freeze. A root cellar was the obvious choice. Not having any heavy equipment to dig out the hole my son and I did what had to be done. We dug it by hand.
It turned out to be a bigger job than I thought it would be . We hit clay and hardpan at about 2 feet and it continued to the 7 foot depth we stopped at. It meant that every bit of dirt we took out had to be loosened with a pick first. We finally got the 10 x 16 hole dug into the south facing slope of the hill below our cabin dug, now we needed walls. I had intended to build the walls with rock since we have it in abundance but the season was getting late and building field stone walls is a slow job. Plus of course, I’m a tightwad.
One alternative type of construction that I have read about but never tried came to mind. It’s called earth bags. It’s just what it sounds like, bags filled with dirt and stacked to form the wall. A bag, think 100# feed bag here, is filled about 1/3 full,then the top is folded under and the bag placed flat with the fold underneath. Run a row of these , then place two rows of quadruple barb ,barbwire on top and sandwich it between your next row of bags. It really ties them together.
After you have your wall as high as you need it, 5 feet in my case, build a form for concrete on top of it. Put in some rebar, drive a few down into the wall too, and pour it full. I made mine 4 inches thick. This helps compress the wall and keeps ever thing in place. I also used it to get every thing square and level as it’s hard to keep it that way building with the bags. After that you need to plaster the walls with portland cement plaster to protect the bags. I have to do that to mine yet when the weather allows. Also make sure you put drain tile on the outside of the walls.
On top of my concrete curb I built a two foot wall and then a low gable roof. The outside of the wall was water proofed and then I back filled almost to the top of it. I used heavy clay for the top few inches and have every thing sloped away. I used styrofoam to insulate the top part of the cellar. I left the floor dirt to help keep the humidity high. The front wall is built the same but will be faced with rock. I got started last fall but didn’t get done before cold weather hit.
We have stored potatoes, apples, and carrots in wood crates filled with leaves. So far every thing is doing great. We have had quite a bit of below zero temps. and nothing has froze. The carrots and potatoes were actually dug too early as we had to move back to the cabin sooner than expected. Despite this they seem to be doing good. Most of the apples we bought were hail damaged seconds[ can you say tightwad ] but we have had very little spoilage so far. I think I will have some ventilation issues in the summer but will have to wait to see. So far I am very pleased with the results.
Tags: apples, barbwire, carrots, root cellar
Posted in Make Do, gardening
Dollmaker’s Journey CUSTOMER CONNECTION
Dream ~ Imagine ~ Create ~ Grow ~ Believe ~ Magic
At http://dollmakersjourney.com we help your creative dreams come
true.
February 2009 Issue 87
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Copyright 2009 by Dollmaker’s Journey
Dollmaker’s Journey Customer Connection newsletter is a free e-mail
newsletter. Tell your friends, family and fellow dollmakers about us,
and feel free to forward this newsletter to those who might be
interested. You can visit our companion website at:
http://www.dollmakersjourney.com/
**Notice!**
You can view this issue online. Go to
http://dollmakersjourney.com/newsletter/cc87.html
You can read all the past issues online. Go to:
http://dollmakersjourney.com/newsletter/archives.html
The archives include an easy to follow index to all the past issues.
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Dear Dollmaking Friends,
Make a fun Bunny Speedster for Easter, learn what to do with Dryer
Lint, and see what you can knit on needles the size of a hair. Also
lots of free patterns for knit and crochet for charity. These are just
a few of the fun things you will find in this month’s newsletter.
Enjoy!
Bonnie and Mary Ann
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FEBRUARY SALE
Our FEBRUARY SALE continues with 20% off all the patterns in our
general MALE category. Surely you have some dollies than need a
suitable mate!
http://dollmakersjourney.com/
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JANUARY QUIZ WINNER
Q: What famous duo’s early stage names were Cleo and Caesar?
A: Sonny and Cher Bono
Congratulations to Bunny Goode from Point Pleasant, New Jersey. Your
name was selected at random from all of the correct quiz entries, and
you will receive a $10 gift certificate from Dollmaker’s Journey.
