First Steps

I am happy to say that I’ve spent time in my studio twice in the last week! People who followed my old blog will realize that this is a big step since I have been struggling with a firmly rooted creatvie block. It started the other night when I finally put my books away, and then yesterday I spent a couple of blocks of time playing around with painted veneers. Nothing fantastic has come of this yet, but I am having fun! And, drum roll please, I also used my butane torch for the first time yesterday! My little soldering station has been mocking me lately. All I did was make some ball end headpins with Argentium silver, but it was such a blast. Something about playing with flames (even small controlled ones) is empowering. I like the Argentium wire since it melts and fuses more like Fine Silver, but its strength is closer to Sterling. Fun stuff, I am definitely going to have to explore further.

The other first step I am really proud of is: today I went to the gym for the first time! I have not been a big exercise fan. That’s putting it mildly, basically I am a couch potato. Some health concerns that have cropped up (isn’t aging a pain in the butt lovely?) have forced me to make some healthy changes. I’m losing weight (Weight Watchers) and now I am exercising. Thank goodness for my ipod and interesting podcasts. Today I listened to the Craftcast interview with Claudine Hellmuth. It made the walking almost bearable go faster. Claudine’s blog looks like a fun read too.

Btw, Craftcast is now airing twice a week. The latest interview is with Tim McCreight, I haven’t listened yet, but I can’t wait. I need to update my ipod.