SagesCupboard's Blog

The Sage's Cupboard


10 Crafty New Year's Resolutions

Published: 12-29-2011 08:50pm
It’s that time of year again.  The time when we make a list of all the things we’d like to get done over the next 12 months.  Whether you’re into making resolutions or not, having a set of goals to accomplish is a great way to plan and prepare for the year ahead.   Sometimes the act of making New Year’s resolutions is enough to bring out our procrastinating side.  You could always call it a winter to-do list! For my fellow artists and crafters out there, I have 10 mostly fun things from my own to-do list to inspire you! 1. Try Something New The rush to finish Christmas creations is over, and there’s a bit of a lull ... » Read More

Egyptian Alabaster Cuff

Published: 11-14-2011 08:48pm
Posted In: Egypt
It is finally time to reveal the very first piece in my new Egyptian jewelry collection, and it turned out beautifully! My inspiration was the repeating geometric patterns on an alabaster vessel discovered among the Ancient treasures of Pharaoh Tutankhamun. This alabaster boat receptacle was among more than two thousand artifacts discovered in the final stage of Howard Carter’s excavation of Tutankhamun’s tomb. The final room in the sepulchre to be explored was the annexe, and it was also the most difficult to catalogue. Several robbery attempts shortly after the Pharaoh’s death left the tomb in a cluttered and disorganized state. It ... » Read More

Tutankhamun's Jewelry

Published: 11-14-2011 08:47pm
Posted In: Egypt
For Ancient Egyptians, the meaning of life was simple: to prepare for death. Immortality was a lifelong goal, and the wealthy elite spent much time and effort planning their own burials. Pharaohs typically began construction on their tombs as soon as they took the throne, so that they would be ready to take their place with the gods in the afterlife. Although we may never know whether or not these kings made it to the realm of Osiris, many of them did achieve immortality by leaving their mark on the world. Their tombs and the many treasures within have allowed them to be resurrected and admired around the world. The most famous royal t... » Read More

Egyptian Inspired Handmade Soap

Published: 11-14-2011 08:46pm
Posted In: Egypt
The Ancient Egyptians were expert record keepers, and it is thanks to these notations, and letters between Pharaohs and dignitaries, that we can get a glimpse of what life on the Nile was like. We know what they ate and drank, and what scents perfumed everyday life for Egyptian nobles. With the right combination of fragrances, one can be instantly transported to the world of Nefertiti or Cleopatra. My favorite Egyptian indulgence is soap by soapstar. Like most handmade soaps, the bar is beautiful to look at, with a light dusting of golden mica, and hieroglyphic impressions. But the real magic is in the marvelous, warm and exotic fragranc... » Read More

The Sacred Blue Lotus

Published: 11-14-2011 08:44pm
Posted In: Egypt
Symbols from every day life were important to Ancient Egyptian spirituality. The scarab rolling it’s little ball across the desert represented the sun trekking across the sky. The blue lotus, which sank beneath the water of the Nile each night and emerged with the rising sun, was the embodiment of rebirth. Because being reborn in the afterlife was the ultimate goal in this world, the lotus was a sacred symbol to the Ancient Egyptians. The blue lotus is usually depicted with a side view, as in the hieroglyph seshen. I wanted to capture those pretty petals in beadwork, using one of my favorite techniques. With alternating turquoise and in... » Read More

Columns of Color: Ancient Egypt

Published: 11-14-2011 08:43pm
Posted In: Egypt
When we think of Ancient Egypt, the colors that most often come to mind are black, gold, blue and red. These hues dominated all kinds of Egyptian artwork, from murals to jewelry. The colors were common not only because the materials to make them were readily available, but also because the Egyptians attributed them to aspects of their beliefs and daily life. Black was the color of the life-giving soil that was left behind after each flooding of the Nile. Red was the color of the desert, which protected them from invaders from other lands. Gold was the flesh of the gods. Like in many other cultures, blue represented both water and the heav... » Read More