Watch for your name in a coming month!
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FEBRUARY QUESTION
Q: What is the only continent that doesn’t have an ACTIVE volcano?
Everyone who emails in the correct answers by March 15th will be
entered into a drawing for a $10 gift certificate to Dollmaker’s
Journey. The winner will be announced in the next newsletter. Email
your answers to Bonnie at EnchantedR@aol.com Put February Quiz in
subject box. Please include your full name and where you live (state/
country) in your email. NOTE: Several times in the past a winner was
drawn with no name or state/country included. When that happens we
have to draw again. So please, make sure you include this information
with your answer.
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CHARITY CORNER
A customer wrote: “I just finished reading the January Dollmaker’s
Journey newsletter and am
interested in knowing the links mentioned for knitting items. I am
involved with a small group in my church called the Needlers. It
includes anyone who does any handiwork with a needle. We have a
retreat coming up the end of February where we will be teaching
knitting and crocheting. I’d love to
have some patterns and organizations to recommend at the time so would
appreciate any information you can give me.”
I have several original patterns and basic guidelines that I would be
happy to send anyone who asks (email Bonnie at EnchantedR@aol.com Put
charity knit/crochet in subject box.) In addition, here are some other
resources.
Wheelchair/Bedside/Walker Tote
http://www.bevscountrycottage.com/wheelchairtote.html
Guidepost International gives sweaters to children overseas. They have
four free knit/crochet patterns for simple sweaters with no shaping.
http://knitforkids.com
My favorite pattern for hats that fit preemies to adult men, using any
type yarn. This pattern is from Coats and Clark. The pattern is
LW1268. You might want to enlarge the directions for those older
knitters.
http://www.coatsandclark.com/Crafts/Knitting/Projects/Accessories/LW1268+Gotcha+Covered+1.htm
Coats and Clark also has many other free patterns for knit and
crochet.
One ball really easy instant chemo cap for patients undergoing
chemotherapy
http://www.headhuggers.org/patterns/kpatt02.htm
Just a hint - I knit loose, so I cast on 55 stitches using Homespun
Yarn.
Helmet liners for the Armed Services
http://knitting.about.com/od/hatpatterns/a/helmetliner.htm
There are many other free patterns out there, but this will give you a
start.
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CUSTOMER QUERIES
Q: Where could I get a mannequin dress form pattern?
A: Sherry Goshon has several mannequin dress form patterns at
http://dollmakersjourney.com/goshon.html
You can also take any basic torso pattern, stuff it, and put it on a
stand.
If you go to http://www.lincoln-mold.com/ and click on the free
Victorian dress form for 24” dolls, you can print out a great pattern.
You may have to subscribe to their free newsletter first, but it is
easy to unsubscribe once you print out the pattern. They also sell
dress form patterns to fit other dolls, such as the American Girl
doll.
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CUSTOMER SPOTLIGHT
With the MALE patterns on sale this month we’d love for you to meet
one of our favorite male customers.
Little did he know as he approached the magazine rack in the Borders
Books Store looking for an architecture publication that his life was
about to change forever. So drastically that he now likens it to
being possessed by aliens! Something else caught his eye on that day
not long ago – the cover of an Art Doll Quarterly Magazine. As he
casually thumbed through it a photo of a doll made by Susanna Oroyan
reached out and captured his imagination and that’s when it happened……
much like being shot out of a cannon, 61 year old Chicago area
hairdresser Wayne “Skipp” Poulton began his dollmaking journey. The
orders starting coming fast and furiously as he began to amass a
reference library to help him learn how to create the creatures
flowing from his brain.
“I know it’s all about the JOURNEY,” he writes, “but is there a bus
that gets you there faster? I found out there is an alien being
inside me from Dendrobia that wants to come out and create all manner
of creatures. The labyrinth in my mind is constantly changing with
thoughts and ideas to conceive and create. Thank God for Pepto Bismol
and Immodium!”
