First of all: What are Maruti Beads? you may ask.Answer:They are amazingly-detailed, handmade beads in the rich tradition of Indian beadmaking. The clay beads are often adorned with metallic paillettes, braided wire, and tiny rings to bring a textured, glamorous finish to each bead. And each is made by hand!
A little more info about these three types of beads, straight from the MarutiBeads.com website:
Kashmiri beads are made from a mix of marble powder and manufactured resin (polymer clay) while the resin used in Lac beads is from a natural source.Also known as “Bollywood” beads, Kashmiri beads are hand decorated and use a variety of materials for embellishment such as mirror chips, seed beads, silver plating and rhinestones.
Maruti Beads artistically blends the beauty of Kashmiri beads with silver plated side caps to culminate in a one of a kind creation exclusive to Maruti International.
Lac beads are made from a mixture of Lac and marble powder, ornamented with silver plating, seed beads and rhinestones: detailed with metal elements, mirror chips and various embellishments…In short, Lac beads are highly valued individual works of art…Lac is a substance secreted by a tiny insect called Kerria lacca. The Lac insect is so small that a magnifying glass is needed to see it. This little bug dwells in the twigs of host trees and lives off the sap from which they secrete the hard Lac resin. When first harvested Lac resin is brittle and tough however, through a process of slow heating the resin softens into a workable material.
Lac beads to the back, Kashmiri beads to the right, and Maruti beads to the left.
To be honest, I had never heard of Maruti beads before (nor Kashmiri, nor Lac beads), not until a rep from Maruti Beads International contacted me to see if I wanted to review their beads.
As you can see, each bead is beautifully unique. The attention to detail is just marvelous – and the rhinestones are top quality that really sparkle. Due to their ornate nature, the beads are a bit heavy but each exquisite one stands out. Thrown together into a piece of jewelry they may compete with one another – so probably the best use of them is to carefully choose where to place each one in designs for maximum impact.
I made this pretty beaded bracelet in a flash, using imitation leather cording and a fish-hook closure. The beads would also be perfect as a single focal of a bracelet in an arm party stack (or many bracelets!!), or linked up together Shamballah-style. (You can also see Shamballah bracelets designed with Maruti beads here, and regular bracelets using Maruti beads here.) They can also be linked together into necklaces, or used in drop-style earrings. I love how each tiny bead tells a little story – and in some (not all) the hole is large enough to accommodate Pandora or Dione bead systems.
MarutiBeads.com also sells beautiful copper, glass, and gemstone beads, besides finished jewelry, on their website.
For any bead-lover or jewelry enthusiast I’d definitely recommend trying out these beads in your designs – and with the holiday season coming up they may make a wonderful present for the proverbial woman who has everything.
Which is your favorite style of bead? (I just love that big black barrel one in the center of my bracelet!!) Or what would you make with these? Let me know in the comments section!
xo
Carly
FTC Disclosure: I was sent a Bead Mix Pack from Maruti Beads containing Lac, Kashmiri, and Maruti Beads for review purposes (ARV=$60). I have not been compensated for this post. The opinions above are my own. My full Disclosure Policy is here.
Shoe Cult, NastyGal‘s very own shoe line, has just launched – featuring fashion-forward footwear with cut-outs, clear detailing, and rugged soles. The perfect mix of that edgy cool-girl bootie, that mellow tomboy-ish brogue, and that refined chic heel, the collection ranges in price from an amazingly affordable $20 – $158.
You can also see a number of ways to wear some of the styles from the collection in street style photos, submitted by fashion bloggers, here, and you can tag any photo of you wearing a pair with the hashtag #SHOECULT to be featured on their blog.
{clockwise, from top left: Lanvin, Alice + Olivia, Zero + Maria Cornejo, Emporio Armani, Reed Krakoff}
Fall is almost upon us – can you believe it? Only a few more weeks until the end of Summer; the end of outdoor picnics, barbecues, lazy-day living, snow cones, afternoon naps, bumblebees, and the scent of freshly cut grass wafting through the air. I am currently undergoing a huge closet clean-out and am making space for new DIY’s and pieces that will truly round out what I have already and help with the transition. Here are a couple pieces I have my eye on:
Taking a cue from the boys, Alexander Wang, Jil Sander, and Lanvin showed boxy overcoats in double-breasted styles. I really love this piece from Aryn K, but you could also skimp on the purchase and find something menswear-inspired (or just plain from-the-mens’ section) at your local thrift store.
