sasha + max studio

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

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 ...

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.

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!!).

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.   .

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.

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 .