In just a few weeks time the bodies began to take form and inhabit his
workspace – “Marya Toeshoeskaya” - a Russian ballerina in an amazing
costume that looks like she’s arrayed in flames – “Madame Orientale,”
“Angel La Teal” and a wealthy nomad are emerging from the fabulous
fabrics he is collecting. He figures he must be a frustrated fashion
designer because it’s the costumes that seem to come first. Now these
characters are clamoring for him to provide them with decent heads and
he’s doing all he can to learn how to make them. How extraordinary to
discover a talent you never knew you had! Skipp feels he is living
proof that it is never too late to learn something new. We think he’s
sitting on a powder keg of talent and we’re delighted he’s invited us
to join him on his journey. We can only begin to imagine what an
exciting trip it will be!
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There is a group of remarkable ladies of a vintage age living in the
northern reaches of California that has adopted the students of a
local elementary school. Each week they devise wonderful art projects
for the children that often have meaningful life lessons tucked
between the scraps of fabric and embellishments. We’re so happy that
we’ve gotten to know Dr. Evelyn Waselus (an MD. and a Ph.D in her
80’s!) through many fascinating phone conversations when she calls to
order supplies. Bound and determined to find a meaningful use for
dryer lint she very kindly offered to share the following method she
devised for creating felt.
FUZZ FELT
By Dr. Evelyn Waselus
I predate the clothes dryer. Thus, you could say, I already distrusted
the machine before I ever used one. Then, that fateful day came when
my clothes had been put into the contraption without my consent…and…
the first thing I heard about it was: “Grams, please don’t forget to
remove the fuzz in the front, ok?” Fuzz in the front? Front of what?
What fuzz? Too late, I rescued my poor hot garments from the machine…
and the sheet of fuzz from the screen. I remember putting that first
sheet of fuzz on my bureau top, to look at and wonder about – there
lay a part of my clothing. I could no longer wear it, yet it seemed to
be a perfectly usable sheet of fuzz to be used somehow. Thus was born
my sincere intent to find a use for that portion of my clothes that
this new fangled machine seemed just as intent upon turning into a mat
of lint.
Over the years I experimented with fuzz paper, fuzz clay, fuzz papier
mache, and other crafty uses for the inevitable sheets of dryer fuzz.
All seemed clever, but did not put the attributes of the material to
its best display – they tended to hide or disguise the lint. When I
asked other artists and crafters for their ideas, their strange looks
as a response told the full story – drop it. Let’s face it, a dryer
fuzz book was not headed for the best seller list. Finally, it dawned
upon me that dryer fuzz looked like a loose mat of felt; so, why not
enhance what it already looked like. Trial and error has resulted in
the following: Fuzz Felt.
The final use of the Fuzz Felt determines the procedure used to make
it. All of the following items are miniature or doll size and are
intended for display purposes only, not intended for normal daily use.
Doll House ‘Wool’ Carpet #1
Foundation fabric a bit larger than the finished size wanted and in a
complimentary color
Dryer fuzz sorted according to color
Colorful embellishments – thread clippings, fuzzy sweater ‘pills’
Bo Nash sprinkle on adhesive (available from http://dollmakersjourney.com/supplies.html)
Using a Teflon ironing sheet (available in the Bo Nash starter kit -
http://www.dollmakersjourney.com/supplies.html), lay the foundation
fabric right side up. Place the dryer fuzz in the desired pattern on
the fabric – be sure to use enough layers of dryer fuzz so that it
looks like a felted wool rug (3 – 4 layers). Sprinkle on the Bo Nash
adhesive; cover the piece with a Teflon ironing sheet and iron
according to the directions on the Bo Nash container. When the piece
has cooled, check the thickness and texture of the fuzz felt – repeat
the process until the piece is even in thickness and of the desired
texture.
Now the fun begins – use colorful ‘pills’ from old fuzzy sweaters as
flowers, snippets of thread, make tiny embroidery patterns, highlight
stitch between the center area and the border, etc. When you get done
designing the finished pattern – use one more application of Bo Nash
adhesive to hold it all together. When the carpet has cooled, trim it
to size.
