Showing posts with label Product Reviews. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Product Reviews. Show all posts

Friday, June 13, 2025

Lap Desk or Serving Tray with Detachable Cushion Reviewed

Lap Desk or Serving Tray with Detachable Cushion
I prefer the comfort of my recliner to the straight back chairs at our dining tables or counter top, but I need a flat surface table top for paperwork and my smaller craft projects.  

Several years ago, I purchased a long, flat finished board that lays across the arms of my recliner to create a table top.  Unfortunately, it has no sides which limits its uses.  I recently went in search of a lap desk with sides and came across a serving tray that offers exactly what I need for paying bills, processing paperwork, and working on my small craft projects.  It even has an indention to keep a cup from sliding around on the table.  I use that recessed indentation in the top for holding pins and beads when crafting & my coffee cup when working on my paperwork.  It has proven to be perfect for my needs.

The lap tray I selected has a detachable cushion on the bottom of the tray which takes the full weight off my legs and serves to raise the height of the tray to a better position for writing.

 

Bamboo Lap Tray with Detachable Cushion

 Pickmesh Bamboo Lap Tray with Detachable Cushion Wood Bed Serving Tray - 16.9 x 13 Inch Wood Lap DeskCheck PriceI have several trays throughout my home, but none have been suitable for my lap writing desk needs until I found this lap tray with a cushion.  I hadn't previously considered how a cushion under the tray could make such a big difference.  The fabric on the cushion keeps the smooth tray from sliding around, plus it lifts the tray high enough to work on. 

The side handles allow me to easily pick up and carry the tray without disturbing whatever is laying on it.  Since it is so lightweight, I can grab the handles and stand straight up from a sitting position without straining under the weight to maintain balance.  

At 16.9 inches wide, it sits perfectly on my lap between the arms of my recliner.  Plus, the raised edges keep pens, craft supplies, silverware, plates, etc. from sliding off the tray.

I don't personally use it for "breakfast in bed", but I can see how it would be ideal for that use too.  Just as the cushion's fabric keeps the tray in place on my lap, I am sure it would keep the tray in place on top of sheets or bedspreads.

The cushion cover does have a zipper and the cover can be hand-washed.  I have not needed to wash my cover yet, but it is nice to know that I can when needed.

Of course, the cushion can be removed so the tray can be used for serving, if desired.  When we have company, I like being able to carry coffee and desserts to our guests without making several trips back and forth to the kitchen.  

 


 



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House of Sylvestermouse




Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN), Esty (Awin), and/or Zazzle Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”


Tuesday, June 10, 2025

Premier Protein Drink Review

 Do you consume enough protein in your diet? I know that I don't get enough throughout the day. I use Premier Protein Drink as a supplement.

Premier Protein Drink Review

How Much Protein Should You Have Per Day?

The amount of protein depends on your activity and body weight. 

Below is what I found from the Mayo Clinic Health System

If you're an average adult.
The recommended dietary allowance to prevent deficiency for an average sedentary adult is 0.8 grams per kilogram of body weight. For example, a person who weighs 165 pounds, or 75 kilograms, should consume 60 grams of protein per day.

The Healthiest Protein Options Include:

  • Egg Whites
  • Fish and seafood
  • Lean meats (skinless, white-meat chicken or turkey)
  • Low-fat dairy
  • Soy, nuts, seeds, beans, and lentils
According to the Mayo Clinic Health System, you should always try to meet your daily requirements with these whole foods instead of supplements.

After checking with my doctor and getting his okay to use a protein supplement, we found Premier Protein Drink at our local grocery store.

Premier Protein drinks come in a variety of flavors like Chocolate, Vanilla, Caramel, Cookies & Cream, and other limited edition flavors. Each bottle is compact, easy to carry, and requires no refrigeration until it is opened.

Here are the Nutritional Stats:

  • 30g of protein per serving
  • Only 160 calories
  • Just 1g of sugar
  • Low fat
  • Includes 24 vitamins and minerals
I don't use these to replace a meal, I drink 3 or 4 per week after a light lunch.

If you want to use a protein supplement, the Mayo Clinic recommends:

  • 2 grams or less of saturated fat
  • 5 grams of sugar or less
  • 200 or fewer calories
  • No trans fat or partially hydrogenated oils
The Premier Protein Drinks checks all of the above boxes.

