Making the Sandalwood Bracelet

For the sandalwood bracelets he planned to make especially for his friends and family, Lin Hai had something different in mind from the ones meant for sale, both in materials and craftsmanship.

His idea was to grow a complete miniature sandalwood tree from a single seed, then use the entire tree to make a bracelet.

Lin Hai figured a small tree kept whole might produce a stronger, more noticeable effect than one grown to full size, stripped of its branches, and cut and polished into beads.

The next afternoon, the sun was shining brightly.

After lunch, Peter would usually play games for a while, Harry might take a nap, Gwen might read, and Lin Hai would normally practice Spear Zen.

But today, when Lin Hai headed for the second-floor balcony, Gwen, Peter, and Harry followed him up.

"What's this? Everyone in the mood to soak up some sun today?" Lin Hai sat cross-legged on his usual cushion and looked at the three of them.

"Heh, you said you were starting on those bracelets today!" Peter sprawled on a nearby lounge chair, curiosity written all over his face.

Harry sat in an armchair beside Peter. He said nothing, but the curiosity in his eyes was just as obvious.

Gwen settled into her hanging wicker chair, elbows on her knees and chin in her hands, looking for all the world as though she were saying, I'm ready. Let's see what you've got.

Lin Hai smiled at their different poses, then turned to Gwen. "Gwen, when you were learning about Huaxia culture, you must have come across these kinds of bracelets, right?"

Gwen nodded. "Yeah, I've seen pictures and read a bit about them. There seem to be lots of kinds, with different bead sizes and numbers."

"Which style do you like best?"