Doll House Sculpted ‘Wool’ Carpet #2
Thin crafter’s felt the size of the finished project
Dryer fuzz
Yarn (2 ply) in a complimentary color to the fuzz
Felting needles (available from http://dollmakersjourney.com/supplies.html)
Dampen the felt and lay it on a padded area. (Editor’s note: a large
sponge works well.) Lay the dryer fuzz on the felt covering it
completely – spritz water on the dryer fuzz to dampen it. Using a
small felting needle (size 36 or 38), lightly felt the dryer fuzz into
the foundation felt to hold it in place. Thread up a needle with the
yarn and using tightly spaced stitches, leaving tiny loops on the
right side (where the fuzz is felted), stitch the areas of the carpet
that you want to sculpt – is it the border, a running design through
the center, a free form? When you have finished the looped stitched
design, clip each loop so that it looks like a shag carpet in that
area.
Get the entire piece wet, add soap and hand scrub it, rubbing it back
and forth between your hands until the dryer fuzz completely felts
into the foundation crafter’s felt. Rinse. Lay it flat to dry. Fluff
up the sculpted carpet pile and put the carpet in place.
Either one of these methods creates a wonderful piece of Fuzz Felt
that can also be used to make a doll’s carpet bag, suitcase, hat,
costume component, or shoes. Using appropriate colors of foundation
felt and/or yarns or other embellishments, a wonderful woodlands scene
can be created, a front yard to a doll house or even a wall hanging.
One person even made a tic-tac-toe board and book covers for a doll
house using method #1.
Have fun.
Editor’s Note: Dr. E wanted us to tell you that they used these pieces
of fuzz felt (dyed with Kool Aid) to make valentine greeting cards
with the children. Adorable! A quick spray of matt finish
polyurethane seals the pieces. We would love to hear if you try this
method. Send pictures and comments to Bonnie Lewis at
EnchantedR@aol.com
******************************
CHALLENGES/COMPETITIONS
Celebrating World BABY DOLL Month - March 2009!
*** Cloth Baby Doll Challenge! *** TBA March 1st.
Includes Special Release of Patterns by Kezi Matthews and Baby Doll
Patterns Sale by Judi’s Dolls and Dollmakers Journey!
Sponsored by Dollmakers Journey, Judi’s Dolls and Doll Net Market.
For more information go to... http://thedollnet.com/babydoll/
2009 All Dolled Up: Beaded Art Doll Competition
Due date: August 31, 2009
Theme: Earthen Mother
Official rules posted here: http://www.landofodds.com/store/alldolledup.htm
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UPCOMING EVENTS YOU WON’T WANT TO MISS
April 25, 2009 – Calgary Doll Club Doll Teddy and Toy Sale
Acadia Recreation Centre, 240-90 Ave. S. E., Calgary Alberta, Canada
Time: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
April 30 - May 3, 2009 - Artistic Figures in Cloth
Columbus, Ohio
For information go to http://www.cyndysdolls.com/
April 30 - May 3, 2009 - Canadian Doll Artists Association 10th
Anniversary Conference
Four Points by Sheraton Hotel, Mississauga, Ontario, Canada
For information email conference_registrar@dollartists.ca
OR visit their website at http://www.doll_artists.ca
May 28-30, 2009 – Creations in Fiber
Albuquerque, New Mexico
June 11 - 14, 2009 - Figurative Artists Consortium Conference
Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
Check out their website at http://www.figurativeartistsconsortium.com
July 11-15, 2009 - National Doll Festival
Atlanta, Georgia
Holiday Inn Select Capitol Conference Center
Free shuttle bus to Marriott Marquis
Email DollFestival@aol.com for further information
July 2009 - UFDC (United Federation of Doll Clubs) National
Convention
Atlanta, Georgia
Marriott Marquis in downtown Atlanta
July 2009 - ODACA (Original Doll Artists Council of America) National
Convention
Atlanta, Georgia
Marriott Marquis in downtown Atlanta
September 8-13, 2009 - NIADA (National Institute of American Doll
Artists) National Convention
Arromont, Tennessee
For more information go to http://www.niada.org/info.html
September 25-26, 2009 – California Regional Doll Festival
Millbrae, California (by San Francisco Airport)
For more information contact the Lowmans at DollFestival@aol.com or
call (831) 438-5349
October 8-12, 2009 – The East Coast Art Retreat
Crowne Plaza, Cromwell, Connecticut
Email: info@art-is-you.com
Website: www.art-is-you.com
To save yourself time and energy, get all the details on upcoming doll
related events at
CLOTH DOLL CONNECTION: http://clothdollconnection.com/
*******************************
SPECIAL GIFTS FOR YOU
Just in time for Easter - Free Bunny Speedsters pattern from Judi Ward
http://judisdolls.com/bunnyspeedsters/
Judi adds these following hints: “For those who are going to make them
be sure to use THIN felt or Doesuede for ease in turning the little
curved arms especially. I use my stuffing fork to get the stuffing
down into the paws and feet too.”
