My Journey of Jewellery Making

Random Beads and Wire Necklace

2007-01-26T00:35:00.000+08:00

I got this beads from a swap. These beads flew all the way from the USA to Malaysia. I think they quite enjoy themselves, and even happier when they are now "pretties"!

Another Long Long One =)

2007-01-15T15:14:00.000+08:00

This is my next attempt at long long necklace. First, I made this one, with glass pearl, glass foil beads and some glass beads I got from swaps:

Then I thought, this is rather empty, so I made this:

So you can wear like this:

This is too fun!!!

Long Necklace

2007-01-13T01:31:00.000+08:00

I wanted to make something different. So I look around what people wears that I don't make. And I saw lots and lots of long necklace that are so pretty! I guess I just gotta make some too! I have made lariats before but not long necklace. I thought, this is fun!

Below are my attempts at making long long necklace.

Firstly, a white versions, made with Fresh Water Pearl and Shells.

I adore this pretty much. It looks real nice on, especially with a dark shirt. Another shot of the long necklace.

I couldn't resist, I then made a somewhat similar, but in brown.

This is made of Shell and Glass Pearl. This one looks nice on lighter shirt. Another shot for the brown one.

So, you have two choices, wear the white if you are wearing dark shirts, or wear the brown if you are wearing light shirts! Ain't that wonderful?

Sorry

2007-01-12T14:44:00.000+08:00

I am terribly sorry that I havent update my blog for soooo long!! Looking back for the past 3 months, I don't know what I am busy with!! But I still bead, yes I do! I shall update my website with more and more new items that I have made!

Please be patient, and thanks for the emails! I will reply the emails!

Suncatcher

2006-09-20T13:26:00.000+08:00

Two suncatcher that I have made for a swap for 2 friends:

The idea of using the chandelier frame for suncatcher came from Sandra, thanks to her!

Current Update

2006-09-14T21:47:00.000+08:00

I have actually made a couple of stuff this week, but they are for swap purpose, therefore I couldn't post the picture before they receive them :) I have made bracelets, earrings, bookmarks, suncatchers, mobile charm and zipper pull. I should have spend some time to make something else! =P

I have added some new items into Beadaquaria BeadStore. Lots of new chandelier frame for earrings, charms and toggle clasps too! Don't forget to check them out!

Wire Earrings

2006-09-11T22:18:00.000+08:00

This is a pattern that I copied from Bead & Button Magazine, although the beads suggested in the magazine is different:

Made with Swarovski Crystal and Synthetic Green Jade

I found that earrings are quite pretty and fun to make so I make another pair that is similar:

Made with Swarovski Crystal and Glass Bicone

Both earrings looks gorgeous!

Next, I bought several new chandelier frame and begin playing with them. This is one of the earrings that I made, the one that I have picture taken at the moment.

I have used two-tone crystal (red and brown) to make this pair of earrings. Slightly different then what I used to make, and I love this too!

Pearl Necklace Set

2006-08-31T18:28:00.000+08:00

I made this necklace for a friend, she loves purple and pearl. I hope she will likes it =)

Seedie Neckie

2006-08-23T02:43:00.000+08:00

Made a total of 3 necklaces few days ago, mainly seeds and lampwork beads for the first two, and glass pearl for the third. They are simple yet pretty. Love them very much! I hope you like them too!

Green Chick

Black Sheila

Lilac String

Pieces with Darker Shade

2006-08-19T03:14:00.000+08:00

In my memory, I have never made any earrings that is in darker shade (exclude earrings that are made with totally black beads). I have made a lot of simple earrings (My Earring Frenzy) and I have notice that most of them are in pastel colour (must be they are my favourite colour).

Next Mission: Pieces with Darker Shade *grins*

First project within this Mission:

#Deep Red Baby

Not bad huh? Sandra (wyoming) told me it is very pretty! So I guess I am doing something right. Okay.. mission continues...

Earrings Frenzy

2006-08-18T15:53:00.000+08:00

I couldn't sleep 2 days ago, so I sat up and made these earrings at one go! There are all simple earrings........

Actually I made more that night, haven't got the time to take picture of them. Have taken some picture, will load up in my web soon.

Chandelier Earrings Swap

2006-08-13T15:40:00.000+08:00

I have made 2 earrings for swap few days back but I couldn't post the picture here now. I will post once my swap partner has received the earrings I made.

However, I have received a pair of earrings from Ted, my swap partner.

Love her work, she said this is her first time making something like these. I feel glad that I have got someone hook on beading like me =)

And also this pair of frame from Ted:

Love this frame, it is Bali Sterling Silver. Will put them into good use.

Can't wait to post the pictures of the 2 earrings that I have made! *Not until both my partners receive them*

Watches Swap

2006-08-13T15:23:00.000+08:00

Occasionally I swapped with other beaders around the world. We have organized a watch swap. These are the two watches that I received. Both watches are just gorgeous =)

Firstly from Lynette:-

A Japan Movement Watch Face with Crystal Sliders.

Secondly from sasjane (Sarah):-

A Japan Movement Watch Face with Glass Bicones.

I love both watches, I am wearing Sarah's the most as I am waiting a crystal replacement from Lynette. Other then that, both watches are gorgeous.

Next, is the watches that I sent Lynette:-

This watch is made of Geneva Japan Movement Quartz Watch Face with Gemstone (Carnelian and Crystal) and Swarovski Crystal beads.

Sarah wanted a bracelet instead of watches, so I sent her this:-

She like this bracelet very much.

