I could say Today’s Random Projects Other Than the Computer because that’s what I did all morning–always trying to catch up and clear the desk.

This is part of clearing the desk. I am working on a weaving article and this is one set of samples that I need to mail. I needed another photo so that I can see the sample numbers as I review what I write.

This afternoon I decided to catch up with a project that’s been hanging over my head and I want to have done before upcoming sales–Pleasants Valley Open Farm Days just north of Vacaville and Lambtown in Dixon. I have been avoiding dealing with skulls. One of these days I could share photos of the whole process, but that might turn some people away–at least the first couple of stages.

These skulls don’t look too bad, but they still aren’t ready to present for sale. The one on the left is the best, but I had already worked on that one. Now was time for them to all go in a pot to simmer in a solution that will help remove tissue that I couldn’t get off. I had been avoiding this because this solution is caustic and I don’t want to risk leaving them too long. I know that if I go away and do something else, even with a timer set, I’ll miss it. So I decided that I could do two projects at once in the garage where I was going to set up this pot.

While I was waiting for the pot to heat up I prepared bandanas for ice dyeing.

When the pot was ready I put a few skulls in and set the timer for five minutes. That’s not really very long to get much else done, but I worked a little more on the bandanas.

After five minutes I took those skulls out and put others in, setting the timer again. At that point all I could do is work on the skulls–cleaning with a small bristly brush and rinsing them thoroughly. Those skulls will be in the sun tomorrow and then will be ready for the horns to go back on.

After the skulls were finished I could apply the dye in the ice-covered bins. No quick turn-around on those. I have to wait 24 hours before peeking!

This evening I sorted the buttons that I finished yesterday. They are on cards now, but not attached. That will be a project for tomorrow.