I thought I'd write down some of my thoughts.

First off, I am somewhat proud of few personal life achievements:
-Armored furries panel at NFC 2016 had the small audience of about 10 people, of whom at least 4 were females. Plus one of them turned out to be against the use of leather and materials that require you to kill any animals. That's perfectly acceptable, we'll just craft you a chain shirt my dear ^^ Shieldmaidens
- I helped escort a wee bit too drunk furry to their room during a convention and thus avoided a helped to disarm a potentially volatile or troublesome affair. No names will be written Peacemaker
- Provide something of a social absolution for a troubled furry. Turns out soul-counseling studies were not in vain... Comfort for the weary
- Win a bidding war during furry auction in a furry convention (Done thrice) My will be done!

So I guess this old bastard heart of mine is not entirely without redeeming qualities.

Second, as fits the theme of NFC 2017, I was planning on constructing an oriental style lamellar cuirass for myself. If any leatherworkers are currently reading this, please share your thoughts as my specialty is with chainmail, not leather.
I am also contemplating on making wooden armor and another shield. If you have any suggestions for the colours or decorations, please write down what you have in mind.

Third, I am currently contemplating on building myself a personal banner to be carried with me where I may go. Any thoughts?

Fourth, If any of you have any experiences on working with wax and signet rings to make seals, I would welcome tips on how to make those and what type of materials to choose for such a task.
Also, if you have experience on how to make paper look old and worn, please write down a few guidelines for that as well.

Fifth: I have been thinking about crafters, the group of people present here who produce various crafts, such as clothes, plushies, fursuits, accessories and the likes. I was also thinking about trades between craftsmen and how to measure values of such trades.

For example: One of the most difficult trades I have been thinking would be to trade armor for a fursuit.
Now this is a particulary interesting thing due to high amount of work and materials needed on both items. For example: Head and full bodysuit are the most expensive and demanding pieces of fursuit as are body pieces of any armor and helmets.
But the values differ....
A leather chestpiece would cost around 80-120€ on materials, a chain shirt would cost me around 75-150€ and a simple chainmail coif would be something like 55-75€. Add to that a pair of chainmail and leather gauntlets for 100€ and if I can find suitable metal bits, a Splint leg protectors for another 100€. In total that's around 425-545€ for materials....but how much should I charge for work then?

Meanwhile a proper full-grade fursuit's pricetag should start with 1000......But the question I'd like to know is how much work there is in one and how much do materials usually cost......

But the question is also about how much value we give to each other's work and how much we are willing to give them money for the time they put into their works, right?

Also, if any fursuit makers are currently reading this, just out of curiosity, would you be willing to trade a fursuit for a set of medium piecemeal armor consisting of cloth, leather, chainmail and splintmail?


And finally, TMI time, but please, write those questions last.

that is all
Keep the flag flying brothers and sister.

Nordic Fuzzcon 2016 is now over and I'm back at home and dear god have I slept a lot today.

I had the great pleasure of hosting one panel for Armored furries and I had the small audience of about 10 persons, with one fursuiter present who turned out to be quite knowledgeable about silk and leather in particular. I also had the great pleasure to explain why a Bone armor, as tempting as the idea sounds like, is not a very idea in practice as it might disturb or outright scare someone.

Also, thanks to a knowledgeable staff member, I had the great joy of visiting a Lego-specialty store in Mall of Scandinavia. This will be one of many visit to such places, I hope.

I visited several panels and had a blast. Strut your stuff was especially fun and although I came nowhere close to winning it, I do feel that the victory was given to the right person. They earned it.

Also, while I am not a cubfury, I did visit both panels dedicated for them in order to make up my opinion about them. Having met two of such furries last year, I had mildly positive experiences about them and this year was no different. Currently my opinion on them is "49 out of 50 cubfurs are mostly harmless".

And uh....I guess you could call me Lucky bastard for winning a Radeon GTX 650 series videocard from lottery.

Here's a few special mentions for the most important furries for that particular convention:

http://www.furaffinity.net/user/amy81 --- You certainly are full of surprises, Amy
http://www.furaffinity.net/user/teca/ --- You certainly have your way with baked goods, auntie Teca
http://www.furaffinity.net/user/toddlergirl/ -- Always glad to put a face to the artist
http://www.furaffinity.net/user/yookey/ -- Always glad to see another Red Panda
http://www.furaffinity.net/user/baronessa -- Glad to finally meet you
http://www.furaffinity.net/user/thenohatcat --- Is there anything you don't know? :D
http://www.furaffinity.net/user/flacko/ ---- Roommate and partner-in-crime :P
http://www.furaffinity.net/user/chr.....mastheredpanda -- At last, one nordic Red panda meets another nordic Red Panda ^^
http://www.furaffinity.net/user/smallblacksticky/ -- Kära Charna :D
http://www.furaffinity.net/user/keebawolf/ --- I would trust you with my car keys any day
http://www.furaffinity.net/view/17222660/ -- "Car 1 calling car 2 over."

