sasha + max studio

All things Japanese

2012-01-29T16:17:00.002+11:00

The crescent shaped feature piece by Elaine Ray was rediscovered in my beading stash. It is a beautiful piece that I bought a long time ago - I have a bad habit of ordering bits and pieces with some fantastic beading project in mind, only to forget what I needed it for by the time it makes its way from the US to Australia which usually 2 -3 weeks. Sketching and notes would be a good idea!

The result is that this necklace is rather bold - she will need a creative and strong willed woman to own her, hence the name, Empress.

I want to say many thanks to Zara, a new customer from the Blue Mountains who has bought 8 of Sasha+Max Studio's Japanese necklaces this week to sell in her new gift store.

Here are some other recent pieces, all part of the continual Japanese collection. Aieko features a Chinook pendant, and Maya is a longer style to balance the size of Round Rabbit's pendant, with a lacing detail.

Maya

Aieko

Holiday beading

2012-01-02T16:30:00.002+11:00

Tash Necklace, with beads by Vero of Narrative

All the best to you and your families for 2012. After a week or so of a holiday break, its back to the day job tomorrow. I'll miss those afternoon "Nanna" naps, morning gym sessions (here's hoping I keep those going), bead table creative moments, and quality cat conversations with Sasha the Maine Coon who loves a good chat.

These are some new pieces that have or will be listed into the Sasha+ Max stores over the next week or so.

Freckles Earrings. with more of Vero's beads

Sunshine Bracelet
Sunshine Bracelet

Drift Necklace

Merry Christmas!

2011-12-24T16:46:00.000+11:00

Wishing you and your families a safe and happy holiday.
Vicki, Sasha + Max xxx

Barbie Christmas

2011-12-18T17:24:00.000+11:00

In our design office we have a competition called the Blonde Awards. The winner is whoever has done or said the most silliest things over the year.
Now, I am a blonde, but it is all in jest, and is not meant to offend any blondes out there. Believe me, may non blondes have won it over the years!!
The winner is announced at the annual Christmas lunch this Friday, and gets given a Barbie doll as a trophy (and I make a nice dress for Barbie so she is nicely customized.)

So here's Barbie with her Sasha+ Max Studio frock and necklace. I used Japanese fabric for the dress wihich has a sassy side split, and french ribbon trim. Czech glass was used with crimps as beads for her necklace. She looks kinda cute I think.

Green...how I love it

2011-11-06T18:22:00.000+11:00

Green, how I love it, may be a bit too much of late as it is a constant feature in recent pieces. Here's some new work. Lots of green.

I really love how Gardanne's beads look like birds eyes - they go well with Round Rabbit's owl.

Wise Owl


Holiday

Linked

Linked - the chunky chain and the glass links...

The Pod bracelet was created as I wanted something simple yet not, if that makes sense?

Bumble and Bumble

2011-10-09T17:10:00.000+11:00

Some recent items to come out of the weekends studio work during Sydney's rainy weather.

Marrakesh Bracelet


Bumble bee Earrings


Zen Necklace

Bayong beads

2011-09-18T17:50:00.001+10:00

Some new pieces using a warmer wood than I usually use, with some lovely happy ceramic and polymer beads by Gaea, Round Rabbit, MaryAnn Carroll and Humblebeads.

Harlequin

Canary

Spring

All now in the Etsy store. Have a great week, and thanks for stopping by.

New Zealand Love

2011-08-21T16:33:00.001+10:00

We have just returned from a week in Queenstown, New Zealand. It is on the South Island, Lord of the Rings country.

Queenstown

What a beautiful place - everywhere you look is the most mind blowing view.

The view from Coronet Peak ski fields

The worst snow storm in 80 years meant lots of great skiing and very chilly weather.

The view from our apartment

This was our our second visit and I'm sure there will be more to come. We could quite happily live there - bring on lotto.... oh well, back to reality and work tomorrow.

Beading Maniac

2011-08-07T18:00:00.000+10:00

It's been a good beading weekend, making lots of pieces to restock the shops which had been cleared out somewhat by a fabulous wholesale order to a Queensland store, Urban Dweller. Amanda of Urban Dweller is always scouting for crafty goodies, so we are very happy to be part of that!

Here are some of the weekend newbies. Raining again today after a wonderfully warm week, so please excuse the quality of the lighting for the photos.


Pink Chunky Bracelet

Green Apple and Wood

I also got a lovely package of ceramic components from Nancy of Round Rabbit on Friday, and the earrings all feature her pieces.


Fringe earrings

Plum Raku Earrings

Plum Ribbed Earrings

Japanese Earrings

2011-07-10T13:16:00.000+10:00

Hi, I'm back after a long blog hiatus. I've been working, beading , reading other blogs, but lost my own blog mojo hence the break.

I was trawling around my bead stash and found some great pendants made from Japanese fabric in resin. I've had them for years, waiting for a project. Sadly the shop I bought them from does not seem to sell them any more, so these will be very limited edition.

