EtsyBlogger Blog Carnival - Something You Did When A Child That You Will Always Remember

**Something You Did When A Child That You Will Always Remember**

Collecting cute and sweet things! Cute stickers, sweet stuff toys and gorgeous bookmarks - these are the items I love when I was a child and still loving them now. Back then I was quite a poor kid and had to save up a bit before I could afford a sticker, stuff toy or bookmark.

One of my collection shown below is a shiny surface bookmark. A big portion of its tassels is brown. Yah, brown! Lots of scratches on it. Really an old piece this one. =P Let me see, it should be about 18 years old now. Wow!

Here's another babe from my collection. It's a gift from my classmates. This raccoon is still surviving and is currently sitting on my platform in the study room.

Many of my stuff toys were gone when I moved house. I'm glad this sweetie raccoon is still here with me after all these years. ^_^

new items on my Etsy

My etsy store was updated recently with new goodies. Do check them out (http://www.orangetree.etsy.com/) . ^_^

Fully Adjustable Elegant Swarovski Crystal Antique Ring (USD18/-)
Baby Pastel Lampwork Bracelet (USD95/-)This piece of jewelry is unqiue. I only have enough supplies to make one such bracelet. If you love pastel colours, especially pastel blue - this is the bracelet for you! =)
Thanks for dropping by, have a great week ahead! **smile**

August Featured EtsyBlogger - Tulip's Treasure Box

This month's Featured EtsyBlogger is Tulip Treasure Box! ^_^

Tulip Treasure Box is one of my favourite etsy shops. Her jewelry items are unique and beautiful. Some of the items on my wishlist include:-

1) IRIS eyes upon me necklace - woven by many many seed beads with a handmade white stone focal. This necklace is a wonderful work of patience.

2) The Blues Beaded necklace - sparkly neat and unique necklace! I love the colour combination and the design. Such a darling necklace!

Check out her shop for more treasures, you won't be disappointed! =) Also drop by her very interesting blog http://tulipstalking.blogspot.com/.

More Eye Candies from Rakuten - the PINK GOLD theme

Just want to share more beauties from this Japanese online shopping website.

1) Pink Gold Amethyst Ring

2) Pink Gold Rhodolite Garnet Ring

3) Pink Gold Diamond Ring

4) Pink Gold with Rose Quartz and Pearls

Before I end, here's a sneak peak on my upcoming post in a few days' time.... Little Branded checking out the Wheel of Angels.

My Birthday Pressies!!

The definite truth - I busted my budget!!

Talking about plunging in and splurging... well, I did it and I know part of me is regretting while the rest of me believes I've made good purchases. I am reminded again inside my heart that spending huge amount of money (to me, that's huge amount of $$) does not give me instant happiness. In fact, it didn't give me any happiness when I bought the 2 expensive items. I was feeling more numb than anything. And still minimal happiness even till now.

1) Diamond Tennis Bracelet

This bracelet is objectively a good buy. I've spent months hunting for the right bracelet and this one fits my requirements and budget perfectly. The small diamonds sparkle like crazy and every one of them is nicely cut. This bracelet has a total of 4.32ct diamonds (total 47 of them).

2) Miu Miu Matelasse Amarena Wallet

This is under one of the wishlist. Finally found the perfect one after some effort. DH has been very understanding and supportive. This is something good that turned out from the whole episode.

3) Thermal Mug

This is my happiest purchase. It costs SGD39/-. I used SGD30 Takashimaya vouchers and only paid $9/- for it! ^_^ My office mug is really old and dirty so I thought to get a new one and this new babe can help keep my tea warm all the time.

That's all the unreveals I have. I'd be on ban till Oct when I go for my long awaited Korea trip. I know I am all sufficient in terms of material wants and I am really contented.

Beautiful Jewelry from Rakuten Japanese Shopping Website

Are you a fan of Japanese accessories, anime and books? I came across a very popular Japanese shopping site "Rakuten" a few days ago and took the opportunity to practice my elementary Japanese while browsing the site.

