Have you gotten used to the fact that it is already 2012? I haven’t. Well, in a way I have. The days have whizzed by, longer than ever and packed to the brim. The children are somewhat settled in school and have fallen into a routine of rousing early and sleeping slightly earlier. School is still pretty much a hit and miss around here. We have our good days and bad. But then, that’s life.

I’ve managed to sneak some time for a couple of new items. Pieces that are perfect for Valentine’s. Yes, it is coming! Do get your orders in early to accommodate the public holidays and postal rush. We definitely do not want to disappoint anyone.

Do drop by the shop soon! More goodies are coming!

Clockwise from top right :-

1. Leaf Your Mark in Time **
2. Montana ~ Something Blue
3. Lofty Ambitions **
4. Always There For You **

** These items are personalisable! Perfect for letting that special someone know just how treasured they are.

Barely adjusted to the new school year when custom orders came in for blessed mates. I love doing special Valentine’s Day orders. Its fun to be part of the surprise. The lil shop is also getting ready for the lovey-dovey time with beautiful, all occasion romantic jewelry.

❤ Blessed — Tears of Joy, Crystal Clear ❤

Personally, it is about the meaning behind the gift. Of course, it being beautiful, helps. And as a total package, the price isn’t the crux of the matter. Just make sure it comes straight from the heart. Our ever popular Tears of Joy is back in stock (and soon with 925 silver options, I haven’t had the time to get good pictures). They make a lovely gift for bridal parties. A little thoughtful gift to thank the friends who are going to celebrate your special day.

❤ Love At First Sight ❤

The dainty rose quartz ring makes a great selection for sweethearts and dear lifelong friends. I’ve recently gotten a more luxe strand of these rose quartz rondelles and am offering this ring again at the same price. Till Valentine’s day. Because, price really shouldn’t be the factor. Not too much anyway. I’d do what I can.

Have a lovely day. I’d check back with you all again tomorrow. Till then, love always.

❤ goldfilled ❤ 925 silver ❤ rose goldfilled ❤

ps: our bestseller, the Don’t Forget ring is still in stock. Available in three colour options. And of course, you can make your selection from anything in our store. Because seriously, you’d know her best!

Working on a couple of outstanding orders, and having a whole list of new ideas for the new year. The worktable is needing a good sort through after the mad rush and a new shelving system is needed. But first, a wind down.

These days, I pop some soy tarts into the burner to fill the room with a delicate scent. Right this moment, the flavour of choice is lavender. The music wafting through is of a bit soundtrack I recently fell in love with and is looped on Youtube. Changes are in the air with Jayden going back to school next week. So fast, so fast.

2011 debut collection is living up to its promise of being completely flowery and feminine. Like how the first flowers peek through after winter, these blossoms make a delightful sight. They are perfect for weddings and for all-occasion touch ups. Available in a mix of gold and silver.

** Our weekly features are most likely to be resumed next week, in the coming year. We are in the process of winding down!

Shoppity Shop!

Oh hi…! Unwinding now after a mad rush for the Christmas festivities. I must have been high on adrenaline or something because I crashed out the entire Boxing Day afternoon. Recharging for a new year now! I’ve had a lovely time celebrating Christmas. My mind’s still recovering so I shall leave you with a few random snaps from the past (erhmm…) month.

I obviously …

• have got my hands full most times because there are so FEW pictures
• am addicted to Instagram
• love to tinker around with iphone photo apps and manipulate them with more than one filter
• need to step on it if I want to ensure the new collection is ready for the 2011 debut

2011′s first collection promises to be true to Sparkle Thots’ style. Full of whimiscal romantic concoctions. Lace and flowers, the sort of things that are utterly feminine and can take you from life’s big moments to the everyday dress ups. Timeless, simple and full of grace.

Enjoy yourselves! I’d try to be back tomorrow.

Meantime, our Blessed campaign is still on. Thank you for making 2010 such an amazing year. Shoppity Shop!

❤ One — Together Forever

Been busy with family matters and not had the time to list new items. Year end is fast creeping up upon us and I’ve been busy dreaming up simple, elegant pieces that will work for just about anyone. Perfect for gifts. Perfect too if you are planning for your wedding and would like to gift your bridesmaids a set of jewelry to thank them for being a part of your special day.

❤ Nature — On A Pearl Branch

Always timeless personified, pearls and gold. A combination that speaks volumes in its simplicity. I have been on a mini-lariat craze this week. Matching combinations and creating ‘stories’ with them. I like individual pieces to have a theme. A focus so to speak.

These have been made with largely goldplated materials. Contrary to what you might think, I don’t have a stockpile of goldfilled findings. I don’t have access to a goldmine or a bank vault with unlimited wealth to be turned into gemmies. And the upward trend of silver and gold prices is really, really depressing.

❤ Azure — Drop In The Ocean

I want my items to last. That’s why they are designed with a timeless essence to them. Yet 925 silver and goldfilled parts continue to climb in their prices. Prices at Sparkle Thots have been maintained at their current level for almost a year. We are still monitoring, watching the dollars and cents but definitely not pinching the pennies in getting you the best we can afford.

Sigh. Business vs passion. No fun. Hope you are having a better deal at work!

Above featured pieces are already in Etsy store. From top to bottom :-

• ❤ One — Together Forever
• ❤ Nature — On A Pearl Branch
• ❤ Azure — Drop In The Ocean

I’ve had the honour of working with a number of brides in preparing accessories that will suit them, their entourage and their colour theme for the big day. I am always tickled pink with the delight that these lovely ladies trust me enough to let me craft items that will feature in the momentous occasion. And I love to craft new jewelry with the blushing bride in mind. I am afterall, a closet romantic.

