As a creative person, it is sad when you have to take a break from the joys of creating to have hand surgery. I recently had to have hand surgery for a trigger thumb in my left hand. It took a long time to get an appointment with the doctor, and a long time to schedule the surgery. The staff at the hospital were wonderful. The surgery was outpatient and didn’t take long at all. I’m happy with the results, as my hand is getting more flexible and stronger every day.
I think we take our hands for granted sometimes. I was amazed at how many things were difficult before surgery and during my recovery. Not only could I not work in my clay studio because I could not wedge clay, pinch things, etc. I had a difficult time opening jars, making beds, and doing almost anything in my kitchen. After surgery, I had to keep the incision area dry for a few days. For those of you who have had surgery you know the comedy of trying to wash your hair, brush your teeth, or load a dishwasher when you are trying to remember to keep your hand dry. I thank God for long kitchen gloves and my husband!
I am joyfully back in the studio now working on new bead designs for this summer. I love texture in my work, but I am working on a small line of non-textured, more simple-shaped beads and charms. Since I love to play with glaze combinations, this is going to be fun. Stay tuned and I will let you know when the new pieces are available.
My Etsy Shop still has limited-edition pendants, beads, charms, and bracelet bars, so stop by and see what inspires you to make some jewelry!
Debbie Johnson Ceramics 