Sultanissima

Very special trip to Istanbul

2011-02-25T21:20:00.009+01:00

One of my personal highlights of the past months was my trip to Istanbul with two special friends, Holly and Thorsten Becker. It was their first trip ever to Turkey and it was wonderful to see, that they both loved Istanbul. Of course I have been very proud to show them my hometown and be their guide, but we also had so much fun together and had the best time..Just to mention some of the things we did together:

We enjoyed little things like fresh pomegranate juice, roasted chestnuts or salep...sooo yummy..

We spent hours inside the mighty Topkapi Palace, which was very impressive and inspiring for my friends..

We walked through the streets of Istanbul and saw history inbetween modern buildings..

We had a great time spending hours in the Grand Bazaar, where we discovered some special goodies..

Not to forget the delicious meals and all the coffee and tea-breaks..My friends loved the Turkish delight and the apple tea :) Thank you Holly & Thorsten so much for joining me to Istanbul, we will be back soon, yay !!!

Hidden Treasures

2011-02-22T20:23:00.005+01:00

Walking through the Grand Bazaar is something I always enjoy, but one of the thing I love the most is discovering hidden treasures. Where can one find those the best? In antique shops..

As you can see one never knows what to find unless one enters the shop and starts looking for those very special items, that are waiting to show their beauty..

Maybe it´s the first item that will catch one´s eye, maybe one has to look through thousand others to find the hidden beauty..in any case it´s facsinating to enter an antique shop without knowing which item one will take home..

Thank you

2011-02-22T19:47:00.003+01:00

Surprise, surprise...yes it´s me :) First of all I would like to thank all of you for your patience, it´s been quite a long time of not-blogging. So these flowers go all of my readers for the lovely messages, comments and emails. The past months have been busy with business and private travels and much much work. As my schedule did not allow blogging for long time, I finally found the inspiration and the time for more posts. Thank you all for waiting..

Ikat bowls

2010-07-14T21:36:00.006+02:00

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Do you like Ikat fabrics? If so, you already have a passion for the unique patterns. What about bringing some of this eyecatching beauty into your kitchen or your dining room? Imagine decorating your table with those lovely ceramics. They will be a real attraction when they are filled with delicious goodies to be served to your guests. You can get them in different sizes and in a variety of different colors. So you can feel free to decorate your table with Ikat bowls in the same color or make every guest choose its own one...

Shawls and more

2010-07-12T01:00:00.002+02:00

Oriental leather slippers, Suzani bags, Ikat, and silk are only a few things you can find in this shop. Doesn´t it look inviting?
Usually men are bored of window-shopping, but in this case they will love to spend some time in front of this window I guess. Just take a look at all those shawls, they look both sporty and elegant to match any outfit.
A detail of silk which is embroidered with tulips. How vibrant the colors are...

Inspired by the Tiled Pavilion

2010-07-11T14:30:00.002+02:00

The brilliant arrangement of the mosaic tiles and the colors have been a huge inspiration for this bracelet. I wanted to keep up the blue and white-theme and came up with this combination of crystals, Czech beads and pearls. even though blue is a fresh color, it also has something imperial and due to the history and the beauty of the Tiled Pavilion these shades seemed perfect for me.

The Tiled Pavilion Part 2

2010-07-11T13:55:00.001+02:00

These wonderful windows capture the sunlight and make the colors sparkle like crystals.
I can tell that I truly fell in love with this ceiling, that looks fantastic in nature. Those white ornaments have their own structure and I am always very impressed to see old handwork like this.
Here you can see one of the old artworks inside the Tiled Pavilion. This painting shows details of the Tiled Pavilion and it is just wonderful to see this "art-in-art" perfection, that is one of a kind.
Another beautiful tile work, different shades of blue combined with gold. If you ever have the chance to travel to Istanbul, please take a little time to visit the Tiled Pavilion. It´s not very big, but it´s very charming and it´s also a nice way to calm your senses, because there is nothing but harmony. Plus it´s a great way to escape the heat during the summer !!

The Tiled Pavilion

2010-07-11T13:50:00.011+02:00

The tiled Pavilion (Cinili Kösk), now serving as a museum where outstanding samples of Turkish tiles and ceramics are exhibited, was built by Sultan Mehmed the Conqueror in 1472 .
In spite of the changes it has undergone during its history, the building with its porticoed entrance, eyvans and tiles is the only secular building belonging to the Ottoman civilian architecture in Istanbul in Seljukian style.
The harmony of the turquoise, white, purple and dark blue tiles made in the mosaic technique are indicators of a well-developed sense of decoration.
The inscription cicrumscribing the door below the eyvan decorated with mosaic tiles gives the completion date of the construction and lauds its beauty as well.
The present portico consisting of 14 marble columns was constructed during the reign of Abdulhamid I (1774-1789) after the (oroginal) wooden portico burned down in 1737. In 1875 when it was decided to use as a museum some changes were made in the interior and it was opened in 1880 as Imerial Museum. Within the halls and rooms of the Tiled Pavilion Museum are exhibited the matchless samples of Great Seljukian, Anatolian Seljukian and Ottoman tiles and ceramics dated between the end of the 12th century to the beginning of the 20th century.

Istanbul on a t-shirt

2010-07-11T12:58:00.000+02:00

There are always many designs to find on t-shirts and when I discovered this one, I had to buy it instantly. I think this design is really perfect, because it´s very modern, but at the same time it shows all the historical important places, bazaars, palaces and areas. What a great idea !!!

The World Of Sequins

2010-07-11T12:25:00.001+02:00

Welcome to the world of sequins seems to be absolutely right when you take a look at the pictures I´ve taken in Istanbul.
For everybody who loves handwork and especially sewing and stitching, this might be heaven :)
You can find sequins in every color, every size and in many, many different shapes and finishes.
You can also find a huge choice of sew-on elements, glitters,and many more.

There are many shops like this in Istanbul, and I love looking at all those packages full of sequins to discover the newest colors, which I can´t find anywhere else. That´s the fun part of it...

