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Diwata Pt. I
Diwata Pt. I features favorite native flowers of the Philippines. These are some of the country's most iconic flowers, ones we grew up with and have many fond memories of. Each piece is intricately handmade with various beadwork techniques.
Flowers of the Philippines
Inspired by the legend of Maria Makiling. This collection features popular native blooms of the Phippines, including sampaguita, kalachuchi, santan, and more!
There are a total of twelve new designs – ten earrings and two necklaces.
There are a total of twelve new designs – ten earrings and two necklaces.
Santan Hoops in Classic Red
You can find santan flowers everywhere in the Philippines, and for good reason – it is believed that these flowers ward off evil and bring good luck! They are usually planted by the entrances of houses.
These hoops were among the first pieces I designed for the collection. Each hoop is composed of 6 individual components which are then woven together. It takes about six hours to weave one pair!
These hoops were among the first pieces I designed for the collection. Each hoop is composed of 6 individual components which are then woven together. It takes about six hours to weave one pair!
Santan Hoops in Yellow & Pink
Did you know that santans are also called jungle geraniums and West Indian jasmines? Santan flowers also come in a myriad of colors! While red is iconic, there are also pink, yellow, and white varieties.
This pair is perfect if you want a subtler, more delicate look.
This pair is perfect if you want a subtler, more delicate look.
Sampaguita Earrings
In the Philippines, the sampaguita is also a symbol of undying love. Here is the tragic legend of our local jasmine:
Long ago there was once a princess named Lakambini who came to rule after her father died. The young princess was an inexperienced ruler, and soon her kingdom came under threat of invasion. But one day, a kind prince named Lakan Galing came to her aid. The two quickly fell in love and swore their undying love to each other on a hill by the sea. “Sumpa kita!” – I promise you.
Before they could be wed however the prince left for sea to fight the kingdom’s enemies. He never returned. Lakambini eventually died of a broken heart, and she was buried on the hill where they pledged their love. Soon after a flower grew over her grave. It came to be called the “sampaguita”, in memory of the lovers’ promise to each other.
For these earrings I really wanted to capture the shape of our national flower. While bead weaving is a versatile technique, I felt it wouldn’t quite suit what I had in mind. And so I learned French beading. Since it uses wire instead of thread, I could achieve more rigid structures that would shape the petals. Tap on the image to read more about the technique.
Long ago there was once a princess named Lakambini who came to rule after her father died. The young princess was an inexperienced ruler, and soon her kingdom came under threat of invasion. But one day, a kind prince named Lakan Galing came to her aid. The two quickly fell in love and swore their undying love to each other on a hill by the sea. “Sumpa kita!” – I promise you.
Before they could be wed however the prince left for sea to fight the kingdom’s enemies. He never returned. Lakambini eventually died of a broken heart, and she was buried on the hill where they pledged their love. Soon after a flower grew over her grave. It came to be called the “sampaguita”, in memory of the lovers’ promise to each other.
For these earrings I really wanted to capture the shape of our national flower. While bead weaving is a versatile technique, I felt it wouldn’t quite suit what I had in mind. And so I learned French beading. Since it uses wire instead of thread, I could achieve more rigid structures that would shape the petals. Tap on the image to read more about the technique.
Everlasting Flower Ribbon Necklace
Everlasting flowers, also called straw flowers, have intense, vibrant colors which last months after they have been plucked and dried, hence their name. They are most popularly known as souvenirs from the city of Baguio, where you will usually find them strung into garlands.
For the choker I wanted to go for a softer look and opted to use more delicate shades to create the flowers. I thought a chain would look too heavy for this piece, so instead I used a pale peach ribbon to complement the pastel colors and give an overall softness to the necklace.
For the choker I wanted to go for a softer look and opted to use more delicate shades to create the flowers. I thought a chain would look too heavy for this piece, so instead I used a pale peach ribbon to complement the pastel colors and give an overall softness to the necklace.