Unlike other protein drinks that can taste chalky or artificial, I like the smooth and creamy taste of Premier Protein. I have tried several different flavors, but I always go back to my favorite, chocolate.

Always check with your doctor before using a protein supplement to ensure it's right for you.

For more Product Reviews, click here: ReviewThisProductReviews.com

You can find a large selection on Amazon if you can't find Premier Protein Drinks in your local grocery store.


Premier Protein High Protein Shakes Variety Sampler Pack Vanilla 11 Fl. Oz Each (18pk)Premier Protein High Protein Shakes Variety Sampler Pack Vanilla 11 Fl. Oz Each (18pk)Check the Price

 




Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN), Esty (Awin), and/or Zazzle Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”


Thursday, June 5, 2025

Gel Press Plate Review

The Gel Press is a gel like plate. It is approximately 1/2 inch thick and comes in various sizes. I purchased an 8 by 10 inch one. It is used to make art prints.

The common use is to brayer on acrylic paint, and then you can press your paper onto the paint which then transfers the paint to the paper, making a print. A brayer is a roller that you can use to roll the paint onto the gel plate.

There are various techniques one can use to make a variety of transfer images. One can partially cover an area on the Gel Press, which is called a mask. Then the person add paint and then lift the mask before pressing the receiving paper onto the paint, which will then leave an area where no paint was transferred.

One could also press other objects into the wet paint on the Gel Press, and then lift them off before making the print. This will provide a textured look of whatever object or objects were placed into the wet paint.

Another option is to use stencils that one can lay on the Gel Press, before they brayer on the paint on the Gel Press. Then the person lifts the stencil, providing a painting that is now in the shape of the stencil.

One can also paint a textured look of an object onto the Gel Press, and let that dry. Then they can paint a new layer of paint over the dried paint. Then they can press the receiving paper onto the two layered painting that is on the Gel Press. Doing this method requires the artist to give the pressing process a longer wait time before lifting the receiving paper, to allow the dry paint to be received into the wet paint, and then both layers of paint can show up on the receiving paper. Many people also do more than two layers.

This is a section of a print that I made by pressing stones into the wet paint on the painted Gel Press. The paint was still wet, so I could go ahead and press my receiving paper onto the painting.


art work

As you can see, there can be many types of scenarios in these printing creations.

When I first got my Gel Press, I was hesitant to try much of anything. I didn't want to ruin the Gel Press. But in actuality, it is quite durable.

I have watched numerous YouTube videos on using gel plates, and many like leaving old paint on their gel plates, giving their next creation more of a grunge look. Others wipe off the dried paint with water, and or baby wipes.

One tip is to store the Gel Press in it's package, in an upright position. The key is not to let something lay on it and press an indention into it, as that can show up in future prints. Another tip is to make the layers of paint, thin. If the paint is too thick, the print doesn't peel off the Gel Press as well. And yes, it is a peeling action, that was something I had to get accustomed to.

Overall, I love my Gel Press. I have used it a variety of times to make background designs in a variety of the scrapbook papers I have designed. There are still other techniques I want to try out, including painting on it with a paint brush, and then adding another background layer to it. If you are interested in scrapbook paper, check out the link below the Gel Press link.


gel press

Gel Press Plate on Amazon. Check for price.


Find scrapbook paper in paperbacks, by Cheryl Paton, on my blog: https://artonproducts.blogspot.com/2024/03/cheryl-paton-scrapbook-paper.html

Check out another way that I am learning to make prints using a Speedball Carver, on this blog. https://www.reviewthisreviews.com/2025/05/speedball-carver-review.html

Cheryl Paton



Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN), Esty (Awin), and/or Zazzle Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”


Wednesday, June 4, 2025

Marble Patterned Self-Adhesive Vinyl Quickly Elevates Product Photos

If you're a content creator, beauty blogger, or small business owner, you know how important beautiful visuals are on social media. A clean, elegant backdrop can make your products look more polished and professional—but that doesn’t mean you need to invest in pricey marble slabs, expensive portable flat lay backdrop systems or custom studio setups.

Instead, I use marble-patterned self-adhesive vinyl over large foam boards to create easy, affordable, and incredibly photogenic backdrops. It's an elegant and budget-friendly way to get that high-end marble look, and it's a quick and easy DIY project.

