I was bowled over by the craft package I received for our Creative Swap (details HERE, if you want to join in all the fun!) from Caryn of Sari-Saring Kulay. Caryn sent me the prettiest things from Japan, where she’s currently based. Look at all my cross-continental, crafty goodies!
I received Space Ice Cream (strawberry flavor), a do-it-yourself magnet kit to cobble together felt pastry, a beautiful, handmade beaded crochet necklace, plus a smaller bracelet for my niece (featured on this post!) She also sent along a thoughtful note in the prettiest handwriting.
Thank you, Caryn! I love the necklace, ESPECIALLY the colors (black, gold, yellow.) They’re just like the colors from Martin Margiela’s collection, which I wrote about HERE. Eyelovem all. 
For my part in the swap, I decided to make earrings for my craft partner, Denise. She also lives in Japan and is a fashion student, but I don’t really know her, so I decided to make two pairs that I thought might cover most of the bases: a “naughty” pair, and a “nice” pair. She can wear either one, depending on her mood!
“Naughty” on the left, below, in black onyx and gold. “Nice” on the right, in silver and four types of pearls in varying shades of soft pink, white, cream and light gold.
I loved making these because I have seriously neglected my jewelry-making. It was a chance to take out all the pretties in my bead stash and play with them. It was like a cup of tea with an old friend: comfortable and easy.
I’m sending the earrings off to Japan with my one of my favorite candies, Chewy Spree, a kitschy Hollywood postcard and a set of Simplicity purse patterns for Denise to play with in fashion school. I hope she likes these!
Thanks again, Caryn, and hello to Denise from across the seas. I promise I’ll be early for the next swap! (As in promise guid ya!)
August 18th, 2008 at 2:56 am
Lovely earrings ^_^ And I like your bead stash. Wow! I only have a few scattered here and there. You’re so organised. Hrm, maybe I should try my hand at beads, just so I have an excuse to organise beads in their special compartments. I’m going to check out the swap, but don’t know if I’ll join. I’m notoriously bad for sending post (UK post offices are depressing!)
August 18th, 2008 at 5:00 pm
Wow! I didn’t know you’re into jewelry-making too! Why aren’t we neighbors? :/
Those earrings look great, by the way. I love dangles.
Your swap loot are nice too!
August 18th, 2008 at 5:48 pm
Sinta
- Thank you! You’re now doing jewelry too, so you’re not so far away from being a beadbrain.
Gracey
Thanks for the compliments, can’t wait the see the ones you’re making for your shop!
- I know. If we were neighbors, we’d probably get together for long crafting afternoons.
August 19th, 2008 at 12:55 am
I lurve the ‘Naughty’ and ‘Nice’ concept and your interpretation of it. I had a cinematic vision of twins wearing your earrings: Ms Naughty being all vampy (red & black being her signature colours) and Ms Nice being all vintage floral dresses and tinkly bangles.
August 19th, 2008 at 4:22 pm
Fatima
- Exactly what I was thinking! (I would be “nice.” Hehe. Kuno.)
August 19th, 2008 at 11:04 pm
hey J, glad to know you liked the necklace!
i’ll take pics of denise wearing your stuff and post them
she’s still in manila now, but i’ll meet up with her when she gets back. hehehe
August 20th, 2008 at 12:40 am
Hi J,
got here thru Caryn!
Wow, what a loot you got there. Love the pieces you got and the pieces you sent. I love jewelries too. I tried doing some a long time ago. I think its time to revisit this craft.
September 6th, 2008 at 9:25 am
ey! i just got back in manila and was sooooo surprised to get a mail from the US! i love the earrings! sorry ill be sending my swap on monday!:)i really hope you’ll like it. and im reaaaaallly sorry for being late. it was kind of toxic in manila, was taking care of my mom’s hair extensions business!
anyway messgae me once you get my gift ok? or just message me whenever hahaha 
September 10th, 2008 at 7:05 am
hi i sent my package already…hope you’ll like it!