Jewellery making

I just made a necklace!

All the pieces I used to make I bought in this fantastic jewellery bead store in Tokyo called Kiwa Seisakujo. This store is every jewellery-construction fanatics heaven. It is massive and has everything you could ever imagine, and things you couldn't even dream of. Whatsmore, it is unbelievably cheap.

I bought so many beads, chains, charms, crystals at this store- you name it, but I haven't put aside time to actually do something with them. Which is sad because I love jewellery making. Unfortunately, I am not very skilled in this domain- I don't know how to do fancy loops, or create intricate beadwork. I really want to learn how to become better at beading and jewellery construction. I find it so enjoyable to be able to piece together something so personal- a creation that is yours- from a simple pile of bits and bobs.

I designed an entirely gold drop of interlocking hoops, with a carelly positioned Swarovski crystal which hangs down in the middle of one of the hoops.

Would you believe that a packet of 10 of small Swarovski crystals was 260Y= Approx. $3.00!

My "workstation"

The collection of beautiful vintage buttons my Aunty gave me~ I'm planning to make some more pieces with them!

Buying like hotcakes!

Blogging here makes me realise how often I go out for a really nice lunch and day with my mum. I'm really lucky to have such a wonderful Mum who I can hang out with, and appreciate good conversations, clothes, and food with. Last week we went to Bill's in Surry Hills for lunch. Ohhhhh, it was so unbelievable! We've both wanted to try his place for a while, given the reports about how delicious his Ricotta Hotcakes are- world famous in fact!

I'm happy to say they live up to the hype! We're talking thick, fluffy hotcakes which you drizzle with maple syrup and bananas, and honeycomb butter. You can see why they would be so crazily yummy. We also had a chicken club sandwich, which has got to be the best sandwich I've had in my life!

Ok, enough food talk. We strolled from Surry Hills to Darlinghurst. My mum bought an absolutely gorgeous dress from a shop called The Wardrobe. It's a Piper Lane fitted gold, silver and black dress, which she looks so devine in. I also tried it on, and although it didn't look nearly as good on me, I shall be stealing it for a night or two nevertheless!

The dress

Striped dress from Japan, My necklace from Germany

Dress from Isetan Shinjuku

As usual, we walked, and walked, and walked, until our feet ached and we felt like collapsing!

Bows and macaroons

The other day I went to explore the suburb of Balmain with my boyfriend. I hadn't been before- but after spending the day there I can say that I will definately be back.

Dress: Cheapo clothes store in Chatswood- $16 from $40ish

Wrap: Roy ($25 from $120)
Bag: Wittner ($40 from $190)

Shoes: Shoe shop in Japan (in my fave colour- BLURPLE!)

It's one of those suburbs with one main street of shops, restaurants and cafes. The main street was Darling Street, which we strolled up and down. The selection of shops were alright- I didn't really find any clothes I fell in love with. But I felt like a very lucky girl when my boyfriend insisted on buying me the cutest bow headband.. (thank you!!) Now anyone who knows me knows I absolutely adore bows. Bows on clothes, shoes, jewellery- in my hair. It might seem to cutesy to some- but I think as long as you don't overdo it with other accessories, and wear something not to fussy, then it can make a really sweet look.

Talking of sweet... we stopped in at Adriano Zumbo. I've wanted to go for a while now, after seeing his genius on Masterchef- and seeing food blogs rave about his holy creations. Oh. my. god. I was drooooling just looking at all the pastries. And they tasted even better. To start off our Zumbo journey, we were given a free Vegemite macaroon to try. The sales girl said she was frustrated that no one wanted to try it, and she wanted to prove how good they were. I can understand that- because I detest Vegemite. But I was surprised when I actually liked a lot, probably because the taste of Vegemite was very subtle. We then devoured a jam donut, mango stickyrice macaroon, and an apricot danish.

Mango sticky rice macaroon. Frikken amazing.

All were devilishly delicious. The fact that this man can make something so simple as a jam donut so mouthwatering is a true display of his creativity and artistry.

My lovely boy :)

I am already dreaming about my next visit!