Kalachuchi Earrings in White
The kalachuchi, aka frangipani or plumeria, is a bright tropical staple in any Filipino garden. But did you know they used to have a more somber meaning?
Some Filipinos associate the flower with death. This is because in the past the flowers were offered as a sign of respect and remembrance to loved ones who had passed. This belief might also stem from the Philippines’ Chinese heritage, particularly that white is a mourning color in Chinese culture.
I hope that doesn’t scare you off these beaded kalachuchi though! These earrings are created with the French beading technique to achieve the classic rounded structure of the petals. Iridescent, crystalline glass beads give these a touch of glamour.
Some Filipinos associate the flower with death. This is because in the past the flowers were offered as a sign of respect and remembrance to loved ones who had passed. This belief might also stem from the Philippines’ Chinese heritage, particularly that white is a mourning color in Chinese culture.
I hope that doesn’t scare you off these beaded kalachuchi though! These earrings are created with the French beading technique to achieve the classic rounded structure of the petals. Iridescent, crystalline glass beads give these a touch of glamour.
Kalachuchi Earrings in Pink
White kalachuchis are iconic, but they also come in a variety of colors! The flowers come in many different shades of pinks, yellows, and even reds.
My memories of these flowers go back to childhood summers spent in my dad’s hometown. During Holy Week we were one of the families who had a caro (processional carriage) in the procession. These caros carried statues depicting the Passion of Christ. I remember as kids we would help the farm workers decorate the caros with kalachuchi flowers. There were baskets and baskets full of the blooms, scenting the air with their heady fragrance.
These pink kalachuchi earrings are a delightful shade of pink that contrasts wonderfully with the yellow centers. Their light iridescence plays wonderfully in the light, giving these earrings an elegant air.
My memories of these flowers go back to childhood summers spent in my dad’s hometown. During Holy Week we were one of the families who had a caro (processional carriage) in the procession. These caros carried statues depicting the Passion of Christ. I remember as kids we would help the farm workers decorate the caros with kalachuchi flowers. There were baskets and baskets full of the blooms, scenting the air with their heady fragrance.
These pink kalachuchi earrings are a delightful shade of pink that contrasts wonderfully with the yellow centers. Their light iridescence plays wonderfully in the light, giving these earrings an elegant air.
Sampaguita Garland Hoops
The sampaguita, our national flower, is a symbol of purity, humility, and devotion. You will usually find its beautiful and fragrant buds strung into garlands and sold by vendors at churches on Fridays and Sundays. Churchgoers offer these garlands along with their prayers, and adorn the statues of saints and holy figures with them.
These hoops are my take on the sampaguita garland. Here, the softness and fullness of the flower buds is achieved by varying the sizes of beads and layering them. The end result are elegant statement pieces lavishly filled with flowers!
These hoops are my take on the sampaguita garland. Here, the softness and fullness of the flower buds is achieved by varying the sizes of beads and layering them. The end result are elegant statement pieces lavishly filled with flowers!
Palawan Cherry Blossom Drops
Did you know we have cherry blossoms here in the Philippines? Ok, they're not actually sakura but balayong, aka Palawan cherry blossom.
The balayong tree is native to Palawan, but it now grows all over the country. We even had one in my grandma's home in northern Cebu. The tree blooms in March, its boughs heavily laden with vibrant pink blossoms, which turn white before they fall off the tree.
For these earrings I wanted to capture the look of balayong branches heavy with cherry blossoms. Each earring is composed of multiple "branches" with dozens of blossoms in varying shades of pink. One pair takes between 5 to 6 hours to make.
The balayong tree is native to Palawan, but it now grows all over the country. We even had one in my grandma's home in northern Cebu. The tree blooms in March, its boughs heavily laden with vibrant pink blossoms, which turn white before they fall off the tree.
For these earrings I wanted to capture the look of balayong branches heavy with cherry blossoms. Each earring is composed of multiple "branches" with dozens of blossoms in varying shades of pink. One pair takes between 5 to 6 hours to make.
