Rani's Bead House

Want to win USD$200?

2010-03-01T03:11:00.000-08:00

It's really simple. What you need to do is just go to this link http://www.jewelryartdesigns.com/jewelry-jad.asp?p=Win-Jewelry&xref=ranibeading.blogspot.com and display a badge, like the one on the left on your website or blog. Just send them your name, email address and your blog/website's address, and you are eligible for a monthly draw worth USD$200. It's really easy, isn't it?

Plus, there is also an annual draw for lucky bloggers, as well as a discount for entrant who buy products at Lushae Jewelry.

So, what are you waiting for? Go to the link above and read up for more details. You have nothing to lose!

Shop For Chokers.

2010-03-01T02:37:00.000-08:00

I am displaying 2 chokers today. All items are absolutely handmade.
If you are interested in owning the item, copy and paste the list below, and email me at enbarani@gmail.com:

1) Your name:
2) Address:
3) Contact Num:
4) Payment option: CIMB/Maybank/PayPal
5) Special instructions:

*Delivery charge is free for the moment.
*If you prefer COD (cash upon delivery), I am able to meet up only at MidValley KL. Email me for this special arrangement as well.

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Product Name: Netty Choker

Product ID: NC001

Product Price: RM10

Product Description: Length 34cm; Lobster clasp; toho seed beads, black wooden beads, metal spacers, red item beads

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Product Name: Rosy Choker

Product ID: NC002

Product Price: RM15

Product Description: Length 36cm; Lobster clasp; 1cm flower hard clay bead; bead caps; 6mm cube fire-polished glass

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Shop For Bracelets.

2010-02-05T05:59:00.000-08:00

I am displaying 5 bracelets today. All items are absolutely handmade.
If you are interested in owning the item, copy and paste the list below, and email me at enbarani@gmail.com:

1) Your name:
2) Address:
3) Contact Num:
4) Payment option: CIMB/Maybank/PayPal
5) Special instructions:

*Delivery charge is free for the moment.
*If you prefer COD (cash upon delivery), I am able to meet up only at MidValley KL. Email me for this special arrangement as well.

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Product Name: Wooden Daisy

Product ID: BWR001

Product Price: RM10

Product Description: Length 22cm; wooden bead, 6mm cube topaz fire-polished glass bead, hard clay flower bead

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Product Name: Wooden Violet

Product ID: BWR002

Product Price: RM10

Product Description: Length 22cm; wooden bead, 6mm cube topaz fire-polished glass bead, hard clay flower bead

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Product Name: Wooden Lime Rose

Product ID: BWR003

Product Price: RM10

Product Description: Length 22cm; wooden bead, 6mm cube jet balck fire-polished glass bead, hard clay flower bead

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Product Name: Wooden White Rose

Product ID: BWR004

Product Price: RM10

Product Description: Length 22cm; wooden bead, 6mm cube jet balck fire-polished glass bead, hard clay flower bead

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Product Name: Wooden Pink Rose

Product ID: BWR005

Product Price: RM10

Product Description: Length 22cm; wooden bead, 6mm cube topaz fire-polished glass bead, hard clay flower bead

Elegant Pearl.

2010-01-21T02:57:00.000-08:00

I recently made a princess length triple strand necklace using a 3-strand box clasp with jump rings and nylon bead thread. My inspiration was the picture below.

Instead of white faux pearls, I used cerise pearls and ceramic beads with metallic spacers to make the centrepiece. Overall, this piece gives a majestic look and the wearer will feel 'heavy' with the accessory around her neck. Ladies who want to look more mature, elegant and presentable will definitely be attracted to this pearly piece.

Jewelry Measurements.

2009-12-13T17:00:00.000-08:00

Usually, I measure the length of the jewelry by practically planting them around my neck, finger, wrist and from my ear downwards. Then, I add or minus the extra cm I need.
So, if you are the kind of artist who prefers precision and would rather use your ruler/measurement tape, below are a few common jewelry measurements, in inches (x 2.5 = ?cm):

Choker= 16in

2.Princess length necklace= 18in

3.Matinee length necklace= 24in
4. Opera length necklace= 32in
5.Rope/lariat= 48in

6.Bracelet= 7in

7.Anklet= 9in.

Shop For Ear-rings.

2009-11-23T03:01:00.000-08:00

I am displaying 7 ear-rings today. All items are absolutely handmade.
If you are interested in owning the item, copy and paste the list below, and email me at enbarani@gmail.com:

1) Your name:
2) Address:
3) Contact Num:
4) Payment option: CIMB/Maybank/PayPal
5) Special instructions:

*Delivery charge is free for the moment.
*If you prefer COD (cash upon delivery), I am able to meet up only at MidValley KL. Email me for this special arrangement as well.

