I have been wanting to make a cross in my Byzantium style and yesterday I finally got the opportunity. It was my turn working as "shop girl" as my part of being a member of a Co-op gallery, Port City Pottery and Fine Crafts. After a long day of restocking my work, making sales and wrapping packages, a customer came in and asked if I made any crosses. I didn't, at least not yet.....
I have had one in mind for a long time, but custom orders tend to take priority over creating new work. So these crosses never got made. I tried to guide him to other jewelry shops in the Cotton Exchange, but they didn't have what he had in mind. I decided that this would force me to make a piece that I've been wanting to do for 2 years. So I asked his price range and I it was enough for what I had in mind. I sketched what I have been thinking about for so long and I was excited when he liked it too.
Tonight my customer picked it up and was thankful that I made it so quickly. It was just what I needed to get this piece out of my imagination. I got to meet his sister when he visited the Cotton Exchange and I loved talking to her about goats and kale. It is very rewarding to do something that is so meaningful. I just knew it was the right thing to do.
I have a heart full of gratitude and joy as I pack up three sets of wedding rings ready in time for Christmas. I am so grateful for my customers--that you trust me to make rings for your special day. I am excited to complete two more custom orders to arrive in time for Christmas-each one of these are pieces that I will enjoy making.
I go on and on about this because on December 21st I'm going to have surgery. I have another herniated disk--this time in my neck. I will be so relieved to be out of the intense pain that I've been suffering with for the past 2 months. I have been able to work due to the double blessing and curse of strong painkillers. Apparently this is a common injury for someone who hunches over a workbench. (Insert here a plug for good posture! ha!). This injury has forced me to do things differently. I need to learn to take time for myself and to not push myself. I will have to change the way I run my business and I might have to rely more on online and custom orders. I do love to do retail, because I love to meet and talk to my customers. All of this thinking has made me realize how grateful I am for my loyal customers. I really do have the best customers in the whole world. To all my customers, I thank you for a wonderful year and I look forward to a beautiful New Year!
I have been wanting to make a cross in my Byzantium style and yesterday I finally got the opportunity. It was my turn working as "shop girl" as my part of being a member of a Co-op gallery, Port City Pottery and Fine Crafts. After a long day of restocking my work, making sales and wrapping packages, a customer came in and asked if I made any crosses. I didn't, at least not yet.....