It is fun to swap with fellow beaders sometimes, and you get more design idea and also create more friendship.

FUN!

Another 2 dangly earrings

2006-08-01T23:42:00.000+08:00

Here are another 2 earrings that I have made, they are similar with the one I posted yesterday, but they are in a different colours.

Firstly, we have a green, colour chosen by my boyfriend:

I don't know why he chose green, though his favourite colour is blue. I didn't ask him either, but green looks great too!

And secondly, its a pink to red tone:

Pink is my favourite colour. As you can see, the "Oh La La" is using clip-on hook. This is because I have claimed it mine! I don't pierced, yes am I weird? But I see nothing wrong with it when there is a good invention of "clip-on-earrings-hook"! You might say it is a "fake" earrings but then I noticed that a lot of artist (in the tv) wears clip on too! Try to observe them!

More Swarovski and Silver Plated Earrings

2006-07-31T01:16:00.000+08:00

I have been side-tracked by some lovely ladies in the forum that I joined. I have been busy making cards. ^_^ Card-making is as addicting as beading. But somehow, I am back on-track tonight, and made 4 earrings woohoo!

Hope the picture is okay, taken without proper lighting, will try to take better picture later. ^_^

All earrings are made in silver plated findings and Swarovski 4mm Crystal Bicones. Enjoy =)

Tired looping them, but I am happy with the result. Will be making more in different colours!

I am trying to blog about my card-making and other crafts too. I don't think I have more time to spare!

P/S: I am working on a new shopping-cart for beads. ^_^

Good night!

3 Silver Plated Earrings

2006-07-21T21:13:00.000+08:00

Here is the 3 earrings I mentioned yesterday. I started to use silver plated instead of sterling silver because some of my customer commented on the price for sterling silver pieces. They like the colour of sterling silver, so I am now introducing silver plated. Silver plated is different from silver tone findings. Silver plated is more whitish, similar colour to real sterling silver colour. All the earrings below are handcrafted. Hope you like them!

This is made of 8mm Faceted Golden Cherry Quartz and Topaz Swarovski Bicones on handcrafted Silver Plated Findings (The colour of sterling silver).

This is made of Red Floral Lampwork and Chalk White Swarovski Crystal Bicone on handcrafted Silver Plated Findings (The colour of sterling silver).

This is made of Red Floral Lampwork and Fuchsia Swarovski Crystal Bicone on handcrafted Silver Plated Findings (The colour of sterling silver).

3 Weeks Story in One Day

2006-07-21T02:13:00.000+08:00

It has been almost a month since my last post. I am really lazy to update my blog recently. I am up tonight, beading again, making 3 beautiful earrings that I have yet to take picture of. I will have to take the picture tomorrow so I can post here ^_^

I have edited my website. Did you notice it? It’s pink instead of blue... I like pink now, so everything has to be pink and feminine! So me... YEP! If you haven't seen it, go here now!

In these weeks, I have been bead shopping, got side tracked by mom, and also doing another project with my boyfriend. So, I am busy busy busy and busy! I kept travel here and there and it’s hard to bead on a trip. I can't bring all my bead stash with me, but I always bring some beads and findings along. However, each time I try to bead, I got stuck! I am in need of some beads that I did not bring along, or those particular findings that I left at home. Bum!! Yes, hate it!! Really hope that I can settle down at one place and do not have to run here and there anymore! I might have to wait till..... Marriage =___=

Now, cut the long story short, I am showing you my past creations which have been added to the website catalogue:

One of my regular customer which is now my friend has asked if I could source her some Mother Of Pearl shells (top-drilled flat round), like those I have used in the 3 bracelets above. I have found them, bought them in variety colours and have started using them! And I am beginning to fell in love with them! Have to get more! Yumm Yumm!

Next I have made a bridal necklace that I named her "Marry Me":

Marry Me

This necklace is made with Swarovski 5mm Bicones with sterling silver (925 silver) findings. This necklace is suitable for bridal, or a formal party. Imagine wearing this with a white dress, everybody will stares at you! I love making this type of necklace. Although it is time consuming, but it gives me a lot of satisfactions. I got to love the feeling after completing this necklace.

Next, are 2 rings that I have made recently:

RI001 and RI002

A friend has told me a nice combination of colours, Fuchsia, Jet and White Opal so I take up the challenge and make a ring (RI001). I have added White Quartz Round beads as the centre bead. She was right, this ring is really pretty! So I tempted to make another right away! And there comes RI002. I love both very much, what about you?

There is one more ring that I have made, but I haven't got any picture of it yet. It is similar with RI002. I will post when I have take a picture of it.

And lastly, is a 3-strands bracelet made with mix lampwork and Czech beads:

This bracelet is made the day after I have made the Blue Bitz. I have some blue lampwork beads left over after I have made Blue Bitz. So, I toss them together and whip up this simple, nice and pretty bracelet =)

Oh well... I am feeling sleepy now, oh of course I am sleepy, look at the time! Its 2.45am! Well... Wish me sweet dream, and I shall continue tomorrow...

Love is in the air!

2006-06-25T17:46:00.000+08:00

I have been sick for whole week since last week, and I got no mood to bead at all! No to talk about blogging! But I feels better now, and the beading bug has back! I have made a lot of stuffs. Great that the need to beads has come back to me!

