Butterfly Kisses -- SOLD --

Pardon the poor lighting and the poor picture. The rainy weather has made any form of photography a disaster.

This dainty, girly necklace features Czech glass paired with Swarovski crystals and gold hoops. Accented with a gold filagree butterfly and yet more gold toned chains, it comes together to dance delicately around your neck. If you will let it, that is.

Black Tie -- SOLD --

Parties sometimes have the dress code... "black tie" for men... I wonder what the host will think if the gentlemen appeared in this black tie. Hmm.

Just a simple piece with muted elegance. Made of a combination of Swarovski pearls and crystals, gold toned chains and a black ribbon bow, this necklace helps to dress up the plain top, turning it into something suitable for "black tie, formal" events.

Razzle Dazzle -- SOLD --

(Colour of purple faux pearls are slightly darker here than in real life).
Silver toned chains and hoops, paired with purple faux pearls in a metallic sheen and Swarovski crystals. Simple, understated yet bold enough to dress up with.

Dainty Chic -- SOLD --

A dainty necklace combining various elements together to create a serene beauty. Gold toned hoops and chains are flanked with faux pearls and Swarovski crystals, all set off with a metal centrepiece featuring whimsical chinese styled flowers.

An interesting blend... reminds one of something old and something new... all at once.

Hiatus

Things are not easing up as fast as they should... Instead, the work is piling up. Acks. Things will be back up slowly but surely, though it would seem to be more after the Christmas season. If you are interested to learn when things are a-posted on Bead Haven, be sure to sign up for the mailing list.

For those already on the mailing list, be sure to check your mail for a lil special offer just for you!

Meantime, a Merry Christmas to one and all!

Made with Love $19

Made with Love... a necklace featuring a winged heart, small charms of key and heart inscribed with "made with love", a cluster of clear Swarovski crystals... all sitting on a gold toned chain and closed with a lobster clasp.

A one off piece for someone special. You decide who that special someone is going to be.

Rainforest $13

Over here in Singapore, we are well into the monsoon season with daily thunderstorms falling all across the island. I beaded Rainforest during one of those thunderstorms. It felt like, huge drop after huge drop falling from the skies...

Jacqueline -- SOLD --

Honey jade cubes, Swarovski crystals, faux pearls and gold toned chains... Blend them together and you form Jacqueline -- a necklace that sits round your necklace drawing attention with subdued colours.

A life of elegance. :)

Winter Blues -- gifted --

Translucent Czech glass beads take centrestage in this necklace... They team up with Swarovski crystals to create a simple piece of quiet repose.

The light blue calms... and the centrepiece dangles just so. Wear it with pastel colours to complement or the little black dress for high contrast.

Amber Drops -- gifted --

Cool amber tones dominate this Czech glass bead... With lines of white weaved in, this pair of earrings dangles just below the earlobes and makes for an understated elegance.

Good for the office, or days when you want to be "serious". Then again, pair it with something dressy to create a whole new look.

...breakaway...

Hi everyone...

Bead Haven will be taking a short break till the first week of December. I really have too many things to handle at the moment and just cannot cope. Things are not going too well on the physical health side with my grandparents so having to toggle between work and worrying about their health as well as mum who is the main caregiver is taking its toil.

Please pray for them to recover. The current condition does not bode too well.

I will still be replying to emails and sending out packages for orders (of currently available items)... and of course, fulfilling as best as possible the already made orders. Just asking for your understanding if I am a bit slow to respond. Meanwhile, if you are still keen on some already sold item, I would be glad to see if I can remake them in a reasonable time.

Isabelle $15

Cloisonne rings, Swarovski crystals and faux pearls are ensembled here to create a pair of earrings that evoke memories of Chinois chic and opulent, grand dinners of yesteryear. Wear Isabelle with a white summery dress to create the contrast between east and west or dazzle together with a cheongsam, chinese-inspired top.

Mysterious Purple -- gifted --

Slightly mismatched earrings! The cones are actually the same... just that the pattern that goes all round it is different from both sides. If you really want, I'll remake it with the same facing.

Meanwhile, its a purple themed pair with dangling Swarovski crystals at base and faux pearls at top. Choinois chic is back in.

