FORUMS

Connect with people who understand what you are going through, seek advice and surround yourself with support. We're free, anonymous, and professionally moderated 24/7.

  • 47,612Members
  • 1,358,869Posts
  • 1,400,000Visitors
Social space

My big news... I think????

My big news... I think????

@Maggie @SJT63 @Anastasia

I really cannot remember what made me think of this idea. I am sure I will remember at some stage. It was simply just some thoughts I was having. For many years, I have fixed broken things. China and ceramics mainly. It was on the odd occassion, and not really looking for something to fix, it just came along, it was broken and I really wanted to fix it. I have fixed some electricals too, nothing that needs rewiring at all. I never asked any money for it, I just did it.

I am very patient, I like to stick with something and find a solution to the problem/s, I do not give up too easily and I actually enjoy it alot. This is in regards to mending broken items/ electricals I am talking about.

I (think) I was just sitting having some time out and thinking about things. It was quite sudden that this idea started forming in my head. It was a strange experience, it was just kind of flowing, so I went with it.

I decided to put a note up in a local group I am on. I put my idea out there to see if there would be any interest in it?

I certainly was not ready for what came back! I had 39 people comment! It was insane. I had never had that before. I was quite overwhelmed with the response. I was thinking maybe one or two comments perhaps, but I got 39! I was so very much supported with the idea from everyone and everyone was so positive about it. I live in a small regional town and it certainly means a lot when you have the locals support you in a venture.

Anyway, moving along, it happened all so fast. Next thing I know, that night I am creating a place for the locals to go to, to come and see me regarding my idea.

I think right about now is the time I should tell you about my idea. I had the idea that I was going to start mending things. Broken items, small electricals and so on. This is the idea I put out in the group I am in. I do mainly focus on materials though, such as china and ceramics. I will do glass as well. It is my main focus I should say. A couple of months ago, I came across a book called Kintsugi. I actually want to buy it because I was enjoying reading it.

Kintsugi is the Japanese art that teaches that broken objects are not something to hide, but to display with pride.

It is an actualy art form that repairs broken objects, and then infuses the broken reapired parts with gold. (Not real gold)

Items that have been broken and are sentimental do not have to be thrown out and are most of time able to be mended.

By mending broken items, it gives me the chance to use art as therapy and is part of what helps my healing process through difficult and painful times.
I call it art, because it is art to me.
So the following day after this has happened, I am up and ready to go, just like that. People had a place to go, I had started a mini side business and I was off and racing. This all happened in less than 24 hours! That was the 17th November.

It is still the 26th for me, the 27th for most of you at this time. In the last ten days I have had my first two customers.
Customer 1 is coming to pick her item up tomorrow and customer 2, I went and picked up her items yesterday. I have had to stem the flow sadly but I am offering to put people on the waiting list for when jobs are coming to a close and I can take more on.
If that is not enough, I have also been asked if I do workshops. I have responded that it will be something I look into later next year, so some are asking to be put on the email list I have offered, so when I am ready I cant put out some emails to gauge what interest there is.
I really have had no time to connect with myself about all of this happening. It was so quick and all systems go when it happened. This last week has been immensely challenging and the work itself is very time consuming and you do have to problem solve. One of the great things about this though is people are not in any great hurry.
What I have started is really changing people's lives and my own. I actually still cannot believe it is real. To abide by Sanes rules, I cannot post the name of my business. It does have great meaning, but I cannot share it sadly! I need to slow down so that I can figure out what I am doing and to catch up with how I am feeling.
I am attaching some photos of what I am currently foxing and my next job! The Stein is what is being picked up tomorrow. The vintage oak chairs are my next job. There are three. The one chair that is still intact is going to be used to restore the two other chairs. I am also working on another ceramic job too, but that is a freebie, and for a friend. Other than that I have put all jobs on hold, until I cant catch up with things, as there is so much else to do other than this. I am trying to balance things more. Vintage oak chairsI will send a photo of the stein tomorrow when it is complete.
So, that is my big news. I probably have not written this how I would have wanted to. I am just truly tired.
I havn't really had anyone to share this with. Of course, I have told a few people. It has been in passing though, so no real long conversations have been able to happen. It's all good though. I still think my story is somehow a bit magical, so I am really just sharing the magic. Ramble. xx

107 replies

81 - 90 of 107

In response to: My big news... I think????

Re: My big news... I think????

Wow @Powderfinger

That is great news!

I'm not surprised really he just saw you and your talents for what they are. How exciting. I am looking forward to hearing about Mondays catch up with him. Good luck my talented friend 🤞x

In response to: My big news... I think????

Re: My big news... I think????

@Gwynn

I am on my second day of no work till mid next week. Since stopping work on the chairs, everything I was going through is right there still of course. I am sliding back into that hole again. I am feeling angry that people will not listen to me when I express that doing things is too much for me. I just want to sit here and sob. Sob out of frustration, sob because I am unable to express the words for the horror that is going on inside of me, sob because nobody can see, sob because I just want one person to get it without me having to go into every single thing that has led me to this point, sob because suggestions to do this, that and the other thing are already things I am doing, sob because I cannot speak verbally, sob because I know so much has changed, so because I am scared, sob because I have no one to comfort me when I need it, sob because some days I just dont even want to get out of bed and sob because I feel trapped within me.