Palawan Cherry Blossom Necklace
Don’t you think cherry blossoms are so romantic? That’s what I wanted to capture with this piece. It’s an elegant necklace of pale pink blossoms studded with tiny pearls, which give it a wonderfully understated luxury.
It looks beautiful on its own, sitting just above the collar bone, but you could also add it to a stack of dainty gold chains for a little pop of color.
It looks beautiful on its own, sitting just above the collar bone, but you could also add it to a stack of dainty gold chains for a little pop of color.
Santan Chain Earrings in Classic Red
Remember making santan flower chains when you were a kid?
When we’d go up to our grandma’s in the summer, my sisters and I would play in the garden making santan bracelets and flower crowns. I wanted to evoke the memories of those childhood summers with these earrings. They’re sweet and simple, and full of fond memories.
When we’d go up to our grandma’s in the summer, my sisters and I would play in the garden making santan bracelets and flower crowns. I wanted to evoke the memories of those childhood summers with these earrings. They’re sweet and simple, and full of fond memories.
Santan Chain Earrings in Classic Pink & Yellow
These pink and yellow santan chains are delightfully dainty if you prefer more subtle earrings.
Apart from being an ornamental plant, the santan is also used for medicinal purposes. The leaves, roots, even the flowers of the plant are used to treat various ailments including asthma, nausea, and hypertension.
Apart from being an ornamental plant, the santan is also used for medicinal purposes. The leaves, roots, even the flowers of the plant are used to treat various ailments including asthma, nausea, and hypertension.
Tumbling Hearts Earrings
These hearts are the very first earrings I designed and made when I first started bead weaving. I was learning how to brick stitch at the time, and I remember getting bored of making little square swatches so I challenged myself to create a jewelry piece. These hearts are what I came up with.
I get a lot of inquiries about these earrings but I never made them available because they didn’t fit the previous collection themes – until now. Consider this my ode to the goddess of love! These earrings will only be available in limited slots for the month of February.
I get a lot of inquiries about these earrings but I never made them available because they didn’t fit the previous collection themes – until now. Consider this my ode to the goddess of love! These earrings will only be available in limited slots for the month of February.
Flowers of the Philippines
Inspired by the legend of Maria Makiling. This collection features popular native blooms of the Phippines, including sampaguita, kalachuchi, santan, and more!
There are a total of twelve new designs – ten earrings and two necklaces.
There are a total of twelve new designs – ten earrings and two necklaces.
Santan Hoops in Classic Red
You can find santan flowers everywhere in the Philippines, and for good reason – it is believed that these flowers ward off evil and bring good luck! They are usually planted by the entrances of houses.
These hoops were among the first pieces I designed for the collection. Each hoop is composed of 6 individual components which are then woven together. It takes about six hours to weave one pair!
These hoops were among the first pieces I designed for the collection. Each hoop is composed of 6 individual components which are then woven together. It takes about six hours to weave one pair!
Santan Hoops in Yellow & Pink
Did you know that santans are also called jungle geraniums and West Indian jasmines? Santan flowers also come in a myriad of colors! While red is iconic, there are also pink, yellow, and white varieties.
This pair is perfect if you want a subtler, more delicate look.
This pair is perfect if you want a subtler, more delicate look.
Sampaguita Earrings
In the Philippines, the sampaguita is also a symbol of undying love. Here is the tragic legend of our local jasmine:
Long ago there was once a princess named Lakambini who came to rule after her father died. The young princess was an inexperienced ruler, and soon her kingdom came under threat of invasion. But one day, a kind prince named Lakan Galing came to her aid. The two quickly fell in love and swore their undying love to each other on a hill by the sea. “Sumpa kita!” – I promise you.
Before they could be wed however the prince left for sea to fight the kingdom’s enemies. He never returned. Lakambini eventually died of a broken heart, and she was buried on the hill where they pledged their love. Soon after a flower grew over her grave. It came to be called the “sampaguita”, in memory of the lovers’ promise to each other.
