Skip to Content
Register · Login
About Theme

A Letterboxing Community

Atlas Quest
Search

Read Messages

Disney Area Boxes
Board: State: Florida
Sep 1, 2016 11:44am
Thread Board
Are there are newer, must see boxes in the WDW area? We will be there for the next week, and we might be due for some new boxes.
Re: Desert Snow maintenance
Board: State: Minnesota
Reply to: #933724 by Dartmoor Dreamer
Sep 1, 2016 12:10pm
Thread Board
Did you find the Dove stamp or my first green/Dartmoor Pony (big) stamp?

It was the dove stamp.
Re: How Do You Transfer?
Board: Stamp Carving and Mounting
Reply to: #933967 by RDHG
Sep 1, 2016 12:24pm
Thread Board
If your printer image won't transfer with nail polish remover, try photocopying what comes off your printer through a copier and trying again. This is what I do. It's a two-step process, but it works great. As an unexpected side benefit, I've found that having the printer image still intact is helpful to refer to when I carve, especially for the details that may not have transferred very clearly.
Re: Meet up on Cape?
Board: State: Massachusetts
Reply to: #934013 by Sunia
Sep 1, 2016 12:31pm
Thread Board
please look for our

DUNE FLYER

he is waiting there for you
and i think is almost 10 years old now

happy BOXING
Dixie Darlin'
Re: New event
Board: State: South Carolina
Reply to: #934080 by 5 IS ALIVE
Sep 1, 2016 1:18pm
Thread Board
When?
Re: are lock n locks really all that?
Board: Letterbox Chatter
Reply to: #934053 by SpringChick
Sep 1, 2016 1:44pm
Thread Board
It is an interesting theory that quality varies based on where it was manufactured.

I wouldn't call that an interesting theory. I'd call it a pretty well known fact that is true for many products.
Re: Tagalong on Restricted and the problem is logging on AQ?
Board: Letterbox Chatter
Reply to: #934054 by LightninBug
Sep 1, 2016 1:47pm
Thread Board
see if the master balls are an urbane legend.

I wonder of the geeks at Pokemon know how funny this is?
Re: How Do You Transfer?
Board: Stamp Carving and Mounting
Reply to: #934085 by Origami Hen
Sep 1, 2016 2:13pm
Thread Board
or use wintergreen oil. I witnessed its miraculous powers of transfer recently. The magic was performed by Wise Wanderer.
Re: Future event locations
Board: State: Michigan
Reply to: #934068 by Spartanfans
Sep 1, 2016 2:20pm
Thread Board
One of the main reasons I went, other than being a huge Harry Potter fan and Bee hosting the event (she has become a good friend of mine and is one of the nicest people ever), was that she has been talking about it for two years! We were letterboxing in October or November of 2014 when she was talking about this event. Right at the end of the NC We Didn't Start the Fire event in October of last year, she sat down a small group of us to help her tackle the event. So, I was pretty excited for this event for two years!

One of the things that I knew early on about this was she was looking for the perfect spot to have it. She is originally from Tucson, and there is a girl scout camp out there with four perfect buildings that could serve as houses. That is where she is planning to have it next. I slightly joked that I might go to that one since I missed one of the stamps. Also, I have told her that she may get a few extra stamps from me, but that is up in the air. I realized there were a few characters missing, (but not many). Some of the stamps are leaving and some will be added. For the first year, she kept looking for a private camp that had four houses or even areas.

She rented a private group camp at a Umstead State Park that had tons of buildings. They had four areas and a cabin at each served as a house (Gryffindor, Hufflepuff, Ravenclaw, Slytherin). They served for the buildings in the stories, too. There were a few cabins used for us boxers. A few we camped in doubled for divination class or Privet Drive. She used the perfect building for Hagrid's Hut. It was down a tiny hill into the forest which was next to the Quidditch clearing. It seemed like his home! Plus, she had a pumpkin patch with it!

