jumpingbeads by alxkate

Back to School

2010-03-24T08:25:00.000-07:00

I am serving my notice period and will be joining another company starting next month. This is the time where I am not tight to any assignments, project or to-do-list. I consider this is a good time to chill out...yeah....

The day I tendered my resignation, I went to a bookshop later that evening. Just to look for books to read during my break. I have a few days off before starting the new job. And then I found this - "Atelier AQUAIR" Guidebook for Watercolour Pencils by Miyuki Sugihara.

The book is perfect for me at this time. I've always have a thing for fine art. I don't know if I have the talent in art but I know my passion for art is deep. When I was younger, I was actively involved in art class,, art club and art competition. It all stopped after SPM; I was too busy pursuing so-called 'realistic' career path.

Now is the time to stop awhile, taking a break and reflect back all the things I've done, or not done. Am I at a right path for not pursing what I really like, like drawing?

So here I go, back to my fist art lesson.

Referring the book, I obediently follow Miyuki's guidelines. Although the book was all printed in Japanese, it was not hard to understand. Miyuki has illustrated all the 'how-to' & techniques step by step so perfectly.

I don't mind display my drawings here. Not that it's perfect or beautiful but I was satisfied. Most importantly, I was having FUN!!

One of my first few draft drawing apples

The Ocean Project (cont')

2009-11-08T06:52:00.000-08:00

After re-thinking and mixing, trials and errors....this is what I've come up with... Pearls and shell can never go wrong...blue crystals amd clear crystals reminds me of the crystal clear ocean water.

product code: Blue Pearl Shell 01

price:RM50.00

The Ocean Project

2009-10-29T23:44:00.000-07:00

Maybe it's because I come from the mountains (there where my hometown is..), I've always like to go to the ocean. I'm not very good at swimming but I am grateful to Debbie for forcing me to go diving with her in the Great Barrier Reef many-many years ago. I was scared but it was all worthwhile in the end.

While I was thinking how to create my own beads and digging into my old junks, I found some sea shells and corals whichI kept since dunno when. Hah! maybe I should start my Ocean Project first...I did some shell earrings previously...and now I found these...

Combining pearls and shells and sand (warm colours) is just nice, it may sound boring but it's still the perfect mix. I started with the shell and I did the pendant part, but still wondering if it's too much or too less...

What's next is the matching necklace for it...I want it simple but it won't go very nice with plain chain. Maybe a string or pearl necklace? or combination of chain and pearl? ....

Let me think a little bit more...

A Drought Year

2009-09-30T10:14:00.000-07:00

It has not be easy, since I came out from my comfort zone and getting involved in small businesses. It took months to realized what works and what won't. So much time and effort to put in, sometimes wasted and for unworthy reason. I can't deny some experiences are painful but I never regretted of the steps I've taken, either for better or worse I know i'm growing stronger and wiser each day.

Like Isak Dinesan quoted "“Difficult times have helped me to understand better than before, how infinitely rich and beautiful life is in every way, and that so many things that one goes worrying about are of no importance whatsoever...”

At this stage, I just want to move on and work on what I love most (like making jewelries & etc). There are times when I was stressed and down, I can't think of any new or creative ideas. But once a while, those ideas just keep on pouring in...I guess just need to practice more often.

For this new range, the necklace are customed in such ways to be adjustable...

high or low wear
1 or 2 layers
with or without the pendant

Come check it out!

Item name: Popsicle

Price: RM 35.00

Is named popcicle because of the candy pop colours combination. The necklace can be wear with or without the pendant, it can be taken out easily. Is great with casual wear with bright colours shirt.

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Item name: Blue Bubbles

Price: RM 30.00

The colours combination is inspired from a ribbon I bought from the mall the other day. Green, blue and navy blue. I customed this long necklace to be adjustable to high or low neck at few levels. You can also wear it without the ribbon pendant, it can be easily taken out.

