sasha + max studio

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...

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.

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!

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

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.!!!!!!!

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!

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