Hello all,
I now Tweet.
I've updated my website. On the following page you'll see my last 5 posts on Twitter about what I'm creating. I'm sure most of you won't want to stop what you're doing and come watch, but I find that tourists love watching me "work" and now, when they want to stop in they get a preview of what's up and whether I'm even here. They can even have it sent to their cell phone!
http://www.kaleidoscopefactory.com/tours/ is my page with the Twitter postings embedded.
http://twitter.com/kaleidoscopeguy is my Twitter site.
In the process, I discovered another Iowa Tourism place. Here's the article they wrote about me, but check out the rest of their site. They do a nice job.
http://www.iowabeautiful.com/north-central-iowa-tourism/the-kaleidoscope-factory-pomeroy-iowa.html#more-664
It's been a fun week in Pomeroy. With the warmer weather come the visitors. I'm expecting 300-350 people on several bus tours which have already scheduled for this summer plus several smaller groups. A small group from Omaha and another from Tucson graced my door last week. Also a couple from less than an hour away came for a delightful visit and bought a dibber and a magic pixie dust dispenser to take home with them. I love explaining about those two products :-)
Stop in & visit if you can!
Until next time,
Leonard
http://www.collegeofleonard.com/
http://www.kaleidoscopefactory.com
http://www.downtownpomeroy.com/
http://www.tornadomuseum.com/
Monday, April 13, 2009
Monday, February 16, 2009
2nd Saturday in February 2009 a success
Hello All,
Just a short note to thank all of you for such a nice crowd here on the 2nd Saturday in February. Typically the traffic is pretty light around here after Christmas and until Easter weekend so this was a pleasant surprise. I even had a couple drive all the way from Minneapolis just to visit!
Another fun thing: If you are interested in Pomeroy history or maybe need some genealogy information, the Pomeroy Public Library now has a collection of cds with old "Pomeroy Herald"s from 1895-1969. Thanks to your patronage of the Pomeroy Historical Society's breakfast & lunch offerings on the 2nd Saturday they have raised over $3000 to accomplish the copying of those old "Herald"s onto CDs. I went over and looked up an ad from M. F. Mullan, the builder of my north building. It is attached and is from page 4 of the March 26, 1896 issue. FUN!
Until next time,
Leonard
http://www.collegeofleonard.com/
http://www.kaleidoscopefactory.com/
http://www.downtownpomeroy.com/
http://www.tornadomuseum.com/
The 2nd Saturday in February is just days away. On this coming Saturday the 14th, Pomeroy comes alive again with lots to see and do. From 8-11 the Pomeroy Historical Society will be serving pancakes & sausages at the Community Building. $5.50 for adults and $2.50 for kids under 12. At 10:00 Tami Kinney of the Calhoun County Department of Health will be speaking on heart health.
The Public Library will be open from 8- noon. New library director Liz Meyer will be honored with a coffee. There will be old books and movies for sale, a display of old valentines cards. Make a contribution to the library and your name will be entered in your choice of drawings for 3 adult items or one children's item.
Over in the arts district, The Pomeroy Artisans' Gallery will open at 10:00. The local bluegrass jam group is slated to play. Free sawdust art for the kids will be offered by Pat Mefferd. Roger Feldhans will be opening his exhibit of spray can art. There will be Open Studio Fused Glass Jewelry Crafting as usual. I'm making the 2009 supply of magic pixie dust dispensers this week so you may be able to see me turn a few of those. At 3:00 Typical Males will be playing. Later that evening they open for Joe & Vicki Price at Byron's http://www.joepriceblues.com/
Until next time,
Leonard
http://www.collegeofleonard.com/
http://www.kaleidoscopefactory.com
http://www.downtownpomeroy.com/
http://www.tornadomuseum.com/
The Public Library will be open from 8- noon. New library director Liz Meyer will be honored with a coffee. There will be old books and movies for sale, a display of old valentines cards. Make a contribution to the library and your name will be entered in your choice of drawings for 3 adult items or one children's item.
