The new bench is finished, we’ve caught up on repairs, and we’re experimenting with new directions. But, the best part of “right now” is that I get to work with my daughter next to me and include her into the creative process. Of course, I can’t ask much of her at the moment, some piercing, some forging, etc.. But, I have her working to develop some intermediate soldering techniques, and working with her on developing her sketches into a finished piece, which (IMO) is the biggest leap form a neophyte into fully developed idea generator.
The beauty is that I get to teach her while working, without having to walk down from the studio area to answer questions, leaving work in progress at my own bench. And, so far, she is still thirsty for more information, knowledge, and techniques. And, I can’t think of a better quality time with my daughter than sharing a passion for stones and metals.
Of course she has to deal with me, constantly, “don’t set cross legged at the bench,” “where are your safety glasses?” “heat it evenly,” and “pay attention!” But, I try not to always be corrective. I remember my dad’s way of letting me know that I had maybe messed up somewhere was a “tschict” sound he’d make by sucking on his front teeth with a toothpick in his lips, a gentle airhorn to let me know to check myself or check the work. I need a “tschict.”
I’m looking forward to being able to post her collaborations, or even let her post them. She is quite the writer. I’m also going over possibilities of taking her to some metals classes with other instructors. I would have loved learning other ways to approach the craft or even the art. I’m going to have to look around a bit. Our area of the world isn’t exactly inundated with classes in metals.
We’ll keep you updated 
Oh, and the next pair of eyewear frames are rolling along.
So, stay tuned. Now is a great time to post a few tutorials on some of the basics that I’m sharing with my daughter. Or, I can let her tell it in her won words.
Thanks!!
I hope Tschict isn’t a bad word is some language that I’m ignorant of, LOL!!
How lovely! I have a granddaughter and I look forward to teaching her someday (it’ll be awhile, she’s only 10 months…
) Nice that you are so aware of how your corrections will be received, that’s key. You obviously already have a great relationship going. Such a treasure for both of you!
Thank you, Maggie.
Besides the benchwork with my father, the things my grandfather taught me and shared with me are still some of my favored pastimes; gardening and fishing. I think that even though kids will give off the feeling like they just aren’t paying attention, they really are. I’m lucky that my daughters really seem enthusiastic. However, I remember being less than enthusiastic with my father, or maybe that’s just how I remember it. I was more terrified that I would lose a stone or mess up something very important or expensive.
Thanks again for the comment. Your grandkids are going to enjoy working with you on whatever it is that you wish to share with them.
Keep on making…
When I’m in the workshop it’s like I’m a child magnet. Sometimes they stay and I put them to work making something, even if it’s playing with casting wax. I figure it’s better than destroying a candle, kind of productive destruction! I’ll remember the time spent with them fondly, I just hope they’ll look back and think the same. You’ve given me hope! I’ll try my best to keep them curious at least. Love the blog.
Thanks Suzanne,
It just makes sense to include them, instead of fighting them while trying to get things done. And, with almost every waking hour spent at the bench, it just helps to keep a relationship.
Also, I wish that I could have faith that I could afford to send my kids to college, and then they could make their way. But, just in case, they’ll at least have some skills under their belts to help.
Just don’t force it! My old man let it be fun until I was a teenager and then he forced it, then it was time to make it a trade, not something fun to do. After that it took a long time for it to be fun again. He should have left it at the fun part while still building skills. Life would have been so much better.
Hey Benitron, me too. When anything becomes a job, then the fun leaks out. I wasn’t crazy about working with my dad either. But, some things we have to learn to work through.
But, with college becoming further away with every dollar it goes up in cost, she may appreciate the skills some day. It took me a while to come back to jewelry, but I came home none-the-less.
My dad taught me to sail almost as soon as I could walk. We raced sailboats together for years. Whenever I was at the helm, if he wanted to give me a correction, he never said a word. He would just clear his throat, the volume dependent upon the severity of the problem needing correction. I almost always knew what he was correcting, whether it was a course correction or sail adjustment.
I actually used the same technique with one of our labrador retrievers, quite unintentionally until the obedience class instructor pointed it out to me. I did not even
realize I was doing it! Even funnier, it worked.
Yeh, I think I do the same thing with my dog. Mine works pretty good too. I think subtlety works much better than an emotive response, IMO.
Sailing is something that I had wished that I had more experience with. What little that I’ve done, small dingies and such, I’ve enjoyed.
Sigh. I don’t get out on the water near as much as I would like!