Friday, June 29, 2012

TASSELS

I have never had a tassel, but I see them as pretty accents for the home.
A vendor at the Legazpi Sunday market selling shells with tassels 
(taken on Mother's Day 2012)

As far as my bead creations are concerned, I thought of tassels as way over the top.  But with scrap thread lying all around, I took a chance. 
Mother's Heart Bracelet with purple tassle

Then, why not take more chances with necklaces this time?
TALA 2012 Necklaces with tassels coming soon
Apparently, tassels are pretty on bracelets and necklaces too.




Tuesday, June 26, 2012

Weekend pleasures in the city

Since 2008, I rarely schedule trips to the city unless for  good reasons--like when Mom's in town, bulk bead deliveries, or special gatherings.  These days, I spend my usual grind within my semi-provincial abode, while on weekends, I go farther south.  In some way, exhaustion from city living would best describe my crazy state four years ago.    It made great sense then to take the plunge on bidding adios to things I thought of as major contributors to stress -- horrible traffic, the challenge to wake before sunrise, late nights in the office,  pollution, congestion, steep parking fees, the corporate brouhaha, commercialism, competition, brand consciousness, the ringing phones, fax messages, the word URGENT, and the battle to plan my week's wardrobe.  I   closed my doors and swore to never look back.

Makati, last Saturday
I lived within this part of Makati City prior to marriage, while my place of work was  a block away. I had lived such life for twelve years.  Little had  I known that I would  in a way still look forward to spending  time in the city four years after.  My timing preference though is on a weekend when offices are shut off and busy streets are free from traffic.  A good relaxing stroll and zero parking fees exist on these days.

At the Legazpi Park, where strangers and dogs converge in the afternoons. When I was a child, I was taught not to talk to strangers.  But with Bugsy, I ignore such rule.  I have interacted with strangers so many times.  We know each other not by our names, but rather by the name of our respective dogs.   Hilarious but true.  Obviously, dogs rule!

Thank God for the invention of dog bags.   I have posted a message in Facebook a few days ago concerning the  lack of indoor pet-friendly places in the Philippines, especially in the city.  It remains a fact that a major chunk of commercial establishments and residential buildings strictly prohibit pets.  I totally understand the rationale behind such rule.  But with my bag, I have mastered the skill of sneaking.

A hot morning at the Legazpi Park Sunday market.  I wore and did a test run of my soon to come Tala necklace here.  It still needs a bit of tweaking, but I have already fallen in love with it.  I'll let you know as soon as this necklace becomes available online and at the Country Store of Sonya's Garden.

These ladies in pretty printed aprons at the Legazpi Park Sunday Market were a happy sight.  They had served their patrons Indonesian meals with zest and vigor. By the time we had arrived (10 minutes past twelve), their dishes were close to finish.  Their booth's name is Warung-Warung Indonesian Food.


The first time I have eaten and tasted Indonesian food.  I'm no food expert and I'm poor in remembering names of dishes, but this chicken dish worked for my taste. J. Bond would  know the name of this dish. He had lived his childhood years in Indonesia. Unfortunately, he ain't within my reach to shed light on this name game.  On my next market visit, I'll surely have my second serving.

Gado-Gado, salad topped with peanut dressing. 

I thought of the lizard as one of a kind.  I brought one home.

A display of ceramic animals by a tree trunk.

Sightseeing, the reason why I take trips to the city these days.  The rest are more like side trips.   Soon, I will share more.

Manna from Heaven Bread Shop, a bread shop located within the compound of Don Bosco.  Have you ever found yourself drawn towards a shop where people continually come and go? I was too curious to let this pass.  I wanted to know what the clamor was all about.  I lined up too.

Malunggay pandesal (bun) from Manna from Heaven Bread Shop.  I went for a tuna bun, but I'll try this on my next purchase. 

Come to  think of it, I may have only needed a four year city hiatus to regain and refresh my views on city living.  I have been very vocal of my dream of permanently residing in a countryside one day, and surely this remains to be the ultimate goal. I long for it, and I absolutely don't see myself anywhere else. 

In the meantime, I  slowly inch my way back to what I thought I had left behind four years ago.  It  feels good and enjoyable in some way.  But this time, I make sure minus the stress...and again, only on weekends.

Cheers to a good week ahead of us! 



Monday, June 18, 2012

Random Father's Day thoughts and other stuff

I thought of dad.  He had passed away  over two decades ago. But he would haunt my thoughts on naughty, guilty and S.O.S. days. 


Then, I thought of Dad2.  He is based in New Jersey, and so my thoughts wandered around a few funny photos taken a few years back.  On the 1st attempt, Dad2 had tolerated my addiction for a photo in a fancy hat. 


On our next attempt, I went solo.  I love "hat" photos.


As I write this post, I remembered Den, my brother, and daddy dearest of my niece and nephew.  He had slipped my mind, but I'm sure his thoughts over Manny Pacquiao's recent fight ain't over yet.  Mom had described him..."in mourning".  Oh my, the effect of Manny's loss.  But like what I've said, a refreshing break from the winning streak.  Looking forward to new excitements.  Lol!!!
Photo c/o Den

Thank God, J. Bond's parents are back from Australia.  We pre-celebrated Father's Day with Mochi ice-cream balls, a little bit of shopping, and sightseeing.