Lampwork beads for the red pair by Blue Seraphim, the green pair are by Australian lampwork artist Angela Gensch of Genschi.

Kimono Earrings

Obi Earrings

Holiday Highlights

2011-04-26T23:45:00.002+10:00

Serendipity Bracelet

It's been a luxurious mega 5 day break in Australia for Easter and our ANZAC memorial day. It's back to work tomorrow (unless the $25M lottery comes my way tonight- it could happen..!).
As it's has been raining in Sydney pretty well non stop, there's been a lot of beading and cat time, and family feasts.
Here are some of the highlights. Excuse some of the photo quality - it's been so dark here that some major editing was required.

Lush Bracelet

Max cat relaxing to purrfection

Thanks for the comments on my last post - I tweaked the cathedral motif necklace just a wee bit with an extra jump ring so it sits neatly, and I'm now happy with the results.

Chartres Necklace

Easter Wishes and Her Fearful Symmetry

2011-04-24T17:59:00.000+10:00

A long silence on the blog front, finally broken to say all the best to you and your families over the Easter period.

Valentina Necklace

I've just finished reading Audrey Niffenegger's book, Her Fearful Symmetry, which was a darkly beautiful book about twins, ghosts and souls.

I think it has subliminally influenced these pieces. I've had these beautiful Chinook pendants for a while. With the weather in Australia cooling down as winter approaches, both seem appropriate, as they are very dark and moody, with gorgeous architectural details. I wear a lot of black (architects and designers do that, goodness knows why except we don't like to clash with our design schemes maybe?), so I'm not scared of this style, but I know it might be a bit fierce for some. The square pendant necklace is combined with 2 types of onyx - symmetrical but not.

I think this one with the circle pendant needs rework- love the black chain from Miss Ficklemedia, but my composition isn't quite right and the black, the wood and brass are not quite balancing. - I'll update the post with the final installment hopefully over the Easter break.

Sasha and Max feature on Georgica Designs Blog

2011-04-04T13:47:00.001+10:00

Fellow Australian Etsian, Deb of Georgica Designs, has writtten a little feature on us that you can read by clicking this link to her blog.

Deb makes fabulous fabric cards - her shop can be found at Georgica Designs,

Thanks so much Deb!!!

New bracelets

2011-02-20T12:59:00.000+11:00

Some new bracelets from the very warm Sasha+Max studio.
The first uses some really really chunky beads by Artybecca, paired with onyx. black gunmetal rollo chain and lucite.

All Fired Up

The second is a favourite colour combination of mine, turquoise, orange and wood. Love that little toggle by Tierracast.

Allegra Bracelet

Crazy with the heat

2011-02-05T18:32:00.001+11:00

I think I've gone bit craaaazy this afternoon - it is 41C here, and its 6PM day 6 of 30 plus weather, and a 150 year record. I'm weather obsessed.. always have been since I was a kid ... anywho.. . back to beads!

Regular readers might have observed that I' ve got a thing for birds and hearts - just can't help myself. Well today its hearts a plenty.

Jennifer of Blue Seraphim made the sweetest glass hearts - if you're quick you can grab a set at her store. that is, if I don't give in and buy some more myself. I've made 2 pieces with them.

Bless Your Heart Necklace
This one has a nice casual feel, and I like that the heart is off to the side.I'm a big fan of assymetry.

Heart of Glass Necklace
Not much to this one, I know. I wanted to let the hearts speak for themselves - they are so beautiful and voluptuous.

Nancy of Round Rabbit also makes amazing porcelain hearts that are total contrast - grabbed about 4 on the last RR update binge - love the retro 70's geometric embossing on this one.

Enjoy the weekend dear readers, and stay cool / warm wherever you are.

Circus meets Moulin Rouge

2011-01-16T15:51:00.001+11:00

Aren't these beads just sooo dramatic? Definitely for a girl who wants to be seen.
They were part of my post Christmas bead blitz, and have been made by Patricia and Valentin Hernandez. The beads remind me of the circus with a touch of Moulin Rouge thrown in for good measure.
These earrings have been added to the Big Cartel shop

Sasha+ Max Big Cartel Shop is launched!

2011-01-08T15:59:00.001+11:00

Olivia Necklace

Well, we are very excited to announce, (after a lot of busy work making new pieces and shuffling pieces around) Sasha and Max Studio is now on Big Cartel - you can click on the link to the right of this post to take you there, or the captions to the images in this post.

Olivia Earrings

What does this mean for you? You don't need to set up an account to purchase, and it is a very streamlined PayPal checkout. It's been set up in Australian Dollars for now - We'll monitor what the feedback is and whether this deters OS buyers. It's a work in progress with new stock being added as fast as our hands (and paws) can bead.


