From the monthly archives: January 2008


Althea — a set of mismatched handphone straps custom ordered as part of a Valentine’s Day present.
(Pardon the colours… the skies are unforgiving!)

For her … an affirmation ring reading ‘I love You’ all round hangs from the strap. Made of sterling silver and brushed for an aged look, it is set against a quiet fairy who hangs in the hollow alongside a blush jade round.

For him … a prayer box featuring celtic crosses on the side hangs from the strap. It opens to allow a secret message to be written and gifted. Masculine yet with a touch of romanticism.

So you see, things may appear quiet on the shopfront but the backend has been busy with custom orders! Watch for a special selection of keyrings that pay tribute to the season of love. :)

These few days a couple of local crafters have been plagued with copycats… and we have been chatting about it online via MSN and such. It is frustrating to note that many have been the victim of such copyright infringement. Even more so to know that there is precious little support to get our dues and have to grit our teeth and bare the situation.

Personally, I do not take copies well. Heck, at the risk of sounding like a broken record and seeming to harp on the same situation, I will say that I will mention names if I deem fit. To the buyer, it seems like a small thing. Yet the amount of time spent in thinking up new creations is something that is ‘lost’ when your designs are simply stolen and claimed as someone else’s own.

While I admit that some designs are quite basic, copying someone else’s style or signature pieces without approval is not acceptable.

Pardon us if we make a scene. It is infuriating.

On a separate note, look what else has been stocked in store! (I needed some relief from the cats…)

Little Stars Sparkle Thots Children's Jewelry

Yes, it is finally launched! I have been a tad slow on the launch of the new children’s collection because, as a mother, I want to ensure that they are completely safe for children. They must be something I would give my daughter (if I had one and not a son…), or be delighted to gift my friends. And they are! Every effort has been made to ensure that they are child safe.

Most of the jewelry in this line is suited for children aged 3 and above. The necklaces generally measure in at 14″, perfect to suit lil necks. The materials used are safe and non-toxic. I have tried to minimise small ‘movable’ parts. Also with the concern of lead poisoning, Swarovski crystals used are non-excessive and do not exceed the 1gram allowance per item. Most kids by 3 would understand not to swallow random objects or put things into their mouths but if you worry, then gift your purchases to those above 6 years of age. This would minimise choking hazards.

The Little Stars range is a mix of simple and girly fun. See them to love them. You might be tempted to try them on yourself!

For more information on concerns on buying children’s jewelries, please read…

I was just reminded of Connie Talbot the other day and today, Bianca Ryan. Two amazing little girls with great talent. They sing with so much sincerity and honesty, that quite simply, it is heavenly to listen to their voices. So in the month of February, I am launching the Little Stars line at Sparkle Thots.

Little Stars is a new collection for the little girls that we know. Those that give great big hugs to everyone around them, those that say goodnight with butterfly kisses, those that are so full of love, and those that are going to be tomorrow’s Prov 31 women. With pride, honour and dignity.

Watch for it. Its coming soon! Stalk the flickr photostream or head down to Maad on 2-3 Feb 08.


Kidding!

If you are a fan of LOF and Lynda’s blog, you would have seen this image she had put up days ago. :P Thankfully, there has not been any ‘attitude’ by Sparkle Thots customers but I figured this would be as good a time as any to address the (currency) exchange rates.

Sparkle Thots uses 1 USD = 1.6 SGD to calculate the cost of all items. It does not ‘fluctuate’ per se as it deals with the way I price the items. I have a price in mind (after comprehensively including material, time and design cost… go figure) and it is in SGD. I do the necessary conversions thereafter so the currency fluctuations does not help, unless you are paying via USD in Paypal then it might.

Let’s face it. Changing the rate to reflect the volatile market rate would, quite frankly, see a corresponding raise in prices. A whole lot of work needed to recalculate and edit the prices… which would otherwise have been better spent on making new items. Right?

So now you know.

(Image used with permission from Lynda.)


The shop’s been restocked … go take a look. Especially if you were not able to make it to Maad this month.

Belle and her sisters love to hang out together. Hence, they all share similar tastes in fashion. Shanice and Heidi are fashioned in a similar way but with different components. A customised order for a customer’s daughter and her niece, I am sure this pair will find their way to the little girls’ heart.


Erhmm… I had a private launch before the public sale… but the dolls have all been taken up. If you are interested in having more of such dolls, do leave me a comment and I’d keep you in the loop should I lay my hands on any more.

If you love them and the simplicity of Belle, do head on down to Maki Squarepatch before 25th Jan!

Just a bit of a heads up… the above are now available at Maki Squarepatch. Do remember to check them out.Do take note that their last day at Emerald Hill would be 25th Jan. So if you have yet to drop by their little cosy nook, make a date soon. It is a quaint little place that is sure to charm you loads.

… let’s do it again!

Yes, the weekend at Maad was fun. Although things moved along a little slowly, it still was fun. I had fun chatting with some of the vendors and will definitely be missing the company of Hakim of Kooky Plum (go check him out!!!) when he goes to Australia to continue his studies next month.

So in a nutshell, as I sort through what has been sold and restock for CNY, just take note to keep your schedule free for Maad next month, 2-3 Feb 08.