A Charming Christmas -- gifted --

Just had enough time to get bowled over by the charms, fix them up and rush off for staff dinner. Guess you all can tell the theme of this set? Great set for Christmas parties or earrings this time of year.

(The bottom row is not so pinky! Pink, red and purple... I blame the camera.)

Gifted the set to an out of town, visiting friend. Ask for remakes!

Crystal Clear Star $7

A simple earring for occasions when too much is really... too much. A star charm dangles from a link of Swarovski crystals. Simple, sweet... perfect.

Bag Full of Love $15

Another "first" for Bead Haven. Bag charms! Tis the season of gifts... and while I am busy getting my own set of presents ready, I figured I might as well make a few bag charms for those interested.

Large plastic charm sits with a small "love" tag atop while Czech glass and Swarovski crystals dangle behind. Finished with a lobster clasp to dress up your bag.

Now, does everything match?

Wine and Dine -- gifted --

Had been meaning to try my hand at wine charms for the longest time. So I did. A few weeks ago. Then stopped after two (I sound so much like the government... stop at two campaign), only to finish the set up a short while ago.

Made of assorted Swarovski crystals and charms, you actually have the flexibility to use them as wine charms to differentiate the glasses during the festive partying season or... to wear them as mismatched / one-sided earrings.

The theme behind this...?

One boy and one girl, celebrating their love with their first Christmas. I am sure we remember our "first" ... Which brings to mind the Nikon ad.

Freedom to the masses!

Crystal Jade -- SOLD --

Made up entirely of Swarovski crystals..! Crystal Jade really catches the light very well. Using a combination of three different shades of green, they come together to form a unique blend of class.

Wear it with pastel greens, white tops and bohemian skirts, white party dresses... anything to highlight the green tones. Or even with a black bustier dress. Live it up. To the fullest. Green symbolises life, does it not?

Crystal Light $25

This the season of many many parties. Sometimes you glam it up. Sometimes you tone it down. I felt like it was time for something sparkly... with Swarovski crystals and faux pearls. Gorgeous combination to dress up the little black dress, match a white summery dress or something for dinner and dance.

Hmm... even good for ROM dresses! Be ready to dazzle and shine.

Rosy Showers -- gifted --

Dainty tensha rose beads are back again. This time with an elongated shape. They dangle from gold chains together with Swarovski crystals and pearls... swaying with your gentle movements.

Towards the oriental look.

One Boy One Girl -- gifted --

Tinkered around for a simple matching design for Home for Two with the remaining charms I had. Quite like the basic, fun look.

Made with the same gold toned charms and Swarovski crystals. Complement the necklace or pair it with something else. Good even on its own!

Bronze Extravagance -- SOLD --

Whee... Gorgeous piece I must say... The tensha bead set in white with lovely flower prints in bronze gold... Flanked with a chain of freshwater pearls in bronze gold... Ahhh. Need I say a whole lot more?

Bronze Extravagance is a necklace featuring the white oval shaped tensha with a lil gold tassel. The chain is of freshwater pearls and faux frosted pearls... held together with gold toned findings and toggle clasp.

Home for Two -- SOLD --

A necklace featuring charming little charms. :) A pair of silhouettes, a house, golden hoop and chains from which dangles a light smattering of Swarovski crystals. All hanging from a gold toned chain and closed with a lobster clasp.

This piece came about as I was thinking of the many newly wedded friends who are busy sprucing up their homes. Friends were and are still talking about interior designers and the WIS at the various parts of Singapore. It just feels right... a home for two, made by two.

The Oriental -- SOLD --

A delicate yet opulent feel... As I was beading up this piece, I was thinking of The Oriental hotel. Charm, glam and posh. And the weddings that are held there! The ballroom decorated in full splendour...

The Oriental is a pair of gold toned earrings made of Swarovski pearls and gold charms.

Star -- gifted --

Simplicity is always in. This necklace centres around a basic design, drawing attention to the cloisonne star bead at centre. From this focal point, Swarovski pearls and crystals are beaded together to form the rest of the necklace and from which dangles chains with the pearls.

You do not need to be 'loud' to make a statement.