Hana Necklace

Green Nugget Earrings

Sasha+ Max Studio is still on Etsy and Madeit.com.au, and we'll have different stock in each store, so have a cruise around the stores, or why not become a Facebook Fan to get new updates, as new stock will be added regularly. And we love feedback - we would love your comments on the new store.
Enjoy the weekend!

2011 here we go...

2011-01-01T15:24:00.001+11:00

Well here we are in 2011.Wishing you all the best of health and good fortune for the year to come, and many thanks to you for reading our little blog last year.

Resolutions? Here's my "wish" list:

- Get regular exercise, get fit for skiing, work less hours and hopefully by default lose weight and become a svelte nymph.

- Be a better friend - Get out of my own preoccupied head space and make time to write to and call my family and friends more often.

- Buy less beads, or sell more jewellery to buy more - not doing too well so far on this one - the Etsy sale was a slow one (like, zero sales..thats the holidays I guess...) and the bead spending this holiday season has outweighed the sales.... but, I say, the Australian dollar vs USD exchange rate is so good....

- Make more jewellery, and use up the aforementioned potential bead overstock.

- Challenge myself design wise with my jewellery design.

- Assess and review if Etsy is the best venue for Sasha+Max as there's so much competition, consider more focus on my Australian Made it shop which sells well, and think about a website and / or Big Cartel shop.

I think that's a long enough list! Phew. just typing it has made me tired..
Whats on your list?

The photos are a few pieces that I've been working on over the holidays and am slowly adding to the Etsy and Madeit store.

SALE TIME !

2010-12-28T08:43:00.000+11:00

Hope you have all had a great holiday season. Love the holidays - never enough of them, and in Australia we get 4 weeks annually so a girl shouldn't complain. . It's been hectic here on the day job work and social front, so I'm keeping a low profile for a few days and getting lots of beading done.

News is that I'm having a SALE in the Sasha +Max Studio Etsy Shop -
Here's the lowdown:
15% off when you enter the code : DECEMBERSALE
20% off orders $50 or over, enter the code: DEC20

The fine print:
Ends New years Eve December 31
Total Order value for 20% off excludes shipping.

Happy shopping!

Glass celebration

2010-12-05T16:09:00.001+11:00

How do these wonderful glass artists do it ?
I can't believe these copper look beads by Outwest are glass - she is a talented glass artist. All I need to do was keep it simple..

Relic Necklace

El Grande Lone Star Earrings

And the vintage glass look that Jenn from Blue Seraphim achieved with these beads is so beautiful ...

Vintage Look Earrings

As we enter the crazy countdown to Christmas, I ask, where has the year gone.....

Take one strand of beads

2010-11-21T11:06:00.004+11:00

Petite Sunshine Earrings

The postman brought me my package of Mika of Pinocean's lampwork etched raku beads this week. Mika is a majorly talented lampworker who sells on Etsy.
Don't know about fellow bead folk, but I've got a bad habit of not reading the detail on how big the beads are (even though Mika clearly states this) , so at first I thought "Uh oh, very small"
They are in fact small and so beautiful, requiring not much more than to be grouped together to create some very sweet earrings. Here's what was made, with no beads to spare!
The bead strand photo is courtesy of Mika Collins.

Freckles Terracotta Earrings

Petite Turquoise Earrings

Freckles Ivory Earrings

Lone Star Earrings

Chunky Bracelets

2010-10-31T18:38:00.001+11:00

A trio of very different styles - sums up my head space this weekend.
On a a small hiatus for a few days (after the post holiday soul searching), I've finished a design role last week with one firm (sad to say goodbye to a very nice and talented group), and will be starting a really fabulous new one with old colleagues in a great senior position on Wednesday - tres exciting! Less beading time ahead though, so I've been a beading maniac this weekend ....think it's going to be a big week.

Juicy Colours

2010-10-17T15:20:00.002+11:00

There's a show at a friends place in a couple of weeks, so I've been a one woman beading machine - I really enjoy making earrings as you can take colour risks, and it's quick creative gratification.And hey, if it doesn't work you pull it apart and start again.

The lovely beads and pieces are from my hoarded bead stash from Blue Seraphim, Bleu Verre, Outwest, Round Rabbit, Chinook, Humblebeads and some of Miss Ficklemedia's copper rosette hooks.

A sense of place

2010-10-04T12:48:00.000+11:00

New Bird house necklace

the name is inspired by the song by They Might Be Giants, "Birdhouse in your Soul" which strangely I can't get out of my head....

My thoughts this weekend have been around a sense of place. My husband and I had lunch with his parents yesterday. They are Chinese Malaysian born, and have been in Australia since 1975. His parents yesterday started sharing some amazing stories regarding their lives in Malayasia during and after the WW2 Japanese occupation, their own parents and how they managed their lives during these time, how they met, why they left Malaysia during difficult political unrest to go to Singapore, and eventually Australia where they built their own home and created new lives yet again.
I have been reminded how important it is to retain these stories that form our heritage, that provide us with a sense of who we are, a sense of home and a place to be. We need to remember to take the ask our elders to share their stories. It was a wonderful afternoon.