Since our house is old and our bathrooms are dated, I can replicate the look of a marble countertop and backsplash inexpensively for my skincare and beauty product photos for social media.

DIY Marble Photography Backdrops for Elegant Product Photos

Why Marble Patterned Vinyl Is a Game-Changer for Flat Lays and Product Photos

A marble pattern adds a soft, clean, and sophisticated feel to photos without overwhelming the subject. Whether I’m shooting a serum bottle, a compact, or a jar of collagen peptides, the subtle veining of marble vinyl gives just enough visual interest while keeping the focus where it belongs: on the product.

Plus, unlike fabric backdrops or poster board, vinyl is durable, easy to clean, and reusable—perfect for skincare or beauty photography where spills or smudges can happen.

Faux marble photography backdrop with food products

How I Use DIY Faux Marble Backdrops to Elevate My Product Photography

I use my marble patterned self-adhesive vinyl to cover foam board panels. Here’s why that works so well:

  • Lightweight & Portable – I can move them around for the best natural light.
  • Versatile – One board can be used flat for a flat lay or propped up for a clean vertical background.
  • Reversible – Cover each side with a different pattern to maximize options in minimal space.

Some brands have a grid-lined backing that makes it easy to measure and cut the vinyl to size. It’s repositionable during application, which helps prevent air bubbles or misalignment. Once it’s smoothed out, the finish looks seamless on camera.

Covering foam boards with marble-patterned self-stick vinyl isn't difficult and the resulting backdrops are lightweight and easy to store. They can be used individually as flat lays or in pairs to simulate a countertop and backsplash or similar background. And they give my product photos of skincare and beauty products for social media a more elegant, upscale look.

Other Creative Uses

This type of marble-patterned vinyl isn’t just for photography. It’s also great for:

  • Giving countertops or tabletops a refresh
  • Lining shelves or drawers
  • Creating DIY wall panels or art
  • Covering old furniture for a stylish upgrade

Basically, any flat, smooth surface is fair game.

Skincare products against white and gold faux marble photography backdrop

My Favorite Marble Self-Stick Vinyl Rolls

There are many marble-patterned self-adhesive vinyl options out there, but my favorites have the following characteristics:

  • Realistic Look: I prefer a marble pattern with subtle, soft veining that looks like real marble and photographs beautifully, with no harsh lines or fake plastic shine.
  • Smooth Application: I want the adhesive backing to stay where I put it without being overly aggressive. I want it to be forgiving during setup, but once applied, stay in place with no peeling edges.
  • Durable Finish: I look for thick, good-quality, patterned self-stick vinyl that doesn’t wrinkle or bubble easily and wipes clean with a damp cloth.

My husband drove me to several large home improvement stores to look at their self-adhesive vinyl selections. Unfortunately, most of the patterns were unappealing and lacked the elegance and sophistication I was looking for.

Fortunately, Amazon has a much broader selection and I was able to find quite a few beautiful marble patterned self-stick vinyl options that met my needs.

Here are the marble-patterned vinyl rolls I chose for my backdrops. I chose patterns and colors that I thought could work well together if I wanted to mix and match them for a contrasting "countertop" and "backsplash" effect.

My favorite is probably the Cohoo Home Marble Contact Paper, which is described as white and gold but actually looks like white and rose gold to my eye. But all four of them are beautiful.

Although I chose marble patterned self-adhesive vinyl for my initial product photography backdrops, I plan to expand my collection with other patterns and colors, such as wood and possibly floral patterns. The vinyl and foam boards are inexpensive enough to let me create a variety of looks for not a lot of money.

Foam Boards

For my trial run I used 3/16"-thick 20" x 30" foam boards. When those were successful and I tested them out with some product shots, I decided to buy some larger 3/8"-thick 30" x 40" foam boards that I am hoping to be able to use as a background for my skincare and makeup tutorial videos. (The ones I found on Amazon don't say how thick they are but have good reviews.) The thicker foam board is sturdier and less prone to warping, yet still extremely lightweight.

Creating the Faux Marble Photography Backdrops

The first step is to cover the foam board with the marble patterned self-adhesive vinyl. I found that this is really best done as a two-person job, with one person slowly peeling back about one inch of the vinyl backing sheet at a time as the other person uses an 18-inch ruler to smooth down that narrow section of vinyl down onto the foam board without creating air pockets or bubbles. Peel back another inch of the backing sheet, smooth down the vinyl against the foam board, and repeat until you get to the far edge of the foam board. Use a craft knife and a straight edge to trim the edges of the vinyl flush with the edge of the foam board, if necessary. Repeat the process to cover the remaining exposed foam board, aligning the marble patterns in a visually pleasing manner.