For these earrings I really wanted to capture the shape of our national flower. While bead weaving is a versatile technique, I felt it wouldn’t quite suit what I had in mind. And so I learned French beading. Since it uses wire instead of thread, I could achieve more rigid structures that would shape the petals. Tap on the image to read more about the technique.
Long ago there was once a princess named Lakambini who came to rule after her father died. The young princess was an inexperienced ruler, and soon her kingdom came under threat of invasion. But one day, a kind prince named Lakan Galing came to her aid. The two quickly fell in love and swore their undying love to each other on a hill by the sea. “Sumpa kita!” – I promise you.
Before they could be wed however the prince left for sea to fight the kingdom’s enemies. He never returned. Lakambini eventually died of a broken heart, and she was buried on the hill where they pledged their love. Soon after a flower grew over her grave. It came to be called the “sampaguita”, in memory of the lovers’ promise to each other.
For these earrings I really wanted to capture the shape of our national flower. While bead weaving is a versatile technique, I felt it wouldn’t quite suit what I had in mind. And so I learned French beading. Since it uses wire instead of thread, I could achieve more rigid structures that would shape the petals. Tap on the image to read more about the technique.
Everlasting Flower Ribbon Necklace
Everlasting flowers, also called straw flowers, have intense, vibrant colors which last months after they have been plucked and dried, hence their name. They are most popularly known as souvenirs from the city of Baguio, where you will usually find them strung into garlands.
For the choker I wanted to go for a softer look and opted to use more delicate shades to create the flowers. I thought a chain would look too heavy for this piece, so instead I used a pale peach ribbon to complement the pastel colors and give an overall softness to the necklace.
For the choker I wanted to go for a softer look and opted to use more delicate shades to create the flowers. I thought a chain would look too heavy for this piece, so instead I used a pale peach ribbon to complement the pastel colors and give an overall softness to the necklace.
Kalachuchi Earrings in White
The kalachuchi, aka frangipani or plumeria, is a bright tropical staple in any Filipino garden. But did you know they used to have a more somber meaning?
Some Filipinos associate the flower with death. This is because in the past the flowers were offered as a sign of respect and remembrance to loved ones who had passed. This belief might also stem from the Philippines’ Chinese heritage, particularly that white is a mourning color in Chinese culture.
I hope that doesn’t scare you off these beaded kalachuchi though! These earrings are created with the French beading technique to achieve the classic rounded structure of the petals. Iridescent, crystalline glass beads give these a touch of glamour.
Some Filipinos associate the flower with death. This is because in the past the flowers were offered as a sign of respect and remembrance to loved ones who had passed. This belief might also stem from the Philippines’ Chinese heritage, particularly that white is a mourning color in Chinese culture.
I hope that doesn’t scare you off these beaded kalachuchi though! These earrings are created with the French beading technique to achieve the classic rounded structure of the petals. Iridescent, crystalline glass beads give these a touch of glamour.
Kalachuchi Earrings in Pink
White kalachuchis are iconic, but they also come in a variety of colors! The flowers come in many different shades of pinks, yellows, and even reds.
My memories of these flowers go back to childhood summers spent in my dad’s hometown. During Holy Week we were one of the families who had a caro (processional carriage) in the procession. These caros carried statues depicting the Passion of Christ. I remember as kids we would help the farm workers decorate the caros with kalachuchi flowers. There were baskets and baskets full of the blooms, scenting the air with their heady fragrance.
These pink kalachuchi earrings are a delightful shade of pink that contrasts wonderfully with the yellow centers. Their light iridescence plays wonderfully in the light, giving these earrings an elegant air.
My memories of these flowers go back to childhood summers spent in my dad’s hometown. During Holy Week we were one of the families who had a caro (processional carriage) in the procession. These caros carried statues depicting the Passion of Christ. I remember as kids we would help the farm workers decorate the caros with kalachuchi flowers. There were baskets and baskets full of the blooms, scenting the air with their heady fragrance.