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Product Name: Korean Charm 1

Product ID: EKC001

Product Price: RM8

Product Description: Length 4.5cm ; black 4mm faceted round fire-polished glass bead, turqoise 8mm round bead, lilac Korean crystal, blue bead item

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Product Name: Korean Charm 2

Product ID: EKC002

Product Price: RM8

Product Description:Length 5cm ; black 4mm faceted round fire-polished glass bead, lilac Korean crystal
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Product Name: Korean Charm 3

Product ID: EKC003

Product Price: RM8

Product Description:Length 4.5cm ; 6mm black cube fire-polished glass bead, lilac Korean crystal, red wooden bead
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Product Name: Radiant Heart

Product ID: E019

Product Price: RM10

Product Description:Length 4.5cm ; black 8mm round acrylic bead, swarovski 1cm amethyst heart bead

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Product Name: Earthy Gutsy

Product ID: E020

Product Price: RM5

Product Description:Length 4cm ; 6mm black cube fire-polished glass bead, 2cm brown wooden bead
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Product Name: Aqua Crystal

Product ID: E021

Product Price: RM10

Product Description:Length 5cm ; 6mm black cube fire-polished glass bead, 6mm swarovski round aquamarine bead
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Product Name: Floral Gutsy

Product ID: E022

Product Price: RM15

Product Description:Length 4.5cm ; 6mm black cube fire-polished glass bead, bronze flower bead
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Job vacancy.

2009-11-04T06:20:00.000-08:00

If you decide not to have your own business, or if you need dosh urgently, and you just can't leave the IT field, apply to MCSB (Penang) at 'ms-jobs@mcsb-pg.com'.

MCSB Always offering Good Job Opportunities……

Why Choose Us?

Competitive salary and benefit package
Excellent Training and Development provided
Work with large corporate client around
Be a part of one of the largest outsourcing organization in Penang

We are now opening job vacancy as below positions:

Marketing Manager (Contract)

Job Description:

· Responsible for supporting Microsoft partner marketing activities related to South Asia Small Medium Business & Relationship.

Job Requirements:

Bachelor Degree in Business Administration, Economics or equivalent

At least 3-5 years of related working experience

Good knowledge on Microsoft Office will be essential

Good in English - Written & Spoken

Highly motivated and able to work under pressure to support the marketing team.

Good interpersonal and communication skills & possess strong negotiation skills

Performance driven, result-oriented & able to work under tight deadlines

Must be independent during work with minimum guidance.

Customer Service Executives (Contract)

Job Description:

Handle customer inquiries, complaints for missing wrong cases, Delivery, Return/Refund and other inquires

To manage enquiries for missing wrong cases, Delivery, Return/Refund, General and other inquires.

Drive for resolution for any customer complaints within specified time frame

Compile, document and report the escalation cases on customer complaints or enquiries to Team Leader or Manager

Team and Individual performance will be measured on metrics, agent to perform and meet metrics set. Responsible for setting realistic customer expectations, and meeting or exceeding these expectations

Work closely with inter-departments to drive and reduce number of escalations, and improve internal processes

Job Requirements:

Diploma or SPM with working experience.

Able to read & write good English.

Preferably with customer care and service experience.

Good team player and fast learner.

Able to start to work immediately.

IT Developers (Contract Position)

Job Description:

· Develop Web & Java component based on requirements provided.

· Participate and contribute to software architecture design and development

· Implement and maintaining the software

Job Requirements:

· Bachelor's Degree in Computer Science/Information Technology or equivalent.

· Applicants should be Malaysian citizens or hold relevant residence status.

· Fresh graduate are encouraged apply.

· Can work independently with minimum supervision.

· Able to work in Bayan Lepas area.

· Experienced communication and influential skills.

· Required Knowledge in C#,ASP.NET, Oracle, Ms SQL

Bead Retreat.

2009-10-19T15:58:00.000-07:00

I came across an ad in a magazine about a 4-day Bead Retreat in October at Tahoe Mountain, USA. The retreat began with workshops, meeting beading teachers, joining free raffles, eating great food and enjoying every moment with friends, family and of course, beads.

I missed a yoga retreat in Malaysia once. And I can't seem to picture a retreat with beads, beads, beads... in Malaysia that is. Wouldn't it be fantastic to bead and mesmerise in the wonder of nature, like the one below? Bukit Tabur, thanks for the climb!

Shop For Necklaces.

2009-07-10T02:59:00.000-07:00

I am displaying four more items today. All necklaces are absolutely handmade.
If you are interested in owning the item, copy and paste the list below, and email me at enbarani@gmail.com:

1) Your name:
2) Address:
3) Contact Num:
4) Payment option: CIMB/Maybank/PayPal
5) Special instructions:

*Delivery charge is free for the moment.
*If you prefer COD (cash upon delivery), I am able to meet up only at MidValley KL. Email me for this special arrangement as well.

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Product Name: Mr. Moon

Product ID: NBP004

Product Price: RM15

Product Description: Length 24cm; Lobster clasp with chain; 2cm bronze moon pendant, bicone and round svarowski crystal beads, Korean crystal beads, rondelles, spacers

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Product Name: Miss Flower

Product ID: NF001

Product Price: RM15

Product Description: Length 26cm; Lobster clasp with chain; 2.5cm silver colour flower locket, rainbow twisted bugle beads, TOHO seed beads, silver spacers, Korean bicone crystal, 6mm fire-polished glass cube beads
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Product Name: Shells On Shore

Product ID: NS001

Product Price: RM15

Product Description: Length 20cm; Lobster clasp; bicone svarowski crystal, TOHO seed beads, shell beads
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Product Name: Shell Wrap

Product ID: NS002

Product Price: RM15

Product Description: Length 25cm; Lobster clasp; bicone svarowski crystal, cylincer beads, shell beads, silver bead caps

Happy Queen Beader 1d.

2009-07-10T02:38:00.000-07:00

“Fairly well.”

“Beading again eh?”

“Well, at least it keeps me alive and occupied.”

“You still sell them?”

Of course I sell them. That’s my vocation. As if I tell her, you visit patients eh? You change bandages? You wash up patients? You help doctors? Do you sleep with them? Both patients and doctors?