Tip: Press and smooth the self-adhesive vinyl against the foam board very firmly. If, despite your best efforts, you discover any air pockets or small bubbles, use the tip of a fine needle to prick a tiny hole at one edge of the bubble and  smooth/press out the air to expel it through the hole.

I bought four marble patterns (let's call them A, B, C, and D) and chose to cover two foam boards identically with pattern A on one side and pattern B on the reverse side, and then covered two more foam boards with pattern C on one side and pattern D on the other side. This allows me to mix and match the marble patterns when assembling the boards at right angles to create my product photography backdrops.

My husband rigged up a stand for me, but you could just as easily use some heavy bookends (and maybe a couple of clips) to hold the vinyl-covered foam boards at right angles on a flat surface.

Final Thoughts

If you want to create high-quality content without spending a fortune on props or surfaces, making DIY photography backdrops with marble-patterned self-adhesive vinyl over foam boards is a smart, economical, and stylish solution.

Whether you're creating backdrops for skincare tutorials, websites, Instagram Reels, Stories or other social media, or for other product shots, a marble background adds a polished, editorial touch to your content.

Tip: Use natural light and experiment with shadows to highlight the marble texture. It adds beautiful depth without distracting from your product.


Marble Patterned Self-Adhesive Vinyl Quickly Elevates Product Photos by Margaret Schindel


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Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN), Esty (Awin), and/or Zazzle Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”


Monday, June 2, 2025

Reviewing Fisherman's Wool Yarn by Lion Brand

I recently had a request for a crocheted, warm blanket for camping so I dug through my stash of yarn in order to come up with a yarn and pattern idea. I found two skeins of the Fisherman's Wool by Lion Brand that I had purchased some time ago with the idea of making a warm sweater for myself. This yarn is a pleasure to work with and is creating a beautiful blanket with a super easy, and quick, stitch. I am enjoying this yarn and project so much that I may end up making a warm blanket for myself!

photo and text about Fisherman's wool yarn



Fisherman's Wool by Lion Brand

This Fisherman's Wool by Lion Brand is currently offered in 6 colors; varying shades of brown and white/oatmeal, with one "tweed" color. These colors lend themselves to rustic or cabin decor perfectly. They are also the perfect colors for sweaters, scarves, and hats.

  • Yarn Weight: 4 medium/worsted
  • Length: 465 yds in solids, 348 yds in prints
  • Fiber: 100% Pure Virgin Wool in all colors except Birch Tweed
  • Birch Tweed Fiber: 90% wool, 7% acrylic, 3% rayon
  • Care: Hand wash, lay flat to dry (do not dry in a dryer, do not use bleach)

More details about the Fisherman's Wool can be found on the Lion Brand Yarn website.

With a prime membership, you can currently order the Fisherman's Yarn on Amazon and save the shipping cost. 

Personal backstory

My son and I had a conversation recently about camping and warm blankets. He wanted me to make a blanket for his dog, similar to the wool blanket that I used to keep my dog warm years ago.  We had a difficult time narrowing down which dog, which camping area, and other assorted details. We finally realized that he was remembering a Peruvian wool poncho that we had purchased from vendors at a craft fair. While that poncho was woven, I thought that I could probably make a blanket for my son and his dog.

In my yarn stash, I found 2 skeins of Fisherman's Wool. I love the natural colors of the yarn and I had planned to learn how to make cable stitches that are often found on Celtic Irish sweater designs. As usual, my crochet project dreams were bigger than my amount of free time and skill. But that turned out to be a good thing as this yarn is creating a beautiful blanket. I am surprised about the softness of this wool yarn - I had expected it to be scratchy. The yarn is relatively soft, but allows for good stitch definition. And best of all, the yarn doesn't split or snag. I am so surprised at how easy it is to work with.

Personally, in addition to sweaters and blankets, I think this wool yarn would make wonderful, old-fashioned teddy bears! 