These pink kalachuchi earrings are a delightful shade of pink that contrasts wonderfully with the yellow centers. Their light iridescence plays wonderfully in the light, giving these earrings an elegant air.
Sampaguita Garland Hoops
The sampaguita, our national flower, is a symbol of purity, humility, and devotion. You will usually find its beautiful and fragrant buds strung into garlands and sold by vendors at churches on Fridays and Sundays. Churchgoers offer these garlands along with their prayers, and adorn the statues of saints and holy figures with them.
These hoops are my take on the sampaguita garland. Here, the softness and fullness of the flower buds is achieved by varying the sizes of beads and layering them. The end result are elegant statement pieces lavishly filled with flowers!
These hoops are my take on the sampaguita garland. Here, the softness and fullness of the flower buds is achieved by varying the sizes of beads and layering them. The end result are elegant statement pieces lavishly filled with flowers!
Palawan Cherry Blossom Drops
Did you know we have cherry blossoms here in the Philippines? Ok, they're not actually sakura but balayong, aka Palawan cherry blossom.
The balayong tree is native to Palawan, but it now grows all over the country. We even had one in my grandma's home in northern Cebu. The tree blooms in March, its boughs heavily laden with vibrant pink blossoms, which turn white before they fall off the tree.
For these earrings I wanted to capture the look of balayong branches heavy with cherry blossoms. Each earring is composed of multiple "branches" with dozens of blossoms in varying shades of pink. One pair takes between 5 to 6 hours to make.
The balayong tree is native to Palawan, but it now grows all over the country. We even had one in my grandma's home in northern Cebu. The tree blooms in March, its boughs heavily laden with vibrant pink blossoms, which turn white before they fall off the tree.
For these earrings I wanted to capture the look of balayong branches heavy with cherry blossoms. Each earring is composed of multiple "branches" with dozens of blossoms in varying shades of pink. One pair takes between 5 to 6 hours to make.
Palawan Cherry Blossom Necklace
Don’t you think cherry blossoms are so romantic? That’s what I wanted to capture with this piece. It’s an elegant necklace of pale pink blossoms studded with tiny pearls, which give it a wonderfully understated luxury.
It looks beautiful on its own, sitting just above the collar bone, but you could also add it to a stack of dainty gold chains for a little pop of color.
It looks beautiful on its own, sitting just above the collar bone, but you could also add it to a stack of dainty gold chains for a little pop of color.
Santan Chain Earrings in Classic Red
Remember making santan flower chains when you were a kid?
When we’d go up to our grandma’s in the summer, my sisters and I would play in the garden making santan bracelets and flower crowns. I wanted to evoke the memories of those childhood summers with these earrings. They’re sweet and simple, and full of fond memories.
When we’d go up to our grandma’s in the summer, my sisters and I would play in the garden making santan bracelets and flower crowns. I wanted to evoke the memories of those childhood summers with these earrings. They’re sweet and simple, and full of fond memories.
Santan Chain Earrings in Classic Pink & Yellow
These pink and yellow santan chains are delightfully dainty if you prefer more subtle earrings.
Apart from being an ornamental plant, the santan is also used for medicinal purposes. The leaves, roots, even the flowers of the plant are used to treat various ailments including asthma, nausea, and hypertension.
Apart from being an ornamental plant, the santan is also used for medicinal purposes. The leaves, roots, even the flowers of the plant are used to treat various ailments including asthma, nausea, and hypertension.
Tumbling Hearts Earrings
These hearts are the very first earrings I designed and made when I first started bead weaving. I was learning how to brick stitch at the time, and I remember getting bored of making little square swatches so I challenged myself to create a jewelry piece. These hearts are what I came up with.
I get a lot of inquiries about these earrings but I never made them available because they didn’t fit the previous collection themes – until now. Consider this my ode to the goddess of love! These earrings will only be available in limited slots for the month of February.
I get a lot of inquiries about these earrings but I never made them available because they didn’t fit the previous collection themes – until now. Consider this my ode to the goddess of love! These earrings will only be available in limited slots for the month of February.