Missing in action

2010-09-26T16:02:00.000+10:00

Yesterday I reminded myself that that sometimes I have to stop and make jewellery for me to wear too. Must be the change of season. These are some sterling rounds that I made in a silver jewellery course last year - they're a bit rough but go well with the leather, some wood, and an eclectic mix of beads by Humblebebeads, Blue Seraphim and Outwest.

Spending a lot of time in my own head space doing the post-holiday life direction contemplation, as you do. Been a bit quiet on the blog front, just doing some catch up with the Sasha+Max shops this weekend after a lovely big sale to a Brisbane store, having some quality cat time, and trying to get some fitness regime happening... hmmm, must be spring...

Greetings from Lord Howe Island

2010-09-06T16:53:00.000+10:00

We're on a short break, and whilst my brother and sister-in-law Andy and Lone babysit (i.e. spoil completely....!) the giant cats, we are wandering around Lord Howe, a UNESCO World Heritage listed Australian island located off New South Wales. This is our second visit - the weather's been very wet but we've (i.e. Kevin, my husband) taken some good photos as it is such an amazing place.
.

This fish was swimming so close to the beach shoreline - he is the most amazing emerald and blue colour.
Sunshine forecast for tomorrow..more photos I hope.

Pure

2010-09-04T17:28:00.003+10:00

Some beautiful ceramic pieces arrived in my mail box over the past few weeks, inspiring a little less colour than my usual palette.

These white tiles by Dot of Winchell made me squeal when I opened the package. I've combined them with Seraphim's swirled white glass beads, and Miss Ficklemedia's rosette copper hooks.

Nancy of Round Rabbit sent me this divine misty pink moth which sits very sweetly with some copper chain, frosted glass and Swarovksi crystal. Very girly girl, I must say!

Both pieces are now in the Etsy store. Have a lovely weekend my friends!

Seeing red .....and terracotta

2010-08-22T15:35:00.000+10:00

Been busy beading this weekend- trying to avoid Australian election overload - we've ended up with no real clear winner as it seems no one really clearly wanted either of the major parties. They were the same old same old....seems to more about media than actually having policies.

Not too much to share today word wise, except to say that there seems to be a lot of red and terracotta used in my bead work lately - that and the birds..... just can't help myself. The lovely art beads below are by Humblebeads, Outwest, Blue Seraphim, Chinook, and MACarroll

Sasha+Max Studio Profile on Beads of Clay

2010-08-09T20:01:00.000+10:00

Hello and Happy Monday (if there is such a thing!)

I'm so excited - the lovely MaryAnn Carroll has written a profile on Sasha+Max Studio on the Beads of Clay blog, a collective group of wonderful ceramic bead artists. As a lot of my pieces feature beads by these artists MaryAnn decided to post a feature. This is a first for me. If you want to read a bit more about Sasha+Max, check it out at: beads-of-clay.blogspot

Thanks so much to MaryAnn and BOC.!!!!!!!

Hmm.. Holiday dreaming

2010-08-07T17:22:00.001+10:00

In a month or so we go away to Lord Howe Island, which is a world heritage listed island about 2 hours from Sydney - it's the kind of place you have to stop, relax, walk, bike ride, eat great food and do lots of chilling out- it's been 12 months since our last break away and I can't wait... no mobile phones no blackberry reception , barely any cars...truly getting away from it all..

Daydream Necklace

Any who, there is a point to this... The water is the same intense yet iridescent colour as the beads in this Daydream necklace. The crackle glaze that MaryAnn Carroll produced with these beads pairs well with Round Rabbit's sweet pendant.
Have a wonderful weekend!

Miss B's Birthday Bling earrings

2010-08-01T12:13:00.001+10:00

Made for my friend Bernadette 30th birthday, which we celebrated yesterday.
The brief was "a bit of bling" . I think we nailed it with some sterling discs and some silver wrapped sweet Swarovksi pearls.
Don't forget our sale - 24 hours to go - 20% off at our Etsy Store

SALE! SALE!!!! SALE!!!

2010-07-30T10:09:00.000+10:00

Need we say more!
Friends of Sasha + Max - thank you!
We're having a 3 DAY SALE in our Etsy Shop !!!!

The fine print:
Checkout and make payment as usual, and we will refund your 20% of your purchase by Paypal (Refund calculated by excluding shipping costs. Ends Monday 2 August 2010)

Fresh Colours

2010-07-19T12:00:00.006+10:00

Fresh new pieces on a cool Sydney winter's day.

Apple Necklace made with raku lampwork by Beeboo, an Elaine Ray lentil, and some sweet free form apple shaped beads by MaryAnn Carroll. This is the first time I've tried the beaded loop button closure, seen here with a Mamacita pewter button.

