I’m the tool mom, I love to work with tools. Drills, saws, screwdrivers, hammers, it’s a good feeling to build something, to create.
I’ve always loved to sew and do crafts even at a very young age. My very first sewing project (that didn’t involve stapling fabric to make doll clothes) was an infant’s night gown that my mother helped me with so that I could earn a badge in Brownies. It was very exciting to make something, to create.
I remember thinking that if I could follow a pattern and make a piece of clothing it would be no different than following blueprints and building a house. I haven’t gotten that far yet, but still believe it.
Shortly after I started making drapes, I was asked to make a cornice board. I can’t tell you how good it felt to build a box. You’d think that I built the Taj Mahal. Of course I am not a finished carpenter, but if I can pad it and cover it, I can build it and display it.
My kids thought that I was such a cool mom because I wanted a cordless circular saw and a rolling toolbox for my birthday one year. Hey you can’t beat cordless tools and they are becoming more and more lightweight yet very powerful for ease of use. The new lithium battery powered tools are awesome. My dad gave me a great gift many years ago and I still treasure it today. He gave me a suede tool pouch and he put a measuring tape in one pocket and a bottle of perfume in the other. Every time I wear it I think of my dad. Love you dad.
All these memories were sparked by an incident that happened just yesterday. I was at a lovely elderly lady’s home installing draperies and valances and she sat and watched me as I worked.
This is an inverted box pleated valance that was hung 10″ above the window to give the illusion that the window was much taller.
We chatted as I worked and she could not get over how handy I was and wanted to know my history. How did I learn my craft? Then out of the blue she asked me to look at her coffee maker because it was giving her trouble. It was jammed and perhaps I could fix it for her. It’s funny how people perceive you to be and really you should embrace their thoughts. Believe me I am not a small appliance repair person, but it felt good that someone thought that I might be.
One thing I know for sure is that I’m the tool mom and it feels good to create.
by Susan Dorbeck
This was a great post to read Susan. You shared a bit of your “inspiration” in a sense, and got me reflecting on whether I’m a tool mom or a perfume mom…I do carry tools of my trade around in my car – and when I show up on job sites I’m pretty popular because I often have what the rest of the crew needs. Great post that I could identify with. I can’t wait for more of your story!
Dear Susan… did you fix the coffeemaker?
I too love tools and have astounded a few folks. It takes me back to the saying… if you only have a hammer, everything looks like a nail. Or as my Dad always put it… the right tool for the right job and let the tool do the work.
Nice job on the Valance! Betsy had made a similar suggestion to me for my living room. Amazing how it makes a room taller.
You always have something interesting to share. Thanks.
Susan,
I’m not much of a word-worker, usually, but I was for a couple days when I returned from the skate. I decided to take a few days of solitude to collect my thoughts about everything that had happened.
During those days of solitude, I realized that my mind is completely incapable of total shutdown. I had to do something… anything to keep my mind occupied. Long story short, I ended up building a frame for the flag I carried all the way across the country. The flag was huge (3’x5′), and I was quite certain I wouldn’t be able to find a frame that would fit it.
The flag was the physical symbol of the most important journey of my life, and I felt the need to somehow preserve and display it. I needed to do it justice, so to speak. There’s something special about making something with your own hands and imagination. It’s like you connect with a special part of living that you can’t reach through anything else. I didn’t strive to make the frame extremely fancy. It is very practical with just what it needed and nothing more. It turned out quite nice, and I’m going to show you a picture during the mastermind meeting on Thursday.
Thanks for sharing!
– Austin “The Freedom Skater” Szelkowski
It does feel good to create…and sometimes it feels good to de-create too. I helped a friend rip out old molding and flooring today to make way for new carpet and tile this week. Hammers, crowbars, loud noises…why should guys get all the fun? : D
Great post Susan! You are a WORD MOM also! I love tools too…right tool for the right job is so true… Doing sculpture of any kind using repurposed items absolutely requires being able to cut, shape, clip and mold one shape into another!
Hi Susan,your mom sent me your blog and i think it’s absolutely wonderful.You are so talented.I also loved the part about your dad’s gift,that was so special,brought a tear to my eye,your mom’s too I bet.Keep up the good work Tool Mom,best wishes in all your endeavours,Gael F