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As my latest venture, I have taken to the streets...

Well, maybe not the streets, but to Mangga Dua wholesale center in Jakarta! Its just as crowded inside as it is outside on the streets, but luckily not as hot. Anyway- In my attempt to explore my creative juices, I have taken up jewelry making. So, my trip to Mangga Dua was for the porpose of buying the beads, stones, and all other parts for creating my very own exquisite masterpieces.

My first purchases included:
various green and blue beads
white and blue glass seed beads
White quarts
Garnate
Chinese made crystal beads (think swarovski on a budget)
silver findings (parts for connections, glasps, and hooks)
Nickle-free ear hooks
Pliers and wire cutters
and perhaps a bit more.

First is a pair of garnate + crystal bead chandalier earrings.



Second is a pair of quartz + glass bead necklace (These are for my mom!) plus a matching necklace.



Third is a pair of garnate + crystal earrings that resemble grapes! These are the American Idol earrings, because that's what I was watching while I worked on them!

Sheley Calypso: The First Items

The first items I would like to show you come from Jogjakarta, Central Java and from Celuk, Bali. The pictures are not perfect, ad the products have a beauty that can only be seen when they shimmer in the light, but please take a look and use your imagination!

First, we have some ribbon handbags, which were hand-sewn in Jogja accompanied by fans made from fragrant sandal wood. The handbags are fully lined and have a dark wooden handle. The fans are cut and carved from sandal wood and still carry the strong aromatic scent that the wood carries. They are stamped with a flower motif.



What we have next is a collection of silver and shell pendants from Bali, Indonesia. Descriptions from top left, clockwise. First we have an oval shell pendant which is dyed teal blue. It is very irredesent and has an 'ocean wave' look. Next is another shell pendant in a circular shape. It is dyed red and has silver accents on the top of the pendant. The third pendant is one of my favorites, made from Mother of Pearl, in the shape of a tear drop. The surface is very smooth and glossy. Next is one of my Paua/Abalone shell pendants! This peice is very beautiful and of the best quality. It is reinforced from behind and has silver accents on the top. The next pendant is actually made of Coral and silver. It is circular and has silver accents in the shape of a butterfly and flowers. Finally, in the center is the largest pendant of the lot; it is made of Mother of Pear (MOP) and has a center-cut which is embelished with a silver trim.



Now, let me introduce you to a sample of my earrings. Again, all of these products are handmade in Bali and are constructed with 92.5 sterling silver. Left: Dangles using freshwater pearls (FWP). Top: Dangles using real turquoise. Right: Dangles using FWP, same design as in top. Bottom: Large hoops accented with ting silver balls.