The antique market in Pudong (near my house)

I had to go to the vegetable market today to get some groceries. On the way back I passed the tea market. Usually on weekends they have a makeshift antique market. People from all over throw blankets on the ground and spread out their things to sell.

Today being Monday, I was really surprised to see how busy the market was. So many vendors, tons of people looking and shopping. I had to go see what was going on. There must have been about a hundred vendors, all with colorful blankets and their 'antiques' spread out for everyone to see. There were old Chinese books, vases, mala, dzi beads, paintings, snuff bottles, calligraphy brushes, bowl, statues, beads, door knockers, incense holders, you name it and it was there.

There is a large antique market downtown. Its open daily and it quite famous for foreign tourists. I'm told the pieces in that market are much large, lots of furniture, old doors, giant statues. But, the market has a pretty bad reputation for hugely over charging and they also class antique as anything over 1 year!

But, this market near my house today was quite a bit different in the items they were selling. One old man had a huge pile of rudraksha seeds. They weren't in the best condition or the nicest looking I have seen. They were all actually quite dirty, some were actually caked in muddy, dirt. But they were round in shape, really rough with lots of ridges and about the size of a golf ball. He had a large pile that was about as high as my knee. My fist though was maybe people are using them for medicine in soup or teas. I didn't see how it was possible to use them for jewelry, they were much too big. But, no one was at his spot and he was asleep and I felt bad for waking him up, it was just after lunch hour and that is nap time for the entire country!

A few stalls down I spotted an old man with two of these large rudraksha seeds in his hand. His right hand and he was spinning them around in his palm just like yin yang ball. I thought this was amazing. So I instantly started looking at everyone's hands. And, most of the people who had stalls and working in the market had a set of these rudraksha seeds and were spinning them in their hand! I have seem the yin yang balls that are colorful and metal and come in a Chinese silk box, but I have only seen these at markets geared toward foreigners. In almost 7 years living in China this was one of the first times I have seen someone just strolling around using these balls. I did one other time, but they were solid jade ball, also really impressive looking!

On the other side of the market I spotted a gold hat. Just like the ones the Terracotta Warriors are wearing. But, this one was all in goldish color, maybe made of copper or even painted gold. The vendors on that side of the market had some really interesting items. Things that I think should have been in a museum, if there were anywhere close to being real. But i think they were just crappy copies. And speaking of crappy copies and fakes-  I did see a  bag of Pandora beads that had been covered in dirt. She was telling me they were jewels. But, when I cleaned the dirt off, it clearly said Pandora on the side! I'm pretty sure they didn't wear Pandora beads in the Ming dynasty!

Overall, an interesting surprise to find on the way back from the market!

Shanghai and Lucky Buddha Beer

Last night I went out in Shanghai with some friends. We got a round of beer at the first bar we visited. I did a double take when our drinks arrived! They brought us Lucky beer. I have never hear of this beer or seen it, so I don't know why some bars here in Shanghai carry it.

But, the  green beer bottle is actually in the shape of the Laughing Buddha! It made me laugh!

should my mala be elastic or string?

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 the beads are so tiny I wrap it around my wrist 3 times, so the elastic is perfect. This mala I have had about a year and a half. I wear it everyday and it still feels brand new. 

I have had so many custom orders for mala necklaces and most people want their mala necklace to be worn as a necklace. It just comes down to personal preference. If you are going to wear yours as a necklace, I highly suggest non stretchy string or cord. It will be more durable and last much longer.  

Getting Organized

If you have been reading my other blog posts, you'll know that my husband and I have been doing a lot of travelling around China for about the last 6 months. We have been back in Guangzhou now for about 2 weeks and it's so Great to be back and jump right into jewelry...buying more supplies, making malas, taking photos; it's so exciting!

The last few months have been a little hectic with Shangrila Craft and we've had to be in vacation mode for a bit. Now that we are back and everything is up and running again, it's time to get organized!