Over in the arts district, The Pomeroy Artisans' Gallery will open at 10:00. The local bluegrass jam group is slated to play. Free sawdust art for the kids will be offered by Pat Mefferd. Roger Feldhans will be opening his exhibit of spray can art. There will be Open Studio Fused Glass Jewelry Crafting as usual. I'm making the 2009 supply of magic pixie dust dispensers this week so you may be able to see me turn a few of those. At 3:00 Typical Males will be playing. Later that evening they open for Joe & Vicki Price at Byron's http://www.joepriceblues.com/
Until next time,
Leonard
http://www.collegeofleonard.com/
http://www.kaleidoscopefactory.com
http://www.downtownpomeroy.com/
http://www.tornadomuseum.com/
Sunday, January 4, 2009
Happy 2009
Hello all
Are you a treasure hunter? Perhaps you have heard of geocaching. If so, we have some new caches around Pomeroy. If you're not familiar with the concept, here's a link:
http://www.geocaching.com/
For new local caches:
1. "The Park" (Traditional Cache) (GC1KC0B) Location: Iowa, United States (0.6mi SE (1km SE))Date: 1/1/2009 by seedawg1http://coord.info/GC1KC0B
2. Long Live the Cyclones (Traditional Cache) (GC1KBZV) Location: Iowa, United States (0.7mi SE (1.1km SE))Date: 1/1/2009 by seedawg1http://coord.info/GC1KBZV
3. Hippie Park (Traditional Cache) (GC1KBZ1) Location: Iowa, United States (0.9mi SE (1.4km SE))Date: 1/1/2009 by seedawg1http://coord.info/GC1KBZ1
4. In Memory of Allison (Traditional Cache) (GC1KC0T) Location: Iowa, United States (1mi E (1.6km E))Date: 1/1/2009 by seedawg1http://coord.info/GC1KC0T
Welcome 2009! Thanks to all of you for a banner year in 2008. With the good response I've had, I've made the decision to continue to stay open on Saturdays. So from 10-5 on Saturdays I promise not to wander off (at least not too far unless I need to find some food) and I'll still be here from 1-9 on Tuesdays & Thursdays too
I've moved most of the woodworking tools into the south building so if you come to visit, you'll most likely find me at 106 S Main instead of 104 S Main. It's warmer, drier and lighter here and I love turning wood in the showroom window.
The College of Leonard will be expanding the offerings this year. The open studio for fused glass did well in 2007 and in 2008 was almost twice as successful. Many parents and teaches have shared with me their frustrations with "No Child Left behind" and how it has robbed children of a chance to be creative. So, I'm developing more curricula. In my days, the powers that be kept us from the arts because they said we needed all the brainpower we could muster to nuke the commies. So, I don't think the educational environment for the arts has ever been optimum. Maybe. with a little more creativity, the many peoples of the world could solve their differences WITHOUT shooting at each other! I'm going to try to help that idea along.
One of the programs I'm working on is to emulate Dale Chihuly. http://www.chihuly.com/
Instead of blown glass, we'll use polyester film. Another medium I'd like to explore is monotype printing. Years ago I watched it done in Taos and have wanted to try it ever since.
Finally, look forward to at least one new kaleidoscope design and some more wooden toys for children.
Stay tuned!
Leonard
http://www.collegeofleonard.com/
http://www.kaleidoscopefactory.com
http://www.downtownpomeroy.com/
http://www.tornadomuseum.com/
Are you a treasure hunter? Perhaps you have heard of geocaching. If so, we have some new caches around Pomeroy. If you're not familiar with the concept, here's a link:
http://www.geocaching.com/
For new local caches:
1. "The Park" (Traditional Cache) (GC1KC0B) Location: Iowa, United States (0.6mi SE (1km SE))Date: 1/1/2009 by seedawg1http://coord.info/GC1KC0B
2. Long Live the Cyclones (Traditional Cache) (GC1KBZV) Location: Iowa, United States (0.7mi SE (1.1km SE))Date: 1/1/2009 by seedawg1http://coord.info/GC1KBZV
3. Hippie Park (Traditional Cache) (GC1KBZ1) Location: Iowa, United States (0.9mi SE (1.4km SE))Date: 1/1/2009 by seedawg1http://coord.info/GC1KBZ1
4. In Memory of Allison (Traditional Cache) (GC1KC0T) Location: Iowa, United States (1mi E (1.6km E))Date: 1/1/2009 by seedawg1http://coord.info/GC1KC0T
Welcome 2009! Thanks to all of you for a banner year in 2008. With the good response I've had, I've made the decision to continue to stay open on Saturdays. So from 10-5 on Saturdays I promise not to wander off (at least not too far unless I need to find some food) and I'll still be here from 1-9 on Tuesdays & Thursdays too
I've moved most of the woodworking tools into the south building so if you come to visit, you'll most likely find me at 106 S Main instead of 104 S Main. It's warmer, drier and lighter here and I love turning wood in the showroom window.