Time for an apple tea

2010-07-10T23:42:00.007+02:00

One of my favorite activities is attending street cafes to have a little break or to enjoy the atmosphere of a very inviting place. So I enjoyed my apple tea before working on my to-do list.
I love to sit outside, because in this case there are only few places to have a seat. That makes it even more special for me, because I love to take part of the life - which in Mediterranean countries takes place in the street.
Wonder what´s inside? Of course there are many tables and seats, but you can even buy gorgeous lamps or delicious goodies.
Aren´t those tiles just amazing? It´s a part of the floor right when you enter the cafe. Too cute..

An Opulent Green Dream

2010-07-10T23:15:00.000+02:00

I really love playing with materials as you might know, and when I made this chandelier, I had a vision of an opulent dream. So I decided to use bright and shiny crystals and opaque Czech beads. The copper elements make those different greens even more interesting. This chandelier is very special and add glamour to an outfit instantly.

Newest Byzance Magazine

2010-07-10T23:09:00.002+02:00

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Another beautiful issue of Byzance magazine, that will make you dream...

Turquoise Dream

2010-07-10T23:05:00.000+02:00

Turquoise and copper is a combination full of tension. One completes the other to bring out the own beauty. I used crystals and handmade Czech beads in nearly the same color to achieve a dazzling and bright finish. This chandelier looks gorgeous combined with long skirts. I can´t think of a summer without any accessory in turquoise, it always looks fresh.

Green Leaves

2010-07-10T22:52:00.000+02:00

Here is one of the bracelets I made. I decided to combine different materials like vintage jade, handmade Czech beads and sweetwater pearls to get a very special effect. So I knitted them using the colored copper wire and I think the result is stunning, because those different beads have different sizes and it is very challenging to knit them.
At the end I have to say that this bracelet reminds me of leaves in different shades of green.
The combination of creme shades with greens is kind of royal, but absolutely wearable for any occasion in my opinion.

Update...

2010-07-10T22:47:00.010+02:00

This post is like a little update, I have been very busy with working and traveling;
so I have been packing my suitcase frequently and headed to airports and train stations...
but whenever I managed to save some time for myself, I have been creative as the following posts will show..

Turkish Style

2010-04-12T20:08:00.008+02:00

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Turkish Style is one of the books I can spend hours with. The pictures are beautiful and show old Turkish houses, that have special wooden ornaments for example in their walls or even in the ceiling. Mostly the shown houses are decorated in the Ottoman style, but some of them are more rustic than elegant. There is a nice synthesis of both to see on many, many pages. I know that this book has a new cover with a different picture, but I have to say, that I prefer this one.

Turquoise Lagoon

2010-04-12T19:45:00.003+02:00

This bracelet definitely belongs to my Mediterranean series, the Czech beads remind me of the tender turquoise shades of a lagoon. The wire I used for this bracelet is colored in a darker copper and is important to bring out the turquoise beads. Woulnd´t this be a perfect accessory for the summer ?

New Byzance Issue

2010-03-25T18:09:00.005+01:00

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Finally the new Byzance issue arrived and as you can see, turquoise is the leading theme. I would like to share the most beautiful pages of this issue, because they remind me of the Aegean and the Mediterranean regions. Hopefully you´ll like it.

Sage tea

2010-03-25T17:47:00.004+01:00

I´ve caught a very bad cold these days and didn´t want to take extra medicine to feel better. So I prefer to prepare sage tea with dried leaves. If you are in the same situation as me (bad sore throat + I lost my voice) the only thing you have to do is to boil som water and add it to the sage leaves. If you don´t like the pure taste of sage, because it can be quite strong, feel free to add a wedge of lemon or a little honey. This tea will make you feel better and is an excellent herbal treatment. If you use more sage leaves to make a very strong tea, you can also use it as a gargle.
Sage tea is very popular in Turkey. When I am in Istanbul during the winter it´s always relaxing and calming to enjoy fresh prepared sage tea, because it´s mostly windy and cold. On the pictures you can see how this tea is served in Istanbul. A tulip-shaped teaglass filled with this yummy herbal tea doesn´t remind of grandma´s old recipes at all.

More of Sevan Bicakci

2010-03-23T21:01:00.004+01:00

Recently I was looking through some old magazines and found a very interesting article about Sevan Bicakci, a master when it comes to art and perfection in his rings. This article was in an old issue of the Italian Vogue Gioiello and I think it´s very inspiring for everybody who loves Ottoman influences in fashion and jewelry. The pictures show the old Istanbul and I love the way they are in perfect harmony with every single ring. Hopefully you´ll like this article as much as I do.

Oriental opulence, anyone?

2010-03-22T17:10:00.004+01:00

These gorgeous objects are one of my favorites, they are decorated with lots of sparkling elements and look full of oriental opulence.
Just look at every single detail, you can buy them in every color. I will definitely buy some others to have a bigger collection of them. The smaller ones are perfect for candles and due to the color of the glass, they add a magical sparkle into every room.

Bring back some color

2010-03-22T16:48:00.006+01:00

Flowers can easily brighten up every situation, they remind us of Spring. I couldn´t resist those lovely tulips and had to buy them immediately.
They look awesome, capture the most beautiful colors and look elegant at the same time.
I love shoes and as you can see those ones are perfect for the Spring season. I´ve bought them in Istanbul by the way, the city is a true heaven when it comes to anything made out of leather. As I always love to find rare or special designs, I couldn´t walk by...

Oriental object

2010-03-22T16:30:00.003+01:00

Recently I have been to Hamburg and came back home with another oriental object. I think about using this nice item as a bonbonniere, because of its design. Even if your whole table is decorated with simple ceramics or porcelain, this could be a highlight and an oriental eye-candy.
Just imagine arranging beautiful flowers around an object like this, it would look stunning. I so love to discover beautiful and interesting items in different cities and countries. Somehow every single item matches the ones I have at home. Isn´t it wonderful to have a very own collection like this?

