Collecting Little Things

I have been sewing prototype pockets for the kit car being made by Uncle Ed. It is the same one that Josh is making – the 818s. Ed is further along than Josh – retirement has its advantages – and is ready for some storage in the form of a side pocket for the car doors. Details are not necessary, but I plan to make another one today, slightly different, before going down to the Valley to visit him and Auntie Am tomorrow. I’ll maybe post something about the pocketses later.

All this has been a good break from my very unhappy watercolor painting of rocks. Frustration deserves a diversion from the frustrating thingies, so sewing was good. As well, I am really beginning to sort out stuff to take on our voyage, and one thing I am determined to bring is as little as possible, but plenty to keep me from wanting to scream with boredom and nothing to do with my hands. This means setting up a small watercolor kit with pan paints, brush(es), smallish watercolor sketchbook, and ink.

I finally decided on this small half-pan set from Schmincke – it includes a small travel brush, colors I am likely to use, and to which I could add more if I want, I think. I like Schmincke’s pan paints a lot as they are designed specifically for being in a pan, and this way, too, I don’t need to bring tubes with me. I will keep them wrapped up until I begin my voyage – no idea what crazy laws might prevent me from bringing them along.

Awhile ago I ordered these Etchr watercolor sketchbooks, and currently am using the largest for my adventures. I like these a lot, and so I am bringing the middle-sized one along with me. The paper handles both ink and watery colors well, is about 5×8 inches (A5?), and can easily be brought along.

A good mechanical pencil with extra lead is also a requirement, along with a kneaded eraser, some Pitt or Micron pens with permanent ink, a collapsible water cup, and plastic eye dropper or two for wetting the paints. I will most likely stuff them all in a large waterproof zip baggie or something like that, as should anything leak, some things may be spared. I expect I will be doing inked sketches with watercolor, like below, during the trip.

These kinds of sketches are easy enough to do, nothing to get too frustrated about, and bring back memories – as well as give my little hands something to avoid the devil’s attraction.

Packing for a trip is not easy for me – I am always worried about boredom, a lack of clean underwear, sweaty-smelling clothing, uncomfortable shoes. This trip is a real challenge for me as I am trying to be minimalist, yet still have enough for comfort, both mental and physical. Choosing what to bring is not easy – and trying to keep things small and convenient and useful and practical all at once is a huge challenge! I am collecting little things, bit by bit, surrendering to the need for saving space and weight, and rather enjoying the challenge.