The College of Leonard will be expanding the offerings this year. The open studio for fused glass did well in 2007 and in 2008 was almost twice as successful. Many parents and teaches have shared with me their frustrations with "No Child Left behind" and how it has robbed children of a chance to be creative. So, I'm developing more curricula. In my days, the powers that be kept us from the arts because they said we needed all the brainpower we could muster to nuke the commies. So, I don't think the educational environment for the arts has ever been optimum. Maybe. with a little more creativity, the many peoples of the world could solve their differences WITHOUT shooting at each other! I'm going to try to help that idea along.
One of the programs I'm working on is to emulate Dale Chihuly. http://www.chihuly.com/
Instead of blown glass, we'll use polyester film. Another medium I'd like to explore is monotype printing. Years ago I watched it done in Taos and have wanted to try it ever since.
Finally, look forward to at least one new kaleidoscope design and some more wooden toys for children.
Stay tuned!
Leonard
http://www.collegeofleonard.com/
http://www.kaleidoscopefactory.com
http://www.downtownpomeroy.com/
http://www.tornadomuseum.com/
Thursday, October 16, 2008
October 2008 news
Hello all
Sorry I didn't get a newsletter out before the 2nd Saturday in October. I had a worn out cable modem that took my ISP only 5 days to fix!
We had a great crowd in Pomeroy that day anyway so thanks to all who showed up.
The big news here is I have expanded the hours on the fused glass jewelry making. Now you can come in anytime Tuesday and Thursdays from 1:00-9:00 and also on Saturdays from 10:00 until 5:00. After Christmas, I'll cut back on the Saturdays again to only once a month. People have already been showing up to make Christmas presents. Also, I can already tell "it is the season" as my shelves empty quickly. Every year I feel bad because I have to turn people away because they didn't place an order soon enough.
If you're thinking of ordering any of my products for Christmas, another good reason to order early is that I'll be featured in the Nov/Dec issue of the following magazines:
The Iowan
Midwest Living
My experience has been that I get swamped with any kind of good press exposure like that.
A couple new products for 2008 are already moving quickly. I now make wooden pens for $20 each. Another new item, which has already had the initial supply sell out, is a mini teleidoscope for $18. They're around 3" long. Made from a variety of exotic woods, they come with a walnut stand. Picture attached.
For more information on my products please go to: http://www.kaleidoscopefactory.com/products
Down the street, Byron's been bringing in some great music. From his newsletter:
"Another week to go before music at Byron's, but the wait will be worth it. Next week's show will be one of the best ever presented at Byron's. These guys are phenomenal. Garaj Mahal( www.garajmahal.net ) is a jam band with heavy influences of jazz. Here are a couple things said about Garaj Mahal:
'Never before have jazz, jams, and fusion music sounded so sweet to my ears!'
'If there is a band on the planet that is creating music the way that Garaj Mahal is, I haven't heard them.' Jive Talkin Phil.
Tie Dye Roger has donated a 55" x 55" tie dye tapestry to be given away at the Garaj Mahal show. To be eligible, just pre order your tickets at 712-468-2372 after 3 pm.Go to my myspace page to view a picture
http://viewmorepics.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewAlbums&friendID=36591250
Byron's is having a Halloween Party on October 31, 2008. Johnny Reeferseed( www.myspace.com/jrshighrollers ) and the Highrollers will be sharing their talent for the first time. 9 pm show $10. Door Prizes and Costume Prizes. As always, one free drink with admission and another one for wearing a costume.
