Hello, Monday.

So far, today:

Order of bronze clay has shipped. I spent almost a week trying to get the ball I had to behave, and it flat out refused to. That’s something like 75g shot. This puts me behind schedule there, but at least the new bronze clay shipped finally. I ordered late last week, but kept trying to get the clay to work. No luck. Waiting on the package now.

Sealant for copper and bronze shipped within hours of ordering. Which is good, because I didn’t realize I was THAT low on it. I love ProtectaClear’s customer service.

Broken Tree Talisman

Finally have a new piece available in the shop – Broken Tree Talisman – and the newsletter announcement went out for it today as well. Getting better with the photos for listings, too. I like the white background, but it takes a bit of work to get them clean enough. (On my wishlist: Nimbus Cloud Dome Lightbox, someday.)

I’ve been going round and round with myself about how long it takes me to finish a piece. I know the Positive Thinking approach – be glad you’ve finished, don’t judge the creative process, and so on – but I’m finding myself feeling frustrated all the same. I look at the above design, and wonder why on earth it took me as long as it did to finish it. Because I was working on three other pieces at the same time? Possibly. Because we were building a chicken coop? Maybe. Because I was learning to make bacon and cure salmon? That might contribute. Because I have three kids who go to school an hour away? Because I was finding a new Doctor and cleaning beer cans out from under the bushes, left by the former owner of our house and… and…  Possibly. I know, I have reasons, but STILL. I still feel like I can do better. Faster. Strong… er, better. Let’s go with better. My own standards are telling me that this should have taken less than a week. Days. But it didn’t. And I’m trying to make peace with that. Baby steps, on that front. I may never quite be satisfied with myself, but that’s also something I’m proud of, always growing. Go figure.

JoolTool: NEW TOY, I mean, TOOL.

My new JoolTool is fabulous, and means that I spend more time making pieces than I do polishing them now. Seriously. I used to spend more time polishing than I did making pieces. Instead of an hour polishing, it’s 10-15 minutes. With the tumbler and flex shaft, finishing just got worlds easier. And shinier. Hello, seeing my face reflected in pieces. Aw, yeah. It’s fabulous.

I’ll likely be gushing about it for a while yet. Just fair warning. <3

 

Other Pieces in Progress:

I’m working on the Broken Tree designs in copper – plus one larger silver piece with peridot, not shown. A larger pendant, dubbed Moonstone Seas, featuring runes, and a rainbow moonstone, in fine silver. And then, the two pieces that will bring enamel back – the Triforce pendant, and the Rune Feathers ring.

The Broken Tree pieces will likely be first out of the gate – they are the closest to done. Moonstone Seas needs work on the bezel setting – it’s not quite where I want it yet, and I’ve been having a hard time getting it right. The Triforce enameling is giving me hell – I’m due to remove the second attempt at enameling in the next few days. The Rune Feather ring went fairly well, only the first try ended up being too thin to be worn. So, I’m remaking it with more silver to support the enamel, and stand up to actually being worn by a human that uses their hands. Functionality is kinda a bit deal with me. 😉

Orders

I’m still working on orders that come in, as they come in. Thank you so much to everyone who has ordered – I’m working as fast as I can to get them shipped out, in the order they arrive! I’m a bit behind on one because of the snafu with the bronze clay going bad, but we’re on track with the rest. <3

Back to work for a bit longer with me, and then maybe I’ll sneak in some Sims 4 time. I’ve been itching to play for almost a week, and I can’t work late tonight – Steve has an appointment at Moffitt Cancer Center tomorrow. It’s a routine appointment, but he’s really not been feeling well, so it’s good timing. Hopefully no tough news, and hopefully he doesn’t need another round of chemo. Leukemia is an asshole like that.

 

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