Firstly, this is a necklace that I have made:

This "A necklace for ME!" is actually made before I fell sick. But I just photographed it today. I spend quite a lot of time for this piece of necklace because I never feel satisfied for the beads combination that I chose. Well, this is final and I love it a lot. Do you feel the same?

Yesterday, I feel the need to bead so much! And I have been wanting to use my copper wire on a piece since I have got so much of the wire, thanks to my bf who thoughtfully search those wire for me! I sat down running through my crystals, choosing the perfect colour to match my copper wire and I have made a necklace!

This necklace is made of many Swarovski 4mm Bicones in Topaz, with Swarovski 14mm Crystal Heart Pendant as the feature bead. Look at the centre where all the chain of beads connect, is a plier loop wire pattern. Do you think it is nice? I kept thinking of my bf yesterday while I made this piece of necklace. This must be another piece of love!

Next, I made a charm bracelet.

These blue beads are a mixture of lampwork beads that I got from 2 friends from a swap. Both of them from United States. I love beads from swaps, someone has chosen some gorgeous beads for me, and its a real challenge to put them in piece! Made this today when I run through these lampwork beads. This charm bracelet swings well on my wrist, beautifully present the uniqueness of each lampwork beads!

Finally for today is a simple pearl bracelet.

I have bought 5 strands of peacock fresh water pearl almost a month ago, and haven't have the time to make anything with them yet. Since the beading bug has got me again, I made this simple bracelet yesterday. I was making this bracelet when I was missing my bf, hence the name. This bracelet is really pretty as the pearl reflects to the light. Sometimes, they are grey, and sometimes you can see some red purple and green shine on them. Gorgeous.

Pieces that I have made in this post are all in love mood. Love is in the air!

Triangular Spikes!

2006-06-04T00:09:00.000+08:00

I got some triangle drops from a friend and I find their shape rather funny so I challenge myself to make something with them.

Material: Czech Pressed Glass

I called this Triangular Spikes because they look spiky to me. Hope you like it!

Multicolour SunCatcher

2006-06-04T00:04:00.000+08:00

I have seen many suncatcher being sold in the shop, and I thought I could make my own! So I took out some beads and findings, and spend some time to make this:

Made with Glass Bugles, Faceted Glass Beads, Glass Pearls and Acrylic Big Drop.

Surprise that I use Acrylic in my piece? I just love the shape of the drop, and if it is to be glass, it will be very expensive! Well, actually I just use whatever I have on hand.

Will try to make more in different colours!

Strawberry Ice Cream Necklace

2006-06-03T23:59:00.000+08:00

If you remember the beads I receive from a friend, I have used the foil beads and make a necklace with chain a few days ago.

My friend, Sam said that the beads looks like Strawberry Ice Cream, hence the name of this necklace ^_^

Do you like this necklace?

Swarovski Color Chart

2006-05-21T23:24:00.000+08:00

I have been collecting and experimenting to make a good Swarovski Color Chart that I have wanted for so long! It tooks me more then a week to find the good paper, good layout, good source of beads, designing the whole thing and voila.. this is what I come out with:

1 pc of Swarovski Crystal Color Chart

This Color Chart includes 71 pieces of 71 different colors actual 4mm Swarovski Crystal Bicone Beads (#5301), includes ALL Classic and Exclusive Color and Crystal AB, includes all the new colour such as Caribbean Blue Opal, arranged in alphabetical order.

More pictures:-

I have used white background to show the true color of the Swarovski Crystal Beads. The size of the chart is approximate A5 (full-size). Handy, a must have Color Chart for the ultimate beader like me! =)

Not long after the first version of the Swarovski Color Chart, I have come out with a new version! This time, I arrange the Swarovski Crystal Beads by color. I named this chart as "Swarovski Crystal Color Chart by Color".

1 pc of Swarovski Crystal Color Chart by Color

Check out my eBay Store listing for this Color Chart!

My eBay Store!

2006-05-21T23:12:00.000+08:00

After months deciding, finally I registered my own eBay store. I plan to sell my jewelleries, beads and findings there. I have listed some items there now, and plan to add in more item in times to come!

Click the logo below if you are interested to pay a visit:

eBay Store Name: Beadaquaria

Its been 2 weeks

2006-05-14T01:11:00.000+08:00

Uh.. times past by really fast! Its already 2 weeks since my last update. Giggles no choice, bf is here since last 2 weeks, and I have been with him since. I have followed him to his meeting and helping on his project. End up I did very few of my own thing. However, there is still some beady news I can talk about =)

Firstly, my beloved bf have bought me 2 BIG rolls of coated copper wire and brass wire. Both of them are in 22 gauge. How lovely is he? Oh yes, he deserve a big hug and more kisses =) So, be ready for my new creation with these wonderful wires!

Next, I ordered several Bali Silver findings. Not much, just a couple dollars. I can't wait them to arrive at my doorstep so I can share here!

Oh yeah, A friend of mine (from Canada) did send me some lovely indian glass foil beads and some glass spacers. Here they are:

The foil beads are lovely. I am still thinking what to do with them. A bracelet? A necklace? Haven't decide yet. Will definately post here after I have done something with them. And the spacers, I think I will do another lariat with them, or a long necklace that is clasp-less.

Few days ago, I have spend some $$ on beads again. Oh yes, bead shopping. How much fun that is? I have some new beads that I plan to do a bead mix with. And the remaining will go to my personal stash for my new creation! I just need some time to take pictures!