Photos of this convention will be uploaded during this week.
For now, silence hangs heavy on my shoulders.

"All good things must come to a close, so they may begin anew."
Keep the flag flying brothers and sisters

Where are you staying?
The main hotel.

How will you get there?
Boat from Turku/Åbo to Stockholm

Who will you share room with?
Flacko http://www.furaffinity.net/user/flacko/

What is your gender?
Male

Relationship status?
Free

How old are you?
26

How tall are you?
176cm

What languages do you speak?
Finnish - native
English - fluent
Swedish - fluent
German - below fluent
Italian - Basic

Have you been to any other furry conventions before?
Eurofurence 18,19,20,21 Nordic Fuzzcon 2014, 2015 + Finfur Summercamps 2 and 3

Have you been to Sweden before?
Yes, 2014 and 15

Are you doing anything for the convention?
Stand-up comedy performance plus a small presentation on how to make light armor

Where will you be most of the time during the day?
Mainly in the hotel

Do you have a fursuit?
I do.

Who will you be with?
"He who stands with me shall be my brother"

Are you selling anything at the convention?
Unlikely. I'm planning on donating something to charity though....

Do you do free art?
I have a calligraphy quill....

Do you do trades?
Do you accept jokes, calligraphy, cloth/leather/chaimail armor?

Do you do commissions?
Uncertain

Will you get anything commissioned?
Uncertain

Can I touch you?
Mind your manners and we'll get along just fine

Can I talk to you?
Certainly

Can I buy you lots of drinks?
You can try

Do you smoke?
I do not

Can I give you lots of money?
Why on earth would you do that and more importantly: What is your motive behind it?

Can I hug or snuggle you?
You may

Are you nice?
I'm not sure....What counts as nice?

Can I buy you food and/or eat with you?
Sure!

Can I give you presents?
Trades are best, but feel free

Can I hang with you in your room?
I'd rather not unless it's a matter of life and death

Can I dance with you?
Uncertain

Can I invite you to parties?
Uncertain

How can I get your attention?
Yelll, tap on my shoulder or ask someone to deliver me a message

What are you most looking forward to?
To have a good convention worthy of being part of....

...but it seems my old passion for Lego blocks has resurfaced...

TMI time.
Feel free to ask me anything you want to

Secondly, I'v come up with a small challenge for those of you who'll be attending NFC.
For the first three who pass, I'll reward you with a small animal-related prize.
But here's the catch: You'll have to take it blindly as I'm not going to reveal details about it.....yet

And yes, Nordic Fuzzcon is only one and half months away....
I'm excited, happy, anxious and a tad bit scared about it.


And lastly, those of you reading this small piece of writing, feel free to write down how you would continue this sentence:

"It is humane to be ________. We are all living, sentient being with hopes and fears, wishes and expectations, ___________________, _____________. We laugh, we cry. We sign, we dream, we love, we hate, we forgive, we forget, we all make mistakes, we judge, we save others, we damn others, we _________ "

"If you wish to learn _______, ask it from _________"

"If you wish to learn the importance of silence between the notes, ask it from a heavy metal rocker."
"If you wish to learn the importance of love and compassion, ask it from a soldier."
"If you wish to learn of tragedy, ask it from a comedian."

That is all
Yenth

So, 2016 is now on.

"Let this year be brighter than last one. Both in terms in life troubles and in terms of illumination and lighting."

So, TMI time. Ask me anything you wish. Clean, naughty, art-related, craft-related....

Plus a little meme with a naughty taste to it.
Comment the keyword of each part to get a reply.