Fly Away -- SOLD --

Was thinking of the song "Fly Away" when I was taking a snapshot of this pair and thought it was quite appropriate. So the name stuck.

This pair flitters delicately from the ears, lending a sense of romantic calm and charm. Composed of silver toned butterfly charms, Czech flower beads and Swarovski crystals.

A lightweight, featherweight knock-out. Makes a good gift for a little girl... or those young at heart.

Exclusive, one-off piece. Definitely no remakes.

Easter Eggs -- SOLD --

Easter Eggs... in November. Something's not quite right with the calendar but hey, the colours are rather Christmassy!

Have had these cloisonne "egg-look-alike" beads for the longest time and finally decided to pair them up as such yesterday to form a christmassy chunky earrings. Looks good enough to be hung on trees ears. :P

Made of... cloisonne beads, Swarovski pearls, Czech glass and Swarvoski crystals. Chunky funky.

Blooms -- SOLD --

Heart shaped tenshas... with a floral motif feature in this piece. Simple, delicate and elegant.

The tenshas are making their way to my heart... and probably yours. Just that they do not come cheap or I'll buy up the whole range. Heh.

But for now, enjoy these with rose blooms and green Swarovski crystals. Reminds me of the Englsih rose gardens and tea parties. Wear this together with a summery dress of a day out... or a black number to jazz things up even more.

Close to the Heart -- SOLD --

Close to the Heart is a design similar to the widely popular Little Ballerina. It features a different mix of beads and centres on the locket heart. Here, Czech glass cut to resemble flowers are paired with Swarovski crystals to create the chain. The heart locket dangles in a "egg-shaped" ring and is flanked by even more Swarovski crystals. A light-hearted, romantic mix...

(Click on image for larger view)

Seashells by the Seashore -- SOLD --

A fun piece! Shell discs polished to a lustre and that catch the light with its shine... It livens up a simple top with its glow! Best contrasted against plain tops though go for clash of patterns if you dare.

Seashells by the Seashore is a necklace composed with shell discs, faux pearls and Swarovski pearls. All held together with gold toned chains and a toggle clasp.

Glam it up now!

Baby Love $20

Charming memories, keepsakes... A number of friends are giving (have gave) birth to baby girls and this felt as good a time to remember this sudden baby girl boom as any.

Simple with the key focus on the charms, this bracelet commemorates the lil one's birth. A heart charm to symbolise the love between parents, and parents and child... A rocking horse as a toy given for her to grow up with... A cherubim holding a birth certificate to represent the details of the actual birth... and a smattering of faceted "Cat's Eyes" and Swarovski crystals for a charming design all round.

A keepsake for a dear little one... or something for the mother in the meantime.

PS... I Love You $17

My relationship is no longer like it used to be. It used to be filled with a lot of childish sweetness. But now, it's more of trust and mutual understanding (and of cux love, needless to mention). We do not have to say much and we'll understand how one another is going through. In case you're wondering, we're still going on strong and our motto is: We go together. (It was on a valentine card he gave me) It simply means going together in times of pain, bitter, arguments, sickness, etc.

To my dearest reader, my boyfriend and I may be young but I'd like to share what I've learnt from this relationship. If you really love someone, you wouldn't walk away simply from a quarrel because you will treasure the love more than the energy spent on arguing. Learn to compromise and accept his/her flaws or differences. Learn to change for him. Learn to learn from each other. I learnt a lot from him. But one most important life lesson i learnt from him is to be proactive in my life by not letting things happen to me but make things happen for myself. I tend to just take things thrown at my face and shortchanged myself and settle for the second best alternative. And he taught me and pushed out of my comfort zone just so that I would take charge of my life and be more successful in future. Be honest to each other because I'm sure if you do something wrong behind his back, he/she would eventually forgive you if he/she loves you.

The above was taken from the story that won the love letter of the week. YZ: remember to claim your prize.

Meanwhile, the bracelet featured above is a testimony of sweet love. A envelope charm which reads "with love" on the reverse... surrounded with "cat's eyes" beads and Swarovski crystals. Simply put, simple love.

Honey Pink -- SOLD --

A simple necklace set in silver toned elements. Continuing with the element of love. This necklace centres on a silver hoop, mod piece of a kissing couple charm, footprints and a plastic heart.

