Update

OK, things don't go to plan. The 3rd installment of how to clean jewelry has video problems, as in--it sucks. The plan was to do it over, but the weather wasn't cooperating so my daughter could get in to do the filming. Believe me, it'll be worth the wait, okay?

There was the usual Christmas rush and my usual "I don't want to see a piece of metal or a stone for a month!" I'm over it now.

I do my usual slow period stuff, redo the website (that's the Metals and Gems one), do the taxes, sketch a lot and do my pretty stuff that makes my heart sing. Like the one above, which is a doublecut decahedron (that's 12 sides) buff top almost orange yummy citrine. I think it's about 13 carats. Oh, and it's what passes as spring here in Wyoming, so I'm busy with planting.

Soon, I'll be migrating the blog over to WordPress, because it has a lot more options and is easier for people reading it to navigate. Yet another thing I have to learn. Good for the brain cells, right?

I had a big arthritis flare, unable to use my hands much and couldn't sit because of the hip. The medicine the rheumatologist put me on is pretty rough on the system too. Did you know they use chemotherapy drugs for advanced arthritis? I have a whole new respect for people going through chemotherapy--they take a lot more than I do! I feel like a pathetic wuss.

My husband is working hard on the room that will become my studio. He's put down a tile floor and painted the walls. There's much more to be done--wiring, ceiling, finish framing the windows, cabinets--and then the big stuff--moving all the equipment in and finding new places for everything. It's gonna be a great place!

Most of my new work has already been placed in galleries, but I'll be showing you some of my upcoming pieces as shot off the bench.