pling

accessories • handmade goodies • life+style • zakka

{ keys of inspiration ~ part II } July 8, 2009

 

These modern keys are given a twist from the past. Engraved with “Life”, “Dreams”, “Love” or “Secret”, they tell stories of secret yearnings, quiet admiration, or fantasies of another world. Like opening up doors that are closed, keys have always symbolized, at least for me, fresh opportunities and chances that are blessings from above and where beyond those doors, lies treasures that are most dear to heart – family, friendship and love.

 

If you love these key necklaces, check out { keys of inspiration ~ Part I }

 

NA0224 - love*3 necklace

*SOLD OUT*

NA0218 - secret diary necklaceNA0222 - life~love~peace necklace

 

{ greek goddess } June 10, 2009

 

Even when it’s summer (translation: scorching), the parties cannot stop. Meeting up with loved ones, friends or business associates seem to be also turning up the heat right in the middle of the season. And this season, we see dresses that are inspired by Greek goddesses. Think Lena Headey in the movie ‘300’. Think silk satin and chiffon. Think romantic, structured flair and creamy colors. You are on your way…

 

Whether it’s the draped dress for summer cocktails, the bustier gown or the one-shoulder dress for evening events, or the bandeau dress for a day reception, be sure to lend the appeal of these Athens-inspired accessories to navigate the social whirl. Strike a Grecian pose!

 

NA0217 - peace loving people necklaceEA0098 - golden peace hoop earrings
NA0106 - chunky draped choker necklaceNA0166 - swan lake necklace

SA0019 - emerald and pea pod circles set

SA0021 - honeycomb art deco 3-piece set

*SOLD*

EA0089 - purple-pink grapefruit trapeze earrings

 

{ when i was a little girl… } June 2, 2009

Filed under: clips & brooches,necklaces — plingthinks @ 11:40 pm
Tags: , , , , , , , ,

 

Inspired by the ribbons and bows that were in my dresses when I was a little girl, and paying tribute to my late daddy who used to tie my hair for me (yes, it was my daddy who loved to braid my hair for school), these pieces bring me back to my childhood days of so much fun and reverie.

 

And carousels…who doesn’t love them? Boys and girls alike, we all like these merry-go-rounds. And living in apartments with playgrounds, we kids couldn’t wait to head downstairs for some crazy climbing, digging and chasing around those modest carousels. They still hold a special place in my heart and I rejoice whenever I catch a glimpse of them in old estates. Not those modern synthetics one. They don’t make them like that anymore. The ones that we occasionally see at those big fairs and in overseas countries just ooze with romantic connotations – bright, glittering, and fairytale like.

 

New products! I love to wear flats and those ballet flats from Cotton On are my casual shoes. Sometimes, I just feel like dressing them up and thus, this idea! Even though I categorize them as shoe clips, they can be used as a brooch, a hair clip, or a multi-clip to adorn a plain top. Add some razzle-dazzle and something ordinary is transformed instantly! Let me know how you would like to use them and I’ll customize accordingly. Limited pieces and I sell them in pairs. Shoes not included, of course. 🙂

 

NA0177 - majestic colorful carousel necklaceAA0004 - noir beaded ribbon multi-clip

AA0005 - pretty in pink beaded multi-clip

*SOLD*

NA0185 - carousel romance necklaceNA0206 - my romantic lil princess necklace

 

{ in actual words ~ part I } May 12, 2009

 

Words matter to me. But not when they are uttered separate from the heart, or in spite of the heart. I have this small obsession with singular words as I think they would mean different things to different people, and that is the beauty of it. Let your imagination run, or let your heart speak. Or hint at a past longing, a forgotten memory. In this concrete world, we might not be free to say certain things close to our heart, but at least, we could wear it near our hearts! Isn’t it great?

 

The 1st in a series that I will continue to make, and later on introduce some customizable ones (after I have actually figured out some techniques and find those missing tools). I’m very excited about the customized series, which I really hope to master soon and bring them to you lovelies out there who have been supporting me and pling this past 1.5 year since our inception.

 

NA0214 - listening to jazz necklace

*SOLD*

NA0211 - 'it's a wonderful life!' necklace

 

{ squirrels and trees } April 28, 2009

 

The last post before the month ends is about squirrels. Alas, not much connection to the Earth Month, except that in my Singaporean-induced mind that it has to do with ‘saving’. I’m sure my fellow Singaporeans would know why. It’s a particular bank’s icon when we were all schooling and the government was inculcating early savings habit with us.

 

So aptly, all in the name of SAVING. Saving the Earth I mean, and you save money too. Most Earth-damaging actions cost much. And does it matter that I also think squirrels are adorable? Here’s a picture that I came across.

 

baby-squirrel

NA0200 - porcelain tree silver necklace

NA0096 - leather squirrel interconvertible necklace & bag charm

 

*SOLD*

NA0205 - squirreling for acorns on a tree necklaceNA0199 - porcelain fern silver necklace

 

{ earth, water & flowers } April 22, 2009

 

This title bears a tad resemblance to “Earth, Wind & Fire” right? Ok, a tiny tad. More aptly, it’s this week’s upload on flower-themed creations with this month’s dedication to Eco-Chic.

 

Today is Earth Day! And what a beautiful reminder to do good to the place we share. To continue the thread on sharing, here’s a simple picture I took of a dainty little yellow flower by the roadside. I’m just hoping that wildflowers will not disappear or that flowers have shorter blooming cycles since winters are longer and spring is late to come. Don’t you think such simple, spontaneous beauty is inspiring and it would be truly disastrous to not find them anymore on the streets, growing by the corners, waiting to be discovered and admired?

 

yellow flower by the roadside © pling

 

Green Tip: I save water (and money!) at home using the water leftover from rice to water my flowers and plants every day. It’s really good for them as the water contains the “polished-off” nutrients from the rice and thus a natural fertilizer! Totally organic! You can also use used grounded coffee or tea leaves after your daily cuppa. And those who come to my little apartment thought, “Green fingers”. But the secret is out!

 

For today (April 22), don’t drive. Take public transport. Or do something “green” that you don’t usually do. Join the eco-movement! I’m sure, like me, you would like to admire these floral blessings. pling‘s little dedication…hope you like them!

 

NA0049 - watering can of blooms necklace

NA01632 - 'My lil Elf Self' necklace

*SOLD OUT*

RA0010 - purple bloom adjustable ring

 

{ 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*

 

{ 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