Silver or Silver Plating. Which Jewelry Component Is For You?

I've always received questions if there is a difference between sterling/925 silver and silver plating. Yes there is and its just that fine line which could either suit your skin or not. 

In this post, I have compiled a list of the components which I regularly use in my creations so that as a consumer, you will have an informed choice when you do your shopping.

Sterling silver or 925 silver contains over 92% of silver with the rest of the percentage a mixture of copper in it. This would be the highest end silver material that I can provide in my creations and would recommend for those who have sensitive skin as it is hypoallergenic. 

Sterling silver exudes a bright, classy and expensive looking finish which doesn't exactly burn a hole in your pocket if it's meant to be worn for special occasions or presented as gifts.

The surefire way to know that a commercial pair of earrings is sterling silver is to find an embossed '925' mark on an inconspicuous part on the metal. Unless it is stated that it is a handmade wired sterling silver pair, which I also offer at my shop, then you would have to trust the seller completely that he or she is providing the said material even if you do not see the mark.

Silver plating is the most popular choice with my customers and also one of my most used material in my creations. As the name suggests, silver plating is just a fine layer of silver coating over metals like brass or nickel - which are common and inexpensive materials. Nickels alone are allergenic and may cause your sensitive skin to itch when you wear them.

This also brings about the non-allergenic issue because even though it is "coated" with silver, it's coating will oxidize over frequent use thus your skin comes in contact with the exposed base materials which may cause sensitive skin to itch. So lucky you, if your skin is able to take this material well because it will save you a lot of money and with plenty of choice designs to wear!

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*Do sterling silver tarnish?*

Yes! As with all silver wares, they will tarnish if left exposed or not taken care of. There is no such thing as a silver that doesn't tarnish unless it is white gold. My advise is to wipe your jewelries clean with a soft cloth or tissue paper before storing them into a jewelry box. If you don't have one, a zip lock bag would do. The idea is not to leave it exposed to air if its unused. You can also buy a silver polishing cloth (available in major hardware stores) and polish your sterling jewelries to give it a bright shine. Do note though that these polish cloth only works on sterling silvers.

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Brass (or antiqued brass) is my favorite material which I personally wear more often than not. Brass is actually an alloy with of a combination of metal. Antiqued brass is another procedure to make the brass look aged which gives the vintage feel.

If your skin is sensitive to silver plating, brass material may also not be suitable for you. But then again, it works okay for some even though they are sensitive to silver platings.

Surgical steel is a type of stainless steel that is used in medical applications. Thus, I would quite safely say that this material would also suit those who have sensitive skin as it is also hypoallergenic. It is usually darker and grayer than sterling silver. The cost of this material is quite equal or lower to sterling silver. I do carry this material for earring components from time to time.

The other alternatives for non-allergenic materials would also be suede, leather or fabric chains. They all come in assorted colors.

I hope you have gained extra insights of the choice of materials that would work best for you when you go shopping the next time!

Visit my blog shop for designs I've created :

  Till the next post, have a blessed week!

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Peeling Garlic Magically

I had to try this method out, after viewing this short video by Martha Stewart - to see if this works.  The fastest and easiest way to peel a bulb of garlic! And yes it did! Like magic!  

Find similar size shallow metal pot or plate, put the garlic bulb in it and cover the other bowl on top.

Shake it up and down vigorously for a bit. You can hear the bulb loosening!

Ta-da! Nicely peeled garlic ready for use!

  Here is the video which I caught!
   
  I love awesome quick kitchen tips like these. Makes preparing to cook even more fun now.  

Till the next post, have a blessed week!

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Facebook Status Reflects Who We Are

Facebooking is fun! I spend most of my online social times on Facebook as it is currently the only platform where I can easily get in touch with most of my friends, acquaintances, blog readers as well as my customers who communicate with me through private messaging.

I am rather careful though, with the kind of status message I share on my pages.  For a start, I think people would generally respond to specific happy posts, the funny ones and sometimes the sad disappointing ones. However, if there are one too many repeated posts on the same negative feelings from the same person time and again, I will be sorely put off. Sorry, but its the truth.

It is one thing to share and update about our lives with friends on Facebook, but it is another when all one does is post up sorry, crabby moments every other hour. Though there are certainly no boundaries about sharing our pesky, malicious or peeved thoughts about an encounter we've had but surely we should know our limits?