“Yeah. It’s my job, isn’t it?”

“Of course.”

But what Cameron did not want to tell her is the sheer coincidence that after finishing every beading project, she would return to the hospital for a more excruciating treatment. More vomiting, more headache, more painful monsters eating every part of her body, and more sleepless nights and days. As if that is not enough, Cameron lost every ounce of appetite and could not even carry herself after that, yet a needle.

Shell-y Necklaces.

2009-06-26T05:02:00.000-07:00

I am displaying another two items today. All accessories are absolutely handmade.
If you are interested in owning the item, copy and paste the list below, and email me at enbarani@gmail.com:

1) Your name:
2) Address:
3) Contact Num:
4) Payment option: CIMB/Maybank/PayPal
5) Special instructions:

*Delivery charge is free for the moment.
*If you prefer COD (cash upon delivery), I am able to meet up only at MidValley KL. Email me for this special arrangement as well.

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Product Name: Girly Shell

Product ID: NDRSB001

Product Price: RM20

Product Description: Length 26cm. Lobster clasp, magenta dyed shell beads, red ceramic beads, round red and light colour shell beads

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Product Name: Plain Magenta

Product ID: NDRSB002

Product Price: RM20

Product Description: Length 35cm. Lobster clasp, light magenta dyed shell beads, round light colour shell beads, cylinder wooden beads

Happy Queen Beader 1c.

2009-06-25T22:30:00.000-07:00

Somehow, a distant voice would prompt her to price and pass it over to another pair of lucky hands. An urge to give the piece away engulfed her and threatened to leave her, while promising for another inspiring set of ideas for the next masterpiece. Human had a way with habit and Cameron had responded fairly well to this stimulus.

“How are you today, Cameron?” The nurse with the twisted toothy grin walked closely to her bed and looked at her hospital chart. She had such long hazel locks reaching the shoulders that made C went gaga over it. Yeah, I used to have that beauty too. I would kill for having even a quarter of that length.

©Enbarani Ramasamy

Selling used things.

2009-06-25T21:48:00.000-07:00

I am selling my used stuff (books, clothes, cds, dvds, vcds, souvenirs) and conducting a survey at Awesome Possum Bazaar booth 32 on

Dates: 4^th July 2009(Saturday)
Time: 11:00am to 8:00pm
Venue: Subang Square Shopping Gallery, SS15 Subang Jaya

I hope to add dosh into my Travel Piggy Bank from the sale. Initially, I wanted to sell my handmade accessories there but the my things are occupying a large part of my brother's space, so I thought that it would be fair to pass on the things to the next owner to provide more space for my bro's house and to salvage the abandoned things. I can always find another selling venue for my accessories.

So, don't forget to bring friends and families on that day to enjoy maximum! And for more details visit http://awesomepossumbazaar.blogspot.com/

Visit my necklaces.

2009-06-17T07:08:00.000-07:00

My very first attempt to sell online and the guests of honours are necklaces. I am displaying only two items today and hoping to present an array of goodies next time. All accessories are absolutely handmade.
If you are interested in owning the item, copy and paste the list below, and email me at enbarani@gmail.com:

1) Your name:
2) Address:
3) Contact Num:
4) Payment option: CIMB/Maybank/PayPal
5) Special instructions:

*Delivery charge is free for the moment.
*If you prefer COD (cash upon delivery), I am able to meet up only at MidValley KL. Email me for this special arrangement as well.

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Product Name: Hippy Blue

Product ID: NWB018

Product Price: RM15

Product Description: Length 39cm. Lobster clasp, brown wooden beads, round sky-blue shell bead, crystal colour long bicone beads

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Product Name: Hippy Teardrop

Product ID: NWB019

Product Price: RM15

Product Description: Length 25cm. Lobster clasp, dirt brown wooden beads, clear teardrop breads.

Happy Queen Beader 1b.

2009-06-17T04:51:00.000-07:00

Every wheel had its ups and downs. Cameron’s life was at the bottom part of the wheel, grinding through every rough patch of the day. Sometimes emptiness filled her soulless vessel, sometimes her friends’ kind words swam into her wandering thoughts, and at other times Cameron sat in a static moment where only conversation between her and the beads took place.

This was the time when she felt most sane. As if meditating on every bead, Cameron’s submissive fingers chose the beads under the direction of her intuition. When she looked at her finished work, they mostly resembled the kind of jewellery she would love to keep for herself.

©Enbarani Ramasamy

Happy Queen Beader 1a.

2009-06-08T17:44:00.000-07:00

Writing a new post does not come easy but I enjoying writing one. As soon as I have finished a project, I will write about it here. When I'm stuck of idea, I dig for information from bead-related newsletter sent to my inbox periodically. And when the drought seems to invade the content of writing a post, I thought why not share my story of a Happy Queen Beader with the readers of my blog. Obviously, to sustain the story, just in case I run out of ideas to write about her, I am posting the story at 100-ish words per post per time.
This is her story and her name is Cameron.

If tears can speak a million words, these words would have filled up a whole manuscript of soap opera. Fake copper curls dangling around her eyebrows could not cover her grief. The sorrow in her heart pierced every cancerous cell in her body, sending rushes of sadness to her bloodstream, causing her heart to pump more oxygenated blood to her limbic system.

