Christmas Rant

Jewelry Discussion
1

Ho-Ho-Ho and a happy holiday to all.

This Christmas has been like a hell-week initiation into a
fraternity. I just have to vent to someone and I figure that this
list will understand. I run a one-man repair/custom order shop. Same
location for 18 years. This Christmas season has been the worst I
have seen in that time. Sales to old-time customers are off 30 %.
It’s not going to kill me financially but it hurts.

In addition, had a bunch of hand-made waxes in the oven and forgot
to unplug an electric heater. The result- my kiln-minder kicked off
and I came in the morning to find a bunch of cold flasks. I cannot
say the words I used to describe the situation in polite society.

Next- I have two love-birds in my studio. BB, one of my lovebirds,
loves to travel to the top of my flex-shaft hanger. I had my new TX
series flex-shaft hung with a length of loose chain. BB managed to
fit the excess chain in the vent hole for the motor. Result- hit the
foot-pedal and toasted a new flex shaft.

Next- a big sale- 1 ct VVS-H, chipped while setting. I’m not a happy
camper even though not much will be lost in re-cutting.

Thank you all for listening. I will survive. I just needed to vent
(a lot). Thank you for listening. TBear

PS. The vehicle thread. I plan to close my shop in 5 years and
travel the US doing small art shows and flea markets in my restored
"71 VW bus.

2 
 Next- I have two love-birds in my studio.

And here I thought this was going to be a tale of 2 employees whose
minds weren’t on their work. We ALL understand - whether in the
jewelry realm or just life. There are days - weeks - when Murphy,
the neighbor’s evil eye, and bad karma all come home for a family
reunuion.

Tas
www.earthlywealth.com

3

TBear, Weeks like you have had are why I kept old class rings
around. Take one out and talk to it with a hammer. Makes one feel
much better and doesn’t cost bail. Glad to be able to listen.

Bill

4 
Next- a big sale- 1 ct VVS-H, chipped while setting. I'm not a
happy camper even though not much will be lost in re-cutting.

Tbear, you are now an official member of the One Carat Club. Oh! a
new thread? How many Ochidians are members of the One Carat Club? I’m
sorry for your bad week. I bet Foredom could fix the flex shaft, the
TX strikes me as being like an old Checker Cab- built to last
decades. Hang in there. Kate Wolf in Maine, where the sea smoke at
dawn can take your breath away.

5

Ted, Agaopornis agapornis was well named: you should know that. They
should rename them Hatebirds 'cause that would better describe their
tough little temperaments.