taking a little break from blogging... hopefully not too long.
day job + own work = too much!

i can't believe it's a day before december!

dec 12th...

is my first craft show. Don't really know what to expect or how much to prepare. It is definitely motivating me to make a lot of jewelry, which is really good. But I haven't had much energy or been in the mood to find more visual references or visit other's blogs. That is something I want to do more because I like looking at things. There is much to work on.
Well, I will post some pictures of my latest work when I gather more pieces together.

For more details, please visit 3rdward holiday craft fair. If you are in NY around this time, I would love to see you there!!

jamsnation

Check out this site. My friend Melissa has some wonderful jewelry there! One of my favorite is this beautiful piece.

jewelry: amulet

An amulet (from Latin amuletum; earliest extant use in Naturalis Historia [Pliny], meaning "an object that protects a person from trouble"), a close cousin of the talisman (from Arabic طلاسم tilasm, ultimately from Greek telesma or from the Greek word "telein" which means "to initiate into the mysteries") consists of any object intended to bring good luck and/or protection to its owner. Potential amulets include: gems, especially engraved gems, statues, coins, drawings, pendants, rings, plants, animals, etc.; even words said in certain occasions—for example: vade retro satana—(Latin, "go back, Satan"), to repel evil or bad luck.

(via Wikipedia).

I was introduced to this instrument, a mukkuri, yesterday. It is a very traditional instrument in Japan. I love the sounds that it can make. A friend sent me some songs and it the type of music that can help you take your mind off things and relieve stress. Thought I also share a youtube video of it. Enjoy!

how would you adorn this ear?

(via swissmiss).

get up and move around

Yesterday, I got an email from my friend, Samantha. I think she's been noticing how much I complain about the pain in my neck and shoulders. Sam sent me this article about healthy work habits. Take a look! Simple things that are easily forgotten when you're in working mode.

Ban Zimbabwe Blood Diamonds

Sign the PETITION!

Zimbabwe's Robert Mugabe has sent his brutal army to seize control of his country's diamond fields. 200 civilians have been murdered and profits from our wedding rings are used to fuel violent political conflict.

Official diamond regulators meeting in Namibia this week will decide whether to suspend Zimbabwe and stop Mugabe selling his blood diamonds on the world market.

We have just 24 hours to persuade these countries to act - let's get a massive petition together and deliver it directly to the meeting in Namibia. Sign the petition below and then spread the word to anyone who doesn't want our gifts of love to finance hate.

New Etsy Shop!

Please visit me here.

Feedback always welcomed and very much appreciated!

Two days ago at work, I was using the polishing machine to get rid of the oxidization on a pendant. While I moving the piece side to side, the chain on the pendant got caught into the machine as it was spinning. Don't know how it happened, but I guess I wasn't so alert. Luckily, the chain just slashed my left hand a little bit and it didn't slice my finger off. I talked to some my jewelers yesterday and they told me scary stories about using the polishing machine. I never knew how dangerous the machine was. So long story short, never polish something with a chain attached!! Also, protect your eyes and hands!

Listening to...

I've been listening to a lot of Zencast while I'm making jewelry. So much time can pass by and I just let my mind wander. It's good to listen to some teachings and explore Buddhism. Gil Fronsdal is a great speaker.

That's how I've been spending my time...

Jellyfish Swarm, Palau
Photograph by David Doubilet
(via National Geographic)

Photograph by Peter Essick
(via National Geographic)

I love the textures and colors.

Posted some new work on my portfolio website.

Some of my favorites...




Thanks to Pat for taking these pictures!