I saw beautiful dainty bling blings! Sharing a few here for your viewing pleasure. ^_^

1) Pink Sapphire and Diamond Tiara Ring in pink gold

2) Diamond motif ring

3) Moonstone diamond ring - 10k white gold




4) 18k white gold Blue Chalsedony with small diamond ring

5) 18k white gold rose cut diamond ring



6) 18k pink gold amethyst pendant with small rose cut diamonds


That's all for this round. =)

Birthday wishlist (to myself)

I have only limited funds to spare for myself this upcoming birthday. Frankly, there is nothing special about birthdays, it is just my excuse to get something for myself. **evil sheepish look** To prevent myself from making impulsive purchases, I am forcing myself to list down the things I want and select only one or two from this list. ^_^

1) Miu Miu Wallet

I have been a fan of Miu Miu for more than a year but strangely I haven't spend a single cent on this brand. I love the coffer, the bow and the Matelasse but I just cannot justify spending $2000 on a bag to bring to work.... (oh work, that can take up another page on ranting!)... Definitely it is not worth to spend so much on a work bag, with such a situation I am in now. Hence the next best thing is to get a wallet. =)

Todate I have a total of 4 wallets - 3 LVs and 1 sweetie from Korea. This potential new member of the wallet family is a Miu Miu Matelasse clasp style wallet. It comes in 2 colours - black and red. There appears no available photo on the internet. I believe it is priced at around S$900 - $1000.

Other pretty Miu Miu wallets that can be found include the following **drool** (pictures from Rakuten Japan)



2) Balenciaga Wallet

This picture is taken from bagaholicboy's blog. I love the combination of bubblegum pink leather with gold hardware. Balenciaga's gold hardware wallets and bags are rare gems in Singapore. If you own one, you are one lucky girl/ guy. Though it is on my wishlist, I doubt I would be able to lay my hands on any of them.

3) Laptop

This item was newly added (just this morning)... It has come to a point that I believe working at the pantry is more peaceful than working in my cubicle. In order to work efficiently there, I need a laptop. So how about a lightweight small 11-12 inch laptop? If I am mad enough, ready to declare war in office, perhaps I can get one. Oh well, I'm in a rebellious mood today...

4) Pearls pearls pearls

Beautiful pearl bracelets and necklaces... who would resist them? The tahitan ones are my favourite because of their lovely overtones. By the way, they cost a bomb! I would most probably get a pendant if I go for a tahitan. The freshwater pearls are equally attractive too. ^_^ Once again, where is the money tree? [edited. Photos removed]

EtsyBlogger Carnival - My favourite creation

For this month's EtsyBlogger Carnival, I am submitting my contribution on the topic relating to "My Favourite Creation".

This picture below shows my painting done sometime end of last year, before I started work with my current employer. Why is it so special? Because it was my first painting after 10 years or so (since graduation from high school). Eversince I stepped out into the working society, I stopped painting. It felt so wonderful when I finally finished this drawing.
It is far from good but it is still an achievement to me... And hence my favourite creation.

(used Acrylic paints)

I am doing another painting right now, it is about 70% completed. I hope there will be more (I must stop being so lazy!!!).

New from my work bench! Blue Berries Version 2

Made of aquamarine rondelles, marcasite beads, crystal bicones and czech frosty flower beads. Very vintage and romantic look. Loving them. =) This pair of lovelies can be found in my Blog Shop or my Etsy Shop. Priced at USD$15/-.

*~Perfect jewelry for all occasions!~*

Featured Etsy Blogger - A Keepers Jackpot

I am a new member of the EtsyBlogger Street Team. We are the ones who blog and have a shop (or even two!) at Etsy. Every month, the team members will showcase a specific artist. This month, we have "A Keepers Jackpot" and this is my first blog post on our team member's blog/ etsy. ^_^

Such unique name! - that was my first reaction. I realised she is a person who knows how to enjoy life - beautiful scenic pictures on her blog, the places she has gone to and her love for nature.

