Interests and Hobbies

UPDATE: SEPTEMBER 2006

    I've recently taken up knitting and crocheting.  I love it!  As usual, when I start a new hobby, I make a huge investment in tools and materials.  I've found that e-bay is a great source for tools (I am very careful about bidding because I don't get caught up in the process.)  So far, I've mainly been making scarves and hats, but I plan to expand very soon.  Knitting and crocheting are especially appealing to me, because of I am a visual/tactile learner.  On the negative side, it's hard for me to purchase yarn through the Internet, because I can't touch it.  What a bummer to buy yarn I can't use because of the way it feels!

   I'm still making lots of jewelry.  I haven't done much sewing.  Since I moved into my new home in Plattsburgh, hooray, my sewing machine, cutting table, and cabinets are in the basement.  It's not a terrible place to work, but it doesn't get any natural light and feels "close."  My painting supplies and easel is down there, too, so I haven't painted much either. 

   However, I did a lot of gardening this summer, and I am reaping the rewards of my hard work. I'll post some photos of my gardens soon.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

READING

    My primary interest is, of course, reading.  I love all kinds of books, and in my home libraries I have probably 2,000 books.  I use the plural "libraries" because every room in my home, except the kitchen, has book shelves.  I have an equal number of books in my office and campus classroom; those shelves house my children's and young adult literature collection, as well as trade books and teacher instructional books.

    I love all types of books and literature.  I am especially fond of fantasy and biographies.  On of my favorite fantasy reads is the prequel The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings trilogy - I've read those four books at least 5 times.  I was so excited when I found out that the trilogy was being made into a movie trilogy.  The first movie certainly didn't disappoint.  In the biography category, I especially enjoy biographies (and autobiographies) of authors and artists.  

SEWING & QUILTING

      I've been a sewer since I took a Home Economics class in high school.  I started quilting about 15 years ago.  I enjoy making my own clothes and doing craft and home decoration sewing.  I have both a computerized sewing machine and serger.  

NEEDLEWORK

     I took up needlework about 30+ years ago, and I am self-taught.  I have produced numerous pieces of needlework of all sizes and uses.  I do all sorts of needlework, except counted cross stitch.  My favorite types of needlework are needlepoint and candlewicking embroidery.  When I do sit down to watch television, I always have some needlework handy.  As with my books, there are bags with needlework projects in almost every room of the house.

GARDENING

     I've greatly enjoyed taking up gardening since I moved to this area four years ago (in August, 1998).  I was born in New Orleans, and lived in the deep South most of my life, so I had to adjust to the different climate in many ways.  I quickly learned that I don't try to put in bedding plants until June!!  I have lots of big plans for landscaping my yard.  My primary goal is to have a beautiful landscape that provides a sanctuary for wildlife, but still provides a view of the beautiful Au Sable River.

PAINTING 

    One of the terrific benefits I have as a faculty member is that I can take one class per semester at no cost!! What a delight for someone who loves school.  I took advantage of this benefit to explore my interest in art.

    In the Spring, 1999 semester, I took my first drawing class.  I loved it and I was hooked.  I took another drawing class and three painting classes.  In two of the classes, I worked with oils and in one, I learned about watercolor painting.  Right now, I prefer oils, and my least favorite painting medium is acrylic paints.  I like to work on medium to large size canvas, and may do a very large or giant painting one day.  I prefer to paint inside from sketches or from photographs, and I primarily paint landscapes and other nature scenes.  I have a couple of my paintings in my office, so stop by and see them!  

    I try to do some drawing and sketching every day, even if it is just making lines.  I like to draw and sketch with woodless pencils.  Recently, I bought some pencils called AquaTone, and I have enjoyed playing with these pencils.  They are beautiful colors and can be use dry or wet.  

BEADING

    This year (2004), I have rediscovered my love of beadwork.  I enjoyed making beaded jewelry back in my. . .hmmm, "hippie" days.  Perhaps I am regressing, because I have started making jewelry again.  I'm sure it has something to do with the fact that beading and jewelry making has become so popular, and there are so many beads and supplies available, both locally and on the internet.  I think that I am not supposed to recommend commercial sites on my faculty web site, so I won't.  However, type in the words "beads" or "bead or jewelry making supplies" and you will find lots of sites.

    I've never been a "diamonds are a girl's best friend" kind of woman.  I prefer semi-precious stones, such as lapis and tiger-eye.  One of the best features of making beaded jewelry is that I get instant gratification.  A bracelet or short necklace can be made in a hour or so, start to finish.  It is nice to have a completed item in that amount of time, because often, that is all the time I may have to spend on a hobby!  Of course, since I am a visual/tactile person, I love looking at and playing with the beads.  That pleasure only goes so far, however.  I recently had what I call the potato-chip-bag-explosion type of event with an film canister full of light colored seed beads.  Some even landed in my hair!!!  I've had a lot of fun taking apart old or broken necklaces and earrings and using the recycled beads to create new and improved jewelry.  

     If you want to try your hand at jewelry making, I suggest you buy a kit.  There a many wonderful, and relatively inexpensive kits on the market.  If you find that you don't like it, you won't have invested a lot of money in beads and tools that you won't ever use.

      I plan to branch out soon, and try my hand (and creativity) at beaded home decor items, such as lamp shades.  I'll get a couple of lamps at the thrift shop for practice.  I'll post my results here.  And watch for photos of me wearing some of my jewelry, too.

MISCELLANEOUS

    I enjoy doing various crafts.  I also like to make soft toys (such as stuffed animals) for children.  

   I participate in indoor exercise.  I have a reclining stationery bike and an Air Glider.  I have never been very fond of outdoor activity, perhaps because I disliked the climate in the South!  I hope to take up cross country skiing this winter.

    I have recently gotten interested in making music.  I love listening to all kinds of music and I have an extensive CD collection.  I love most kinds of music, but I do not like heavy metal or rap enough to buy any CD's of that sort of music.  Recently, I purchased some African and Native American drums on E-Bay - my first foray on E-Bay.  I have a flute, and perhaps soon I will take lessons. 

    I enjoy going to Montreal and Burlington.  So far, my favorite city in this area is Quebec City.  I've been there twice, and hope to go again soon.  I am also very interested in traveling in other areas in Quebec Province, Nova Scotia, P. E. I., and Newfoundland. 

This page last modified on 09/13/06.

This site is maintained by Peggy L. Snowden, Ph.D. 

For further information, contact her at peggy.snowden@plattsburgh.edu.