Flowers of the Philippines
Inspired by the legend of Maria Makiling. This collection features popular native blooms of the Phippines, including sampaguita, kalachuchi, santan, and more!
There are a total of twelve new designs – ten earrings and two necklaces.
There are a total of twelve new designs – ten earrings and two necklaces.
Santan Hoops in Classic Red
You can find santan flowers everywhere in the Philippines, and for good reason – it is believed that these flowers ward off evil and bring good luck! They are usually planted by the entrances of houses.
These hoops were among the first pieces I designed for the collection. Each hoop is composed of 6 individual components which are then woven together. It takes about six hours to weave one pair!
These hoops were among the first pieces I designed for the collection. Each hoop is composed of 6 individual components which are then woven together. It takes about six hours to weave one pair!
Santan Hoops in Yellow & Pink
Did you know that santans are also called jungle geraniums and West Indian jasmines? Santan flowers also come in a myriad of colors! While red is iconic, there are also pink, yellow, and white varieties.
This pair is perfect if you want a subtler, more delicate look.
This pair is perfect if you want a subtler, more delicate look.
Sampaguita Earrings
In the Philippines, the sampaguita is also a symbol of undying love. Here is the tragic legend of our local jasmine:
Long ago there was once a princess named Lakambini who came to rule after her father died. The young princess was an inexperienced ruler, and soon her kingdom came under threat of invasion. But one day, a kind prince named Lakan Galing came to her aid. The two quickly fell in love and swore their undying love to each other on a hill by the sea. “Sumpa kita!” – I promise you.
Before they could be wed however the prince left for sea to fight the kingdom’s enemies. He never returned. Lakambini eventually died of a broken heart, and she was buried on the hill where they pledged their love. Soon after a flower grew over her grave. It came to be called the “sampaguita”, in memory of the lovers’ promise to each other.
For these earrings I really wanted to capture the shape of our national flower. While bead weaving is a versatile technique, I felt it wouldn’t quite suit what I had in mind. And so I learned French beading. Since it uses wire instead of thread, I could achieve more rigid structures that would shape the petals. Tap on the image to read more about the technique.
Long ago there was once a princess named Lakambini who came to rule after her father died. The young princess was an inexperienced ruler, and soon her kingdom came under threat of invasion. But one day, a kind prince named Lakan Galing came to her aid. The two quickly fell in love and swore their undying love to each other on a hill by the sea. “Sumpa kita!” – I promise you.
Before they could be wed however the prince left for sea to fight the kingdom’s enemies. He never returned. Lakambini eventually died of a broken heart, and she was buried on the hill where they pledged their love. Soon after a flower grew over her grave. It came to be called the “sampaguita”, in memory of the lovers’ promise to each other.
For these earrings I really wanted to capture the shape of our national flower. While bead weaving is a versatile technique, I felt it wouldn’t quite suit what I had in mind. And so I learned French beading. Since it uses wire instead of thread, I could achieve more rigid structures that would shape the petals. Tap on the image to read more about the technique.
Everlasting Flower Ribbon Necklace
Everlasting flowers, also called straw flowers, have intense, vibrant colors which last months after they have been plucked and dried, hence their name. They are most popularly known as souvenirs from the city of Baguio, where you will usually find them strung into garlands.
For the choker I wanted to go for a softer look and opted to use more delicate shades to create the flowers. I thought a chain would look too heavy for this piece, so instead I used a pale peach ribbon to complement the pastel colors and give an overall softness to the necklace.
For the choker I wanted to go for a softer look and opted to use more delicate shades to create the flowers. I thought a chain would look too heavy for this piece, so instead I used a pale peach ribbon to complement the pastel colors and give an overall softness to the necklace.
Kalachuchi Earrings in White
The kalachuchi, aka frangipani or plumeria, is a bright tropical staple in any Filipino garden. But did you know they used to have a more somber meaning?
