Updates In My Undertakings + Christmas Special For My Readers

I have been really swamped with jewelry orders that I have gone on a long hiatus on my blog. Plus with a recent private fair at a financial institution which saw an opportunity for me to showcase my wares, kept me even busier on the jewelry front. Geez, I didn't even find time to share much about my maiden feature in a cook book! 

This is a snippet of the front and back cover of the cookbook which is already available for sale at local major bookstores, as well as in Malaysia. You may recognize some, if not all of the mom/recipe bloggers featured in this book! A compilation of 50 favorite home cooked recipes from the 10 of us!

A snippet of my little booth set up at the fair which I shared on my Instagram account.

As we count down to Christmas that is happening in 26 days, my hands are ever constantly busy with a heavier load at this time of year. Even my shoulders, back and eyes are facing some kind of hullabaloo which I am choosing to ignore until my work is fulfilled. And then maybe I will go for a nice massage! *wink*

Speaking of Christmas, have you already been shopping for gifts to your loved ones or perhaps, for an office gift exchange program? If you are still stuck with ideas, jewelry pieces could be your better choice for the ladies. 

Christmas Special, Specially For My Readers

Suede Collection

The above suede collection is now available at my Facebook page and will be gift packed nicely, ready for your Christmas gifting. 

The current special for this collection on my Facebook page is 'For every 2 nett priced pieces purchased, receive 50% for the 3rd item* (*the least priced item will enjoy the 50% discount)' 

BUT (I cannot stress enough of this important BUT) if you are reading this, and wish to get a gift from this collection, just PM me on Adeline's Loft facebook page, mention that you read this post to enjoy this special instead :

For every 2 nett priced pieces purchased, receive the 3rd item with my compliments.  

(*the least priced item will be the complimentary piece)

How is that for helping you with a budget and with the spirit of giving this Christmas? :)

The designs on sale are very VERY limited so it's only while stocks last. 

And by the way, if you don't find anything suitable and wish to customize a jewelry piece from me, do know that 9th December will be the last day that I am accepting orders in time for Christmas. Customization pieces for necklaces or bracelets will start from $26 onwards, depending on final choice of components and earrings from $16 onwards.

I look forward to your support on local handmade this Christmas.

Till the next post, have a wonderful day!

Absolutely Me,

Qualities of A Successful Small Craft Business

Building a successful brand, in my case it's handmade lifestyle jewelry, does not happen overnight. It takes a whole lot of commitment, persistence and perseverance to be where one wants to be. Most times, when you hear about someone's success in their business undertaking, they have probably already started honing their skills very much earlier before getting noticed. And 'success' deems differently for each individual. For me, success is about my passion, tenacity, building self-worth, trust and relationships.

I remember my daughter asking me this question very recently, "mummy, do you think dancing is a talent?", and I said "yes" because I certainly do not have any talent there! But she went on to quip that with practice and perseverance, anyone can actually dance well. I paused and pondered. There is certainly truth in her observation which also speaks volume to my personal journey at Adeline's Loft. There was no particular 'talent' to speak of before I discovered my interest in making jewelry. It was indeed something that was nurtured over the years (11 years and still practicing). It was only after my 6th year into this little hobby business that I found my purpose and concept behind what I love to do. So if you happen to be in a rut with your handmade venture, you are not alone.

I have thought through about my little business journey and decided to share about what I think is the essential qualities one should possess. I hope it will help inspire you along with your journey, if you are on one like me.

Do you have a signature style?

It took a long time for me to find mine, which I am glad it is still reflected in my current style even though over time, it did evolved a fair bit. It may not be a style that everyone would appreciate but it will certainly be one that you are most skilled at. This is about staying true with what you enjoy doing and not just following trends. When you enjoy your work, it is reflected in your pieces.

Do you communicate the value of your work accordingly?

I often put myself in my buyers' shoes. I would ask myself if the price is affordable and if the value of the product in terms of labor, cost of materials and originality, are in place. Define a story of what you are doing so that you can attract the right clientele to your brand.

Do you have a regular clientele base?