Together, they are ready to face life's challenges, as one. Walking together of course and united in love.

Length of chain can be adjusted.

Mistletoe Kisses -- SOLD --

Dedicated to V, husband for 1.5 years... He would have you know that our first kiss was at Christmas, not quite under the mistletoe but the Christmas tree.

This pair of earrings is in memory of the moment -- christmas themed colours of red and green Swarovski crystals, black Czech glass flower and a delightful charm of a kissing couple. All gold toned and ready to dangle from your ear.

Chinese Rose -- SOLD --

Chinese Rose... Tensha heart rose, 14K gold hoops, Czech glass and Swarovski pearls, all finished with gold toned chains and toggle clasp.

What's there not to like?

This piece was a specially requested piece... customised to her requirements. :)

The Christmas Locket -- SOLD --

To kick off the Yuletide season, The Christmas Locket is 'born'. An exclusive one-off piece, this necklace features an interesting mix of faux pearls, Swarovski crystals, 14K gold hoops, gold toned heart locket and chain as well as porcelain chips. (Note : the chips being porcelain have some inherent character flaws that just adds to its charm.)

Use the locket to hold the pictures of someone dear, someone whom you share a special love or kinship tie.

** The poem used is written by PoppyKI and can be found in its entirety at Christmas Locket Poetry.

Christmas comes early to Bead Haven

Elegantly Simple (necklace) -- SOLD --

The necklace component of the Elegantly Simple set. Made of cloisonne beads in black hues with pink floral embellishments, two toned Czech glass, faux pearls and finished with gold toned toggle clasp.

It sits comfortably around your neck as a centrepiece, complementing whites, pastels and black outfits that you may have. Get it by itself or as a set with the matching earrings.

Elegantly Simple (earrings) -- SOLD --

i tA customer had enquired about sets and I realised that I have not been doing any for some time. Elegantly Simple earrings is part of a necklace, earrings set where I have toned down the contrast but have decided to go for something simple yet feminine.

Get it on its own or as a set.

Cloisonne Valentine -- SOLD --

I have used this same cloisonne bead before in a variety of items... sometimes as earrings and other times as part of a necklace. They make a comeback in this piece... With a swanky pairing together with the Swarovski crystals, gold toned chains and freshwater mauve pearls that is.

Has just that little bit of jazz about it... the question now is whether you are ready for it!

Bleu -- SOLD --

Blue was what I was feeling over the weekend but the mood has since passed! What remains is this pair of tensha earrings that I beaded along the colour theme. Heh.

Tensha roses are paired with Czech flower-facet cut glass beads and Swarovski crystals in a miky white, translucent tone. Nothing very "blue / moody" about it but the colour.

Yulu -- SOLD --

This pair of earrings is dedicated to my mum... I will probably try and bead something classy and elegant just for her later because... it is her birthday today! Yay! Happy Birthday Mum!

Yulu is a green themed pair of earrings that dangles happily from the ears... It reminds me of mum because her name has the chinese character "Jade" in it and I associate it with green. The cloisonne butterflies flitter in delight and just add to the lightness of the situation.

Surely it is good enough to dress up a simple top for a casual day out?

the end of the saga

Dear friends (and customers!) of Bead Haven, thanks for the support and help given during this period. Many have left comments and emails regarding the infringement of copyrights and it has been really heartening to know that there are people who do appreciate the designs over here at Bead Haven.

The current episode / saga / drama (whatever you will want to call it) is closed. The site owner in question has removed the offending post and picture and I will call it a day. I admit, I am not really satisfied with the reply given but I will leave it at that. However, should there be any future occurence, I will definitely take more action than this. I will also not be removing the screenshot because I do not want it to seem like some blatant false accusation.

The facts of the situation are...

• I beaded the original design, posted it for sale here and sold it
• (according to you) someone took the picture off... apparently gave to you who beaded to remake and who in turn posted it online as your own work and at a higher price (?!). I did not make any accusations as to whether the rest of your work are your original designs or not, just focused on MINE which I know as a fact.
• I did accidentally reveal your site but have since amended it. You have also since changed your layout so it is no longer recognisable by the screenshot designs.
• I am carrying on with my beading and am asking for all your eyes to keep a look out for such infringements on other sites.

