Today I received one of the sweetest emails. It was regarding a surprise that I cannot share too much of. All I can say is that it warmed my heart. I sure hope E can pull it off. It certainly sounds like a lovely surprise. So in honour of all the wonderful heartfelt sentiments that washed upon me, here’s an entire post of hearts.

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And it ties in with a new item, Heartfelt Sentiments. Handwrapped hearts for your ears. Currently only available in goldfilled, each pair is lovingly shaped to be as close a match as possible. The ends are sanded and the wires gently hammered for strength and shape. Quite literally, a heartfelt sentiment.

Now on to the pictures that have stolen my heart.

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Happy Friday!

Ask . Believe . Receive

Love this print available at Colorbee on Etsy.

Been busy playing the accidental tourist since Saturday, bringing the terrible two kiddos on a local educational journey. It has been an interesting journey learning more about the small island we call home but goodness, I am exhausted. Most orders have shipped out except one which required a bit more time. And the custom orders, of course.

Hope to be back in full swing crafting tomorrow.

Super — Everyday

And oh, for the local parents, have you gotten your teacher’s day gifts already? A lovely customer reminded me that I need to get my act together and prepare some goodies for Jayden’s teachers when she purchased a pair of pearl earrings for her daughter’s teacher. I had clean forgotten that Teacher’s Day was so near.

I’ve prepared most of my gifts already. Well, if you have had to deal with toddlers, you’d understand that teachers are really an amazing breed. And well, if you’d like, I’d highlight a few that I believe are a great option for teachers. And reasonably priced too.

Golden Sweethearts

Stargazing — Diamonds In The Sky

Diamond Wannabe

You’re My Guiding Star

Personally, I feel that they are great for ‘tight’ budgets, yet pack a wonderful message and are great gifts. All available in our Etsy store right now. If you find any item has been sold out, feel free to leave a comment or drop me a mail and I’d get back to you asap.

Ooh la la Paris

I’ve never been to Paris, nor went anywhere remotely near. But images of the Eiffel Tower and assorted romantic notions dominate my thoughts. The Eiffel Tower always conjures up images of lovers in, well, love and of proposals on bended knee at the top. The husband, however, as other memories.

He did have the chance to visit Paris due to unfortunate turn of events which included a flight delay and other what nots. He, according to him, found himself in the purported City of Romance with his male travelling companion and no connecting flight. The airline covered their layover and when they decided to head out to visit the Eiffel Tower in its glory, they reached just as the lights were switched off. Hmm. Not much of a view there.

Regardless, Etsy is full of items that could have made it into a Paris themed treasury but here’s my selection of 16. Now, excuse me whilst I go swop my plain studs for these Eiffel Tower ones. If only to make my mundane day a little brighter. Afterall, the weekend is almost here. You can just smell it can’t you?

And weekends typically spell dates. Right?

Being mummy entails fixing up small random oddities. Like the fire engine Lego wannabe. I’m rather impressed with the detail of this set though. Every little part had to be fit together. The ‘trunk’ even opens to allow access the fire-fighting tools!

Still struggling to get the best photo set up in the work room. It is very much a work in progress. I hope to get it right soon. Meantime, I went on to spoof the “Keep Calm” poster. With two kids driving me nuts, I very much need the reminder. You can make your own, or get more information on the poster via this link. Have fun!

I did however manage a couple of test shots of this simple understated elegant-chic pair. Faceted London Blue Topaz heart briolettes have been wirewrapped to bali silver earwires. Dainty and feminine. I love them! Plus the deep blue colour is to die for… My biased opinion of course. Will be listed in store… soon.

The last of my Summer Shop Trade goodies arrived today. It was a lovely experience. I really want to thank the lovely ladies behind Ohhellofriend, Polly Danger and Simply Simon for the amazing handcrafted items that we traded for. More pictures soon I hope. I have such a big backlog of things I want to do. And as usual, no time to do them all.

If you are following @sparklethots on twitter, you would have realised that I was busy shifting back to the work room. It is great to be 100% back at work in the study cum office room. Besides allowing me to simply close the door on the mess of beads, it is great to not have to cart everything in and out. There finally is place to have a erhmm, creative space.

The lighting is lovely too. I might change the miserable photo set up location (I used to take all the product shots off the speaker unit of a mini-compo. HAH). Still considering. Plus the macbook has a place to sit and play sentimental music all day long. Ok, when I am working.

I am happy as a lark.

And oh, did you know, we are celebrating our Etsy-anniversary. 10% off purchases (excludes PIFs and sale items, and shipping). Mention <bdaytreat> in message to seller on checkout to enjoy. Valid till 21st July. Have fun shopping!

** Above featured earrings, Olivia — First Of May will be on sale soon. Goldplated brushed teardrops with off white carved shell flowers. All findings used are gold vermeil. Sweet, romantic and oh so sentimental.

So which do you prefer? One pearl, two different ‘companions’. Both equally beautiful. Ok, fine. I am biased.

Side note: don’t you absolutely hate it when the colour doesn’t appear quite right? Driving me crazy. Sigh. Anyhow, second pair is now available at our official store.

Paris ~ The City of Romance

One look at the Eiffel Tower and images of Paris, of romance come to mind. It was love at first sight too for these earrings. Goldplated earstuds of the Eiffel Tower measuring in at 30MM x 10MM are lovely to adorn your ears. Comes with plastic earstoppers for a secure fit.

Limited quantities available ~ Retails at $15.90 per pair, exclusive of shipping. Email me at sparkleATsparklethotsDOTcom to reserve yours.

Have new items to update but the pictures look horrid. Except for a couple that made the cut, the vast majority aren’t quite there. Far from it. *sigh* I wish the weather turns. I much prefer natural light. Not to mention it is a whole different ballgame when taking otherwise.

Above piece, Mocha — Treasures from Hawaii is a lovely blend of Swarovski crystal pearls and keishi freshwater pearls. With gold vermeil findings and charms, they conjure up a summery laidback holiday.

Now off to a mailrun and other necessary admin. Shoppity shop. Enjoy your weekend!

I figure that a good many people are not quite enjoying today. The children have gone back to school which probably meant heavier traffic, sleepy-eyed children (and likely their parents!) readjusting to the school routine. The humdrum continues. So let’s try to put a spring in our step with this beautifully curated treasury. It most certainly put a smile on my face when curator egomurder contacted me to say my items were a part of (not one but) two of her treasuries.

Brightened up my difficult week. And I hope it’d do the same for you.

** Items featured were… Holiday — Blue Lagoon and Flair — A Vintage Kind Of Sparkle respectively.

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.