Procrastination 101

1. Have something on your do-list that is stressful and/or challenging with a pressing due date.

2. Tell yourself you have plenty of time to play with your hobby for a bit before doing #1.

the produce of procrastination

The right tools with the right material makes all the difference. Frankly, I think I am far too excited about discovering my magical combo to not be considered rather nerdy. Two of these fronds were carved in Firm Kut, and the other two with Tan Z. All were carved with the same tools. Two were rather clunky but doable. Two carved like a summer breeze - I actually felt ... wait for it ... enjoyment? joy? pleasure? Yes, yes all of the above!

OK, so I am being snarky. I guess that happens when you are procrastinating. Let's see what sounds like more fun ... carving vs. two chapters in Physiology of Behavior (Carlson & Birkett, 2017) followed by writing a short essay and taking a quiz. Yep, carving it was! But all snark aside, I was able to get far more detail - i.e., finer lines - with the Tan Z than with the Firm Kut ... at least with the tools I am using. The ease of carving could also be due to more time carving, as well as getting used to the new tools (including holding them differently than the Staedtler tools). In all fairness, both materials are more than adequate for carving anything. At this point, it is just a matter of personal preference and the combination of material and tools. 

(And can I just say how thankful I am that Webfoot was willing to take on the challenge to develop a replacement for PZ Kut? I am so grateful to have these great choices available!)

the two on the right were carved with Tan Z, 
using Pfeil #12 v-tool for detail work and Flexcut 1.5mm u-gouge

You're right - carving ferns is pretty forgiving. But I am just gonna live off the high of stamp-carving success for a few more minutes before dragging my attention back to the function and structure of the nervous system.

Carlson & Birkett, 2017