DEANNA HOGAN has graciously given us her wonderful tutorial for
creating perfect finger and toenails. Be sure to download these FREE
instructions for your reference library.
http://dollmakersjourney.com/nail_tutorial.html
4 free dragon patterns and a bat at http://www.wyrm.org.uk/cuddly/
*************************************
NEW PATTERNS/BOOKS/CD-ROMs/DVDs/MOLDS
“Dress Rehearsal” is a truly grand new pattern from CHRISTINE SHIVELY
loaded with exquisite costuming techniques and so much more. Do stop
by and take a look
http://dollmakersjourney.com/shively.html
Wait until you see SUZETTE RUGOLO’S version of Humpty Dumpty - he’s
quite the elegant gentleman!
http://dollmakersjourney.com/rugolo.html
MARY TRESSLER has released another basic body pattern for those of you
who just want to do your own thing. “Body Basic 3” is her most buxom
yet. What do you envision her to be? We also have her charming “How I
spent my Summer Vacation.” Stop by and check them out.
http://dollmakersjourney.com/tressler.html
PATTI CULEA’S “Karen” has a lovely costume using a beautiful old
hankie and lace. http://www.dollmakersjourney.com/culea.html
Come meet the ever cheerful Pansy, Petunia, Sunflower and Fern
otherwise known as “Florabunda” by BARBARA WILLIS. We also have her
“Fancy Flat Fold Chair” that any doll would love to sit in!
http://www.dollmakersjourney.com/willis.html
SHERRY GOSHON’S eagerly anticipated “Jelly Bean” had finally broken
free of all that bad weather they’ve been having in Iowa and should be
here any day. She’s a real sweetie in more ways than one!
http://dollmakersjourney.com/goshon.html
We have two of SHELLY HAWKEY’S newest designs - the very graceful
“Mother Earth” and a cute shelf sitting fairy named “Gradle May.” As
a bonus, SHELLY puts extra photos of the construction process on her
own website to help you along. http://dollmakersjourney.com/hawkey.html
*******************************
DESIGNER DOINGS
Jean Bernard is having a “new Beginnings” Celebration April 30, 2009.
It will feature classes by qualified artists, supplies/suppliers, free
classes/tutorials/information etc. For more information go to
http://www.jeanbernardart.com
Gloria J. ‘Mimi’ Winer was thrilled to see her latest art doll
“Michael Dances Spartacus” in the current issue of Art Doll Quarterly.