How to Style an Egyptian Collar

Published: 11-14-2011 08:42pm
Posted In: Egypt
This week I added a brand new netted collar to my Egyptian inspired collection, featuring gorgeous garnet red glass. This necklace style is so beautiful, and is a great way to highlight a beautiful neck. Today, I thought it would be fun to take a look at a few different ways to wear a collar necklace. With this fashion collage, I chose some alternate accessories, to show just how versatile these necklaces really are. Though they don’t go with quite as many pieces as a classic pendant and chain, they can easily be incorporated into just about any wardrobe. My favorite way to style a collar is with a strapless top or dress. This gives ... » Read More

Egyptian Turquoise

Published: 11-14-2011 08:41pm
Posted In: Egypt
Turquoise blue was an important color in the lives of Ancient Egyptians. The paintings and sculpture created by skilled workers were not considered art at the time, but were created for the purpose of faith, duty and posterity; we now look to these masterpieces and enjoy their beauty. Some of the most enchanting artifacts used blue to represent the eternal vastness of the sky and water. My latest Egyptian inspired jewelry creation blended colors and shapes from two specific artifacts: William the Hippo, and the Funerary Broad-Collar of Wah. This charming blue hippopotamus figurine was found in 1910, in the tomb of a steward - Senbi II.... » Read More

The Eye of Horus

Published: 11-14-2011 08:39pm
Posted In: Egypt
Along with the Ankh and scarabs, the Wedjat Eye is one of the most widely recognized Ancient Egyptian symbols. It is an emblem of protection, good health, and the power of sight, or wisdom. Originally, the eye was used to represent the goddess Wadjet, or The Green One. She was the protector of Lower Egypt, and was often depicted as the cobra uraeus, which can be seen on the crown of Lower Egypt, and worn by Horus in the form of a sun disc. Wadjet was also associated with the green papyrus plant, and was the protector of the land, the Pharaoh, and women in childbirth. Her symbol later passed on to be associated with other Egyptian di... » Read More

Making Tiger Nut Sweets

Published: 11-14-2011 08:33pm
Posted In: Egypt
Compared to the varied and abundant foods that we enjoy today, the Ancient Egyptians had a fairly simple diet. Even the wealthiest homes had uncomplicated menus. Most featured basic dishes like barley bread, onions, lettuce, fish and dates. Fancy fare was saved for important banquets and feasts. One of the popular deserts was a simple treat called tiger nut sweets. The instructions for preparing these little finger foods is the oldest known recipe - one of many literary firsts for the Ancient Egyptians. I first came across a recipe for tiger nut sweets in a children’s book simply called Ancient Egypt, by Alexandra Fix. The method se... » Read More

New Egyptian Jewelry Line

Published: 11-14-2011 08:24pm
Posted In: Egypt
When it comes to jewelry, no one did it quite like the Ancient Egyptians. Their use of color and lines, paired with symbolism and - the order of the cosmos - resulted in some of the most extraordinary jewelry designs in history. Through various alliances and dominance over neighboring lands, Egyptians had access to many different materials for jewelry making, including gold, carnelian, alabaster and lapis. They also incorporated their own ceramic concoction - faience - to create beads and sculpture. After the discovery of Pharaoh Tutankhamun’s tomb by Howard Carter in 1922, the Ancient Egyptian aesthetic became famous around the wor... » Read More

How to Wear a Lariat

Published: 11-14-2011 08:23pm
Posted In: Shop Talk
The term comes from the Spanish word for lasso, and refers to a necklace that is worn without a clasp. It is also the name for any necklace that is more than 45 inches (115 cm) long. There are a variety of lariat styles, each one with their own unique methods of closure. Some rely a little on gravity, while others can be knotted or wrapped like a scarf. Trendy and versatile, lariats are fun and easy to wear, since there are no clasps to fumble with. If you’ve never put one on before, these necklaces might seem a little awkward at first. Once you get the hang of tying them, lariats could become your favorite accessory! Slide Lariats The... » Read More

