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.

A Jab at the Wire-Crochet Technique

I'm looking into making bracelets and trying the wire crochet technique. I'm not very satisfied with my silver one but this copper piece is a worthy starting point, I think.


I used a tutorial from Diane Gilleland: How to Crochet a Bead and Wire Bracelet. I worked with copper wire, Unakite, Goldstone, and Peach Aventurine. When I looked into these stone's properties I found out that collectively they exude energies to help the wearer be more creative and more adept in making decisions.

I'm not sure if I want to make more crocheted pieces, I'm thinking of reverting to actual wire-wrapping and making pieces using those techniques instead.

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.

Celuk: A Treasure Chest (Inspiration #2: Celuk Silversmiths)

Needed a rest after the 100 bookmarks were finally all done. Went to Celuk over the weekend, however, to look into other artist's silver creations.


This is a bangle which incorporates the Balinese Barong in its design. The Barong is a prominent mythical figure in most of the Balinese folklore. It also plays a prominent role in their cultural dances and religious ceremonies.





This pair of earrings incorporates the Wayang Kulit in its design. The Wayang Kulit is a puppet made for shadow plays. It is an integral part of the Balinese culture.





Watching the local artists at work also proved to be quite an inspiration.

just one spark

This man was making silver findings. Pretty boring work, you say? He does it with such diligence. Every piece seemed to be a masterpiece waiting to be made - that's the kind of energy he exuded while making these.

with these hands

She seemed so well organized in making pieces that I couldn't help but capture a sliver of her life in this shot.


Celuk has always been a favorite destination for moments when I need some inspiration.


*Images of jewelry pieces in this entry have been copyrighted only for the images themselves. The design of these pieces are not mine to claim.

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.

98 bookmarks to go

i'm shipping 100 bookmarks to the Philippines by the first week of August. i finished making the base leather strips yesterday. and started off making the bookmarks themselves last night.

i did two very similar to the ribbons series. i call them ribbons 03 - reproducibles.


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

bookmarks

These bookmarks are for sale.

dark garden 03 is a one of a kind bookmark made with purple leather strap, bali silver wire and beads, silver butterfly charms and a collection of semi-precious stones including fluorite, tourmaline, agate, amethyst, aventurine, leopard skin and some choice glass beads.
SOLD


ribbons 02 is a one of a kind bookmark made with maroon leather strap, bali silver wire and beads, a silver dragonfly charm and a collection of semi-precious stones including cherry quartz, rose quartz, leopard skin, and sandstone.

Please send me a message should you wish to avail of any of these items.

bookmarks

These bookmarks are available for sale.

bubblegum 01 is a one of a kind bookmark made with green leather strap, bali silver wire and beads, a silver dragonfly charm and a collection of semi-precious stones including amethyst, aventurine, cherry quartz, and rose quartz.
SOLD

dark garden 01 is a one of a kind bookmark made with black leather strap, bali silver wire and beads, a silver dragonfly charm and a collection of semi-precious stones including cat's eye, dalmatian, leopard skin and onyx.
SOLD

horizons 02 is a one of a kind bookmark made with maroon leather strap, copper wire, and a collection of semi-precious stones including morite, peafowl agate, white coral, leopard skin, and agate.
SOLD

bookmarks

These bookmarks are available for sale.

desert blue is a one of a kind bookmark made with gray leather strap, bali silver wire and beads, silver frog charms and a collection of semi-precious stones including tourmaline, green jasper, blue lace agate, jupiter, and ocean jasper.



horizons 01 is a one of a kind bookmark made with purple leather strap, bali silver wire and beads, a silver butterfly charm and a collection of semi-precious stones including leopard skin, white coral, aragonite, ocean jasper, amethyst, agate and fluorite.



dark garden 01 is a one of a kind bookmark made with black leather strap, bali silver wire and beads, a silver sun charm and a collection of semi-precious stones including lava stone, moonstone, autumn jasper, onyx, and sandstone plus some floral designed glass beads.
SOLD


ribbons 01 is a one of a kind bookmark made with gray leather strap, bali silver wire and beads, a silver butterfly charm and a collection of semi-precious stones including leopard skin, cherry quartz, rose quartz, morite and moonstone.


Contact me to avail of these unique bookmarks.