I've got some eye-candy for all you ladies out there... and the men can take a cue from this one too. Big, bold, beautiful. This red mookaite jasper necklace is mine!
I have a weakness for unique, eye-catching accessories, especially earrings and necklaces. When I was still single, I dabbled in jewelry-making using semi-precious stones and Swarovski crystals. I sold a few pieces but it proved to be quite difficult for me to part with my creations. I ended up not selling much! Eventually, I gave away most of the items and stopped making them.
Since I'm always in casual, understated clothes, I like to add some punch to my look with nice shoes and accessories. I usually buy from specialty shops, department stores, and tiangges (bazaars). Late last year, a friend of mine started posting her creations on Facebook, and obviously it got my full attention. Then, I received this dainty choker from her last Christmas! I was pacing myself with my purchases during the holidays so it was just recently that I was able to buy this striking red neck piece, my latest Mom-Find. And there are lots more where this came from.
Meet the talented lady behind these gorgeous baubles, Hand-made by Jann:
1. How and why did you start this venture?
I've always been big on accessories and have always been on the look out for unique conversation pieces. I started out making bracelets more than 10 years ago, giving them out as gifts to friends. Although I'd get compliments for my pieces, I never thought of selling them. I never thought anybody would actually buy any of my pieces.
When I moved to the US, I realized how expensive the nicer accessories are, and how Americans actually love natural materials like turquoise, corals, pearls, and the like – materials that I’m drawn to myself. I also realized that most of these materials can be easily found in the Philippines. I told myself that the next chance I get to go home I’ll definitely look for materials, make some accessories, and try selling them back in the US. As fate would have it, I ended up coming back home two years ago. I started making a few pieces last summer and a friend of mine, who saw my pieces, encouraged me to start selling them. I’ve since sold pieces locally and abroad. This venture allows me to stretch my creative muscle. I get to indulge in my passion for fashion, photography, visual arts, and design, while at the same time I'm able to share my work to those who can appreciate them.
2. Where do you source your materials? How do you choose and decide what materials to use?
I’ve scoured the markets of pretty much every city I’ve been to, both locally and abroad. Early on, I knew I wanted to use mainly natural materials such as woods and stones… giving my pieces the “earthy” look. I’ve recently expanded into leather as well. I choose materials depending on color, size, texture, natural patterns on it, and how it will go with other stones or materials.
3. Where do you find inspiration for your pieces?
I find inspiration from unique, unexpected color combinations, or themes I find in interior design magazines, fashion magazines, websites, etc. Sometimes, random items like a pair of shoes, or even a piece of furniture can give me design inspiration. Other times, I let the materials I have in front of me “speak” to me. Corny as it may sound, I can’t think of a better way to describe this designing process. I like the idea of random things coming together to form a unique and unexpected design. Somebody once told me that I find order in randomness. I think the statement rings true for a lot of my designs. I relentlessly work on and re-work a design until everything comes together perfectly -- I call this the ‘wow’ moment when the whole becomes more than just the sum of its parts. I think this makes each piece truly one-of-a-kind and a labor of love.
4. What's the price range?
Prices of my items range from PhP 500 to PhP 1,500 (US$35) depending on the materials used and the complexity of the design.
5. Describe your target market?
My target market would be those who appreciate hand-made items and those who generally buck trends. Unless specified, all my pieces are unique -- meaning there's only one of each so those people who appreciate one-of-a-kind items will definitely appreciate my pieces, like this cool blue lace agate choker.
6. How do we order? Do you customize?
Send me an email or inquire on Facebook. I maintain a small number of inventory so you need to confirm availability of the item(s) you are interested in. I ship orders for a small fee.
I currently do custom work only for leather cuffs.
Each piece from Hand-made by Jann comes in this reusable canvas pouch!
View her collections, and order your own Hand-made by Jann on Facebook.
Email: cranberry160@yahoo.com
Mobile: +63939-9157630
Here's the surprise -- these 3 hand-made beauties below will be raffled off to
3 LUCKY WINNERS!
Which one would you like to win?
'Like' My Mom-Friday and Hand-made by Jann on Facebook now so you can activate your entries later.
Rafflecopter opens at 12 noon (sorry, they're not flexible with the time setting).
1 winner - Kamagong-Agate Bead Necklace
1 winner - Hand-woven Leather Cuff
1 winner - Opal, Quartz and Agate Necklace
1. Do the 3 simple steps on Rafflecopter and you're done.2. Earn extra points/entries by:
- Sharing on Facebook
- Sharing on Twitter
Don't forget to leave a comment below with your email and which accessory is your 1st choice, 2nd choice, and 3rd choice. And click "Do It" on the Rafflecopter once you've done all the steps!
Anyone can join, as long as you have a valid Metro Manila delivery address (and an authorized representative if you are not a Metro Manila resident).
Winners will be announced the following week after the draw date on May 10, via Rafflecopter.
a Rafflecopter giveaway
I'd love to know your thoughts on this post. If you enjoyed this, feel free to share it!
Get instant updates:
My Mom-Friday on Facebook
Follow me on Twitter
Also on Google Friend Connect, or Subscribe Via Email.
I try my best to reply and answer any questions you may have on each entry so check back if you've left one. Thank you and do visit again!
(Comments with links will automatically be flagged by Disqus.)
Winners will be announced the following week after the draw date on May 10, via Rafflecopter.
a Rafflecopter giveaway
I'd love to know your thoughts on this post. If you enjoyed this, feel free to share it!
Get instant updates:
My Mom-Friday on Facebook
Follow me on Twitter
Also on Google Friend Connect, or Subscribe Via Email.
I try my best to reply and answer any questions you may have on each entry so check back if you've left one. Thank you and do visit again!
(Comments with links will automatically be flagged by Disqus.)
