One of my home made gold finishing tools.

Producing new work is demanding. It requires investment in time, money, focus, inspiration, invention and hard work. The first two of these things, ‘time and money’ are usually in short supply. It is easy enough to ‘buy in’ custom made tool and materials if you have enough money to flash in front of your suppliers, but what if you don’t? Invention is the only way.

Since gold (like) tooling features on my new work, and my usual tool makers have been slow to help with tool stock, I have resorted to making my own gold finishing tools out of brass screws and broom handles. It works a treat and my designs are drawn and hand shaped by me. What a revelation! See picture above.