Blossom Bead

2010-03-11T23:38:00.004+01:00

One of my favorite sellers once sent me a gift that was meant to bring luck for a special event I was participating in. It´s just a bead, but shaped as a blossom and I liked it the second I saw it. Mostly the small things in life make a difference, and in this case this blossom bead made my day. I knew it had a message, it was adorable and it matched my display for the earrings. When I look at this picture, I found it inspiring in a certain way. In between of crystals, gemstones and handmade beads, this blossom bead was still bright and has been a highlight for that event.

The Language Of Turkish Motifs

2010-03-10T22:10:00.003+01:00

For the most people, looking at a Turkish rug is nice because of the colors or the graphics. But how many people think about their meanings? Surely every pattern and every color has a special meaning and is used to express a certain emotion. Of course, every region has its characteristic colors and designs. Owning a Turkish rug or a "Kilim" is not just owning something to cover the floor. It´s owning a piece of art. In most of the Turkish carpets you can find the color Red, which expresses wealth and joy. Green is used to symbolize heaven while Blue is an expression of nobility. Yellow as a joyful color shall keep the evil away and is mostly used for prayer rugs. Maybe the next time, when you look at a Kilim, a big carpet or a small rug you follow the pattern and think about their meanings...

Saree Impression

2010-03-09T00:01:00.000+01:00

A while ago my friend Maha mailed me some stunning pictures that showed different sarees of the Indian brand Seasons. Both of us agreed, that this was our favorite one. Besides the design, the colors and the beautiful embroidery, I have to say that I love the location, because they took this picture in a very popular district of Istanbul - in Ortaköy :) So imagine the beautiful lady is in Europe, the riverside on the left side of the picture is Asia. The other riverside seems smaller, that is the historical peninsula. (It´s also on the European side.) There you can find the Topkapi Palace, the Haghia Sophia and the Blue Mosque just to name a few of the important buildings. I love the harmony in this picture, the elegance of this lady, the stunning saree, the location... it seems like the perfect melting point. That´s why I wanted to share it with you.

Special thanks to renkli pudra :)

2010-03-08T20:34:00.007+01:00

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When I was searching for some inspiration on the internet, I finally found myself on renkli pudra. This is a Turkish website where you can find everything from Beauty to Decoration. I was very surprised, when I saw a blog post about myself. This means so much to me!! I am honestly happy to have Turkish readers, who follow my blog to read about my jewelry and my trips to Istanbul. Thank you so much, renkli pudra for making my day!!! And to all my Turkish readers, check out this stylish website, where you can find the latest trends ;) Sevgiler xo

Desperately waiting for Spring

2010-03-08T11:15:00.001+01:00

This Winter has been too long and there has been snow, ice and rain for the past few months. Besides that, it is still cold outside, so you have to wear a shawl and a coat. For me, this is a little depressing, because I miss wearing lighter Summer clothes a lot. I am really looking forward to Spring, when you can see the awakening nature. I took this picture a short time ago in Istanbul, where I found the missing colors in the flowers. What a joy it was to see other things than snow...

Mosaic lamps by night

2010-03-07T23:58:00.001+01:00

The mosaic lamps are beautifully arranged in nearly every corner of the Grand Bazaar. I like the presentation of this shop, because it doesn´t look overloaded. The mosaic lamps have very bright colors and it´s lovely to look at them. They are looking both fresh and modern compared to the elegant brass lanterns. I guess it´s hard to decide which one to buy, so one better takes a few to arrange them in different spaces of the home. For those of you who have children: those mosaic lamps look cute in children´s rooms...

Turkish lanterns by night

2010-03-07T19:40:00.001+01:00

Do you love lanterns? I do!! The ones on the picture are brass, copper and glass lanterns. It´s nice to see them in daylight, but they are more beautiful when it´s dark outside. Somehow they have something mystic and even a single lantern is a highlight in every room. The lanterns in this shop are elegant and they remind me of the ones used in old Ottoman houses. I just had to share their beauty with you and I hope you´ll like them as much as I do.

Tulips, tulips everywhere

2010-03-07T19:29:00.000+01:00

The most popular flowers seen on Ottoman period fabrics are tulips. The ones that are decorated in that window immediately caught my eye. How bright their colors are. How precious the fabrics are. Eye-catching and sooo beautiful...By the way,whenever your schedule allows, I would highly recommend all of you to visit Istanbul and go to the Topkapi Palace. There you can take a look at many, many precious caftans and other old fabrics. There you can discover tulips as well. Even an Ottoman period is called the "Tulip Era", did you know that?
Well, I took these pictures in the streets of Istanbul and I liked the harmony of the decorated fabrics. Ikat, suzanis and silk shawls seem to complete each other. So whenever I see a new fabric I can hardly resist and I have to touch it and feel its structure.

Mediterranean Breeze

2010-03-04T11:47:00.005+01:00

Who does not love the sea? Looking at the waves and discovering reflections of the sunlight is what I personally enjoy. Closing the eyes and breathing fresh air while feeling a warm breeze is more than relaxing.
This necklace reminds me of a warm sea breeze and I used a really bis silver tassel to symbolize the depth of the sea.

Another hint of mint

2010-03-01T18:53:00.004+01:00

The combination of different materials is something I enjoy while being creative. Sometimes it´s a fabric, that is inspiring due to its structure or its color.
This fabric has a very nice structure, actually it´s a shawl, but it looks light and airy. So I tried to catch up this harmony and used gemstones to add a certain structure to the necklace. It matches the crystals, the glass beads and the silver tassel, so I guess those different shades of mint are in perfect harmony.

Cool, but oriental

2010-02-28T18:17:00.000+01:00

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The pictures above show a little restaurant, that is beautifully decorated. Whoever was the interior designer, had a great eye for the details. The black/white wallpaper gives an impression of the veiled ladies living in the past. There is not much color to discover. Every item is black or white, except of the mirrors (and I love the ones that are shapes as a tulip). When you enter this restaurant, you feel quite mystic due to the cool colors, but the flowers and plants add a hint of color into all this. What I also like, is the nice mixture of modern and oriental. I have to get back to that place as soon as possible.

