New and Old Jobs

So I've been at my new job for almost 2 weeks now and I have to say I've definitely had worse jobs. Funny how I would rather spend 12 hours working in a factory than 6 in a jewellery store. It actually feels like it's going faster! However on Monday I start my second bought of night shift so this opinion may change.

So I finally got the adapters for my torch! I got them last week, went to pick them up, attached them to my torch, found that the O2 connection between the hose and adapter was leaking, tried tightening it, tested it, tightened it, tested it, tightened it and promptly sheared the tubing from the adapter clean off. Was not very impressed. So I spent the rest of the day pulling out my old little leaky torch (don't worry it's just the O2 that leaks not the propane) and soldering the adapter back together. I'm probably going to have to order another adapter just in case my patch job ever fails me. For the record it still leaked afterwards so I had to go to the hardware store and get plumber's tape to seal the joint. Works like a charm, should've done it in the first place, but live and learn.

So now I'll be able to get back into the studio, as I've mentioned I have quite a few commissions waiting on me, some of you have been waiting quite a while (I'm sorry! I really am I will be getting to it tomorrow morning! I promise!). I've also applied to a local craft show that I personally haven't been to but my mom has and she's told me it's really good, I've heard the same from others. I'm told it's like a smaller version of the One of a Kind Show in Toronto. It would be the most expensive show I've done at about $400 a booth and I will need to invest in things like lighting but it's much cheaper than One of a Kind and I could possibly get a bursary (I've applied anyways). So I'm waiting with fingers crossed and if I get in I'm going to have to get my little butt in gear and make up some more inventory.

I've got 2 days off and it's on nights for 3 days and I get my first full week off. Back to work in the studio tomorrow.

Employed... again

So yes new job. Of course when it comes to me and work when it rains it pours. Now that I have a long list of commissions and selling opportunities is the time that the temp agency calls me up and tells me that I'm starting work with RIM. I can't really complain though as it will be a steady paycheck. I start on Friday.

The only thing I'm not so happy about is that it's 12 hour shift work. I don't relish those days working 7pm to 7am (or the thought of getting up for 7am start) but work's work. I also think I'm more suited for assembly work than retail anyways. However working full time shift work affords more actual days off and thus more opportunities to go into my studio. I even have 7 days off once a month between night shifts. So we'll see how this one works out. It's only a 3 month contract as it is. I'm considering not trying to hire on again immediately afterward as it will be the start of Christmas buying season and a prime time for me to work on my own business.

No news yet on the adapter for my torch. Going to call first thing in the morning as work is definitely piling up.

Mostly good news - A surprising day

Yesterday was quite a surprisingly productive day. Surprisingly because I thought I wouldn't be able to do a lot. Up until now I have been using my boyfriend's torch. Last week I finally bought my own so I returned his on the weekend. On Monday when I went to set it up I found I needed an adapter between my handpiece and the hose so now I can't use my torch until I get the adapters which won't be in for about a week. This however apparently would not slow me down yesterday.

So how to start off the day of work if there isn't much you can do in the studio? Spend the morning photographing of course. This leads to puting the new pictures on my website, then attempting to purchase my domain on the new site (not working out so well) and working on cataloging my inventory.

Now here starts the interesting part. In the afternoon I went to pick up my mom from work a bit early so I could talk to one of her co-workers who wanted to commission me for a ring and pendant. Got plans made with her then ran into another co-worker who had also been thinking of commissioning me for a pendant. Three commissions in about 20 min.

Then we headed out to a china/housewares store that specializes in bridal gifts as I have far too many weddings to go to this year. While there one of the guys who works there commented on my purse which I had gotten at the One of a Kind Show. This lead to talking about the One of a Kind Show, which lead to my jewellery, to shows I could sell at, to the possibility of selling my jewellery there on consignment, that and possibly a commission from him. Don't ask me how this all works but it did. So now I've got another possible store on my list. This of course gave me plenty to occupy myself in the evening as I then had to make care instruction cards for my wood jewellery and work on updating my sadly neglected portfolio for him to peruse at our next meeting. I love surprises don't you?

I have to give a lot of credit for that one to my business cards that I got from moo.com. They're simple and elegant and each card has a different picture of my jewellery on it. Not only do they make me feel totally professional but it's like having a walking portfolio sitting in my purse. They're a bit more expensive than cards from Staples but they're totally worth it.

Well I think I've jabbered on enough about my day so I'll leave you with some of the photos I took yesterday! Including the incredible new felted jewellery!