A simple start

Here's a little peek at the basement studio I set up this week, if you'd like to see.  Excuse the really dirty looking wall (I promise it looked about a hundred times worse before I shop-vac'd all the sawdust and cobwebs off.)  I normally do my jewelry work upstairs at a table in the corner of the living room but for hot process (ie torch) tasks, it's best to have a workbench like this one. 

I first owe thanks for having / being able to do this to my parents, who made the very sweet gift to me of all the metal-smithing equipment I needed to start a studio at home.  Despite this incredible boon, after receiving it, nearly all of the equipment sat for months practically unopened.  Not for laziness!  It sounds sort of silly now that I've gone and done the damn thing, but a number of people said things to me that made me afraid  –really afraid– to actually go through the motions of getting it all set up.  

The negative, fear-mongering reactions I received several times (the "you shouldn't"s and "I wouldn't"s) affected me quite a bit.  It seems ridiculous to think about now (and it's my own fault for listening to the haters and giving them credibility for something they knew little about) but the anxiety I experienced as a result of all that nay-saying pushed back my setting this studio up for nearly six months.

It is such a relief, then, to be able to say that I've done it!  All in less than an afternoon, including cleaning out the yucky workspace in the basement.  Of course, none of this would have been possible without Dave's help (thanks, dear.)  The experience of using a torch is very akin to getting back on a bike after years of not riding.  Almost entirely muscle memory – and it feels great to know / be able to do this!  In fact, (cheesy as it sounds) it's pure delight!

The day after setting everything up, I found this quote from Ira Glass on this lady's Tumblr.

Such a lovely, motivating thought!