I have so enjoyed the threads on these emails, they uplift. Now on
to what is not your usual email and what I have been afraid to
write, (I dont want pity) but feel the need to ask. Due to a
motorcycle accident I had, I have been wondering if there are any
others on here; that due to an unusual circumstance may have lost
fingers or a hand, and are still going on with your jewelry? Or
perhaps know someone like me, that has adapted their equipment and
gone on with their career?
I ask this because I have had the 3rd in a flexor tendon and plastic
reconstruction of my right hand (little pinkie) and I am right
dominate, from a motorcycle injury, that has been an experience to
say the least. While the pinkie injury seems maybe not too bad, it
was negleted because this all happened back when Hurricaine Ike was
hitting the south coast where I live.
Anyway time went by before I even got to see a doctor and then
well… here I am. 51, pulling my hair out because even stringing my
beads is a problem, arthritis has gotten a hold on my whole hand and
is crippling it. I could go on an on about details but it would bore
yall to tears, I know I am.
I just was hoping for some advice (on adjusting equipment) so I can
get on with my passion. I ask for this due to, lol, a recent broken
foot from simply removing a can off the pantry shelf and other
related mishaps. I would like to keep from further injuring myself
or anyone else for that matter with a lathe or kiln and torches. I
have been forbidden to use all the above until I find away to adapt,
since I set fire to one cast and now the foot is broken. At least
still have my sense of humor; but that is running out. I really dont
feel sorry for myself about all this; except for the inability to go
about jewelry.
I actually made some pieces for a charity auction for disabled
children after first surgery, but it was chain maille and beads
strung together, which was good therapy. All that is fantastic but my
real interests lay in the more intricate details of creating the
pieces…beads, links, settings, faceting, mining etc. Now I just
want to get back to the smell of glass and metal cooking. Sounds and
vibrations of my mallet hammering, and the grinding spray of giving
birth to a visual from my soul and learning how to go further into
the use of said equipment.
If this in anyway offends anyone or makes them think that I dont
beleive every part of jewelry making is an art form, PLEASE
understand that isnt true. Honestly it all has to do with a thread
about finding your niche in a way, its just that my niche isnt (
this just isnt gonna come out right somehow I feel it) in that one
area. Im not saying anymore, I just want to be who I am. Also the
continual use of heavy duty pain killers, isnt helping me with
putting the right words togther OR in being able to do what I want
with my art.
This whole experience has delayed an already delayed website, not to
mention several good selling seasons. Reading the thread on "How did
I get all these awoke a realization of money flying out
the window, because its all sitting there ( I laughed too, because I
am usually compared to a “Lord of the Rings” character). Sigh. this
also isnt a pity party email either, I am frustrated and turning to
yall because I have tried several things with adapting hammers with
velcro (another flamable product). FYI: Oxygen blowing across ANY
petroleum jelly product BAD.
I did get my refractorscope for gemstone identification, havent been
able to use it yet, trying to organize work area inside office for
that. Tips for using one will be greatly appreciated. I may not
remember everything I have read in these threads, but I have saved
every single one that comes to me for further reading later. I love
this artform as much as my body loves breathing, and when I do die,
my main and only regret will be Ill know there was something I didnt
get to get my hands on regarding making a piece of jewelry.
Thanks for your time in reading this. please dont think any piece of
advice is too trivial… every remark will be read and appreciated.