I am changing the way I offer my lanterns for sale.

Thank you for taking the time to read this post. As I slide toward retirement from my day job I am spending a lot of time thinking about time, and how that time is valued in our life. For the past several years I have been trying to keep up with orders by being in the shop before, after and over top of our regular lives, and it has become unsustainable. I have fallen behind on deadlines and have struggled to keep all of the balls in the air at the same time. I need to do a better job of being a good husband, artist and friend to those around me.

So time? How do I want to spend time going forward? How much stress am I willing to take on to get my work out there and to the customers that I appreciate so much? When was the last time I made something that was truely new and fun?

I cut off orders for the year back in early September to give me some time to catch up and get all my orders shipped. I am also taking some time to make some changes to the shop that will allow me to be more efficient and comfortable while working. And finally, I need more time to study and create new tinware designs that are based on both historic examples, and also, just some silly fun stuff.

Going forward, I am making the temporary situation of offering only ready-made lanterns in the store permanent. I will still be accepting custom and international orders by request. However, the lead times will start at 3 months on custom orders. The waiting list will remain open and will help me better plan what to make and when.

Thank you again for reading. I am so grateful for the support I have received from you all and I look foward to showing you some great new designs in January.

Stay tuned.

Rob, 10/31/25