Well the last of my birthday presents turned up today, thanks, I presume, to the Royal Mail's backlog.

It was however a very nice surprise - a copy of Jinks McGrath's The Jeweller's Directory of Decorative Finishes. What a fabulous little book, I had a brief look while relaxing in the bath tonight. I never realised how many different things you can do to one piece of metal and while it's increased my knowledge base considerably it's also added to the length of my wish list.

Oh life is just so hard - so many desisions to be made - what to make, what it will look like, what materials to use and to make it. What's a poor little jewellery maker to do?