Taking one bead at a time with a 10cm needle and trailing the movement of the seed bead as it slides along the thread, finding itself at the junction of a knot, Cameron stopped pondering on the twisted fate of her life.
©Enbarani Ramasamy

Museum For Beads.

2009-06-01T17:44:00.000-07:00

For movie lovers, the sequel to 'A Night In The Museum' would be something everybody would look forward to watch at the movies this month. I would love t0 suggest something else for bead lovers- A Bead Museum.
I know, I know, it would be a far cry to even imagine about its germination here in Malaysia, but hey no harm in looking at one in Arizona USA- The Bead Museum. Yes,the place is a haven to store and preserve beads from all ages, cultures, types, sizes and colours. Exhibitions and programmes are held to actually raise awareness for the study of beads. It was founded in 1984 by Gabrielle Liese and sustained through donations, lectures, tours, classes and exhibitions. And if you love to be lost in the world of beads, there is even a library for researchers. Imagine studying for a Phd in Bead History!!!

Survey form.

2009-05-20T08:48:00.000-07:00

After staring at the screen for half an hour thinking of what to post, I decided to copy and paste the below entry which I've also published at my main site: Rani and Her Journey.

"As I am on a journey exploring the uncertain life of a freelancer, I have just accepted a task to complete surveys and data entry job for one of Multimedia University's projects. The objective of this project, a collaboration with Permodalan Nasional Berhad (PNB), is to collect information regarding the public's view on Minggu Saham Amanah Malaysia.
Hence, I need your help, dear readers, to fill up the survey and send it to me at enbarani [at] gmail.com.

You must be a Malaysian, living in the vicinity of Kuala Lumpur and Selangor area, aged 20 years old and above and understand written Malay/ Bahasa Melayu. The survey takes less than 10 minutes to complete. Upon sending the finished survey to me, please leave a comment under this post, so that I can reply and extend my gratitude to you. Every participant will receive a token through mail.

Click on the link below and you would be able to see the form. Complete it and email it to me at enbarani [at] gmail.com. Remember to leave a comment under this post and I promise to get back to you as soon as possible."

Borang Kaji Selidik Minggu Amanah Saham Malaysia

Hue.

2009-05-12T21:22:00.000-07:00

Somebody once told me, that "Inspiration is something you work on. You don't sit idly on a rock and wait for inspiration to drop on your lap. Seek for it and you shall get it."

When you are not sure of how to select colours for your beading work, one way to break that monotonous or 'i don't know what else to choose' thought is to: go to your local fabric store and stare, inspect, touch the printed fabrics until one catches your sight. If you can't buy a small piece, use your photographic memory, and look at the colours again. Next day, go to your favourite bead shop and find the beads to the colours and work them into a jewelry design. This is a good brainstorming exercise when you are freakingly out of ideas and feel that emptiness begins to swallow the space in your head!
NOW, DON'T JUST STARE AT THE SCREEN. GO OUT AND LOOK FOR MORE FABRIC!

Bead Show in Malaysia?

2009-05-07T17:35:00.000-07:00

I am sure of one thing and I am also asking for one thing.

I am sure there are many beaders in Malaysia who would love to gather, meet, network, chat and present their artwork to the public and other professional or amateur beaders. In the North America, Australia and UK, there are several bead shows and exhibitions launched almost every month at different locations around the continent.
What if we beaders in Malaysia retreat to a location (it need not be a huge and price-demanding hall, maybe a space of a house would do), show off and sell our items? Also workshops can be held on that day? General public can also make their way to the occasion. I'm sure there would be throng of ladies buzzing the place for accessories, advices and just to be glorified amongst the handmade jewelry.

Ebay and PayPal.

2009-04-30T01:36:00.000-07:00

I have listed my items to sell on Ebay Malaysia on a daily basis and I have opened an account at Public Bank, in an effort to get a debit card to be used with my Pay Pal account.
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On a lower note, I feel less inspired to produce any good accessories lately. It's as if a lot of my muse has flowed away into another channel altogether, since I started writing actively for the past few months. Still I don't think this is a good excuse at all.

So, how do I think like an artist again??????

Beads of Courage Programme - Arkansas Hospital

2009-04-06T06:13:00.000-07:00

Beads can be used to tell the journey of a person's life, as documented in the video below, showing a programme called 'Beads of Courage' which give cancer patients a visual journal of their cancer treatments. Each time the patients receive a treatment, they also get a coloured glass bead that represents the treatment they are undergoing at the time.
Bringing beading activity to children everywhere is certainly a fabulous work. Enjoy the video!

*I would like to meet other beaders in the vicinity of KL! Ever since I joined two writer groups, I can comprehend the energy and spirit of group work that adhere to a person's life. I believe that a group of people with the same interest in beading will have the same profound effect I experience in the writing group.

Puteri Gunung Ledang.

2009-03-27T08:03:00.000-07:00

This movie is the best getaway to encourage student to learn about the history of Malacca's kingdom during the 15th century, by converging true love, the legendary epic of Princess Gunung Ledang, who hailed from Jawa, malay's prominent warrior and other famous characters of that time (Sultan Mahmud, Tun Teja, Tun Perak, Majapahit's powerful rulers and Hang Jebat).

This story has indeed blown charm to my inspirational bank. I would definitely be looking into Indonesian artwork, especially the age when Majapahit rulers dominated South East Asia. And if you don't share the same interest as me, I hope you like this music video- Asmaradana (the peak/height of love).

