the more the merrier

Went to a bead shop yesterday. A glass bead shop. I rarely work with glass so to go and purchase glass beads was quite a step for me. NOT a big step, but a step nonetheless.

So off I went and had a look around and ended up buying some beads. They were just too colorful to ignore. And The Big Ben Shop has quite a selection to choose from.

the more the merrier

And since I was going off my usual track (semi-precious beads), I was going to go ahead and play with other materials. Went to another store and got me some colorful jewelry wires to use with my beads.

spools of thought

I still don't know what I'm going to end up with BUT I have started playing. I'll post projects as I make them, ofcourse. Hopefully, I do these beads some justice.

ps
I have one other kind of bead I bought which I didn't feature here. I bought them especially for someone. Or, rather, to make something for someone special.

Mothers and Daughters

Mothers and Daughters

I made a few gifts this morning.

I was invited out for lunch by a mother of two of my students. (I teach when I'm not twisting and bending and wrapping wires.) Her two beautiful girls were coming along, too.

I thought I'd make them pendants.

I made the same piece for the two little girls. You know how sisters are sometimes. I made "Eggs in a Nest" pendants on pink leather necklaces for them. I used silver as my main wire for the nest and embelished it with a bit of copper; for eggs, I used pearls.

For their Mom, I made a Tree of Life with Eggs in a Nest. I used silver (20-gauge for the frame and 26-gauge for the tree and branches), rutilated quartz for the leaves, copper and silver wire (28-gauge) for the nest, and pearls for the eggs.

You will notice that the pendants for the children have three eggs. It's not merely for design. They come from a brood of 4. I thought it would be nice to make the three eggs signify their sibling. They're the fourth egg all hatched and in the world. The mother has four eggs in the nest on her pendant. She is the mother tree making sure that all the four eggs in her shelter are safe and protected.

I carefully chose the stones for the energies they exuded:

Pearls are calming and centering. They give purity and promote faith, charity, and integrity, truth and loyalty.

Rutilated quartz is reputed to diminish fears, depression and issues with decision-making.

Silver is mystically considered to improve speech, bring eloquence.

Copper is said to facilitate mental agility, and quick wit.

Tree of Life has a life of its own!

What's your contribution?

Apparently, the Tree of Life has more impact than I thought it did. I was just asked by a school to make a few pendants as award gifts for their English competitions. The school wants to encourage their students to be more pro-active in caring for the environment and wants this message sent in most of their activities - whether or not it is directly connected to environmental awareness. Ofcourse, I gladly agreed to work with them and gave them discounted prices for the pendants.

I used stones and minerals which encourage mental health:

Aventurine is said to benefit one in all areas of creativity, and imagination, as well as intellect and mental clarity.

Fluorite promotes spiritual and psychic wholeness and development, truth, protection, and brings peace.

Copper is said to be the metal of the God Hermes, who facilitates that mental agility, and quick wit.

Silver is mystically considered to improve speech, bring eloquence.

I think of it as giving a percent away to my favorite charities (education and the environment).

It's Time We Say Someting for the Trees: Tree of Life with Egg in a Nest Pendant (Unakite, Aventurine & Copper)

Was quite inspired by some bird's nests I saw recently. I searched for tutorials on eggs in a nest and managed to find one free one on You Tube (Tutorial Diary: Nest Pins). As far as free goes, this one didn't give much information - although it gave loads of room for creativity, imagination and common sense.

My first try for the nest turned out quite smaller than what I wanted (26-gauge copper wire & 4mm unakite beads) but I wasn't going to let that worry me. I decided to place the nest in a frame to make a pendant. I decided to make a Tree of Life to nestle the nest in.

I used 20-gauge copper wire for the frame and 24- gauge copper wire for the tree and branches plus bits of aventurine for the leaves.

Not contented, I made a necklace for the pendant using 26-gauge copper wire, more bits of aventurine and the crochet technique.

This is what I made with all that put together:

Tree of Life with Bird's Nest

Quite appropriate for Environment Enthusiasts, the stones used in this pendant collectively makes for wonderfully creative green thumbs. It exudes positive energies in gardening, healing and in creating a harmonious environment for the wearer.

Spots of Sky: A Turquoise and New Jade Bracelet

I've been experimenting with bracelets and finding which ones I like to make. This is my second foray into bracelet-making. I used Bali Silver (22- and 26-gauge), Turquoise (4mm), New Jade (4mm) and the wire-wrap technique with some molding.

Spots of Sky

The combination of Silver, Turquoise and New Jade in this bracelet makes for a powerful combination in love and communication. It's great for lovers who want to maintain an honest and romantic relationship.

I'd love to know what you think of these pieces.

