Mala Beads ~ shangrilacraft's Blog

Mala's made with Love. Dzi bead that you will Love!
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How to make a mala

Published: 02-04-2013 05:18am
Posted In: Mala Beads
I have been making malas for years now and something that I get asked A LOT is how do you make a mala. To be honest, it is really simple. You need a bit of time and patience and of course the right supplies.  For me when I was starting out buying the supplies was the easiest part. I was living in Guangzhou, Guangdong or sometimes called Canton in China. Guangzhou has some amazing markets, especially for jewelry. There are some markets that are the size a five mega sized wal-marts stacked on top of each other, just selling boxes, bags, ribbons and other packing supplies. Its overwhelming, you can loose days in there, but you always find exactly ... » Read More

108 bead mala necklace for Wholesale Prices!

Published: 11-07-2012 05:06am
Posted In: Mala Beads
If you love mala's like I do you need to read this!I Love to make malas, both neckaces and bracelets. I just recently bought some new white pear shell 6mm beads that have an Amazing color and shine. I have been super busy, making LOTS of 108 bead mala necklaces. And just because we love our customers so much- We are selling them for wholesale prices!The mala is is made from white pearl shell beads that are 6mm. They have red agate 6mm spacer beads and are made on a golden yellow cord. The color gold is very lucky in buddhism and will also bring the wearer good luck. The cord is also elastic, so the mala can be worn as a necklace or wrapped around ... » Read More

Mala of the Month

Published: 05-06-2012 08:52am
Posted In: Mala Beads
Hi Jewelry Lovers, I have just put of three new 'items'. I have started a Mala of the Month. I love getting things in the mail and this way you can get an amazing mala at the start of each month. You will get either a 108 bead mala necklace or a mala bracelet. Each time the mala will be different, either from my new collection or from our best sellers or favorites!I currently have 3 months, 6 months and 12 months. 3 monthshttp://www.artfire.com/ext/shop/product_view/4673262 6 monthshttp://www.artfire.com/ext/shop/product_view/4673281 12 monthshttp://www.artfire.com/ext/shop/product_view/4673295     ... » Read More

How to fix your mala tassels

Published: 04-03-2012 05:09am
Posted In: Mala Beads
I have been living in Guangzhou for quite a few years. But, two days ago I just arrived in Shanghai. I packed a lot of my malas and dzi beads, both personal one and ones to sell. When I unpacked one of my mala necklaces the tassel was a Mess! And, mess is an understatement! It looked like a ball of tangled, matted, messy, fur and string! I thought I'd have to buy a new tassel and take my mala apart and remake the whole thing!I tired to comb through the tassel with my fingers, but the silk strings were bent, creased and not going to lay flat at all! I wasn't ready to take this mala apart, so I started looking around the house for an iron! As, its ... » Read More

should my mala be elastic or string?

Published: 03-19-2012 05:21am
Posted In: Mala Beads
One question that we get asked a lot is - should my mala be elastic or string?Here is my advice. Mala bracelet, definitely elastic! I wear my mala everyday, so it gets a lot of wear and tear. Make sure your mala bracelet is either thick elastic cord or stretchy string. But, if your using stretchy string, use at least three pieces of the string and don't use any that is starting to fray or separate, it won't be durable or last long very long. Mala necklace, it depends on the bead size and if you want to wear it around or neck or wrist. I have a 5mm rosewood mala that I wear nearly everyday. I made it with thick elastic cord. But, because ... » Read More

Make YOUR own mala

Published: 03-16-2012 03:25am
Posted In: Mala Beads
I love to make malas! Everyday I set aside a few hours to create new malas. I have incorporated this into my daily mediation. I really enjoy experimenting with different  tassels, pendants, strings and beads- colors, sizes or non traditional styles. If I end up loving the new mala creation, it ends up being photoed and put up on artfire. If not, over time it gets evolved into something beautiful, with beads, pendants and tassels being added or changed. If you are wanting to create a personalized mala- just email me!Let me know what color of beads your wanting- birthstone, favorite color, something traditional or non-traditional and that ... » Read More

Mala Strings

Published: 03-12-2012 11:32am
Posted In: Mala Beads
Feeling Crafty?Try making your own malas. Shangrila Craft is now carrying mala string! We have stretchy string, 80 yards in every color imaginable! For something fun try a neon stretchy string and clear crystal beads. http://www.artfire.com/ext/shop/product_view/shangrilacraft/3769192 It's one of my favorites. If your looking for a funky gift for a jewelry maker or a crafter, try our 10 colors pack of stretchy string. They will love it. http://www.artfire.com/ext/shop/product_view/shangrilacraft/4011135/10_pack_of_7_yard_strong_stretchy_crystal_bead_string_cord/supplies/jewelry_supplies/findings/stringing_materialsIf stretchy string isn't your... » Read More

Why are there 108 beads in the mala necklace?

