Handmade Belts

We have been exploring new outlets for creativity, and one is making handmade belts. It all started when Izza, of Raza Formal Wear,  asked us to make matching belts as accents for her bridesmaids' gown. We used the same material for the gown as the base, with felt cloth underneath, to support the weight of the beads stitched into the design of the belt.
At present, we have also been commissioned to make belts by soon-to-weds and other loyal clients. 

Photo Credit: Izza Lambino-Hallare

After Izza's belts, it was followed by a full embellished belt used as an accent to a long gray dress. We simply use the original design as the main template, then we branch out accordingly, depending on our clients' requests. 

Palamuti by PJ Valenciano

Palamuti by PJ Valenciano

Palamuti by PJ Valenciano

For Diana's wedding, we made her a belt which she paired with her reception dress. Instead of using white crystals, we incorporated aqua blue materials, in accordance to her wedding motif. Her mother asked us to make a wire art belt, which was sewn to her dress. 

Palamuti by PJ Valenciano

Palamuti by PJ Valenciano

Our latest design is a denim bohemian inspired belt commissioned by Lorena, whom we met at the Philippine Heart Center during their December Charity Bazaar. We used wood and colorful fresh water pearls as the main elements. 

Palamuti by PJ Valenciano

Palamuti by PJ Valenciano

Since these are handmade pieces, you can actually explore making your own. Here are links to some blogs with step by step DIY Belt. 

1. DIY NEON RHINESTONE BELT by Trinkets Bloom 
2. DIY RUFFLY BELT WITH RACHEL FROM HEART OF LIGHT by 100layercake
3. WIDE LEATHER WRAP BELT DIY by Love Meagan
4. DIY BOW BELT by Henry Happened
5. REVIVE AN OLD BELT by Khamillion

Year of the Snake

"In the Chinese zodiac, the Snake is listed after the Dragon, but its place and its significance as a symbol of worship is far less than that of the Dragon. It carries the meanings of malevolence, cattiness and mystery, as well as acumen, divination and the ability to distinguish herbs. In some places, people believe that a snake found in their court can bring delight. During Spring Festival, people like to paste onto their doors and windows the paper-cut 'Fu' character (happiness), combined with a snake twisting around a rabbit onto their doors and windows as a popular pattern indicating wealth. "

Based on the Chinese Calendar, 2013 is the Year of the Snake, which officially started last February 10. Last year, we promised to make a piece in celebration of the Chinese New Year. Since we have  been creating animal inspired embellished pieces; we made a snake set necklace and bracelet. 

Palamuti by PJ Valenciano

Palamuti by PJ Valenciano

With no hesitation, AJ bought the necklace and bracelet set as soon we posted the photos on our FB Page.

We wanted the necklace and bracelet to be smaller than the usual embellished statement pieces that we make. The idea is to capture the movement of the snake without the pieces overpowering the wearer. Instead, we wanted the pieces to seemingly wrap her neck and wrist, without the wearer feeling constricted. 

Sea- Inspired Necklace

Palamuti by PJ Valenciano

It becomes a blessing when a client asks us to customize pieces that we dream of making. The best part is when they give you the 'go' signal to exercise your creativity. One of the pieces we have been busy conceptualizing and executing, through bead embroidery, is Catherine's necklace. She loves the sea as much as we do, so when she asked us to make a sea-inspired piece, we couldn't help but to jump for joy! 

The first step is to sketch the design. In the process of sketching, I also think of the materials and techniques that we will be using to turn it into a beadwork masterpiece. 
 

Palamuti by PJ Valenciano

Palamuti by PJ Valenciano

Green is Catherine's favorite color. Then we added a yellow accent to break the monotony of green. We improved our beading techniques and decided to focus on texture and depth. As such, the beads were sewn  protruding outwards, as if to mimic the texture of a starfish lying by the corals. 

Each of the elements seen in the finished necklace were handstitched individually in different felt patterns. When finished, we then stitched them all together, forming it into a neckpiece. We also added murano beads in turquoise and white for balance. 

Post Valentine

We have been very busy in the last few weeks, so we weren't able to update you about our latest pieces. Since February is the month of love, we decided to make a few pieces to celebrate Valentine's day! 

"Saint Valentine's Day, commonly known as Valentine's Day or the Feast of Saint Valentine, is observed on February 14 each year...St. Valentine's Day began as a liturgical celebration of one or more early Christian saints named Valentinus. The most popular martyrology associated with Saint Valentine was that he was imprisoned for performing weddings for soldiers who were forbidden to marry and for ministering to Christians, who were persecuted under the Roman Empire."

The most popular gift associated with Heart's Day are flowers. As such, we made a rose embellished necklace reminding us of Beauty and the Beast. 

Palamuti by PJ Valenciano

We also made flower brooches, clips and bag tags out of fabric. We sold them in 3s which symbolically means "I Love You." 

Palamuti by PJ Valenciano

We found heart shaped Murano and metal settings and decided to make them into brooches. We stitched red crystal for added aesthetics. 

Palamuti by PJ Valenciano

 Lastly, we made embellished headbands in the form rose, lips and hearts. 

Palamuti by PJ Valenciano

Next year, if you decide to give gifts during this special day, you might want to keep in mind these unique pieces. 

Restyled Scarves

Restyling and reusing beads from old accessories challenge us. We enjoy making new pieces from old, almost forgotten, materials and we try to take them to the next level. In our previous post, we featured restyled necklaces. This time, we got our hands on old scarves and had them embellished to give them a new look.

Palamuti by PJ Valenciano

Palamuti by PJ Valenciano

The next time you plan to spend on new scarves, you might want to consider having old ones restyled instead.