WLKK - 1077 The Lake

The Lake Hobby Page

How do you occupy your spare time? Hobbies are a great way for you to have fun, relieve stress, be creative, engage in learning, enhance and awaken your senses to more fully appreciate life and relieve isolation and connect to a larger community. If you’re looking for a hobby, our friends at Niagara Hobby have compiled a detailed list of hobbies they can help you with. For more information on any of the hobbies listed below, visit Niagara Hobby at the corner of Union Rd and Walden Ave. in Cheektowaga or at www.niagarahobby.com.

Train Sets

A train set is often the way to go to get started, but before you buy, there are a few things you should know. Consider the following:

Who's it for? An adult will have different needs than a child
Space: how much room is there to run trains, and more important, would a permanent layout be in order? Or a temporary layout that can be stored? Or no layout at all?
Consider also the personality. Is this someone who would prefer more realism or more play?
Expense: how much do you want to spend?
Ability: can the intended user assemble track, do the wiring, etc.? Consider this before you start!
Quality: you get what you pay for.

Most people buy trains to run. A few buy as an investment or collectible. Older trains by certain manufacturers are considered "collectible" and command a very high price today. Others that are just as old are virtually worthless. It's all in the whims of the collector market.

If you're new to this, you might be surprised that even the boxes trains came in are considered collectible! Even more amazing, some items gain in value only a short time after their production run is over. Others remain the same. Today, many buyers are collecting as an investment. They hope that certain trains will accrue greater value as time goes on. In effect, trains become collectible long before they are antique.

For the person who only wants to run trains, it can be vexing to vie with collectors. Some items that you might want could be snapped up before you've set aside enough cash. Collectors are speculating that they will have greater future value. But realistically - will they? If too many people buy an item as an investment, it is no longer rare. Its value might diminish in time. When so many are collecting and investing, rarity decreases and so does future value.

So why collect? Perhaps because there's something we like and we want to have more of it, in all its many variations.

Die Cast Race Cars

For many racing enthusiast, collecting die cast race cars is the perfect way to extend their knowledge of racing and enjoy racing in a whole new way. Real die cast race cars should never be confused with toys - these small marvels of engineering are near-perfect replicas of racing cars, complete with working parts, opened hoods, exact color schemes, and detailed cockpits. These die cast race cars come in many sizes, ranging from 1:64 to 1:18 scale. The fact that die cast race cars have such a scale shows how precisely these cars are reproduced. Collectors enjoy the high quality and accuracy of their favorite die cast race cars and the fact that these cars are so detail-rich makes them valuable and collectible. Die cast race cars are created to last a lifetime, and they often grow in value.

Madame Alexander

No matter what your child's fantasy, dreams or interests, you'll be able to find a Madame Alexander doll that brings them to life.

Consider what the child is interested in. Does she love fairy tales, make-believe, classic literature, history, a certain occupation, babies, movies, comics, mementos of special occasions?
Notice that Madame Alexander dolls are designed to bring books, fantasies, plays, occupations, movies, comics, fairy tales and historical figures to life.
Look for a doll that represents a favorite book, movie or fairy tale. For example, there are Wizard of Oz dolls, a Betty Boop doll, a Queen Elizabeth doll, Lucille Ball dolls, Little Women dolls and so on.
Know that only selected dolls are manufactured each year.
Realize that Madame Alexander also makes dolls to commemorate special occasions in a girl's life, such as birthdays, communions, losing a tooth, weddings and holidays.
Understand that there are also a complete line of holiday dolls.
Talk with dealers and collectors to learn what the most popular dolls are.
Look at the water globe dolls, pins and music boxes Madame Alexander creates for some other gift ideas.

Model Rockets

Studying, building and launching model rockets link hobbyists to the beginnings of the Space Age. As an enthusiast gains experience, he or she can use solid-state microchip computer-readable modules to measure temperature, pressure, acceleration and air speed during flights to hundreds or thousands of feet above ground.

Be aware that model rocketry - reaching for space with a rocket - is based on the simplest laws of physics. The hobby is within nearly everyone's reach.
Start simple. A basic kit, including a model rocket with an inexpensive, single-use motor, will give you a chance o learn the fundamentals of the hobby.
Choose a basic "three-fins-and-a-nose-cone" unit and practice launches before moving on to replicas of actual rockets.
Look for a starter set including a rocket, launch pad, electrical launch controller, recovery wadding, several model rocket motors, igniters and instructions.
Expect to spend about $15 for a ready-to-fly rocket set and around $120 for a rocket kit that requires some assembly.
Attend several launches by experienced hobbyists and offer to help. You'll become familiar with the safety procedures.
Stick with suitable construction material even as your rocketry skills grow sufficiently to allow you to build your own rockets.
Use a suitable recovery system. Your model rocket is valuable to you, and you don't want it falling uncontrolled to damage property.

