New Jobs Become Old Jobs

Well you've guessed it I'm once again jobless. That's the problem with working through a temp agency. You get a phone call one morning and suddenly your out of a job again. So now it's back to jewellery again. This week it's all out jewellery. The one good thing about this is it made the decision that I am definitely doing a show in November.

For those of you in the KW area I will be at the Jewellery, Fashion and Gifts Show on Sunday, November 21st at the Bingemans Conference Center. It looks to be a great show and a perfect place to do some Christmas shopping so stop by and check it out! Tickets are $6.00. Click the image to go to the show's website. My booth is directly across from the entrance so you can't miss me! Hope to see you all there 'cus I'll be bustin' my butt to get an inventory ready.

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.

Small confession

First day with the entire place to myself since by boyfriend came to stay for most of last week. I now must confess I did absolutely NOTHING productive with it. I went to the yarn store and bought new needles... then proceeded to knit an entire hat in the course of the afternoon and evening. At least it was for charity? Tomorrow I must either go into the studio and work on commissions or go to the temp agency to get set up to hopefully get into electronics manufacturing. Or do both as that's what my parents will ask me when they get home from vacation. I am enjoying having my own place far too much. I need a job to make this permanent. Time to get my butt in gear! Any motivational advice?

Interviews are horribly terrifying things...

So as I've mentioned stating a business is expensive stuff so I have been looking for a job. Over a month ago I started being interviewed for a position as a goldsmith working for a jewellery store in the next city over. Yesterday I had to go to their head office for another interview with their goldsmiths to see if I have the skills they're looking for. Needless to say I was a nervous wreck yesterday.

At the interview they had me size a ring down and two rings up as well as set two stones in a ring and reset a stone in an earring. It was very nerve wracking. Since it was Thursday everyone was very busy trying to get the final repairs ready to be sent back to the stores before the weekend so there wasn't really anywhere for me to work without putting someone out of their bench. Also obviously since this is someone else's bench I didn't know where he kept the tools I needed and he had his bench pin set up differently, so it took me much longer to do things than it would have at home. I left very nervous and expecting that I had done a horrible job. (Did I mention that I'm a bit self deprecating?) Anyways I came home, took some Advil and curled up with a new book from my favourite author for the rest of the night.

Today I've mostly been doing my laundry, finished said book and focused on the fact my boyfriend is coming for the weekend (boyfriend + Our Lady Peace concert, what could be better?). It didn't even cross my mind who it might be when my cell phone rang. Turned out it was the store I'm being interviewed for asking for... another interview. They said I got a very good review from the interview so I guess it didn't go as bad as I thought... Well here's hoping!
















Photo by: puddlemuddle2000 (Tucson I have arrived!!)