There are clients who will always be supportive of your work, and then some who are 'touch and go'. It's the same everywhere. The right clients would always love your creations and wear what you make. It may not be a big number of clients but they appreciate your designs and are often your biggest source of referrals. They are also the ones who will bump up the value of your brand. Hence, it is essential to maintain a good customer relationship with them.

Will you stay dedicated to your craft?

We celebrate when in good times. Would you quit when in bad times? Or be resilient and stay on course, adapt new techniques and move forward? We must learn to adjust, and know when it is time to cut out on things that aren't working and confident enough to try out new things that would enhance our experience and skills. Always go back to why you started out in the first place and keep building on it. By all means, get inspired by your favourite craft artisans when you need to but NEVER copy others' work, because successful brands do not prosper that way.

Do you relate to my article? 

Is there any other qualities that you would like to highlight on your own journey? 

Read more jewelry resources written by me HERE 
 Let's connect!

Till the next post, have a wonderful day!

Absolutely Me,

Taking Paper Floristry To New Heights

It has not crossed my mind that paper floristry could be a possible route I could embark on. After all, I picked up this new hobby to satisfy my desire to enhance my own home decor and perhaps arrange some flowers for personal gifting. It is a far cry to compare this genre of delicate paper craft with jewelry making which I am so in tune with. But one thing for sure, I love both kinds of craft because blending pretty colors together makes my day a little better and worth the time spent completing what I set out to do. It also (always!) gets a hundred times better when people out there notice my work and have faith in my skills. I am very thankful for the opportunities.

My first order were for a few stalks of paper flowers meant for photography background props. For props, the colors considered had to be fairly neutral which should compliment and not dominate the picture. For variety, I made a light pink cherry blossom branch, a pair of white magnolias (probably not a variety seen locally) and baby's breath. 

My second order that came through was for a 10" floral wreath for a wall decor. A lush pastel theme concept was decided and this took me approximately a total of 7 hours to put together, spanning across 3-4 days. 4 days, you ask? Well, I also had to attend to jewelry orders and priorities at home. There was also no doubt that I made some paper blunders here and there which required me to re-do some of the process from scratch. Hence I am grateful to be given the space and flexi-time to work on this particular order. For a handmade artist, we thrive when given sufficient time to work with our inspiration so that we can produce our best.

A mock up of a halfway arranged wreath for my client to see if she was happy with what she was seeing so far.

And the final product!

More recently, a request to make potted garden roses came through for a birthday gift. I considered the home decor of the recipient's before embarking on this style. "Minimalist and functional" was what I gathered so a color blend of peach with light pink hue roses would brighten up the home and of course, most importantly, to put a smile on the recipient's face.

Having only dabbled with paper flowers just a few months ago, it has been a great start for me to receive these few orders. And I think I am ready to begin my journey with paper floristry service! 

What are my prices like?
I can't tell you enough that it is something hard to put a finger on, just like my handmade jewelry, because it's so hard to price time which is the crux of it all. Considering the amount of time spent painting the colors -> to cutting petals in shape -> curling the individual petals -> assembling and taping each petal together -> purchase suitable sized vases (if any) -> style an arrangement, I am ascertain many would be able to appreciate and be willing to invest in the entire process that's made with much love and care.

As I am still a budding artist and building up my paper floristry portfolio,  I am currently happy to work on orders by a given budget which I could then advise you what I can offer to make based on that budget. It works very much like how you would walk into a florist and tell them your budget for a customized bouquet of flowers. So think along this line of the prices that a florist would quote you for a floral arrangement.

If you are considering a unique and lasting gift anytime soon for occasions like birthdays, anniversaries, Christmas or just something to brighten your personal space or someone's day, do connect with me! If your budget permits when a suitable occasion arises, do also consider adding a handmade jewelry gift with a bouquet. Adeline's Loft will now house 2 of my crafts - jewelry and paper floristry. Email me with your requests! oon.adeline@gmail.com.
 

Till the next post, have a wonderful day!

