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Corky writes for fellow curious people exploring new hobbies and places. Learn about sewing & tie dye, or search recent visits in Northern Indiana. 

Hand holding a jar of Jacquard Lumiere fabric paint in a studio setting, with a blurred yellow sweatshirt in the background.

How to set fabric paint

November 29, 2025

Fabric paint is usually set by letting it dry completely and then applying heat, which bonds the pigments to the fibers. You can heat set it with a clothes dryer, an iron, or a heat press depending on the fabric and the paint instructions.

Tiny juvenile African bullfrogs in a shallow bin of water at the Tinley Park Reptile Expo, next to the adult male that fathered them.

African Bullfrog lifespan

November 28, 2025

African bullfrogs usually live ten to fifteen years in captivity when kept with proper heat, humidity and food. Some males can reach twenty years or more, especially the large pixie frogs often seen at reptile expos.

Vintage Onan generator on display at the RV Hall of Fame with bright museum lighting and retro signage.

RV Hall of Fame tickets are $20

November 21, 2025

Admission covers the full museum, parking is free for regular vehicles, RV parking is first come, and mobile tickets scan in quickly at the check-in desk.

close-up of a diamondback terrapin turtle lifting its head above water in a clear container at the Goshen Reptile Expo

Are turtles reptiles?

November 10, 2025

Yes, turtles are reptiles. They are cold-blooded, air-breathing animals with scales and four limbs, belonging to the order Testudines, the same reptile group as tortoises and terrapins.

A baby tarantula inside a small plastic container with webbing, shown by @amber_arachnid at the Goshen Reptile Expo

Do tarantulas make webs?

November 8, 2025

Yes, tarantulas make webs, but they don’t spin the big wheel-shaped kind. Amber, from Amber Arachnid says they fill their space with silk that they use for walking, sensing, and catching food.

Corky holding a cloth pad with the wings snapped behind the pad.

Versodile Sewing Patterns for Cloth Pads

October 22, 2025

Sewing patterns designed for getting a custom fit to suit your needs. Mix and match the ends to get the cloth pad length and shape you need.

Decorative Opae ula shrimp jar on a vendor table with lava rock, yellow coral, and a branching sea fan structure inside the brackish water.

Ōpae ula shrimp as pets

November 29, 2025

These are Ōpae ula shrimp, also called volcano shrimp. They live in small brackish-water jars and stay healthy for years with almost no maintenance.

A person pointing a finger with fabric paint on the end, near the jar of paint.

Can you use acrylic paint on fabric?

November 27, 2025

Acrylic paint will stick to fabric, but it isn’t durable and can crack or peel with regular washing. For shirts, screen printing ink or fabric paint holds up better and can be heat set for long term use.

Close up of a Thai Constellation Monstera leaf showing yellow green variegation in bright indoor light.

Monstera Thai Constellation Care

November 11, 2025

The Monstera Thai Constellation grows best in bright, indirect light with moderate watering and chunky soil. Avoid harsh southern windows or over-potting since variegated leaves can burn easily and excess moisture causes root rot. Let it get a little root-bound before repotting and it’ll do fine in normal house conditions.

A person holding a small container labeled “Brachypalma emilia” showing a baby tarantula at the Goshen Reptile Expo, vendor Rambows and Friends Accessories.

How long do tarantulas live?

November 9, 2025

Vendor Rambows and Friends shared that her female tarantulas can live up to ten years, while males usually live a few years less. After reaching maturity, most males live for only about two years.

A bright red and yellow model trolley crosses a wooden bridge surrounded by trees and autumn leaves at Fernwood Botanical Gardens in Niles, Michigan.

Model trains at Fernwood Botanical Gardens

November 2, 2025

There are two different train displays at Fernwood. One is inside, in the building where you buy your tickets. The other is a short walk from the entrance, on the trail.

Close-up of a variegated tropical plant leaf being held at the Tinley Park Reptile Expo, surrounded by lush green foliage.

Rare plants at the Tinley Park Reptile Expo?

October 21, 2025

Several vendors sell rare houseplants alongside reptiles, including terrarium starters, carnivorous species, and collector-grade foliage plants like Thai Constellations and variegated philodendrons.

Geode tie dye

The geode style is known for crisp lines and concentric bands of color that resemble agate slices. The fabric is tied with sinew and dyed with fiber reactive procion dye.

This is a rayon jersey cardigan, dyed with my favorite color combo: citrus yellow, peach, wasabi (dharma), and jet black (jacquard).

Sewing Cloth Pads

Getting started with how to sew your own cloth pads can feel overhwhelming, at first.

 

Here's a list of links that will be helpful. Download the beginner sewing pattern to get started.

Dye Color Swatches

This is an on-going project to display a collective dye library, of colors from any brand. See community dyed fabric swatches.

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