please help me decide what to do

[gypsea]

so this high school senior whom i do not know except that she knows my glasswork and has seen me at my summer booth and bought from me (but i do not remember her) called me up today and asked if she could come to my studio and be there for 3 full days in a row to observe and interview and learn as her senior work project and to do a paper and see what she would need to learn if she wants to do this as a career. she also said she wants to learn to blow glass. she says she can borrow some glasses from some friends who blow glass. she says she is interested in what i do as far as jewelry and what is involved in selling to stores.

1. i am not set up to teach.
2. i never let anyone in my studio, it is in my home, i am a private person. i am out in public too much, so only a very select few friends are ever even invited over to my house. that way i don't have to clean.
3. if i have someone in the same room as me for 3 days how am i going to get any real work done if i have to talk to them all the time? this is going to cost me a lot of time/money.
4. i can't take a kid that i don't know in a car with me on sales calls, if i have her over my shoulder for 3 days that is like 3 days of one on one lessons for free.
5. i do multiple tasks thruout the day, my dwelling is not like the cleaver's, and it sounds like her parents might be from that neighborhood, she would think i am insane.
4. maybe i should do it to be a giving back to the community person.


please give me any input that crosses your mind......

[billtcat]

I have had these kind of requests and while I consider it a compliment I have to tell people that I can't have people in my studio area because it is in my home and my Homeowners insurance liabilty would not allow it. If I do this I would need business liability and I don't have that type.

Bill

[vetropod]

Sounds like it would put you out of sorts, if you do this.

You ARE allowed to say NO, right? Considering points 1-4, I think that NO is your best option.

Perhaps you have a flameworking friend in the area who is a bit more social and would be willing to show her the ropes?

[WORLD FAMOUS]

Do they have to be full days? Or maybe just one full day?

[PyroChixRock]

yeah how about even just a few hours. i'm sure she could get what she needs to know for a paper in a few hours.

[Greymatter Glass]

I'd explain it to her just like you did for us. If you know of anyone else in your area who might be able to accomidate her than by all means see if you can get her in another studio, but considering it as you have is more than most people would even do, so don't worry about your second #4 above.

We have had several kids from the local charter high school in our studio and more often than not it's a great experiance for all of us, but it's something we're equiped for. I know I wouldn't be able to host other peoples kids in my own house if I had a studio here...no way.

It sounds like she knows someone else who blows glass, so maybe she should ask them?

-Doug

[gypsea]

she says it has to be 3 full days, that it is the requirement of the school senior work project. she says she would get a hotel room to stay over here instead of driving back and forth....she lives about 1 1/2 hours away i guess.
i don't know why she wants to do this with me instead of her glass blowing friends that she would borrow the eyeware from. she said she knows i have jewelry in stores and wants to learn what is involved in selling. i don't know that i would be actively selling on those days, i am slightly wondering if she is thinking she would be getting free lessons, or if she thinks she can learn in 3 days, i just don't know for sure. she is interested in the jewelry arts as a career. i don't want to be discouraging to a young person. but man, 3 whole days in my little one room home studio? maybe i should just give her this website, and tell her to study all the info.

[vetropod]

i am slightly wondering if she is thinking she would be getting free lessons, or if she thinks she can learn in 3 days ... she is interested in the jewelry arts as a career.

It's pretty standard for kids to intern with a professional for school. I recently had one of my former students looking for someone to intern with for a school project.

I actually think this is great. Sure wish I had some exposure to the real world before graduating high school. I could have used some perspective!

[smutboy420]

Is she hot? tell her to stay with you for the 3 days.
and then you'll think about it. LOL

[Kool]

I did a similar thing for a friend's kid who home schooled through a charter program. It was several sessions over many weeks and it did cost me a lot of time and money. However, his mother is a close friend of my wife's. On top of that, the father/husband in the scenario had just died in a motorcycle accident that year and the mom was looking for a mentor situation for the kid. All in all, it worked out OK, but I wouldn't have done it for just any old person.
I was hesitant for a lot of the same reasons as you, even though they are friends. It's still your space and someone is coming into it.

It really sounds like you know what you want to do. Don't feel bad if it's not something you think will work out and you want to say "no."

[Mr. Wonka]

Gypsea- I have done this many times with kids that are working for school projects, and a few hours of interviews and demos is all it takes to help them out. 3 days of watching over your shoulder seems a bit excessive (and intrusive) to your lifestyle and shop setup.

[PortlandGlassBlowers]

I would tell her only a couple of hours only. If she cant hang with that then tell her no deal. 3 days is a long time to be showing her the ropes.

[mer]

my daughter just had to do a similar trip for school. it's really asking alot for them to find somebody to chill with for days on end. i wonder if the schools realize how much of an imposition it is. that being said, it would be nice to be the inspiration for the next generation of lampworkers. maybe she could spend an afternoon with you and fill the rest of the three days with other artists, galleries, materials suppliers, etc.... try to sell her on the "well rounded" approach. there's way more than three days worth of recources around.