Published: 02-27-2012 06:29am
Posted In: Mala Beads
Buddhist malas have 108 beads, but counting the 3 spacers beads, a total of 111 beads. Many ideas in Buddhism come from Hinduism, so108 is an important number in both Buddhism and Hinduism. 9 x 12= 108. Both 9 and 12 are significant numbers in Buddhism.There are 108 earthly desires.Powers of 1, 2, and 3 in math: 1 to 1st power=1; 2 to 2nd power=4 (2x2); 3 to 3rd power=27 (3x3x3). 1x4x27=108.There are 108 energy lines leading to the heart chakra.There are 54 letters in the Sanskrit Alphabet, and 54 x 2=108There are 108 evils one must overcome in order to find enlightenment.Some say that there are 108 beads to allow for the mantra to be repeated 1... » Read More

Where does the word MALA come from and what does it mean?

Published: 02-27-2012 06:23am
Posted In: Mala Beads
Mala is a Sanskrit word that roughly means garland.But, in many cultures refered to as a rosary. In Chinese, the rosary is nianzhu; in Japanese, nenju;  in Tibetan: threngwa, trenwa or tenwa;  in Vietnamese, tranghat. It is thought that the word rosary may have come from the Sanskrit japa mala. When the Roman explorers came to India and first saw the mala necklaces, they heard jap mala and jap  for the Romans ment  rose. So, when the malas were taken back to the Roman Empire they were called rosarium.  Today in English, rosary.  But, malas  are called  many names , prayer beads, Buddhist beads, Japa mala, power beads, energy beads, yoga ... » Read More

How to Choose your Mantra

Published: 02-27-2012 06:17am
Posted In: Mala Beads
A mantra is a very important part of the medatation practice and also for your mala beads. You need to find a mantra that suits you and that you are comfortable with.  Your mantra can either be given to you by your teacher or you can choose one by yourself. If you are choosing your mantra yourself be certain about your intent. Try a few mantras for a few repetitions  and see how they feel. Choose the mantra that feels most comfortable for you. ... » Read More

Using your Mala

Published: 02-27-2012 06:14am
Posted In: Mala Beads
Hold your mala in your right hand, with the mala beads between your thumb and first finger. Start with the first bead after the guru bead or the bead with the tassel. Slowly, begin to pull the beads towards you as you recite a mantra, either out loud or silently. Say one mantra for each mala bead and keep a steady pace. Don’t worry about your speed, your mantra will decide how fast you go.When you have finished a full round of your mala, don’t go over the guru bead. This is an important bead; it represents both the teacher and the god. This bead can’t be passed over or touch by your thumb. Turn the mala around and continue saying your mantra... » Read More

How to care for your Mala

Published: 02-27-2012 05:58am
Posted In: Mala Beads
First it's best to know excatly what a Mala or Yoga bead is, they are thought to be sacred objects and should be treated as such.  Although they can be worn as jewelry, they should not be treated like jewelry.  Leaving your mala around the house on a table to throwing it on the floor should never happen.  When you wear you mala like jewelry be sure to protect it, and in turn it will protect you.  If you take it off keep it in on something soft in a box or display case.  Always remember they are sacred and should be treated well.Malas can also be made of semi presious stones.  They are thought to provide an additional benefit of vibrational s... » Read More

Why Use Malas ?

Published: 02-27-2012 05:48am
Posted In: Mala Beads
Meditation is something we should all make time for each day. But, meditating can be very difficult in the beginning stages. Our minds tend to wander off. This can be frustrating and prevent us from practicing as much as we should be.The mala is a useful tool for focusing your mind. While meditating if your energy is too low, you may fall asleep. If your energy is too high your mind will wander. A mala provides the perfect rhythm for your meditation.  ... » Read More
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