Harp Notes

Big Box!

August 2004

In fact, although Mick completed my harp in only a couple of weeks, I wasn't able to go up country to collect her in person. That meant that I had to wait an extra 3 weeks for him to return from a family holiday, to then send her via parcel post. I was amazed ~ the reputation that the British postal system has isn't the best at the moment, but true to his word Mick wrapped her up very safely in loads of packing material and the strongest cardboard box I had ever seen!

So, on August 18th the local postal service delivered a very large box to my neighbours, who then delivered it on the back of his quad bike to me! Both of us were a little perplexed as to the size of it, as I was convinced that I had only ordered a small harp! I didn't think I had forgotten the dimensions quite so soon, but it was only when I opened the box that it became apparent that it was mostly packing.

We brought the box with some difficulty into the house, and placed it by my altar. I am a firm believer in the effects of energy vibrations so, for good measure I smudged the box and the surrounding area with some beautiful incense, and asked for blessings from the Goddess. It made the whole process of opening the box a very special one and you can never be too careful when creating first impressions!

I couldn't believe how I felt ~ so touched and so thrilled and not a little humbled. This beautiful harp had been made for me. And I am not ashamed to say that when I took her from the box, I cried. It was a very special moment . . .

Annie then remained by my altar for the next few days as I began the task of gathering the materials and information needed to start the long process of sanding and polishing. I had already picked Mick's brains quite considerably the previous month, and collected a bit of information off the web in the mean time. I am very fortunate in having a local wood turners shop, located in Tavistock Yewturn Woodcrafts. I popped in several times over the month to ask general questions and gather information. I was struck by the generous nature of both staff and customers, who all offered pearls of wisdom. One day I even took Annie in to show them the project I was going to be working on over the coming months, where upon I had the combined wisdom of 3 incredibly well versed wood turners. I left with a bag full of tack cloths, various grades of sanding paper and some interesting manmade abrasive pads which had been highly recommended.

It was about this time that my lovely friend Hilary *wave* directed me to the web site of her great friend Victoria Jeffery. Hilary by the way, is a very talented, artistic individual in her own right who has really encouraged me with my harp lust. When she found out that I wanted some personalised artwork on the soundboard of my newest harp and knowing my affiliation with the Goddess and the Divine female, she suggested that I take a look at Vicky's work. I did and was completely smitten! Vicky has a wonderful flowing style that really high lights the beauty and form of women ~ and I just knew that I had to have one of her pieces on my harp. I emailed her with some slight trepidation, and then was amazed at how quickly she jumped at the chance to paint on Annie. Apparently some time ago Vicky had painted an old guitar which she showed me, and since then had been interested in decorating another instrument. I was more than happy to offer her mine. We started discussing ideas.

In the mean time, T dismantled Annie (which was quite easy, a few screws and a bolt) and I started sanding.

Luckily the weather meant that I could sit in the garden and sand away to my hearts content and certainly breaking the harp down made things a lot easier. I found that I needed to start by using 300 grit size sand paper, then finished by using 400. T bought me a cork sanding block which was wonderful and then around the fiddly bits i.e. around corners, under the shoulder and column which needed lots of delicate care and attention, I merely tore bits of sand paper off and used my fingers. It wasn't long before Annie became silky smooth.

Bearing in mind now that I was going to need specialised information for preparing wood prior to intricate decoration, it was recommended that I contact MD Finney, a company that deal with wood polishes, finishes and stains. Now you'll note that I am not giving the usual direct link to this company, and you'll understand why in a moment.

When I called, the gentleman who I spoke to was very friendly and knowledgeable, and to be fair this did continue throughout my exchange with them. However, when I ordered the suggested varnish and wax I was hit with the news that all items sent to the West Country incurred an extra charge on top of the regular P&P fee. When I queried it, I was told that the carriage firm they used, who were "very good" by the way, needed to do so because of the extra mileage that was often needed to find addresses. I assumed that they were as good as promised and confirmed my order ~ which came to a larger sum than anticipated because of this extra surcharge. And so I waited.

And I waited.