Aside from that, I do have my own repair and restoration thing happening on Facebook. I am not sure what this guy needs. At this point I am able to offer very minimal, but I will let him know that. I will see how it goes tomorrow anyway.

In response to: My big news... I think????

Re: My big news... I think????

@Anastasia

It is excruciating pain. I know you think I am remarkable for pushing through the pain. It was not wise of me to do though. I have learnt from it. I am resting a heck of a lot and sleeping a lot. Im caught in a horrible sticky web and I just cannot do this all on my own anymore. I am blessed though that I live ina good town and if I need extra help for any reason, I can find it. In that way I am blessed. When one lives in cities, it is actually harder to get help.

In response to: Re: My big news... I think????

Re: My big news... I think????

@Anastasia

Thank you hon. Now that I have some distance from the chairs for a short while, I can see what an amazing job I have done. When you are doing it, one does get caught up in the work as there is so much to do. I am happy I get to sit back for a while and appreciate my own work. This has been a huge learning curve for me and I truly have learnt so many things. I am enjoying having time to reflect on this one particular thing.

I will be sure to come here and fill you in on tomorrow. I hope things are good with you @Anastasia ??????

In response to: Re: My big news... I think????

Re: My big news... I think????

@Maggie

*waves hello* I hope you are doing ok???? You are in my thoughts.

In response to: Re: My big news... I think????

Re: My big news... I think????

Oh @Powderfinger, I’m sorry that it’s all coming over you like waves. I wish there was something I could say or do to take it away from you, but I can’t think of it. I hope that it won’t last long. For me it helps to remember that I will still be here when the big feelings have passed.

In response to: Re: My big news... I think????

Re: My big news... I think????

@Gwynn

It's ok. When nothing can be done, do nothing until.domething can be done.

I'm a broken and wounded girl, I know. Next year I go back to therapy.

In response to: Re: My big news... I think????

Re: My big news... I think????

@Anastasia @Maggie @SJT63 @Gwynn

@Anastasia I know you were keen to hear how my visit went with the guy I was seeing on Monday. I am in a very low mood myself, but yesterday went well with him and I. I spent two hours with him. He took me to his house and showed me everything about his workshop, all his jobs he had on and the work he had done. We obviously talked a lot about wood, woodworking and other bits and pieces. So, I was talking about tools with him and said I am going to also buy a corner sander as well. They are good to have for getting into tight spots that other types of sanders will not.

He was so nice, he gave a me a corner sander and a belt sander. I have an orbital sander. Sanders when working with wood are pretty important. You need a few because not one will do everything. He also gave me a tonne of nails and another tool for clamping which is a great tool to have. I asked him if he wanted any money for it and he said no. He wants to help me get started with my woodworking. He said you have such an enthusiasm and passion that I just want to help you. I wasn't sure what to say except thank you and that I am very grateful to him.

I did ask him what he needed. How I could help him. I asked because that was the original reason I was there. He actually couldnt answer the question really. I did not want to press or prod him, so I just moved on with the conversation and thought I will bring it up another time. He has given me a coffee table. He said it is mine to work on and sell. I was like wow, that so cool and I said thank you. I plan to work on it and sell it. I want to give him something when I do sell it.

Then we loaded everything up and he was going to take me home and he asked me if I have spare time. I said sure. He said I will take you to my friends house and show you some more stuff there. His friend is away but it is his work buddy and he ahd keys to the house so it was OK. WOWSERS. That house they built from scratch together and what a house!!!! Everything was made from wood except the frame. It is a kit steel frame. The house was just absolutely amazing and I wanted to suggest calling better homes and gardens to see what these guys had done. It was majorly impressive and absoluetly goregous. I did complement them a lot because it deserved that. I said ti should be heritage listed so it could never be knocked down.

He is coming over in the next few days to teach me how to upholster these chairs. I feel comfortable around him which is unusual because I actually never feel comfortable around men. I find that actually very hard. I am still a bit on my backfoot, but hopefully over time I can gain more trust.

So, I have not had much time to really process yesterday, but it was a very good day. I did tell him when he dropped me off, if ever he needed anything, help or whatever, dont hesitate to get in touch with me. I wanted him to at least know that. So then it is up to him but I will still remind him now and then in case he forgets.

Not sure what to make of it all yet, but I am happy and it was a good day.

In response to: Re: My big news... I think????

Re: My big news... I think????

Hello @Powderfinger

that is all incredible news...an angel sent from the Universe?

Relish in it all, it is about time some good came your way. I am excited to "watch this space" for your coffee table do over as well as any other projects. I have a really good feeling about 2021 for you Powderfinger.

Hugs and hugs my dear friend xox

In response to: Re: My big news... I think????

Re: My big news... I think????

@Powderfinger Reading along. Sounding good so far. 👍👍👍 💙💙💙

81 - 90 of 107