After opting out of full-time work late last year, Fairfield resident May Lu used her free time to design a range of handmade jewellery.

Learning how to assemble pieces from a beading book, Ms Lu has created a range of unique pieces, selling in Australia and overseas through her website.

``I've always been an arty person and interested in jewellery,'' she said.

Coming up with new designs can take an hour or up to a few days for Ms Lu.

``I think of the design in my mind and then look for the parts. Then it's trial and error to get the design balanced,'' she said.

For the upcoming Chinese New Year and Valentines celebrations falling on the same day this year, Ms Lu has

created a new Chinese Love Knot jewellery set for the occasion.

``It incorporates the Chinese love knot in sterling silver, symbolising warmth, love and luck and jade; a stone

which embodies love and harmony,'' she said.

Assembling all her creations at home, Ms Lu hopes to expand her collection and continue making jewellery full-time.

``I absolutely enjoy it and it's a creative thing to do as well,'' she said.

Details: sparkleme.com.au