Summer In Sydney

No jewelery today. We went to lunch today down by the harbour - an amazing restaurant called Bathers Pavilion at Balmoral Beach, which is housed in what used to be beach changerooms - it was completely refurbished into a cafe and fine dining venue about 10 years ago by my old design colleagues, architects McConnell Rayner. This photo was taken from inside the restaurant. It was a perfect Sydney blue sky day, and 25C, which made us feel very happy after a big year of hard work. I am really looking forward to the holiday break.

So much for a bead diet ...

So do stringing supplies count ? (shh my etsy friends from whom I have ordered beads during a supposed bead diet .. our little secret ... - it is hard enough giving up nice food, chocolate etc during the festive party season, let alone stay on a bead diet too.... at least beads aren't fattening!)

I found a source of affordable Japanese chirimen cord in Japan called Fabric Tales and went (a wee bit) crazy - I have a thing for Japanese prints, have a decent stash of Japanese fabrics, and now will put these gorgeous cords to use in some creations over the holidays. Max, ever the curious cat, seems to have taken a shine to them too as you can see in the photo.

Made sale no.2 on my 3 month old Etsy shop  - my Oriental Dreaming necklace which used the Chirimen cord (from another source) and was personal favorite. Sales have been slow but I guess don't mind (not too much.anyway...) as I keep reminding myself that this is my creative time, and that things take time to build.

Happy weekend!

Sometimes the Simple Things

New pieces in very minimal designs - sometimes you just need the simple things in the season of visual overload that is Christmas.
Yes I know my style is all over the place, but hey,  that's the fun of it all when you're the shop owner - no rules!

Orange Ice Earrings ...Encased beads from Blue Seraphim don't need much more than a touch of sterling silver to finish them off..Listed in my Etsy store

Industry necklace.... Chunky steel chain combined with beautiful teal ceramic connector from Round Rabbit that I have been hoarding for ages,  ebony colored wooden circle, stainless steel wire. Listed in my Etsy store.

Hammered jet earrings....  Sculptural sterling silver hooks combined with hammered sterling silver concave circles, and Czech glass free form black  beads. Listed in my Made it store

70's Party Retro Jewelry and Maxi Dress

Next Saturday we are off to a 70's party at our friends' very 70's house  - we are to dress as our favorite 70"s character - after thinking about the Brady bunch, Charlies Angels and some Love boat types,  I  have chosen my Mum (and she seems rather happy about it!)  - she had some very stylish outfits in this era.

Bought a 70's  gold mesh necklace from Etsy seller Enamel Owl who sells vintage and reincarnated jewelry - she has some amazing pieces - highly recommend a look.

Found the perfect maxi dress on sale that I will no doubt wear again from a wonderful Australian designer, Leona Edmiston - (Leona has a very affordable diffusion line, and besides my bad bead habit, I have a bad Leona habit!).Christmas in Sydney is hot and casual, so the dress will join me for the festive season.


Have some Camper Wedge Shoes in lieu of platforms, husband has the kung fu suit,  so I think we're ready to do the Hustle!

(photos by Enamel Owl and Leona Edmiston)

Chinook and Chainstyle

My copy of the book published by Interweave, Chainstyle arrived. It has fabulous  projects by inspirational artisans such  Melanie Brooks, Lorelei Eurto and Jane Dickerson - it is one of the best books I have bought for along while- also received Enchanted Adornments (but am saving that one up for reading next week - too much of a good thing!!)

-  this weekends bracelets ideas owe a major acknowledgment to the above artists. Beads are by Blueseraphim, Humblebeads, Everyheart, Lindenavenue and Chinook.

My delivery of ceramic beads from Chinook arrived,  so I made some earrings as well.  The ivory and jade pair will be listed in my Made it store. The azure leaves pair was for me to wear to this week's Melbourne Cup lunch. Australia stops for this horse race and it is a great reason to frock up and have a leisurely lunch too - everyone dresses up in their best, and it is a lot of fun.
Happy and safe weekend...!

I won !!

Anne at Gardanne beads had a giveaway and  I won a beautiful set of beads !!! I  can't wait to get my beading hands on them!!  Thank you so much Anne. Check out Anne's blog  and Etsy store for some gorgeous new beads like this stunning focal.

Lazy Sunday afternoon

I love Sunday - who doesn't!. Lunch outdoors, walks, bead time.....

Been playing with a lighter style today -  bought a Sea Urchin pendant from Erin at Everyheart  a while ago - it is nearly summer in Australia,  holidays are coming up, and a beach theme with amazonite and jade works well at this time of year.

Not sure if I will list this one or keep it in the family as a holiday present. I initially started beading so that I could  make individual gifts for the girls in our family, but after a few years I think they might want something else maybe... that means shopping..... aagh..