Expect the Unexpected

I woke up this morning expecting something unexpected.


We found her just outside our backdoor. Mind you we live IN town - she had quite a walk. She is LARGE with a top carapace thats about 10 x 13 inches. She has now buried herself underground. I don't think I need to tell you what she's doing down there.

I called the local park (they take injured birds, snakes etc.) and they said to leave her alone; she'll finish laying eggs in about 24 hrs.

Hazards on the job

Big orders, lots of beads...beads, beads, beads. Soreness in one hand led me to try making the same small beads between the thumb and pointer finger of my other hand and lo and behold, I am polymer ambidextrous! (well, at least with that kind of bead)


This is one of the "rest" projects I am working on after both hands get stiff. I cut into my thumb on Saturday because I was carving and not wearing my leather finger protector. Amazingly its just about healed already. And I've learned my lesson.

On other fronts

I'm doing some graphic work on the side for my brother in law who is starting his own business. Sam helped me out here.


And I am preparing for a big graduation party for my "model", Ema. Ah! My model with be going to college this fall! Had a hearty cry about it yesterday - brought on by the thought of not having a model but really centered more on the fact that my first born is preparing to leave home. (I'll be listing this new ring soon.)


Thanks for reading!

And so...

...someone has copied some of my pieces. Its was unsettling to come upon their Etsy shop, a bit like seeing your own head on another body. My designs are simple so maybe this is an unfortunate but natural side effect.

They openly state in their shop that they are "inspired" by me. Now I've had people say that before, that is, they see something I did, they change the ideas, they make their own, they let me know they posted a picture on their blog or flickr and its humbling and kind ( and exciting). That is not wrong. We learn from each and then we can make the KNOWLEDGE, not the item, our own. And when everyone plays by the rules...it's actually great! Those with more knowledge have more of a "reserve" from which to share and the rest of us need to be respectful of that. (and to heighten the effect you can do what I do and stand in the Ford/Forlano booth at ACC and weep ;-)


No, inspiration is something completely different than copying. So where is the dividing line? MOST of us don't want to step over that line - me included!


Forging head with new rings, new necklaces, new earrings!