Chasing Light and Learning Curves
Light filters through my studio (garage) differently these days – longer, warmer, with that particular quality that sadness that summer won’t be herwe much longer. While the weather is still warm and beautiful, I find myself drawn outdoors more than ever, not just for inspiration but for the actual treasures that fuel my work.
There's something magical about hunting for stones and materials while Wyoming is still warm. Whether I'm combing through creek beds for river-worn agates or discovering unexpected gems at local rock shops, these late-season adventures feel more precious knowing that soon enough, winter will return.
The Dance of Creation and Frustration
Back at the bench, these gathered treasures become the foundation for pieces that sometimes cooperate beautifully – and sometimes test every ounce of patience I possess. Just last week, I spent three days on a silver pendant setting that seemed determined to fight me at every turn. The stone kept shifting, the bail would not align (or solder in place) and I may have had a few choice words for my soldering torch.
But that's the thing about metalsmithing – it's teaching me as much about persistence as it is about technique. Every "failed" piece becomes a lesson. Every successfully completed work feels like a small victory against the laws of physics and my own learning curve.
New Skills, Old Challenges
I'm constantly pushing myself to learn new techniques, whether it's experimenting with different texturing methods or finally tackling that custom piece with the tiny intricate drangonfly I've been avoiding. YouTube has become my unofficial professor, and my studio floor tells the story of countless practice attempts. Some days I feel like I'm making real progress; other days, I'm reminded that mastery is a long game.
The learning doesn't stop at the workbench, either. Figuring out social media feels almost as challenging as perfecting a bezel setting. How do you capture the essence of handmade work in a quick Instagram post? How do you translate the hours of careful planning and execution into content that connects with people scrolling through their feeds?
Building Something from Nothing
Speaking of digital challenges, I'm in the midst of creating something I never thought I'd need to understand: a website. www.chasing-stones.com will soon be live (fingers crossed), and the process of building an online presence feels a bit like learning a new metalsmithing technique – lots of trial and error, occasional moments of clarity, and the persistent feeling that I'm just one tutorial away from everything clicking into place.
The Season of Making
As these warm days gradually give way, I'm grateful for this season of making and learning. Each piece I create carries a bit of the summer's treasure hunts, the frustrations worked through at the bench, and the growing confidence that comes from pushing through challenges rather than around them.
Whether you're following along on social media (once I figure out how to use it properly) or waiting for the website launch, thank you for being part of this journey. There's something deeply satisfying about creating beautiful, one-of-a-kind pieces while simultaneously learning that the process – messy, challenging, and rewarding – might be just as valuable as the finished work.
Until next time, I'll be chasing stones and chasing skills, making the most of these golden days while they last.