A hidden eye-candy

2010-02-24T17:20:00.001+01:00

I discovered this stunning arrangement in the window of a small and hidden antique shop while walking around. The first item that caught my eye was the caftan in this beautiful shade of rose. Normally, a caftan is much longer, but it seems that someone cut it to that length. Isn´t this fabric to die for? I fell in love with the embroidery and every single detail. As you can see, a pomegranate is used as decoration, too. In many cultures the pomegranate is a symbol for wealth, so this fruit appears in many old paintings for example. I would love to own a vintage caftan like this one, in exact the same pale shade.

Sultan´s Dazzlelight

2010-02-23T19:00:00.003+01:00

When I think about using bigger crystals for a necklace, I somehow think about wearing such a necklace for a dinner or a party. There is such a capturing sparkle, that crystals in that size don´t have to be colored in different shades. The cut of the crystals and the silver elements don´t need other accents, because they are eye-catching. I placed the necklace onto a silk in midnight blue to bring out their special cuts. Imagine wearing a dark dress and this dazzling necklace...only one piece of jewelry that completes the outfit.

Passion For Pomegranates

2010-02-22T20:48:00.003+01:00

Being in Istanbul plus sunny weather gets me in perfect spring mood. There are many, many cafes where one can relax while sitting outside on the terrace and sip a hot or cold drink.
A fruit I can hardly resist is pomegranate. Besides being the absolute antioxidant fruit, it´s extremely refreshing and soo delicious. When I was a child, I loved eating the whole pomegranate, because it was like a game to pick out every single seed. I still enjoy eating a pomegranate the same way, but I also love to drink fresh pomegranate juice.
Isn´t the color just divine? Even looking at this glass of juice is very inspiring. Although it is still February, this hint of color lightened up my whole day.

Interesting quote by P. Gauguin

2010-02-21T17:34:00.000+01:00

There are thousands of carpet shops in Istanbul, and every single shop has its own flair. On the picture you can see a part of a door, that belongs to one of them. When I walked by that door, I read this interesting and inspiring quote. Paul Gauguin was a French painter, who used very intense colors. I just liked to share his quote with you.

On the way to Istanbul

2010-02-17T18:03:00.000+01:00

Can´t stand the snow and the cold weather in Germany anymore, we had more than enough snow during this endless winter...
On board of Turkish Airlines I already feel like being in Istanbul and I am excited to be home again...
And here we have a yummy meal on board, of course I chose the filled eggplants...
Istanbul my love, I´m coming !!!

Frosted earrings

2010-02-13T07:45:00.001+01:00

As it´s still freezing cold outside, I would like to share these earrings with you, that I made a long time ago. They remind me of snow and ice, although the beads and crystals are not white. The big turquoise bead is a vintage glass bead, that has a characteristic frosted look. I think this frosted look matches the weather perfectly.

Time-out

2010-02-10T09:12:00.001+01:00

I am very,very busy as I work full-time instead of part-time, so I will share new jewelry when I have a little time-out. But I can tell that I am working on stunning necklaces, that I´ll share when I am back from Istanbul.

Istanbul calling

2010-02-03T08:48:00.000+01:00

In a few days I´ll leave to Istanbul and I like to share some impressions with you. Amazingly beautiful fabrics are waiting to be discovered. ..
I´ll take a look at very old caftans to figure out the elegance of the past...
Not to forget the delicious Turkish food, that is just mouthwatering...

Harem´s Golden Secret

2010-01-31T20:15:00.001+01:00

Harem´s Golden Secret is another special bracelet I made out of colored wire and top drilled crystals. Just take a look at this capturing sparkle. I placed it onto a black fabric to accentuate the shape of the crystals. This bracelet is truly elegant and looks just divine in combination with a black dress.

Feel like a star...

2010-01-27T22:27:00.000+01:00

Feel like a star...I love this slogan of Turkish Airlines. Kevin Costner has a collaboration with my favorite airline. There is even a commercial on television, which I enjoyed several times. It´s an honor and a pleasure to see Mr. Costner in different advertisements on board (Skylife magazine) and at Istanbul Atatürk Airport. Have you ever travelled with Turkish Airlines?

Sultan´s Red Velvet

2010-01-24T10:00:00.005+01:00

Sultan´s Red Velvet is a bracelet, that I made using red colored wire and red crystals. Using these two materials in a color like red added something powerful and strong to the bracelet.
The crystals are top drilled ones, so they move and capture more light to reflect. More bracelets are to come, so stay tuned :)

Yummy

2010-01-17T19:51:00.000+01:00

Lately I have been in a British shop and guess what I´ve found? A cute chocolate bar that seemed to be waiting for me. Why? Well, I could not resist it´s name..Turkish delight...yummy. I had no clue how this chocolate would taste like, but it was delicious. Oh and of course it was very, very sweet. I have to check out, if I discover other goodies in that shop that I can share.

Cool Restaurants Istanbul

2010-01-10T08:03:00.000+01:00

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Cool Restaurants Istanbul is one of the books I had to buy. Not because it shows very good restaurants of my hometown, but the chefs of those restaurants share their recipes with the readers. When I have a delicious dinner or even a lunch, I want to know how the chef prepared the meal. I have always been extremely interested in cooking and baking, so I am very happy to own this book. Whenever I have the time to eat in one of those restaurants it will be a pleasure to order a meal and see if I prepared it in a similar way :)

New projects...

2010-01-04T07:18:00.004+01:00

So, I like to share some projects that are waiting to be finished. Above you can see some of my favorite wires, which I will use with gemstones, crystals and other beads to create bracelets. Those are just a few of my wires, but their colors are matching perfectly. What I really love concerning colored wire is the endless way to combine it with other materials. There is a harmony with everything. The more I look at them, the more ideas I have to combine them. Curious? Just a little patience, it will be definitely worth waiting.

