sasha + max studio

Best wishes for 2016. I hope that you have had a great holiday break. Australia typically shuts down for 2 weeks as it's summer here. We spent a few days down in country Victoria, at Mt Macedon, the region famous for "Picnic at Hanging Rock", staying with dear friends, eating, wine tasting and drinking, bush-walking - perfect. No resolutions from me, except to get the landscaping done at our "new" home where we have been for 8 months, finish painting walls, and perhaps to give torch fired enamel beads aka Barbara Lewis style another try as I have outdoor space and won't set the cat or home on fire. It's been hard to get back into the day job routine this week, but funny enough there is always time for jewellery making! Here are some new creations using handmade lampwork and polymer beads from my favourite artists. All available at www.madeit.com.au/sashaandmax

Simple is best sometimes...

Hi there, why is my post thus named Technologically challenged you might ask? Well I've been trying to work on a mail chimp database to get my act together with a quarterly newsletter. I've added a button the top right hand side of this blog....I'd really love it if you can give it a whirl then we can see if the thing's working!! I also need to get my act together on Instagram... working on it! Here are some new bits of eye candy. The first features a gorgeous bead made by an Australian lampworker, bought at a Sydney bead show  - have hoarded this for 12 months... meet Flower bed necklace.  The second is named Shades of Grey. It features Kazuri beads with some recycled wooden ones from a broken 'Elk" necklace. Nice and chunky.  These Sorrel earrings have the most amazing lemon lime beads, a bit hard to photograph but wow, they are intricate. And these Sierra ones are some nice modern geo fun Have a lovely weekend.

I've developed an obsession with Nepalese Samunnat beads, These beauties are hand made polymer hand painted beads made with such dedication by Nepalese women who have sought refuge from difficult vulnerable living and domestic situations. No two beads are alike, so if you want exacting perfection, these are not for you. I love the variation and the odd finger print. I find that simple is best when designing with these to let the beads speak for themselves. You can buy the beads from Antelope Beads in the US. The earrings are listed in the Sasha + Max Made it store

Sasha and Max Studio (big cartel store only) has 2 specials running to help you stock up for Christmas Choose either 20% off, or Free shipping , for purchases $AUD50 and over when you enter the codes at checkout. Stop by our Facebook page, http://www.facebook.com/sashaandmax (and hey, why not like our page whilst you are there) and grab the codes. Happy weekend!

I placed my first order with Gracefulwillow beads, and Cindy very generously sent me a bonus set of beads, which Ive used to make these quirky earrings. The detail is lovely, the hand painted stripes and the very unusual cone shape make me smile. Reminiscent of Jean Paul Gaultier's 90's outfits for Madonna? Bicone crazy. Coney island Coney island Coney island

Balloon I love hot air balloons. I have had this gorgeous balloon bead by Mooginmindy for quite a while.... I had to have it, but I must admit that when I got my hands on it, I was somewhat perplexed with what to do with it besides caress it lovingly!  Decided to make a little basket effect with wire, and work with the punches of colour with Kazuri beads and more muted amazonite.  I have another balloon bead in a lime base shade so will see what comes of that one. If you fancy some of Mindy's beads you need to be quick as they sell fast!

Those who know me well understand my (slight) weather obsession -I always want to and do know the forecast, which is bizarre when I live in a fairly temperate climate, but may be left over from my days living in Canada. Here is Sydney, we have had 2 weeks of sunny days of 24C+ in what is meant to be the cusp of winter - it is the warmest May on record. Coastal Necklace   Whilst that's great for us and for the sunbathing Sasha cat, what does it all mean long term? Whilst not wanting to get all politically charged on you, dear readers, Australia's current Prime Minister Tony Abbott of the skimpy swimwear belongs to the climate change denial camp. It is hard to deny that our climate has changed but this guy decries a lot of other things ( the disadvantaged, the need for higher education at an affordable rate... I worry about my nieces and nephews....). That's enough of my high horse politics, as I know you come for the pretties. Here are some recent ones................

Well, here we are... Christmas Eve, and all is quiet in our neighbourhood.  Wishing you and your families all the best for the holidays. Thanks for your support over the last year. As is usual in our house, there's jewellery given to friends and family for gifts. Here are a couple of simple beaded pieces that I made for family, and as these have already been given  it's not spoiling anyone's surprise by showing you these!  Both feature pendants by Nancy Adams of Round Rabbit. The first is for my sister-in-law, Lone. She loves green, so the mix of malachite with seed beads and a connector from Chinook meets the brief.   The second is for my niece, Hannah who is 13. The pendant is one that I've held on to for a while. On another note, I'm thinking of shutting my Etsy store after 4 years. It's been very quiet (no sales since April), possibly due to the change / loosening of  who can sell on Etsy , and the overseas shipping costs which are extor...

Woohoo!  In one week I'll be on a break for 2 weeks, at home, doing whatever takes my fancy. Cant wait! Must say its been the hardest year in terms of how much the day job in design has taken out of me - consistently intense, deadlines with no down time.  Have enjoyed it but won't be able to maintain this level of pace in the New Year. I'm looking forward to reintroducing myself to exercise - have forgotten what it is like to have a lunch break and time to go to gym, and my waist line has expanded accordingly... ouch... There is always beading time however - funny how I manage to squeeze that it - it keeps me sane. Here are some new pieces. I'm hoping for a new camera from Santa...hint hint to hubby Kev.... Tahitian Earrings I've reworked the blue Pinocean beads.  I like this combo. Sputnik Earrings

I've been making these necklaces for a few years and they sell well as gifts for all ages of women.  I always love the variety that the hand made pendants paired with chirimen cord provide. Pendants shown in this post are by the lovely ladies from Chinook and Round Rabbit. All are listed in my Made it Store . Etsy has been so slow that I'm focussing on Made it these days - seems to be lots of looking but not much buying on Etsy. No sales since April. I'm curious to hear if anyone else has found Etsy tailing off. Since the rules of who can sell have expanded its appeal has diluted in my humble view. What are your thoughts?

Hi there, I know its been a while, hope you have all been well. A package arrived this week in the mail of Etsy buys from Cinnamon Jewellery -  lovely enamel drops that have kept me busy today. Spice Earrings Spring Earring s Apologies for some of the images quality- my camera was not cooperating.  I'm not sure about the last pair - bit odd maybe? I'd love your thoughts !

Day 2 of my 2 day course at the Gaffa gallery - 30C weather and indoors for most of the day with a kiln running at 800C makes for hot work - maybe sweated off a few kilos! Some of these pieces will be worked into jewellery over the Easter break.  This pair of charms was made by enamellling a white base coat, and then cutting a stencil in a chevron pattern and overlaying the yellow - I'm very happy with these.  The flowers are very simple enamelled both sides - deceptively time consuming but worth it. Simple washer rings with colour both faces. And a pendant - did not have time to enamel the back face so this may become a piece for me. Now, if only I can win the lottery, buy a new house with a studio.... aah, we can dream . Many thanks to the wonderful tutor, Alida Capelletta - her work is beautiful, and she is a woman of infinite patience.