In The Ring: Molecular Attraction Series (Handcrafted Rings)

Finally got around to making rings. These are all made with Bali Silver wire (24- and 28- gauge) and semi precious stones as detailed below each piece.

I also have photos of these rings on my finger to provide a size comparison. The bouquets are about 1/2" in diameter. I used Unakite, Agate and Cat's Eye for these pieces.

Molecular Attraction Series: Agate

Agate is good protective energy stone, especially for children, and is very calming and soothing. It can give courage, energy, strength, and dispels fears, all of which increase self-confidence. It can also lessen feelings of envy by grounding the emotions. Agate is also used in crystal emotional healing for resolving bitterness and resentments. It is also called and believed to be a stone of harmony. Agate also enhances creativity and stimulates the intellect. Agate is considered a stone that brings good luck.

Molecular Attraction Series: Unakite (aka Unikite)

Unakite (sometimes spelled Unikite) is a stone with gentle but powerful energy. It is a stone that is helpful for gardening. Unakite is also a good protection stone. Unakite brings unconditional love of humanity, connection and reunion.

Molecular Attraction Series: Cat's Eye (Natural, Chrysoberyl)

Natural Cat's Eye(chrysoberyl) is a stone of good fortune and good luck. It is said to bring serenity and happiness, along with optimism and generosity. It is used in emotional crystal healing to bring forgiveness, balanced emtions, and self-esteem. Cat's eye can enhance creativity and kindness. It is also a stone of protection.

*Credits go to Crystal and Jewelry for stone properties.

Caught in the Web

I was thinking of making some rings yesterday and web-searched for the proper gauge sizes. I was pleasantly surprised to find a listing for a tutorial on Spider Web Pendants in that search. My jewelry session took a detour and instead of making rings, I made spider webs instead.

Silver webs are made with 18-, 24-, and 28-gauge silver wires with an insect charm to accent.

Copper webs are made with 14-, 22-, 26-gauge copper wires.

These are available for sale.

Intricate Details (Inspiration #1: Eni Oken)

Rosa Spring Bangle

One of my inspirations in jewelry-making is Eni Oken. Her pieces are so beautifully done: very intricate and detailed. I love the way she uses tiny charms on her work.

Blue Jean Baby Bangle

She has a beautiful website with free tutorials for beginners. I learned how to wire-wrap using some of her tutorials. Some my earliest pieces were made using her Tutorial 007: Fat Wrap Bead. I also learned to add charms to my pieces because of the beauties I saw on her site.

Candy Carnelian Bangle

All the pieces featured in this blog entry are all Eni Oken pieces. I love her work!

crossing the line - done with the whole shipment for August 2008

finally done with my first ever shipment! wow. i'm glad and relieved and impressed. *grin*


dark garden 05 is a reproducible bookmark made with a black leather strap, bali silver wire and beads, a silver charm and a collection of semi-precious stones including peafowl agate, yellow crystal, cornelian, onyx, morite, gold sandstone, floral glass and lava stone.

the stones are unique in their patterns, hence reproducible bookmarks are only similar as to the composition and order of stones. each bookmark is made unique by the patterns and colors on each stone it has in its composition.


black to basics 01 is a reproducible bookmark made with a black leather strap, bali silver wire and beads, a silver charm and a collection of semi-precious stones including lava rock, crystal, dalmatian jasper, onyx, and floral design glass.

the stones are unique in their patterns, hence reproducible bookmarks are only similar as to the composition and order of stones. each bookmark is made unique by the patterns and colors on each stone it has in its composition.


in the moonlight 02 is a reproducible bookmark made with a black leather strap, bali silver wire and beads, a silver charm and a collection of semi-precious stones including onyx, blue lace agate, agate, lapiz, crystal, floral design glass, lava rock,and moonstone.

the stones are unique in their patterns, hence reproducible bookmarks are only similar as to the composition and order of stones. each bookmark is made unique by the patterns and colors on each stone it has in its composition.



horizons 06 is a reproducible bookmark made with a yellow or brown leather strap, bali silver wire and beads, a silver charm and a collection of semi-precious stones including peafowl agate, gold sandstone, morite, aragonite, tiger eye and reticulated brown.

the stones are unique in their patterns, hence reproducible bookmarks are only similar as to the composition and order of stones. each bookmark is made unique by the patterns and colors on each stone it has in its composition.



ribbons 05 is a reproducible bookmark made with a maroon leather strap, bali silver wire and beads, a silver charm and a collection of semi-precious stones including leopard skin, cherry quartz, rose quartz, autumn jasper, and boswana.

the stones are unique in their patterns, hence reproducible bookmarks are only similar as to the composition and order of stones. each bookmark is made unique by the patterns and colors on each stone it has in its composition.



