The Letterville BullBoard: Creative people and their hobbies

This is topic Creative people and their hobbies in forum Old Archives at The Letterville BullBoard.

To visit this topic, use this URL:
http://www.letterville.com/ubb/ultimatebb.php/topic/13/6873.html

Posted by Pam Eddy (Member # 1858) on :

I know this is off topic of signs, but how about creative hobbies for creative sign people. What kind of creative hobbies do you have?

I have focus so much time and attention on signs for the last 18 years, I'm starting back into a hobby I enjoyed in college. Pottery

I think this will help get the creative juices flowing again. I feel work is getting too routine.

Does anyone else dabble in throwing clay on a pottery wheel? It's sure relaxing for me. I took a class at the high school last summer and am now helping with a benefit dinner that the high school students organize every year called Empty Bowls. The students make bowls and serve soup (or chili) in them during a benefit dinner. People choose the bowl they wish to have for a $5 donation and their soup is served in the bowl. They get to keep the bowl after the dinner. The money donated is given to a charity to feed the hungry. I am so proud of the art students and the art teacher at our high school. The teacher is teaching much more than art. She is teaching the students how to give of themselves and create things to help others.

I have gotton so much more out of this class than I could ever have imagined. My own personal pottery wheel (kick wheel) should be done by this weekend. I can hardly wait to start throwing pots on it when I'm not busy making signs.

Just wondered what kind of hobbies get you fired up during your none working time.

Thanks for listening.

Pam Eddy,
Pam's Signs

Posted by PKing (Member # 337) on :

Making signs...IS MY CREATIVE OUTLET
People just pay me for it!
Everything I do has "that touch" to it.
Do a little hand carved sculturing
Some with a chain saw!
Make happy faces on my Baloney sandwhiches with squirt mustard.
Make rusty junk metal pieces of art work.etc.etc.
I maybe wrong,but I thought creative people.
Were creative ALL the time!!!!!
I can't seem to,or want to...turn it off.

Posted by roger bailey (Member # 556) on :

Have always been a "build something" kind a guy.

Anything from hot rods,motorcycles, guitars(re-build) fences,picture frames,wine racks re-models.

Guess I just like makeing things, gives me a feeling of acomplishment !!

Roger

Posted by cheryl nordby (Member # 1100) on :

Yep me too. Fences.....floors.....gardening.... In my head I can 'see' the garden before it has bloomed. BRING ON SPRING!

Posted by Dan Sawatzky (Member # 88) on :

Hmmmmmmmm.... let's see

I love sketching and I have a full woodworking/metal fabricating shop with all the tools. Giggle Ridge could be considered a hobby that other folks pay to go through.

Trains (both model and real have always fascinated me. Plans are done and fabrication started on our new Giggle Ridge train.

Our new house will be a theme extension of all this.

I've done some (and plan on doing lots more) leaded glass.

Oh yeah there's my hand built hot rod at about 85% done.

So many hobbies- so little time. I think I'll have to retire soon to do them all.

Now that we mostly work for ourseelves our hobbies have morphed into a seasonal business which leaves us even more time to persue our hobbies.

Gotta go now to work on my hobbies er business ....or whatever. I love it all!

-dan

Posted by Steve Barba (Member # 431) on :

I had a hobby once- then I started my own business!

Posted by Dave Payne (Member # 2680) on :

I enjoy roleplaying games, wargames, painting miniatures for the games, drawing, making chainmail armor, reading... not nearly enough hours in the day!

Posted by Jeremy Vecoli (Member # 2278) on :

When your hobby becomes your job, that's great. But then you should get a new hobby. When not lettering or airbrushing, I have (too) many other things to busy myself with. I enjoy raising and exhibiting my pet flying squirrels (seen at several LH meets in MN), I teach martial arts classes at my neighborhood Ju-Jitsu school, I enjoy astronomy/telescopes, and try to do a lot of stuff with my wife. I love reading fiction, science, philosophy, humor, etc. Always an avid motorcyclist, I now try to spend more time on my bicycle. I used to be an active private pilot, but I just don't have my heart in it lately, and haven't flown in over a year. I am getting interested in residential framing and carpentry because it irritates me that I don't even know how to go about building a shed in a reasonably efficient manner.

Posted by Marty Happy (Member # 302) on :

Hobbies....

A few months ago several of my hometown/school buddies have formed a classic/contemporary rock/country cover band and we're having a blast. It's been a few years since I've picked up my guitars.

And... I have 3 cars and 2 snowmobiles in various stages of restoration. I want a bike and boat to restore too!

Of course I have always considered making signs to be a hobby that people gave me money for.

So many fun creative things to do.... so little time!!!!