Example of high neck wear

Example of low neck wear

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Item name: the Punk
Price: RM 45.00

the Punk is for you who like it loud and with little gothic style, but I've also combined it with some feminine elements as well. This necklace has 2 layers but the additional layer can be taken out, and adjusted at various level...allows you to re-style it with your own creativity and preference.

I'm haven't been making earrings and bracelet for sometime now but I wish to create something similar or at least a matching set for the necklaces in this post. That's all for time being.

The Princess Diary

2009-07-30T06:52:00.000-07:00

It has been a busy month, I expect August will be also the same. Although I'm busy with work, everyday I am longing to have more time to explore more creative ideas and making very attractive an unique jewelries. That makes me happy. It has been a really busy busy year, lot's of transitions ... lots of pain but I'm not sure they are all worthwhile. I can only hope for the best. Step by step, one at a time...

Here are my latest.

Princess in Pink necklace, RM30.00

Pearl & Shell earrings, RM20.00

Rosy Shell earrings, RM20.00

That's some for this month. I'm now exploring into something more Gothic style, that gives dramatic looks to overall attire. Maybe you can give me some suggestions what kind of beads and material to look for...

Month of August is coming....Autumn, brown, warm, leaves, yellow~ hmmm

Oh! My Beautiful May...

2009-04-30T18:50:00.001-07:00

HAPPY LABOUR DAY everybody!

Labour day is a very special day because it's the only day that everyone in this whole wide world is celebrating it. I wonder who started this day and what's it really means to celebrate labour day...From wikipedia, it was defined "resulted from the labour union movement, to celebrate the economic and social achievements of worker" but here is the interesting part..."The celebration of Labour Day has its origins in the Eight-hour day movement, which advocated eight hours for work, eight hours for recreation, and eight hours for rest."...Macam doesn't applied here. Most of us either don't really have as much as eight hour of recreation or rest, or worse none of it.

Well, some people have no choice or they like it that way...

OK, presenting my latest work. Enjoy, enjoy!

item code: OPNB0012, bracelet

Price: MYR27.00

item code: TO0042, earrings

Price: MYR7.00

item code: BGB0101 (left), BG0090 (right)
Price: MYR7.00 each pair

item code: BSX0141, earrings
Price: MYR18.00

item code: RSX0152, earrings
Price: MYR18.00

item code: OPN0188, earrings
Price: MYR15.00

item code: PSX0173, pendant
Price: MYR17.00

Back to the Oz

2009-04-04T04:31:00.000-07:00

I just came back of a trip to Australia (Thanks AirAsia!!). The last time I went there was to attend a dear friend's wedding, probably 2-3 years ago. And 2-3 years before that I was there completing my tertiary study...and this time when I was there, I was meeting my 2 god-daughters already. Phew~ time flies faster than you can notice.

Okay, back to jewelleries talk; when I was there I bought a mug of assorted beads from K-Mart. It sounds cheesy but I couldn't resist my curiosity. It actually turns out to be quite lovely. Your judge...

I'm going to come out with something from this source very soon. So wait for my next post!

Before leaving for Oz; I've actually made a few items but I don't have the time updating it in this blog, so here you go...

Item Code: RRG025, MYR 5.00

Item Code: RRG027, MYR 5.00

Item Code: RRGH031, MYR 15.00

Item Code: TH055, MYR 15.00

Key to Your Heart

2009-02-27T01:10:00.000-08:00

Here are my latest items for this month. I have new materials in my stock and one of it is the KEY! I have plenty more like the stars, shells etc but I've yet think about the design. Do come check out in my next post too.

item code: KTMH001, RM 10.00

item code: KTMH002, RM 10.00

item code: FCE001, RM 5.00

item code: GWBN001, RM 25.00

Hot items in the last weekend market, I sold plenty of these series necklace and this one was produced later on.

item code: PLN011, RM 25.00
Hot items in the last weekend market, I sold plenty of these series of necklaces and this one was produced much later on.

item code: FCB003, RM 10.00

That's all for now. I'm looking forward to create much unique and special designs. I hope to get feedback from my wonderful readers and viewer as well.