And, I started that tonight! Tomorrow is photo day for all my new products going up and I think I will be much busier than I thought! I am constantly making malas and I have piles of them Everywhere, all over the house. I just sorted through the boxes now, for photos of tomorrow,  I found more than 60!! SIXTY! And that's just new malas. 

I think tomorrow will be a busy day. I'll try and put some up tomorrow night. I hope you enjoy!

Photo Day

Well, I am getting jewelry organized!

Yesterday was photo day for all the new malas. It's been unbelievable cloudy and foggy here in Guangzhou for the past few weeks, no sun at all. Because of that outside photos were no an option. 

I spent the entire afternoon taking photos, over 60 malas, both necklace and bracelets, some new leather necklaces I have been working on, some amazing turquoise rings and a ton of supplies that you'll just love!

I am so happy with how all the photos turned out! And last night, with the help of a Giant cup of tea, I stayed up posting all of the malas onto artfire!

Have a look for yourself http://www.artfire.com/ext/shop/studio/shangrilacraft/0/0/150301

There's jade, jasper, lava, turquoise, white turquoise, coral, topaz, moonstone, white pearl shell, bodhi seeds and agate in every color imaginable. We have a mala that's perfect for everyone's taste. 

 i just love this lucky dragon pendant!

Travelling Again!

Hey Jewelry Lovers!

I've been home in Guangzhou for a month and tomorrow it's time to go again! I will be in Shanghai for a few months. 

But, don't worry yesterday I shipped most of my malas, dzi beads and my string. And, my friends tell me that the jewelry markets in Shanghai are just as amazing as they are here in Guangzhou! I can't wait to get there and discover some new goodies!

So, please keep posted and check back often!!

Shanghai Bound! 

Shangrila Craft Super Spring Sale

If you read the title, then you can likely guess what this post it all about!

That's Right!! I'm having a SALE!

To me spring is all about new and fresh. I have taken a new approach on things this year Simplify and I think I have given spring cleaning a whole new meaning this year. I really weeded everything out of our apartment. Our old books I donated to local schools, old clothes we gave to charity and one older homeless man who I occasionally see near our metro station. Everything ready for a fresh new spring!

And that is the same approach I took with Shangrila Craft. Out with the old and in with the new! I do have some amazing pieces I've been working on for summer, but I didn't want them to get buried in the tons and tons of other products. So, it's Spring Sale TIME!! And it's starting NOW!!!!

Have a look for yourself-  http://www.artfire.com/ext/shop/studio/shangrilacraft/0/0/215580  

Tibetan Silver Bangels --- 4 for US $10.00

Earrings ---- 2 for US $10.00 and 5 for US $20.00

Stock up, because they are amazing pieces that will go Fast!

 spring sales!!!!

How to fix your mala tassels

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 a new house and we just moved in, we I had no luck finding an iron. My husband suggested laying it flat between some books. But, the only books we had weren't nearly heavy enough! As I kept unpacking the rest of my suitcases I found an the perfect unconventional solution! My hair straightner!

Slowly, piece by piece I used my hair straightner and it worked! I used the lowest setting so I didn't burn any of the tassel. And was sure not to tug on the pieces to hard and ruin the knot. But, it's flat and looks brand new!

So, if your mala tassel needs a little flattening I suggest a hair straightener! If you don't have one try an iron on the lowest setting, possibly with a thin towel over top, to prevent any damage!

Good Luck!

Qingming Jie

Qing Ming Jie just ended here in China. The holiday is also known as tomb sweeping day or all souls day. This year the holiday was from monday to wednesday and like most Chinese holidays follows the lunar calendar. The holiday is for remembering past ancestors and relatives. 

The first day is know as cold food day. This is because no fire or smoke is allowed and people are supposed to eat cold food all day, nothing hot. All the restaurant and small family owned restaurants in our neighborhood were closed. Just like Spring Festival, the only restaurant you will find that are open are Western fast food places, such as McDonalds, KFC and Pizza Hut. But, if you decide to eat at one of these places, I guarantee you will have a few hours to wait in line! 

