All Done Up

I spent most of yesterday afternoon and this whole morning organizing my jewelry shelf.

It has 4 shelves. I used the first to showcase my handmade pieces. I bought the jewelry organizer in a local steel shop. They have such a selection to choose from! I saw revolving organizers, floor stands, shelf bars and these cute ones I got! Each organizer has 3 rungs which can hold 16 earrings. I modified it a bit to accommodate my necklaces, pendants, bracelets and rings.


The second shelf was for my beads, silver components, stored pieces and reference books on stones and jewelry. I was inspired to organize my beads by color by Craftstylish' Susan Beal in her post: "Organize Your Beads and Charms." The beads are stored in Krisbow containers. Each has 18 dividers. Imagine my surprise when I found out I filled in most of the 5 containers! That means I have 90 different beads - and I haven't even added my glass beads into the collection! I'm buying more containers later so I can store my glass beads and silver findings.


The third shelf holds my tools and spools of copper wire. I use the copper wire for practice as they're cheaper than silver. I have spools and spools of different gauges of these beautifully colored wires.


The last shelf holds another Krisbow container which I've had since I started beading in Bali. Currently it holds odds and ends which includes some forgotten projects, glass and plastic beads and other whatnots. I'm going to go through them later and see which ones I want to keep. I might eventually use that container (bigger than the ones I bought recently) to hold my silver wires.

I'm glad I finally organized that hobby shelf of mine. It looked horrible when I simply stashed stuff into it and was quite an eyesore. A sad statement when we know how beautiful the beads and jewelry pieces are. Now, it looks real nice and tidy - plus I know exactly what I have and where everything is at!

Friends in Far Places

Haven't seen my friends in Jakarta for some time. We all arrived in Indonesia at the same time and they've been fast friends since. I thought 'twould be nice to send them some of my little creations.

I made a Tree of Life for one of them which I featured in an earlier blog entry. Made three more: two for friends and one for a friend's sister.

A pair of Nest Earrings for one simple lady.

In The Nest

These Nests are made with Pearls, Copper & Silver. Together it gives its wearer a greater sense of personal integrity while facilitation quick wits and improving communication skills.

Pearls give purity and promote faith, charity, and integrity, truth and loyalty. Silver is mystically considered to improve speech, bring eloquence. Copper is said to benefit mental agility.

A pair of Dreamcatcher Earrings for her sister.

Protected Pair

This Dreamcatcher uses New Jade, Peridot, Aventurine, Silver & Green Wire. Together it gives its wearer a sense of calm and love for all.

Jade is a stone of fidelity and generosity. Peridot is a stone of compassion. Aventurine gives a sense of calm and balance and enhances happiness. Silver is mystically considered to improve speech, bring eloquence. Green stimulates healing resulting in greater self-love, and thus, love for others.

A Dreamcatcher Pendant for one girly girl.

This Girl's Dream

This Dreamcatcher uses Silver, Cherry Quartz, Rose Quartz and Purple Wire. Together it promotes harmony, encourages unconditional love and opens communication with the environment.

Cherry quartz promotes harmony. Rose quartz is a stone of unconditional love. Silver is mystically considered to improve speech, bring eloquence. Purple is the color for strength, spirituality, passion and meditation.

I made Earring Cards for the earrings. Barb Macey's "How To Make Your Own Earring Cards" was a great help.

I'm sending them out today. I hope they like them. *smile*

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.

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.

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.

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*