Absolutely Me,

Mumpreneurship

Recently, I was featured in Vibes, a quarterly published community magazine, alongside 4 other amazing mumpreneurs living in the same area. Even though all 5 of us come from different backgrounds, have different ambitions and in different line of work, the one thing we can all unanimously agree on is that being a mumpreneur entails on being a mother first before our work undertakings.

I believe we thrive on the flexibility that our role offers, which allow us to give our utmost best to our family and what we are passionate about pursuing, at the same time. Over time and perseverance, we are each at where we want to be (and more!) which makes raising our families' and running a business, a very meaningful journey to hold on to.

Zooming in on my write up! but please believe me, I didn't endorse myself as a 'popular mum blogger'. It was purely the perception of the magazine's interviewer.

At the blink of an eye, it has already been 11 years since I ventured into providing handmade jewelry service online. To find out more about what I have been up to all these years, you can read more about my journey as a jewelry crafter here.

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Thank you everyone, for your continued support to local mumpreneurs, in big and small ways! 

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Do connect with us individually, should the need for our services arise :

Adeline's Loft
Custom made lifestyle jewelry
Who : Adeline Oon (me!)
Blogshop : www-ade.loft.blogspot.com
Facebook : www.facebook.com/adelines.loft
Instagram : www.instagram.com/adeoon
Pinterest : www.pinterest.com/adelineoon/
Twitter : www.twitter.com/AdelineOon

Petite Bake House
Bakery and Customized Cakes
Who : Sophia Loy
Website : www.petitebakehouse.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/PetiteBakehouse
Pinterest: www.pinterest.com/sophialoy/
Instagram: www.instagram.com/loysophia/
Twitter: mobile.twitter.com/PetiteBakehouse

LearnMojo
Online Tuition for Secondary School (Social Studies/History)
Who : Karen Ang
Website : www.learnmojo.com

Philosoulphy
Personal Growth and Transformational Coach
Who : Ruth Wong
Facebook : www.facebook.com/PhilosoulphyWithRuth

Nails & Brows
Beauty Salon
Who : Jenny Wee
Website : www.nailsandbrows.com

Facebook : www.facebook.com/NailsandBrows/ 

and www.facebook.com/TressesbyNailsandBrows/

  Till the next post, have a wonderful day!

Absolutely Me,

Shopping Online For Jewelry Gifts + Mother's Day Giveaway

These days, with the option of online shopping, it has become almost too easy to give a gift of jewelry for just about any occasion. It serves as a major time-saver for many of us, so that we can be physically present to attend to more important matters in our lives.

A customized necklace with swarovski glass pearls and silver tone heart pendant.

So if you are shopping online for a jewelry gift  and a little bit clueless in what type of jewelry gifting is suitable to your loved ones or friends, here's a round up of ideas to help you make an informed decision before you buy!

Appropriate Jewelry Gifts To A Girly Girl-Friend

A classic pair of earrings, bracelet or pendant necklace would make a nice present. If it's a shared gift with common friends, and the budget is high, by all means, get a piece of white gold jewelry! Otherwise, you may also like to consider customized handmade jewelry which is also a meaningful option because you would be part of the making process with the jewelry craft artiste.

Some classic designs handmade by yours truly!

Appropriate Jewelry Gifts To The Fashionista

A fashionista is usually dressed in trendy outfits and can pull off wearing all kinds of styles to suit her mood, each time you see her. (I certainly envy fashionistas!) This is probably the easiest person to buy jewelry gifts for because she will likely have the outfit to match whichever accessories gifted to her.

Some bold styles that a fashionista would likely enjoy wearing.

Appropriate Jewelry Gifts To A Casual Chic Girl-Friend

She is probably a down-to-earth person in simple tees and jeans OR one that hardly dresses up to impress! But that doesn't mean that jewelry would not make a difference, because it does! Gift a chic looking bracelet or bohemian style necklace to make her simple outfit look stylish instantaneously. Best of all, these are usually the most affordable ones.

BUT!