The Golden Hearts

2009-02-09T20:13:00.000-08:00

Life is full of ups and downs. But every ups and downs that happenned in our life, there must be reasons behind it and it shaped the person we are today. A person with a golden heart will usually looks at these updowns constructively and positively. Anyway, it just a piece of reminder for myself and come out with this golden frame wired heart pendants.

item code: WGH0011

MYR 20 per item

item code: WGC0011

MYR 15 per item

The young chap with a BIG heart

2009-02-05T07:29:00.000-08:00

I would like to thanks Wai Yee for dedicating memoir about Markus Ng in her recent post. He is indeed a young guy with a BIG BIG heart. He is younger but I'm sure his maturity exceeded mine, and many others. His message is clear; i.e. to save and help others as much as possible and make a this place better society, community and environment. He has dedicated so much in his life to help to many communities and inspired others with his hopes and dreams. I've only know him for less than a year, but he has impacted me so much for who he truly is and what he believes. Even at our first meeting and first discussion together, I was already amazed with his selflessness, kindness and persistance to contribute as much as he can. There is no sense of arrogance, ignorance and self-importance in him. He is a pure role model.

I regret very much that I did not spare more time to know him more and hear his sharings and ideas when he's just around the corner. Now that he has left to a better land, I'll just need to BE THERE so that I can catch up with him again, someday. It's a blessing to know you, Markus. I'll always remember your many messages and work on it.

PS:-More about Markus Ng and memorial of him at http://markusng.memory-of.com/About.aspx and his personal blog at http://www.myspace.com/markusng

Something Nice for CNY and Valentine

2009-01-12T05:46:00.000-08:00

In preparing for the display at Youth '09, jumpingbeads had actually come out with a few new items, new designs. Those are also something special that I would like you to have for Chinese New Year celebration season as well as valentine. Hope you like it!

The PEACE TO THE WORLD series

These series come with a message for peace on earth because doves represents harmony and peace. Each piece is also structured with very soft and neutral colours for the same message as well.

item code: NPOE0011

unit price: MYR20.00

item code: HPOE0011

unit price: MYR20.00

item code: NPOE0012

unit price: MYR20.00

Comes with pastel blue and silver grey ribbons as straps.

item code: HPOE0013

unit price: MYR20.00

item code: NPOE0022

unit price: MYR25.oo

Adjustable neckline with a polka dot ribbon.

item code: NPOE0014
unit price: MYR20.00

The WIRE - WIRE LOVES series

The followings are the romantic series and I got quite popular responses from the crowd during the Youth '09 event. Be assured that all were manually curled and sewed. These are the very first version and I'll be enhancing the design especially in the stitching and colouring of the frames.

item code: NFF0011

unit price: MYR 20.00

item code: NFL0011

unit price: MYR 25.00

I have 2 of this design for the display and all were sold out. I was even got 3 more orders to be collected on the last day of the event. I'm going to make more of these for valentines. I think it's very nice gift for girlfriends and family member. It can be used as a brooch as well. Each was attached with a safety pin at the back.

item code: NWLR0011

unit price: MYR 15.00
Another popular item, I almost sold out all during the event. It very unique and different, I think it's lovely too! I'm going to make more of this, so far I have the frame in metallic wine red and black. See the next item.

item code: NWLB0011

unit price: MYR 15.00

Similar with item above but the frame is in black. Also another popular item.

item code: NILY0011
unit price: MYR 25.00
Adjustable neckline with a printed ribbon.

item code: BSS0011

unit price: MYR 5.00

Colourful bracelet for mood lifting. :-)

OK, that's all for now. Start ordering now for the greetings season! I can personalised the items based on your own preference too if you need to and I've already done that. Hope you all are happy of what you get!

jumpingbeads @ Youth 09 - Malaysia Largest Youth Lifestyle Festival

2009-01-11T17:07:00.000-08:00

3 days at the Youth '09 event ended quick fast and I guess it's because of the on-going-100 activities and the tireless crowd (because they are youth lar!). See what the Youth '09 was really all about at http://youthsays.com/. There was also some blogs that briefed the event pretty well by http://kelvinsse.blogspot.com/2008/11/youth-09-2nd-national-youth.html and http://eventful.com/kualalumpur/events/youth-09-malaysias-largest-youth-lifestyle-/E0-001-016978292-1.

