Hellooo!!

[AlexandraBuckle]

I feel like I've been gone for ages!

I've had computer issues and I've been away (to San Francisco ), so its been very hard to keep up with the forum.

I'm using a really old laptop atm, but at least it works!

I'm just trawling through all the new messages, can anyone fill me in in what I've missed the last month or so...?

I've noticed the forum has been reshuffled a bit - got a bit confused!

...right off to read everything...

[ps_bond]

Afternoon!

So... Did you visit Otto Frei in SF?

Yeah, yeah - there's Fisherman's Wharf, the bridge, Golden Gate Park and so on - but really, that's the place to go!

There's a little bit of a reorg underway.

[Lisa Quinn]

Please don't talk to me about US tool suppliers Peter, I have serious bouts of depression trawling their sites, especially now I have a self imposed temporary ban on US purchases after last months £200 worth of customs and handling charges. Please, please no more talk of Bonny Doons, Knew concept saws, or any other fabulous piece of kit the grotty UK suppliers don't stock, I can get hundreds of mallets, mandrels and pendant drills from dozens of suppliers in the UK, and I really don't understand why on earth wouldn't one UK supplier take the initiative to become a prominent and exclusive specialist tool supplier to the squillions of us lusting after all the stateside kit ??

Come on Cookies let see some innovative tools in your Cookbook, have a look at Rio, Gesswein, Otto Frei etc, they lead the field, don't come in a poor second, fly the flag for the UK !! Think big, (think Knew Concept for example !!)

[MuranoSilver]

And Clam Chowder....droool
Yep the forums moved around a bit, but hopefully it will make things easier to find
nic xx

[AlexandraBuckle]

Had to google Otto Frei - so no, we didn't go there! (but now kinda wishing i did...)

We were actually there for the Flash Gaming Summit (v.useful for Ben's business making flash games) but we did get some sight seeing done too.

and yes, we did get chance to have some clam chowder at the wharf - yum!

[Petal]

Good grief, you didn't come back with a load of tools then??? I think I would have HAD to have gone to Rio Grande and come back with something in my hand luggage!

Glad you had a lovely break. oooh a holiday in the sun sounds like a really good idea...

[Petal]

Please don't talk to me about US tool suppliers Peter, I have serious bouts of depression trawling their sites, especially now I have a self imposed temporary ban on US purchases after last months £200 worth of customs and handling charges. Please, please no more talk of Bonny Doons, Knew concept saws, or any other fabulous piece of kit the grotty UK suppliers don't stock, I can get hundreds of mallets, mandrels and pendant drills from dozens of suppliers in the UK, and I really don't understand why on earth wouldn't one UK supplier take the initiative to become a prominent and exclusive specialist tool supplier to the squillions of us lusting after all the stateside kit ??

Come on Cookies let see some innovative tools in your Cookbook, have a look at Rio, Gesswein, Otto Frei etc, they lead the field, don't come in a poor second, fly the flag for the UK !! Think big, (think Knew Concept for example !!)

You're absolute right Lise. Come on Cookies, how about it ???

[ps_bond]

Please don't talk to me about US tool suppliers Peter...

Sorry... I know what you mean though - although I wonder how much of it is cultural; I feel there's a greater inclination to try new approaches (no pun intended) in the US than in Europe - across here, the attitude seems generally more grounded in the traditional ways? Which is not to claim either is superior - I like both.

What really irks me is it being easier to buy a German or Swiss-made tool from the US than in Europe!

[AlexandraBuckle]

Good grief, you didn't come back with a load of tools then??? I think I would have HAD to have gone to Rio Grande and come back with something in my hand luggage!

Glad you had a lovely break. oooh a holiday in the sun sounds like a really good idea...

Well i was kinda there in my capacity as flash developers assistant so it didn't cross my mind to fill my case up with tools...

I did get chance to go and visit the Craft and Design Museum: San Francisco Museum of Craft+Design which was just round the corner from my hotel. Which had an interesting jewellery exhibition with some very inspired work including a pair of solid gold sunglasses to wear in your hair. (when i say solid gold, i mean the lenses were sold gold too )

[Tabby66]

Know any good suppliers in Kentucky?? I know that's a bit like a needle in a haystack but in terms of state size, but got a friend travelling around there who may be able to pick the odd item up!!
Would hate them to come back empty handed!!
About to google jewelry suppliers Kentucky........