I cracked the glass on my light board yesterday. I built it out of desperation and old, left-over wood over 25 years ago, so the glass would be that old, too. I think I paid around $25 for the original piece of glass. (36 x 24) I ordered a new piece yesterday and the price was just over $123. Times change; prices go up. It is a fact of life.
This time I'm having the glass frosted at the shop instead of using that 'bathroom window' contac paper to diffuse the light. Might have to re-paint it while I'm at it.
I considered taking the $123 and investing it in a 'real' light board, but this amateurish box has served me well all these years. It reminds me of the early years when the kids were little and there were times when, if we couldn't afford something, we'd have to figure out a way to make it ourselves or do without.
That was an adventuresome time. The first time in my adult life that I didn't work full time; not that taking care of small children isn't a full time job, but they DO take naps and they go to bed early! During that time I brought armfuls of books home from the library--books on calligraphy, books on quilting, cook books, classic novels I never got around to reading, books on the Civil War. It was a time to explore what I wanted to learn about. That was a very good time!
I'm still an explorer and book adventurer. My interests have changed--now I'm reading fat theological tomes, the instructional manuals from the Golden Age of penmanship, and biographies.
This post started with a crack in an old piece of glass. An old piece of glass that brought back memories. How could I ever buy a new light board?
Update on Wednesday, April 27, 2011 at 8:14AM by
Kim
UPDATE: The glass company recommended I try plexi glass instead of frosted glass. Since the price went from $123 to $53, I decided to go with it. I was a little nervous because plexi-glass is translucent instead of transparent, but I'm loving the plexi-glass! Much easier on the eyes; much less glare.
The Constant Scribe
Today I'm sending off some paper samples to two fellow calligraphers. This is one of the joys of being part of the calligraphy community--sharing our time, our knowledge, our tools, and our encouragement with each other. From the most experienced calligraphers to those just picking up the pen for the first time and every step of the way between, we share our love for this craft and each other in tangible ways. This beautiful hand-dyed silk ribbon was given to me by Joie, the fantastic calligrapher behind Bienfait Calligraphy. She dyes this ribbon herself--a beautiful addition to her calligraphy toolbox. And so, when I had the opportunity to share one of my favorite papers with a couple of callifriends, Joie's gift to me came to mind. Passing on a blessing that was given to you allows you to enjoy the blessing twice! Pass it on!