Facebook is certainly not an open diary though there are times when I may share displeased thoughts but I think what makes a difference is the way we express ourselves and choice of words.

As much as I can, I will keep negative or angry feelings to myself. If I need to vent, I would usually share it with friends over a private chat, just to get it off my chest.

Rule of thumb : it's not nice to air your dirty laundry in public, especially if it concerns the family.

It just wouldn't do anyone any good and reflects poorly of oneself.

There is already too much gloom in this world. If we have to share a status on Facebook, surely we can post a happy and positive note for all to share the good vibes.

   

    Till the next post, have a blessed week!

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The Young Ballerinas

Megan's ballet teacher decided to hold a charity performance, to help raise funds for The Little Arts Academy. It is a private performing arts school aimed at nurturing the income-disadvantaged families' children, fulfill their love and passion in arts.

The girls under the ballet teacher's care from Marine Parade CC, Leng Kee CC and Pasir Ris Elias CC have been training hard for this event.

I was at the rehearsal last Saturday, to help out with backstage necessaries over the weekend and managed to capture some shots of my daughter, as well as some of the performers.

 All the girls worked hard and were brilliant on stage!   

   Kudos to Miss Jamie Pang, their ballet teacher, for co-ordinating the event and choreographing their dance. Only a truly passionate teacher like her is able to pull this off on her own.
Till the next post, have a blessed week!

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Grateful for Crafty Fingers

It has been an extremely busy period at my blog shop for the past 4 and a 1/2 months. I've not come across a period in my crafting journey with this number of customization and it truly amazes me how each referral by word-of-mouth and the subtle likes on my Facebook photos, made such a difference in what I do.

I'm very thankful for this creative gift from up above, my family and friends who have supported my little business, in one way or another.

  There's still so much work to do as I pen this post. From discussing the colors a customer likes, to choice of beads and the look she wants to achieve. It takes time to come up with a final design. What matters to me most is that my customers are happy with my work and my thinking that it adds a little oomph in what they wear is success to me.
Till the next post, have a blessed week!

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The Guardian Angel?

I've never given this much thought until recently, when I was reminiscing about my journey in jewelry making and how this one "person" helped me change my perspective on achieving designs that I can truly call unique.

I happened to be at a cross road junction a year into my craft - was getting tired from creating items that were quite clearly available in stores. Who was I kidding. I am not a trained "jewelry designer" nor have I attended any jewelry course. My creations were very "one tracked" and I badly wanted to do something different with my creations but I just didn't know how.

Then there was this one customer, her name was Janice.  At that point of time, she purchased a few items from me at one go with no qualms and it happened to be a super dry period for my sales. She was really friendly and super supportive. We'd even started texting each other on the phone and I was happy to make a new friend. She would even ask me out for drinks which I had to decline because of family commitments.

Janice's orders were very consistent. She would buy a few new pieces every other week for the next few months. Then one day, out of the blue, she asked me to consider not making my creations symmetrical all the time.  I considered and decided that perhaps this is the time to come out of my comfort zone. I had even signed myself up to attend a polymer clay introduction workshop just so that I can be different from the others. And boy, am I glad I took her advise! However, just as I was enjoying my success on this embarkation, she mysteriously disappeared.

Her email account became invalid. I never got replies after texting her on the phone many times. I tried calling but her number was non-existent. I had even snail mailed a card to her home but all effort to get in touch with her were in vain.

Truly, I owe it to this "person" whom I've never met. Without her single cue to me I probably will not be where I am today.

My guardian angel watching over me? Perhaps. And wherever you are, I hope you know that I am thankful to have "met" you.

Do you believe in guardian angels?

  Till the next post, have a blessed week!

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Sure! I'd Love A Mother's Day Gift!

Mother's Day - overrated or understated?

Whichever it is, I think, Mother's Day should be declared an official off day for all mothers around the world. Where the men are sent on a "daddies day" event at the zoo with the kids for just a day whereas the mamas come out to play! You'll see the mamas throng the malls with no screaming kids nor bored husbands hanging out at the coffee joint. All the restaurants will be packed with the ladies who can have a proper uninterrupted meal, drowned with squeals and laughter! Ohhhhh.... the retail shops would so love us.

In reality for me, Mother's Day has always been about gathering for meals - one for my mom and another for my mother-in-law. It's nothing fanciful but it's more of acknowledging our moms that we love and honor them. I'm pretty sure that they are both just happy to see their children and grand-children gathered together for a meal on such an occasion.