The other detail she told me early on is that the boxes are mainly HIPS boxes. There were props made that people had to find. You need to know your Harry Potter or be very observant/do internet searches on the phone. One box had to be found by revealing a question. Then you gave Bee the answer. She was very thorough in the Harry Potter characters/creatures/things. It wasn't just movie related items, but stuff that only appeared in the books. She gets ten points for her house just for including S.P.E.W. which was never in the films. Then there was stuff I did not remember. I forgot what pet Ginny Weasley had.

It was a wonderful event. There were only a few issues at the event, but they were pretty much out of Bee's control. One was that Raleigh was under an extreme heat advisory. Everyone would pause right in front of the large fan at the Great Hall/library. It was only a mile from one side of the camp to the other and we had plenty of water, so it wasn't too bad. Plus, a few of us did drive to locations just for the air conditioning in vehicles. Sleeping was rather uncomfortable. However, still, it was pretty worth it.

I was going to share/post more pictures to Facebook more so for noxers/muggle HP fans. Super Hedge Hoggie, the carver of a majority of stamps there, gave me permission to share some of her images on FB. I will try to give a warning on that stamp part for those who do not like spoilers. I will get on that soon hopefully.

If you have any more questions, just ask!

Again, Bee, if you are reading this, it was a spectacular event! Loved it! Thank you for including me in the inner workings of it.
Re: New event
Board: State: South Carolina
Reply to: #934080 by 5 IS ALIVE
Sep 1, 2016 2:28pm
Thread Board
Alright, lets go.
Re: needle carving
Board: Tools of the Trade
Reply to: #934060 by Topcollector
Sep 1, 2016 3:17pm
Thread Board
That's why I invented the wire knife:

http://www.atlasquest.com/gallery/viewalbum.html?gAlbumId=809

IMHO, it's easier to get accustomed to carving with a wire knife than with a needle. A needle will cut in two directions while the wire knife only cuts in one direction, but the cutting edge on a wire knife is in line with the handle rather than canted at an angle. The cutting edge is also a straight edge, while the cutting edge on a needle is curved. The wire knife also has a pointier point, making it clearer where you're inserting it into the rubber.

With either a wire knife or a needle, you're going to need a pin vise or some other form of handle.

The best thing about a carving needle: When it gets dull, you can just buy a new one for 30 cents or so. You can also buy very tiny ones, tinier than you'll ever be able to really use for carving.

BTW, if your eyes are even a question mark, you should try more magnification and more light before you do anything else. Even 20 years old and 20/20 vision, you'd benefit from magnification and light when working the fine details in carving a stamp. If you can see clearly enough, the shortcomings of your tools become obvious and there's no question what you need to become a better carver. There are a couple of carvers out there that actually use a jeweler's loupe while carving!

Of course, if your eyes are truly bad -- astigmatisms, cataracts, just generally blind as a bat -- there may be no helping. In some cases, you may be better off designing a stamp on your 'puter and sending the design off to someone else for carving. There are many skilled carvers on the Stamp Swap board willing to help out.
Re: are lock n locks really all that?
Board: Letterbox Chatter
Reply to: #934053 by SpringChick
Sep 1, 2016 3:22pm
Thread Board
A L&L I have here, which I've had for several years, says it was made in China.

It's a fine howdy-doo when "Made in China" is a sign of the good stuff!
Re: How Do You Transfer?
Board: Stamp Carving and Mounting
Reply to: #934063 by koalacat
Sep 1, 2016 3:26pm
Thread Board
The paint department at Lowe's or Home Depot is arguably a far better place to look for acetone. For one thing, it will be pure, pure enough to clean paint brushes, not watered-down as the nail polish removers sometimes are.
Re: Anyone free to box Friday or Saturday?
Board: State: Missouri
Reply to: #934049 by Topcollector
Sep 1, 2016 3:29pm
Thread Board
So sorry - just now confirming a change of plans; I am going to have to work all day tomorrow and probably part of Saturday too. We have a big special event coming up in Maplewood in two weeks, and I am behind on several things that need done ASAP. I'm so sorry about this - will AQ mail you as well to make sure you get the message. Will try again AFTER SITS!