1) BDSM dungeon-Related
Keyword "Lockdown"
a) Do I see you as dom, sub or switch
b) What material I think would be your thing--Rubber, leather, metal, latex and such...
c) Would I have my character engage in BDSM activities with your character
d) Spanking, Whipping or flogging for you
e) Would I collar you/Be collared by you

2) Petplay related
Keyword: "Collar"
a) Would I make you my kitten/puppy/pony/Pig Or be your kitten/puppy/Pony/pig
b) Material of collar (Leather, cloth, metal)
c) Mask or no mask
d) Sleeping arrangements
e) Plugtail of choice
f) Chastity or no chastity

3) Servant Related
Keyword: "Service"
a) Would I take you in as a slave, servant or as shieldmate Or would I submit myself to you
b) Pick a trade for you or for myself to earn a few coins for us
c) Pick sleeping arrangements for you or for me
d) Mandatory Restraints on you or for me
e) I'll write you a timetable of chores and duties for one day from 8:00 to 22:00 Or one for myself

4) Character engagements
Keyword: "Playdate"
Pick one of my characters (Lami, Flami or Ironcrown) and one of yours and I'll think of some ideas how they would
a) Living quarters
b) Food
c) Jobs
d) Likings, digs, clean and naughty stuff and dislikes
e) future

Dear readers.

I salute you all who are currently reading this.
The Christmas day is drawing to a close here and it has been a fine traditional celebration among our family as always.
I did not want anything special for this year, but I received far more than I needed, including a fingerfood plate, two dipping sauce holders and a coffee machine to satisfy my appetite for cooking ^^

Convention-wise this was another successful year, I attended both Nordic Fuzzcon and Eurofurence. I met tons of old friends and made a couple of new contacts and have improved my stand-up comedy performances by few points.

As for the upcoming 2016, I'm a bit uncertain about few things regarding conventions: My monetary funds are tad bit more limited than before and as a result, Eurofurence 2016 is somewhat uncertain as of yet....But we'll cross that bridge once it's in sight.

Craft-wise, this year saw me advance in chainmail building, cloth handling and woodworking ^^ I have plans for crafting a few wooden shields in the future and I'v requested permissions to use some artwork found here in such shields. It is my most sincere hope, that it shall not be discredit for their works...

Furthermore, all you who are going to NFC 2016, drop me a note and do give me a poke ^^

That is all.
Yenth

I'd like to share something with you, dear readers:

For some time now, I'v watched some of Lego's animated productions, such as Chima, Ninjago and Star Wars and I'v enjoyed them to varying degree.

I do hold these animated series above common cartoon and children's animated series, though I'm sad to admit that the Chima series is least to my liking. I just feel that there is plenty of untapped potential and the set-up could have been better.

I have also watched Lego movie today and I'd like to say it's one of the best movies I'v seen with one of the best endings I'v ever seen. I won't give too much away, but if you get a chance, do give it a shot.

I saw some journals ranting about drama queens so I thought I'd try and share some ideas and thoughts on how to gain positive, good, useful and constructive attention. The main reason for this is not to point out anyone specific, but instead share a few ideas and thoughts on how to gather positive attention.


When I think about good, positive attention I'm thinking arts and crafts, acts of play or a newly made piece of music or other such creation of something new. I firmly believe each one of us has at least one creative aspect and every one of us values different things, but in the end each of us need that abstract quota of art and craft experiences. Whether it's a new drawing you'v posted a new piece of art here, made a new YCH offering, sculpted a new clay jug with otter drawings in it.

Secondly, something worthwhile that you'v achieved is worth mentioning, such as having run a marathon, feeding 25 hungry mouths or filming a piece of film of your fursuit doing handstand or parkour and such.


On the other hand, I do not think whining about your problems publicly is the best way to get attention.
Rather than walking to a imaginary plaza and crying out your worries for all the public to hear, I'v seen some cases in my daily lives and it is especially troubling when you are sitting in a restaurant and someone is wallowing about her violent husband on the phone for all the public to hear.... I'd rather see these troubled individuals deal with their problems "sub rosa" or "under the rose". In other words, discreetly instead of publicly.

So, what do you guys think? Is displaying arts and crafts best way to get positive attention around here?

I thought I'd share something with you.

One of the best forms of art by my standards is giftart received from someone in return from services rendered or out of random act of kindness.
However, I'd rather not beg anyone for free art, but rather earn it.

So, anyone currently reading this: If we don't count money, cold hard coins, green muulah and dollar signs, what would be the best way to get some art from you?

I thought I'd start a little something.