The version in ADQ is reduced in size to 90% of the class sized doll
and has a head made using Lisa Lichtenfels technique. Although instead
of carving Styrofoam for a skull she modeled one in clay and her
husband Him made a mold and cast it in silicon, because you can sew
through silicon. That head and face took five full days to make. She
is teaching a slightly larger version of this doll at AFIC this
spring. This one will have a cloth skull with dimensional eyes of
cloth and an open mouth. Also the hands are made from copper wire and
modeled with floral tape and then covered with a cloth glove to make
very nice masculine hands. You can learn more about this class at
http://www.cyndysdolls.com/
******************************
SUPPLIES
“Paige” - the newest face stamp from BARB AND DOUG KEELING - has a
terrific open-mouthed smile.
http://dollmakersjourney.com/keeling.html#new
*******************************
NEWS FROM THE HOME FRONT
Bonnie has spent the last month speaking and training leaders in
various congregations for her church. She also attended the G Street
Doll Club where she learned to make a Japanese Emperor (Prince) and
Empress (Princess) for Hinamatsuri – Japan’s Doll Festival celebrating
Girl’s Day on March 3rd. They were made from clothespins with the silk
glued to cardboard cutouts to create the clothing. One note of caution
– feel free to display the Japanese court through March 3rd. Then put
them away until next year. Tradition says if you keep the dolls on
display after March 3rd your daughters will never marry. Several of
you have asked to see a picture of Nambi, mentioned in the January
Customer Connection. As soon as Bonnie has time, she will take
pictures and the links will be in the March newsletter.
Mary Ann, Jim and daughter Ana absolutely loved the Dancing with the
Stars Show! The incredibly talented dancers performed 37 numbers and
of course, the costumes were out of this world. If you enjoy the TV
program, treat yourself to this memorable show if it comes to a city
near you. It was so much fun seeing all their favorite dancers in
person. Ana and her husband Nikhil have gone off to visit his parents
in India where they winter each year. The have many extraordinary
adventures planned for their three week stay. Mak is keeping her
fingers crossed that they’ll return with some interesting fabrics.
******************************
WEBSITES:
For those who have seen the new Coraline movie, check out this website
to see a short video on how the miniatures sweaters were created.
Amazing! Some of the knitting needles are the size of a human hair.
http://www.bugknits.com/
******************************
We’d love to hear your thoughts about our Customer Connection
newsletter.
Contact the editor Bonnie B. Lewis at EnchantedR@aol.com with any
comments, suggestions, etc.
Please feel free to pass this newsletter on to any of your friends.
Help us spread the word about Dollmaker’s Journey! All we ask is that
you forward it intact, with all the subscription information included.
Thanks!
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For more options, visit this group at
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I tried to answer posts on this thread, thought I had sent the 3 that I had answered, but they did not post and my computer froze and I do not know why, so if I am missing, it is somthing computer related, of course this may not be posted either.
Love to all of you.
http://www.bigmedicine.ca/americas.htm#Montana:_Salmonella_cases_linked_to_
United States: FDA advises public of serious adverse event with psoriasis drug Raptiva [Feb 20 Rockville MD]—The U.S. Food and Drug Administration today issued a public health advisory concerning three confirmed, and one possible report of progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML), a rare brain infection, in patients using the psoriasis drug Raptiva (efalizumab). Three of those patients have died. All four patients were treated with the drug for more than three years. None of the patients were receiving other treatments that suppress the immune system.
The FDA is reviewing this latest information. The agency will take appropriate steps to:
* ensure that the risks of Raptiva do not outweigh its benefits;
* that patients prescribed Raptiva are clearly informed of the signs and symptoms of PML; and
* that health care professionals carefully monitor patients for the possible development of PML.
PML is caused by a virus that affects the central nervous system. PML usually occurs in people whose immune systems have been severely weakened. It leads to an irreversible decline in neurologic function and death. Symptoms may include unusual weakness, loss of coordination, changes in vision, difficulty speaking and personality changes. There is no known effective prevention or treatment.
Psoriasis is a chronic disease, for which a number of effective therapeutic options are available, including four other approved biologic agents, ultraviolent light therapy, and the drugs cyclosporine, acitretin, and methotrexate. Generally, treatment for psoriasis patients involves a rotation of therapies.
In October 2008, the product labeling for Raptiva was revised to highlight in a boxed warning the risks of life-threatening infections, including PML. At that time, the FDA directed Genentech, the manufacturer, to develop a risk evaluation and mitigation strategy (REMS) to include a medication guide to educate patients about the drug’s risks.