If you are still totally clueless, you can always try Adeline's Loft 'Create My Style Box' which includes a few jewelry pieces in a gift box, at a fraction of my usual customized jewelry rates, which would definitely thrill the recipient. Sometimes, you really don't need to wait for an occasion to gift a jewelry. Sending a gift to tell a person you are thinking of her or maybe to congratulate her on a job promotion is a good thing as it shows how much you care about the relationship. :)

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MOTHER'S DAY GIVEAWAY

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Mother's Day falls on 8th May 2016. And I have this pair of necklaces to bless a mother! Or maybe one for you and the other for your mum!

Both necklaces are made with swarovski elements.
On the left is a simple petite heart shaped teal colored crystal pendant in silver plated chain.
On the right is a glass locket pendant half-filled with a gorgeous glittering mix of pastel crystals and pearls, in silver plated chain.

This set is worth S$52.00

To win this precious set, fill in the necessary entries in the Rafflecopter widget to qualify for this giveaway.

a Rafflecopter giveaway  

Terms & Conditions : (please read)

* This giveaway is open only to mothers residing in Singapore.
* Winners from the 2 most recent giveaways done on my blog will not qualify.
*  Missing mandatory entries will be considered void.
* No further request on the design will be entertained.
* The winner will be contacted via email after the draw has been made. If there is no response within 24 hours, I reserve the right to draw another winner.
* This giveaway ends on 14 April 2016. Winner will be announced by 15 April 2016.
* The necklace set will be sent out by standard mail.

How about customizing a handmade jewelry for your mum or mum friends to mark this special occasion?

I am taking orders for Mother's Day gift customization from now till 22nd April 2016.

Do connect with me via my FB page to discuss a design or send me an email ade.loft[a]gmail.com.

*Mother's Day Special* 

Receive a pair of swarovski pearl earrings worth S$16.00 with every customized necklace or bracelet during this stipulated period! Please mention that your order is for Mother's Day to be entitled to this special gift.

Till the next post, have a wonderful day!

Absolutely Me,

A New Feature @ Adeline's Loft - Create My Style Box

Imagine this.

You place an order for a surprise jewelry theme box for yourself, knowing that it will be made up of pretty accessories you will love. The excitement builds up and anticipation sets in. The box arrives and you cannot wait to unwrap it.  With much delight, the contents are finally unveiled. You try them on and love how it adds a brand new spark to your wardrobe, all specially handmade for you.

Does that sound like fun and perhaps, something you would like to experience? Then allow me to introduce Adeline's Loft newest feature, 'Create My Style Box'.

'Create My Style Box' is something I have been working on the past few weeks. After much deliberation on details of the box and costings etc, I am happy to finally launch this today. It was really hard to keep it under wraps for so long!

Here's an introduction of what it is :

'Create My Style Box' is an affordable assortment of handmade jewelry creations in a box, targeted at individuals who are open to creativity and seeking a novelty experience with Adeline's Loft lifestyle jewelry pieces. It is also made ideal as surprise gifts to your loved ones or friends, especially when you are unable to celebrate special occasions with them. (If it's a gift, tell me and I'll arrange for a gift card with your private message at no extra cost.)

Nothing, and I mean nothing, beats the surprise element of receiving a few pieces of trinkets nicely packaged in a little brown box which is certain to please anyone who has a penchant for mixing and matching accessories!

Of course, at Adeline's Loft, I am all about handmade jewelry. When you place an order for a box based on the selections made by you, I will get down to work on something that inspires me to create for you. I have always been big on exclusivity so most designs will be limited edition pieces.

What's In The Box?

Regardless of the box value you choose, there will always be at least 3 items in your box. Choice of style and combination of jewelry pieces can be made in the order form.

Here's a sample of what contained in the first 2 boxes made for 2 individuals, according to their selections.

How Much Is A Box?

I have several affordable value boxes that you can choose from. Ranging from S$30 - S$60, depending on your budget. There are also boxes for the mini me in your lives at S$22. 

The actual value of a 'Create My Style Box' is worth far more than 40% of the listed box price, which is considered a steal as it is valuated by handmade value*.

*For information on my individual custom order handmade prices, please refer HERE.

How Soon Can I Receive The Box?