Posted by Stephen Deveau (Member # 1305) on :

Pam

I prospect for "Gold" all year round...
And fish the rivers when I am not finding any Signs of GOLD that is.

Some small fortunes found but not enough to retire with..as to this date!
But who know what tomorrow will bring?

Posted by AdrienneMorgan (Member # 1046) on :

Gosh......let's see......I collect stuff....
skulls (animal, not human),Dundee marmalade jars, Letterhead business cards, interesting feathers, (Katie, if you can, bring me a kookaburra feather)
old books, I was into mounting butterflies for a while...traveling to Letterhead meets,getting back into stuff I did in High School and College: stained glass and jewelry now.

For a long time I did Wildlife Art, but couldn't make a living at it....so I paint animals on walls..yeah, that works!

Cooking, creative writing, photography, collecting music...gardening, birdwatching, reading travel humor, fantasy (Lord of the Rings, Conan, etc)
Movies....
I know I forgot something...well, it's a start anyway...

Posted by Ralph Lyon (Member # 2351) on :

I play oldies Rock n Roll in my band,
the Firedawgs (all firefighters) and
sometimes with other bands. I also
do sound contracting for some festivals.
So I get lots of music.

Posted by Si Allen (Member # 420) on :

I don't have "hobbies" mine are more like obcessions!

Posted by Mark Fair Signs (Member # 289) on :

i guess my hobby is music.
i like listening as well as play and write it.

i have a very small collection of acoustic guitars.(martin hd 28, taylor 810 and a baby taylor.

music is the bread of life.

http://www.markfair.com/music/mboundintro.htm

[ January 30, 2002: Message edited by: Mark Fair Signs ]

Posted by Ryan E Young (Member # 2325) on :

No Hot Rod Letterheads? 68 tube chassis AMC drag car / streetcar, 53 Hudson land speed car, 67 Rambler Rebel slamed cruiser, slamed 73 chevy Duelie shop truck, and a custom 79 motor cycle.
With the exception of the motocycle every thing I own is older than I am. My wife thinks I have a problem !!!!

Posted by old paint (Member # 549) on :

pam ...i also am a potter....was an art major at penn state and the assistant to the art prof. we also taught CON-ED classes in the evenings.
bought a brand new SCOTT kiln, 3 ringer, brent pro wheel when i lived in penna(78-81). never got to fire kiln or throw on the wheel. sold the place and was gona move it and before i did the house brunt to the ground.been in fla since 81, still cant find money for a wheel(last $1000 i spent was for a roland plotter) so i can try to make more money to buy a wheel. and the circular insanity continues...hahahahahahah

Posted by Arvil Shep' Shepherd (Member # 2030) on :

Speaking of hobbies (Ryan) I have been a "Hot Rodder" for longer than I want to remember.....

Back in the early 50's I was building and Drag Racing Hot Rods, at the same time I was Lettering cars for such notables as Junior Johnson, Jimmy Pardue etc....Later I lettered cars for Walt Arfons (World Land Speed Record Holder) and some of his drivers .Jimmy Tatrow and Doug Rose....who had his legs amputated in a Jet Drag Car accident in West Virginia.....Ronnie Sox of the Sox and Martin Drag team ...Mike Doub, who was killed in Rockingham NC ..Ray Hill and the current AHRA Champ Rick Smith of King NC...along with numerous Country Music Stars Vehicles.....

All this time I was building and painting my own Hot Rods...Promoting and Producing Street Rod Shows for NSRA all over the Country. Marketing Limited Edition Prints from my Original Art......

I am presently building a new Studio/Apartment/Workshop in Mt Airy NC.along with working on my latest project.....A fully enclosed Motorcycle powered car with Air Conditioning, Throttle Body Fuel Injection, and on Board Computer to Monitor Driving functions, speed, mileage, cruise control etc,,Electric Reverse, Electric Shift for the 5 Speed Transmission...(This is a Three Wheeled Car )

Teaching "Woodgraining Classes"

Designing and Building Fiberglass 50's Style Automotive Furniture and Accessories..(Chair, Ottoman, Wall Lamps and Table Lamps .)( All of this can be seen at my web site link below )

Oh did I mention my passion for making my own lures for Small Mouth Bass fishing ???? I especially like the New River from Boone, NC to The narrows at West Virginia line......I guess you could say for a person who will soon be 67 years old.....I stay somewhat busy......

Now I need to get back to my current project..(Hand Painting Wolves and Angels on a Yamaha Bike)

(You can see the first Painting of two Wolves on the Portifolio Page)

Art by Shep'

Shep'

[ January 30, 2002: Message edited by: Arvil Shep' Shepherd ]

Posted by Linda Silver Eagle (Member # 274) on :

Wow Shep,

Next time I visit my sisters, I'll wave when I'm climbing up Mt Airy, (on I-77) what a view! Yes, we always take gum to chew up that one hahaha!