[dogmaw]

Run away! I had a student do that. She showed up for the first lesson, and was supposed to trade more torch time for being my shop monkey. She didn't show again till the week before the project was due and wanted to do all her time in 2 days, at her convenience.

[steven p selchow]

Prepare yourself, and give her 1 day only, make excuses why. Thats enough, and tell her to buy contemporary lampworking to learn the rest. Not having the time is the best answer, and ask her about her friend the glassblower why that won't work...see ya in a week and a half.

Steve

[ech]

There is no way I would let anyone who wasn't part of the "Cool" crowd into my house, if ya know what I mean. Especially a minor child who lives in the neighborhood.

[somberbear]

kristen, as always your too nice and your more then willing to help some one and worry about it as well. Dont stress hon. Just calm down... and think...

Tell her you have production and are very busy but you could give up an afternoon or a day... If this distrubes your work to much dont invite here back lay ground rules that make you feel are reasonable. Its your work space its your skills and your info. if it was just any one i would say charge them for your time. its worth it.

if she is intersted in this life as a job.... she has to learn the business side as well. explain to her.

Its you if you dont feel right your not going to be helpful to her. she should respect your wishs its asking alot.... I have done this a couple times... it normaly takes a few hours.... to get more then enough.

voice your conserns to her. or give a trial period. met her in public for lunch or something and talk and see how you get along. i cant share my space with most people. i worry about them being that i live in a very dangerous shop, or i am worried there going to mess something up. there are others i dont mind and can chill with. Also learn what the paper is going to be about and what her approch is so you can maximize your time.

then balance this also on introducing some one ot lampworking and watching there eyes light up and get bitten by the glass bug. and a whole new world open up to them.

Honestly at the end of the day Its yours , your shop your tools , your time , your info, she has glass blower friends she can pick it up from them. Dont be scared to say no.

peace
rob

[Greymatter Glass]

edit: damn, sorry I missed you smutty...

no one has asked the most importent question yet....

Is she hot?

See.... Smut asked first.


Anyways.... the next logical question is:

If she's hot she can come stay at my shop.

ok... not a question.... more like... a... um.... statement of fact.

yeah.


Anyways, day 1: Make her sign stack of legal documents (to be sent), tell her it's just a liability release. Get a copy of her drivers lisence or state issued ID, email to me. Let her make a bead, let her burn herself kinda good. Get her drunk, turn her loose on the forums while you work.

Day 2: Get her drunk, turn her loose on forums while you go out an buy webcam - I will paypal you funds after day 1.

day 3: get her drunk, turn her loose on forum chat, with webcam, while you work (or watch...hell I don't care)

day 4 Give girl alcohol and turn loose with webcam and T1 internet access (to be installed). Hire known name design architect to design new studio. I hear I.M. Pei is available

days 5-? make sure girl stays drunk, on webcam. Get weekly checks for $30,000.



...dwaine.... we should talk :)

[somberbear]

smut beat you....

now i think smut needs rep points

[gypsea]

thanks doug and everyone else......i needed the laugh and all the other good advice.....rep points for everyone!!! whoo hoo!! thanks ya'll.........

i think i'm gonna exercise my right to say no......she wants it all 3 days or nothing and if i can't do my life on my terms by my age, well then i might as well not even get up in the morning.

(that's the nicest way i can think of to say that.)

thanks again for taking the time to offer all the good advice!

[harpentuan]

I have hade many requests for jewelry lessons, and "where is my workshop located" etc. I simply thank these curious folks and tell them that my private studio is not equipped for lessons.
I have gotten even more requests from strangers asking to just 'watch', these folks get told the same thing I said above.


well, that;s me!

[Mr. Wonka]

Good for you Gypsea, you made the right choice : ) 3 days or no days? You don't have to play by someone else's rules when it's your shop and your livelyhood.

BTW- Is she hot? :lol

[Kalera]

Our local high schools require that seniors go to work every Thursday in an intern-type situation... I think they have a few places (like OHSU) that volunteer themselves for it, but I was thinking about getting me an intern for a while... free bead stringer, photographer, and mostly, babysitter. :lol:

[FredLight]

Kalera, That's an awesome idea!

Well, the bead stringing and photographer part...

[nickglassdood]

pic rule number 1 oic

is she hott?

[ACE]

i totally agree with your choice, girl!

all or nothing?? puuhh-leeeze. thats your space, your life, your buisness.
all i gots to say. i dont care how hot she is.

[gypsea]

you are asking if a high school girl is hot, right? i just want to be sure what kind of guy you are.


hey underground/4 posts....ummm...don't be so quick to judge, you don't know him yet, he was only joking.

[Pilgrim]

kristen, Just say no!~ looks like you would set your self up for a fall. I dont like the idea if a high school student dictating terms....
best luck, scottland....