Can you believe that amazing pendant is glass? Outwest is a talented bead artist, that's for sure. A simple combination. Sometime I struggle with names for pieces, and end up a maybe bit corny, but it would be really boring if we just called pieces by colour and type, "olive and cream necklace". Bullseye Necklace - hmmm....not sure about the name...

Circles

2010-07-16T18:22:00.004+10:00

I'm so fortunate to meet so many bead artists over the net from all over the world, and get the opportunity to own their amazing beads. I have met so many fabulous creative people, not just bead related, in bloglandia and the internet since beading took hold of my life. The life of a bead addict is a good one.

This pair is a simple combination of green concave (or convex depending which way you look at it) ceramic discs by Chinook paired with Mary Ann Caroll's ceramic beads. So simple - I'm quietly chuffed with the results.

New earrings made with some gorgeous hoops from Outwest that go (oh so nicely) with some raku teal lamp work beads by Blue Seraphim. Look at that pattern on those hoops - I'm in love with these babies!. There's one pair in the Etsy shop and one in the Madeit shop.

Too many beads or shoes? I dont think so!

2010-06-26T12:10:00.000+10:00

Is it just me, or do you agree a girl can never have too many shoes or beads...?

These beautiful beads are brought to you by Blue Seraphim, Round Rabbit, Everyheart, and Bee Boo. I have been doing too much beady browsing, the bonus being that Sasha+Max's beady booty is looking well and truly replenished. ..............Stay tuned for new jewellery goodies, and enjoy the weekend!

Sasha + Max like birthday parties

2010-06-13T21:21:00.000+10:00

It's a lovely sunny and chilly long weekend, and it was my birthday yesterday (another year... where does the time go .....). My brother took these photos of Sasha and Max joining in the festivities - you can see how big a cat Maxy is when you have me for scale! Main coons are very cheeky - Maxy enjoyed opening the presents, and Sasha sat whistfully gazing at the cake.

Cake Please !!

Can I go now??.

Japanese Brights

2010-06-06T16:02:00.002+10:00

The rain keeps falling ( I swear we will need that ark I mentioned a couple of weeks ago...have to Google how to build one soon!) and the temperature is dropping in the southern hemisphere.... we need a surge of colour and pattern to keep happy!.. I like to think of these as little medals to happiness.

These Japanese necklaces now in the Etsy and Made it Stores

Going Dotty

2010-05-30T15:22:00.003+10:00

Dotty earrings

Ok, so the playing with bumpy beads is nearly done.... We know some love 'em, some not so much, but we think they're a bit of fun in a serious world.

Here's another pair in a gorgeous blue green to add some colour to Sunday.
Feature beads are by the very talented Canadian bead artist Maree-Andree Marchand of BlueVerre.

Rain, rain, rain

2010-05-28T17:59:00.002+10:00

The rains stopped ( for today) so we got some photos done.. the daylight for the past 10 days has been really poor. Might need to build the ark tomorrow and load in the cats as the rain is due to return.

Oh well, a good excuse for more beading creations. Can't wait to play with the new Chinook charms and MaryAnn Carroll beads that arrived this week

These romantic pieces, inspired by the "bunker down" weather, are now in the Madeit and Etsy shops.......hearts by ExpeditionD and Chinook.

Sasha's Heart Charm Necklace

Envy Necklace

Key to your Heart

Love a weekend

2010-05-15T17:35:00.001+10:00

A busy week trying to get over the flu which has knocked around me and my work colleagues, minimal sleep due to coughing fits...meowing cats..... Thank goodness for weekends so we can catch up on rest!

Dinner with my darling at an amazing French restaurant last night called Guillaume at Bennelong, which is in the Sydney Opera House and one of the best, in my humble view.... (if you're ever in Sydney, it is a must visit).

A busy weekend lined up, but had time to make some new pieces, the first is a blue version of the Emerald Forest Necklace posted a couple of posts ago, made with Round Rabbit's wonderfully mottled edge blue pendant, and some large lampwork beads by Indy Jules.
The Denim Blues Necklace. Not a very original name, but hey...

Next one I called "Crazy Saturday". Mamacita's Bubble pendant is up on my list of all time favourites, seen here with some treated wood and textural chain.

For the love of it

2010-05-08T18:15:00.002+10:00

I make jewellery because I have to - it is my obsession and I really love it.

However, sales have been very slow in my online shops, like, no sales since January!!
Full of creative self doubt, I was having what we Aussies call a "whinge" to one of my girlfriends last Sunday. Low and behold, 4 decent sales this week - the gods were listening, perhaps? Thank you, dear customers!

One piece that sold was my Bluebird bracelet . Here's its pair, the Bluebird Necklace, which I have just added to the Etsy store. The bird is by Summers Studio and it sits so nicely with Mary Ann Carroll's cube beads and some pewter discs.

Enjoy your weekend, and be nice to your mother - Sunday is Mother's Day in Australia.

