pling

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{ peace doves } April 16, 2009

 

Doves, lovely as they are with their soft feathers, are symbols of peace, love and freedom. In Christian art & poetry, Dove represents the Holy Spirit (John 1:32).

 

Similarly, they have inspired many artists, designers, composers and film-makers. Using them here in the bijou way of a piece of jewelry, and featuring these this month, I hope they hold special significance to the wearers – be it in the conservation of the dwindling dove species, or the hope for peace (war causes too much harm, both to people and to our ailing Earth). And of course, when we love each other and the Earth, we’ll be a little closer to inner peace.

 

Sharing some of my favorite quotes on peace and love:

 

“We look forward to the time when the Power of Love will replace the Love of Power.

Then will our world know the blessings of peace.”

~ William Ewart Gladstone


“If we have no peace, it is because we have forgotten that we belong to each other.”

~ Mother Teresa


“Peace cannot be achieved through violence, it can only be attained through understanding.”

~ Ralph Waldo Emerson


“Let there be peace on earth
And let it begin with me.”

~ Seymour Miller & Jill Jackson, “Let There Be Peace on Earth,” 1955


“In the name of peace
They waged the wars
Ain’t they got no shame”

~Nikki Giovanni


EA0146 - mint doves earringsNA0204 - singing to the stars necklace

*SOLD OUT*

 

{ elephant in the room } April 9, 2009

Filed under: ≈ earth goddess,pouches — plingthinks @ 1:09 am
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On the eve of April, I read that another 2 elephants were shot by illegal loggers or poachers. Less than 3,000 Sumatran elephants can be found in the wild. Not just elephants, but many animals are being killed every day by these terrible people. So, if there is no market for their skin and husks, there will be no more such poachers.

 

They are such inspirations, especially in children literature, which I’m sure some of you lovelies out there, like me, had enjoyed these stories and illustrations of them. Be it Dumbo, Elmer, Horton or Babar, many had been inspired by their gentleness (despite their size which says something) and amazing physical characteristics.

 

I found this very cute picture of a baby elephant Ko Raya, recently born into the Berlin Zoo on March 15. So lovable!

 

Baby Elephant Ko Raya - Photo courtesy of demonicious.com

 

Green Tip: Bring your eco-bag out when you are shopping! There are many in the market and they pack small for easy popping into your bag. They hardly weigh a dime. Check out Daiso for the many $2 recycling bags! Remember, small changes, big impact!


PA0008 - unlikely friends Momo & Lulu pouch

*SOLD*

NA0044 - 'elephant can dribble too!' necklacePA0007 - elephant apple picnic pouch

 

{ tree hugging } April 1, 2009

 

This month, in conjunction with Earth Day on April 22, pling will be featuring ‘Earth Month Inspirations’ – handcrafted pieces that draw inspiration from nature, trees, doves, elephants, flowers and many more.

 

Let’s get conscious of what we are doing to our planet Earth. And after that, not just in April, we can make small efforts to our everyday life and start living different for the sake of our ailing planet. I’ll also be sharing little tips that I follow to do my part. Even if you think you are just 1 person, you can do something. And I don’t mean building an eco-home (which requires millions of dollars) or buying a hybrid car…but small things, small changes that make a difference.

 

First up…TREES! I love them and would be really sad if they are gone from our world. They are really beautiful…besides all the good things they do for our Earth and us. Sharing some of my pictures taken of trees when I was in Rome, The Vatican and the Singapore Zoo.

 

rome-sunsettrees-at-the-singapore-zoo

trees-in-front-of-colosseum

 

Green Tip: Separate your garbage. I put a paper bag to contain all my paper rubbish – especially all those mailers/flyers that I get in the mail and including the cardboard package of all household items and beauty products. After that, I just bring them to the recycling centre 2 blocks from my apartment. Easy!

 

This series is inspired by trees – of all colors, flowering or non-flowering, standing tall against skies of all hues.

 

na0167 - 'Water for the future' necklaceNA0197 - tree silhouette double chain necklace

*SOLD*

NA0195 - wishing for spring necklaceNA0194 - lovetree necklaceNA0196 - 'the ice is melting' necklace

 

{ ballistic about dogs } March 7, 2009

Filed under: ≈ earth goddess,≈ shupg,necklaces,pouches — plingthinks @ 4:28 am
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Recently, I went to watch 2 movies about dogs, ‘Marley & Me’ and ‘Hotel About Dogs’. Happy! It’s simply delightful to look at their kind eyes and often hilarious ways.

 

Every pup has its character right? But all loyal, instinctive and protective of their masters and families. Even though I end up crying at most of these dog movies, I can’t help adding to the repertoire. Here’s a sample:

 

  1. 10 Promises to My Dog
  2. Eight Below
  3. Snow Dogs
  4. Benji
  5. Lassie
  6. Quill
  7. All About Dogs
  8. Must Love Dogs
  9. Hearty Paws
  10. 101 Dalmatians
  11. Beethoven series
  12. Homeward Bound series
  13. Marley & Me
  14. Hotel For Dogs

 

I wish I could have a dog! And because I don’t (more like, can’t) have one, I’m still glad for the times that I can spend with my friends’ doggies. Even went to the length of ‘adopting’ my friend’s pup, Speed, and showering him with treats and clothes to protect his tummy (skin sensitivity, poor boy!)