As a general guideline, 1-2 weeks after transaction is made.

Anything Else I Need To Know Before Buying This Box?

First of all, if you are unfamiliar with Adeline's Loft, do take some time to browse through my past creations in my album. From there, you would be able to gauge the genre of designs I usually come up with.

Local standard postage is free, which may take 2-4 working days to arrive. Smartpac service (door delivery, tracking service by Singpost) is a next day delivery at S$4 additional.

*Again, I reiterate that there is usually some risk using local standard mail, which I cannot control after the box is mailed. (From personal experience, 95% of the time, packages are delivered safely.) Therefore, I cannot be held responsible for any loss of mail.*

Overseas order is also welcomed at a flat shipping rate of S$8.00 by registered mail. However, please allow a longer time frame for the arrival of the shipment as there could be delays during transition. Estimate time frame for overseas shipment between 2-4 weeks.

Can I Return Any Items If I Don't Find It Suitable?

As these are specially priced pieces made to order at a fantastic value, no alterations, returns or refunds will be considered. If any items happen to be dislodged/broken during transition, you can get in touch with me about it within 3 days from the receipt of your box to see how I can help you rectify them.

How Is This Different From The Usual Customization Of Jewelry Pieces From You?

The reason how and why I am able to offer special bundle rate for the box is because the one-to-one communication and unlimited mock ups of jewelry pieces my regular clients are familiar with, will be drastically cut down by 90%. Hence it allows me to be more flexible with time and the costs it usually involves. Thus the difference.

I'm Ready To Place An Order and Support Local Handmade!

That's really awesome! You can place an order through this form HERE. It takes no more than 5 minutes to fill in the form. Thereafter, you will receive an acknowledgement email with transaction details. Payment would be required to be made in advanced within 3 days from the email.

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As part of Adeline's Loft 10th year anniversary, here's a special
 PROMOTION FOR THE MONTH OF MARCH 2016

Place an order for a box and receive 4* pieces of jewelry instead of 3! 
(*4th piece will be a pair of earrings)

Place an order for a box HERE

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Top 5 Reasons to Own Handmade Jewelry

Don't be disheartened if you can't find a specific styled jewelry accessory when you are out shopping. After all, most of those found at the malls are catered to the masses. Here is when local jewelry artisans or even those abroad, can step in to help you design a special piece that you are looking for! If you have not had a first experience with having a jewelry piece customized for you, read on why you should consider making that move.

• Handmade jewelry are conversational pieces. Whether you are at work or attending a special event, discerning eyes would be drawn toward a statement piece that you wear, especially if it is custom made to compliment a specific outfit. When people ask about it, you can also share your story about how that piece was designed together with you!

 

• Recognize your own style and not the style of the masses. There's really no other way to be unique when it comes to dressing yourself up with a statement piece.

• Good handmade jewelry designs are pieces of art that will compliment you. It doesn't go out of style.

• When you buy a handmade jewelry directly from the artisan, you can be sure that the money you have paid goes straight to them and not to any third party. Not only do you help to keep the independent jewelry artisan community alive, you will also inspire us to do better each time!

• Lastly, jewelry artisans like me, take pride in our work. We strive to enhance your personal shopping experience with us and make sure that you are happy with your purchases. Fostering a one-to-one customer relationship is also part of our goals!

If you have not already experience having a lifestyle jewelry piece designed for you, do get in touch with me and let's work together to create a piece that is unique to you. Or if you know of someone else who is also in this field, you may like to give them a tinkle! I am sure she/he will be happy to have your support!

 Adeline's Loft

email : ade.loft[a]gmail.com

~ More jewelry resource articles can be found HERE ~

Till the next post, have a wonderful day!

Absolutely Me,

My Current Obsession with Felt

This is for sale HERE

If you follow me on instagram or Adeline's Loft facebook page, you would probably notice a flood of photos on felt creations that I have been making recently. Somehow, I feel that working with felt has allowed me to explore and unleash my truest-to-the-true creative juices... in an artistic kind of way. Truth be told, I find that it gives me immense gratification when I see my ideas come to life. And I can't seem to stop making them for now!