"We are family, I've got all my sisters with me"

2009-03-25T21:55:00.000-07:00

Albert Einstein mentioned that "Compound Interest is the 8th wonder of the world." I would like to add another wonder to the 'list of wonders in the world'--> FAMILY.
And with this message for today, enjoy this song with Sister Sledge.

Earth Hour Day.

2009-03-20T05:08:00.000-07:00

March 28.
Saturday 8.30 night.
sixty minutes.
Earth Hour Day.
What can you do? Turn off your lights ~~or any electrical appliances~~ for one hour. Do your bit and show the world you care.
Also, if you happen to live in Malaysia and your electrical bill is under RM20, the government will pay the bill for you to Tenaga Nasional Berhad.

Feeling sparky on what kind of beads to choose and buy: go by the theme of earth, which is blue (sea), brown (land) and white(sky).

Artsy images.

2009-03-06T04:18:00.000-08:00

Photographing my artwork is really a challenge to me nowadays. Definitely need a lot of practise and a tinge of luck +talent! One way of fueling inspiration for display and lighting is by looking at other photos in the magazines. I subscribe to Art Jewelery Newsletter and they were really generous to share some free and fab desktop images .

I've also added a poll by the side of this post. Share your thoughts.

Tips on storing beads.

2009-02-25T16:59:00.000-08:00

Sometimes the most common things around you can make a good storage place, and the same can be said for keeping beads. No extra cost is involved and more than that you are also doing your bit to save the environment, by recycling and reusing.

Recently, a couple of readers gave a few tips on storage ideas in Bead&Button magazine. One of them used long bead tube to

“secure the end of my thread and store extra needles for portable projects. Insert a threaded needle into a long bead tube, and close the end over the thread… If your thread is long, you can wind it around the tube to keep it from tangling.”

And I would advise to use a maskin tape to secure the thread outside the tube, just to make sure it stays there.

Another sender had a brilliant idea on recycling transparent ball pens.

“Clear pens with caps, with the ink tubes removed, make great storage cases for small beads and needles. You can easily see what’s inside the tubes, and the caps keep the beads or needles secure.”

I would still recommend taping the cap to the pen especially when you are bringing them around with you.

Chinese Knot Class.

2009-02-17T01:36:00.000-08:00

I sometimes buy beading materials and appliances from Glister Fashion Shop, which is located near Petaling Street. Below is a message from them regarding a Chines Knot Class. I can't afford the price of the class right now.

Pleased be informed:-

Chinese Knotting Classes will commence in February 2009.
There are 5 Modules taking about 2 session. Each session takes about
2 hours. Weekday classes are on Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays.
Starting from 3.30pm. Weekend classes will be on Saturdays starting
from 10am. The course fee in RM300.00 which includeds Cords,
Beads and Findings. Please call Gilster Fashion S/B at 03-2070 8981 for registration.
Pictures of some of the knotting are enclosed for your review.

There will be further discount of 20% on top of the wholesale price
for findings and selected beads. Promotion ends while stock last.

Tag continues...

2009-02-16T22:18:00.000-08:00

After the break,

6) During my free hours, I daydream. A lot. I always fantasise about how famous I would become, living in New Zealand as a citizen or permanent resident there, while travelling around the world a few times giving speeches and workshops, and meeting people and making friends who are extensively added into my Facebook account.

7) I love pouring black sugared coffee/ black Nescafe into a dish of nasi lemak or nasi goreng. It gives a tantalising taste and a mixture of charred rice and spice to the gustatory area. Heaven!

8) I must watch Singaporean Chinese dramas everyday and NTV7 shows them all. I feel good!!!!!

9) I can do work related to internet for hours and hours and hours and hours and hours…

10) Oh, if I have a bicycle right this moment, I can cycle for hours and hours and hours…

11)Mango Lassi is my favourite drink.

12) Wan tan mee is my most likeable dish.

13) And my favourite non-vege item is fish.

14) I am yearning for Johnny Depp again after watching Pirates of The Carribean three weeks ago.

15) I know I will always love watching Meg Ryan and Tom Hanks in ‘You Got Mail”.

16) And I know for a fact that I will meet Andrea Bocelli in Tuscany, Italy one day.

After this ordeal, I am honoured to tag:

Malashini- want to see you blog again.

Damyanti- want to know you better, and I'm writing everyday.

I am only tagging two persons, because the other eight are still wandering in my imaginary world of goodness, bliss, peace, harmony, war-free and superiorly undoubtedly world of high thinking and simple living.

Tagged by Lina/Nurul.

2009-02-16T22:02:00.000-08:00

Directions: Once you’ve been tagged, you have to write a blog with sixteen random things, facts, habits or goals about you. at the end choose ten people to be tagged, listing their names and why you chose them. don’t forget to leave them a comment (”you’re it”) and to read your blog. you can’t tag the person who tagged you. since you can’t tag me, let me know when you’ve posted your blog, so I can see your weirdness.

Why 16? Why not ten, or eight, or five, or only one? Because I’m not so weird after all, am I?

1) I like to travel by day. No night buses for me please. I can’t sleep with strangers next to me and I can’t stand the freezing, near death cold in a night bus. Just hate it. I like the sun to shine on me when I my eyes scan the view outside the window.

2) I handwrite my lecture notes. Not so much of printing them from the college’s site, except coloured pictures, complex graphs etc. I’m just afraid with all the hitting on the buttons with my stubbed fingers, I might forget the art of taking notes as hysterically and haphazardly in class, or might not be able to write as fast as the bullet train during exam time. And also writing exercises your hand muscles, improves finger dexterity and blood circulation.

