Wire Jewelry - Earrings, Borneo Ceramic Beads

These are very special one of a kind beads due to its colorful combination.
The handmade nature of the process and the natural individuality of the clay and colors result in variations from bead to bead, expressed in differences of shape, sizes, texture and color.

You wouldn't notice it from the pictures but one of the beads on this wire wrap earrings is actually smaller than the other one. I guess it doesn't matter when the colors compensated for this :)

This pair of earrings is experimental.
All components are handmade with lots of hammering on the 19g stainless steel wire.
The ear hook was OK as I hammered after shaping them.
The toughest part was twisting the wires that hold the beads.
I can only twist them after hammering the wire ends flat so it was really really tough and hard work.
Almost gave up on that.
Glad I didn't break my pliers.

Before signing off, don't forget to check out my Tutorial Giveaway at Magpie Gemstones.
If you you click on this link - http://www.magpiegemstones.com/news.html and sign up for the newsletter, you'll get the chance to win.
Have a great week.

WireBliss Tutorial Giveaway at Magpie Gemstones

Happy Sunday dear readers.
This is a short post to let you all know that one of my Tutorial - Braided Wire Cuff is the giveaway item at Magpie Gemstones.
If you have subscribe to Magpie Gemstones Newsletter, you will have a chance to win the tutorial.

If you haven't yet, you can sign up here -Magpie Gemstones Newsletter Signup and be eligible to win.

Winner will be announced September 22nd.
You still have time....go on now to register.

I have been a fan of Szarka, the owner of Magpie Gemstones since I started with wire jewelry about 6 years ago. She not only creates beautiful wire jewelry but also supplies tonnes of gemstones, beads, accessories and tools for your jewelry needs. Head over to http://www.magpiegemstones.com/ to check her out :)

Over the years, being a fan then friends of her, Szarka's customer service is the best if not one of the best.
You will find out once you start talking or communicating with her.
The first time I purchased from her, I was surprised and happy to received more than what I purchased.

Wire Wrap Stud Earrings

Here's a bunch of wire wrap stud earrings for your viewing pleasure and hopefully will inspire you to create them too.
This time around, they are of mix stones.
Mostly in natural earthy colors.
No reds or orange, the calling for attention type of colors.

From L-R: pearl, tiger eyes, smoky quartz, turquoise and moonstone.

This project is relatively easy to achieve. If you are feeling adventurous and crafty, you can check out my tutorial for the same wire wrap stud earrings by following this link here:

Click - Simple Yet Elegant Wire Wrap Stud Earrings Tutorial

Prescription Sunglasses from Firmoo (Review)

Review post!
Yeah! I do write review post :) especially something related to jewelry and beauty accessories.

Today i’m featuring Firmoo eyewear (www.firmoo.com), an online eyeglasses store. A bit of background why I accepted this offer.
For years (about 3 years give and take) and for the last few months getting more often (like every two days) I have been telling dear hubby and anyone who cares to listen that my eyesight is getting worst and I really need to go get myself a pair of prescription glasses.

Strange or not, someone at Firmoo must have heard me!
It came in the form of an email about 3 weeks ago, offering to send me a FREE pair of high quality and fashionable glasses or sunglasses. Talking about answered prayer.

Of course nothing is really FREE right? So, here I am writing this review post and later on invite you my dear lovely readers to try out their products for free....Not totally free actually...you will need to pay for the shipping! Maybe if you have thicker skin ;) you can request for a totally FREE eyeglasses. I am sure they will be more than willing if you write a review post as well...hehe.

Anyway, as I browse through their website, they offer a vast range of eyeglasses to suit your face, style and preferences. I like the virtual try-on part. You can even use your own photo to try on the eyeglasses to ensure you get the look you want. Cool...
And the average price for their items are very affordable starting from as low as $8 to the highest $70. After all, Firmoo's ultimate goal is "Vision & Fashion the Frugal Way".

My initial plan was to chose a pair of prescription glasses, either bifocals or progressive.
Hubby suggested I should get a prescription sunglasses instead because I complained a lot about blur vision and the sun while driving.
So, I finally choose this - Women's Full Frame Wrap-Around Plastic Sunglasses
Went for eye check-up (thanks Girly!) and send the results to Firmoo and my new prescription sunglasses arrived few days ago. They mailed from China.
Here is the unboxing...

Here are the content:

• Prescription Sunglasses - Perfect! The boys were more excited than me. It feels solid in my hand and fits nicely, almost perfectly. It is not heavy, just the way I like it. As soon as I put it on, WOW! everything is so clear (2 meters and further). Tried it on this afternoon and I am very happy and satisfied with this prescription sunglasses.
• Plastic case - This looks a bit on the "cheap" side. This is the only part I am not impressed with.
• Soft case, cleaning cloth - These are standard accessories you get from any eye wear shops.
• Double-sided screw driver cum keychain and replacement screws - these are extras which are hard to find and I really like them.

Now look at this. The boys are more excited and in awe...duh! Look at their mouths.

Finally, here is the part you might be interested in.

Firmoo launched a program offering free eyewear to first-time buyers here - http://www.firmoo.com/free-glasses.html
My experience with them is pleasant, friendly and excellent customer service plus quality products at affordable prices.
Delivery is fast, from their first email till the arrival, 20 days exactly.
Go ahead and read the "How to get your FREE pair?"
Check out other eyeglasses at Firmoo here - Other Firmoo Glasses

Simple Wire Wrap Rings

When I first started with wire wrap rings, this is the simplest method I started with.
You wouldn't believe how simple
it is until you try it out yourself.
Once you get the hang of this,
add it with your own creativity,
you can come up with a wire
wrap ring that suits your style.

For these rings here, I just added another loop around the beads/crystals.
Decorated the side/shanks with a wee bit of wire wrap loops to make it less boring to look at :)

If you feel more adventurous, check out Szarka's Bingo Ring Tutorial at Magpie Gemstones.
Have a great weekend!

Salam Aidilfitri 2012

Finally, the big day is here. Today is the end of Ramadan.
I'd like to wish all my Muslim friends, colleague, acquaintances, lovely wire jewelers, ever loyal blog readers, blogger friends, Facebookers, Twitterers, Linkedin friends, wherever you are a very Happy Hari Raya 2012 :)
May you get to "balik kampung" safely and have a joyous celebration.

SELAMAT HARI RAYA AIDILFITRI