Yes, it is back – in all its 80’s glory. Layer these under sweaters and overcoats, or opt for under a patterned piece for it to truly read current. This turtleneck from Kohls is super-versatile and won’t break the bank, and is a great doppelganger for styles shown by Alice + Olivia. You could also simply add on a strip of fabric to the neck of a favorite crew-neck top to create a one-of-a-kind conversion.
An unusual color, this dark shade can be treated as if a neutral black when you incorporate it into an outfit, without imparting an “I’ve just joined the armed forces” feel. Reed Krakoff’s take on this was a full-on green ensemble, but you could just opt for it in small doses. This Modcloth bag is utterly covetable, but you could also just take part in the trend with a package of Dark Green Rit Dye and a piece of clothing in a lighter color. The Dark Green should take on pretty much anything made of natural fibers, and camouflage a host of sins.
The luxurious textile is of course having another moment this year, and it’s easy to see why this is a winter staple. Emporio Armani’s Fall Collection embodied the luxury and warmth of this 70’s throwback fabric. Add some texture to your wardrobe in a fun color, like with these ASOS booties. If you’d rather DIY the look, do it the affordable way and try affixing the fabric to a pair of shoes with some Mod Podge.
A little tougher to DIY, leather in dark blues, greens, purples, and burgundies dominated the runways, often paired with punky plaids or soft knits. Zero + Maria Cornejo’s leather trousers were to-die-for! (This ASOS wrap skirt above perfectly embodies the trend – but at a much more accessible price point.) You can always try your hand at painting some leather in order to get the look (though keeping it to non-flexible leather accessories might be best if you’re using acrylic paints).
What trends are you looking forward to for Fall?
xo
Carly
Runway photos from Style.com. Photo collage by me.
I’ve almost hit up all my favorite shopping districts after almost 2 weeks in Japan…and I’ve definitely sketched, photographed, and bookmarked more than I’ve bought (not being able to fit into the sizing here anymore helps with curbing one’s purchases!!;-). A couple happy finds include an oversized Summery-print tongue-in-cheek Flamingo tee, a deeply-discounted ruffled hoodie from one of my favorite brands furfur (originally $200 knocked down to $69-which is HUGE for furfur), pretty neon chiffon-trimmed socklets, and a whole bevy of unusual single-ear earrings.
various gold script earring cuffs, filigree earring cuff, rhinestone earrings cuff, and dangling L-O-V-E and celestial earring back sets
Now off to hang out with Hub’s grandparents, who are excitedly waiting for their great-grandson to come home from school…
To celebrate your stylish new grad, it’s a wonderful idea to gift something useful, commemorating the occasion marking this life event. Personally, I’m a big fan of either a piece of must-have jewelry or a special watch for the occasion: an adult item that will accompany her on her journey from school and beyond. (more…)
Carly J. Cais I am a DIY’er, designer, sewist, maker, and marketer. Chic Creative Life is where I share what I do, and help others bring their unique style into their own lives.
First of all: What are Maruti Beads? you may ask.
Answer: They are amazingly-detailed, handmade beads in the rich tradition of Indian beadmaking. The clay beads are often adorned with metallic paillettes, braided wire, and tiny rings to bring a textured, glamorous finish to each bead. And each is made by hand!
I made this pretty beaded bracelet in a flash, using imitation leather cording and a fish-hook closure. The beads would also be perfect as a single focal of a bracelet in an arm party stack (or many bracelets!!), or linked up together Shamballah-style. (You can also see Shamballah bracelets designed with Maruti beads here, and regular bracelets using Maruti beads here.) They can also be linked together into necklaces, or used in drop-style earrings. I love how each tiny bead tells a little story – and in some (not all) the hole is large enough to accommodate Pandora or Dione bead systems.
Shoe Cult, NastyGal‘s very own shoe line, has just launched – featuring fashion-forward footwear with cut-outs, clear detailing, and rugged soles. The perfect mix of that edgy cool-girl bootie, that mellow tomboy-ish brogue, and that refined chic heel, the collection ranges in price from an amazingly affordable $20 – $158.
To celebrate your stylish new grad, it’s a wonderful idea to gift something useful, commemorating the occasion marking this life event. Personally, I’m a big fan of either a piece of must-have jewelry or a special watch for the occasion: an adult item that will accompany her on her journey from school and beyond. 