3) My goal is to force myself to write 20 five hundred-word articles every day.

4) People ask me aren’t you bored of studying. I ask them aren’t you bored of living or breathing. Knowledge is the chi in me.

5) People ask me why become vegetarian when there are bountiful animals around meant to be eaten. I tell them when you are fine watching your children get killed, then come and talk to me about this. This is my life principle, why kill another living thing just to whet your appetite? And don’t start on protein or other nutrition talk, the way Asian cook things, most of the good stuff in the meat has already dissolved into thin air (might as well eat blood straight, or cut a cow and swallow it immediately), unless cooking with Japanese or Chinese methods.

I need a break.

Bijou Bazaar Trading Place

2009-02-05T05:15:00.000-08:00

Bijou Bazaar, the place where anybody can sell anything under the sun, moon and stars, and their organisers want you to have a special Valentine sale next week. Below is the latest information of their treat, with a price, to sellers out there:

Bijou Bazaar @ Soho KL
Date: 14-15 February 2009 (Sat+Sun)
Venue: Soho KL, Solaris Mont'Kiara
Operating Hours: 2:00pm - 10:00pm (who says you can't work until or after the sun sets?)

As for me, I have one hundred and one excuses of not able to make it, like transportation, helpers/partners, preparation, lack of confidence, scared of a vampire...But, I think the main reason is I still need to to stock up on my handmade accessories and feel good about them. This time I have two projects to finish: memory wire bracelet and another box-ful of ear-rings, after that I'll compile them, inventorise and sell them right here, at my blog. That's my vision of my mission...

Earrings and Memory Wire Bracelet.

2009-01-22T23:48:00.000-08:00

Here are two more pairs of earrings made from seed beads and round beads using tubular square stitch method. I will embark on another new project using the same weaving method but with a bigger size loop and other designs of earrings.

I am also very excited in another new project- using memory wire to make bracelets. The technique is not complex at all, hence using colours and different kinds of beads are very important to enhance the beauty of the product, which calls for a day of scouting beads for me.

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On an end note, my photos are looking quite dull this time. I must remember to increase the flash and also I'm installing and uninstalling GIMP and PAINT for editing photo purpose. Oh dear, when can all these photo shooting and editing settle for the benefit of my eyesight!!!

Tubular square stitch.

2009-01-15T04:27:00.000-08:00

I've successfully made two pairs of ear-rings for the fanny bracelet (previous post) using tubular square stitch. The one on the left was made from fishing line and the one on the right is made out of wax thread. I think you are able to see the difference, and you will definitely agree with me that the left one look more concrete and convincing than the right one.

All thanks to the needle I found that fits the thickness of the fishing line.

Now that I finally found a new way to make loops, I'll be making lots or 'rounds' to form different types of ear-rings.

Inspiration is all I need!

Fan bracelet.

2008-12-31T04:49:00.000-08:00

This bracelet is made of seed beads, round beads, bugle beads and fishing line. I am making a matching pair of ear-rings next.

2008-12-30T19:22:00.000-08:00

2008-12-24T22:42:00.000-08:00

MERRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY
CHRISSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSTMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMASSSSSSSSSS
&
aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa
HAPPY NEW YEAR 2009!

Spirally and closed loops earrings.

2008-12-17T23:27:00.000-08:00

I have been making spiral bracelets with the bountiful seed beads that I have, and really enjoy making them.

Starry Spiral Bracelet

Snowy Spiral bracelet

Heather Spiral Bracelet

Foliage Spiral Bracelet

I've also produced earrings with closed loops, like a very fundamental wirework. My fingers are shouting of pain. Relax time!!!

*A little note to myself: I must remember to print the accessories' names inside the image.

Chinese Knot Necklaces.

2008-12-10T18:07:00.000-08:00

I've learned to make two types of Chinese Knots: Snake knot（蛇结） and One-side Flat knot（单边结）.

These are the snake knot images:

And my favourite one-side flat knot images:

And the necklaces using Chinese knot and wood beads:

Camera.

2008-12-10T18:01:00.000-08:00

I didn't know that buying an expensive, instant digital camera would be soooo complicated.The camera that I'm talking about is NIKON COOLPIX S520. For the past two weeks,I've been trying so hard to take clear pictures of my beading work to show off to the world, but it just takes soooo long to take a good picture. My pictures turned out to be too blurry, too bright or just not vitally clear. I can't even find a way to off the flash and I don't have the manual with me a the moment. I bought the camera in July 2008. Basically by using this camera, my photo-taking time has extended to one hour instead of quarter of an hour, or so. HELP!!!

Club, club, club...

2008-11-13T20:18:00.001-08:00

I mentioned once in my last post and have thought about forming a Beading Club. Today, I come across a local online beading club - Handmade Jewelry Club. Already I 'm feeling elated and my senses going haywire as I look through the club's features. Not only can I make lots of beading-friends through this site, I can also order materials from other jewelry makers, advertise my own handmade accessories and learn more techniques from the free tutorials and videos. I am so grateful to the owner of the blog for being the first Malaysian to set up a beading network online.

My next thought would be--> Is anyone interested in attending a real/physical Beading Club within the Klang Valley vicinity? Give a SHOUT!!!