[Mr. Wonka]

Lighten up there underground- I was just joking about the other posts… as if some high school chick would be interested in my 40 year old ass :lol



http://www.csonline.net/glass/stfu-noob.jpg

BTW- that was a joke too bro!

[HumanLathe]

Lol NOOB!! Burn!!

[ShttrdSpctrm]

hahahaahahahahahahahahahaha love the pic :dieslaugh :dieslaugh :dieslaugh

[bc]

fuck this pain in the ass chick gyp.

peas.

[steven p selchow]

more requests on what she looks like than actual advise for Gypsea.


By the way, can you get a pic of her..

[Kalera]

you are asking if a high school girl is hot, right? i just want to be sure what kind of guy you are.

Hey man, by senior year most of them are 18...

[max16o2]

+hotness = +studio time
use that equasion to see how long she gets

[dislexei]

My first exposure to glass was through people that let me hang out and watch them. They happened to be well known flame workers after the fact that i spent a week sleeping in the extra room and just hanging out.

If she has friends why doesn't she hang out and watch them? Why doesn't she pick up a couple books? Like Milon Townsend 'advanced flame working 1/marketing' and the books 'contemperary flameworking'.

Don't feel obligated to entertain her request. You know you don't want too. Take it as a compliment and tell her you don't have the space and the work load is to great right now.

If she gives you lip, tell her to "SHUT THE FUCK UP NUBE"

[smutboy420]

you are asking if a high school girl is hot, right?
Oh I tought it was a collage girl.

i just want to be sure what kind of guy you are.

Um Problely just like any other straight normal heathly guy that can get it up. :-)

But I had to ask the ? because I'm contractuly oblagated to make at least one crud or smutty refreance in my posts per day to be allowed to keep my screen name "Smutboy420"

Its not easy being a perv commic you let your gaurd down just for a minet and you can loose valuabal smut matrial to use.

[CripSkillz]

so is she hot wheres the pic

[alaskanseaglass1]

greymatter and smut you guys are making my stomach f'en hurt :dieslaugh.

[Zed]

If shes over 18, maybe you could tell her that she needs to help you with some product testing then hand her a big ole dilly...

[smutboy420]

tell her that she needs to help you with some product testing then hand her a big ole dilly

Then what if shes like WOW can I intern full time.

[gypsea]

you guys are killin me....

[gypsea]

well, i told her i was really busy, and she told me she was actually really good at multi tasking, so she might be a good worker after all....here's her pic:

[dislexei]

She's a keeper!

[CripSkillz]

specally if she has a web cam on that notebooka

[smutboy420]

Judging from the fingers and toes. I'd say there is a high probability that she prob ain't 1/2 bad looking.

[Zed]

Judging from the fingers and toes. I'd say there is a high probability that she prob ain't 1/2 bad looking.

How in the hell can you tell that from her fingers/toes??? You must have some mad gurl rating skillz if you can judge her hotness from the above picture.

[dogmaw]

About the only thing you can tell is that she is pretty skinny.

[smutboy420]

I've just seen so many. I can tell what the rest of the body prob looks like. Im an expert. its been a life long hobby of mine.

[Pilgrim]

Give that girl a job..........or send her to oregon.....

[susheke]

LOL! Good one Kristen.

[Ruskin Designs]

I know the project has probably been completed in some fashion but here is my input for future reference.

I have a son who graduated 2 years ago. He was required to do a Sr Project. He looked into glassblowing but there weren't any places close enough so he decided to build a surf board instead. BTW he received an A and received a perfect score on his oral presentation :)

He was lucky enough to find a local builder to work with him 2 hrs a week through the semester and he had to PAY.

Now, in turn - I volunteered to mentor 3 girls in lampwork and chainmaille. There was paperwork involved from the school district releasing me from all liability. My studio is also in my home and I had a newborn to boot so my time was very limited. I insisted they be prompt and respectful of my space. Yes all three were HOT per my son and husband :lol:

They had a log that had to be signed by me for every visit and it certainly wasn't 3 full days. I think that Gypseas girl wanted to cram all her hours into 3 days because she was 1.5 hrs away.

This really is a great learning experience for the kids. It teaches them the hard work involved to bring a finished product to market, marketing - the kids required to produce a brochure or product display board with things they learned/created and interview skills. Plus they had to do a written report on the history and a 15 minute oral presentation wearing dresses and suits. Jeans and sneakers were not permitted. My son had to borrow a suit :)

Gypsea - you received some really good responses other than the "is she hot". It was totally your decision to follow through or not. She was probably on the up and up because I know that this is a requirement of graduation in our two states.

For me overall it was a good learning experience. Out of the 3 I have one that keeps in contact (seceretly I think she thought my son was cute) - she is in college now and makes beads to help with her expenses.

[Shadow]

Hmmm
wonder if my boys will have to do something like that in the future? As far as I know we do not have a mentoring program here. But it seems like a good idea.