What happens when science enters into A Cup of Sparkle crafts laboratory?

     Spending most of my time in a biology laboratory at work, it was almost impossible to carry my daytime job to my A Cup of Sparkle Crafts Laboratory. Most of my family and friends have sceince related jobs- including myself and my husband.

I was actually recently on the cover of the Spring 2011 Algae Tecnonology & Business Magazine; which I was quite excited about... (the cover picture is on the right and you can read the article from the magazine)

  
Even if you are not working in a lab, you are probably familiar with the universal hazard signs. Why not put these signs under a cup instead of hanging them in a lab? So; here it is!



Set of 4 science inspired coasters
by A Cup of Sparkle

  Each of this set of 4 coasters in the picture above are some of the most frequently used signs in my laborotory: Radioactive, Biohazard, Flammable and Lab Coats Notice.  The colors are also the original colors these signs comes in.

Aren't those unique and fun? 

This beautiful coaters will be also great for a science themed party organization... or an awesome handmade gift that you can make for a science geek.

I hope this work and art fusion pictures will give you some inspiration. We already had some guests over to enjoy A Cup of Sparkle Tea of the coasters.
No, no.. our guests were not scared of the hazards- it might be only because they were also scientists :)

 **All the credit goes to my husband for this great crafts project.**

Cute Bird's Nest Petite Handmade Hair Pins

Hair accessories can be a fun way to update your hairstyle this summer and personalize your look. All you need is a set off fun hair pins that will add a beautiful and colorful touch even the simplest hair styles. Curly or straight, long or short; there are lots of easy hairstyles you can do using hair pins.


   This petite handmade bird nests bobby pins are the latest addition to the bird nest collection at A Cup of Sparkle. Every pin is made by me individually by using sterling silver wire.  The nests are wire wrapped securely to very durable wide silver plated bobby pins.  The eggs made of freshwater pearls that comes in every color you can think of.  These will make great gifts for your bridesmaids, for yourself to wear with a spring dress or for kids...that will make your little girl the cutest ever!

Here is the red and green pearl bobby bird nest hair pins by A Cup of Sparkle that are now available in my Etsy shop. Feel free to contact me for personalized colors or wholesale orders. 

Cute Green Pearls Handmade Hair Pin

Cute Red Pearls Handmade Hair Pin

What do you think my readers? Do you like them? 

Do you wear hair pins?

   A Cup of Sparkle Bird Nest brooch pins are now 20% OFF for the Memorial Weekend. Enjoy the big sale till tomorrow. Have a great Memorial Day weekend!

Handmade Modern Succulent Planter Tutorial

Succulents are really the perfect plants to have; especially in an office environment. They are very charming and very low maintenance. Succulent plants only need water every three to 10 weeks, depending on the temperature and lighting.

I wanted to make something special for my husband's new office this weekend. I decided to try making a planter after reading the blog post from Craftberry Bush featuring her homemade tiered terrarium. Initially I was going to make it a tiered planter more similar to hers; but, I ended up with something different with the sizes of ceramic bowls I could able to find after visiting 4 stores around my neighborhood.

    I picked a deep, round white baking bowl from the kitchen department and a toothbrush holder from the bathroom department for this project. I glued the toothbrush holder; which is tall and deep in the middle of the round bow with epoxy glue.

I added a layer of gravel, sand, and wet cactus soil in order. I didn't spend much time to think about the design; I just went to my garden and picked out some of the succulents I already had, pulled out some moss - which is easy to find in rainy Seattle and found some rocks; then, did some trial and error by placing the plants randomly on the bowl. I just kept stuffing moss, rocks, plants until it looked pretty.

My first version didn't have the tall plant at the top of the bowl. I thought I needed something taller to advance the look; so, I picked this red sensation-dracaena from a store.

I am really happy with the outcome and my husband really liked it. It was a fun weekend project! Happy Gardening season to all of you!

I hope everyone is having a fabulous weekend!

Custom Handmade Wedding Jewelry

Spring is here so is the wedding season! Blossoms, butterflies, birds drifting in the air. It is the perfect time to use bright and energetic colors while selecting bridesmaids jewelry. Coral is the top spring wedding color this year. The color palette of orange, tangerine, peach, apricot, and blush is so joyful and pretty. Don't you agree?

  I just completed a set of 6 necklaces for a customer who is having a wedding this June. 

Congratulations Maria... 



Gold Bird Nest on a Branch Necklace

 
    Tiny handmade bird nest with orange coral swarovski pearls hanging on a golden branch with a beautiful glass leaf. What could be a better way to bring spring into your step? This original bird nest neckalce design comes in silver and brass as well with any color of pearls and leaves you like to match your bridesmaid dresses or your spring outfits. Tell me your wedding colors for custom orders.





All of the A Cup of Sparkle jewelry comes in my handmade felt bags (Click for the tutorial) with an addition of a small heart for this special event.



Here are some of my coral wedding favorites around the web... Enjoy!

From left top to Right: 1. Bridesmaid dress, 2. silver bird nest brooch pin, 3. wedding cake topper, 4. decorated wedding chairs, 5. coral shoes, 6. napkin holders, 7. wedding invitation, 8. coral hair pins, 9. wedding bouquet, 10. coral wedding cake

Spring Flowers Tulip Necklace Collection

A Cup of Sparkle new spring flower collection is a new line of jewelry featuring colorful tulips. Tulips welcome spring; and they are one of my favorite flowers. An exceptional stand alone flower with so much history and diversity.
I have been thinking about this design since early April. This simple flower necklaces are very pretty and lightweight. They will make great gifts for your special ones or for you to cheer up your outfits this spring.

This tulip necklaces can be made in any color and in any gemstone. Please send me a message to personalize your spring flower.

Purple Pearl Tulip Silver Necklace

    The tulips are symbolic of fame and perfect love. Here are the symbolic meanings of different colors:
Red tulips: declaration of true love
Yellow tulips: Cheerful thoughts
Cream colored tulips: I will love you forever
White tulips:  Purity, newness
Purple tulips: Royalty
Pink tulips: Affection and caring
Orange tulips: energy, desire and passion

Red Tulip Silver Necklace

Happy Mothers Day to all the moms!!

Best of the week: Etsy Finds by A Cup of Sparkle

What happens when one cooks art in the kitchen? It may sound kind of weird, but; it can be done!


MerciaMiniatures's beautiful hand-sculpted creations are the perfect examples. Her miniature art is absolutely fantastic and looks better than anything I have ever eaten. What do you think?
Congratulations MerciaMiniatures! You are the best of the week Etsy finds by A Cup of Sparkle. It was a hard decision, but; I think I finally picked my favorite desert: Cappuccino chocolate cup cake. 
Bon Appetite!

Polymer Clay Miniature art by MerciaMiniatures