Tips:

Harry Stine - who actually worked as a rocket scientist - and Vern Estes are considered the "Fathers of Model Rocketry." Estes Industries continues to manufacture model rocket kits.
Model rocket motors are identified by letter classes to indicate power capabilities. The series runs from "A" to "G," with a "B" motor being twice as powerful as an "A" and a "C" model twice as powerful as a "B." The power increases in that fashion from a base of "1/4A" to "G."
Use a dusting of talcum powder on recovery parachutes to facilitate opening.

Erector Sets

For the kid who has graduated from Legos, an erector set makes good sense. The first set was patented in 1901. Since then, kits ranging from cars to carousels have been released.

Consider an erector set for the curious child. Those who enjoy building things will spend hours creating different configurations with one of these kits.
Expect to pay between $20 and $275 for most sets, depending on how fancy the kit is. Meccano is the most popular brand.
Keep in mind that the more expensive kits will contain motors and gears and are appropriate for older children who understand how to operate those items.

Slot Cars

The scale you choose depends on what you want to do with the car. Common scales are 1/24, 1/32 and HO - from largest to smallest.

Decide what you intend to do with your slot cars: race in public, race at home or race on a small toy-store set.
Race at a public track with 1/24 scale. Most public tracks use that scale, which is 1/24 the size of a real car.
Race on a home track with 1/32 scale.
Race on a smaller, child's set using the smallest scale, HO. HO sets, the most familiar kind, are sold complete with the track - usually in toy stores.

Tips:

1/24- and 1/32-scale cars are very big - the size of model cars.

Science Kits

If your idea of a science kit is a little, white, metal case containing litmus paper to dip into beakers and test tubes for mixing vinegar and baking soda (over and over), think again. Science kits have come a long way!

Consider the purpose of your gift - to feed an existing fascination or to attempt to spark a new interest?
Identify your budding Einstein's interest, if he or she has one - query teachers, parents, siblings and friends if you need to.
Identify the non-scientist's reluctance, if this is what you're up against. Does she think science isn't for girls?
Check out the amazing variety of options even if you've got a strong feeling that chemistry (or geology) is the way to go. Science kits run the gamut - from "build your own volcano" to "brew your own root beer" - with everything you can imagine (geology, weather, solar power, insects and ants) in between.

Tips:

If special effects have any appeal, look for the Slime Primer, a kit of hands-on chemistry experiments that ooze and foam to create blob-like creatures and creations worthy of Jabba the Hut.
Got a would-be fashion designer? Show him or her that science and beauty are not mutually exclusive with the Amazon Fragrances kit, which introduces noses to the exotic scents and medicinal possibilities of the jungle and then invites the hands to mix recipes as diverse as Amazon Warrior Perfume and vampire bat repellent.
Have a "but science is for boys" problem? Track down Loose in the Lab's Women in Science series (available in physical, earth, and life sciences) - from Marie Curie to Sally Ride, they (and experiments based on their work) are all here.

Dollhouse Kits

Selecting a kit based on time, budget, style, and your expertise will ensure that you end up with the dollhouse of your dreams.

Child vs. Adult
For a child, you want a dollhouse that is sturdy, attractive, and open for play. Dollhouses designed for children are less expensive and they have an exterior that is playful and appealing to children.

For an adult, you want one that looks most like a house in miniature. Things to look for are the scale of the doors, windows, and moldings and the size of the rooms. Houses designed for collectors have high ceilings and large rooms. They are often completely enclosed to keep dust out.

Budget
How much are you willing to spend in time and in money? It can be a trade-off between the two. You can buy a lower priced kit but spend more time sanding and painting in order to make it look nice. Compare kits on materials, design, and size before deciding your budget. You may want to spend a little more upfront in order to get the house you want or you may want to buy an inexpensive "starter" house to make mistakes on before you purchase the big house of your dreams.

Size
Dollhouses can range from two rooms to 20 rooms and be up to 6 feet long. Determine how much space you have before purchasing the kit. Most kits list the exterior dimensions on the outside of the box. Also measure any door openings in the room you are building the dollhouse in to make sure you can fit the dollhouse through the door after it is built! Wall-hanging kits and room box kits can be space saving options.

Style
Just as there are many styles of real size houses, there are hundreds of different style dollhouse kits. Victorian is very popular but other examples are Georgian, Tudor, Arts & Crafts, Contemporary, and Southwestern. MaterialsThe quality of the materials used will affect the cost of the kit and the amount of time you spend on it. It's fun to try the different kinds of kits out there.