New Year´s Eve

2009-12-31T00:06:00.002+01:00

The last day of 2009 has come, time to hold on and listen to ourselves. Let us try to see the best in everything we saw. I would like to share a quote with you, that is so true:

"When one door closes, another opens; but we often look so long and so regretfully upon the closed door that we do not see the one which has opened for us" - Alexander Graham Bell

Thank you all so much for visiting me, you are very welcome into my little world :)
Wishing you love, health, wealth and happiness for 2010 !!!
Much love,
Esra
xo

X-Mas Bracelet

2009-12-20T23:59:00.002+01:00

This is my interpretation of a X-Mas bracelet. For this one I used traditional colors like green, gold and ruby to match the season. Every bead and every crystal completes the effect and makes this bracelet to a must-have for the holiday season. Happy holidays y´all !!!

Lilac Frosting

2009-12-12T11:35:00.001+01:00

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If you like frosting you surely will like this bracelet. I made this one using lilac colored copper wire and knitted it with Austrian crystals and Czech beads to achieve a special pattern. Some semi-matte crystals and the big round beads add a frosting effect, that I like very much. It reminds me of all the yummy cookies with frosting in pastel shades on them.

For a delightful December

2009-12-06T21:58:00.003+01:00

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And here we have the current Martha Stewart Living issue, yay!!! As a big fan of her work and her magazine, I love to share these pictures with you. Every recipe sounds delicious and everything concerning entertaining guests looks very inviting. Besides all this, I love her how-to themes, where you learn everything step by step. Hope you enjoy these pictures as much as I do!!

Palmtree, anyone?

2009-11-30T23:46:00.003+01:00

Oh, I found the time to make new cookies, yay!!! For this reason I decided to make little palmtrees. I loved to cover them with a sweet frosting, what a great thing to do after baking...
I miss spending hours in the kitchen, but preparing these palmtrees was like a little vacation for me. So, I´m wishing you a cozy time in your homes !

Cookie time :)

2009-11-15T14:45:00.002+01:00

I am working so much these days, that I am glad to have Sundays off. Then I find the time to bake and make some cookies. Spending time in the kitchen really feels like meditation right now, because I have a very busy schedule. I wanted to share my teakettle cookies with you. Those ones are simple cookies, but very yummy. Unfortunately I didn´t have the time to make different types of cookies, but I enjoyed making these ones very, very much :)

Latest Byzance Issue

2009-11-05T21:23:00.010+01:00

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As you can see, this issue of Byzance is full of passion. Just look at all the red items, which you can find on almost every page. Red is such a powerful color and many people are afraid to use it in their wardrobe or even in their homes. Maybe these pictures will inspire you to add more powerful splashes in your daily life so any basic item or accessory becomes more passionate.

Calming the senses

2009-11-01T09:09:00.001+01:00

A friend of mine returned from a trip to Vietnam and brought me a wonderful gift. It´s delightful cinnamon soap, that smells heavenly. As you can see, she has found the time to relax in the Spa Siam. I liked the soap and the shopping bag very much, even their colors seem calming and relaxing. They even reminded me of this pair of earrings I made.
Handmade Czech glassbeads are in a perfect harmony with Austrian crystals and gold coated copper elements. Those shades are always like a hidden secret, they are waiting for their special moment to brighten your outfit...

Ancient Ikat

2009-10-30T23:08:00.001+01:00

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Ikat fabrics are woven by hand and are very precious and unique. They typically have a graphic pattern and mostly attract by their powerful colors. In this shop I have seen beautiful silk and cotton ikat fabrics, which can be used to accessorize with or to decorate one´s home. Ikat is becoming more and more popular these days, because they are both ancient and modern. Feel free to let a breeze of history into your home...

More suzani pillows...

2009-10-23T01:40:00.000+02:00

I should say "Welcome to the world of pillows", because those ones look extremely inviting, don´t they? This shop was one of my highlights, just look at those patterns, colors and the variety. It´s hard to make a choice. In this shop I have seen so many suzanis, I can´t even tell and they sell even beautiful vintage caftans.
If you love suzanis, you can imagine that the pillows are unique (mostly made of vintage suzanis) and their colors are really powerful. Wouldn´t it be great to add some rustic touch to your home by decorating with one or more of those wonderful suzani pillows?

The Bahraini Diva

2009-10-22T02:43:00.000+02:00

Everyone who is interested in interior design, art and cats (yes, cats) please follow the blog of my lovely friend Maha. She is a freelance interior designer located in Bahrain and shares beautiful findings with her readers. I love her "Awww of the week", the cutest photos of cats, she posts on Fridays. Maha recently opened a concept store with two of her friends in Bahrain, where she also offers her own designs. I had the privilege of meeting her in Istanbul and we had such a great time together. She is such an inspiring person and has that certain sense of humor, that I like very much.
P.S.: *KRB* GF ;)

Sultan´s Charming Cream

2009-10-21T16:58:00.005+02:00

Here we have an elegant necklace, that I made using Austrian crystals, freshwater pearls and a vintage silver tassel. The shades of the beads and crystals are in perfect harmony and even matches a bridal gown.
I love using different materials and combine them to something unique and special. Sultan´s Charming Cream is a piece of jewellery, that one can use for many years...

Suzani pillows

2009-10-20T22:13:00.001+02:00

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If you love the combination of modern and history you truly will love those suzani pillows. Mostly made of old suzanis, the pillows are real eye-candies. Look how the strong colors seem to tell stories. Imagine placing them onto your couch to accessorize and how you will love to be surrounded by them...In my opinion these suzani pillows are rustic but elegant and will certainly be an attraction in every home.

Happy Sunday !

2009-10-18T09:34:00.001+02:00

As it´s Sunday, it is time to relax and calm down, especially if you had a long and hard week of work. I enjoy taking a little timeout and sipping my steaming hot Turkish coffee. Wishing all of you a wonderful day with the ones you love !!!