Just in case the hubs is reading this and thinking of getting me a gift, here's some ideas for you darlinnnnng...

No thanks to flowers.

I think, just like Valentine's Day, flowers are ridiculously priced. But I welcome flowers any other day.

No to a pedicure or manicure treat.

Because I don't like strangers to touch my toes and having a manicure is wasteful because I know my nails will get chipped the next minute.

No to any kitchenware.

Replacing my worn out kitchenware doesn't make me feel very loved.

Yes to practical things.

Bags, shoes, shopping vouchers are all practical things to me.

Yes to a day out with my girlfriends!

See, it's not only the tangible things that would make me happy.

How about you? What kinds of gifts would make you tick?

Wishing all the moms in the world to be bestowed with the super powers you so rightly deserve!

*************************************************************************** Separately, a friend of mine has collaborated with my blog shop, Adeline's Loft, for one lucky mom to win a beautiful pair of earrings worth S$30! (applicable to residents in Singapore only)  

  Hop over to her blog, Beanie N Us right now for details on this giveaway!     Till the next post, have a blessed week!

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Coffee Art, Anyone?

I was spurred to try out coffee art since I make latte for the hubs and I on most mornings and especially after getting a milk frother not too long ago.  So here's my amateuristic journey in pictures so far!

 See top left : that's my very first "accidental" tryout which spurred me to try a little better on my next cuppa. If you can't tell, it's supposed to be a rabbit but because of that bubble there, it looked like the rabbit had a boil on it's face! I then went on to make a heart shape, a bear shape and a flower!

I guess this is one of the better turnout! I couldn't decide if it was a birdie or a duck but a few instagram followers says its the latter. Ok I admit I cheated a bit here. I used my spoon to help me with neatening the edges.

THEN! I was inspired to use chocolate sauce for art after a conversation about coffee art in a Singapore Mom Bloggers private chat! I figure I should be able to do a more refined piece of "art" on my coffee than just relying on the froth alone. I think that takes tremendous skill.

 And these ladies and gentlemen, is only the beginning of my coffee art journey! I think ah, my hubs is amused to see these designs I come up with when he comes back from sending kids to school in the morning. He "rolls eyes" at me but does put a goofy smile on his face.  Priceless!
    I would appreciate though, if you can give me ideas and comment on what design to conquer next! TIA! Till the next post, have a blessed week!

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Bonding Children with Animals.

When I was growing up, I was terrified of animals. Perhaps I wasn't educated on how gentle and loving most domesticated animals can be. I remember the only pet we had was a little chick mom brought home from the market for me when I was 6 years old. Yes a chick! Didn't quite like it because it kept pecking on me.

We've had countless pets since having my own children. When I mean countless, I meant all the fishys! We've had the luo han (and seriously hoped it would give us 4D numbers or something), guppies, puffer fish, goldfishes and fighting fishes too. But you know, we can't really bond with fishes in the tank. So it was a more visual treat for the kids than anything.

When we passed the fish rearing phase, we adopted hamsters. We had two in a span of 6 months.  Despite having bitten on their fingers while handling them on a few occasions, it did not deter my children from loving them. Unfortunately, their life span is only about 2 years.

 Here's Brandon handling a mouse. Between a mouse and hamster, I think hamster is a lot cuter!

 

Brandon was unafraid to handle this baby croc, even though it snapped and almost bit his finger. I wouldn't have even touched it because, it sure looks like a larger version of a house lizard!

 My kids with our current family pet.

 
I am still not really an animal animal person per se because I was never brought up to have animals in my life. But I think I should not deprive my children toward their curiosity and love toward animals.  I feel, all children have a natural bonding toward animals and we, as parents, should let them embrace the animals that are in our midst. You don't have to own pets to let the children explore and learn from their experiences with their encounters with animals. As for me, I am for the hope in doing so, my children will be more loving, nurturing and be even better parents to their children in the future.  

Till the next post, have a blessed week!

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Cancer Took My Dad Away - One Year On

- Colon cancer is apparently the number 1 disease in Singapore. For more information on this disease, please visit the Heath Promotion Board. My dad was featured in a short video interview at the end of the link's article -

I'm not completely sure if I have overcome my grief toward the passing of my dad.  I guess I may have not because when I recount the last hours of his life - be it in the shower, while I'm cooking or driving in the car with the radio playing his favorite songs,  there will be an unleash of pent-up tears.

