ABA OFF THE CLOCK

Jeannie Swafford - Archery

Jeanine Swafford, an ASC for the Office of the Vice President of Administration/CFO, spends her spare time setting her sights on a target as an avid archer and historical recreation practitioner.
"I have been shooting for over 20 years!" exclaimed Swafford. "I shoot traditional Welsh or English longbow."

She learned from friends who also enjoy attending historical recreation events, often referred to as Renaissance Fairs. "I got my first bow from a friend who had visited England,” said Swafford. “She is beautiful! Worked from Orange Osage, with a lovely clear varnish, and carved horn nocks at both ends."

Swafford explained the enjoyment she feels during target practice: "The things that keep me most interested is the sensation of calm self-awareness I experience while shooting." Perhaps equally important to her, is the welcoming community of archery. "Archery is an equal opportunity activity. Men. Women. Children. Young. Old. People with mobility issues. Everyone."

If you happen to visit a Renaissance Faire this summer, keep your sights out for her! "Summer is on the horizon and we have several events coming up that happen here in Sacramento that span from Tahoe to Fresno!"

Candace Ensley - Jewelry Crafting

When Candace Ensley isn't answering students' tuition questions, or helping support the Bursar's Office and OneCard Services, she enjoys making home-made custom jewelry!

"I started out making friendship bracelets for me and my classmates when I was a teenager. I realized I really liked doing it so I began to learn how to make other jewelry, like earrings and necklaces," said Ensley, accounting technician II. "It was a great way for me to express myself and be productive at the same time."

As her collection amassed, she wondered if she could sell some of her pieces. "I was able to get into a craft fair a few years ago and had a blast! Interacting with people and seeing what impact my jewelry had on them was very fulfilling," said Ensley.

She stressed how the creative process keeps her motivated: "I usually have to see something that inspires me. Often I’ll see someone wearing a nice piece of jewelry and I think, 'I can make that.'” If you would like to view Ensley's work, or are interested in purchasing some home-made pieces, visit her Etsy shop at: https://www.etsy.com/shop/MommyDeerDesigns.

Scott Christian - Woodworking

Woodworking is an activity that requires patience, precision, and an eye towards creativity. One person who exhibits all of those traits is Corporal Scott Christian. "I call it sawdust therapy," said Christian. "But my wife and daughter refer to it as making man-glitter."

Christian has been woodworking since he was a child: "When I was in middle school, my mom and dad had custom cabinets installed in the kitchen, and I was fascinated with the work the cabinetmaker did.  The following year, I signed up for wood shop, which was a great experience."

Today, he makes pieces for his family, while finding ways to escape from day to day stresses. "Building things allows me to focus on something else. The best part is the creative process, I think," said Christian.

His favorite piece? "If I had to pick an all-time favorite, I’d have to go with my daughter’s loft bed set that I made her for Christmas two years ago.  I’ll never forget the look on her face when I showed it to her, when it was all assembled and ready to be painted.  Her face just lit up the whole garage," explained Christian.