The rest of the holiday is centered around family. Families go together to the cemetery to sweep the graves and give offerings, such as  tea, bai jou, rice wine, fruit, cakes, cookies and paper money and clothing. A few weeks before most meat and veggie markets will have small stalls that are selling lots of incense, paper money, paper clothes and everything else. 

People also believe that some evil spirits will be wandering during the holiday. So it is common to see people carrying willow branches with them to the tombs to protect them. Also many people put small willow branches or other greens on their door. My neighbors in Guangzhou, they kept willow branches tied to their outside door for about 2 or 3 weeks for Qing Ming each year. But, most people only for three days to a week. 

The other practice to keep evil spirits out of your life and your families life is to light fireworks. This week we have been  hearing A LOT of fireworks! Hopefully evil spirits will be staying away from us as well!

The Eight Auspicious Symbols of Buddhism

I just finished putting up all my new bangles, here on artfire. The last bangle I put up was this one - Tibetan silver Auspicious Symbols Bangle.

 http://www.artfire.com/ext/shop/product_view/shangrilacraft/4578499/Tibetan_Silver_Auspicious_Symbols_Bangle/Jewelry/Bracelets/Silver 

I was trying to write the product description and I came up with everything and nothing all at once! haha! I had too much to say and I didn't even know where to start. So, I thought I'd give just a brief description and then get it all out here in a blog. 

 The eight auspicious symbols that each represent a part of Buddhism and are lucky on their own and luckier when together. They can be seen everywhere in Tibet and Shangri la; paintings, books, temples, banners, everywhere. 

These are the eight symbols- 

 Parasol- looks like an umbrella. Symbolizes royalty and spiritual power. Represents protection from suffering. 

Golden Fishes - look like two fish, facing upward. Symbolizes good fortune, fertility and salvation. 

Treasure Vase - looks like a tall vase. Symbolizes spiritual and material abundance. The vase is thought to be filled with precious things and no matter how much is taken out, it will always be full, symbolizing long life and prosperity. 

 Lotus - looks like a large, white lotus flower. Symbolizes mental and spiritual purity. The lotus symbolized the path of enlightenment. The roots are deep in the mud, the stem grows through the muddy water, the blossom rises above and opens in the sunlight. 

Conch Shell - looks like a large, white conch shell. Symbolizes the fame of Buddha's teachings. This represents the sound of the Dharma reaching far and wide, awakening people from ignorance. 

Endless Knot - looks like the lucky Chinese knot. Symbolizes infinite wisdom of the Buddha. It also represents cause and effect and the union of compassion and wisdom. 

Victory Banner - looks similar to the umbrealla, but has long banner hanging from the top. Symbolizes victory of the Buddha's teachings and wisdom over ignorance. It also represents passion, fear of death, pride and lust. 

Wheel -looks like a large eight spoke wheel. Symbolizes the teachings of the Buddha. The Dharma wheel is one of the most well-known symbols of Buddhism. The Wheel has eight spokes, representing the Eightfold Path. The Wheel was first turned when the Buddha delivered his first sermon after his enlightenment. 

 hope that helps explain the bangle a little better. Each of these symbols are very lucky, but its thought that when they are together they multiply their luckiness! So, this is one Lucky bangle!

 This is me in Shangri la at the Temple. If you can see just behind, the dark brown cloth hanging over the wall. Those are all of the auspicious symbols. 

Also, the teaser image, its a close up and better shot of the same wall. 

I took these in Shang-ri la at the temple. At the top of the stairs there were eight signs, one for each of the auspicious symbols. Really interesting and useful, but as you can see they are all in Chinese. 

The Legend of the Jade Dragon and the Golden Phoenix Bangle

Earlier today, I finished putting up all of our new thick, chunky silver bangle. One of the bangles has an amazing story to go with it. The bangle actually has a scene from a very famous Chinese legend. The legend is called the Jade Dragon and the Golden Phoenix and it is about how the West Lake in Hangzhou was created. For those who aren't that familiar with many cities in China, the West Lake in Hangzhou is the most famous and there are Countless West Lakes named after it, in many, many, many cities across China.  

