Caesarstone App

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Caesarstone has launched a new app for your iphone or ipad, which is available to download free from itunes. This new app allows you to view the entire Caesarstone range at the touch of a button!

It is packed full of design ideas and will help you choose your product. The app also allows you to take a photo and match your desired colour with the latest Caesarstone colours.

If you are considering renovating, then Caesarstone's new iphone and ipad app is a must!

Have fun!!!

Michelle

Now Back in Stock

My Butterfly Artwork Kits are now back in stock in all stores!

Thanks for your enquiries.

Michelle

Black is Beautiful

Well it seems black is back ..... and I don't mean in your wardrobe!

One of the latest kitchen trends appears to be black, black and more black. Weather you are 'blocking' a section of your kitchen with everything from a black
Steam Oven to Coffee Machine ...

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..... or just adding a splash of black with a tall dark and sexy fridge - you will be right on trend!

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.... or so it appears after popping into the Brisbane Home Show yesterday.

So, what do you think - should we follow some of our American friends and ditch the stainless for black? Love to know what you think of this trend - are you adding black to your kitchen reno?

Michelle

Olives Anyone?

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Just discovered that the little purple grape-like things that are dropping from my tree out the back are actually olives!!!! Okay, I'm not a very keen gardener and had no idea I had an olive tree at our new home.

Anyone ever tried to 'harvest' and 'preserve' their own olives? Is it easy, or should I just stick to admiring the this beautiful tree for the shade it provides? Any help on this subject would be gratefully received.

Wishing you all a great weekend.

Michelle

I'm Baaaack!!

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After a rather extended break I am back! Wow, what I thought would be a break for a little over a month while I moved, turned into a little over two months!

So ..... what have I been up to? During this time I managed to move twice, and holiday once. Moving twice was a necessary nightmare - as some of you may recall we sold our house much sooner than we thought, and had to move to temporary accommodation until the tenants moved out of our new house. So for six weeks we lived in a little house with about a quarter of our possessions (which I must say made me question why we have sooo much stuff!!??). Then, about four weeks ago we moved into our beautiful new home (not far from our old one) .... I think we will be very happy here, and (according to my husband) the best thing about it is that we don't need to renovate ........ ahhh yes, boredom may set in for me but we'll see!!

It also took a little longer to settle our 5 year old into year 1. Last year for prep she didn't have a worry in the world, loved everyday, and certainly looked forward to going. Suddenly this year is very scary for her and for the first couple of weeks she cried everyday ..... things are getting better now but she still has a little panic every morning that she "won't be able to do something" or "will get something wrong". Unfortunately I see the perfectionist in her that is well - ME!!! Isn't it frightening when you see one of your worst traits in your child? Anyway I am slowly putting together an action plan to combat this 'perfectionism', but I must admit it is just baby steps at the moment. It just breaks my heart that she is so nervous about school when I know she can do all the work - any advice my fellow bloggers would be greatly appreciated.

If you are still with me and haven't nodded off to sleep - thanks for dropping by!!!
I have now reopened my stores and am looking forward to creating some new stock for 2012.
I'm also looking forward to visiting all your lovely blogs and catching up on all your news!

Michelle

Christmas Sign Off

Merry Christmas

and thank you for following me over the past year.

We have now moved into our temporary house and will stay here until our 'big' move mid January. I will be out of the office until this time...

However, you can catch me tonight at the Bris Style Markets in King George Square.

Wishing you all a fabulous festive season and see you in 2012.

Winner & More Giveaways

Thank you to everyone who entered my Christmas Giveaway. Thanks to Random.org we have a winner .....

Congratulations Anya from Anya Adores! Based in Copenhagen, Denmark, Anya has a wonderfully written blog filled with many gorgeous images of her daily finds and treasures. Pop over for a visit, I know you will be inspired, and she would love to hear from you.

Now, I did promise another giveaway.....

The wonderful Romi from The Dreamy Tree is holding weekly giveaways until Christmas. This week you have a chance to win a little print from moi! It's easy to enter - just become a follower of hers and leave a comment!

Enjoy
Michelle

House Sales & Giveaway

Hi everyone, please excuse my absence but things have been a little frantic around here. We sold our house after the first open and it settles in a couple of weeks! EEEK!!! Hence I have been packing ..... panicking .... then packing some more. Luckily we have found somewhere to live until our tenants move out of our new home.