Bead Club

2008-11-03T04:55:00.000-08:00

Lately, I've been actively scouting for beads and pendants to make necklaces. I'm pleased to meet a number of bead/accessories/jewelry enthusiasts who make their own pendant from clay, charms, yarn or resin. Since I'm a little bit tired of seeking for attractive and economical pendants, I've decided to stop my pace and find a way to make my own unique pendant, which hardly anyone can imitate.

How am I going to make it? My idea is to use any natural beads, maybe just one in the beginning, in conjunction with Chinese love knots. I don't have a clue about Chinese love knots, so this is one area I have to do research on.

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On another note, I am still working on a Beading Club. My purpose is to gather bead enthusiasts, consisting of collectors, makers, DIYists and sellers of all sorts to assemble at a place to share ideas and their products.

Necklaces.

2008-10-13T08:05:00.001-07:00

I bought several items today to embark on a necklace project: leather thongs, velvet string, hooks, clasps and crimpers, as well as pendants and a necklace stand. Below are the few items that I made:

Well, it was quite a piece of cake to fix the crimps, lobster clasps and split ring onto the velvet and leather thongs. I have an itch to learn about pendant-making with clay. I think glass-blowing lessons is till a distance from my dream since I don't even have my own place yet now.

Last Saturday, I met a lady who made rose and puppets pendants and ear-rings from clay. I should say she was a jewellery designer. I would like to buy some pendants from her, which reminds me of the another lady who sold liu li pendants of really high quality.
I suppose I'm now inspired to make sets of necklace and ear-rings.

Beadweaving and ear-rings.

2008-09-22T16:53:00.000-07:00

My attempt in square-stitch and peyote stitch still remains an attempt. I have gotten rid of ample threads and beads, not to mention time and energy invested in this lesson.And as usual, the lesson I learn behind every beading attempt is never to give up and try again. Hence, I will again start on a new attempt tomorrow.

On a brighter side, I sold another 4 pairs of ear-rings yesterday and was asked to custom make another pair of ear-rings using Swarowski crystal.

My another new intention is to buy bulk beads and accessories from websites in any beading magazines. I'm starting with a site called U Bead It, and I'm planning to purchase Japanese beads and ear-ring accessories as it is difficult to get them here in Kuala Lumpur, as per say to the pattern and quality that I want.

Beadweaving

2008-09-11T04:57:00.000-07:00

First of all I'm happy to sell a few pairs of ear-rings which I recently made today. My friends thought my work was very good and even ask to custom made a few pairs for them in the future.

I have been using beadweaving technique called tubular peyote stitch a couple of weeks ago with the intention to make a necklace. Sad to say I decided to stop the project due to difficulties to compose myself during this strenuous moment that I'm going through in my personal life. For three days in a row, I attempted and redo repeatedly parts of the necklace. Every time I almost complete it the strings start to break and shred, and I ended up with a very loose artwork and knotted threads. Finally, I thought maybe I should end this part of the project and start afresh another new less complex task.

This doesn't mean I'm giving up in this beadweaving technique. Tomorrow I promise to begin square stitch with much patience and perseverance.

The ear-rings

2008-08-26T03:26:00.000-07:00

Responding to my friend Nurul's request of uploading the pictures of some of the ear-rings that I made recently, I'm displaying a few of the ear-rings here, out of the 100 I successfully made. I would love to sell to any interested buyers at RM7 per pair.
The ear-rings are all wrapped in plastic bags so as to maintain the quality of my handwork as soon as they were completed.

Beads Destashing Choices

2008-08-26T02:52:00.000-07:00

What is destashing? It merely means to get rid of the extra beading supplies that you have and which you don’t know what to do with them anymore, and would love to dispose them with a nice cause.

How do you destash them? Below are a few choices, choose the one that is best for you:

Trade off with someone else.
Donate them to senior citizens group or in an assisted living home.
Donate to schools, where children will definitely use the beads for their art and craft work.
Sell the beads at a garage sale.
Start a de-stash shop, taking in things from other destashers. Hah!!
Set up another table by the professional stall you have already set up. Place the disposable beads on the table and invite children to explore with them, by making bracelets, ear-rings and necklaces. Sell those materials at a low price.

And the next time, when you feel that your old beads need a new home or you need a new idea to string those beads, contact me. I’ll be happy to be your beading partner and trade the beads with you.

Teaching others

2008-08-14T17:19:00.000-07:00

My brother and I sold second hand goods at Amcorp Mall a while ago on one fine Sunday. After a big portion of my brother’s books, cassettes and CDs were sold out at a bargain, I arranged an array of my handmade accessories at the stall. I must say the accessories attracted quite many pairs of eyes. A child was fascinated by the handwork that she persuaded her mum to ask me to show her how to make those lovely things. I was delighted to show her roughly and quickly on how to do it. I was really inspired to conduct a teaching class one day when I am more skilful and have been making jewellery for a longer time than now.

Some things I should consider when teaching the craft to others:

WHERE: Find a place to hold the class, such as community centres, civic organisation, churches, bead stores and craft stores.

WHAT: Give a lesson that the students can do in 30-45 minutes. This is so that they can create a jewellery that they can bring home and feel satisfy about it. Make sure that the masterpiece is attractive too.

HOW: Provide kits and tools for the students. Package the tools and kits in a ziplock bag and place the items on the working table assigned for each student.

WHO: I intend to teach children and teenagers, especially those who just finished their major exams and have a long holiday ahead of them.

Art Show, Art Show, where are you???