And I have been repairing some jewelleries, did some custom orders and also some bead sales. I couldn't manage to take a picture of some pieces I made, because it was quite rush! I made it and leave it here with mom, and I travelled to KL with my bf for his project. So I did not manage to get a picture of some pieces I made for custom orders. :(

Oh well, that's for it at the moment. My mind is blank, I need bed. Will update more soon!

At last, 30 pictures edited

2006-05-01T01:04:00.000+08:00

I worked on 30 pairs earrings that went for a local charity. My local primary school did a charity market for fund-raising on 16th April. My mother, me and another generous man sponsored these earrings together. All sales donated to the school.

You can check all those earrings at the following link:

Donated Earrings

A total of 3 pages, with 10 earrings on each page. It might take sometime to load, but definately worth the wait.

Till then!

Camelia Necklace

2006-04-28T00:20:00.000+08:00

FOUR DAYS!! I HAVEN'T POSTED FOR FOUR DAYS!!

Which means I have work on this one for FOUR DAYS!! Unbelieveable!! Yeah, because this necklace is rather tricky. Read on to know why I took so long for this one.

This is it:

Camelia Necklace - SOLD

This is a pattern in a beading magazine, and a lady that came over to my house the other day happened to browse that particular magazine and in love with this pattern. So, she asked me to make one for her. And the challenge begin.

First of all, I did not make anything in gold before, so I do not have any gold findings that I can use. I asked if she would like a different colour but she insisted that she want it in gold! But of course, she meant to use craft wire in gold, not real GOLD! Else, that would be pricey!

So, I asked around "what is the best material that I can use to make this necklace", because I heard that gold plated findings tarnished faster then silver plated. I have suggestion to use Artistic Wire, or Beadsmith Wire, or Darice Wire, or Beadalon Wire, or gold-filled (expensive). But all these are not easily available locally. have took some time seeking for quality and affordable gold colour wire and I have found Artistic Wire (gold coloured copper wire) at a fair price so I bought it. After all, many people have been voted for that.

So I got my wire the other day, and of course I start making the necklace! I start off with the pendant. I have actually change the way of making that pendant, because I do not have some of the material needed, but the end result is the same.

Now, the tricky part is to eye-pin the 4mm beads with the gold wire. I found out that their (the wire) non-tarnish coating are coming off so easily that I hardly make any loop without peeling off the coating! This frustates me. I know they will turn green for sure because the coating are gone and the copper underneath is showing. So I fed up, leave them aside, and do something else.

The next morning, yeah they really turn green at some spot. I try to use a homebrew technique to wash away the greenish, it works, so I thought, "ok I can wash the green away, I can just continue making". When I am about to finish half length of the necklace, I get more and more frustated because none of them stay as shiny as they were! There are bump here and there!!! *sobs*

Actually I know where the problem is, the plier is too hard (or is it me that is pressing too hard), and its making the coating peeling off. I thought, if I have the rubber coating for my plier, it would be better! *Sigh* Its hard to get proper beading stuff here locally. So I end up using economic but troublesome method that work as great too. And finally I am able to create some loop without peeling off any coating. ~Phew.. I have found a solution and I stopped and do something else.

So the next day, which is yesterday, I continued making the necklace, and finally it is completed. But something disturbed me! The beads that I pinned earlier are disgusting! I end up cutting every each of them, retrieving my beads and REDO. Yeah.. REDO. At last, the necklace part is finished. *Relieved*

Final day, which is today, I redo the bottom part of the pendant. REDO all includes the tiny little swirl. And I have to do a clasp myself, because I don't have any commercial clasp that match the colour! I end up making an S-clasp. It looks great. Just like this but in gold colour.

DONE DONE DONE! Yay! Yay! I showed to my mom, showed to my bf put it up near my neck.. it looks so gorgeous! The lady will be visiting me this weekend. I hope she will like this necklace! Else, this will be mine! *Grins*

P/S: I am such long-winded!

Rainbow Bracelet

2006-04-23T03:25:00.000+08:00

Its getting late and I am having fun creating a new bracelet. Seems the bracelet fever had caught me! I made this necklace after I have seen the effect of those glass cubes in the Rainbow Anklet. The Rainbow Anklet has received great feedback, so I am now making a matching bracelet :) No, it is not a charm bracelet but its a linked-bead bracelet.

Here it is:-

Rainbow Bracelet

This bracelet sparkles and looks shiny. It also looks delicate and lady-like. Looks colourful huh? It cheers up the wearer and the people around!

After I had finished making this, I calculated my cost and my selling price. I couldn't believe it can be set at such a low price for such a pretty bracelet! Click on the picture if you are interested in looking at the price :)

This bracelet is made with 92.5 silver (Sterling Silver) wire, plier-loop link and a commercial spring-clasp. The beads used are 4mm Swarovski Crystal Bicones and 7mm Glass Cubes.

I love this bracelet the moment I finished this. I tried to figure out if I can use Swarovski Cubes instead of Glass Cubes, so it will add more sparkles to the whole bracelet. And I figure out that I need to triple the selling price if I am going to use Swarovski Cubes. (X_X) If a customer is insisting on Swarovski Cubes, I will definately make one for her, and charge appropriately.

Rainbow Anklet

2006-04-22T03:17:00.000+08:00

Mom had been asking me to make her an anklet for ages, and I kept on dragging her till just now, she told me a friend of hers bought a lovely anklet from the jewellery store and she would like to have one too! Ok, since she had bug me for some time, so I made her one a couple of hours ago.

