New Beginnings

Hi everyone! I managed to secure a small workshop in walking distance of my home so now I’ll be able to work again in spite of this pandemic. Yay! It will take a little while for me to get everything set up and working but at least there’s a light at the end of the tunnel now.

Here’s some pictures of the new place.

There’s a park across the street and on the other side of the building is the harbour. Quite a nice place. It’s close enough to my home that I can eat lunch in my apartment and walk back to work. I can also store a bunch of stuff in my apartment so hopefully the small size of the room won’t be a problem.

Tomorrow I’ll be working on the sound-proofing and the work table. Wish me luck!

Big Changes Ahead

Hi guys! I have to try to show and tell you lots of stuff while being really quick cause I have to go move my workshop. YES! I am moving. From the 3rd floor to the 4th floor. LOL

Why?

My previous space was too expensive for me. Almost 600 euros a month. That, coupled with the cost of materials to make my shinies (silicone is ridiculously expensive, I’m not even kidding), and my vacuum pump dying and needing replacement (I’m degassing things in a couple stages as it limps along with its last gasps of life) I could not afford to stay there.

So: we’re going from 37 square meters down to 15 square meters. This is okay because I had way too much space to begin with. But … the new room also doesn’t have access to water. So I have to schlep a water reservoir from the bathroom to my workroom when I run out. Booo. Well, I guess I’m about to become very strong? Yay.

My wife helped me move all the things that needed two people to move yesterday (Sunday). Bless her heart for sacrificing a day off lifting and lugging with me.

Now, on to the stuff I’ve been working on! Quick quick GO!

I made a witchlight! Yay!

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It didn’t work! Boo.

I shaved it down.

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It … kinda works! Yay? Not good enough. I’ll keep trying!

Next thing GO!

Doll head made by Lost Chronicles prepped for moulding!

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Covered in blue goo!

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Mmmphhhrrmmph!

How did the moulding go? Don’t know! Not finished yet. Not touching it until it’s safely settled in the new workshop!

Next thing GO!

More carving done on Sariel!

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Yes! In about a month you will be able to get your hands on a glorious longsword like the one that Isabelle Lightwood wielded in The Mortal Instruments movie! Woo! Send thoughts n’ prayers that everything goes smoothly.

Okaygottarun wishmeluck! Aaaaaah bye!

Wait! I forgot.

Don’t forget I have a Clariel for sale on my Etsy! It could be yours! Grab it!

Okay now bye for real gotta move stuff!

A Brand New Start – Workshop Pics

Today, I signed the lease and put the security deposit on my new workshop. I collected the last bit of paperwork I needed and submitted my application for the government Start-Up Grant. This is a proud day for me and it marks the end to months of stress and frustration.

You’ve all shown me the kindness and patience that the Shadowhunter fandom is known for and I can’t tell you how much I appreciate that.

I’d like to share with you the first pictures of my new workshop. It needs some cleaning and some care, but I can’t wait until then to show you! Besides, you see all my other works-in-progress so why not my work space too?

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On my floor, there is also a break room with a microwave, fridge, and a couple of coffee makers. Maybe I’ll see some of the other artists? Who knows! The building manager said he’s never seen anyone use it. I’ll be cooking myself lunch in there though so maybe it will encourage others to come and be social. 🙂

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Finally, after so much tearing my hair out and worrying myself silly, I can relax and enjoy my holiday. I still have to deal with tax registration and insurance and all that crud but for now, I’m just going celebrate my victory with my favourite beer.

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Whatever winter holiday you’re celebrating, I hope you have a good one! Me, I’m gonna eat a lot of food and be lazy. Probably visit with a bunch of friends while we all have a little time off.

I’ve got permission from the building manager to paint my workspace, by the way. Any suggestions about what COLOUR it should be? Feel free to comment! I’d love to hear what you think. 🙂

That’s all from me for now. Stay safe out there Shadowhunters.

Exciting News!

After a long and difficult search, I have finally found a suitable workshop! It is 32 meters squared, has an industrial sink for wet-sanding, its own climate control, a wall of storage racks, a workbench and chair, and excellent air filtration. It has a freight elevator and hand-trucks I can use to haul in my big plastic slabs, and also a kitchen to cook and store my food in. Best of all, I can be as noisy as I like! I’ll be surrounded by mostly storage rooms, another sculptor, and a hockey-mask painter with a lovely, loud air compressor.

The only downside is that it’s in Herttoniemi which is about 45-50 minutes away from where I live. Not a terrible commute as it’s mostly on the metro line, and frankly many people have a longer trip than that so I won’t complain. Much. Hehehe.

Herttoniemi has a lot of industry in it, especially automotive shops. There are several huge hardware stores within easy walking distance of my workshop. That means re-supplying tools and machine parts will be easier than ever!

I’m really looking forward to working near other people, to be honest. Having a workshop in my home was pretty convenient but also usually lonely. I could go an entire day without going outside or talking to someone other than my wife when she comes home from work. While I’m pretty introverted, I do need people-time now and then or I get sad.

So, Monday is going to be a very busy day for me. In the morning, I will go to register my business. That means I get my registration number and notify the tax man of my company’s existence. Then, in the afternoon, I go to sign the lease for the new workshop. Yaaaay!

After that, I’ll need to poke the Startup Grant people in hopes of getting some financial assistance with my newborn company. Wish me luck! I’ll put up some photos of the new space as soon as I’m able.

Small Update on the Workshop Hunt

Hi guys! What’s with all the posts without pictures? Ugh, boring, I know. Well hopefully, I’ll have something cool to show you soon!

I’ve been put in contact with someone who owns a building that used to be a big laboratory. That means that it has things like fume hoods and water hookups already in place. It may just be perfect for me! So cross your fingers and pray to the Angel and perhaps I can secure a new crafting spot for myself in the near future.

Love y’all ❤ Stay safe out there Shadowhunters.

News from the Adamant Studio

My freshly-acquired workshop!

It’s not much to look at right now but we just signed the lease yesterday. I’ve managed to secure a headquarters large enough to have a dedicated workshop. If all goes according to plan, the Adamant Studio will soon been in operation once again and I can start making new Seraph Blades! Can’t wait!

Stay tuned for more news and, as always, happy hunting.

I’ve Landed In Finland!

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What a beautiful place it is. I’ve been here for about five days now but I only just got a chance to make a post now. It’s been crazy. I’m still struggling to find an apartment here and Finnish language lessons. Luckily I have some new friends helping me out.

As you may guess, I do not have my workshop set up here yet so I CANNOT MAKE SERAPH BLADES RIGHT NOW. Please watch this blog for announcements of when I have my new work space and tools and stock to sell. Sorry for the inconvenience! I’m sure you can understand my situation. It’s a little difficult starting a new life in a new country. I estimate I will have a new workshop sometime in late October so if you need a Seraph blade starting in November, I can probably do that for you. I will start a list of future orders and let you know as soon as I am open for business. Thank you so much for your patience.

In the meantime, I’ve been fooling around with a photo series highlighting funny cultural differences as I find my way around Helsinki. A friend suggested that I put it on a blog somewhere … hmm, I wonder where I could do that … I wonder …

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