Here is the bangle. The Jade Dragon is on the left, the Golden Phoenix on the right and the peal is in the middle. 

 - http://www.artfire.com/ext/shop/product_view/shangrilacraft/4578399/Tibetan_Silver_Dragon_and_Phoenix_Legend_Bangle/Jewelry/Bracelets/Silver

And, here is the legend...

A long time ago there was a white jade dragon who lived in a rock cave near the Celestial River. Just across from the river in the Great forest, lived a Golden Phoenix. 

Each day the dragon and phoenix met, one in the sky the other in the river. One day they both met at an island in the river. They found a shiny pebble and were fascinated by it. 

They decided to carve the pebble in to the most beautiful pearl. The Phoenix flew to the mountain to collect dew drops and the Dragon collected water from the river to put on the pebble, to make it shine. It took the two of them years and years, but finally they had made the most beautiful pearl anyone had ever seen. 

Both the Dragon and the Phoenix loved the pearl so much, neither wanted to go home and leave the pearl. They both decided to live on the island next to the pearl. 

The pearl was magic. Wherever it shone, things were better. Trees were greener, flowers bloomed more and longer, the harvest were bigger and healthier. The whole land became better because of the pearl. 

One day the Queen Mother of Heaven saw the light coming from the pearl. She wanted it for herself immediately. She sent one of her guards down from the heavens to steal the pearl. In the middle of the night, while the Dragon and Phoenix were both asleep, the guard took the pearl and gave it to the Queen Mother of the Heavens. She was so pleased to have the pearl. She locked it up in a secret room in her palace. 

The next morning when the Dragon and Phoenix woke up, they saw the pearl was gone. They looked everywhere, for months and months but could not find the pearl. 

On the Queen Mothers birthday, she prepared a grand feast and invited all of immortals, gods and goddesses to her palace. With all the excitement of her guest and party, the Queen Mother of the Heavens declared she had the most spectacular prize in both the heavens and earth. Immediately the guest wanted to see. She opened the secret room and took out the pearl. The guests loved the pearl. 

But, back on earth the Dragon and Phoenix were still searching for the pearl. When Dragon suddenly saw the pearls bright light coming down from the clouds. Both Dragon and Phoenix flew as fast as they could towards the cloudy heavens. 

When they arrived, they pushed through all the the Queen Mothers Quests and told her that was their pearl! The Queen Mother was furious! She told them, she was the Queen and all the treasures belonged to her!

Dragon and Phoenix told the Queen Mother of the Heavens, that the heavens did not create this pearl, it was not created on earth. But, they had made the pearl and it took years and years of hard work. 

In anger, the Queen Mother told the guards to get the Dragon and Phoenix out of her palace. But, Dragon and Phoenix fought back. The three fought over the pearl, all struggling to grab a hold of it. But, the pearl fell and dropped through the clouds into the air. 

The Dragon and Phoenix ran to catch the pearl. But, the pearl fell too fast and they saw it land on earth. When it touched the earth the pearl turned into a beautiful blue lake. The Dragon and Phoenix already loved the lake and did not want to be away from it. They changed themselves into mountains and went beside the lake, where they will stay forever. 

This legend is about the West Lake in Hangzhou. The two mountains beside the lake are called Jade Dragon Mountain and Golden Phoenix Mountain. 

Now, in China there is a famous saying about this area. "Above there is paradise, below there are Suzhou and Hangzhou."

This is me from our first trip to Hangzhou. On the teaser photo you can see a pagoda in the background, that is where this photo is taken from. And behind is the famous West Lake and you can see the Jade Dragon Mountain and the Golden Phoenix Mountain!

This is me looking out from the pagoda and the West Lake and Jade Dragon Mountain and Golden Phoenix Mountain. So beautiful! We went during Spring Festival, during the start end of January, so it was cold! Very, very, Cold!