Memories of China, by Caprilicious Jewellery

Hello folks, I'm writing this as I prepare to pack my cases to fly out on my annual holiday/visit to India to see my mother. I've been working hard to get a whole load of things done at the day job, suitcases packed and other sundry things that need to be done before a long holiday. I thought I should take a little break and have a chat to you.

Last Sunday we went into Chinatown in Birmingham to join in the celebrations of the Chinese New Year. They had street food  from various Chinese regions, along with vibrant music, and cultural dances on multiple stages. 
There were festive decorations, lion dancing and firecrackers, magic acts, and live music - I love the atmosphere in Chinatown on regular days, but this show is sumptuous and so much fun. Pity about the weather, but hey! nothing stops in Britain just because of a little rain. I was always amazed at the tenacity of the indigenous Brit when I first came to the UK - we lived in Wales then, and I'd see these people trotting along on their huge horses at the side of little country roads, Barbour jackets and waterproof hats dripping constantly with the awful drizzle at a time when all I wanted to do was get back indoors under a warm duvet. It then dawned on me that they had no other recourse - if they didn't ride their horses or walk their dogs or whatever other crazy (non essential activities to my Indian eyes) activities they were engaged in, life would come to a standstill and people had to defy the weather and get on with their lives, come rain, come shine. I'm afraid I still haven't got the hang of it after thirty five years of living here - I'm still heading for the duvet!! 
​I loved my trip to China and am shocked that it is over ten years ago - time to go back, methinks, perhaps once they have the Corona virus under control.

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Memories of China

These necklaces have blue and white porcelain beads from China - this style of porcelain originated in Iraq, was then perfected in China using cobalt blue pigments from Persia, and eventually exported to Europe, to places such as Delft. The cobalt blue pigment withstands high temperatures and was originally developed to resemble lapis lazuli.
One of the necklaces has cinnabar beads and the other, faux amber resin beads. A vintage Chinese silver earring made by the Hmong tribe is used as a pendant. The earring is pretty heavy, so I can only imagine that stretched earlobes were considered sexy by the Hmong women.

The Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy (2)

I've made one of these before , this time, the hand blown glass beads are larger and I've added Biwa and round freshwater pearls to the mix.

And now for something completely different - I made this almost experimental necklace using tube beads inspired by an image on Pinterest of a fused glass plate. It took ages to make and is very light as all the beads are hollow and is a lot of fun to wear. See what you make of it.

I have to say I loved wearing it and loved the interest it received from people. I know it isn't everyone's cup of tea, but that's not a major issue. I'm happy to keep it and wear it myself if it finds no love elsewhere. Do write in and tell me what you think.

That's me for this week, folks. I shall catch you again in a few weeks time, when I get back from India with tales of my travels in Udaipur, Goa and Bangalore. Have a fabulous February and see you soon, 
until then
​xx