New ceramic bowls

2009-10-17T02:30:00.002+02:00

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I wanted to share these wonderful bowls with you. When I was looking for some new ceramic bowls for my friend, I saw these ones and had to buy them. Somehow they caught my eye and I liked them the second I discovered them (hidden between dozens of other ones and each one wrapped in newspaper!)...Did you notice the lovely tulips in the middle? I love to see them in different varieties, but always matching each other. So you can easily buy 5 different bowls, that will be in perfect harmony. The earrings you can see are ones I made using Austrian crystals and copper. They capture the light and have the same shade of red as the bowls.

World of ceramics

2009-10-12T12:56:00.001+02:00

If you like ceramics you have to go and see the ones in Istanbul!! Whatever you are looking for, may it be a bowl, a plate or a vase, there is such a variety of colors. The trend color for this season is turquoise as you can see on the picture. And those are even more beautiful than on this picture. Every item has its own pattern and is unique, because they are all handmade.

Good morning from Istanbul

2009-10-11T08:54:00.001+02:00

Merhaba and good morning from Istanbul!!! As you can see, I had a delicious breakfast and a fantastic view over the sea. Can you hear the seagulls scream? They fly around and are everywhere and they love to get some fresh bread, but they don´t have a chance he he he...
Happy Sunday !

Impressions

2009-10-09T09:13:00.001+02:00

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Here are some impressions from Istanbul. I discovered stunning shops with amazing fabrics, rugs, ceramics and antiques. There is more to come, so if you like ikat or suzanis you will be smitten...

Destination---> Istanbul

2009-10-07T07:50:00.001+02:00

I´ll be leaving soon for Istanbul and will be back soon with new inspirations... What will I find? Where will I go? I will let you know in a few days ;)

New Byzance Issue

2009-09-15T08:24:00.009+02:00

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Welcome to a pink world! The latest Byzance issue captures me with its dreamy pink cover and the beautiful pictures inside. This pink theme is very fresh and inspiring, although it has that certain romantic touch. Just take your time and enjoy those lovely pictures. There is nothing more to say, just dream...

Turkish packaging

2009-09-09T12:05:00.001+02:00

"Less is more" would be a perfect slogan for this packaging. Yes, we love things that are glitzy, sparkly and shiny, but look how simple and pure those goodies are packaged. A simple thyme soap and a body lotion get a modern and inviting look by using natural elements. This is very popular in Turkey. I hope you like it, too.

Sultan´s Frosted Violet

2009-09-01T11:49:00.001+02:00

Sultan´s Frosted Violet is a necklace that consists of handmade Czech glass beads and Austrian crystals. It reminded me of sorbet, because the glass beads have a special coating like frosting. In my opinion this necklace has a dreamy and romantic attitude. I didn´t want to use a silver tassel as I do usually, because the glass beads are quite massive and the tassel would have been too much. I can imagine wearing this necklace with any basic shirt or blouse. Due to its color it will certainly freshen up your look.

The Binbirdirek Cistern

2009-08-21T19:42:00.003+02:00

Imagine entering a silent place where you can forget the time and just focus on the "now"...
The Binbirdirek (means 1001 columns in Turkish) Cistern in Istanbul is one of those places. It might not be as well known as the Yerebatan Sarayi (Underground Cistern or Basilica Cistern), but this one is magic in my eyes. It is the perfect place to go when the temperatures rise up to real heat, because it´s very cool inside. Just look at the stylish bar, where you can get anything to drink and relax. I love those cool greenish and blue shades. Even here you can see a mixture of history and modern.
The Binbirdirek Cistern is also a perfect place for exhibitions, concerts and special organizations like weddings. Actually it hosts the Istanbul Photo Contest and in one part of the cistern you can find a gallery and the winner photo.
If you ever wanted to know, how it feels to walk on the ground of a cistern, I can highly recommend you to visit this gorgeous one. By the way, it is the second largest of the covered Byzantine cisterns in Istanbul. And the tea is extremely delicious ;)

Entrance card collection

2009-08-14T23:46:00.003+02:00

Whenever I am going to visit a museum, a palace or another historical building, I collect the entrance cards. I don´t know why, but it´s like taking home a piece of my impressions. So later when I take a look at them, I remember special moments or certain inspiring things I´ve seen there. When I was younger, I used to keep the concert tickets :)

Sultan´s Blue Ink

2009-08-11T19:36:00.002+02:00

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Sultan´s blue ink is the perfect name for this bracelet, because the stunning Austrian crystals remind me of ink. I knitted this bracelet using silver coated copper wire, Austrian crystals and handmade Czech beads. I like the special aurora borealis coating of the small crystals, it looks gorgeous when they reflect the sunlight. Matching a pair of jeans and a basic shirt, this bracelet completes any outfit.

Time for dessert...

2009-08-09T19:32:00.003+02:00

As it´s Sunday I would like to share a very easy recipe with you. So if you love pudding and semolina, this might be your new favorite dessert... Turkish semolina pudding :)

You need:
1 litre milk
9 tablespoons semolina
14 tablespoons sugar (you can use less ore more, depends on your taste)
1 tablespoon vanilla extract or vanilla sugar

First mix milk, vanilla extract and sugar in a pan and stir until it nearly boils. Make sure to stir the pudding with a wooden spoon. Then add the semolina and continue stirring the pudding at lower heat. Stir until mixture thickens and leaves sides of pan. Then pour the pudding into bowls. Usually we pour it into a big flat bowl and let in cool down in the refridgerator before slicing the pudding. To make it easier you can use many small bowls as I did. Feel free to sprinkle rose water over your delicious semolina pudding, you´ll like the combination of rose and milk. You can also sprinkle crushed walnuts over the pudding, this is also very famous in Turkey. I used a sliced plum to decorate my semolina pudding, what also works very well.

