Still Sorting and Packing

Thirty years - I have over thirty years in this house.  Uh, that is like 5 tons of I should have purged a long time ago.  And yet I still find myself looking through boxes and telling myself, "That's too close to being finished, I might use that some day, oh no - I couldn't possibly part with this".  What am I thinking - If I haven't done it by now I never will.  It's not that I'm not throwing things away.  That is happening and we've had to borrow the neighbors trash can several times over the past few weeks but it doesn't seem like nearly enough.  Maybe what I need is a dumpster.  If you pay for that thing then you feel a need to fill it up, right? 

I'm lamenting the fact I unplugged the kiln yesterday.  It's done.  No lampworking or clay for the next 3 months while we transition out of this house and into a new one.  It's sad.  I see everyone's holiday beads and such and I get a ping in chest.  The urge to go and work....so not going to happen.

Juggling Act

Sorry to have been out of touch.  My Samsung lap top took a tumble and I broke off a chuck of plastic that held in the battery charger.  Actually the Samsung was always a slippery sucker and I've often complained about it.  As far as lap tops go it was a pretty efficient one but that slippery trait and the placement of the touch pad was awkward at best.  I was used to a Dell laptop and loved the little thing.  I needed more power and was in a hurry and opted for the Samsung because I could get it immediately.  Bad move.  I'm back to a Dell now and except for the Windows 8 I'm a happy camper. 

There is something about getting a new operating system that always throws me for a loop and this one is no exception.  Swipe screens - and keyboards and a dozen ways to do the same thing.  Yikes.  And really, Outlook? When I wanted outlook on my last computer I had to pay for the darn thing - I refused to do that and simply got a new email (with Google) and I'm happy with it.  Now you want me to have a google account or I have to find a way around it.  Oh Pul-ezzze....stop it Gates!  If you want me to be happy with my Microsoft stuff then please just let me put on the things that I want on my computer and make it so us who remember the very first computers can do that with ease.  I don't want to have to take a computer course just to put "my usual" on my desktop.

Yeah, I know, its probably really simple...and if that were so why the heck can't the "geeks" just do it at the Best Buy. 

Anyhow, I'm back in business while the Samsung is being repaired and maybe I'll add sticky bumps to bottom of it so I don't lose it again on the floor.

And, if anyone know how to get gmail on their Window's 8 easily - without a code and without having to sign up for Outlook let me know.

Addition to the Reference List

Quotes from:  Wubber's University  (and you need to put Wubber's high on your speed order list - great pliers, tools, and this too:

"Today's Tip from Lexi:

Ever find yourself in a “tight spot”, where you can’t get a file or silicon wheel into a small area for polishing? This little tip helps a lot.

Use a Q-Tip or toothpick instead. Charge your toothpick with the rouge ...or tripoli polishing compound, then insert it in your flex shaft or Dremel. Use it just as you would a polishing wheel or cylinder.

If it breaks off, just grab another one, they’re cheap! This will get you into a lot of tiny places, and it’s great for rings. This also works great for cleaning the inside of a bail. ABSOLUTELY DO NOT POLISH CHAINS THIS WAY! The chain can catch and whip around your finger or the flex shaft/Dremel.

And, of course, ALWAYS have on safety glasses when using any power tools. Remove any residue from the compound with a mixture of water, Dawn Detergent and a bit of household ammonia."

And, check this one out - I've never encountered this idea before - brilliant, simply brilliant.  It's from a July 30th post at Wubber's University.
 

"Today's tip from Lexi:

If you are soldering bezels which are closely placed together, place a piece of mechanical pencil lead on the back plate between the bezels. This will keep them from moving on the bed of flux and soldering together. It works well with tiny little balls for decoration, too."

The Lexi in all of this is Lexi Erickson.  I've several of her videos and she writes for Interweave and Jewelry Artist Magazine, among others.  Great articles, great artist, great tips. 

How'd I miss this -

Rio Grande Blog

I'm a Convert

I love a good conversion chart.  I have several of my favorites laminated because it's just plain easier to grab a chart and see what drill bit goes with what gauge wire.  Here is the king of places to get conversion charts for your workbench:

Conversion Charts

 

 

Business as Usual?

Have you checked this out lately:

Art Biz Blog

 

There are tons of inspirational articles to get your work right on track!  I could really use it - look at the pile I've created in the kitchen.  Gosh I hate packing.

 

onward and upward!

 

 

 

Julie Sanford Studio

I'd be really a miss if I didn't mention and show you Julie Sanford's great studio in Grand Haven.  She teaches there and has many visiting instructors - such as Gerry Lewy, Michael David Sturlin, and Richard Salley.  If you're ever in a mood for a great Michigan destination I'd recommend Julie's studio without question.  Not only was Gerry great, the town was great, and Julie is a gem.  She couldn't have been a better hostess.

This gives you a small idea of what Julie's studio looks like:

Just a few pictures and I didn't even get the gallery and store section in - the studio is just beautiful

Fantastic, huh?  An ideal setting for working.  Plenty of room to watch the demo - individual benches to work at/ with lights (such a plus to have a light of your own to adjust).  It's just plain ideal.   It's so well thought of that there were students there from Wisconsin, and Indiana - besides Michigan.  And, since Grand Haven is such a wonderful town to visit I'd recommend this as a fun destination trip for anyone.  If it were summer the husbands could laze around the beach, book a fishing trip, or play golf.  LOL - they get to relax their way while you have a great "art retreat".  Whoo Hoo!