Coming in November. Sunday, November 2, 2008, Michael Whisler( , www.myspace.com/michaelwhislermusic ) acoustic guitar player from North Dakota. Sunday, November 9, 2008, The Mighty Short Bus ( www.msbband.com ) rock and roll from Madison, Wisconsin. These guys are GREAT.
Coming in December. Saturday, December 6, 2008, Brother Trucker( http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=54647269 ), Byron's house band. Sunday, December 14, 2008, Back Porch Mary( www.backporchmary.com/ ) are finally coming back."
To get in touch with Byron:
e-mail him at byrons@ncn.net
Or visit his website. http://downtownpomeroy.com/byron's/coming_attractions.htm
We have a new creative business in Pomeroy. Marty Illg and Rhonda Wykoff have started "M & R Creations" in a new building behind Rhonda's home. You may buy the greeting cards and other gift items they create, or you may take a class from them to learn how to make your own. For more information:
martygeorge@awcmail.com
Thanks for your continued support!
Leonard
http://www.collegeofleonard.com/
http://www.kaleidoscopefactory.com
http://www.downtownpomeroy.com/
http://www.tornadomuseum.com/
Sorry I didn't get a newsletter out before the 2nd Saturday in October. I had a worn out cable modem that took my ISP only 5 days to fix!
We had a great crowd in Pomeroy that day anyway so thanks to all who showed up.
The big news here is I have expanded the hours on the fused glass jewelry making. Now you can come in anytime Tuesday and Thursdays from 1:00-9:00 and also on Saturdays from 10:00 until 5:00. After Christmas, I'll cut back on the Saturdays again to only once a month. People have already been showing up to make Christmas presents. Also, I can already tell "it is the season" as my shelves empty quickly. Every year I feel bad because I have to turn people away because they didn't place an order soon enough.
If you're thinking of ordering any of my products for Christmas, another good reason to order early is that I'll be featured in the Nov/Dec issue of the following magazines:
The Iowan
Midwest Living
My experience has been that I get swamped with any kind of good press exposure like that.
A couple new products for 2008 are already moving quickly. I now make wooden pens for $20 each. Another new item, which has already had the initial supply sell out, is a mini teleidoscope for $18. They're around 3" long. Made from a variety of exotic woods, they come with a walnut stand. Picture attached.
For more information on my products please go to: http://www.kaleidoscopefactory.com/products
Down the street, Byron's been bringing in some great music. From his newsletter:
"Another week to go before music at Byron's, but the wait will be worth it. Next week's show will be one of the best ever presented at Byron's. These guys are phenomenal. Garaj Mahal( www.garajmahal.net ) is a jam band with heavy influences of jazz. Here are a couple things said about Garaj Mahal:
'Never before have jazz, jams, and fusion music sounded so sweet to my ears!'
'If there is a band on the planet that is creating music the way that Garaj Mahal is, I haven't heard them.' Jive Talkin Phil.
Tie Dye Roger has donated a 55" x 55" tie dye tapestry to be given away at the Garaj Mahal show. To be eligible, just pre order your tickets at 712-468-2372 after 3 pm.Go to my myspace page to view a picture
http://viewmorepics.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewAlbums&friendID=36591250
Byron's is having a Halloween Party on October 31, 2008. Johnny Reeferseed( www.myspace.com/jrshighrollers ) and the Highrollers will be sharing their talent for the first time. 9 pm show $10. Door Prizes and Costume Prizes. As always, one free drink with admission and another one for wearing a costume.
Coming in November. Sunday, November 2, 2008, Michael Whisler( , www.myspace.com/michaelwhislermusic ) acoustic guitar player from North Dakota. Sunday, November 9, 2008, The Mighty Short Bus ( www.msbband.com ) rock and roll from Madison, Wisconsin. These guys are GREAT.
Coming in December. Saturday, December 6, 2008, Brother Trucker( http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=54647269 ), Byron's house band. Sunday, December 14, 2008, Back Porch Mary( www.backporchmary.com/ ) are finally coming back."
To get in touch with Byron:
e-mail him at byrons@ncn.net
Or visit his website. http://downtownpomeroy.com/byron's/coming_attractions.htm
We have a new creative business in Pomeroy. Marty Illg and Rhonda Wykoff have started "M & R Creations" in a new building behind Rhonda's home. You may buy the greeting cards and other gift items they create, or you may take a class from them to learn how to make your own. For more information:
martygeorge@awcmail.com
Thanks for your continued support!