Posted by Arvil Shep' Shepherd (Member # 2030) on :

Linda,
My place is only 5 mi. west on hwy 89 at the exit 100 on I-77
Give us a shout the next time you are thru there....and I/we will meet you at the "Wagon Wheel Restaurant" for coffee...Great "HOME" cooking......E Mail me .....I may be at the Beach.
Shep'

Posted by Jerry Morrissey (Member # 203) on :

I've got two bad habits:

A 1967 impala ss convertible, 4 speed with factory air that was the first car I owned. On a scale of 1-10 it is a solid 8.

My other is a 1968 green mustang fastback - just like Steve McQueen drove in Bullit.

Expensive hobbies but they sure turn peoples heads.

Posted by Robert Davis (Member # 1641) on :

We Have a 215" Top Dragster that we play with every weekend. (0 to 135 in 5 seconds) It dosent last long but it sure is alot of fun..

Posted by Ed Harris (Member # 586) on :

Let's see, I work at our local weekly wiper a couple of days a week (make such a small wage, it must be a hobby), have played in bands most of my life (fixin' to start recording soon, I hope), teach drums at the local music shop, go diving with my daughter when I get the chance, fix and yell at computers (kinda like that first one), Oh, and I'm a minor partner in a kid's night club called Galaxy (it's work, but the kids are a bunch of fun). Now, we used to have a Arca race team going here, but we've no sponser at the moment, so that's on hold (once you've been in the pits, it's hard to sit in the stands). Reckon' that's about it, for the moment, but you know, there's always something new around corner, and I can't wait. Take care.

Posted by Dave Draper (Member # 102) on :

Hi Pam,

After 21 years we moved my sign business out of my home to a commercial location. What I thought was a business was actually a hobby. Now I run the sign shop like a business and that leaves my song writing / recording as my real hobby.

And this hobby, like all hobbies should, has produced something: SONGPAINTER, Sign Music By Sign People. This is the thing I am most proud of in the way of artistic pursuits.

Songpainter sells for $16.99 USA Funds which includes shipping and proceeds after expenses go to the Letterville charity fund.

Even STEVE and BARB bought a couple copies! Go Figure...after all its their web site and the charity proceeds will be in the name of the Letterville web site. But NO...they INSISTED on paying just like everyone else. They are such good people.

Posted by Joe Rees (Member # 211) on :

Just so you all know, every time I hear of of a new musician out there, I am taking names. You will all be recruited for duty on the next version of Songpainter!

I guess I would have to list as my hobby - recording original music. When the weather is warmer, I get a little fishing in, but this time of year I'm mostly immersed in music. Listening to it, practicing my guitar, and jotting down ideas for new songs. Can Letterville be a hobby too? I spend at least an hour a day here it seems.

Posted by Ed Harris (Member # 586) on :

Well, if yer takin' names, then I'm a drummer, a real musician, not one of those useless pickers or sangers or what-not.

Posted by pierre (Member # 1462) on :

You may consider the Recording Studio my hobby, but it's not. It's a business. And a good one.
But my hobby isn't really popular here. For years I sold automatic firearms to law enforcement agencies, and along with that came the collecting. Many years of exotic firearms that ended with my obsession for Swiss firearms, of which I have a rather extensive collection.
But my real "hobby" now is my Swiss Rifles Forum and developing custom loads for members. I love it when a new member uses something I've developed and posts back the next day about having "shot the most incredible group of my life!"
Makes me feel good about "my hobby".

Posted by Chris Lovelady (Member # 2540) on :

my hobie is stained glass. lamps and sun catchers i have a disire to combine blasted glass with stained, gluechip, and gold leaf to make a sign some day.

also gardening vegitables mostly. alittle herbs, also built a hoop house (green house..12'x32')heated and a mist system all home made! the wife wait to start a small nursery business.I usualy can all my vegi's in jars. love to make jellies and jams. i have a small vinyard and many many fruit tree, blueberries, black berries...ect.ect.

running a sign business and gardening and raiseing 3 daughters with my wife...there is not much for anything else...but pottery is my next adventure...some day, i use to throw in school!

chris

Posted by Steve Purcell (Member # 1140) on :

- Mountain Biking
- Blues Harp
- Kayaking
- Venture Crew Advisor (high adventure)
- Emergency/Wilderness Medicine

I tend to have too many irons in the fire. But these are some of my favorites.

BTW Pierre, your hobby's ok by me; it must be great to live in Big Sky Country.

