Bad news

[Johanna]

I haven't run a leather shop in 10 years, but I will never sell my tools. My tools are my security net- my kids will always have food to eat because I have my tools and my initiative. You need to seek some help from a doctor who understands your medical issues and can provide a treatment that helps you get better. I'll bet most of us here have lost a job at one time or another, or taken one we hated temporarily. Many people have been through worse ordeals than losing a job. What matters is learning how to bounce back when life throws you a hard blow. Sometimes we need help from special people- our parents, doctors, ministers, teachers, therapists and friends. Sometimes recovery is just baby steps one at a time, but they add up. The first step is admitting we need help and seeking it. You need a doctor right now, not a tool sale.

Johanna

[OutBackP]

I've suffered from depression most of my life my no more so than when my wife and son left me and went back to Australia. With little work I found it very hard to live. Then a year or so ago I found leatherwork. With the help of music and a creative outlet I spent a long time just thinking of leather and how I could improve my work. I would sleep and wake thinking of my next project. It helped me stop thinking of all the bad stuff and concentrate on improving my work. Financially it has been very hard, but now things are starting to look up. I still make little money from my leather work but I'm happier. Learning to forgive your self and to learn to live are far more important than money.

Right now I have some work for the next few weeks and I hope to save up and go and see my wife and son in the next few months. My wife is willing to give me another chance and god willing we will sort out immigration so we can live together.

Just take a step at a time and do small things that you know you can accomplish. Praise yourself, even for the very little things like a smile. But most of all breath and remember if you have never been sad how would you know when you are happy.

Good luck

Tony

[Des804]

Don't need a Doctor I can deal with this kind of depression and to many of the doctors around here want to put everyone on medication for every little thing. I'm just depressed with losing my job I'll get over it I'll get a new job. Yeah I would love to keep my tools but I dont have much stuff to sell anymore most of my stuff has been sold , Destroyed, or really isnt sellable except to select people. I'm going to make it through I've been through worse a lot worse. Just depressed right now and probably will be for a few days.

[Dually]

Hey Des, if misery loves company, you have plenty of it Amigo. I lost my job of 20 years at X-mas, and since then thousands more have too. I had a pity party for about a week, then strated looking at it as a new beginning (what else can ya do?) I've used my time practicing leather...(shoveling snow), training horses, (and shoveling more snow) But I just stay busy. My friends say a door will open, and I guess they'er right. But I agree that selling tools should be a last resort. Good luck.

[TwinOaks]

Nope, don't sell the tools. You say "my stuff isn't good enough to sell"...well, let's look at another member here, who also just started leatherworking.

I'm talking about jbird, aka Josh. When he started he felt he was in the same boat with leather. Now, he's got customers who like his work well enough to PAY for it.

Don't expect to just sit at a bench/table and turn out masterpieces like Peter Main or Billy 2-shews. It takes time.

That said, belts, wallets, key fobs, etc. are the bread and butter of leatherworkers. Learn to do them well and they can provide a small but steady income.

One last thing: Look up "severe blessing".

Hang in there,

Mike

[Suze]

If you really HAVE to sell your tools - If they have never been used - WHY sell them cheap?

But I agree with the others that if you have tools and willing hands you can do a lot to make money -- I know Middletown is sort of nowheresville right now - but if you have supplies

MAKE STUFF

put it up on the web - make SMALL priced stuff

we found out in the dollhouse world that the under $20 stuff was the biggest sellers. Right now under $10 would probably do better at a show.

Jewlrey - earrings, bracelets, plain necklaces (simple chains out of a cool maile pattern)

Have a few bigger ticket items but the small stuff will hold a table. (I used to pay $200.00 table rent with FIFTY CENT items, You have to sell a lot of 50 cents to do that - but it is doable)

What about leather "coins" with designs on them? A potter I know makes "farie coins" and sells them for 50 cents - Kids go nuts over them. It would also be a way to practice designs without using big chunks of leather.....and I know you got a whole big box of "scrap" from Mike. I have a few pairs of earrings from MeriMask Designs that I didn't pay much for but are formed leather (leaves in fact)

GET THEE TO SCA EVENTS

Merchants don't pay table rent just site fees....the one this weekend is $8.00 (plus a $3.00 non-member surcharge) pack food in and what have you paid for gas to get there and a nomanal site fee.

times are tough all over - but a willing pair of hands can do a lot......

and just because you don't think you need a Dr's help - doesn't mean you're right. You said you are very overweight -- are you under a Dr's care for that? they can help a lot you know.

[Des804]

Sorry when I hear people tell me I need a Doctors help its most of the time when Im having a bad day and my Depression scares them. Yes I am under a doctors Supervision for my Health.

[TwinOaks]

If you haven't done so, check your PMs.

[badger]

Des,

Listen to the guys. Please don't sell your tools.

I'm sure everyone here will help in any way they can.

Many of us know what you're going through.

Cheers,

Karl

[wildrose]

While I've not been on the "job loss" front, I can sympathize with the down in the dumps depression end of things. You're right, docs tend to want to just dose you up, when it might not be necessary. (I say might because there are people who do need meds) As to the weight issue, my husband weighs over 300 lbs (maybe even 400, not sure), and it is a problem for him. This is something you yourself need to deal with, just like it is for him. No amount of someone else nagging is going to work. Support helps though - I went through Nutri-System and it worked for me at that time; and many people swear by Weight Watchers.

Think about every single thing that goes in your mouth. Start by cutting back on portion sizes. That's my hubby's downfall: he'll have 4 slices of toast (with heaps of butter) for breakfast, as an example. Or tonight's dessert: big bowl of ice cream with choc.chip cookies on the side. I love him dearly, just as I'm sure there are people that love you, but it is very sad to watch.

Take care of yourself!

We care about you!