Get to Know Your Necklace Lengths

Published: 11-14-2011 08:22pm
Posted In: Shop Talk
Did you know that there’s a special name for necklaces of different lengths? Each one has it’s own purpose and allure, and they can apply to all types of jewelry, from strands of pearls to intricate beadwork. Earth and Sky Cascade Fringe Necklace Dog Collars or Chokers These Victorian style necklaces fit snugly around the throat, and have a classic, elegant look. They can be made from many different materials, and soft fabrics and ribbons are common for this type of collar. Because they need to be a precise fit, most chokers will have an adjustable chain clasp. They can be plain, or feature a focal such as a cameo or pendant. ... » Read More

How to Stack Bracelets

Published: 11-14-2011 08:20pm
Posted In: Shop Talk
For jewelry lovers, one of the most exciting trends to make a comeback recently, is stacked or layered bracelets. Instead of choosing just one bangle or bracelet to wear, you can proudly pile on as many as you can fit around your wrist, and look fabulous. Sky High Bracelets by Mortira featuring stretch bracelets The best thing about this look is that there are no rules. You can mix and match colors, patterns, materials, styles and shapes to your heart’s content. Pair up beads, chain and fibers, or stack up metal, wood and plastic - anything goes. You can even combine bangles with clasped bracelets and wraps. The tric... » Read More

Custom Jewelry Creations

Published: 11-14-2011 08:20pm
Posted In: Shop Talk
One of the best things about making jewelry, is being able to build a piece that perfectly matches the taste and personality of the person who will be wearing it.  Creating custom jewelry is very rewarding. All of the finished jewelry that I create for my Studio is one of a kind.  There will never be two necklaces or two bracelets exactly the same, which means that my customers know that each item they choose will be unique. If I recreate a design - by request or muse - I make sure to include variations of color and shape, so that every piece has it’s own individuality. The Sage’s Cupboard Custom Process Step One: If you w... » Read More

Stress Testing Handmade Jewelry

Published: 11-14-2011 08:19pm
Posted In: Shop Talk
An important part of any business that involves the making of things, is making sure that those things are the best that they can be.   We’ve probably all seen those commercials where factory made goods are put through hours of abuse by machinery, designed to try the durability of a product.  Everything from toys to vacuum cleaners gets put to the test, to see how well they will stand up to everyday use. Although I don’t put my jewelry through a gauntlet of horrors, I do try to test out the longevity of designs that I keep for myself, so that I can be sure the jewelry I make will last a lifetime. When I discovered bead weaving, afte... » Read More

Handmade Jewelry Care Guide

Published: 11-14-2011 08:18pm
Posted In: Shop Talk
Every first order from The Sage’s Cupboard includes a jewelry care guide, to help you preserve your one of a kind accessories for years to come.  All jewelry from The Sage’s Cupboard is made with care, using quality beads and durable nylon thread.  Here are some tips for keeping your new pieces in good shape. Keep Jewelry Dry Most of my favorite materials are water resistant, however it is very important to avoid getting beadwoven jewelry wet.  Dust and other impurities can build up if water is trapped in the tiny spaces between beads. Beadwoven jewelry should not be worn during sports, and rings and bracelets should be removed bef... » Read More

How to Find Your Bangle Size

Published: 11-14-2011 08:17pm
Posted In: Shop Talk
Of all the types and styles of jewelry to choose from, fit matters most for bracelets and bangles.  Too small, and it won’t be comfortable or wearable.  Too big, and a bracelet could fly off with the day’s first enthusiastic hand gesture, or worse yet, silently slip away without notice. The only thing more frustrating than a lost piece of jewelry, is one that could have fallen off . So, when shopping for bangles online, it’s important to know what measurements to use and look for, so you can find a bangle that’s right for you. Since you can’t try on and test each piece, accurate measurements are key. A bangle is any bracele... » Read More

How to Find Your Ring Size

Published: 11-14-2011 08:16pm
Posted In: Shop Talk
There are many methods for finding the perfect ring fit, many of which you can do right at home.  All you need is a measuring tool, and a size chart. First you will need to find the width of your finger.  The easiest method is to measure with a flexible ruler, like a seamstress tape.  If you don’t have one, you can use a length of string, and then measure it against a standard ruler.  Taking your measurements in millimeters will give the most accurate ring size. Using a piece of string that doesn’t stretch, wrap the length around the base of your finger, and use a felt marker to indicate the point where the string overlap... » Read More