Our relationships with our fellow bead collectors are more important than these things we collect.

Just Fred

...are of course part of the process of learning, but I hate them nonetheless....from my sometimes painful experiences there is a pretty fine line between perfection and disaster :), the total loss of a bead, and often I decide for less perfection, just to have a result. It´s hard to stand, to know, that I always could do it a little better, if I take the risk, and work a bit more on it, the bead, the painting, the sculpture or whatever, every kind of art or workmanship, but usually there is no way to correct a mistake back, in this part near the finish of the process...

Anyway, you are not alone, Danny...this chevron, drilled and ground from a cane, I got from the Picards, was already finished (not perfect in my eyes, but good enough), polished, when I saw a small part on one end, that could need just a little more polishing...It wasn´t even necessary to put it on a mandrel again (I use chopsticks from bamboo or wood), and I was very angry about myself after, but I did it and - bang...! And this is just one example...!

I needed two weeks or so for another try on the rest of this cane and decided, to work less and don´t take the last risks, what means, the surface of these chevrons are not that smooth and glossy, as I know, I could do...

But after all I´m sure, these conflicting emotions are part of the process of creativity and if all results would be always perfect....? Working on perfection is kind of gas for my engine, knowing, I will never arrive, but being sure, to find a lot of beauty by the way... :)

Uwe,
As with you this is not the first time I have had an oops and assume it will not be the last. I saw a slight crack in the black glass on one of the facets so I knew I may encounter exactly what happened. I can just change my angle and get a wonderful facet cut bead just not the one I thought I was going to have. It was just a shame that such a perfect piece of glass work did what it did. As they say "that's part of the sport"

As you do, I love what I do and I always strive for perfection knowing I will never achieve it ........ Sure fun trying.

All my best ...... Danny

I think when I read Danny's opening comments that I really did expect "just an opps" moment. When I scrolled down to see the 2nd picture, I think my reaction was slightly stronger :)!!! Oh, & your work was looking so great Danny! You've got such a strong good spirit to realize those are the educational moments in our adult lives,,,but I'm sure it must have been so disappointing!!! Next time I'm' sure you'll get it perfect. Lynne

Lynn,
As this has happened more than once on other projects I guess I just take it in stride now that I am a "codger". I will go ahead and facet the bead again it will just be much shorter than I expected.

Age 60 = codger
Age 70 = Old codger
Age 80 = Power codger
Age 90 = Uber codger
age 100 ........... Old fart

All my best ........ Danny

I become one next year according to this chart.... :)

Don't have a clue lets hear from the females on the forum ... I am nearing old codger.

All my best ........ Danny

It will make the perfect beads all the more precious.