For those who don't know Jack Jack: he is my cat, my studio companion, and my self-appointed Chief Quality Assurance Officer. His methodology is consistent. His standards are high. His primary inspection technique is to sit on whatever I am currently working with and wait to see what I do about it.
This week's report.
The Bead Tray
I had just sorted approximately forty beads by color and size into a divided tray. I turned around to get my wire. I turned back. Jack Jack was in the tray. Not near the tray. In it. Sitting in the largest compartment with the expression of someone who has found exactly the right chair and intends to stay. Three compartments were undisturbed. The rest were not. Inspection: complete.
The Design Sketch
I had a paper sketch of a bracelet layout I was planning — bead order, color notes, a small diagram of where the focal would sit. Jack Jack sat on it for forty-five minutes. When he got up, there was a paw print in the margin. I'm choosing to interpret this as a signature of approval.
The Laptop
This is a recurring item on the weekly report. Jack Jack sits on the laptop when I am using it, specifically when I am in the middle of typing something. He does not sit on the laptop when it is closed and available. Only when it is open and in use. His timing is impeccable and I believe intentional.
The Finished Bracelet
I had just completed a bracelet and set it on the mat to photograph. Jack Jack walked across the mat, stepped directly on the bracelet, paused, looked at me, and continued walking. The bracelet survived. The photograph did not. I consider this a quality check I did not ask for and cannot argue with.
Me
On Thursday, at approximately 2pm, Jack Jack sat on my lap while I was trying to string beads. This is technically not an object. I'm including it anyway because it was the longest sit of the week — forty minutes — and because I didn't move him. Some inspections you just let happen.
Jack Jack will return next week with further findings. In the meantime, every bracelet that leaves this studio has been reviewed by a cat with very strong opinions and no interest in explaining them.
That's quality assurance you can trust.