Looking at her Etsy shop, you'd find wearable art - bracelets, earrings and necklaces. I especially like this piece (below):-

Check out A Keepers Jackpot's lovely blog - http://akeepersjackpot.blogspot.com/ and her wonderful etsy store - http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5357229

Beautiful Piano Music and Other Stuff

Came across this lovely site a couple of days ago. Whisperings is a solo piano radio site where you can tune in and chill out any time. I tried this site for 2 days, playing the free music stream while working. The music is so beautiful and soothing. Finally decided to support this wonderful internet radio site and subscribe to its one year plan. =) Do visit their website if you love such piano pieces.

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my wishlist part 1.... (oh boy, talk about saving money!)

1) Wacom Cintiq12WX

I guess I'm mad -- this babe has a costly price tag. Probably a lavish want since I am not a professional artist and I am quite an idiot when it comes to Photoshop etc. Not forgetting the fact that this toy requires power input; which means you need to plug the device to a socket in order to use it. Bringing it out and playing it anywhere is thus quite impossible unless you are lucky enough to find a spot with an outlet. Several reviews have been written on this tablet drawing pad. Google it and read for yourself if you are interested! ^_^

Pastel in the garden of gold

New bracelet - Pastel in the Garden of Gold - Now listed on my etsy . ^_^

Made of Japanese clay flower, seed beads, phrenite teardrop and swarovski crystals. I love the combination of pastel blue and gold.

Some Nice and Pretty Stuff I bought recently

1) Artistic Abstract Lampwork Bead from Touchofglassdesigns (picture taken from her etsy site) This pretty has so much details. I like the way it reminds me of a waterfall.

2) Sweet Japanese Kawaii Notepad
Every page of this notepad is different - different design and different words. I have yet to understand what the japanese words mean but I do know that this notepad is 100% kawaii.

a hurdle to cross

Remember my custom made "Sunset" necklace in my last post? The sweet customer received her necklace today and she said it's pretty. However, my weaved fishline on the back of the filigree is pricking her and she feels uncomfortable wearing it. I made some suggestions to her on what she can do to try remove the prickiness. She hasn't get back to me but I hope she is able to get rid of the uncomfy feeling.

I feel apologetic towards her and disappointed with myself. I checked all my current pieces for prickiness but found none. And yet this happens to a customed piece, which is suppose to be perfect. I guess I would feel lousy for the night and try to pick myself up tomorrow. I must do my best to check my work and ensure such things don't happen again.

I'm not sure how others would see me and my work because of what I shared above but I guess it doesn't matter. It happened and I need to learn from my mistake.

Customed order completed - "Sunset" Necklace

Today I completed a customed order - "Sunset". Made of Swarovski crystal weaved on 2 brass filigrees, with big round crystals and a gold leaf. I also added more crystals on the chain and twisted jump rings on my own. The twisting was quite tedious but fun.

Take a look at the bracelet first... this was sold to a sweet lady recently. Thereafter she requested for a matching necklace so that her lovely daughter can have the bracelet.

Here's the necklace I have done (more photos can be found from my Flickr photostream):-

I hope she likes what I have done. =)

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While walking up an escalator in a mall this afternoon, I saw this advertisement showing the most GORGEOUS watch... Perrelet's Flower Diamond 2008 Luxury Watch **heart heart heart** Such beauty! (Photo taken from Perrelet's website)

Ready for other heart-stopping watches? From Omega and Mont Blanc (photos taken from Omega and Mont Blanc respectively)


Where's the money tree?.....

Honey and Milk * Floral Filigree Bracelet

From the Floral Filigree Collection ^_^

I fell in love with this Beautiful Japanese Clay Flower Bead when I first laid my eyes on her. She's so lovely and intricate... and I told myself that I MUST get her!