So I grab her sterling silver chain that she have bought for a few days, run through my beads, and I have choosen some cubes for her. Luckily she likes it. Ok, that speeds up my job. After much coiling, cutting and pinning I have manage to finish an anklet that she loves very much.

Here it is:

Although she said, "a little bit indian look" but she loves it very much and will wear it tomorrow morning. To show off I guess :)

P/S: Do you think she is a lucky mother? I do.

Custom Order Beaded Belt

2006-04-22T02:48:00.000+08:00

I should have posted this yesterday, but as soon as I posted the previous post, I felt tired and slept. ^_^

This is a custom order belt, made with glass pearls and sterling silver.

This is a "double strand linked bead chain" that meets up at both end with a sterling silver lobster clasp, with a few more "linked bead chain" dangle at the end followed by a beaded cross. It is designed that the cross is hang on the side. I hope I explain this well, I wish I could find a suitable display to show you how it is suppose to be wear. The customer will come and collect tomorrow. Hope she likes it. =)

Chickadee Chick

2006-04-20T22:10:00.000+08:00

This is what I have made for custom order.

This Chickadee Chick is made of Swarovski Crystal Bicones and Jet Round. The lady wanted to hang it within her handbag. She insisted a chicken, so I guess she is borned in the year of chicken?

Now, I can make all 12 animal from the Chinese Zodiac. Let me know if you are interested in any.

Ok, a short post, let me take picture of another custom piece and will post sometime later tonight, hopefully.

Colourful Lollies Bracelets

2006-04-20T01:42:00.000+08:00

I couldn't be continuing to make the custom orders when the material haven't arrive at my doorstep. They should be here by tomorrow, and then I can continue with the custom orders.

So, I chat around with my friends through MSN. When I asked a friend what should I make tonight, she said I should make a bracelet because she said she never seen me make any. And I asked, "what colour" and she said "purple". So hmm, a purple bracelet, I thought. Arrghh... bracelet is a bit tough!! But I just wanted to take up this challenge.

This is what I come out with (after half an hour looking for what beads I wanted to use):

A Purple Bracelet

Made with Purple Swirl Glass Nuggets (3 of them are from my lollies), Swarovski Bicones (Light Amethyst), Purple Cat Eyes, Glass Pearls and some metal beads and findings. It turns out so great that I wanted to remake them in Sterling Silver. Just have to order more wires and some sterling silver beads.

Can you see the clasp of that bracelet? It is kinda hidden among the beads. Its a lobster clasp.

You know what, as soon as I finished making this piece of bracelet, I took the photo, and edit it in my picture editing program, just when my mom passed by, and said, "Eh, what is that, its so pretty, I want it". And I just thought.. "oh no, she want to take my new creation again.."

Fine.. fine.. I can just make another. So, I grab more beads, different colour this time, and not glass, but gemstone. Fiddle around with the colour, and voila... I made another bracelet. Woohoo, 2 bracelets in a day!

This is it:-

An Orange Bracelet

This orange bracelet is made of Agate Nuggets, Swarovski (Jonquil, Crystal, Fire Opal), Creamrose Pearl, Carnelian Round... and daisy spacers.. Much more better quality in terms of the beads.

And you guessed it, mom said she loves this even more... *sigh*

So I hand both bracelets to her, and she look at both bracelets and said, "how much?" So I took the calculator and counted my cost. I then told her how much I would sell the piece and she said, "Ok, put it nicely in a box..." Now.. don't assume that she is buying off me! She continued her sentence with "I will show my friends tomorrow and if they are interested in buying....."

"Ok"

Phew.. well it will be good if she can sell them, so I get the money, else she might be the bracelets new owner. But I definately will grab them back and list them in my website.

P/S: Did you notice that I am become more "creative" in naming my bracelets? Or am I a lazy thinker?

A Necklace and A Choker and Stories

2006-04-19T16:19:00.000+08:00

I have made a few pieces these recent days. I have been busy beading and haven't have the time to blog. So here am I posting all my new creation.

Rhoslyn - Necklace

Rhoslyn, or lovely rose are so divine. Only the best beads used in the necklace. The pendant is made using Swarovski Bicone in Rose and Miyuki Silver Line Seed Beads with a Sterling Silver bail, and the necklace is made with Swarovski Bicone in Rose, Light Rose and Crystal. This piece is very lovely and feminine. I have make this necklace for me, if you like this, I can remake a new one.

Next, I have another pretty choker.

Cailyn Choker

Cailyn, as its name suggested, its a pure beauty choker. This choker is made of 8mm and 4mm round crackle natural crystal. This piece looks a lot much better on the neck then on my display. When wearing it as choker, the tension of the chain will be balance, hence creating a tight but balance and elegance looking choker.

I am going to make one similar in Swarovski Crystal and Sterling Silver, but I need to find a suitable sterling silver chain first.

I was making a sterling silver beaded belt for last 2 days. It is for a custom order. I have completed it, just have to add a clasp to finalize it. I have ordered some sterling silver clasps and they will only arrive tomorrow. So I will complete the belt tomorrow and take a nice nice photo to share here.

I still have a couple of orders to complete before making some stuff the stock up my website. And I still have to edit 35 pictures of the earrings for charity so I can share in my website too!

The charity has over, and they manage to sell a couple of earrings. They should have sold all of them... but they sort of "hide" my earrings from view. They should learn how to display my pretties better :D However, they are keeping them for their future event, like lucky draw or birthday gift among the association member? I don't know, I have no control for those earrings anymore after I have donated them to the association.