Comment below and I'll write a few things I think, feel, know and suspect about you

1) One word to describe you
2) What I would cook for you
3) BDSM + you + me
4) Would I hug you
5) Would I kiss you and where would I place it
6) Would I date you
7) Would I rather spank you or be spanked by you
8) Would I move in with you
9) Where I would like to travel with you for a week
10) Your best and worst qualities
11) If I were to purchase commission for you, which FA artist I would choose, how much it would cost and how long it would take
12) Pick a movie for us
13) To be or not to be?
14) Pick a new crafting skill for you to learn
15) Are you naughty, nice, kind, evil or downright scoundrel

I'v decided to compile this small meme to be viewed and shared

Comment below and I'll write you some thing I suspect/believe/assume about you and your relationship to BDSM activities. Please note me if you'd like a short, medium or long version

Just thought I'd let anyone who reads this know that I do not celebrate halloween.
It's not an official celebration here, hence there is very little tradition of it, with the exception of marketing forces.
Hence I have no use for it. Sorry

I copied this from a certain non-descript fellow with non-descript account

Leave a comment below and I will tell you the following things (or make things up randomly if I don't really know much about you):

1. Tell you what animal/creature you remind me of that ISN'T your fursona's species.
2. Tell you what color I think fits you.
3. Tell you how I feel about you.
4. Insult you.
5. Tell you my favorite character of yours. (If you have more than one...)
6. Tell you what season you remind me of.
7. Tell you what you smell like in my head.
8. Think of a random nickname for you.
9. Tell you what element you remind me of.
10. Tell you what weapon I'd equip you with in a fantasy dungeon crawl
11. Assign you a super power and super-hero/villain name.
12. Tell you what kind of bondage I think you'd put me in.
13. Tell you what kind of bondage I would put you in
14. Tell you what I would cook for you if asked to do so
15. Tell you where I would send you for a vacation for a week
16. Ask you to put this in your journal without using the word 'tag'

(Yes, I copied this idea from a certain clever girl.)

Dear reader

I would like you to list some things you assume about me. I would like you to list as many as you can think of, even naughty and dirty stuff.
Most of us assume quite a lot about each other. In fact, one could say it's a major flaw, sin, advantage and gift at the same time.
So, go ahead. Write away what you assume yours truly to be like, both furry-wise and in everyday life.

1) TMI time---ask anything you will of me

2) NFC 2016--- I'm going. Who else is going? Hopefully I'll be able to perform stand-up comedy, as well as a small panel on how to make light armor for different styles, whether for historical accuracy, for fursuits or for actual performance combat. I'll try and cover all styles, from intimidating to cute, ornamental to utilitarian.

3) Bonus content

Alright folks, I'd like to do one or two of you a favour: Name me two furries whom you think are in need of some cheer-up in a form of crafts. I would also like you to say two colours that most fit the person in question. I won't reveal specifics, but it's small to medium, handheld and comes in two colours. I'll throw dice to resolve who gets lucky.

(Here's an example: "I think furry Z and Y need some cheering up because they have had some bad luck recently. X had a bad week because dog's sick and cat is lost. Y had three failed commissions that did not end well. X likes green and white while Y loves black and red." )

Go ahead

This is going to be a long journal, so for anyone reading this who does not wish to read my ramblings and petty complaints on how life sucks, here are the footnotes:

- I came back from EF21, I took 471 photos, got myself a picture and a clay otter-figurine, came back with a huge PCD
- I purchased something interesting
- I will be working more with chain mail and leather in the future


PCD
EF 21 was a blast. 471 photos, plenty of people I managed to make laugh, impress, socialize, compliment, cuddle and photograph
However, PCD + my lingering depression has made me feel very empty and lacking of long-term goals for my social life.....don't get me wrong, I know what I want to do as a job. To be a geriatric nurse plus either a cook or a baker. But am I good enough as a furry? Am I good enough as an entertainer? Am I good enough as a craftsman? Black pearls of doubt fill my mind.....

Bastard
28th of August I bought two things from Irongate armory: A greco-roman tunic fit for antique-historic re-enactment plus it makes one heck of a fine clothing for NFC 2016 with my leather armor. I also picked up a reject-piece of equipment. A fine piece that does require some leather and possible wood or metalwork before it is restored to full glory. Like myself, it's a bastard in a sense of word....I'll keep details hidden for now but I'll post a sneak-peek soon of the project....

Redemption
Call me crazy, but I feel bad for not donating my works to charity at EF or NFC before.....I feel like I'm a lazy-ass good-for-nothing layabout who isn't using his full potential for noble goals....hence I'v decided that I shall now focus more of my free-time to leatherworking and chainmail-building and donating 70% of my works to charity.....and sell and trade the rest...

And last but not least....Keep following your dreams. Don't stop believing

I had fun. I took the clay otter figurine and hyena-circle home.

Photos will be uploaded as soon as possible.