My mom has definitely not come to terms with dad being in heaven yet. She often tells me that I don't understand the grieve she has in her heart and I would remind her that I do because he is my father but perhaps, not to the extent of losing the man who has taken care of her every need from the time they got married. Who would have thought he would leave us so soon?

When we first got to know of dad's diagnosis of stage 4 colon cancer from the specialist, we were indignant. At that stage as we all knew, his life will be short-lived and the ultimate outcome would be a painful death. Well, to put it bluntly, everyone has to die anyway but life always seem unfair that one has to leave the world behind because of an illness and not of old age. What made us even more upset was that dad was as fit as a fiddle. He had been a sportsman all his life. Yet, a strong, healthy and active man succumbed to this dreadful disease.

Dad had never stepped foot in a hospital for any kind of sickness treatment before so I can imagine how very nervous he was about it when he had to be operated on. Part of his colon were removed and chemotherapy sessions began as soon as he recovered from the operation.

Dad's "moment of fame". He was one of the ambassadors for HPB, advocating the colorectal screening kit.

I admire dad for his jovial and positive disposition throughout his treatment. He was a breath of fresh air to everyone around him despite being in pain. I knew deep down in my heart, he was in pain yet he never showed it. Whenever I saw him crouching to his knees when we were seated,  my heart would break into a million pieces. He would lightly brush me off when I asked if he was okay and I would leave him alone because I didn't want to add on to his frustration. I felt helpless that I couldn't help him feel better in anyway. I could only pray and spent any free time I had with him and mom.

Little else could be done when we found out the cancer cells spread too fast and furious to his liver. His body stopped responding to the chemotherapy sessions after the last few clinical trials he signed himself up for. We were so desperate to prolong his life that we searched the internet for possible natural resources to fight the disease. Dad consumed the 'Sabah snake grass' for a short while - a recommended plant that apparently cured many who juiced the leaves and drank it raw. We also found out at that time, the NTU chinese medicinal department was also researching on this plant as the possible cure to cancer. Perhaps it was all a little too late because his body was already weakened by all the western medication that no amount of supplements could battle with the disease. It was agonizing watching him deteriorate in the last few months of his life.

I will always remember, 3 weeks before his passing, we went out for our last lunch at his favorite coffee shop in Hougang at his request to have char kway teow. After that last outing, he confined himself at home because he no longer had the strength to walk. Not long after, he didn't even had the strength to talk or swallow any solid food. We could only get him nutritional drinks to support his well-being.

A moment with dad while he was resting on his bed just two weeks before he passed on. This photo, taken with my mobile phone, remains a favorite of mine and my mom's.

On the day of his passing, I was with my mom at the hospital for her last checkup on the cataracts that she had removed. After the specialist gave her the all clear, I texted my dad to update him on it as per his request. He was glad that all went well and asked me to accompany mom for lunch. When I sent my mom back home about 2 hours later, my dad had already gone into a vegetative state. We were in shock because he was still quite all right in the morning. We didn't expect matters to take a turn for the worst in such a short span of time. We prepared for the worst.

The most painful moment for me was watching dad take his very last breath that very evening. The moment I had dreaded to face most in my life. I was surprisingly calm and unafraid because I knew God was with all of us in that room. I held on to my dad's arm and gently kissed him goodbye.

My mom, myself, my children and 2 aunts who rushed down upon the news, were with dad at his passing. Regretfully, dad did not manage to wait and bid farewell to my brothers and their families as my brothers were out rushing to pick their children from school, in the hopes of spending the last few moments with him. My husband was also not with me at the time because he had just flown off to Korea for work the night before. I am thankful he took the last flight out that very night to come home to be with me.

Dad battled with colon cancer for 2 years. The moment of his passing still remains vivid in my memory. It only seemed like yesterday and I miss him terribly. On the other hand, I am comforted to know that he is happy in the house of God as the dreams I have of him always portray him in a blissful state.

Image credit

Today, I remember my dad as it is his 1st death anniversary.

Here's a nostalgic montage my brother arranged, in dad's memory with cool vintage photos from his punky younger days, the wedding with mom, as a national coach, a teacher in Outram Seconday School and the family moments captured in our younger days.

    Till the next post, have a blessed week!

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