Learning the Craft of Engraving

When guests notice that I label my pantry, utensil drawers, and even my laundry room, I kind of get an odd look – like I must be wound a little too tight or like I’m simply ridiculous.  My husband thinks I’m over the top (like crazy). But hey, I’ve been super organized forever, and I’m not offended by their comments.  They’re just jealous!

I find that people tend to trust and respect signs and anything in print.  What’s interesting to me is that they actually consider it the law of the land.  A few years ago, I put a sign in the bathroom asking guests to please put down the toilet seat when done.  Not only did everyone routinely abide by the sign, but when they followed someone in the bathroom who didn’t put down the seat, they actually corrected the problem or mentioned it to the culprit!  Yes!  It worked!

I’ve purchased every conceivable type of label maker on the market, and I get excited at every opportunity to label something.  My daughter Nicole also loves to label everything and her labels are often hand printed pieces of artwork!  The acorn doesn’t fall far from the tree.

So when my friend Martin Eastburn offered to teach me how to use his father’s antique engraving machine last weekend, I was over the moon. I couldn’t believe he would let me use his family heirloom! Like a little kid, I kept asking him when I could use his engraver.

During the final hours of my stay, I watched Martin set up the engraving machine to make my luggage tags (doesn’t everyone need personalized, engraved luggage tags)? I flashed back on Gutenberg setting type for his printing press back in the 1400’s.  I collected each letter and number stencil that I needed and carefully placed it in the machine. We selected the bit and practiced on a scrap piece of plastic. 

When I finally engraved my name and phone number on my tags, I felt a sense of accomplishment.  It wasn’t a computerized machine, so I really engraved it myself – just like Gutenberg did back in the day.  Of course, now I NEED an engraver! 

Guess what’s on my Christmas list this year?