Assembly Time
The larger and more complex a dollhouse is, the longer it will take to assemble. Look at the number of different walls and the number of trim pieces to paint. How much of it do you want to do yourself? There are kits available now that are pre-painted and wallpapered. But getting these kits limits your options on color choice, wallpaper choice, and electrifying. Often you can hire your local dollhouse miniatures store to do some of the work that you can't or don't like to do.

Painting

Acrylics are probably your best bet as a beginning medium for painting. Acrylics are fast drying, water soluble, and provide for easy clean-up and quick corrections. For painters used to working with oil, the fast drying properties of acrylics can tend to be a bit bothersome. But with experience, acrylics can be worked to create the appearance of an oil or watercolor; so in essence, you could try at least two styles (i.e. watercolor & acrylic) with the same product.
Another advantage with acrylics is the price. Although top end acrylics can be more expensive, excellent quality acrylics, such as Maimeri Brera Acrylics or Daler-Rowney Cryla Acrylics, can still be purchased for a very reasonable price.
We've put together a few sets so that you can experiment with any of the mediums without tremendous outlay. We put together the best products for the best price. Along with the sets you might want to get together a few of the following
Grumbacher Workable Fixative Spray (to stop the pencil from smearing)

a pencil for the drawing
a couple of empty coffee cans or jars for water and washing brushes
an old white dish to use as a palette (you can buy palette pads if you like)
old rags to wipe up

With the suggested sets you should be well prepared to venture forth into the world of painting.
Enjoy your journey into the land of painting. If you need any additional information, please do not hesitate to contact us here at Rex with your questions. We are always glad to help a beginning artist, as well as a time weathered veteran. Happy painting!

Beadwork

Perhaps you are a crafter in another medium but find yourself inexplicably attracted to beads and want to start beading. Maybe you've never held a needle before but want to get started now. Keep reading for all the tips and ideas to get you rolling, just like a beading pro!
Here's How:

Decide which size/type of bead you'd like to work with - Czech or Japanese 11/0 beads and Japanese Delica beads are excellent choices for a new beader. Remember - the larger the bead size number, the smaller the bead! Try not to start with anything smaller than an 11/0, in order to avoid frustration.
Choose a needle to work with. Charlene of 5Z's carries some wonderful Miyuki brand beading needle. Some beaders swear by Pony Brand needles, other prefer John James brand. I like al of these types, as well as some various "plain wrap" beading needles I've found. Do steer clear of the "collapsible eye" twisted wire needles - they are difficult to work with. Remember that beading needle sizes roughly correlate to bead sizes - a Size 10 or 11 needle will work well with 11/0 beads.
Choose a thread to work with. I am a devoted Nymo beader, but I have grown to absolutely love the C-Lon thread from Caravan Beads. Some beaders swear by Silamide, but I find that it tends to unravel when it gets wet, so I avoid it. Avoid sewing thread, dental floss, monofilament thread and embroidery thread (even silk) as these fibers are not made for beading and have a tendency to break, fray and eventually rot.
Decide on a stitch to learn. Almost every beader I know has begun with either Brick Stitch or Peyote Stitch. Flat, even count Peyote may be the most used stitch there is. There are many patterns available in this stitch.
Pick a pattern. For a very first project, stick to something simple and fast - getting a project completed is a great way to give you some positive reinforcement! Keep color choices simple and fairly far apart on the color wheel - that makes it easier to complete the pattern.
Get the beads you'll need for this project. Many patterns come with a color legend that will tell you which bead color numbers you'll need. If your pattern doesn't come with a legend, then just choose colors as close to the pattern as you can or else make your own color choices.
Arrange your workspace. A piece of Vellux blanket is an excellent beading surface. Pour your beads into small, manageable piles on the Vellux and place your pattern in an easy to access spot. Make sure you have good lighting.
Thread your needle and prepare it with beeswax if you like to work with prepared thread. I do, and give my thread a light coat of wax before I begin a project.
Begin your project with a basic "stop" bead at the end of your thread. Place a bead on the thread and then loop back through it to secure the end of the thread and help keep your beads from falling off.
Begin working your pattern. That's all there is to it!

Tips:

Make sure you have enough beads and thread of the same color to complete the project. Nothing is worse than running out of a bead color halfway through!
Work with a comfortable thread length and wax your thread lightly to keep it from tangling.
Lighting may be a beader’s best friend, especially if that beader is "of a certain age".
Keep a couple of spare needles around, just in case.
Make sure your pattern is readable. I like to make a copy of mine and keep it in a page protector, that way, if I want to mark my rows as I go, my original pattern is still in good condition.

What You Need:

A beadwork pattern in the stitch of choice.
Beads for the design in the colors called for and in the size required.
Beading needles in the proper size for the beads.
Thread and thread conditioner of choice.
Workspace and good lighting. Natural light is a great choice.
Keep some scissors handy.
You might want to print a basic tutorial on the stitch you're using.