sasha + max studio

All  sorts of beady joys arrived via the mailman this week -   I went on a ceramic pendant buying binge a couple of weeks ago and the fruits of my searches have been arriving.-  more Japanese cord, some huge and lovely hearts from Round Rabbit, and some stunning ceramic bits and pieces from Chinook . Still more to come.! As today is Australia Day, a public holiday here, I have made a couple of necklaces with Round Rabbit's pendants. I was experimenting with different bail styles - one simple with seed beads, one a bit on the fancy side. .........I'm not really a valentine's day girl,  I just love hearts, honest !

A good day to stay and play in the studio in airconditoned comfort - the temperature outside rose  to 39.5C. A sweet, dare I say charming (I hear the groans.!) charm bracelet that reminds me of  beautiful blue and white Chinois plates. You know, the ones with the images of arched bridges, gardens and Willow trees. Porcelain charms by Earthenwood, lampwork by Studio rent,  Vintaj brass chain and Brass Bouquet brass charms. Crazy striped Czech seed beads from my local bead shop, the Bead Master. Available in Sasha+Max etsy store.

Berry NSW  - A totally tranquil place. I chose this image from our holiday snaps - Berry, south of Sydney, is a magical place. Feeling introspective today - my day job is in the architecture and design industry, which despite all the positive vibes has not recovered as yet from the GFC. Jobs and projects  hang in the balance, in the hands of too few. My hours got cut back to 3 days, which I guess leaves me more time to bead  but quite frankly was a blow to my morale.  As I am a Gen X,  I've seen this all before - being a designer is a love job, like a crafter, you don't do it for the financial reward. I awoke feeling brighter, and resolved that I will  try to look eagerly toward the future and endeavour to use my new found time in creative ways....Like doing more beading, blogging, photography....oh yes, and exercise...bit of a long list.... lets see how it all goes.

As well as a love for Japanese design, on the opposite end of the scale (and perhaps explaining my eclectic jewelery approach -hence my more traditionally styled earring range )  I have a love for all things Parisian - looks like Sasha does too -  she really loves this wire miniature sculpture Eiffel tower  - I think this scenario could have turned into a King Kong moment as she is a big kitten ! Happy weekend.

I'm having my first big sale at my Sasha + Max Etsy shop. Stop by for some great value pieces like these lovelies! Click on the titles to take you there !... Lots more in the store!!   Blue skies bracelet cube earrings   links necklace    favourite things necklace

Happy Sunday. A piece made today with Japanese chirimen cord, jade, brass and a Round Rabbit pendant. The cord was a bit tricky (and time consuming) to finish as I did not want ends exposed. I'm happy with the results and will continue to play with other ideas on a few new pieces.

Happy New Year!  Sydneysiders and visiting tourists are obsessed with getting a good vantage point around the harbour for the fireworks and you can see why - it is a spectacular way to celebrate the new year. There is always a theme  - this year's is ‘Awaken the Spirit’ – igniting Sydney’s spirit and all our spirits for the year ahead. After 2009 we need reigniting and welcome 2010 with great hope! These photos were taken viewed from our balcony last night where we spent the evening with family. Wishing you and your families a healthy and prosperous new year.