Some Filipinos associate the flower with death. This is because in the past the flowers were offered as a sign of respect and remembrance to loved ones who had passed. This belief might also stem from the Philippines’ Chinese heritage, particularly that white is a mourning color in Chinese culture.
I hope that doesn’t scare you off these beaded kalachuchi though! These earrings are created with the French beading technique to achieve the classic rounded structure of the petals. Iridescent, crystalline glass beads give these a touch of glamour.
Some Filipinos associate the flower with death. This is because in the past the flowers were offered as a sign of respect and remembrance to loved ones who had passed. This belief might also stem from the Philippines’ Chinese heritage, particularly that white is a mourning color in Chinese culture.
I hope that doesn’t scare you off these beaded kalachuchi though! These earrings are created with the French beading technique to achieve the classic rounded structure of the petals. Iridescent, crystalline glass beads give these a touch of glamour.
Kalachuchi Earrings in Pink
White kalachuchis are iconic, but they also come in a variety of colors! The flowers come in many different shades of pinks, yellows, and even reds.
My memories of these flowers go back to childhood summers spent in my dad’s hometown. During Holy Week we were one of the families who had a caro (processional carriage) in the procession. These caros carried statues depicting the Passion of Christ. I remember as kids we would help the farm workers decorate the caros with kalachuchi flowers. There were baskets and baskets full of the blooms, scenting the air with their heady fragrance.
These pink kalachuchi earrings are a delightful shade of pink that contrasts wonderfully with the yellow centers. Their light iridescence plays wonderfully in the light, giving these earrings an elegant air.
My memories of these flowers go back to childhood summers spent in my dad’s hometown. During Holy Week we were one of the families who had a caro (processional carriage) in the procession. These caros carried statues depicting the Passion of Christ. I remember as kids we would help the farm workers decorate the caros with kalachuchi flowers. There were baskets and baskets full of the blooms, scenting the air with their heady fragrance.
These pink kalachuchi earrings are a delightful shade of pink that contrasts wonderfully with the yellow centers. Their light iridescence plays wonderfully in the light, giving these earrings an elegant air.
Sampaguita Garland Hoops
The sampaguita, our national flower, is a symbol of purity, humility, and devotion. You will usually find its beautiful and fragrant buds strung into garlands and sold by vendors at churches on Fridays and Sundays. Churchgoers offer these garlands along with their prayers, and adorn the statues of saints and holy figures with them.
These hoops are my take on the sampaguita garland. Here, the softness and fullness of the flower buds is achieved by varying the sizes of beads and layering them. The end result are elegant statement pieces lavishly filled with flowers!
These hoops are my take on the sampaguita garland. Here, the softness and fullness of the flower buds is achieved by varying the sizes of beads and layering them. The end result are elegant statement pieces lavishly filled with flowers!
Palawan Cherry Blossom Drops
Did you know we have cherry blossoms here in the Philippines? Ok, they're not actually sakura but balayong, aka Palawan cherry blossom.
The balayong tree is native to Palawan, but it now grows all over the country. We even had one in my grandma's home in northern Cebu. The tree blooms in March, its boughs heavily laden with vibrant pink blossoms, which turn white before they fall off the tree.
For these earrings I wanted to capture the look of balayong branches heavy with cherry blossoms. Each earring is composed of multiple "branches" with dozens of blossoms in varying shades of pink. One pair takes between 5 to 6 hours to make.
The balayong tree is native to Palawan, but it now grows all over the country. We even had one in my grandma's home in northern Cebu. The tree blooms in March, its boughs heavily laden with vibrant pink blossoms, which turn white before they fall off the tree.
For these earrings I wanted to capture the look of balayong branches heavy with cherry blossoms. Each earring is composed of multiple "branches" with dozens of blossoms in varying shades of pink. One pair takes between 5 to 6 hours to make.
Palawan Cherry Blossom Necklace
Don’t you think cherry blossoms are so romantic? That’s what I wanted to capture with this piece. It’s an elegant necklace of pale pink blossoms studded with tiny pearls, which give it a wonderfully understated luxury.