Here are a few things I'd like to share with you all

1) Yes, I'll be at EF21. I'll be performing stand-up comedy twice this time. And even better, I believe I'm few steps away from the hotel bar

2) To all artists reading this: Do you ever feel like you would want to do more than just artwork? Perhaps some of you wish you could do handcrafts, like clay sculptures of animals, paint an oil painting, tan leather and weave leather goods, such as armbands, vests harnesses etc....

3) Most of you are probably familiar with the concept of villain stupidity in case of too complex methods of eliminating opposition, as displayed by many James Bond films for example.....I had a thought about it and I came up with a tad bit different idea to fix this.
Now, even though some consider me a douchebag, I do still have a heart. And I do value talented and skillful characters. And in case of a really interesting opponent, ending things would be.....like putting an ending to a never-ending book full of different possibilities and outcomes.....but I digress....Instead of death-rays, killer shark tanks, slow cutting lasers and whatnots.....Bring out lockable fist mittens, a straitjacket, suspension harness, gag, blindfold and headphones.

"No, Mr Bond. I don't expect you to die. I expect to see you bound in my dungeon where we shall have many wonderful days of intellectual debates, battles of wit, skill and resources, hours of developing enjoyable rivalry and perhaps if all goes well....an understanding of one another...."

Who's with me? I could really use a archvillain, a nemesis and plenty more opposition.

4) For a while now, I'v had this idea, similar to DnD alignment chart, but for a totally different purpose: To chart different BDSM slave/captive/pet/inmate circumstances. If anyone would like to use it, within reason of course. I'v shared this with few people already. https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u.....Gridsample.png

5) Got a question for me? Shoot

Took me two and a half years to reclaim my lost independence. I'm currently in the progress of moving to a new home about 6 blocks away.
I'm currently a bit dazed and confused: Is this really happening? But I'm not scared anymore. I'm happy. Confused but happy,

Here's a couple of photos of my new place (50% done)

https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u.....1/DSC03512.JPG

https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u.....1/DSC03513.JPG

https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u.....1/DSC03523.JPG

https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u.....1/DSC03534.JPG

https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u.....1/DSC03535.JPG

https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u.....1/DSC03536.JPG

https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u.....1/DSC03539.JPG

https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u.....1/DSC03540.JPG

https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u.....1/DSC03542.JPG

Fire away

This may sound a bit odd, but I'v thought about what is the best way to receive artwork, furry or not.
In my opinion, the hierarchy is something like this:

1) Charity Commissions. (This may sound a bit odd, but I'd like to think that artists who offer commissions to charity auction usually tend to be better than those purchased directly from the artist in question. Plus, the funds usually go to a good cause)

2) Gift art, trades and art received as a payment for services rendered. ( I'd like to think this is the second best option to get art for various reasons: First off, if two artists who appreciate each other's styles exchange artwork need not bother to try and figure out the worth of each other's works. Second, this section usually contains a bit more personal touch on the subject. Third, a gift art is an artist's way of saying "I appreciate you and what you do." And finally, I'd like to think that the exchange of services is superior to money exchanging hands. This way, both parties receive the best of skills one has to offer.

3) Commissioned artwork. --I'm not saying I dislike this option. I'm just saying I feel the two other options are a bit more to my liking.


Any thoughts, comments or disagreements with me? Please do reply in a polite way ^^

"Noble and manly music invigorates the spirit, strengthens the wavering man, and incites him to great and worthy deeds."
~Homer

I love music. It gives life that tasty spice of life. Especially game and movie soundtracks.
And, oddly enough, I love some of cartoon songs, especially some of Disney and Disney-like movie songs....
I'm a bit mixed about it. At the same time I feel slightly embarrassed but at the same time I take pride in it.

Sadly....I'm not much of a singer, though I'd like to be at some day....


Anyone else reading this feel the same way?

I'm happy to announce that my first BJD-doll chainmail suit was completed a while back and sent to an unspecified doll enthusiast living in USA.

I'll start building more eventually and I'll upload few pictures to go with this journal.

Also: Ask me stuff if you dare

Most of you who will read this journal know my affinity for various armors. But not everyone knows what kind of armor I prefer or why I like them.

Well, as to Why, you'll need to ask me in person. Preferrably with two beers in your hand and a plate of food with it.

As for what I prefer, I fancy chainmail, cloth and leather. I have nothing against heavy armor, though I prefer lighter. EXCEPT for two/three things (Depending on how we calculate armor pieces) which are:

Gauntlets, Pauldrons (And Gorgets)

Speaking of Gauntlets:
https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u.....1/DSC03280.JPG
https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u.....1/DSC03281.JPG
https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u.....1/DSC03282.JPG

(And yes, those are tiny heart-decorations)