WTF is a mala?I took up a hobby a couple years ago making buddhist malas. I have the tools and most materials but not the beads. I would order the beads online and make it when they came in. I string the beads (the easy part) then hand make the tassel from silk (not so easy). I can also mark the 21st bead with caps if you so choose for 21 recitation mantras if you wish. Cost is as follows:
Beads (price varies based on the gemstone size and type) - anywhere from $5 a strand and up - requires 3 strands. I prefer to do 8 to 10mm. Bigger requires flex wire, which can be done, but I don't prefer it. 3BTC+ (at current trade price anyway). Wood or seed beads may be much cheaper depending.
Stringing materials - I use 1mm black or red nylon - .25BTC. Holds and lasts ok in my experience so far. If you want flex wire then it will be 1BTC for stringing materials.
Silk thread - 1BTC. I am a little limited on colors here. I've found black and burgundy in town that works but finding the same product with more colors is difficult to find online. It's hard to tell if it's the right thickness. I use about 7.5 yards to make the tassel.
Shipping - 2BTC (US only). I can do international and adjust the price accordingly.
Labor - 3BTC
I buy gemstones usually via
http://www.pandahall.com or
http://www.firemountaingems.com/. Price quotes will be based off of these sites.
Send me a link to gemstone type and desired size and I'll put together a quote based on the above.
If the mala breaks, I will gladly repair for free. Just pay for shipping to me and I'll pay for the return(US only, international I'll help cover the price) once the repair is done.
Here's some examples of my work:
8mm Green Tigerseye8mm Carnelian8mm tourmalated quartz10mm blue tigerseye8mm Quartz8mm amethyst - 21 beads I have lotus seeds and some wood beads laying around ready to be strung. Only 5BTC for one of those shipped.