It looks beautiful on its own, sitting just above the collar bone, but you could also add it to a stack of dainty gold chains for a little pop of color.
It looks beautiful on its own, sitting just above the collar bone, but you could also add it to a stack of dainty gold chains for a little pop of color.
Santan Chain Earrings in Classic Red
Remember making santan flower chains when you were a kid?
When we’d go up to our grandma’s in the summer, my sisters and I would play in the garden making santan bracelets and flower crowns. I wanted to evoke the memories of those childhood summers with these earrings. They’re sweet and simple, and full of fond memories.
When we’d go up to our grandma’s in the summer, my sisters and I would play in the garden making santan bracelets and flower crowns. I wanted to evoke the memories of those childhood summers with these earrings. They’re sweet and simple, and full of fond memories.
Santan Chain Earrings in Classic Pink & Yellow
These pink and yellow santan chains are delightfully dainty if you prefer more subtle earrings.
Apart from being an ornamental plant, the santan is also used for medicinal purposes. The leaves, roots, even the flowers of the plant are used to treat various ailments including asthma, nausea, and hypertension.
Apart from being an ornamental plant, the santan is also used for medicinal purposes. The leaves, roots, even the flowers of the plant are used to treat various ailments including asthma, nausea, and hypertension.
Tumbling Hearts Earrings
These hearts are the very first earrings I designed and made when I first started bead weaving. I was learning how to brick stitch at the time, and I remember getting bored of making little square swatches so I challenged myself to create a jewelry piece. These hearts are what I came up with.
I get a lot of inquiries about these earrings but I never made them available because they didn’t fit the previous collection themes – until now. Consider this my ode to the goddess of love! These earrings will only be available in limited slots for the month of February.
I get a lot of inquiries about these earrings but I never made them available because they didn’t fit the previous collection themes – until now. Consider this my ode to the goddess of love! These earrings will only be available in limited slots for the month of February.
About the Collection
After reading the story of Maria Makiling and learning about her role as protector of nature, I started to look more closely at the plants around me. It was then that I really began to appreciate their beauty. This collection, more than anything else, is about seeing and appreciating the wonder of nature.
We have so many beautiful blooms here in the Philippines, but I chose to highlight our more common native blooms, the ones you and I grew up with here in the Philippines. I think we tend to take them for granted because we see them everyday, never really giving them a second glance. I wanted this collection to highlight their beauty, and to evoke memories of our childhoods – of simpler, sweeter times.
Diwata is my most personal collection yet. Studying the real-life counterparts of the flowers featured in this collection brought back so many memories! Going up to my dad's hometown for Holy Week, visiting Baguio in the summer, playing in my grandma's garden catching ladybugs, making flower crowns with my sisters. Each piece in this collection is full of those memories – memories you might also have from growing up in the Philippines. I hope these pieces remind you of home whenever you wear them.
The Techniques
This collection features some of the most intricate beadwork I've ever done. The primary technique used here is bead weaving, which tends to be used in more 2D applications. While designing this collection I knew I wanted to mimic the actual structures of the flowers, making them fully 3D. To achieve this I had to do a lot of experimentation, combining different stitches to create each bloom.
Bead weaving wouldn't cut it for some of the designs though. In bead weaving, beads are woven together with thread. This means that the piece will be somewhat floppy, which wasn't ideal for some of the flowers. And so I learned a new technique: French beading.
French beading is a combination of wire work and beading. The same glass beads are strung onto a wire, which is then manipulated and shaped by hand to create various shapes. Pliers cannot be used to shape the petals because the force will break the beads. While this technique is generally faster than bead weaving, it does require more force and effort to create intricate shapes. My hands were definitely sore after making countless experiments, but this technique turned out to be perfect to achieve some of the floral structures.
Working on this collection really pushed me creatively. It forced me to step out of my comfort zone and encouraged me to take risks. And because of that I rediscovered the joy of making, the reason I started Una Artesana in the first place. I hope you love these floral jewels as much as I did creating them!
- Susanne
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