Stylish ornaments

2009-08-08T19:18:00.003+02:00

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Istanbul has many thousands of old and really beautiful buildings. Nearly every building has anything that makes it special. You can easily find a very stylish combination of old and modern in Istanbul. Just take a look at this Lush store, inside you can find colorful soaps and other goodies. This store is located in the famous Istiklal Street and I fell in love with those beautiful ornaments above the entrance. Most people do not recognize the beauty of a building when they are walking around or shopping, but in certain cities I love to discover the buildings before taking a look at their shops.

Thunderstorm

2009-08-06T19:06:00.004+02:00

We had lots of rain here lately and many people feel sad or depressed. Even sometimes there is no sunshine, there is always something else to discover. I love to be in my home and look out of the window with a hot tea in my hands. And what I really enjoy is watching those old movies like Miss Marple he he he...that might sound funny, but it´s great to watch the old black/white movies when you have thunderstorms outside. The bracelet consists of black coated copper wire and Austrian crystals, so even a thunderstorm can be inspiring...

Less is more

2009-08-04T18:40:00.003+02:00

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This necklace looks very airy and dreamy, although it has some big white beads, that seem to be heavy. Mostly I try to achieve a certain harmony when it comes to the materials I use. For this reason this necklace is an example to show, that there is no need to use the brightest colors to have a charming look. And how often do we hear that less is more, right?

Time for a breakfast

2009-08-02T18:31:00.002+02:00

Today is Sunday and I thought it would be nice to invite you to a breakfast :) On the picture you can see a modern version of a Turkish breakfast. I had this really delicious breakfast in the famous "French Street" in Istanbul. In one of the great restaurants I enjoyed choosing between different breakfast-themes and I decided to have this one. I liked the combination of sweet and salty and of course there is no breakfast without a yummy Turkish tea.
Happy Sunday to all of you !

Turkish Instyle Home

2009-07-31T18:00:00.000+02:00

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You might have noticed that I truly love magazines. When I´m travelling to Turkey, I love buying the Turkish versions of the magazines I usually buy. Above you see the Instyle Home magazine, that has beautiful items and inspires in every issue.
How about you, do you like reading magazines from other countries?

Biggest ewer ever...

2009-07-27T12:29:00.004+02:00

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When I was in Istanbul a few weeks ago, I discovered this stunning ewer. This is the biggest ewer I have seen in my life. It´s hand hammered and above you can see the owner of this shop working on another beautiful item. Whenever I see someone working on materials like copper, brass or silver, I am very fascinated and have to watch how everything is done. Mr Atilla Yanik is one of the last masters and he told me, that it took 3 years to complete the giant ewer. An item with that size can be used for decoration, if someone has very much space. In his shop you can also find beautiful handmade hamam bowls and anything you need to cook as well as to prepare tea and coffee. Maybe you just like to find cute items that will remind you of a trip to Istanbul. Thank you Mr Yanik for being so kind and sharing your beautiful work!!!

Baked Swordfish

2009-07-26T18:58:00.003+02:00

It´s Sunday - time for a new recipe! Today I´ll share a delicious meal, that everyone can easily prepare. So hopefully you love fish..

Here´s what you need:
- swordfish
- a cup of onion cubes
- sliced tomatoes
- bay leaves
- sliced pepperoni
- olive oil
- sliced lemon
- salt and pepper
- aluminium foil

First prepare a piece of aluminium foil with a spoon of olive oil. Then place the swordfish right in the middle of it (you can use steaks or smaller pieces). Sprinkle some salt and pepper over the fish. Place tomatoes, pepperoni and onions on and around the fish. Use a bay leaf to add some herbal taste and finally top everything with a sliced lemon. Wrap the fish with aluminium foil and bake it at medium heat until it is cooked, but still wet. The swordfish I used needed 40 minutes. This easy and healthy meal works also very well with salmon and other fish.

Hotel costes

2009-07-24T17:29:00.002+02:00

Here we have another great lounge music. The Hotel costes series is groovy, inspiring, sometimes calming the senses and sometimes funky. The fifth album is my favorite of this series, it contains lots of smooth vibes. I would say, there is always a song that fits to one´s mood. What is left to say? Enjoy ;)

Designed by Dice Kayek

2009-07-23T16:41:00.000+02:00

When I look at magazines I also enjoy looking at the advertorials. I found this beauty in one of the Turkish decoration magazines and I immediately fell in love with it. It´s shows a bottle of mineral water, but I love the idea to use crystals as a symbol of pureness and quality. The Turkish Designer Dice Kayek did a wonderful job for Uludag by designing this navy blue bottle. When I am in Istanbul, I have to get one of this beauty, too...

More Marie Claire Maison...

2009-07-22T18:02:00.004+02:00

Here is the latest issue of the Turkish Marie Claire Maison and it is dreamy...
I love those special summer issues, that seem to capture the sunlight and a great vibe.
This summer editions is also very colorful and full of life. It shows people´s homes as well as
it inspires when it comes to entertain your guests.
Nearly every decoration theme is related to summer, beach, and a relaxing lifestyle.
Although it´s a summer issue, there is always space for great combined antique items.
One of my favorite parts of every issue is the food part. I love everything concerning cooking and I like to get some new inspiration...

Marinated olives

2009-07-19T19:43:00.003+02:00

As a Mediterranean woman I love olives. For many others, olives might be just an appetizer or just a part of the breakfast. I love to cook with olives and use them for a delicious bread instead of eating them just for breakfast (what I also like very much...). Another way to serve them is to marinade them. It is really easy and you will be surprised about the result, which you always can vary by using different ingredients.

And here is what you´ll need:
-olives (due to their color I chose green ones, feel free to use any kind of olives)
-olive oil
-garlic cloves
-coriander
-chili

Chop chili, garlic cloves and the coriander and mix it in a bowl. Then add the olives and mix them with the spices. Finally add some olive oil and let the olives marinade for at least an hour. The marinated olives taste even better the longer they stay in the olive oil.