If you're interested: https://www.sfstl.com/in-the-streets/maplewood-2016/

thanks!
Re: Gouge Sets
Board: Stamp Carving and Mounting
Reply to: #934077 by Frenchie
Sep 1, 2016 3:38pm
Thread Board
What you NEED to do is get even CLOSER so we can really get a good look at the business end of the nibs.

Yeah, I know it. I have three digital cameras: A Canon PowerShot A560 and a smartphone and a tablet. The smartphone and tablet are both 5MP cameras, the Canon is 7.1MP. The Canon also has mechanical focus and zoom. I've been using the Canon, on a stand with a 10-second delay, and in macro mode.

The problem is that it'll only focus so close, and it's not easy to tell just how close that is. If I set the camera too close, I get a photo that's obviously out of focus. So I have to set it farther away and be careful that it's focusing on the nib and not on something else in the field of view. If I zoom in, it focuses worse!

The best way I know to get really good close-up photos of tiny things is to lay them on a flatbed scanner. Years ago I had a flatbed scanner that did a wonderful job with car parts, you name it, but I gave that one away when I got a new printer with a scanner built in. This newer scanner is nowhere near as good for scanning 3D items; it loses focus not very far above the glass surface.

Now I have a brand new printer with a scanner. Haven't even tried it with 3D items yet. Perhaps I should give it a shot.
Re: Future event locations
Board: State: Michigan
Reply to: #934093 by koalacat
Sep 1, 2016 3:44pm
Thread Board
Thanks for all of this information!! I did hear back that it would be a few years until she thinks the boxes would make their way to me, (lots of people requested ahead of me) so I have plenty of time to search for the perfect location. I looked at the list of stamps she sent and it seems there were so many. She could probably cut them in 1/2 and send to multiple places.
I hope we get the chance to see these stamps from one of my families favorite series!!
Re: Gouge Sets
Board: Stamp Carving and Mounting
Reply to: #934099 by Kirbert
Sep 1, 2016 3:46pm
Thread Board
Of course, the Rabby tools are no longer in my hands. Perhaps someone in the tracker can get better photos of the Rabby V I modified as well as an unmodified one that Foraych will be including in the tracker.
Re: 55 steps, you ok?
Board: Yakking It Up
Reply to: #934081 by The hicks from the sticks
Sep 1, 2016 3:51pm
Thread Board
It was an earthquake at sea. People in the small town were told to evacuate to higher ground in case of tsunami, which turned out to be very slight and caused no reported damage.

It's about 3 hours or so from Christchurch.
Re: are lock n locks really all that?
Board: Letterbox Chatter
Reply to: #934096 by Kirbert
Sep 1, 2016 3:58pm
Thread Board
It's a fine howdy-doo when "Made in China" is a sign of the good stuff!

Ain't that the truth!
Re: are lock n locks really all that?
Board: Letterbox Chatter
Reply to: #934090 by MissMoon
Sep 1, 2016 4:14pm
Thread Board
It is an interesting theory that quality varies based on where it was manufactured.

I wouldn't call that an interesting theory. I'd call it a pretty well known fact that is true for many products.

There is no arguing that product quality (of many things) varies with the manufacturing process and/or place of production. In this specific instance I was referring to the fact that it seems the LnL made in China is actually the quality product. I found that interesting. Apparently that is not of interest to you, which quite frankly, does not surprise me in the least. I am sure there are many things in life I find interesting that you don't, and vice versa. I'm okay with that... you should be too. Generally when that happens, I see no need for comment, rather just ignore and/or move along.
Re: Tagalong on Restricted and the problem is logging on AQ?
Board: Letterbox Chatter
Reply to: #933784 by MudPuddlers
Sep 1, 2016 4:25pm
Thread Board
Hmm. Not really following your logic. So you're saying the counts are useful, and you're grateful for them, but people shouldn't mind if they don't have the luxury of doing the same thing that you like to be able to do. I agree with the sentiment that "AQ stats" don't matter, but I don't log my stats as part of some competition.