The FDA strongly recommends that health care professionals carefully monitor patients on Raptiva, as well as those who have discontinued the drug, for any signs or symptoms of neurologic disease, and that they periodically reassess the benefits of continued treatment. Patients should be aware of the symptoms of PML and contact their health care professionals immediately if they experience any such symptoms.
Raptiva is a once-weekly injection approved for adults with moderate to severe plaque psoriasis who are candidates for systemic (whole body) therapy or phototherapy. The drug works by suppressing T-cells (blood cells that help fight infection) in the immune system. These cells, when activated, migrate to the skin and cause inflammation which results in the red, inflamed and scaly patches of skin, which is associated with psoriasis. By suppressing T-cells, Raptiva decreases the function of the immune system which increases a patient’s susceptibility to infections.
Maryland: Baltimore City Health dept announces citywide flu alert [Feb 20 Baltimore]—The Baltimore City Health Department has raised the City’s flu level from “Minimal Flu” to “Flu Alert.” This level means there is strong evidence that influenza is now spreading in Baltimore.
This evidence includes:
• A sustained increase in flu activity in the past two weeks. Sentinel labs are reporting 12% of tests as positive, up from about 6% in the previous reporting period.
• Acute care hospitals are reporting an increased number of positive flu tests among patients.
The Health Department is making several urgent recommendations to save lives during this flu season:
1. Get the flu vaccine! Call 311 or visit baltimorehealth.org for help locating a free vaccine clinic or call your doctor. The flu vaccine is especially recommended for children six months to five years, pregnant or breastfeeding women, persons over age 50 or with chronic medical conditions, and those who live in long term care facilities. Household contacts of these at-risk groups, including parents and caregivers of children less than 6 months, should also be vaccinated. There are three free flu vaccine clinics in Baltimore next week.
2. All eligible health care workers who have not yet been vaccinated should receive the flu vaccine as soon as possible.
3. Good hand hygiene is important. Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water or use a hand sanitizer before meals, after coughing or sneezing or using the restrooms, and when talking with people who are ill.
4. Cough and sneeze into a sleeve or tissue, and keep hands away from mouth, nose and eyes.
5. When you or your child are ill, stay home whenever possible.
Because of the Flu Alert, the Health Department will increase its flu surveillance and publish weekly updates regarding 911 and emergency room chief complaints, hospital crowding, the number of positive influenza cases and flu outbreaks.
So far, there have been no signs of significant strain in the healthcare system related to flu.
http://www.bigmedicine.ca/americas.htm#Montana:_Salmonella_cases_linked_to_
Minnesota: PFOS contamination identified in fish from more metro area lakes [Feb 14 Minneapolis]—Twin Lake in Hennepin County (Robbinsdale-Crystal) has been found to have levels of a perfluorochemical (PFC) in the fish similar to the higher levels previously measured in lakes Calhoun, Elmo and Johanna. The PFOS (perfluorooctonate sulfate) levels in these fish place them in the one meal per month consumption category, given no impact from other contaminants.
“Our concern with consuming fish is any long-term exposure to contaminants,” said Patricia McCann, fish consumption advisory coordinator for the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH). “Our advice for how often it is safe to eat fish is set at a level that is protective of human health over many years of continuous fish eating.” The advisory is updated annually to reflect new fish contaminant data.
MDH is in the process of analyzing the fish tissue data from this latest round of lake sampling by the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) for PFCs as well as data on additional lakes from the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) for mercury and polychlorinated biphenols (PCBs). A combined analysis of all of the data – mercury, PCBs and PFCs – is then compiled and formatted to develop a revised fish consumption advisory. MDH expects to receive additional PFC data from MPCA that will be incorporated into the new advisory as well. The updated advisory will be ready by the opening of fishing season.
The new PFC data are from 15 metro lakes including samples from the Minneapolis chain of lakes. The data is from an ongoing effort by MPCA and other agencies to investigate the extent of and sources of PFC contamination.
