-----: News Archive 2005 :-----

04-28-05: They published my tip! The Bead Bugle, online publication of a leading beads and accessories retailer, Beadbabe.com, published the beading tip I sent them. Check out the tip entitled, "Storing and Displaying Jewelry In The Same Box" in their Tips From Rena page. Thanks to Bead Bugle columnist Rena Klingenberg!

04-13-05: Site revamp! Pulled out many of the old items and posted lots of new ones. One major change is I'm using a Javascript to open enlarged versions in a pop-up window. I didn't do this the first time because I was worried about pop-up blockers preventing visitors from seeing the close-ups. Well, I'll just have to take the risk -- in exchange for the ease of navigation that it offers. So, go ahead and check the revised pages and let me know what you think.

Another major change is I took out all the "buy now" buttons. It gives me more flexibility regarding my collection pieces. Especially now that I've started distributing my items through retailers. I don't do mass production, so the pieces are "first come first serve." If a particular item is no longer available, I can work with you to design a similar item. So, if you see something you like, email me.

03-08-05: I was just about to post my latest creations here for sale, but after I got an order for as many pieces as I can create, suddenly I don't have anything to add to my online store. But I'd still love to share photos of the jewelry that's now going to a store in the West Coast. Here are some of them (click image for close-up).

02-25-05: I can't believe how lovely they turned out! My latest commission work is entitled, "Arlene Across The Ocean" for two reasons: Arlene is halfway across the globe, and the feature elements of the jewelry set are tahitian peacock-colored pearls. This is the first time I used gold-filled wire, and I must say they make the pieces very elegant. Arlene has seen the photos (she said she loves them and can't wait!) but she'll receive the shipment sometime next week. I'd love to hear her reaction when she sees her new set "in person."

01-27-05: A friend of a friend was here last week and she saw my Eye Catchers Collection. She confessed that she's attracted to kinetic art -- mobiles, wind chimes, and suncatchers -- and has collected quite a few. She asked if I could make one for her -- something bright and crystal-y. We agreed on the number of strands, the length, and the budget. She left all the creativity to me.

She came by today to pick up her order. She was ecstatic!

"It is so beautiful! I love it! You won't understand how much I love it!" - Mary, Orlando, FL

Ahh. Another satisfied customer. Her "Copper Crystal Suncatcher" is the photo on the right (click for larger version). It was a little tough to shoot (it's about 2 feet long, and the crystals kept messing up my camera's auto-focus), so pardon the resolution. These creations are always better "in person."

01-24-05: One of my handmade journals customers discovered my new jewelry section. She asked if I could make a 16-inch "Sacral Chakra" necklace for her, on an x-dollars budget. I said I'd be happy to. When I showed her the design I created for her, she said, "It's beautiful! I can't wait to get it!" I said, it looks much better "in person." When she received it (and her order of a bundle of handmade bookmarks), she said...

"Wow! You were so 'right-on' about the sacral chakra necklace... it's so much more magnificent in person!
Everything turned out beautiful and I'm so happy."
- Karen, San Antonio, Texas

So, here's my latest commissioned work (carnelian, citrine, aventurine, sterling silver), which I proudly call...

[Click image to enlarge]

01-12-05: My latest project sort of dawned on me after I bought a couple of strings of AB crystal beads--they reminded me of a rosary. I strung them in sterling silver wire, added 8mm Swarovski rounds as the "Our Father" beads, hand-twisted a heart for the medallion middle, and added a cross that I had recently bought online. Suddenly, I have a brand new sparkling rosary that I made myself!

[Click image to enlarge]

12-10-04: An order for three of my Chakra Flowers (jewelry for the car) rolled out yesterday. Here's the snapshot just before I packed them for shipment:

12-06-04: As promised, here's a photo of the bracelet and earrings set (swarovski hearts and sterling silver) I designed for a friend to wear to a formal dinner. Oh, she loved it! I feel so proud of myself. :)

[click image to enlarge]

11-28-04: Latest additions to the "Eye Catchers Collection:" zipper pulls, which also work as key tags or bag tags. Here's my current inventory (recently mailed out an order for 25 assorted), most of which will soon end up in my friends' holiday stockings.

11-23-04: Busy with my first commission work! It's a set (earrings and bracelet) of dangling swarovski hearts for a formal attire. My friend will be wearing a black evening gown to a formal holiday dinner and she asked me to design the jewelry that will go well with it. I don't want to spoil her dramatic entrance, so I'll stop myself from posting a photo. After her dinner event, I'll post images of the set here.

Another friend also requested for a set similar to my Hematite Spiral Set. It will be her Christmas gift to her Mom.

11-12-04: We are good to go! The Ruby Bayan Jewelry site is up and online! It's my birthday tribute to my Mother, who's probably crafting her heart away in her own little corner in the clouds.

As you can see by the banners above, I have four collections:

• The Gem Stones Collection - jewelry designed with semi-precious gemstones.
• The Heart Lovers Collection - designs around the heart shape.
• The Light and Bright Collection - simple and subtle pieces.
• The Eye Catchers Collection - jewelry for the home or car, zipper pulls, bag tags, and key tags.

And for posterity's sake, here's a photo of the very first set I handcrafted without adult supervision. It's become a gift for a good friend.