Moss Stitch 

photo of crochet blanket
For this blanket project, I'm using the Moss Stitch. It is also called the Linen, Granite, and Woven stitch. It is a stitch with much smaller spaces between stitches, that add to the warmth of the finished item, but not so tight that the blanket is stiff. The Moss Stitch creates a design that adds interest when the colors change, but does not require any counting or multiple row pattern changes to create that design. The Moss Stitch is a popular stitch for good reason and patterns and tutorials can easily be found in books, blogs, and in videos.

Cable Crochet Patterns

The Lion Brand website also has a large variety of free crochet and knit patterns. If you look on the site, you can find a good number of crochet cable patterns including this gorgeous Heirloom Crochet Cabled Throw kit (includes the pattern and the yarn). 




Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN), Esty (Awin), and/or Zazzle Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”


Sunday, June 1, 2025

Meet the New Star of Riddle Fun: Pink-Haired Patsy!

 
Meet the New Star of Riddle Fun: Pink-Haired Patsy!

🎀 Meet Pink-Haired Patsy: She's Got Sass, Smarts & A Riddle or Two

Alright, I admit it—I've gone down a new rabbit hole of fun.

Some people garden, some people golf. 

Me? I create virtual characters to read riddles. (Don't judge—it's a vibe.)

If you've ever landed on my StumpedRiddles YouTube Channel, you might've seen my growing collection of short and longer videos—riddles delivered with a twist, a wink, and now… a splash of pink.

Because ladies and gents and everyone in between, it's time you met my newest obsession:

✨ Pink-Haired Patsy! ✨


💁‍♀️ Patsy: The Pink Parade You Didn't Know You Needed

Patsy is 21, pocket-sized, and punches way above her weight class when it comes to personality. She's not the kind to wait her turn—or ask for permission.

She dyed her hair pink last week and hasn't looked back. Why? Because it makes her feel like herself. That's it. No deep symbolism. Just pink = joy.

She's bold, she's direct, and she's on a mission to make life feel a little less like a Monday morning. If you're too serious for silliness, Patsy's not your girl. But if you're up for a brain twist with a side of attitude? Pull up a chair.


🧠 Why Patsy Reads Riddles

Honestly, she's doing it for you. (And maybe a little for her acting reel.)

Patsy gets it—life can be heavy. But riddles? Riddles are little puzzles wrapped in playtime. She figures if she can get you to smile and think in under a minute, that's a win.

So, created from my overly active mind, she's jumped in to read one of my riddles. Just one—for now. She has that "see how this goes" energy, but I've a feeling we haven't heard the last from her.


👩‍👩‍👧‍👧 The Sisters: A Wild Bunch With Opinions

Let me tell you—Patsy's not an only child. Oh no. She's got three sisters, and family dinner with this bunch? Let's just say you wouldn't be bored.

🌸 Violet (aka The Whisperer)

Soft-spoken, emotionally tuned, and always the last to speak—but usually the one who says something that sticks. Violet's idea of fun is journaling in a café window seat. Her riddles are gentle, but deep. Don't sleep on her.

🔥 Roxy (aka The Firecracker)

Rules? Never heard of them. Roxy's the kind of girl who'd sneak a whoopee cushion into a book club meeting. She's wild, unpredictable, and somehow still lovable. Her riddles often involve a little mischief and a lot of fun.

📚 Ellie (aka The Brain)

Ellie is one podcast away from starting her sixth side project. She lives in learning mode. If there's a random fact to know, she already knows it. Her riddles tend to have trivia vibes or clever twists that make you say, "Ohhhh, clever."

And then there's Patsy.

A little bit of all three. But louder. And pinker.


🎬 Dreaming in Spotlight: Patsy's Big Plan

Here's the thing—Patsy wants to act. Yep, she's heading to acting school. Her parents? Not thrilled. But Patsy? She's doing it anyway.

Because that's who she is. She's not here to follow the script. She's here to rewrite it—in pink ink.


🎥 Patsy's Debut: Let's Go!

And now, for her first-ever public performance: a riddle reading that's equal parts sass and smarts. You can check it out right here:

🎬 Watch Pink-Haired Patsy's First Riddle Performance on YouTube


Oh, the answer to the riddle is here!


🗯 Final Thought (Straight From Patsy Herself)

“Look, life’s weird. If you're not laughing at least once a day, you're probably not doing it right.”


Ready for more riddles, laughs, and pink-powered fun? Patsy and the crew have only just begun.

