So … Stuff Has Gone Down….
My Journey: Relocation
Moving Day
A lot has happened this year, some of it has been very difficult to deal with. I will go into more detail in my “2024 Ups and Downs” post.
Here is the short of it:
My life has taken a new and unexpected direction, which lead to closing down my 30x30 shop in Stone Mountain, Ga and relocating. This happen on top of multiple kiln problems. In addition to dealing with the kiln issues that were both expensive and production limiting, I have had to look for a new place to live.
It nice to have a porch.
Thankfully, I was able to get a house with land for a shop on the other side of Georgia. However, the house is in need of to electrical and well work, both of which are resource draining. Since moving in, I have over hauled the bathrooms.
I was in over my head and had to hire a professional.
Fortunately, the new property has a small building that I can use as a temporary shop. I have chosen to focus this space on bead production. So at the moment we are working to raise the funds to build a new dedicated workshop.
I had to patch holes in roof and put in a new floor.
Before any of this stuff with multiple broken kilns are the relocation came up I had opt unity to submit to present at Medieval Dress and Textile Society Conference In York England. This is such a important opportunity for me that I did not want to back out, so despite the cash drain that this also entails, I am going to present and display work form my Furnace to Flame Project a presentation I have titled Norse Glass Beads Production, Chronology and Geography.
Reproduction Beads Going to York
All of this has put a drain on my resources and on top of that is my need to build a building to move the shop into. At the moment 80% of the shop equipment is in storage. In order to help deal with some of this I have created a GoFundMe, and have included Rewards for participation in the fundraiser. Only the $1.00 level stacks.
There are other ways to help. Most of the income from the Shop (website, Etsy, and events) is being directed toward the York Trip, Shop Build, or the House. You can also donate via the website. I there is also a house warming registry on Amazon, if you are so inclined. One can also help by interacting with my social media or with the website. Interaction includes Sharing Links, Harts, Likes, and Comments. All of these things increase the metrics and there by the visibility of me and my work.
New Painted Miniature on the Left Old on the Right.
My wish is that my new place and shop will give me opportunity to have people over to work together on project or for learning experiences. I have set up a thrown weapons range and I’d like to share that with SCA folk. Now that I have my own place, I have been able to unpack my D&D and other gaming stuff that been boxed for 10 years. I have even started painting miniatures and looking to grow a game group. D&D has been my way of escaping the stresses that the business has brought.
Stay On Target
This is my first time being on my own since my first 3 years of collage. None of this would be possible without the support of my family who made my new home possible, my friends who have kept me sane during all this, and my patrons who have kept the business afloat. It is my hope that I can continue to give back through my art, teaching, and sharing my journey.
Oh, and before October Ends, Happy Coming Out Day, and Happy Pride to my home town, Atlanta.
First time alone at Atlanta Pride ever. Hanging with my friends at FWA.