Leonard
http://www.collegeofleonard.com/
http://www.kaleidoscopefactory.com
http://www.downtownpomeroy.com/
http://www.tornadomuseum.com/
Tuesday, August 5, 2008
2nd Saturday in August 2008 Tie Dying Byron's
The 2nd Saturday in August is fast approaching. My guest artist is Travis from Predator & Prey Wildlife Art. At the Community Building for lunch there'll be brats & sauerkraut or pork sandwiches with chips and a drink for $5.
Down the street is the BIG PRODUCTION! Starting at 10:00 on Saturday the 9th we'll be tie dyeing Byron's. And, no I don't know how we'll be doing it. Roger Feldhans is in charge. That's right, we'll be tie dying the outside of the bar! That evening Byron will be hosting two bands; Truth Be Told, a jam band from Des Moines and Lady Blue, a blues band also from Des Moines.
If you come in the morning you'll be able to see the beginnings of Pomeroy's latest. It has a long ways to go, but the tornado museum is growing.
http://tornadomuseum.com/
Attached is the new downtown Pomeroy map.
http://kaleidoscopefactory.com/map.pdf
Until next time,
Leonard
http://www.collegeofleonard.com/
http://www.kaleidoscopefactory.com
http://www.downtownpomeroy.com/
http://www.tornadomuseum.com/
Down the street is the BIG PRODUCTION! Starting at 10:00 on Saturday the 9th we'll be tie dyeing Byron's. And, no I don't know how we'll be doing it. Roger Feldhans is in charge. That's right, we'll be tie dying the outside of the bar! That evening Byron will be hosting two bands; Truth Be Told, a jam band from Des Moines and Lady Blue, a blues band also from Des Moines.
If you come in the morning you'll be able to see the beginnings of Pomeroy's latest. It has a long ways to go, but the tornado museum is growing.
http://tornadomuseum.com/
Attached is the new downtown Pomeroy map.
http://kaleidoscopefactory.com/map.pdf
Until next time,
Leonard
http://www.collegeofleonard.com/
http://www.kaleidoscopefactory.com
http://www.downtownpomeroy.com/
http://www.tornadomuseum.com/
Thursday, July 10, 2008
2nd Saturday in July 2008
It's 2nd Saturday again! From this month's guest artist Maureen Powers:
"Pomeroy….The very name calls to mind images of expansive prairies, breathtaking streetscapes, magnificent wildlife, proud ancestral artists….and above all, photo safaris!Remote and uncrowded Pomeroy located in the heart of Iowa offers a truly unique experience for photography. You may even be able to view the abundant wildlife occasionally seen in the vicinity of Byron’s as watering holes are a unique opportunity to see and photograph wildlife! We will meet in front of the Kaleidoscope Factory. Upon your arrival you will be met by your guide Maureen Powers, Mphotog. Cr. where we will begin. From there we will travel through the streets capturing exotic images. The unrivaled concentration of wildlife along main street on 2nd Saturdays is guaranteed to captivate you. Join us on July 12th and learn how to go beyond the “vacation shot” and produce a work of art no matter where you shoot."
Contact:Maureen Powers
Buckroyd Studio
1222 Central AveFort Dodge, Iowa
515-576-4481"
http://artisansroadtrip.com.hosting.domaindirect.com/Maureen%20Powers.htm
Here's your chance to learn from a pro. Bring your digital camera and join Maureen. She'll help you make even better pictures. At the College of Leonard I have a digital card reader that can read 22 different types of cards so hopefully we can put your creations up on the web for you to share with others.
Saturday is also Byron's annual Street Dance. From Byron & Rollie Jensen:
"My show starts at about 6pm with Rob Lumbard( http://www.roblumbard.com/ ) showing his guitar picking. Rob was the second person to play Byron's and is a big favorite and friend. Next, Denny Simon and Tequila Sunrise( http://www.tequilasunrisetheband.com/ ) will be sharing their talents. Tequila Sunrise has a CD of their own songs with another in the works. This is a fun band and gets people up dancing. Finally, headlining this show is 56 Hope Road( http://www.56hoperd.com/ ) from Chicago. This is what Rollie Jensen, drummer for numerous bands, has to say about 56 Hope Road. By the way, I whole heartedly agree with him.
