Custom Order From Hell

"Would you consider doing a necklace like this..." the email asked. She wanted me to make a similar necklace to one I have listed, but using shells she had. I found some shells I had here and tried a couple of drill bits I had to see if I could make the necessary holes. Not a problem. I had a perfect piece of chain. I figured an hour, maybe less. She sent me the shells she wanted me to use and I sat down to drill the holes. These were not like the shells I had experimented on. They were much thicker and harder, like they were petrified, like they were stone. Drilling these holes was no picnic. I tried every different bit I had that I thought would work. This was taking a LONG time. Hours. Then the best bit broke. *much gnashing of teeth* The next day I run out to the hardware store where I spend $7 on a new drill bit. Back at home I finish drilling the holes and link the shell pieces together. Just as I'm about to finish and box up the necklace, one of the pieces breaks just where the hole had been drilled. I file down the shell piece and try to make it look natural, drill a new hole, attach the wire, and gingerly put it in a box before anything else happens. The necklace is now winging its way off to the customer and I think she'll be pleased. I do not blame the customer at all, but she gotz herself one heck of a deal. Between the time it took to finish this little project and having to spend on a new bit and all, I think I actually lost money on this one. Live and learn?