Did You Enjoy Patsy- Created From My Wild Brain!

If I had to pick one of the sisters who best resembled my personality, it's probably Ellie! But I'm full-blown pink at heart! In fact, I've wanted to dye my hair pink for a very long time. Maybe one day!

Which sister best describes you? 







Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN), Esty (Awin), and/or Zazzle Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”


Tuesday, May 27, 2025

Easy Grow at Home Mushroom Kits

 If you like mushrooms, these easy-to-grow kits are an excellent choice for fresh mushrooms. Fran belongs to our local Lakewood Village Women's Club, and last month, they had a guest speaker and demonstration from Barnett's Mushrooms, a local farm in Western New York. You can visit their Facebook page here: Barnett's Mushrooms

Fran was the lucky winner of this Blue Oyster grow-at-home mushroom kit. I was amazed because I've never seen these mushroom kits before. We opened the box and followed the instructions. It looks like a mini bale of hay wrapped in plastic.

It has an X on the front that you cut to open. Then, you place a small bowl in a larger bowl and fill the larger bowl halfway up the smaller one with water. Wrap a dish towel around three sides, not covering the X, and spray with water. The kit came with a spray bottle. Continue to spray the towel several times a day to keep it wet. In about 3 or 4 weeks, we had these beautiful Blue Oyster Mushrooms.

We picked and cut these, sautéed them with butter, onions, and garlic, and served them over a couple of strip steaks Fran picked up at our local grocery store. They were absolutely delicious.

Find more Product Reviews Here: ReviewThisProductReviews.com

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You can buy these kits on Amazon; they have a variety of mushroom kits. These kits make great gifts for Holidays and gardeners.

Back to the Roots Organic Mini Mushroom Grow Kit, Harvest Gourmet Oyster Mushrooms In 10 days, Top Gardening Gift, Holiday Gift, & Unique GiftBack to the Roots Organic Mini Mushroom Grow Kit, Harvest Gourmet Oyster Mushrooms In 10 days, Top Gardening Gift, Holiday Gift, & Unique GiftCheck the Price

 




Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN), Esty (Awin), and/or Zazzle Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”


Saturday, May 24, 2025

A Review of Sneaker Collecting

People who enjoy collecting can be called by many names. Collectors of some specific areas have their own particular name. For instance, a coin collector is called a numismatist and a book collector is known as a bibiophile. Whether you collect a particular set of items as simply a hobbyist who enjoys it, or as a connoisseur, becoming an expert in the field, collecting is an interesting pastime. 


A ring of sneakers


Did you know that ‘Sneaker Collecting’ is now a THING? 


Athletic shoes are called by a variety of names, depending on where you live. Growing up in New York State, our name for these running shoes, gym shoes, trainers, etc. was “sneakers”. Then I went to college in the Midwest and everyone there called them “tennis shoes”


The name ‘sneakers’ was first used by the Boston Journal in 1887 to describe the rubber soled tennis shoes that allowed wearers to ‘sneak’ around quietly. 


Wikipedia helps define Sneaker Collecting as the hobby of acquiring and trading sneakers, particularly those made for certain sports, such as basketball.  The name for people who collect sneakers is Sneakerhead!


Sneaker Collecting Beginnings…


part of the sneaker collection of Edgar Alejandro Cortes
Image Source: Wikipedia


We can find the collecting, trading and reselling of sneakers dating back to the 1970s. But Sneaker collecting really became a subculture ‘thing’ in the 1980s, particularly with the release in 1985 of the Air Jordan line of shoes by the popular basketball player Michael Jordan.

Believe it or not, the Hip Hop movement contributed to Sneaker Collecting popularity by giving sneakers their street credibility as a status symbol. So, in addition to shoes designed for particular sports and popularized by well-known sports stars, the sneakerhead culture now overlaps with streetwear trends and styles. Today, the sneaker resale market is worth over $10 billion dollars. 


Patrick Mahomes is a Sneakerhead


I currently live in the Kansas City area, so naturally our favorite sports figure is Patrick Mahomes, the Kansas City Chiefs' quarterback. Since much is often written about Mahomes, especially in our local area news, we learned about his interest in collecting sneakers. 