What is going to change over here?

• a new post on copyright infringement... is going to come up soon (which really should not affect all of you!)
• photographs are going to be watermarked (sorry about the ugliness...!)
• in short, nothing.

I want to continue my beading. It is a hobby of mine and while I am mighty peeved to have such an incident taking place here... I am carrying on.

N / CC, if you are reading this... I won't be replying your email. I think in terms of ethics we are on two different planes so there is no point in trying to find a common ground. Besides, you have already taken all steps you can on your side to make sure you cannot be identified by the screenshot anymore.

CopyCat Alert!

Thanks for the tip off SS. Please claim your store credit from me. Check your email for more details. :)

Ok, back to the issue at hand. A reader / customer of the blog spotted this on another site. I did a screenshot of it, deleting the URL to give said person just the bit of privacy. But as you can clearly see from the picture (click to enlarge if its too small), she used the SAME picture I did. In case you did not recognise, it is a snapshot of Beauty Repose. How likely is this to happen? I mean, beading the same necklace, using the same background and even laying it out with the chain just so?!

For now, I am not revealing the URL. I tried leaving a comment but was not too successful. I have also emailed the site owner to remove the post. I will check back there within these 3 days. If I still find the offending picture and post there, you can be sure I'll release the URL!

For those curious about whether it is possible she bought it herself... well, no. It was bought by a friend who asked for some customisation. And... I am meeting her over lunch or dinner to pass the items she bought to her. So, hmm, the necklace, though sold, is still with me.

Needless to say, I am kind of peeved by this. First technology woes, now copycat woes.

By the way, if you ever chance upon duplicates of the designs here, please email me at littlemissbeadalot@gmail.com. I will be setting up a reward system for those who do spot such blatant copycats!

Technology Woes

There's something wrong with my internet connection, cable between the camera and the computer and the rechargeable batteries that power the camera... Grrr.

So what this means is that I am having sporadic times of accessing the internet and checking my mail so if you have not heard from me regarding your requests and other stuff (and why I have not had the opportunity to upload more photos), please know that the mails are not in the trash but more rather that I am stuck somewhere.

Hoping that regular ease of use of technology returns by Monday. Meanwhile, its time to return the computer to the rightful owner. I'll be back! Promise... with the results of the lil competition and possibly upcoming December Christmas promos...

Now, that's something to be cheerful about!

Lady of Emerald Hill -- SOLD --

The Lady of Emerald Hill sits by the bay window, watching the world pass her by. She dreams of returning to Kansas but she never makes any move to get out on her own. So day by day, she watches as the world passes her by...

This necklace is an enduring mix of a square cloisonne piece, Swarovski crystals, Czech glass beads... all held together by gold toned chains. Wear it with something oriental or even basic, and you are ready to go.

(Click on picture for enlarged image.)

Floral Blue -- SOLD --

This pair of earrings originated as a remake of Floral Decadence. However, under poor lighting, I got the wrong cloisonne teardrop. Instead of black, it turned dark blue!

So... the original design was reworked and Floral Blue has been sent off to its owner today. :) Cloisonne teardrop beads, Swarovski crystals and faux frosted pearls... Yay!

Flitter Flutter -- SOLD --

*Butterflies again!*
I never get very far from butterflies...! Flitter Flutter is a necklace, half made up of faux frosted and plain pearls and the other half a double strand chain. The cloisonne butterfly dangles from just off centre and has a light mix of Swarovski crystals and Czech glass on its tail.

Decide to wear the butterfly drop just off centre or right smack in the centre. You choose. The ends of the chains are "hidden" behind your hair most of the time! Closed with silver toned toggle.

Classic Black -- SOLD --

It is a holiday!!! Such a great reprieve from the work overload in office. Heh. Don't want to think about tomorrow... Meanwhile, I had fun beading last night. :) Yes, already! Classic Black uses the same big, flat round tensha as Black Tensha and the smaller round ones.

Overall, it has a healthy mix of tensha beads to create this elegant look. I imagine it will turn heads with the classic, old English look it exudes. Black will never be out of fashion.