'56 Hope Road is the best band in the land with an awesome drummer, keyboard, bass, sax, rhythm guitar and excellent vocals!! ACOUSTIC FUNK JAM BAND!!! I can't even describe this group other than they really turn the audience on man!!
You can check our their website for a little foreplay teaser before Saturday. But you have to see them "live" to appreciate how great they are. They always have a very creative show when they get to Pomeroy. They are returning from their Western US Tour and play in Denver Friday night and then head out to Cedar Rapids on Sunday night before returning home to Chicago. Can't believe we get talent like this coming through Pomeroy. Byron Rocks!!' "
Also on Saturday The Pomeroy Historical Society will be hosting a chicken & biscuits lunch at the Community Building. On display at the library will be Alice Seagren's teapot collection. Elsie Moore and Antiques and More will be featuring clown and circus items.
Hope to see you here!
Thanks,
Leonard
http://www.collegeofleonard.com/
http://www.kaleidoscopefactory.com/
"Pomeroy….The very name calls to mind images of expansive prairies, breathtaking streetscapes, magnificent wildlife, proud ancestral artists….and above all, photo safaris!Remote and uncrowded Pomeroy located in the heart of Iowa offers a truly unique experience for photography. You may even be able to view the abundant wildlife occasionally seen in the vicinity of Byron’s as watering holes are a unique opportunity to see and photograph wildlife! We will meet in front of the Kaleidoscope Factory. Upon your arrival you will be met by your guide Maureen Powers, Mphotog. Cr. where we will begin. From there we will travel through the streets capturing exotic images. The unrivaled concentration of wildlife along main street on 2nd Saturdays is guaranteed to captivate you. Join us on July 12th and learn how to go beyond the “vacation shot” and produce a work of art no matter where you shoot."
Contact:Maureen Powers
Buckroyd Studio
1222 Central AveFort Dodge, Iowa
515-576-4481"
http://artisansroadtrip.com.hosting.domaindirect.com/Maureen%20Powers.htm
Here's your chance to learn from a pro. Bring your digital camera and join Maureen. She'll help you make even better pictures. At the College of Leonard I have a digital card reader that can read 22 different types of cards so hopefully we can put your creations up on the web for you to share with others.
Saturday is also Byron's annual Street Dance. From Byron & Rollie Jensen:
"My show starts at about 6pm with Rob Lumbard( http://www.roblumbard.com/ ) showing his guitar picking. Rob was the second person to play Byron's and is a big favorite and friend. Next, Denny Simon and Tequila Sunrise( http://www.tequilasunrisetheband.com/ ) will be sharing their talents. Tequila Sunrise has a CD of their own songs with another in the works. This is a fun band and gets people up dancing. Finally, headlining this show is 56 Hope Road( http://www.56hoperd.com/ ) from Chicago. This is what Rollie Jensen, drummer for numerous bands, has to say about 56 Hope Road. By the way, I whole heartedly agree with him.
'56 Hope Road is the best band in the land with an awesome drummer, keyboard, bass, sax, rhythm guitar and excellent vocals!! ACOUSTIC FUNK JAM BAND!!! I can't even describe this group other than they really turn the audience on man!!
You can check our their website for a little foreplay teaser before Saturday. But you have to see them "live" to appreciate how great they are. They always have a very creative show when they get to Pomeroy. They are returning from their Western US Tour and play in Denver Friday night and then head out to Cedar Rapids on Sunday night before returning home to Chicago. Can't believe we get talent like this coming through Pomeroy. Byron Rocks!!' "
Also on Saturday The Pomeroy Historical Society will be hosting a chicken & biscuits lunch at the Community Building. On display at the library will be Alice Seagren's teapot collection. Elsie Moore and Antiques and More will be featuring clown and circus items.
Hope to see you here!
Thanks,
Leonard
http://www.collegeofleonard.com/
http://www.kaleidoscopefactory.com/
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