Turca Lounge

2009-07-14T07:18:00.002+02:00

There has been much rain lately, so I thought some relaxing grooves are perfect to chill. If you are a fan of the famous Buddha Bar lounge music, this might be interesting for you. Turca Lounge is a wonderful compilation of old and new Turkish songs. I love the chill out character of this interpretation. On the picture you can see the first album of the Turca Lounge series, I think it´s the perfect cover for this rainy weather :)

Marie Claire Maison (Turkish issue)

2009-07-12T23:55:00.002+02:00

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This is the june issue of the Turkish Marie Claire Maison. Although every page is beautiful and inspiring, I decided to choose few of them. I chose those pages that show different styles and different emotions. On one picture it might be the fabric, that seems special; on another it may be just a hidden detail. I hope you´ll enjoy them as much as I do.

Iznikium - handmade Turkish ceramics

2009-07-08T22:55:00.005+02:00

Good news for all the lovers of those beautiful ceramics: when I was in Istanbul a few days ago, I went to my favourite ceramics shop in the Grand Bazaar. Many of you wanted to know where I had taken this picture and asked for its exact location. This shop is called Iznikium and you can find it here: Kavaflar Sokak No: 20, Grand Bazaar, Istanbul. On their website you can see a fine selection of plates, bowls, tiles and vases. Every item is handmade and has its own character. They look beautiful on pictures, but in reality they are stunning.

Latest Byzance issue

2009-07-05T14:06:00.009+02:00

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The summer makes us dress and accessorize more colorful, the latest issue of Byzance magazine truly brings color to your home. In this issue you´ll find beautiful arrangements that will inspire you. Stunning fabrics, jars and glasses in various colors and gorgeous furniture will make you dream...

Treasure chest

2009-07-02T16:26:00.001+02:00

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And the treasure chest opens, come closer...Here are some of my newest goodies, that I bought in Istanbul. You can see one of the vintage silver tassels and some of the handmade beads I always buy. I did not have much time to spend at the Grand Bazaar, but there are some shops I have to visit when I am there.

Tea-beauty

2009-07-01T16:08:00.001+02:00

As a real tea-junkie I immediately fell in love with the packaging. When I was shopping with my mother, I discovered this beautiful picture, that reminded me of Turkish tea-times and old traditions. The next day my mother surprised me with this tea and I was very happy about it. I thought about buying it just because of the packaging, but when I tried the tea, it was delicious.

Ginger Citrus

2009-06-30T15:52:00.001+02:00

My newest Yankee Candle arrived and I am totally smitten!!! Ginger citrus is perfect for the summer season. Spicy ginger paired with cool lime is like a refreshing breeze in my home. If anyone is looking for a new scented candle, I can highly recommend this one :)

Sunstone necklace

2009-06-28T15:37:00.000+02:00

A very close friend ordered a necklace for a special dress. I found the perfect crystals and came up with this beautiful necklace. I love the shape and even though I did not use a tassel, it still looks elegant and oriental, I think.
The crystals have a soft goldish shade and seem to capture a rainbow. They are much more brilliant than on this picture. As you can see on the pictures, it looks amazing in combination with a simple black shirt.

Caravan, anyone?

2009-06-21T14:56:00.002+02:00

Kervan (Turkish for caravan) is a lovely shop, where you can find everything beautiful for your home. I could spend hours in it, because there is so much to discover...
If I had more time, I would have found many goodies to share. On my next trip to Istanbul I will definitely buy some items. My sister and I love this company and we talk about their decorations and everything in it for years...

Over the clouds...

2009-06-19T14:29:00.000+02:00

On my flight to Istanbul I took this picture, that I wanted to share with you. I have the window seat on almost every flight, so I like to take pictures, that show parts of the plane. Under the clouds you can see the fields of Bulgaria..

What I personally love is the magazine of Turkish Airlines, it´s called Skylife. This magazine is written both in Turkish and English and picks up great places to share, that can be a city, a village or even a special building like an old hotel for example.
The famous meals you get on the flight are really delicious. I enjoy to study the menu, it feels like a restaurant over the clouds...
So, I can´t wait to have my next flight with Turkish Airlines...

Satin Rouge Bracelet

2009-06-17T15:24:00.001+02:00

Satin Rouge is a bracelet, that a friend of mine ordered for a special occasion. I enjoyed making this piece of jewellery very much.
The deep shades of red and violet are in perfect harmony with the gold colored copper wire. This kind of bracelet is not only a highlight for an evening outfit. One could combine it to a pair of jeans and a nice shirt to accessorize for the day.

Another necklace for a bride

2009-06-12T16:54:00.001+02:00

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The stunning fabric you can see above was the inspiration for this necklace. It is an order for a bride (yes, a bride!), who will wear these colors and the fabric is a part of her outfit. I made several versions, but this is my favourite version. A bracelet in exactly the same version will make her outfit complete.

Bridal Dream

2009-06-08T22:07:00.003+02:00

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One of my co-workers is going to marry this week and she asked me for creating her bridal jewellery. She gave me a piece of the fabric her wedding gown will consist of and we talked about the necklace in general. The next day I brought this necklace to show her and she was smitten. It was the perfect necklace for her, the different pearls and crystals matched her fabric exactly. So finally she got this necklace, a bracelet and earrings to make the bridal look complete. The bracelet is the same as the necklace, but shorter. I can´t wait to see her beautiful pictures...

Mother of Pearl

2009-06-08T11:05:00.004+02:00

Here we have another divine bracelet, which consists of mother of pearl. The nuggets in different sizes have a charming and although they are knitted with gold colored copper, they do not look too glamorous. Usually pearls have their own soft shine and sometimes remind of royal people.
But mother of pearl is a beautiful way to accessorize oneself without looking overdone. I still love to look at the boxes that are amazingly decorated with mother of pearl in Istanbul. The Grand Bazaar is full of those boxes, tables, mirrors and many, many more items.