Patrick Mahomes began his sneaker collection in 2017, the same year he was drafted by the Kansas City Chiefs. Today, Patrick has over 180 pairs of sneakers and keeps them in a custom-designed sneaker closet in his home. His collection is also related to his sponsorship deal with Adidas, which allows him to collaborate on product design and marketing.

*Click here to see images of Mahomes' sneaker closet and collection.

In recent years, I have begun to notice that many MLB baseball players like to wear specially designed sneakers while playing. Some, I’m sure, relate to sponsorship deals with specific manufacturers of sneakers. Some players just like to relate them to certain dates, such as pink sneakers for Mother’s Day games with maybe flowers and/or ‘mom’s’ name on them. 

The sneaker ‘trend’ when I was a teenage girl was to wear Keds canvas white sneakers to school and to meet up early before school began to use white shoe polish to make sure our ‘keds’ were completely white and new-looking for the school day! That was our “thing”. LOL. 

Summary


Sneaker collectors buy online, but they also attend sneaker events such as swapmeets sneaker parties and exhibitions like Sneakercons. If you like sneakers, consider becoming a Sneakerhead! Happy Collecting! 


You can find some online Sneakers to Collect on: 


*Sneaker Collecting written by Wednesday Elf 


Items related to Sneaker Collecting





Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN), Esty (Awin), and/or Zazzle Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”


Friday, May 23, 2025

Adjustable Needlework Lap & Table Stand with Scroll Frame Reviewed

needlework lap or table frame
For Mother's Day this year, my son gave me a fabulous needlework lap or table stand.  For many years, I have had a needlework stand with feet on the floor and I simply pull the stand feet under the couch to work.  However, now I find my recliner more comfortable for sitting, but my original stand's feet do not fit under the recliner.  I needed one with shorter legs so it would sit on the recliner cushion, between the recliner arms.  I thought that would be a difficult frame to find.  I was reluctant to request it as a gift because I suspected it would need to be specially made to meet my needs.  However, my son found the perfect needlework stand without having to pull out the table saw!

Anyone who stitches knows how important it is to have a comfortable work set-up.  For smaller needlework or cross stitch patterns, stitchers use a hand-held hoop to keep our cloth stationary and firmly in place so we can easily slide a needle through it.  However, larger patterns and fabric require a larger frame to hold our fabric.  

It is best to have a frame the same width as the fabric to keep from crimping the thread or floss under the frame.  For instance, the cross stitch picture shown in the photo, requires a 21" wide piece of aida cloth.  Therefore, I need an adjustable frame that will accommodate 21" wide fabric.  I also like to work with a scroll bar at the top and bottom so the fabric rolls around it without pressing down on and "crunching" the stitched thread or floss.  As the needlework progresses, it is easy to roll the fabric up to the desired height (in front of my eyes) without damaging the finished section.

Even though I do a lot of different crafts, cross stitch is my personal favorite after sewing.  Sewing requires a sewing machine.  Needlework or cross stitching can be done almost anywhere.  I have even been known to cross-stitch bookmarks during airport layovers.

As you can see, this cross-stitch stand with the scroll bar frame was the perfect Mother's Day gift for me!

 

Frank A. Edmunds 24" Adjustable Lap & Table Stand with Scroll Frame

 Frank A. Edmunds 5850 Adjustable Lap & Table Stand with Scroll Frame, 8.5" x 24"Check Price This needlework frame is designed to sit over your lap.  It holds the fabric in place and frees up both hands to stitch.  I use my right hand on the front side of the frame and my left hand behind it so I have a constant stitch action going.

When I need extra light over my pattern or work, I clip a gooseneck lamp on the frame or wear my lighted magnifier glasses. It may all look rather strange to someone observing me stitch, but it works and that is what matters.

The needlework frame and stand are very easy to assemble.  No tools are required.  All of the wood pieces have the holes pre-drilled for the screw bolts, which are held in place with wing nuts.

  • The frame legs have 3 holes so they can be adjusted for just the right height.
  • Adjust the frame width by sliding the side bars of the frame across the round scroll bars (dowel bars) and lock in place by tightening the screw bolts on the wing nuts.  (Be careful not to over-tighten it!  Wood is not flexable)
  • Adjust the frame itself to your preferred angle with the side screw bolt. 
  • Stores easily by simply taking it apart and putting it back in the original packaging.

 

I love both of my needlework frames.  My new lap & table stand for sitting in the chair with me, as well as my original floor-standing frame. 



 

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