 

Always imagine living in the country with lots of room for my pup to roam. Very much like the scene in ‘Marley & Me’ when John Grogans sat with the aging Marley, watching the sun set over a field of golden wheat. Sweet!

 

Inspired by these fluffy animals, one of God’s many blessings to mankind…

 

NA0182 - 'It's good to be home' necklaceNA0181 - 'This hydrant is mine!' necklace

PA0005 - pup on scooter pouchPA0006 - 'I'm your sailor dog' pouch

NA0183 - canine instincts necklaceNA0133 - doggie & bone! necklace

NA0179 - my trusty pal necklace

*SOLD*

NA0180 - king of the house necklace

 

{ japanese vintage creatures } January 23, 2009

 

I know…it has been slightly more than a month since my last upload. I’ve been indulging myself – thinking, feeling and enjoying more of life and God’s many blessings, and not letting it pass me by without the admiration and appreciation they deserve. The new year breeds new thoughts, new inspirations, and definitely more beautiful pieces. I’m sure all of you will forgive my indulgences. 😛 I’m very excited about the offerings this coming year!

 

Doesn’t it feel great, to be able to sit with a friend and reminisce about the good ‘ole days of childhood when we could satisfy our playfulness with simple wooden blocks or Lego?

 

These animals wooden blocks are simply too adorable to sit on the shelf, unappreciated and without the joy of basking in happy sunlight and curious, envious eyes. By ‘remodeling’ these Japanese vintage wooden blocks, we bring you necklaces with cute creature pendants that are sure to brighten your days. Each piece tells a story. One-of-a-kind, there will not be another!

 

Pick your favorite now and let’s return to simpler days…

 

 

*SOLD*

 

 

{ pop! } November 23, 2008

 

Pop art, popular culture, pop icons, comic and manga. The things that make up everyday life do not have to be banal. Take a bold approach and you have the pop art movement in the 50s and 60s, when the works of Andy Warhol, Roy Lichtenstein, John McHale and Takashi Murakami took the stage. Like a reaction or some may say, a rebellion to the elitist view of culture, art or any other artistic expressions, pop art gives meaning to mundane objects, carousing them with parody, idealization and an unique quality that is sometimes hard to pinpoint.

 

Here, a series of pop icons, rendered in the form of necklaces or earrings, to lend life a little of that 60s conceptual rebellion, while still embracing what our culture has to offer us. I say, ‘pop!’ What say you? Wear. And wear it with pride.

 

NA0174 - Pop Goes The Beatles necklaceNA0175 - photographic marilyn necklace

EA0143 - graphic novel heroine earrings

 

{ travel lite } November 12, 2008

Filed under: ≈ shupg — plingthinks @ 1:05 am
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I’m longing for a holiday! The heart yearns for foreign lands, people of different culture and the little beauties that lie hidden in quaint corners. Stumbling upon an unexpected treasure off the beaten track is always so rewarding. This simple surprise brings a smile and brighten life, making life’s journey so much more exciting.

 

A list of travel essentials can be very long but these are some of my absolute picks – my suitcase (of course!), a camera to snap away at beautiful things, and a journal for jotting down thoughts, feelings & notes. Take flight with these handmade necklaces and witness inspiration abound!

 

NA0165 - 'Welcome to Sesame Street!' necklace

NA0170 - 'My private plane goes putt, putt...' necklace

NA0168 - ‘Merry meter, speedy beetle!’

*SOLD*

NA0143 - 'Eager Tourist...NOT!' necklaceNA0162 - 'Unlock your bright sparks!' necklaceNA0059 - 'What's your school of thought?' necklace

 

{ i love this beetle! } April 7, 2008

Filed under: ≈ shupg — plingthinks @ 3:18 am
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After the success of our collection in ‘Tribute to my Favorite Vehicles’, I’m following up with another one of my all-time beloved automobiles. This car never fails to draw my attention whenever it passes my line of vision – the Volkwagen Beetle. The Beatles loved it, Heikenwaelder Hugo drew it, and ‘Transformers’ made it all the more famous with Autobot Bumblebee. The list goes on…

 

Here’s our playful take on this classic German vehicle that continues to inspire us. You can wear it out on a sunny day, when you just want to be a little crazier, a little more carefree, a little younger than you could be on any typical day. Its exuberant colors allow you to pair it with just a simple white or black tee…and you will still look cheerful!

 

NA0155 - goodluck ladybug beetle necklace (only blue left!)

*SOLD*

NA0134 - "Beep, beep, beetle!" necklace