Ok, let me finish up the custom order first. Till then..

My Lollies

2006-04-15T00:53:00.000+08:00

Just want to share my new beads. They are very pretty, just like lollies/candies. They looks yummy (that's the reason I have to buy them). They are glass. I think they are Indian glass, but they are quite good, I mean their quality are above the average of Indian glass. They don't come in pair (in my pack) so I can't make matching earrings. Perhaps I can try on some assymetrical earrings design. =)

Here are the lollies:-

They come in irregular shapes and different colours. These really give me a great challenge to think what to do with them. At the current moment, they will rest in my container. They told me they are sick of flying. (They came in an aeroplane *cough*). When they have enough rest, they will "work" for me.

Wahhahahhaa...

The matching earrings

2006-04-14T00:59:00.000+08:00

Oftenly, when I do a piece of necklace, I will make the matching earrings without anybody requesting it. I love making things in a set. Therefore, I have made 2 earrings to match the pearl necklace in the previous post.

This time, I use earposts instead of ear hooks. They looks more neat and tidy.

Swarovski Crystal Bicones and White Glass Pearls

Swarovski Crystal Bicones and Creamrose Glass Pearls

I offer free matching earrings with necklace purchase!

A quickie too ;)

P/S: These are hard to photograph... they roll around too much!

Return to the Simple-Land

2006-04-12T01:26:00.000+08:00

Sometimes, when I wanted to bead, I just can't figure out any idea. I have a strong feeling to bead, but don't know what to make! What a great torture!

Today, the same thing happened. At last, I decide to return to the Simple-Land by creating a simple pearl necklace (yeah I stocked lots of pearls). Simple-Land is a very calm and peace place and it is always encouraging! After making 2 pearl necklaces from the inspiration of Simple-land, I feel satisfied. Yes, I make something today. Yay!

Swarovski Crystal Bicones and White Glass Pearls

Swarovski Crystal Bicones and Creamrose Glass Pearls

I have made this type of necklace before. Indeed, it is a popular design among the ladies. I have sold quite a lot, and everyone loves the sparkles of this necklace. You can see the Swarovski Crystal shines from far far away.

My mom joined a choir and they performed on the stage. Of course, my mom has my pearl necklace (but hers is with white fresh water pearls and swarovski crystals). I was sitting at the audience seat, and yet I can see the shines of the crystals! Believe me! And to be frank, the pearl necklace of the other ladies are ... *ehem* anyway, mom's the best. =) After the first show, her choir-mates ordered the pearl necklace from me. They have more shows on schedule. I get all of them Swarovski Pearls at best price.

During Chinese New Year, I gave a similar one to my "mother-in-law-to-be". Sounds like I can't wait for a marriage. Hers is made with fresh water pearl and Swarovski Crystals. She got alots of compliment from the relatives. All thanks to the sparkles of Swarovski Crystals.

Why do I use glass pearl instead of Swarovski pearl this time?
Budget ;) People with low budget can purchase a similar necklace at lower price.

What is the different between glass pearl and Swarovski pearl?
Swarovski Pearls are guarantee scratch-free. The coating will not come off. They are all in round shape with a smooth holes. For the glass pearls, extra care needed to make sure the pearls are long lasting. Glass pearls do not have smooth holes (not as smooth as the Swarovski Pearls) and they are not as round as Swarovski Pearls. And of course, the price for both type of pearls are different too.

I shall post some pearls care guide soon.

Okay sleeping time.. dream beads... lots and lots of them!

A Quickie

2006-04-11T00:44:00.000+08:00

I have been cleaning my beading table, and also organize my new beads and findings. Told you that I had some bead shopping last week! Everything is seperated into proper container or baggies so they are well-kept, and will not fight ^_^. Another reason to keep them tidy and nicely is that, they will speed up my beads searching progress, and will speed up my production as well.

All beaders will know how difficult it is to clean up a beading table. Beads sorting is not a pleasant job... imagine sorting out hundreds or thousands of beads.. as tiny as 2mm? Ok, I am exagerating here. I was just doing some counting and beads sorting, and put them in seperate baggies. They makes my beading life much more easier in the future!

Cleaning and tidying, and a quickie in between.

A Mother of Pearl simple earrings =D

Simple enough that you can wear to everywhere you like!

Yup, one of my new beads, purple shell beads. Some people name this kind of bead, Mother of Pearl (MOP) but I will call them shell, and that is what they really are!

MOP is not a type of pearl. They are one type of shell. The following is the defination from http://www.encyclopedia.com/ :-
MOTHER-OF-PEARL [mother-of-pearl] or nacre , the iridescent substance that forms the lining of the shells of some fresh-water and some salt-water mollusks. Like the pearl it is a secretion of the mantle, composed of alternate layers of calcium carbonate and conchiolin. More...

=) Like this quickie? Drop by my website =)

Might do a similar in brown one day ^_^

Why I hadn't been posted

2006-04-09T22:17:00.000+08:00

I have been away from home, did bead shopping, (yes nice stash I got!) and been taking a rest while celebrating the birthday week with my bf. Yes, a week! Oh I get to see him few days in a month :)

I have got a lots of beads from my friends too. I oftenly do swap beads with my beading friends. This time, I have got some lovely stars and I have decided to use them!

I have made 2 more earrings with sterling silver for the past week. Here they are:

Starry Starry Night
Swarovski Jet Bicones and Hematite Stars on Sterling Silver
Elegant chandelier earrings, drop measures 60mm excluding the earhooks.

