Last week was my birthday week, though it didn’t unfold quite as I’d imagined. MOH treated me to some new tools: disc cutters, which I was very excited about, but one item that arrived was incorrect. So for now, I’m in that frustrating in‑between space, waiting for it to be sorted so I can get on with designs that were planned especially around it.
The tools issue soon became insignificant when the week took a much sadder turn. After more than 12 wonderful years, we had to say goodbye to our amazing dog, Bear. The last two months had been a steady downhill journey, and last week we reached the point where letting him go was the kindest thing to do. He was my focus all week, and losing him has understandably left me feeling a bit lost and heavy.
Because of that, it’s been hard to find my way back into the jewellery mindset. Creating has always been my happy place, though, so I’m gently hoping that returning to the bench will help me heal and rebalance in my own time. But it will be sad working there without him under the desk, on my feet (and often on the foot control for the pendant motor!).
Fortunately, I had no markets planned this weekend, which means I can rest, recover, and refocus without pressure. When I’m ready, I’ll be filling some gaps in my stock – mainly silver rings. There will be lots of spinner rings with a variety of gorgeous textures, along with wire‑wrapped rings and my much‑loved scroll and snake rings. You can find those here: Silver Rings.
But for now, it’s about taking things slowly, honouring the loss, and trusting that creativity will bring a little light back in when I’m ready for it.