This lovely bead is woven to 2 elegant filigrees and is surrounded by dainty milky czech teardrop beads, beige seed beads and crystal bicones. Below the focal, I added sweet AB crystal to complete the look. I also added opal blue cube crystals, more crystal bicones and gold leaves to the entire bracelet. And did you notice 2 beautiful patterned brass beads as well? =) They are my rare finds at a local bead store. Heh heh *heart*

It is now up on my etsy. ^_^
(the pictures don't come up nicely here. Visit my Flickr if you want to see better pictures)

*Inspiration*

I get inspiration from:-

~ flowers. I love flowers, all types of flowers. I take pictures of wild flowers, flowers that bloom from people's pots (you know, those low balconies where people grow their own plants...) etc. My love for flowers prompted me to make jewelry with the floral theme *heart*

~ the beautiful stones and crystals I bought. You'd see my loot when you scroll down. *wink*

Many times my well of inspiration is pretty dry. I look at the same stone, the same findings for many weeks or months before I make anything.

I also don't sketch my design. I know many of the artists out there would sketch their designs and modify, refine before they proceed to create their beauties. I guess I am too lazy. I have lots of mental drawings but I never put them down on paper. Such ideas usually 'evaporate' (oh yes, I can't remember them) within 5 minutes or so. Talking about getting old! I'm very thankful though that despite having few creations, I have sales coming in, especially this year. My greatest encouragement comes from customers' happiness when they receive the parcel of goodies. It is indeed heartwarming when they tell me how beautiful the jewelry is. ^_^

The appreciation spurs me to buy more lovely beads and findings. So much joy I have when I see my loot spread out on the table!

Pictures

More itchy hands today. Found a piece of leftover black paper from my pile of craft. Cut it into a nice size, took out my coloured pens (and realised a few pens have spoilt... *duh*) and started drawing.


Oh yes, today is a much happier day! I'm looking forward to my Dior sunnies, my crystal supplies from Belgium and my lovely pair of earrings. So happy that I drew another pic. ^_^

Earrings and more earrings... and my current state of mind

A new pair of earrings I made a few days back using rose quartz stones, lampwork beads made by Kandice Seeber and crystals. Was in low spirits yesterday, trying to get out of such depressing state. Still trying. Hubby wrote to say he has seen me overcome similar unhappiness before and he feels I can do it. I was touched to see his words and it has given me strength to stay 'afloat' for a day and a day. Bit by bit. I really hope I can overcome it. I spend when I am unhappy. Lucky(?) for me, I got these lovelies from Jennifermorrisbeads (from etsy). She's really lovely and polite. I'm looking forward to my sweet earrings.
*****
God loves everyone, including those who spitefully hurt others, those who are selfish, those who are possessive, those who mentally torture others... Oh yes, these people are not happy themselves. They suffer and they are in need of love. So the Lord is there. He loves them. I will not ask God to punish You-know-who-they-are, for He knows what is best and He can see the hearts of men. But I don't wish to be the loser, I don't wish to be the person who cannot let go of the hatred inside me. It is so difficult to wish these people well and I'm not even thinking about forgiveness yet. Forgiveness in this case is indeed only possible with Him. I'm not ready yet, not ready yet....

The Floral Filigree Series

I stopped making jewelry for a few months. Yesterday I picked up my kits and started weaving the filigrees, added a polymer flower, added more pearls and added more and more beads... finally I finished a necklace. Having just gone for the Lasik surgery a week back, such jewelry making exercise caused some strains to my eyes. I was very tired at the end and told myself never to work under such bad lighting condition at night in the future.

Presenting... White Flower Filigree Necklace (yeah, I know, what boring name). Made of polymer clay flower, dyed freshwater pearls, crystals, phrenite briolettes and a gold leaf. ^_^

Necklace is now available on my etsy. Priced at USD35/-. Delivery is Free in Singapore. Payment can be in the form of local bank transfer. **Buyers from Overseas - Buy any 2 items and get shipping FREE**

And a recap of my previous Floral Filigree Necklaces:-

*Available on my etsy*

*Sold*

*Sold*

I've also added 2 beautiful beads to my shop. Check them out!