The new bench is finished, we’ve caught up on repairs, and we’re experimenting with new directions. But, the best part of “right now” is that I get to work with my daughter next to me and include her into the creative process. Of course, I can’t ask much of her at the moment, some piercing, some forging, etc.. But, I have her working to develop some intermediate soldering techniques, and working with her on developing her sketches into a finished piece, which (IMO) is the biggest leap form a neophyte into fully developed idea generator.
The beauty is that I get to teach her while working, without having to walk down from the studio area to answer questions, leaving work in progress at my own bench. And, so far, she is still thirsty for more information, knowledge, and techniques. And, I can’t think of a better quality time with my daughter than sharing a passion for stones and metals.
Of course she has to deal with me, constantly, “don’t set cross legged at the bench,” “where are your safety glasses?” “heat it evenly,” and “pay attention!” But, I try not to always be corrective. I remember my dad’s way of letting me know that I had maybe messed up somewhere was a “tschict” sound he’d make by sucking on his front teeth with a toothpick in his lips, a gentle airhorn to let me know to check myself or check the work. I need a “tschict.”
I’m looking forward to being able to post her collaborations, or even let her post them. She is quite the writer. I’m also going over possibilities of taking her to some metals classes with other instructors. I would have loved learning other ways to approach the craft or even the art. I’m going to have to look around a bit. Our area of the world isn’t exactly inundated with classes in metals.
We’ll keep you updated
Oh, and the next pair of eyewear frames are rolling along.

So, stay tuned. Now is a great time to post a few tutorials on some of the basics that I’m sharing with my daughter. Or, I can let her tell it in her won words.
Thanks!!
I hope “Tschict” isn’t a bad word is some language that I’m ignorant of, LOL!!
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