Posted by Donna in BC (Member # 130) on :

Playtime! Turning into a kid along with my kid. When's the last time you played with playdough, ate cheerios, or colored in a kid's coloring book? Playing is just too much fun.

Horseback riding; just wish I had the time these days! Nothing quite like the squeak of a saddle while riding a winding riverside trail.

Chocolate. First choice would be Purdy's which is our best quality out here. But in a pinch, anything will do.

Interior decorating. I adore creating the fantasy in my head. Again, time restraints these days. I'm hooked on watching HGTV when I can, which has tons of interior decorating shows.

Gardening. Whoops, no time again. Our last home (before having a child) looked like it belonged in a gardening magazine. You would laugh at this present fiasco. Adrienne didn't even take a picture of our 'garden' when she was here... hmph! LOL!

Posted by taurus signcraft (Member # 572) on :

my hobbies?
spining, letterheads, weaving, letterheads, sewing, letterheads, fine art, letterheads, puters (building, fixing n playing) & letterheads

i always wanted to learn to throw pots... as apposed to throwin tantrums

a few birthdays back devo got me a wheel, he was real concerned cause the ones i'd been showing him pictures of were all kick wheels and when he went to veiw the secondhand wheel he'd seen advertised in the local paper, it didnt look like the pictures, so he wasn't sure he'd got the right thing... this ones electric! hehehe
it came with a heap of accessories, lots of colour pigments, books, tools and a big bag of clay!
he was really amazed that i actually liked it and that he'd done ok
as a suprise birthday present it was tops, but i was so concerned that he must have paid a fortune for it that eventually he had to tell me how much it cost to put my mind at rest... $300 the lot, bargain!
So now i just got to find enough time to learn how to use the thing

my mum always told me that she couldnt wait to retire cause she had soooo many projects waiting to be done
I feel exactly the same way

cheers
gail

Posted by Robb Lowe (Member # 2121) on :

my hobby is bonsai kittens. Check it out >>>

www.bonsaikitten.com

be sure and check out the gallery!

Posted by Bernice Tornquist (Member # 16) on :

Hi Pam...good post.

I feel that I must to do something creative or constructive each day, otherwise I feel I haven't achieved something, even if it entails a lot of work.

We moved our house and shop 25 miles a year ago, which meant a lot of work. My husband and I have layed down 6000 to 7000 bricks for driveways and sidewalks. I do love landscaping, designing rock gardens, ponds, etc. Until we get settled I'm not doing too much in the sign shop.

I do miss my hobby of oil painting pictures, but that will have to wait.

Now in the wintertime, am doing the inside designing work, (besides spring cleaning)....re-doing plant arrangements, etc. (going artificial in plants for a lot of it).

My hobbies may require a lot of physical work...painting house, etc. but I like it.

Yes, I understand what you are saying....seems as though we (sign makers) must do something creative in what we do.

Posted by Dave Johnson (Member # 2535) on :

My Hobbies -
I hunt and fish. Make my own lures. Tie my own flies. Reload shotgun, rifle and pistol. Build and fly radio controlled airplanes. Enjoy woodworking. Play 5 string banjo, guitar, bass, mess around with the fiddle. Have a couple accoustical Applause (wannabe Ovation) guitars, a 59 Fender Telecaster, a Fender Leo Deluxe banjo and a couple fiddles. (I hear ya Joe. I'll be in touch.)

Haven't done much formal with music since the 70's. We played quite a bit back then as a family country and gospel band. My dad is the song writer in the family. Dad and Mom do the vocal's with Dad on rhythm guitar, Mom on the steel guitar and piano, my Aunt on bass and I played lead guitar and banjo. I'm hoping that as we start practicing again on a more frequent basis, my three daughters will want to get involved. They all play wind instruments. My youngest is taking piano lessons and has started learning chords on the guitar. She's only 9 and showing a lot of natural ability.

Posted by Mike Kelly (Member # 2037) on :

Robb.....I hope you are just kidding.

[ February 01, 2002: Message edited by: Mike Kelly ]

Posted by Robb Lowe (Member # 2121) on :

yes, I was kidding. But that is some funny stuff, isnt it? (and yes, I like cats. I have a few around myself. for target practice.)

My real hobby is ratkill.com

no wait, it's writing childrens books, check out some of my titles:
www.somethingawful.com/features/childrensbooks/

and there is always reading Letterhead posts through the www.pornolizer.com - now THAT is funny!

Posted by AdrienneMorgan (Member # 1046) on :

Robb, your one sick puppy!!

Hey, is your video still available on EBay????

A
(pornalize this!) heehee

UBB.classic™ 6.7.2