Swarovski ring

 Yet another Swarovski creation of mine.

I love the setting; it's called an "art seat".

 If only this was a real diamond.

For all you Australian readers, you may have noticed that Jetstar is having a massive sale on flights to Japan.  One way is only $209.00.  You can't even fly to the Whitsundays for that amount.  Please believe me when I say that the "Japan is so expensive" assumption is a myth.  The hotel where we will be staying right in the middle of Shibuya costs about 1/3 of what it costs to stay in central Sydney. And transport and food are very reasonable. The food variety is unbelievable!  Plus, there is always a sale going on in the shops somewhere, so you will be able to fill up your suitcase in no time at all. So what are you waiting for? Go over and buy some beads! (or fabric, or craft kits, or books, or clothes, or shoes, or paper or cosmetics, or dolls, or toys or kawaii stuff.......) You will LOVE it. Daisuki des.

Swarovski ring in purple

 Here's a ring I made from Swarovski crystals.  Once again, all items are from Kiwa.



How to make a Swarovski Pendant

 Have a try at making this pendant. It's quite easy, just a little fiddly.

 You will need the following Swarovski stones, plus settings in gold:

#4470 12mm Cyclamen oapl - x1

#1028 SS39 Crystal - x1

 #4320 18x13mm Amethyst - x1

#4320 14x10mm Montana - x1

 #4120 14x10mm White oapl - x1

 Place the stones in their settings, and bend over prongs.

 Swarovski pearls #5810 white 10mm x2, 6mm x3, 5mm x2

Bronze 8mm x1, 6mm x2, 5mm x1

swarovski #5000 6mm Amethyst x2, 4mm Montana x3

3mm clear crystal montees set in gold x6

tiny gold seeds

clear nylon thread (fishing line is good)

x2 gold filigree base plates

 Attach stones to one base plate with nylon thread.

 Then attach the montees

Finally, fill in the gaps with the beads and pearls using a gold seed looped through at the top end of each.

Attach the other base plate to the back of the first to conceal the threads.

Lastly, add a stylish chain with 2 split rings - about 70cm of chain is required.

Tres chic!

All items were purchased from http://www.kiwaseisakujo.jp/  You will need to use Tenso Forwarding service as well, as Kiwa do not post internationally. http://www.tenso.com/en/  You may be lucky enough to find a few of the beads in Australia, but you won't find the stones with settings, so it is easier to buy everyting from Kiwa.  Alternatively, fly to Japan and purchase from the actual store - it's so much more fun!! (purchase excess baggage kilos beforehand)

Little spoon of sweetness

I made this is for my 4 year old niece.  She likes girly things.

Swarovski pendant

So here's my first creation from my Kiwa haul.  This is an easy way of making a pendant. The base is premade and you simply glue in the corresponding crystals and bend over the prongs.

KIWA makes me happy

 Don't you love it when you've had a tough day at work and you get home to find the nice people from Japan Postal Service have left a parcel of goodies on your door step?

 They look alot prettier in real life.  Kiwa only post within Japan, so I used Tenso Forwarding service. I plan to visit the massive Kiwa shop in Asakusabashi when I visit Japan soon.  But this will keep me going in the meantime.



RETRO BAG

 I made this retro looking bag with Ikea fabric.  I love the bright colours.  The pattern came from this new book which I am in love with.  It contains patterns for clothes and bags made from Liberty fabric.  I'm aiming to make all of them.

In Australia, Liberty fabric costs about $56.00/m, so I'm hoping I can buy it cheaper in Tokyo when I am there later this year.