Wall of Fame
Class Project
Tribute to a Broom Maker
Now that she is back and settled in Hufflepuff, I decided to seek out Prof. Tarma Amelia Black for an interview. For those who don't know, Tarma recently created her own signature broom model - the Merc.
1. What would you describe as your perfect broom ride?
*cough* um ... well, there was a time when Mark needed to get someplace and didn't want to walk and I had my broomstick (which can carry double you know) and I offered him a ride. That was a pretty good ride. *cg*
2. Has making your own broomstick changed your view of broomsticks at all? How?
It has changed my view of broomsticks because now I know more of what is possible and I find that I am not so willing to let cruddy workmanship and/or woodcraft slide (if you are talking about people who make broomsticks). As for the broomsticks themselves, well, I am even more enamoured of them as a method of travel, of entertainment, of just something great.
3. You seem to be familiar with wood, teaching Wand-Making and having designed your own signature broom. Is there a type of wood you enjoy working with?
Oh, gee. You've done your research haven't you. Good job! Well, I like cherry wood. I love the tree, I love the way it feels, it's very ... smooth. That doesn't mean that I'd make a broomstick of cherry wood, though, although I might want to make it with part of it cherry. But my primary wand is of cherry wood and it's just a favourite of mine.
4. How many Mercs have you made since your signature broom model was released? Are you happy with this amount? Why or why not?
I've made 23. I think I rushed them a bit because it's just me, you know. Well pretty much it's just me making them. They are good brooms, each and every one of them, but I'm sort of past the point of running out of sleep and being tired. I still have maybe 6 on order and more commissions-in-potential for more Mercs, but the people are being very kind and understanding in knowing that I'm doing as well as I can. So actually I'm considering hiring someone to help me with the basics .... I'd still do the difficult and the dangerous stuff but for the basic design details I think I could delegate that.
5. I noticed that the colours of the Merc can be individualized. What is your preferred colour combination? Something that changes into green? *g*
What? Green? HA HA you are so funny. :P (Oh, that is a GOOD idea ... ooohhhh). It depends on what mood I'm in actually. A favourite colour combination has always been red, black and white. I also like green and purple together (a dark green and lilac shade of purple). And then, basic black is very good.
6. Would you recommend flying a Merc for the annual Broom Race? Have you seen any Mercs on course?
I've not seen any on course, yet, no. Of course I would recommend a Merc for Broom Race. It's MADE for difficult endeavours! Also, have you seen some of those folks when they get off their broomsticks at the different stops? *CG* Well, no one would walk like that if they had been flying a Merc. I'm hoping that someone uses one next year. So far most of my customers are rather sane, though. .. Want to buy one and enter Broom Race next year with it? ^_^
Well, look at that.. A true broom saleswoman! I may have to place an order for my Merc. Thank you Tarma for sparing some of your valuable time!
- Prof. Scarlet Leslie, pr_sca, Ravenclaw
1. What would you describe as your perfect broom ride?
*cough* um ... well, there was a time when Mark needed to get someplace and didn't want to walk and I had my broomstick (which can carry double you know) and I offered him a ride. That was a pretty good ride. *cg*
2. Has making your own broomstick changed your view of broomsticks at all? How?
It has changed my view of broomsticks because now I know more of what is possible and I find that I am not so willing to let cruddy workmanship and/or woodcraft slide (if you are talking about people who make broomsticks). As for the broomsticks themselves, well, I am even more enamoured of them as a method of travel, of entertainment, of just something great.
3. You seem to be familiar with wood, teaching Wand-Making and having designed your own signature broom. Is there a type of wood you enjoy working with?
Oh, gee. You've done your research haven't you. Good job! Well, I like cherry wood. I love the tree, I love the way it feels, it's very ... smooth. That doesn't mean that I'd make a broomstick of cherry wood, though, although I might want to make it with part of it cherry. But my primary wand is of cherry wood and it's just a favourite of mine.
4. How many Mercs have you made since your signature broom model was released? Are you happy with this amount? Why or why not?
I've made 23. I think I rushed them a bit because it's just me, you know. Well pretty much it's just me making them. They are good brooms, each and every one of them, but I'm sort of past the point of running out of sleep and being tired. I still have maybe 6 on order and more commissions-in-potential for more Mercs, but the people are being very kind and understanding in knowing that I'm doing as well as I can. So actually I'm considering hiring someone to help me with the basics .... I'd still do the difficult and the dangerous stuff but for the basic design details I think I could delegate that.
5. I noticed that the colours of the Merc can be individualized. What is your preferred colour combination? Something that changes into green? *g*
What? Green? HA HA you are so funny. :P (Oh, that is a GOOD idea ... ooohhhh). It depends on what mood I'm in actually. A favourite colour combination has always been red, black and white. I also like green and purple together (a dark green and lilac shade of purple). And then, basic black is very good.
6. Would you recommend flying a Merc for the annual Broom Race? Have you seen any Mercs on course?
I've not seen any on course, yet, no. Of course I would recommend a Merc for Broom Race. It's MADE for difficult endeavours! Also, have you seen some of those folks when they get off their broomsticks at the different stops? *CG* Well, no one would walk like that if they had been flying a Merc. I'm hoping that someone uses one next year. So far most of my customers are rather sane, though. .. Want to buy one and enter Broom Race next year with it? ^_^
Well, look at that.. A true broom saleswoman! I may have to place an order for my Merc. Thank you Tarma for sparing some of your valuable time!
- Prof. Scarlet Leslie, pr_sca, Ravenclaw