sasha + max studio

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!

A few new pieces using very special (aka I've been hoarding) copper pendants from Daisy Chain Extra and Jade Scott. Ring Ring Ring Ring Summer Summer Foxy Foxy

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

I love chunky beads, and you can't beat black and white, such a classic, yet back in style this year. Great with a crisp white shirt or hipster all black   Geo Necklace Metro Necklace

So you might have thought from the last post that I've gone all monochromatic. Well, truth is you will see very contrasting pieces. Today is fresh Spring colour ( it's Spring in Australia, and are we happy about that or what!). Spring Spring Alia

I have been busy trialing and creating a new and very different range.  It is called Sasha +Max Black Label. Why? Typically the Sasha + Max style is weekend casual, whimsical and colourful, but my work day style in an architectural practice is more designer professional, and I wear a lot of structured pieces in black or white. I felt there was a gap for a range to wear to work or on a night out, hence the inception of the Black Label range. It is monochromatic, simple and classic, featuring semi precious stones, silver and pieces that can be layered together. Spike Spike I've closed Etsy, created a new logo which is the outline cat, and opened a store on big cartel, www.sashaandmax.com . that stocks the new range. My Made It store is still active and will carry the casual range. Hope you like it! Waterfall Waterfall Dead Gorgeous Reminiscent Moon

Last Sunday I attended a torch fire enameling class at Sydney Jewellery School , the day session  run by the delightful and very knowledgeable May Bartrum. May also covered kiln enameling so it was a full day. These images show my first attempts at torch fire enameling. Not the prettiest! You dip the red hot bead into the powdered enamel - it took a while to get the knack of it as its challenging to get the powder to stick. Some of the best results by the other students (mine were not so great) were totally accidental.It has sparked my interest to read explore further, so I look forward to the arrival of the book I've ordered from Amazon, Painting with Fire by Barbara Lewis, the guru on this technique. Not sure if I'll get to do this again unless I move house - it's very hard to get a flame torch going when you live in a sprinklered apartment, and have the world's fluffiest and most curious cat. I can, however, recommend courses at the Sydney Jewellery Scho...