Here are some pieces selected for special mention.

To adorn a bride :-

❤

For the bridesmaids :

❤

❤

❤

Most of these are in stock. If they aren’t available at the shop, drop me a note (or leave me a comment) and I’d get back to you as soon as I can. And yes, the majority have been used in lovely custom wedding related orders.

Still whatever you choose, just be sure it comes from the heart. And yes, wherever possible, our gifts come packaged as such, even with a handwritten note on your behalf.

** The title picture is that of a set of bracelets customised for a beach wedding. All the bridesmaids got identical bracelets which suited the theme in both colour and well, charm.

❤

A little ironic to be updating about a new weekly feature on the ‘wrong’ day. I have been attempting to update the blog on a daily basis and trying to keep Wednesdays for shop updates. Since I missed last week’s, and boy, was that supposed to have been a big update, I figured I’d just break tradition and blog anyway. Because, well, I can. My blog after all (and many many thanks for reading!)

❤

Anyway, to cut the long story short, these are the goodies that will be making their way to the shop soon. All very signature “Sparkle Thots” in my opinion. The first piece, Bouquet — Fresh Flowers A-Blooming is already in store.

** I admit that it is rather strange that I’m returning to Etsy again after coming full circle. I started an (a buyer’s) account back in 2005 when it was in its infancy, deleted it and then went to sign up for a seller’s account in 2007. I then went on to build my own website and mess with them codes. Right now, oddly, I find that Etsy is easier all over again. Don’t ask how my brain works. Must be all twisted from twirling wires.

Shop Early For Christmas ~ Christmas Selections by Sparkle Thots

So much to do, so little time! Its less than 15 weeks down to Christmas. Minus off the shipping times (which can get real crazy in the lead up) and you have even less time to shop for everyone on your ‘nice’ list. So why not start your Christmas shopping early this year? Shop from our selections by 31st October and you enjoy a lower price on your items. Purchase 5 or more items and you get a further price break.

Surely that is incentive enough for you to start your engines?

I’m still updating the section but it is filling up nicely. Brides, (especially fall brides!) you can also make use of the bulk quantity price break to get something special for your bridal party. Customise the necklaces with their respective birthstones or in your wedding colours. Contact me for details!

** On a down note : Baby K is sick right now. Orders might be delayed by 1-2 working days depending on how fast she recovers.

Lots to do! Lots of ribbons to tie.

Bulk orders tend to get a different treatment around here… Been exploring alternative ways of packaging the jewellery. Especially when there are more than 5 items in the order. A little kraft-ing goes a long way. And MT tape too. Love that stuff. Bring out the rubber stamps and inkpads, tie the organza ribbons, and hopefully, it’d translate into a package that brings a smile right from the unwrapping.

First start with a shout of joy at receiving a custom bridal order (I love these the best!). Start with making the jewellery. Finish with them.

File the sharp ends down and make sure the sizes are correct, and as requested. Pack them in their individual cotton filled boxes. Tie with a bit of organza ribbons. In true-blue purple Sparkle Thots’ colours of course.

Stand by the MT tapes! I love the wide range now available and how easy they are to use. They add a whole lot of colour to a dull project and can either be cut or teared by hand, depending on what ‘look’ you are going for.

Pack boxes into glassine bags, fold over and seal with MT tape. Again, follow through with Sparkle Thots’ purplish tinges. Note the ring sizes on the top to ensure no mix ups. Meantime, prepare a paperbag large enough to hold said order.

Lightly ink desired stamp and press down firmly onto brown paperbag. Smile at the girlishly feminine feel that the paperbag now has. Carefully pack the order into the bag. Ensure enough room is left for folding the top.

Fold over at the top and secure with a bit more MT tape…

stuff into pre-addressed envelope, add a lil note and we’re done!

Oh, repeat with other bulk orders of say… earstuds?

** Above series of photos are just an indication of why sometimes it takes so long to pack your orders. I vary the packaging from order to order so please don’t fret if your order did not come just so. All Sparkle Thots purchases are made with love. Really.

Seriously, and quite literally, burnt. Baby girl has been running a temperature since Monday and we are all pooped from dealing with the mandatory crankiness not to mention, soiled diapers. The in-laws have been a great help in taking older brother J off our hands in the day so that we are still, erhmm, sane. Somewhat at least.

Apparently babyK being under a year old, isn’t supposed to be on brufen and so we have only two ‘weapons’ against the high fevers. Sponging and paracetemol. 5 days of 4 hourly doses has turned her into a (relatively) easy to feed trooper. Compared to Monday that is. Now to sit and wait out the death of the virus. Can’t happen any sooner.

So, that explains the radio silence. But… I did manage to pick up the petite shoe earrings. I’ve emailed all on the pre-order list already. Remember to check your mailboxes. And well, I couldn’t resist grabbing more cutesy stuff. Herd mentality perhaps but don’t you think these cows are so darn cute?!

Let me know if you are interested. Limited stocks available. Email sparkleATsparklethotsDOTcom to order. Retails at S$9.50 excluding shipping. Each cow measures approximately 10MM across; comes with errr… black, brown and blue spots.

And still twirling wires around to try a new petite bangle (seen above). Classy and timeless. Pearl set in goldfilled wires. More details soon.

** Cow earstuds come with plastic stopper backs for a secure fit.