^ The current view from my workbench window :)
Hello! This is my second year of working as a professional (!) jeweller. Most of that time I have spent deeply hunched over the bench, but - as I am trying to save my spine and take more frequent breaks - I am now only sliightly hunched over my kitchen table, gathering up some of the good news I have neglected to share! By writing this post, I am hoping to better remember the good things as they happen too. Here are some of the things I've been excited about so far :)
Wax Carvers Interview
Sandy is an amazing wax carver and community builder based in the Netherlands! I found her wax carving classes when I was first getting started, and it was her bezel class in particular that got me to my first successful stone-setting. In early spring, we did an interview together for the Wax Carvers blog, where I got to mull over Sandy's thoughtful questions and provide a little more in-depth detail about my handcarving and jewellery process. If you're interested, you can read it here!
Toronto Outdoor Art Fair
Despite the name, I will not be going anywhere out of doors - so please instead consider this the Toronto Online Art Fair :) I have long wanted to exhibit my work in-person, and was originally slated to attend the fair held in Toronto's Nathan Phillips Square - but ultimately the outdoor nature of things had me far too paranoid about liability - so instead I have opted to be listed with them as an online-only artist. Everything I have there is already shown here, but if you like art and crafts this happens to be a fantastic time to check out this year's wonderful artist roster!
Shop Milestones
Other assorted milestones that I'm really proud of!
Heirlooms for aunties
I got to make a jewel for my dear friend's mum! As daughters of immigrants who had less opportunity to enjoy pretty things purely out of delight, it is one of my personal goals to share some sparkly moments with the women who gave everything to raise us. Over mother's day weekend, four of us girls went over for a lovely homecooked meal together, then we surprised her with a gift over dessert! Auntie immediately knew how she wanted to style it (a classic outfit in black, maybe a touch of lace...🪄) A lighter, more indulgent side to first-generation immigrant parents - it just makes me so happy to see!
Around the woOrld, around the woOorld...
To date I have managed to ship to 5 countries (in 4 continents! I hope to reach all 7 one day. If you are reading this and you are an Antarctic researcher, maybe you could help me fulfill the dream??) So far only one parcel has been (maybe) lost - this one is currently still stuck in transit and only occasionally keeps me up at night 😠 On the bright side, trying to shepherd fine jewellery through various borders and import regulations has revealed how my customers are truly some of the most patient and gracious of human beings! I could not be more grateful to work for such wonderful people.
More!
More things that I am excited about! I will put them here!