Notes From The Shop:

It's been a few weeks since the divorce was settled, there's been a whirlwind of emotions, kind of like waking up from a Rip Van Winkle nap, looking around, and realizing how much things have slid here, over the last few years.

I think one of the stringer emotions I've been feeling lately, is that of encouragement, and a sense of re-vitalization. So many of you have sent me emails, expressing concern, support, patience, and genuine friendship, that I am deeply touched and somewhat humbled. Thanks to all of you, you have indeed proved that there is a "Barclay Family"

Anyway, enough sentimental blubbering, I'm sure there's more than a few of you who are interested in what the future holds. Good question, I wish I could give you a simple, straightforward answer! One of my childhood friends has suggested I do a "Barclay Channel" on YouTube, to give a face to the business, and to show people what really goes into making these figures, etc.

Even though I have a face that was meant for radio, I'm actually intrigued by his suggestion. Many of my colleagues, especially the German guys, have repeatedly told me that I'm "too humble" and should show people my skills, as they represent a dying art. Personally, I feel it's unwarranted bragging, but other people I've talked to, say that people just enjoy watching things being made, so there's some kind of balance that can be struck. I'd love to hear your opinions on this concept, please leave a comment!

Prior to what has become know as "The Move That Never Happened", I had many more figures that were almost ready to go. I've been digging around in the notorious shipping container (what my son now calls my "Chamber Of Doom") and found many of the completed castings, so I'll be painting them up and you'll finally start seeing some new stuff hitting the shelves!

In one of my previous posts, I mentioned something about my exploring 3-D printing. Fascinating technology, totally mind blowing to an old school craftsman such as myself. With what molds now cost, I'll be printing out some prototypes of figures I'm considering making, so I can get a feel for how well they'll be received, before I make the investment in time & money, making the actual molds. Also, I'll be listing some of the 3-D printed things I was fooling around with, not as actual additions to the product line, but basically as individual items of interest, more of me selling off some of the prints I made for my own enjoyment.

Improvements & updates to the website: Yes, I know, this is one of my top priorities! I used to have my friend in the Ukraine, Irana, doing the website, as she was a wiz at web design, and I'm fairly oblivious to it. Last I heard, she and her husband left the Ukraine, and re-settled somewhere in the Czech Republic, I haven't heard from her lately, so I have to look into either finding someone who can handle the website, or I need to put in some serious time and figure it out myself. With the way technology has been accelerating, by the time I figure something out, it's already two versions behind.

Brick & Mortar Store: I mentioned this back when "The Move That Never Happened" was happening. Still intrigued with the concept of having a store/living museum type thing, but with the divorce, the whole idea came to a grinding halt. Maybe I'll re-visit the idea, who knows? I've seen several really nice sites, in perfect little towns that looked like they fell out of some Hallmark movie. Problem being, if I had 1.8 million to pee away on some store, I wouldn't be looking to open a store, I'd be retired!

Well, that's about it for now, I'll keep you posted as things unfold here at "Barclay GHQ".... As always, I enjoy hearing from you, and welcome any suggestions you might have for new products, ideas, store locations, etc. Enjoy your Sunday!