Sunday Eye Candy

2010-05-02T16:39:00.005+10:00

Emerald Forest necklace

Loving the big porcelain pendants I bought from Round Rabbit - this beautiful textured one reminds me of an abstraction of the alpine forests you see in Europe or New Zealand's Fjordland. It sits nicely with some simple green lampwork beads and a chunky chain.

Sputnik Blue Earrings

I'm also having a thing for spiky and bumpy beads and have been stocking up at Pinocean and Blue Verre. I know I showed the Green Sputnik's last week, but hey, here they are again. The feature beads used for the earrings and the necklace are by Mika at Pinocean.

There are a few more in the mail on their way to the studio. They are a bit controversial - you either love them or.. ..not..

Me, I can't get enough, and end up keeping half of them for myself... an occupational hazard for a beadaholic.

Sputnik Green Earrings

Monday Earrings

2010-04-26T12:01:00.004+10:00

Sometimes I struggle with taking a good photo of a new jewellery piece - our apartment has full height windows (good), but with a grey tint which adds a cool colour render (not good) and the wonderful Sydney light is too bright to take photos outdoors on the balcony.
In reality (or mine at least !) a new piece may look great, but if it doesn't photograph well, then it's not worth posting in the stores. I have couple of pieces that fall into this category that I will persist with and hopefully post soon.

Anywho..!! Lovely sunshine today , a public holiday, 22C - nice light for photo taking, so here are some new pieces with some new backgrounds that made the cut. Beads by Blue Seraphim, and Swarovksi.

Valencia Earrings

Tux Earrings

Wish List from Australia

2010-04-11T18:10:00.002+10:00

I've made some new items this weekend but am struggling to get photos done. So I thought I would bring you some pieces from my Etsy wish list, all made by fellow Aussie Etsy sellers. I don't just dream of beads !

Mizu Design's attention to detail is superb - Kylie's wood block prints and glicee works are beautiful - they have a quiet Japanese elegance to them. I've just added two to my apartment (cat theme for the sashaandmax workroom/cat den ) but I have my eyes on a few more.

Serenity in green

Mizudesigns

Interrobang makes bags from car seat belts - the most amazing colours, and I love this cobalt blue one. Have a look at the red and yellow bags too.

Everyday Bag
Interrobang

Look at these felt bunnies by MoontsyAndFloontsy - so sweet and unique.

Crayola Rainbow Bunnies
MoontsyAndFloontsy

I've already bought some of Inaluxe's mid century modern cards this weekend, but there are plenty more for you to peruse.

Spheres
Inaluxe

Or how about this bag with the scooters by Missy Mao Mao - hard to pick just one from this lovely shop

Go Black Scooter
Missy Mao Mao

Bubbles Darling! Necklace

2010-04-03T16:03:00.003+11:00

Here's an experimental piece I made for myself with some unusual chain. I've named it after a well known Sydney socialite, Bubbles, so named as she was known to say when at an event in search of a glass of champers, "Bubbles, Darling !"

I'm happy to make more - it is really lovely to wear as the chain is so light.

New Bracelets

2010-03-21T16:21:00.004+11:00

We've been busy designing this weekend.

The focal bead in this piece reminds me of an Australian river running through Australia's Katherine Gorge, a red landscape, hence the name Katherine bracelet. I've paired it with wood slices and turquoise. The focal is from Humblebead.

I finally used one of Summer Studio's bird beads - they are so sweet that. I have been reluctant to let them go, but there are a few more in the special bead drawer.

The crazy purple of the dotted porcelain connector from Round Rabbit sent me in a totally different direction. I was in a dilemma thinking of how to use a 4 way connector in a bracelet, but I think this works. It is said that purple is the colour of feminism, so I named the piece "Germaine" after activist and writer Germaine Greer ( pretty sure that she wouldn't approve of such a flippant gesture!!).

Meet Maxy, Creative Director

2010-03-20T14:32:00.004+11:00

Hi, I'm Maxy from Sasha and Max.

I'm a main coon cat, the world's largest domestic cat breed,.and I'm a very big fellow.

When I'm not coming up with creative ideas for new jewelry for my human mother Vicki to make, or trying to raid the bead drawers, or watching birds from the comfort of my apartment, I like to hang out in the workroom at high level and keep a look out for new beads arrivals.

That is..........in between a few cat naps... it's a tiring and stressful life being a designing cat.

My new tree

2010-03-07T18:00:00.002+11:00

Check out my new tree from Mr Killmousky - I just adore it.

It has little silhouette birds sitting on the branches- so sweet!

It can be used as a display, jewelry hanger, ornamental bookshelf piece, or a jewelry prop as I tried out today with some earrings. It is so lovely that I prefer to leave it plain.