This is for sale HERE

Felt, if you look around at craft shops, is not an expensive material to work with. Having made quite a number of felt creations already, apart from getting sparked with ideas, I think the only factor that I will attribute to it's "complexity" in completing a piece is the time I spend on each creation. Hence, it also explains why it may cost a little more. These days, I need to draw out my ideas and see if it is a feasible design to work. Thereafter, I would need to draw a template of the designs before I cut the shapes out from the felt. I just love the flexibility of creating a shape (any shape!) out of a plain material and thereafter adorning it with beads to make it different from the norm.

This is for sale HERE

Apart from the drawing and cutting of material, the step that takes up the most time would be putting the pieces of felt together and lovingly hand stitched. Each completed creation is bound by 2 pieces (front and back), double stitched on the edges so that it can hold up the shape nicely and not just a floppy single piece of felt. In the case of this birdie pendant necklace above, it is stuffed with cotton wool for a three dimensional finish.

This is for sale HERE

Wearing a felt based jewelry is all about having fun while sprucing up your outfits, in a very artistic kind of way. It can be bold like the red one above, which is truly a stunning piece I have ever made. (Yes, I love it very much actually!) Or even sweet subtler pieces like this patchwork style bib necklace I have recently been commissioned to make :

This is NOT for sale. However, you can commission a similar style from me.

I am still very excited about what else I can do with felt and am very sure you will see more designs very soon. If you are inspired by my work and perhaps considering a custom made jewelry anytime soon, do drop me a message and follow me on my facebook page for updates too!

***SPECIAL DISCOUNT FOR MY READERS***

If you like any of the felt pieces you see on this post that is for sale at my facebook page, you will be happy to know that I am offering a very special one time 10% discount off the published price. Only while it lasts! And remember that these are all one-of-a-kind creations so there will never be one that will look entirely the same in the world.

Till the next post, have a wonderful day!

Jewelry Crafting with Handmade Felt Beads

Last year, I started working with felt materials, incorporating them into my jewelry creations. I was very pleased with the end product of the several custom made pieces. Though it took so much more time to complete, it was certainly gratifying to see a vision in my head coming to life.

 

These are the few pieces I had created, working with felt based material.

 Recently, I began to dabble with felt again. But this time, I made the felt beads from scratch. Using the wet felting method. If you are interested, here is one of the many tutorials I have come across and picked up tips from.

These are some of the plain felt beads I had made.

And these are some of the creations I've made recently, using my own handmade felt beads.

A bag charm I made for myself, with purple felt ball and mixed media components.

A customized order that came through when I showcased my completed felt beads. With matching swarovski crystals.

This pair is currently for sale HERE

Remember seeing the plain felt beads at the top part of this post? Well, I decided that plain is just too boring so I got down to sew some simple designs on it! Sewing on these beads took a lot of my time so you can say this is a very labor intensive jewelry. I spent at least 30-45 minutes on each one. Here's my end product.

And what did I do with these beads? I made a piece of jewelry art. Something that I've always challenged myself to do and showcase that the possibilities are endless when it comes to creating!

Wired together with folded leaf shape blue felt fabric cuttings, white riverstone beads sewn on each "leaf" for added weight. Strung together with black lava textured stones and held by suede strand.

A close up of the necklace.

I am truly filled with satisfaction upon the completion of this piece which I had worked on the past few days, piecing the ideas in my head together and making sure the design would work. I have not priced this piece of art yet and I am not so sure if I will be selling it or keep it as part of my personal collection. (Latest update : it's sold!!) Perhaps you may like to customized something to your preference? Just drop me an email!

It would certainly help me, to know what you think of such designs? Would you be game to wear something artistic like this? Would you like to see more of such unique piece of jewelry at Adeline's Loft? Your thoughts are much appreciated!

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I am an independent jewelry crafter at Adeline's Loft and have been doing so from home since 2005 - something that I have been pursuing on the side while taking care of the family. Do drop by my facebook page and give me a 'like' to show your support for handmade craft! Thank you!

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Till the next post, have a wonderful day!