Starry Starry Heart
Swarovski Light Rose and Crystal Bicones and Rose Quartz Stars on Sterling Silver
Rose Quartz brings love. Enjoy and respect your rose quartz. It's one of nature's greatest gifts.

Both are really nice earrings!

Others:
I have been working on 30 pairs earrings that are going for a local charity. My local primary school is doing a charity market for fund-raising and I am sponsoring these earrings together with my mother and another friend. All sales will be donating to the school. I will post a link to the pictures of those earrings when I have done editing the picture!

P/S: That's the other reason I haven't been blogging.

Till then =D

Beaded/Weaved Swarovski Black Bracelet

2006-04-01T03:40:00.000+08:00

I should have posted more these few days, but there are some internet problem recently, and the broadband provider took 3 days to fix it, and 2 days for weekends, that makes almost a week without internet! Oh.. how did I survive without the internet?

Luckily I had some orders from a small jewellery party that I had, and I fill my time completing those custom orders. And yes, I made some sales from that party. For custom orders, I have made 1 ring, 1 pendant, 2 bracelets, 1 necklace and 1 beaded watch. I have sent all of them to their new owners, and I have forgot to take pictures!! I was beading away from home, and post the orders back home for mom to pass to the customers. I forgot to take my camera with me, therefore I couldn't take any picture.. how sad..

Ok, back to the topic. This is what I made today, in fact, few minutes ago. I still haven't get back home, but I borrowed my bf's digital camera. I must remember to take picture for each of my creation!!

Beaded/Weaved Black Bracelet with Swarovski Crystal (JET)

As the name suggested I made a bracelet with Swarovski Crystal in black. This is a beautiful and delicate weaved/beaded bracelets. It sparkles a lot!

Shot One

Actually I have made a lot of different colour for this version of bracelet. This is similar with one of the bracelet order. The customer choose violet, for her daughter-in-law-to-be.

Another Shot

And I have made a similar in fuschia and light rose (red tone) and present it as a birthday gift for my friend. She loves it a lot! I bet every girl will.

Wearing Position

This is how it should looks like when it is on your wrist. By the way, I just need more light. Proper lighting to take proper photographs. But forgive me, its dark here, no sunlight... its almost 4am! I should go to bed soon. Shall make this in different colour tomorrow!

P/S: Tell you what, I hate his camera, I just don't know how to use it properly!

Bridal Chandelier Earrings

2006-03-23T20:24:00.001+08:00

Last night, I have been rolling on the bed for long and I just couldn't fall asleep. Beads are all over my mind. So, I woke up and went to my beading table, look around and fetch my roll of sterling silver wire (a new roll). This is it, the one I bought from USA.

Sterling Silver - Round - 22 Gauge - .025" - Soft

I wanted to make chandelier earrings... yes, again! I get hooked after I made the first one with sterling silver. I ran through my beads collection, and drag some Swarovski Pearls. After tossing them a while, I knew that I was going to use them.

I take out a piece of paper and draft what kind of chandelier earrings I would like to make. After drawing for a few patterns, I decided on the first one that I drew... what a troublesome me!

Moment later... I had finished with one earring (forgot to check how long I took, oh well, I was half-asleep!). As usual I took time to perfecting the shape and design. This earring is missing her sister as I got tired and crawl to bed. However, I finished her sister this afternoon. And oh how lovely this pair of earrings! Remind me of a pearl chandelier that I have made long time ago (that was sold to a bridal shop). I guess I will have to dig out my old picture!

Miss Z: Cut the crap, I want to see the earrings!

Ok, ok, without any further "useful information" from me, here is the earrings that I made.

Pretty, ain't it? Oh yes, perhaps I need a better photo.

This earrings measure 35mm excluding the earhooks. It is "mini chandelier" to me. It looks cute and at the same time elegant. This pairs are suitable if you are going to any formal party. It is also just suitable for the bridal!

I might do a longer version soon!

*This earrings has been added to my website*

Making Own Clasps

2006-03-22T00:34:00.000+08:00

Being attracted to sterling silver, it encourage me to make a full piece with just a piece of wire. Hence, I decided to make my own clasp. Of course, before trying on sterling silver wire, I have practiced on craft wire to make sure I am doing something right. After few minutes twisting the craft wire, this is what I come out with:

The smallest S-Clasps (the second from the left) are 10mm long and the largest are the first one from the right, 18mm. S-clasps are good in two way, secure and long lasting.

Secure - it is unlikely to get undone easily.
Long Lasting - the design will not "out-dated" and easily acceptable by everybody.

Though, there are many ready made sterling silver clasps out there, but I feel that it is good if I can add some handmade touch to the whole piece including the clasps for my jewelleries. That's what handmade is to the end. Buying mass-produced findings are easy. Easy as in, everybody will be able to buy them. Therefore, I am hoping the best about my handmade jewelleries for handmade-jewellery lover out there. It might be you :D

My Choice of Chandelier Frame for Earrings

2006-03-18T22:21:00.000+08:00

There are a lot of mass-produced chandelier frame out there but it is hard to find what I like here locally. I have been searching for a simple yet beautiful chandelier frame for some time and I have found one at last. This is it:

This chandelier frame is a teardrop shape with 3 loops at the bottom. There are many version of this frame. Some are round, and some are rectangle. Some do have 5 loops or even more where you can create a lot of dangly from. I am still searching for more of them, the similar design, preferably locally.

