"It is difficult to catch a black cat in a dark room especiallu if the cat isn't there."
-- Chinese Proverb

Since I'm a cat person, I had to carve this proverb, the Chinese etymological cousin of the Western wild goose chase.

Long ago, I realized that at looking for the black cat in a dark room could be a useful part of my creative process instead of a maddening waste of time. I may not find the cat, but while I search, inspiration for an entirely different and much better bead idea often miraculously appears. I am stubborn though, so even after I've found the new idea, I may find myself looking for the same cat in other dark rooms because, you never know…

"He gives twice who gives quickly"
-- Roman Proverb

One of the quickest givers who I am so glad to know is Dallas Vinson. When I have a problem with tools, equipment, or process, my first call is to him and I know I'll get a quick response.

Dallas has an encyclopedic knowledge of every aspect of metalsmithing and jewelry making and of tools and equipment, backed up by more than 35 years of experience He teaches at the Metal Arts Guild of Atlanta and owns a tool and supply shop there. He's unfailingly kind and generous in sharing that knowledge, is an exceptionally creative problem solver, and in all the years I've known him, has never once laughed at any of my questions or predicaments.

Case in point: in the middle of a busy production run, my kiln stopped heating properly. Panicking, I rushed it to Dallas' shop. Instead of having me leave it for repair, Dallas diagnosed the problem, made the repair, and I was back home, back in production within the hour - and my heart rate had returned to normal!

"The true method of knowledge is experiment"
-- William Blake

When I found this quotation, my first thought was of my wonderful first jewelry making teacher Shirley Berse. Shirley was a little sweet-faced grandmotherly woman, but her looks were deceiving - she swore like a sailor and had a raucous sense of humor.

Once our class had learned the basics of metal working and was ready to begin exploring, Shirley's answer to many of our questions was, "Why don't you try it and find out?" Of course, she didn't let anyone get hurt, and she enjoyed seeing the results of our experiments, good or bad, tremendously.

My beads are a direct result of the many experiments she encouraged me to make and I'll always be grateful to her.