Hi..I'm a 54 year old guy who is unable to work fulltime due to chronic fatigue, pain, and a mood disorder. I have always had a fascination with working in glass, metal and gemstones. I am teaching myself about silver clay, metal smithing, borosilicate glass and stone setting, especially synthetic opals. It is my goal to turn a new hobby into a way to make some additional income at my own pace and with my own unique hours and capabilities. My father was a jeweller and watchmaker, so perhaps that is where I get the desire to work with metal and stones. I have taken one brief course in wire wrapping and had a few lessons in cabbing stones but otherwise I'm pretty much a novice to most of this. I am looking forward to growing in knowlege and skills, and even if I never sell a single piece I will have the satisfaction of creating things which to me are almost magical and the satisfaction of sharing them with my family and friends.