Since PFCs were first discovered in metro area lakes in 2007, fish from 55 lakes in the metro area have been tested for PFCs. McCann said there is a wide range in the levels of PFOS detected in these fish and some are undetectable.
“Currently the pattern of contamination is not understood and we are unable to predict which waters may have higher levels in the fish.” McCann said. “There are many unanswered questions and missing pieces to this puzzle. Unlike mercury and PCBs, we don’t yet understand the relationships between species or between lakes regarding PFCs. We have the most information about PFOS levels in bluegill, crappie and smallmouth bass, which account for 90 percent of the samples analyzed for PFCs. Most of the advice based on PFOS for these fish is one meal per week or unrestricted.”
Most health experts recommend eating fish two times per week. “People should choose to eat fish that can be eaten that often,” McCann said, “but it’s okay to include a meal of fish from the once-per-month category, too. Spacing out meals of fish over time is the way to keep exposure to a safe level.”
Fish are a good low-fat source of protein and contain many vitamins and minerals. Eating fish may help protect adults against cardiovascular disease. Pregnant women and women who may become pregnant should also eat fish because eating fish promotes eye and brain development in fetuses.
Scientists’ understanding of mercury and PCBs in fish throughout the state and about species and waters allows MDH to provide Statewide Safe Eating Guidelines as part of its fish consumption advisory program, McCann said. For example, we know that walleye, northern and bass are the species with the highest levels of mercury and we know that Lake Superior and the major river systems have PCB levels of concern, whereas the inland lakes do not. The guidelines can be found on the MDH Web site at http://www.health.state.mn.us/divs/eh/fish/index.html.
MDH also provides site-specific advice for eating fish from a lake or river where the contaminants have been measured. Site-specific advice can also be found on the MDH Web site at http://www.health.state.mn.us/divs/eh/fish/index.html as well as the DNR’s Lakefinder at http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/lakefind/index.html.
A variety of health effects occur in laboratory animals exposed to high doses of PFOS, the PFC that accumulates in fish. The most sensitive effects (i.e., effects observed at the lowest dose causing adverse effects) are decreased high-density lipoprotein (HDL or good cholesterol) and changes in thyroid hormone levels in some animals. Special cleaning and cooking precautions used to reduce contaminants like PCBs that concentrate in fat are not effective with PFOS.
PFCs are a group of manmade chemicals that have been used for decades to make products that resist heat, oil, stains, grease and water. See http://www.health.state.mn.us/divs/eh/hazardous/topics/pfcshealth.html for more information.
http://www.bigmedicine.ca/newsandterrorism.htm
TOOLS: NEWS & TERRORISM - COMMUNICATING IN A CRISIS
The National Academies has prepared, in cooperation with the Department of Homeland Security, fact sheets on four types of terrorist attacks. Drawing on our many reviewed publications, the expertise of our members, and the knowledge of other esteemed authorities, the fact sheets provide reliable, objective information.
They were designed primarily for reporters as part of the project News and Terrorism: Communicating in a Crisis, though they will be helpful to anyone looking for a clear explanation of the fundamentals of science, engineering, and health related to such attacks.
These fact sheets are a product of the National Research Council Division on Earth and Life Studies.
Biological Attack (pdf file, 162 KB)
Where do biological agents originate?
What’s the difference between “infectious” and “contagious”?
How long after exposure will symptoms appear?
Chemical Attack (pdf file, 92 KB)
What are the different origins of toxic chemicals that could be used?
How do chemical toxicities vary?
What are the practical steps to take if there’s a chemical release?
Nuclear Attack (pdf file, 112 KB)
What is radioactive fallout, and how is it dangerous?
What are the short term and long term effects of radiation exposure?
What is the likely size of a nuclear explosion from an attack by terrorists?
Radiological Attack (pdf file, 94 KB)
What are radiological dispersal devices, a.k.a. “dirty bombs”?
How are they different from nuclear bombs?
What are their physical and psychological health effects?