Although I'm a bit disqualified being youth and the music was too loud, I feel happy to be there; to enjoy all the activities that were scheduled, to see what young people would do nowadays and to get to know more youngsters! Haha...

The flea market was organised by Bijou Bazaar. I set up my booth in the Hall 2, upstairs - where the pc game competition took place. The traffic up there was quite slow on the first day, I supposed the visitors are not aware of the bazaar up there. Many of the vendors shifted to Hall 1 in by afternoon. There was rock bank competition took place for the whole day in Hall 2, it was nice but the music blast really loud and I felt eardrums almost burst.

A booth that sells very interesting painted sneakers. I think they called Bulu-bulu.

One of the rock band performing in the rock band competition

On the 2nd day, I shifted to Hall 1. Thanks to wonderful Stephanie informed me of an empty booth available, right next to her. Stephanie is the owner of STEPZCREATION and she is in fashion line including clothes, bags and jewelries (she can design dresses too!)

Next to me was also another very interesting booth call PLASTERDOLL . The idea of having the doll potrait with our favourite design clothes is indeed very creative and unique. Online purchase is also available at http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5173817

Wall of photos by LOMOKIDS .You should go visit their website too! Luv it!

Hey, mr. DJ....(I think I heard DJ Arnold)

There was graffiti competition as well

The scene in Hall 1.

Phew! It was a great experience. I've never been to such crowded and lively event since I left college. I wonder if this event would be organised annually, I'll be sure going back for gaining creativity and get inspired with the youth!

I want to thank my sister for sparing so much of her time accompany and helping me throughout the whole event.

Earrings and Bracelet series

2009-01-01T04:58:00.000-08:00

Heya! I finally find the time to update more of my jewelleries work since the weekend market. Oh yes! by the way; wishing the world a very HAPPY NEW YEAR! Many said 2009 is unlikely a good year for there will be further slump to the economic downturn. What the heck, life's still goes on... I guess we just need to stay positive and look forward. There were worse things happenned like WWII, revolutions etc. but people survived! (wonder how they did that...)

OK, here is me again uploading my items 1 by 1. Please note if you purchase 3 pairs of earrings that are cost at MYR5.00 each pairs, we will offer you a very special price at MYR10.00 for the all the 3 pairs!

Hope you enjoy this!

Item code: OB0012, MYR5.00 per pair (left)
PG0011, MYR5.00 (right)

Status: Sold

These 2 pairs are so popular the beads are now out of stock! If you like these items, you'll have to order and I'll resemble them again.

Item Code: BD0011, MYR5.00 per pair

Status: Sold

Will try to make something similar again. The beads are not easy to get

item code: TP0011, MYR8.00 per pair (left)

PG0013, MYR5.00 per pair (right, sold)
TP0011 is a colourful pair and best for casual wear. 2 pairs were sold and there are 3 pairs remaining.

item code: CP0011, MYR5.00

Traditionally pearl. The pearls are unpolished but it leaves natural looks at best. Try match this earrings with traditional costumes and it will not go wrong!

item code: PG0014, MYR5.00 per pair

pink mixing maroon, it's a fine combination although simple. I'm imagining someone wearring this with sari. Nice!

item code: BI0011, MYR5.00 per pair

Be cool with this black ice cubes earrings.

The following are some of our bracelets series....

item code: BM0012, MYR10.00

Get funky with this colourful and unexpected bracelet.
status: sold

item code: HWG0011, MYR30.00

Come clean and simple with Bracelet in white.

item code: HOB0011, MYR15.00

Silver blue and striped glass beads combined into a simple bracelet. It's classy!

item code: HTP0011, MYR30.00

Elastic bracelets that boost a jolly and vibrant mood.

