The Tool List!

WARNING! This post includes expression of a political position!

Do you keep a tool list for your studio needs? In resurrecting my studio this past year, I’ve been filling the gaps in my tool and equipment collection. Decent bench tools keep jewelers sane. lol I’ve made some tools to fill specific functions and the others are the best quality tool that I can afford to buy.

My list is divided into three areas of immediacy:
Buy Now
Put on the List – Save For It
and
The (Functional) Fantasy Bench – Someday Sooooon…

Of course, these lists don’t begin to address the rest of the studio….

The never ending need for inspiring gemstones, rocks, minerals and fossils in their raw and finished forms. The saw blades and equipment to cut, shape and polish the raw pieces.

The precious metals, which have become oh so dear in these turbulent times. How I yearn for that $13 silver spot price. Yes, I’m old enough to have bought silver at this low price. Today it hovers around $30+ an ounce. Gold per ounce stands at $3,338.15 USD today and has become a fantasy metal for many small indie jewelry makers. Ouch! This is why jewelry prices have risen. Everyone is squeezed, including those of us who hand make our jewelry.

We continue to hang in here….wishing for all of us to survive these stupid four years until positive, forward looking action and healthy change can come. I hope you can gather and implement your list of tools (direct and indirect) for artistic survival. If nothing else, each of us must be determined to outlast these idiots who would ruin our livelihoods and country!!