When I mentioned using powered tools last weekend, it surprised a few people. So, I thought it could be fun to talk about some of the behind the scenes things used for straw millinery. This is very much the things I use at home, not those for a historic setting.
- Blocks. I use a few different types of blocks, aka shapes to shape bonnets and hats over. I love original blocks. They can be hard to find and pricey. I also make my own from foam and wood. The foam blocks don’t last long, maybe a season depending on how many pieces are made on it. Wood blocks are much more difficult to make but last longer.
- Palm sander. I use a palm sander to sand and shape some of my blocks. I would love to have a lathe so I could turn some round blocks. I need to get braver and better with saws and chisels.
- Dremel. I use a dremel for marking blocks and for smaller, doll size pieces.
- Paint brushes. I paint my sizing combination on. No more clogged spray bottles.
- Icy Hot and Unkers. Icy Hot patches cut in half wrap nicely around the hands or wrists when they start spasming. Unkers is nice to rub in before bed. The rubbing helps too.
- Back massager. The back massager fits well around the hand or wrist when there are knots or the swelling needs to be worked out.
- Iron stone pitcher. The pitcher from my pitcher and basin set has become the parking place for straw.
- Clara. Clara is in charge of time management . She reminds me when it is time to take a break or to go eat. She is also a nice heating pad.
- Crocks and baskets. Hanks of straw seem to stand up nicely in large crocks and tall baskets.
- Washing machine. The washer has become the drying surface because it is cleanable compared to wood surfaces.
If I Had My Own Blue Box: 
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