Sorry for the longggg hiatus folks - a whole LOT of stuff has happened in the last few years that has rearranged my whole life and its priorities. Although I am fully retired, I miss the comradery of ALL you guys, my fellow artisans. I have operated within the shadows for a couple of years going around the country giving private workshops on carving and processing HDU. I am tired of fishing and sitting on the sidelines of life and crave the friendship that I have forged with so many of you..... I see so many questions from the new members that scream out for my attention !! LOL again - I am sorry for being such a recluse and will try to be more involved. I sold my old family homestead in Winter Garden, FL and now reside not far away in Kissimmee. so anyway - - - I'MMMMMM BAAACCCCKKKKK !!!
[ July 11, 2017, 09:21 AM: Message edited by: John Smith ]
Posted by Don Hulsey (Member # 128) on :
YAAAAAY!!! Been wondering about you for a while now.
Posted by old paint (Member # 549) on :
is it KISS-A-ME or KISS-EMIE??? hahahahahahahaaha glad to see your well old friend......
Posted by Bruce Bowers (Member # 892) on :
Welcome back, John...
Posted by Jean Shimp (Member # 198) on :
Welcome Back John. I still remember your Letterhead meet in southern Georgia - lots of fun. I don't remember what year that was though - I think that was when my photo was taken by Barb Shortreed for Letterville. So, I'm not really as young as that shot anymore. Posted by John Smith (Member # 1308) on :
Thanks guys !! it is nice to be out the funk that I was in and back among my colleagues. I will be sharpening up my tools and get back to some piddlin. I have been checking in as a guest on a regular basis and shared the heartaches of losing some of our most treasured members. I am drastically scaling down my life as well as the toys and distractions that come with it !! Jean - that was the Spring Fling in 2002. Don - 30 years is long enough!! time to tear the sign off the side of your shop and RETIRE lol.
Posted by Don Hulsey (Member # 128) on :
People are always asking when I am going to retire. My standard reply is, "From what???". I still enjoy coming into the shop every day. My wife accuses me of retiring 30 years ago.
Posted by Sal Cabrera (Member # 1236) on :
Welcome back, John..we were wondering about you , we hope everything is well with you.
Posted by Rick Sacks (Member # 379) on :
Glad to see you here again.
Posted by Dave Grundy (Member # 103) on :
Thanks for re-appearing John!!!
You inspired me to do a "blast from the past" review of past Letterhead meets!
I recall you beautiful carved and gilded project at the Georgia meet..I was blown away by the beauty and brilliance of the silver!!!
Posted by John Smith (Member # 1308) on :
Yeah - I just got so caught up in life's curve balls that I have not kept up with anything. now that my feet are somewhat firmly back on tera firma, it is time to catch up. Thanks Dave: that particular dental sign has been my show piece for several years.
This is what you can achieve with a little "creative burnishing". it is 3'x3'. black smalts on the outside and cobalt blue smalts on the inside. 23k gold and palladium leaf (silver) on the graphics. the circle and triangle are perfectly flat - visually, they appear to be dimensional. The backboard is 3/4" HDU and the circle and triangle is 1/2" HDU. The handcarved caduceus is 1" HDU.
I did not request a deposit on this project. The dentist that commissioned me to do it, said her father had designed it many years ago. it was like a tribute to her father and his legacy. all she had was an old photo of a hand painted door sign from his office to go by. I told her I would "try" as this was one of the most challenging projects in my career. I did not provide a proof or drawing for prior approval. I worked on it part-time for 2 months. since her office was very near some family members, I chose to deliver and install it personally. I had a black velvet cover for it for the "unveiling" in her office. needless to say, she and her partners and staff were blown away. She wrote me a check for $3600.00 without even a second thought. THAT is how a good transaction should go !!!
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[ August 14, 2017, 11:52 AM: Message edited by: John Smith ]
Posted by Dave Sherby (Member # 698) on :
Stunning. Absolutely beautiful. Thanks for sharing.
Posted by Nevman (Member # 332) on :
Good to hear you're back in the game John.
I'm actually working at another shop in Melbourne doing sales and design. I LOVE it.
No paperwork or money worries.
BTW - I still wear your shirt from that meet - A Gathering of Craftsman I believe was the tagline.
Posted by John Smith (Member # 1308) on :
Hi Pat !! I called the phone number listed on your bio-info and some young lady said they had taken over your accounts. we go fishing down at Sebastian Inlet often and wanted to drop by your shop to say Howdy-Doody !! we can visit one of these days when our stars align and the eclipse passes LOL. I have one t-shirt of my meet left and have often thought about having some more made just for work shirts. I like the panel you made more than any old t-shirt !!!
I lost just about everything in hurricane Charlie and then other life issues got in the way and I just dropped off the grid for a spell.
good to hear from you !!
[ August 19, 2017, 01:41 PM: Message edited by: John Smith ]
Posted by Alicia B. Jennings (Member # 1272) on :
Our Town of Letterville welcomes you back,,,,cause you're family.
Posted by Nevman (Member # 332) on :
Hey again Jon...
The company I sold the number to is the one that I am working for now.
Updated my profile phone number.
321-five37-eight675
Posted by John Smith (Member # 1308) on :
thanks Pat !! well - you need to speak with your staff as the young lady I spoke with did not know how to get in touch with you! (maybe she was new). LOL are you a ghost ? will give you a buzz next time I am down that way.
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