Monday, May 23, 2016

Your Eyes Won't Believe What Your Hands Have Done: Kids Version

A few weeks ago I went into AC Moore (it's like a Michael's) with the sole intent of buying one calligraphy pen and nothing else. I DID buy just one pen, but I failed on the nothing else bit. I had a fifty percent off coupon, and they had a Spirograph set . I'm sure you can do the math. I remember we had this when I was little, and how awesome I thought it was. Now that I know it was invented by a mathematician and the thought and ingenuity that went into it, I think it's even more awesome.

Anyway--does this bring back any memories for any of you?

 

It was a little tricky to get used to (I remember it being super simple) as you have to keep the wheel pressed just so against the ring. But once you get the hang of it, it's like anything else. There's a little guidebook that comes with it that tells you what to do to create certain designs.


I was annoyed that my neon gel pens aren't compatible with this as I had visions of neon ink on a black background and something totally flower-powery. But then I moved on to combining line work with a spiro base and occupied myself for way too long with something sold in toy stores.

Same design, but one is plain and the other is decorated a la moi.

I love the difference! Like those quilt blocks that are constructed the same but can look entirely different depending on fabric choice.

The entire thing is fairly soothing. And the best part is that I start with a nice symmetrical base, so even if my lines aren't perfect the shell is.

If you are sitting there thinking "Did I just really read a blog post written by a grown-a$$ woman about a child's toy from the sixties?" I can assure you that yes, you did. And if you come back in a few days, I'll show you my new quilting toys that are kind of the adult version of a spirograph.

6 comments:

  1. I wonder if a Pilot Super Color Extra Fine would fit in the Spirograph? They come in silver and gold, and look awesome on black paper. Obviously, I send too much time in the pen aisle at Staples!
    Now I want a Spirograph, too.

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  2. I've always wanted a Spirograph.I almost bought one for my daughter once but she didn't want one. Hmm, maybe my grandson would like it?!

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  3. Oh yes...I had one when I was little too. So did my kids. Kinda fun!
    Who can walk out of Michael's with one thing?
    xo Kris

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  4. I picked up a special Anniversary Spirograph on a whim at the airport, thinking I would play with it on the 10 hour flight. I never did, but did play with it once I got home. I have fond memories of Spirograph and Lite Brite but my daughter never enjoyed either one. What is it with kids these days? Maybe I'm just easily amused. ;-)

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  5. Love this post. The drawings are so great to look at. Don't give up on the idea of using black paper. It will look amazing.

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  6. Someone bought one of these for one of my daughters last year! I played with it waaaayy more than she did, but they unfortunately lost most of the pieces. =( It was harder to make it perfect than I remembered from my childhood version too. I love the additional lines and details you added to your designs!

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