Made of laser cut plywood by Melbourne designer, Mr Killmousky (Sasha and Max the cats give the name a big thumbs up) who makes upcycled pieces and cat related designs, and sells on Australian site Made it and Etsy. You can buy your own here.

a riot of pattern

2010-02-28T16:11:00.003+11:00

Aimi necklace created with another of LeAnn of Summer Studio's pendants. I love this cord colour- I was not sure if all the patterns would clash but it works somehow - I think I need to make myself one of these to go with my myriad of black dresses.

Aya necklace made using a finer chirimen cord - it doesn't sit so flat when laid out for the photo - when worn it hangs really nicely. Coral pendant by Chinook.

Pattern and Connectors

2010-02-21T17:31:00.007+11:00

Phew what a week! I finished up at my day job on a Friday, and started a new role with a new firm on Monday. Busy, busy. I set up Sasha and Max on Facebook (after much hesitation - it was not a very user friendly site for a Gen X gal), and I've been a beading demon this weekend, making lots of pairs of earrings and these necklaces.

It's interesting how using like materials and scale but in very different styles can deliver some diverse results - I'm having a jewellery open afternoon next Saturday with my lovely Mum, and the possible age range of the ladies attending will be broad, hence the experimenting with styles. Hey, my jewellery design style is generally my style, so it's either your thing or not, but it does range from clean lined to more decorative when I feel like it.

The top necklace has a connector from Summers Studio, combined with 2 scales of wooden beads and seed beads. It is a good mix of contemporary and classic.

The middle one makes a strong statement with its clean line feel, with a gorgeous two tone connector from Round Rabbit, mixed with seed beads and large scale wood beads.

The bottom one is a classic look, with a yellow and blue connector in a Victorian style from Summers Studio that reminds me of lovely wallpaper, with yellow jade.

Lots more ideas - just need to find the time....!

Gung hei faat choih (Happy New year)

2010-02-14T09:58:00.005+11:00

Today is not only Valentines day but also Chinese New Year - the year of the Tiger.

It is much celebrated in Australia as we have a wonderful multicultural population. The Chinese zodiac has 12 animal signs- the tiger is a sign of courage. Today we're off to celebrate at my in-law's house with the family - my husband's family is Chinese. It will be a wonderful plentiful feast!

These lantern style earrings are made with shaped onyx, and vintage glass drops from Splendor in the Glass.

Rainy Sunday

2010-02-07T19:03:00.002+11:00

A good day for creating - it has been raining for what seems like forever in Sydney, with more to come.
Pendant from Summers Studio combined with sweet striped czech glass seed beads.

Red coral and Japanese cord collar necklace.

These new pieces are now in the Sasha + Max Etsy store.

Ceramic beads and textures

2010-02-06T11:37:00.005+11:00

Just check out these beauties !
The Sasha+ Max team have been very naughty this month buying a heck of a lot of ceramic pendants and beads.We can't resist the stunning textures and colours in the work by LeAnn of Summers Studio, Mellissa at Chinook, Nancy of Round Rabbit, and MaryAnn at Macarroll - you can feel the love that these ladies put into their work.

Am working on photos skills, not one of my best talents that's for sure (believe it or not I've come a fair way, and yes it's hard to tell, as I have a long way to go!) Have been playing with photo backgrounds as we're bored with white. The advantage of having a day job as an interior designer is that we get our hands on all sorts of samples to use as textural backgrounds. The photos in the post are the first in a few experiments. The black is woven vinyl flooring from Swedish firm Bolon.

Here are some new earrings with an exotic antique vibe, using Chinook beads, Swarovski crystals, and sculptural hooks that remind me of minarets.

Hearts and more hearts

2010-01-26T17:00:00.002+11:00

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 !

China Plate Bracelet

2010-01-23T18:11:00.002+11:00

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.

As one day ends...

2010-01-22T15:41:00.002+11:00

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.

Dreaming of Paris

2010-01-16T09:57:00.003+11:00

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.

SALE TIME !!

2010-01-10T09:24:00.005+11:00

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

Keiko Necklace

2010-01-03T15:52:00.004+11:00

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.

2010 .. we're off and running!!

2010-01-01T16:46:00.005+11:00

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.

Gifts for family and friends

2009-12-29T10:30:00.005+11:00

This necklace was made for my dear fine boned friend Alex. It combines jade, a Round Rabbit pendant, and a Vintaj Etruscan charm folded to become a bail and to mimic the heart pendant

My friend Eva's gift of earrings - she likes simplicity.

This one is a more classic style for my mother.

Beady tree

2009-12-23T18:21:00.002+11:00

A beady tree - just couldn't help myself. - what a beady tragic I am!

Two more sleeps.

Wishing you and your families a joyous and safe Christmas.

Holidays are here

2009-12-20T17:43:00.004+11:00

The necklace shown here was made with some of the beautiful beads I received from Anne of Gardanne. It was a good week for earrings sales this week, which means I have more bead money to play with over the break - excellent!

