prep prep prep

so lately i have been buying equipment for my at home jewelry studio. every time i get some extra money, before i blow it on something i don't need, i spend it on some tools. at first the thought of buying everything i need seemed SO overwhelming. but now that i just started to do it, bit by bit, it's quite rewarding. i get a sense of accomplishment every time i can cross one item off the list, which is pretty long! so i'm getting there and i'm really excited! yesterday i was shopping on ebay for some stones/minerals i want to work with. i was in some bidding wars and i lost!!! gggr! i have to get the hang of it. but who has time to sit at the computer at the end of all these auctions? it'd be nice if there was a store in town i could go to. anyway, i did get some things. here is a glimpse at what kind of stones i'm looking for....drusy, crystals, agates, etc.aren't they gorgeous?! that is what i want to design around. in my metal smithing class, i am working on a piece with a really pretty sparkly druzy. i can't wait until it's done! those are my favorite, they look like they're from outer space :)
so that is what i am working toward. little by little. what are you working toward??