Happy Happy Friday lovely readers, it's the first week of Spring! Still waiting for the warmth to filter through; we have had plenty of spring rain so far :) The wildflowers down on the South Coast are starting to filter through and the whales are coming in closer to shore on their journey home.
This week it is my absolute pleasure to introduce a new Friday Friend and West Australian maker, meet sweet Tabitha of Kwai Jewellery :)
These elegant Amethyst Chandelier Earrings are just beautiful and would add a touch of glam to any outfit!
Next is this bright (bring on Summer) Crucifix Bracelet made in a rainbow of colours - it's made from cool Turquoise and Howlite crosses.
Our canine friend loves to share our snuggly throw rug, maybe it's time to get her one of her own....this Minky Blanket should keep any dog or puppy happy :)
Dear friends, I invite you now to take some time out to read The Tale of Kwai Jewellery. Have a fantastic weekend, don't forget to stop and breathe in that fresh spring air, look out for wildflowers and most importantly enjoy yourself!
The Tale of Kwai Jewellery
I have always had a creative streak, ever since I was a little girl making
clothes for my dolls. I then made clothes for my daughters when they were small,
then did cross stitch and other embroidery projects. My mother taught me how to
crochet and knit and I was always very good at art, sewing and other creative
subjects at school.
When I moved back to Perth after getting out of the Airforce I needed a
distraction and started beading, that is when things really kicked off in that
department. I collected lots of different types of beads, eventually moved into making
more elaborate types of jewellery. I used to make just gifts for family and
friends. Bead knitting and crocheting was something I did often, not so much
anymore. My style and type of craft always evolved and changed and I dabbled
with making purses and bags. Whilst my passion is really in bags and purses, I do just love creating in
general.
I was urged to sell my things by friends and family and I came up with Kwai
Creations, which was my first market stall at the Bassendean Markets here in
Perth, WA. The results were mixed. Some things sold very well while others did
not. I did find myself creating things FOR the market, rather than selling my
things AT the market. I felt my style got a bit lost in translation and I wasn’t
able to really sell some of the stunning more expensive pieces I had
painstakingly spent hours creating bead by bead. I decided that that particular
market was not for me.I then opened an ETSY store. I set up my website with a cohesive collection
of bracelets and earrings with a skulls theme. The Kwai Skulls Collection was
born.
It encompasses skulls and crystals, sterling silver and pearls, together in a
stylish yet simple design. I designed my logo around KWAI – which is my middle
name and came up with a heading, logo, packaging, business cards and fully
fledged professional label and catalogue all under Kwai Jewellery.
My inspiration comes from being challenged, seeing things in nature and in
the shops and on TV that are beautifully intricate and to try and replicate. I
have made a few stunning bridal necklaces, bridesmaid necklaces or ball
necklaces that resemble snowflakes, that were made by picking up individual
beads and stringing them together one by one. (picture included crystal on neck
– this is the fire opal version.
Whilst time consuming, the outcome is something really special.
Whilst time consuming, the outcome is something really special.
I have recently used resin and discovered all the wonderful things you can
make with that. Definitely creates one a kind items that are impossible to
re-create because of the way the resin sets, with the things you set inside it.
Lots of fun to work with, albeit a little messy! I think I actually prefer
making one of a kind items. It just happens that some things cannot be copied no
matter how hard you try, which is not always a bad thing unless you make
something absolutely amazing and WANT to make it again.
My partner has also helped me with a few projects. He likes working with
polished semi-precious gemstones and similar items. One of my favourite pieces,
he created with me and it is really special. Blue goldstone is one of my
favourites and the fairy just sits with the stone in a really gorgeous one of a
kind necklace.
I use Swarovski Crystals only as I think they are the best and I make sure
I make my jewellery to last. I use only the best components and metals and offer
a workmanship guarantee. One thing I really dislike, is buying a necklace to go
out somewhere and it breaks after the first wear!!
I am going to open another ETSY store for bags and purses, keeping my
jewellery separate from my other creations. Hope to get that organised in a few
weeks once I have finished putting the finishing touches on a new little line of
coin purses and a few bags. I have been hard at work, coming up with a few
different sized handbags, simple yet stylish mid sized leather and vinyl goods
with matching coin purses.
Online marketplaces make it so much easier to reach everyone and I can be
found on;
Twitter: https://twitter.com/KWAIJewellery
Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/kwaijewellery/
Kwai
Jewellery’s own page: http://www.kwai.com.au
I am looking at getting into another market near my home, possibly the
Kalamunda Markets. This will be something new for me to strive towards. I will
also be looking to start doing some jewellery with silver clay and enamelling. I
think that way I will be able to create things from the bottom up, truly one of
a kind pieces. I would like to come up with that one item that really wows everyone and
make my life around it, creating a business that is not only sustainable, but
popular and fun, that I can make a living from too.
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