I never said counts are useful. Yes, logging is a luxury that AQ affords boxers. There are some people that boxing is a competition, hence my AQ stat comment.
I presume to protect it from newbies

Actually i think most restrictions are put on to protect the boxes from muggles that may just want to "mess with boxes". Or to hide them from wanna be LBing "police". Or from "managers" of some types of lands that don't want everyone tromping on their land.

If you are of the mind that restrictions are for JUST newbies, you would be incorrect.

deniserows
in her own defense
2016 States Fair LB
Board: State: Minnesota
Sep 1, 2016 4:41pm
Thread Board
I just updated the clue. Check the clue veggie you go!
Re: Gouge Sets
Board: Stamp Carving and Mounting
Reply to: #934101 by Kirbert
Sep 1, 2016 5:11pm
Thread Board
Been watching a few of the Japanese/Hong Kong Youtubes for the first-time today and one soon realizes that the art of rubber stamp carving didn't originate in America. In several of the Youtubes only an Xacto knife is used while the other hand holds and rotates the stamp as it's being carved. Was the Asian technique of carving a rubber stamp with just a small razor sharp knife what got you hooked and so adept just using an Xacto knife?

After watching a few of those Youtubes (some with Charlie Chaplin like background music) it does seem that all one really needs is an Xacto knife, and a 'good' #1 gouge and #3 gouge.

The men and women carvers in this Youtube are sure having a Ton of FUN! ... it's enjoyable watching even if you can't understand a word they're saying. However, laughter is Universal in any language ... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5sVrnlc3bA8
Re: 2016 States Fair LB
Board: State: Minnesota
Reply to: #934106 by Dartmoor Dreamer
Sep 1, 2016 5:14pm
Thread Board
I haven't logged it yet, but my wild and crazy kids were amazing when they snagged it for me. Thanks for planting at the fair!!
Re: Desert Snow maintenance
Board: State: Minnesota
Reply to: #934084 by ArtGekko
Sep 1, 2016 5:22pm
Thread Board
Nice. I wonder how many logbooks in the US have that stamp.
Re: Amazing LTC ideas
Board: LTC: Tips, Questions, and Stuff
Reply to: #934044 by crosscresent
Sep 1, 2016 6:00pm
Thread Board
I've done/traded quite a few pocket letters.
I'd LOVE to see how someone would put together one using LTCs!!
Re: How Do You Transfer?
Board: Stamp Carving and Mounting
Reply to: #934055 by lonnewsom
Sep 1, 2016 7:15pm
Thread Board
I get my acetone at the hardware store in a quart can. It is a lot but I use it for other things also.

Like what?
Re: 55 steps, you ok?
Board: Yakking It Up
Reply to: #934102 by MissMoon
Sep 1, 2016 7:17pm
Thread Board
Oh that is good to hear!!

~Aurora
Re: Gouge Sets
Board: Stamp Carving and Mounting
Reply to: #934101 by Kirbert
Sep 1, 2016 7:19pm
Thread Board
I will be sure to snap some pics of both the modified and unmodified RABBY tools before the postal goes out.
Re: Tagalong on Restricted and the problem is logging on AQ?
Board: Letterbox Chatter
Reply to: #934054 by LightninBug
Sep 1, 2016 7:23pm
Thread Board
Google and Reddit will help you check to see if the master balls are an urbane legend. ;-)

From dictionary.com:

adjective
  1. having the polish and suavity regarded as characteristic of sophisticated social life in major cities: an urbane manner.
  2. reflecting elegance, sophistication, etc., especially in expression: He maintained an urbane tone in his letters.