i made the labels myself. and i'm quite proud of making even that small detail. threaded them and put them on each one. also made my first inventory. forgive the over-effusive self-congratulatory tone of this entry: but i AM so proud of this first. *grin*

the last stretch - 8 more after these

Handmade jewelry is so time consuming. I'm glad I enjoy making these or else it would've been such a chore. But hey... any work can be a chore if you don't enjoy it.


bubblegum 02 is a reproducible bookmark made with a purple leather strap, bali silver wire and beads, a silver charm and a collection of semi-precious stones including amethyst, cherry quartz, rose quartz, white coral, moonstone, fluorite and leopard skin.

the stones are unique in their patterns, hence reproducible bookmarks are only similar as to the composition and order of stones. each bookmark is made unique by the patterns and colors on each stone it has in its composition.


dark garden 04 is a reproducible bookmark made with a black leather strap, bali silver wire and beads, a silver charm and a collection of semi-precious stones including fluorite, onyx, white coral, cherry quartz, moonstone, amethyst and leopard skin.

the stones are unique in their patterns, hence reproducible bookmarks are only similar as to the composition and order of stones. each bookmark is made unique by the patterns and colors on each stone it has in its composition.



My last eight pieces are all with black leather. About done with two of them. Just thought I'd post my new creations from last night first before I buckled down for the last stretch.

almost ready to seal the box - 16 left to make

Took the weekend off and was too busy making bookmarks yesterday to update my blog. I'm glad to note I'm only 16 pieces away from the 100 pieces for the Philippine shipment.

These are the new reproducibles

by the pond 03 is a reproducible bookmark made with a brown/red/maroon leather strap, bali silver wire and beads, a silver charm and a collection of semi-precious stones including red aventurine, blue lace agate, moonstone, jupiter, lapiz, aragonite, and peafowl agate.

the stones are unique in their patterns, hence reproducible bookmarks are only similar as to the composition and order of stones. each bookmark is made unique by the patterns and colors on each stone it has in its composition.

by the pond 03 is included in the August shipment to the Philippines.


horizons 05 is a reproducible bookmark made with a brown/red/maroon leather strap, bali silver wire and beads, a silver charm and a collection of semi-precious stones including ocean jasper, gold sandstone, morite, aragonite, tiger eye and reticulated browns.

the stones are unique in their patterns, hence reproducible bookmarks are only similar as to the composition and order of stones. each bookmark is made unique by the patterns and colors on each stone it has in its composition.

horizons 05 is included in the August shipment to the Philippines.


ribbons 04 is a reproducible bookmark made with a blue/gray/purple leather strap, bali silver wire and beads, a silver charm and a collection of semi-precious stones including pink opal, leopard skin, moonstone, cherry and rose quartz, amethyst, and boswana.

the stones are unique in their patterns, hence reproducible bookmarks are only similar as to the composition and order of stones. each bookmark is made unique by the patterns and colors on each stone it has in its composition.

ribbons 04 is included in the August shipment to the Philippines.



done with the blues. now about to get my hands into inky black and the last of my purples. =)

after bedtime

went to the silver village again to purchase some bali beads - i ran out last night. came back home and had lunch with my sweet man then decided to go grocery shopping with him. arrived back home just in time to prepare for dinner.

while he was preparing dinner, i decided to start on the blues. chose the stones and decided where to put each one. made some head pins for the set and started putting them together. wasn't halfway done when dinner was ready.

finished them way after dinner, about the time we finished watching the second installment for "The Stand."


in the moonlight 01 is a reproducible bookmark made with a blue leather strap, bali silver wire and beads, a silver charm and a collection of semi-precious stones including blue lace agate, lapiz, moonstone, cat's eye and floral design glass.

the stones are unique in their patterns, hence reproducible bookmarks are only similar as to the composition and order of stones. each bookmark is made unique by the patterns and colors on each stone it has in its composition.

in the moonlight 01 is included in the August shipment to the Philippines.


i've been making bookmarks for this shipment for days now, i don't think i've had the time to actually open a book and spend a relaxing afternoon with it and the cool Bali breeze.

wading through gardens - halfway through

spending all my time making these bookmarks. i'm sending them off next week and i'm halfway done. these are the newest creations:


sunshine on my garden 02 is a reproducible bookmark made with an orange leather strap, bali silver wire and beads, a silver charm and a collection of semi-precious stones including cornelian, aragonite, red aventurine, rutilated browns and golden sandstone.

the stones are unique in their patterns, hence reproducible bookmarks are only similar as to the composition and order of stones. each bookmark is made unique by the patterns and colors on each stone it has in its composition.

sunshine on my garden 02 is included in the August shipment to the Philippines.