2008-08-03T22:14:00.000-07:00

I called UTM today to inquire about the procedure to book a stall for the university’s convocation event. Unfortunately, all the stalls have been taken two weeks ago. Apparently, there was only one day for stall owners to book and buy the lot or stall location. I was also told you have to queue for that and it can take a whole day. Sigh! Have to find another place now.

Where can I find other art shows or any shows at all?
• Local papers: more suitable for Kuala Lumpur’s location. Other states hardly have papers that publish information about their place.
• Network: always the best way to do things efficiently and faster.
• Phone calls: let’s hope they’ll guide you to the proper channel.
• Internet: as always the most reliable information highway.
• Walls and pillars in Malaysia, where most advertisements are stuck for perusal of the public.

A few places that I gathered from the local newspaper like YellowPost and The Star:

 ABC Market at Plaza Mont Kiara, every Sunday (10am – 6pm). Call Slyvia Chan/Maggie Lau at 03-6201 2288 (ext. 181/182), only on Monday to Thursday 2-4 pm.
 Amcorp Mall, every Sunday (10am – 5pm).
 Summit USJ Flea Market, every Saturday & Sunday (10am – 5.30pm). Call 03-8024 0551
 Bangsar Shopping Centre Flea Market. Call 03-2094 7700
 1 Utama Shopping Centre. Call 03-7726 4788
 The Curve. Call 03-7710 6868
 Subang Parade. Call 03-5633 2530
 Plaza Warisan, every Saturday and Sunday (10am – 7pm)

How to price self-made jewelry?

2008-07-21T05:34:00.000-07:00

Pricing of any kinds of jewelry depends on many variables, such as location and required income. It is never true for hand-crafted items that the cheaper the item, the quicker it will sell. Super low price will also make customer suspicious of the quality of the jewelry.

When pricing an item, consider overhead cost, like travel expenses (going to the supplier’s place), office supplies (business cards, labels, papers, pens) and tools (pliers, wires, cutters).

Another essential cost to be included in the pricing is labour cost. Estimate how much money you need to make in an hour. Then, figure out how much time you need to make the jewelry. It is also important to know your estimation time of production when customer makes an advance order on an item.

This leads us to the different pricing for wholesale (other shops/stalls) and retail. Make sure to come up with the different pricing early on in the business development, as it might be difficult to track back at a later date. Below is a simple formula for wholesale and retail price:

For wholesale = 2 x (supplies + labor + overhead)

For retail = 2.5 (or 3) x (supplies + labor + overhead) (keystone pricing).

##Below is an example of how this formula works:

You make a pair of earrings and the cost of the supplies is $3; they took you 10 minutes to make and your hourly wage is $18, so that would be a labor cost of $3; overhead costs you’ve estimated to be $1:

Wholesale earring price: 2 x ($3 + $3 + $1) = $14

Retail earring price: 2.5 x ($3 + $3 + $1) = $17.50

Pesta Konvo UTM 2008

2008-07-16T00:46:00.000-07:00

I received this information from a Facebooker that a Pesta Konvo 2008 will be held in Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, Skudai, Johor on 11^th August 2008. What a fantastic opportunity to sell beading stuff at one of the stalls, I reckon. I contacted one of my beading friends and she agreed to join me with her handywork.

I’ve created a name card and it’s due time to visit Central Market and Chow Kit for beading materials. And a hard reminder to myself: FINISH THE EARRINGS, MATE!!!!

Oooh...Also must ask UTM what are the requirements for getting a stall there.

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Apart from earrings which are less laborious, another simpler and more attractive project is mobile phone dangle. In fact, this project can also be done when organising campaigns to create certain awareness, such as breast cancer and AIDS.

Legal, not Lethal.

2008-07-08T22:11:00.000-07:00

The best and worst part of starting a business is looking after the legal part of it. As written by a well-known bead designer, Tammy Powley, making a little extra income through beading is s a fun thing to do, but you also have to look into the legal business of it, mainly because breaking the law or trying to avoid from legal requirements could, or rather will eventually bring trouble to you (like paying fines and put into jail).

Tammy’s advice is that before you take the plunge, educate yourself about business and the legal requirements when starting a business. It is certainly different for each country. ( I wonder how it is like in Malaysia.) Some of the few things that is necessarily to be done, as in any other business, are like below:

Make some, or as many phone calls as you need.
Ask people around you. Do not be afraid what people might think about you?
Contact your local Small Business Administration office. What are they called in Malaysia?
Start writing your business plan.

Ear-rings

2008-06-27T13:37:00.000-07:00

I have been making more pairs of ear-rings, trying very hard to reach the number 100. Well, what can I say, I think I have twenty or thirty more to go.

I visited another shop yesterday in Kingston to source for beads and findings, and still can't seem to find a decent friendly shop. Many shops are basically not interested to do wholesale business with you if you unable to produce a decent business name of your shop.

I've also registered for online newsletters to collect ideas on new beading methods from About.com. Now, my gmail account is flooded with their newsletter. This is good news so that I don't have to buy beading magazine next time.

A Charm For Beading.

2008-06-04T03:26:00.000-07:00

So finally I decide to create a blog for my beading venture, after much advice from my brother and friends. I would like to share any beading projects and photos with readers, and meanwhile also hope to make more friends during the process of my crafty routine.

Currently, I'm residing in London for a short stay with my husband and friends. I bought a beading magazine yesterday called BEAD and is enjoying every moment of it.

Later during the day, I'm heading to Leicester Square to get some beads for my ear-ring project.