In our experience, gatherings are much like letterboxing itself. You get what you want from them. You can come as you are, enjoy the personal interactions and socializing with other boxers. Bring your logbook and sig. stamp. Some folks have another signature-type stamp that they use for exchanging images with other letterboxers, some use their regular stamp. Many people cherish the event stamp and personal traveler images. Some folks just want to meet and greet or do a bit of box hunting.

If you are bringing your boys, what would you bring to any other picnic/potluck event? I'd probably focus on them and the fun you'll have as a family getting to know other letterboxers. Don't worry about anything else THEN evaluate your experience and adjust accordingly for future gatherings.

Grumpy Grinch

Be sure to read the articles about gatherings—links are on the main event listing page, but I'll relist them here:

http://www.atlasquest.com/events/tips.html — Tips for Planning a Gathering
http://www.atlasquest.com/events/checklist.html — Event Planning Checklist
http://www.atlasquest.com/events/tips2.html — Tips for Attending a Gathering

-- Ryan

So I have a question. In the "Tips for Attending a Gathering" tutorial, there's this:

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Check around for hidden boxes: Yes, even at a gathering where it's obvious we're all boxing and people tend to be less secretive about their stuff, boxers will still hide things that you won't even know about until after the event! Check under tables, in the corners of the pavilion, in the bushes nearby, in the food containers, and in anyplace else that's not someone's private bag or stuff. You might be surprised at what you find!

What are these boxes listed as? Event boxes?

I think some of these sort of "non-traditional" boxes are listed as "other", and don't show up on the event page.

Speaking of which, I don't see anything listed as the event stamp. Is there going to be one?

- Sitzmak

One San Diego Event Stamp was posted just today, I think, under "Non-Traditional" boxes by Don of DonandGwen.

Thanks for the link info - sometimes I am a bit slow to the great knowledge already here on AQ at my fingertips! duh!

Total coverage of the subject!

Now if all the kids stay healthy and gas prices don't go to $3.50 by saturday we should be on our way! phew $3.11 and rising at the cheap station.....yikes!

Happy hunting, enjoy the journey,
teekasue

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I carve with the crushed ends of pencils and I love them but is there something I could bring to make the carving class more user friendly?

Geishagirl did some arm twisting and scored some carving materials, but if anyone wants to make sure they have carving materials they should bring some along. It is always fun to trade carving mediums so that you can figure out what works best for you.
I'm going to have to try the crusheds ends of pencils myself.
For anyone that wants to leave the gathering with a #1/2 speedball blade please bring the #1 speedball blade and we will show you how to squeeze it down to a smaller size and resharpen it.
If there is anyone out there that uses needles to carve with please bring them so you can demonstrate that technique.
Hopefully some other carvers (Lee , Buzzard, and there are some new boxers that can carve great) can show us their techniques.

Don

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I'm going to have to try the crusheds ends of pencils myself.

All I have ever used is the crushed pencils - one for the cost - it is just the right price ( so many back to school days so much homework and so many do overs. the boys always run out of eraser before the lead! ) AND most importantly no stitches or puncture wounds so far believe me that's a modern day miracle ! My boys can carve right along with me No Problem.

Now should I go get a Speedball #1 this week? I have been thinking about branching out - It is not a long way to store with the supplies and I need more Master Carve....maybe I'll pick one up just for kicks and see if I like it. hummmm Something to think about.....shopping is always such a hard choice....; )

Happy hunting,
teekasue

If you want to just buy a handle, I'd be happy to give you a #1 blade or two. I got shop-happy and bought more than I need.

Don, I seem to remember you saying somewhere before that we should also bring a candle and pliers to make the 1/2 blades. Is that right?

Ooh, which store? We're in the same area and I've not found any locally but I've only checked about three craft shops.

I'm really looking forward to meeting you and everyone else!

I would love that! But I still might go how did you put it? shop- happy ! hehe

Is there no such thing as a 1/2 " speedball? and why doesn't someone make one? stupid question from a crushed pencil girl. ; )

teekasue

Try Sterling Art in Irvine. Teekasue mentioned it on the boards here last week. I checked it out this weekend and spent about an hour just wandering down the aisles in awe.

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If you want to just buy a handle, I'd be happy to give you a #1 blade or two. I got shop-happy and bought more than I need.

For really cheap handles I use 1/4" dowels cut to about 6" then attach the speedball blades with some wire and then cover the wire with plastic electricians tape. You never have to change blades, just pick up another blade and handle.

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Don, I seem to remember you saying somewhere before that we should also bring a candle and pliers to make the 1/2 blades. Is that right?

Oh you spoiled the info on the newboxer sacrifice and S&M sessions.
I should have enough candles and visegrips/pliers.

Don

well said,

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In our experience, gatherings are much like letterboxing itself. You get what you want from them. You can come as you are, enjoy the personal interactions and socializing with other boxers. Bring your logbook and sig. stamp. Some folks have another signature-type stamp that they use for exchanging images with other letterboxers, some use their regular stamp. Many people cherish the event stamp and personal traveler images. Some folks just want to meet and greet or do a bit of box hunting.

If you are bringing your boys, what would you bring to any other picnic/potluck event? I'd probably focus on them and the fun you'll have as a family getting to know other letterboxers. Don't worry about anything else THEN evaluate your experience and adjust accordingly for future gatherings.

and to add to it do not be disappointed if you cannot do everything or if you miss someone. There is always next time and come with a list of those with whom you have not exchanged (like LundyandVickster did at the Mills at Salmon Falls event) and be happy when you can check a few new people/boxes/travelers off you list. remember to nourish yourself, too. I drank far too much coffee on Saturday, even for me, the coffee addict! Must eat food to counter the jitters 2 pots of coffee give you!
six stars

I'd be happy to give you a #1 blade or two. I got shop-happy and bought more than I need.<quote\>

i'm coming on a jet plane today and realized i didn't pack my carving tools in my checked luggage and they won't let me through with my tools in my carry-on. (too busy carving stamps up to the last minute.) i would love to have a 1/2" blade. How far is Irving from San Tee or Vista?

Irvine's about an hour from Vista, and from Santee you'd probably add another half hour onto that. If you don't want to make that drive, like I said, I'd be happy to give you one of mine at the gathering. But there are a lot of boxes up this way to make it worth your while. ;)

But there are a lot of boxes up this way to make it worth your while.<quote\>

If i can con my sister-in-law to 1.drive me or 2.give me the car i will be up that way for sure. i would love to take you up on the blade to give me to use. You are talking about using it at the gathering in Vista correct?
Is there no art stores San Tee or San Diego way that have carving tools and material????ARRGGGHH
Mayb

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You are talking about using it at the gathering in Vista correct?

Yes.

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Is there no art stores San Tee or San Diego way that have carving tools and material????

There may be. I'm just not familiar with the area, but maybe someone who lives down there can tell you of a place. I know there was a Michael's in San Clemente that I got some blades from once, but they were on clearance and, like all the Michael's around here, I would guess they've sold out of them by now and aren't ordering any more.