PAL Day 2018

Last week was the 13th annual, international Plant a Letterbox (PAL) Day.  I planted one box this year.  I wanted to test out my new Staedtler gauge so I designed a stamp with text.  Between the new gauge and horrible allergies the stamp didn't turn out very well.

E is for Everyone

Another local boxer planted 5 boxes on PAL Day.  We have a new slogan in town, "E is for Everyone."  E = Evansville.  I got one Saturday morning, one Sunday afternoon, and the last 3 on Tuesday.  The stamps are all E's and they are magnetic.  The kids found some of the new boxes with me and really enjoyed the new stamps.

E is for Everyone

New Carving Tools

This week a got a new carving tool.  It is called Staedtler gouge and they are no longer made.  But Stampeaz was able to get some.  All the great carvers use this tool.

I was surprised at how different it is than a Speedball gouge.  The Staedtler carves narrower and deeper than the Speedball.  It is going to take some getting used to.

I ordered some modified gouges from someone a few years ago.  I wasn't happy with how they carved and I sent them to another boxer to be sharpened.  They carved just like the Staedtler.

 This unicorn is my first stamp with the Staedtler.  The face is carved only with the Staedtler 1V.  I went around the body with this tool but mainly used the Speedball 2V to clean it out faster.  I guess I need to try some more detailed images to really put it to the test.