A new collection of Mother's Heart necklaces are coming soon. I am excited to show you my new and awesome medals.  Hopefully soon. But here is the first, Silver Mother and Child.

By Beaded Story's 3-flower glass pendant necklace is the first for this year's Flora collection. I  did some sort of  test run by  displaying two same arrangements over at Sonya's Garden a month ago.  Early on, I was  both hopeful and apprehensive on how ladies would react to such arrangement since the standard and usual norm remains to be a basic one pendant arrangement.  Yet, I went on with the idea of having some semblance of a "flower garden" worn around the neck in a sleek and stylish  way.  I guess it had worked since both arrangements were recently sold.  This arrangement will be available online soon but in limited quantities.


Speaking of Flora, my Aunt Flora enjoyed her intimate birthday celebration at Tito Chef yesterday.   Aunt Flora, who I have briefly talked about in previous posts, is my huge source of inspiration.  She has been my creative mentor and continually pushes me to work hard on my craft with heart and passion. 

A new game I play with Bugsy, picture-picture.  Obviously, I care for the photo while Bugsy would rather pull on my hair as if it were his tug toy. Our photos came out this way due to laughter, tugging and squirming.


That's about it for now.  Hope June brings you lots of happy thoughts and meaningful stuff as well.  I'm set for my Travel for Beads project in November by the way.  My ticket and hotel voucher arrived two days ago, to think departure date is yet four months away.  Really way too intense and excited!!!




Monday, June 11, 2012

Travel for Beads Project 2

Yesterday, I spoke of a new (2nd hand) bead book I discovered and bought from Booksale in Makati Cinema Square.  Beading with World Beads.

Who would have thought that an interesting selection of 2nd hand books and a few amazing beaded trinkets may be found in this shady dvd mall (read: piracy).  Shady was how J. Bond's American co-worker described the mall.  But he was happy with his purchased Golex Rolex watches.  And I am giddy and inspired by my book.

Back to the book.  Upon first sight, I knew there was no letting go.  I went through the entire book with a heightened sense of excitement.  Beads found from different parts of the world as shown in every page had left me dreaming of travel once again. 

The book had listed a number of beads found from various parts of the world.  Venetian trade beads are beads I dream of working on someday.

Traveling to the Amazon Rainforest have never crossed my mind.  But I am considering  now,  for tagua nut beads.

With that, I am turning this world bead fascination into reality by kicking it off with a booked and confirmed travel towards the latter part of the year.  That's how gung ho I am.

Online ordering will have to be put on halt for just a bit. Taking adventurous trips  of exploring the book's listed destinations while on the hunt for beads is more breathtaking and exciting.   Here is the list:
  • West Africa - clay, sand-cast and lost wax beads
  • Venice - Venetian trade beads
  • Nepal - Tibetan turquoise and crushed coral beads
  • Yemen - Hand-stamped bead
  • India - Bali-style silver, bone and horn beads
  • China - Cinnabar beads
  • Germany - Antique marble beads
  • Morocco - Enamel beads
  • Greece - Olive wood beads
  • Amazon Rainforest - Tagua nut beads
  • And from where I am, Philippines - assorted wood beads which apparently needs a more extensive exploration on my end.
Let's see what happens next.  No timetables exist on my Travel for beads project.  My aim is to enjoy and be more inspired.  Cheers!



Sunday, June 10, 2012

Travel FOR BEADS Project

This image from my new (but 2nd hand) bead book, Beading with World Beads, has gotten me so ecstatic.  So by end of October 2012, I kickoff my travel for beads!  Booked and Confirmed!





Wednesday, June 6, 2012

Mother's Heart Bracelets

I  prefer wearing bangles over bracelets.  Yet, I would break the monotony of beading necklaces by making a few charmed bracelets for clients once in awhile. This moment, Mother's Heart bracelets were asked for. 

Bracelet 1
Medals:  St. Therese, St. Benedict, and Miraculous Medal

Bracelet 2
Medals: Miraculous Medal, Holy Family, and Our Lady of Immaculate Conception

Bracelet 3
Medals:  3 medals of Mother and Child



Friday, June 1, 2012

Two New Necklaces

I've had two medals for some time now.  However, it took a month and a year to finally get me working on these medals.  There are days when I still experience a lack of drive and inspiration.  So I go slow.  But, I'm finally done.

Our Lady of Perpetual (vintage).  This medal was discovered from a local mall store a month ago.   They had 10 pieces left.  I bought all.  Unlike my previous "Mother's Heart" necklaces, I went  for simplicity on this specific arrangement by having used less bulky ceramic beads and  an interplay of  3 safe hues:  predominantly brown,  accentuated by gold, and softened by black.  My aim was to intensify the beauty of the medal. 

A close-up photo of the medal.  Given the limited availability,  only 3 necklaces of this arrangement are available.

I call this arrangement my 3-headed bronze horse.  I am obviously into color gold these days.  I admire how such color can exude a simple wardrobe into something elegant and classy.  These medals were purchased last year from the same (senior citizen) craftsman who has long been making  my tambourine necklaces.  He resides within the Mountains of the Cordilleras and holds the top spot of my to do list each time I visit Baguio.

Another photo of my horses resting on a lovely plate.  Only one 3-headed bronze horse necklace is available by the way.

For queries or orders, you may send your email to bybeadedstory@gmail.com or post a private message on Facebook by clicking on the Facebook badge found on the bottom right.




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