The day job finished for the year last Friday, so it is time to rest, play and get ready for a feast at our place on Christmas Day - it is summer here but we still have the big meal. I really love hosting Christmas lunch - this is year is a smaller group than usual with some family off celebrating in Denmark, others in New Zealand - it is wonderful to have family together and for everyone just to relax.
Some planning and shopping for the feast is yet to be done, so I'm off to peruse the recipe book stash for some ideas for what to have with Aussie chef / cookbook guru Bill Granger's baked ham, and mango salsa.

Not sure how your year has been ? Judging by the wishes over at Lorelei's blog it seems like a mixed bag for us all - I wish for everyone to have a happier, healthier 2010.

Some days

2009-12-12T17:37:00.003+11:00

A Saturday morning wading through the crazy Christmas shoppers in the Sydney heat and an afternoon of beading with my observers, cat buddies Sasha and Max. The beading started well, made these 2 pairs of earrings, but it went downhill from there - sometimes you make a piece and it can look good in the "flesh" but if it just doesn't photograph well, it aint going to sell....so apart it comes! This was the case with a bracelet. What is great about beading, unlike sewing, is that you can start again without (too...) much pain and wastage.

I will head back to more adventurous creations soon. The earrings were my beady fix for the day.
I keep making very simple earrings with Jenn of blueseraraphim's wonderful beads - the latest to arrive in the mail look like clouds or clots of cream with minty dots - they are really unusual and so sweet - all they needed was to be paired with some tiny Swarovski pearls. The second pair have a wild safari look pattern encased bead.

Summer In Sydney

2009-12-11T17:05:00.003+11:00

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 ...

2009-12-05T10:54:00.002+11:00

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

2009-11-28T12:25:00.002+11:00

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

2009-11-21T18:27:00.004+11:00

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

2009-11-07T13:41:00.004+11:00

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 !!

2009-11-06T08:28:00.001+11:00

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

2009-11-01T17:35:00.002+11:00

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..

New Brights

2009-10-30T13:22:00.025+11:00

The sun is finally shining after what seems like weeks of rain, and a sunny weekend is promised. The light is wonderful, a true Sydney spring blue sky, hopefully inspiring some beady adventures.

My wooden bead obsession continues- I love the way the wood off sets bright colours. Jennifer of blueseraphim made some custom coloured stunning encased beads for me that are so lovely that I thought it might be good to frame then to show them off.... think this may be the start of a geometric day.

Meanwhile Sasha + Max the main coon cats try to get into as much mischief as possible with bead stuff and bags, and then collapse exhausted by it all.... here are some gratuitous pictures of the guys.

Bohemia vs miminal

2009-10-23T14:27:00.013+11:00

I love playing with proportion and texture. Sometimes the more decorative jeweller in me wrestles with the minimal interior designer. What happens then is that within a couple of days I make 2 pieces that are very contrary in style.

The turquoise and brass necklace is a complete nod to bohemian days - unashamed to be bold, strong, but a bit retrospective.

The white wood and quartz necklace reminds me of Australian summers and beach house picket fences- a very casual simple look. Who knows what will come next.......Hmmm.. have some nice beads on the way from Blue Seraphim, Chinook and Earthwood.....

Sydney gets overrrun by crazed knitters!

2009-10-16T08:13:00.009+11:00

The knitters have struck Sydney adding wonderful colour to the inner city - it is all part of a annual festival, Art about Sydney, where artists provide installations around the heart of the city to get us all talking . The knitting installation is called IHEARTKINGSX and has been done by a local collective called reefbyknot www.byreefknot.net. (Photo courtesy of City of Sydney)

Another installation is bird cages suspended between buildings in a laneway, Angel Place - no birds, just bird sounds - can't wait to see that one - Sasha and Max would like it (they are very indoor cats.. the only birds they see are on the other side of a window, a highlight of their day...). Think I'll go for a walk through the city for creative inspiration for this weekend's beading..Happy Friday..!

Having a beady kinda weekend

2009-10-11T11:15:00.004+11:00

Have created some fun new bracelets this weekend, and will be stocking both shops. I am a bit obsessed with wood beads at the moment so you may sense a theme. I finished a necklace that I have been brooding over for a while - blueseraphim beads in raku patterns with some great brass rounds from patina queen. Originally the beaded portion was lime suede, but it just did not quite hang together - I'm happier with the new version with black Czech beads.

Setting up shop

2009-10-04T15:59:00.004+11:00

I set up my Etsy store a while back - no bites as yet. Have spent the day improving some photos and tweaking it, but my Australian colleagues are scared of US dollars (although the exchange rate is great at the moment, which means my bead buying habit has gone a bit wild, ....uh oh..!)
So here goes with shop number two, Madeit, which is for Australian sellers only - a smaller pool of artisans but a smaller potential audience as well I guess.
Just finished my silver smithing course and am in 2 minds as to whether to take it any further - the flame torches are scary, and made me appreciate even more what those lampwork artisans out there work with everyday.