horizons 04 is a reproducible bookmark made with an orange leather strap, bali silver wire and beads, a silver charm and a collection of semi-precious stones including ocean jasper/tourmaline, leopard skin, white coral, reticulated browns, and cat's eye.

the stones are unique in their patterns, hence reproducible bookmarks are only similar as to the composition and order of stones. each bookmark is made unique by the patterns and colors on each stone it has in its composition.

horizons 04 is included in the August shipment to the Philippines.



by the pond 02 is a reproducible bookmark made with green or pink leather strap, bali silver wire and beads, a silver charm and a collection of semi-precious stones including leopard skin, amethyst, green aventurine, fluorite, cherry and rose quartz, agate, jupiter and tourmaline.

the stones are unique in their patterns, hence reproducible bookmarks are only similar as to the composition and order of stones. each bookmark is made unique by the patterns and colors on each stone it has in its composition.

by the pond 02 is included in the August shipment to the Philippines.



*question to self: when do i get to the blues?

not under the blues

i chose greens instead.

sunshine on my garden 01 is a reproducible bookmark made with green leather strap, bali silver wire and beads, two silver charms and a collection of semi-precious stones including peafowl agate, tiger eye, green aventurine and swarovski golden crystals.

the stones are unique in their patterns, hence reproducible bookmarks are only similar as to the composition and order of stones. each bookmark is made unique by the patterns and colors on each stone it has in its composition.

sunshine on my garden 01 is included in the August shipment to the Philippines.



dark garden 03 is a reproducible bookmark made with green leather strap, bali silver wire and beads, a silver charm and a collection of semi-precious stones including tourmaline, amethyst, jupiter, fluorite and agate.

the stones are unique in their patterns, hence reproducible bookmarks are only similar as to the composition and order of stones. each bookmark is made unique by the patterns and colors on each stone it has in its composition.

dark garden 03 is included in the August shipment to the Philippines.



by the pond 01 is a reproducible bookmark made with green leather strap, bali silver wire and beads, a silver charm and a collection of semi-precious stones including green jasper, jupiter, unpolished stone, green aventurine, and fluorite.

the stones are unique in their patterns, hence reproducible bookmarks are only similar as to the composition and order of stones. each bookmark is made unique by the patterns and colors on each stone it has in its composition.

by the pond 01 is included in the August shipment to the Philippines.



and a bit of maroon. =)

horizons 03 is a reproducible bookmark made with maroon leather strap, bali silver wire and beads, a silver charm and a collection of semi-precious stones including morite, white coral, gold sandstone, cornelian and reticulated browns.

the stones are unique in their patterns, hence reproducible bookmarks are only similar as to the composition and order of stones. each bookmark is made unique by the patterns and colors on each stone it has in its composition.

horizons 03 is included in the August shipment to the Philippines.



31 bookmarks done. 69 left to make.

fair price on these scales

bookmarked bookmarks

all out of the silver wires i needed. had to hop onto my bike and motorcycle to a village in Bali well-known for its silver: a fun 40 minute drive/race/battle against huge trucks and other motorcyclists.

i enjoy these rides as i also get to visit other silver shops on the way. these visits provide me with inspiration on creating my own handmade pieces. plus, the drive is long enough to be enjoyable and short enough not to be tiring.

fair price on the scales

the shop i go to for the silver i use for my pieces is one of the best places for silver supplies for the jeweler. their products have the highest silver content in Bali. in fact, other silver shops source their silver from this tiny shop. i think it was a lucky day for me when someone showed me this tiny treasure.

i have to work on those 88 bookmarks today. i think i'm going to start with the blues. *smile*

Opals Slipped In - 88 to go

Prepping for my August shipment to the Philippines. 100 bookmarks by the first week of August. Finished 12 today. Handmade jewelry is a bit time consuming, I think.


Ribbons 01 and Ribbons 02 are one-of-a-kind bookmarks whilst Ribbons 03a, b and c are reproducibles. 03a and b have leopard skin. 03c makes use of pink opals.


ribbons 03c is a reproducible bookmark made with pink leather strap, bali silver wire and beads, a silver charm and a collection of semi-precious stones including pink opal, leopard skin, cherry quartz and rose quartz.

the stones are unique in their patterns, hence reproducible bookmarks are only similar as to the composition and order of stones. each bookmark is made unique by the patterns and colors on each stone it has in its composition.

ribbons 03c is included in the August shipment to the Philippines.



I think I've had enough of pink for now. Will switch colors tomorrow - after I buy me more handspun silver strand from the silver village in Bali.

Count to 100

circle this in lines

I'm currently making 100 pieces of bookmarks for a shipment to the Philippines. I will post some of the items in the site as I make them.

waiting for tension

Right now, though, I'm patiently wrapping wires on the leather strip bases.