And..that's all for this post. There are plenty more but i'm posting it the next one together with other new items. I'm starting to think something nice for the Valentine...hmmmmm

A Good Start at Jaya 33 weekend market

2008-12-30T06:21:00.000-08:00

Time flies so fast and my first action in a weekend market finally over. Overall, it was a good start and it has really boost my confident. People really like my stuff, Yay!

And I also had a great time partnering with my friend Wai Yee who also owns chatterbeads, during the whole 3 days. The experience was valuable and I met great new friends as well along the way :-)

Wai Yee was preparing the labels for the product displayed on the first day of the weekend market

I'm very thankful my family and many of my friend who has helped me to make this happened and all the support they have gave. This is very important to me. Just wanna let them know I'll do the same for them whenever they need me there.

The display we set for the weekend market

Earrings on display, they go fast!

Series of necklace and bracelet.

What I've learned in this weekend market was valuable, at least now I know more what style that people prefer more and ways of presenting my products. And now i'm even more determined to make not only nice jewelleries but they shall be amazing.

This is only a beginning, there are more work need to be done. I will be back again to the weekend market in the during Valentine weekend next year! At the meantime, I will explore more! Wish me luck!

Come see what we have at Jaya 33 weekend market this 26-28 Dec!!

2008-12-25T17:37:00.000-08:00

For the first time, we'll be displaying and selling our products in the Weekend Market at Jaya 33. Come and see if there is anything right for you!

3,2,1 jumpingbeads blog launching....YAY!

2008-12-04T07:16:00.000-08:00

Hola! Hola! This is jumpingbeads' first post. On behalf of jumpingbeads, I want to thank you for sparing time to look into this blog. Big thanks to all beloved friends and family members who have been very supportive to this project.

This blog is one of the presentations of jumpingbeads' latest artwork, accessories especially. We go around places to source for various beads including pearls, jades, crystals and everything BEAUTIFUL and creatively combine them into piece of nice necklace, earring, bracelet, rings etc. Our principle is always simple, elegant and perfectly match to your dressing as the final touch.

Please take your time to review, if you find any item in the following interesting...perhaps you would like to have it, or maybe something similar but with different colour or shapes...feel free to send us note email at alxkate@gmail.com or call +6012 4764 722. We will customise for you.

If you have something in mind, maybe something to match a particular blouse or dress. Let us know too, we can help.

And of course, if you thing the work can be improved, kindly give comments too! Gracias!!

For this first post, we'll be publishing few of our necklace series. Hope you like it, enjoy!

Item Name: Magic Mix 001, MYR25.00
Simple 2 layers necklace in silver grey combinations. Total lenght is about 20 inches, matches well with dark coloured dressess especially black, purple, dark blue and also white.

Item Name: Lilac Series 001, MYR15.00

Status: Sold

Short necklace with clear purple beads, matches well with maroon or purple dress.

Item Name: Lilac Series 002 , MYR25.00

Status: Sold
Short necklace with clear purple beads, matches well with maroon, black or purple dress.

Item Name: Clear Crystal Pink 001, MYR35.00

2 layer chains + clear beads can matches beautifully with bright, pastel or dark dress.

Item Name: Victoria Garden 001, MYR35.00

Status: Sold
2 layer long necklace with butterfly plates, matches well with any black, pastel or greyish dress.

Item Name: Red Rose Garden 001, MYR25.00
Short lenght necklace with butterfly plate, all beads combined in pink tones so it matches along with white, pastels, pink, red or even black dress.

Item Name: Ocean 001, MYR15.00

Status: Sold

Short necklace combined with silver grey, clear and blue pendant.

Item Name: Maroon Mix 001, MYR15.00

Status: Sold

Short lenght necklace with pinkish to purple beads combination. Simple but elegant if wearing any matching colour dress and especially tube.

Okay, that's all for this time. Wait for more of our necklace, earrings, and bracelet series in our next post!