What is so special about this chandelier frame?

I feel that this chandelier frame is very simple yet very pretty. Earrings make with this chandelier frame are simple and elegant. At first, I found it hard to make a pretty design out of this frames. The size of the frame and the distance of the loop makes it a little hard to make a balance design. Too many or too little beads makes a yucky design. Too big or too small beads makes the whole earrings looks handicap. After a few run through my collection of beads I have come out with this.

EA016 - Chandelier Earrings with Czech Pressed Glass Beads.

Another attempt at picture taking using a different background.

I am very satisfied with the result. This pair of chandelier earrings consists of Montana Czech Pressed Teardrops with Silver Blue Czech Firepolished and Montana Czech Firepolished. I felt in love with this after I finished it. If I had any piercing, I will definately try it out myself, but I did try them by placing near my ear to see how good they are. Oh my... they tempted me to get pierced!!!

Feeling happy with this pair of earrings, I try to make another pair with softer colour. After run through my ever growing beads collection, I have come out with this.

This pair is made with Clear Tablet with Green Stripe Czech Pressed Glass. I love this green beads very much. Each beads are different. They do not have the same exact green stripe. I like it that way so it will show more movement while you are wearring them.

Although I had been looking for this type of chandelier frame for a while, I found out that I do not have enough suitable beads to go with them. I guess its time for bead shopping!

Earrings Display

2006-03-17T20:28:00.000+08:00

Ever since I have addicted in jewellery making, I have think of the jewellery display as well. Mainly for picture taking. It is hard to show a nice pair of earrings by laying them out flat on the table. Therefore, I have tried to make my own version of earring display.

These are what I have come out of:

The one at the most left is my first creation out of galvanized wire. I have twisted them nicely into shape, and tie them up nicely with 26 gauge craft wire. Finally it was sprayed into black (thanks to my bf for that) and I was very happy with it. The middle are my second creation that I made when I feel that I need more then one display. It is made from galvanized wire too.

I have work with both of that for some time and it just came to my mind that I wanted to make another, because I don't feel I have enough earrings display so I come out with the one at the right. It was made with craft wire, much softer to work with. But of course, it is easier to get out of shape comparing to the first two displays. This one I had it sprayed white as I want to have something different. White gives a nice effect too!

When I had finished with the third one, I think, they still won't satisfy my need to display the ever increase numbers of earrings that I have. I have a commercial earring display but it just don't serve the chandelier earrings right.

So, while watching anime yesterday night, I tried to twist more and more craft wire and came out with this that I called "The Earring Tree":

And I was.. "Woooot! This is nice!"

True, I can hang a lot of earrings with this! How?

Its a total of 8 earrings =) But this display is a little unstable, because it is made of craftwire and whenever I am trying to display earrings with it, I have to make sure it is balance both side, so that it won't fall down.

Maybe if I feel the need to make more display, I will make with galvanized wire and make 8 branches!

P/S: My bf called this "The Lollipop Tree"

I have work on this 2 nights

2006-03-16T16:19:00.000+08:00

Imagine what you can do with this stuff:

Yeah, some Swarovski beads, some sterling silver (925) wires and pliers. And oh yeah, and a cutter :)
Here's my cutter:

This is a side cutter, it cuts the wire flat (not sharpy like cutter in your dad's toolbox can do). This is rather rare cutter that I couldn't seems to find anything similar at common hardware shop. Somehow, I found one in the hardware shop in USJ17. Hooray! This side cutter is for delicate job, where you need to cut something at the very tip. But I need this because it gives me a flat end of the wire.

So what did I made?

These stuff made me addicted for a while now, and with these, I made a piece of creation with sterling silver wire (925). After battling an hour and a half for two nights (that makes 3 hours) I had finished this:-

The earrings of course.

Miss Expert: Wut?? Three hours? I can make two the same in three hours!
YL: Oh hehe.. I was watching anime while I make this. ^_^

I call myself my worst customer. I like to perfect my creation. I measure all the loops make sure they are consistent and tidy. That's why I took longer then I should to finish this piece. This delicate piece of earrings are very satisfying.

Frankly speaking, this is the first piece I made using sterling silver.

Miss Expert: Why?
YL: Stop questioning me will you?

Ok, I am not confidence enough in using sterling silver as they are quite pricey and its difficult to find a local supplier. I have search high and low for silver supplier and all I found are the supplier from international. I have actually bought some 22 gauge sterling silver wire from USA and they were in my drawer for months before I actually use them.

I had been using silver tone craft wire (silver colour plated on copper) and been happy with them for a while till recently I started to cry seeing them turning black. I had actually made a pair of similar earrings months back and I shall show you what is the different between using normal craft wire and sterling silver wire.

The left one was made with silver coloured craft wire that turns black over time. While silver are bright and shine. Although silver might tarnish over time, at least you can wash or polish it with proper silver cleaner. And that encourage me to start using the real silver wire for jewellery.

I felt in love with the sterling silver wire once I had using them. They are real soft (I had the soft wire) and they shines beautifully. I was thinking of not using craft wire anymore... but not many people will afford buying sterling silver jewellery. I hope I am wrong, but I am sure I am going to get more real silver wire in the future.

Watch out what I am going to make soon!

A fresh start.

2006-03-16T02:19:00.000+08:00

I think I will just leave my old blog alone and start a new one, with my current passion. It had been almost a year since my last post in the other blog, I feel that I am different from what I was, so here I am, the whole new blog, with my new passion following me.