I am also preparing madly for the BrisStyle Twilight Market on the 16th December along with working at my new interior design job! Anyway, in order to celebrate the upcoming Christmas Twilight Market I thought I would have a little giveaway.

It's the time of year for Secret Santa at offices all around the world so I thought I would giveaway something that could be used in this realm ....


The winner will receive a set of Atlas Peg Magnets, a set of 10 Round Vintage Magnets, and some Christmas Gift Tags.

All you have to do to enter is ....
1. Become a follower
2. Leave a comment for one entry
3. Blog about it for another entry
4. Facebook/Tweet about if for another

Open to local and overseas followers.

A winner will be drawn on Monday, 5th December 2011
Good luck!
Michelle

Wednesday Wicked Design

This weeks Designer, Rebecca from Edward & Lilly, creates beautiful hand made embroidery, homewares, soft toys and accessories.

Based in Brisbane, Rebecca works from her home studio creating designs with eco friendly materials. Her designs can be purchased through online stores at Etsy, Bluecaravan, and Madeit. She also sells via the BrisStyle Markets.

Edward & Lilly stocks a beautiful range of limited edition Christmas decorations with each design being made to order - I just adore the way they are filled with lavender!

Not only does Rebecca find time to hand make all of her gorgeous creations, but she helps run the Brisbane chapter of Brown Owls with Sam from Jetta's Nest, works tirelessly on the BrisStyle Etsy Street Team committee, and is a member of DUST, the Down Under Street Team and EtsyVeg, the perfect place to buy wares from vegan and vegetarian Etsy sellers. All this and she works during the day!!!

Some more of Edward and Lilly's gorgeous designs .....

hand embroidered tissue cosy

sausage dog brooch

puppy dog soft toy

I hope you enjoyed Edward & Lilly's beautiful designs.
Michelle

Finders Keepers

As Brisbane dwellers may know, Finders Keepers was on here over the weekend. I was lucky enough to be featured on the Etsy stand!

Instead of selling at the market, the fabulous team at Etsy Australia (Thanks K) had Apple Ipads on hand for anyone who wanted to look up a seller. What a fabulous idea - it saved us having to load heaps on stock onto the stand, and also meant customers were able to see all of our online products .... ahhh technology!!

Anyway, I'm very lucky as my little magnets do seem to get around, and I am thrilled at the response!

Hope you all had a great weekend.

Michelle

Christmas Cards

In amongst the chaos of selling our house, I have found some time to start working on my Christmas Card line for this year.

I will be uploading some of the cards below into my store next week. They are so delightful - all the images have been hand cut from vintage Christmas books then adhered to recycled card.

I will also be putting some stamped cards and tags into the store over the coming weeks, along with preparing stock for the December BrisStyle Twilight Market.

Have you started your Christmas preparations yet?

Hope you all have a great weekend.
Michelle

Wednesday Wicked Design

With Christmas looming ever so quickly, I thought you might like a peek at the Madeit Xmas Gift Guide.

This wonderful guide is full of beautiful gift giving ideas from some very talented Australian Designers ..... and all handmade - what could be better?!

Featuring everything from handbags to home decor, paper craft to jewelery it's a one stop shop for your Christmas gift giving. Here's a peek at some of the listings ...

Nellie Purses and Bags


ollieboll

Oscar & Matilda


Enjoy!
Michelle

Wednesday Wicked Design

I received a beautiful card today from a client thanking me for helping with her bathroom design. Isn't it wonderful to receive a hand written note in the post?

This inspired today's designer looseleaf-paper. Looseleaf is a collection of artisan, made by hand designs in Brisbane. Through their beautiful stationery, they believe in encouraging the good old fashioned art of writing. With a focus on eco design their range also includes jewellery pieces & giftware.

They sell through their website and also through etsy.
Some of the gorgeous products available ...

writer's quote letter set

writer's quote journal - to love and be loved

fleurs hair buds

dew drops necklace

I hope their designs have inspired you to drop someone a line today.

Michelle

Yay Published!!

A couple of weeks ago I was lucky enough to be published in the Home supplement of Sydney's The Daily Telegraph ..... "ahem" ...... well my Pink Heart Garland was anyway!
Yay!!!

Apparently my Atlas Peg Magnet's were in Melbourne's paper on Saturday too - will update you on this when I can.

Thanks Bluecaravan for all the wonderful avenues you provide for handmade products to gain momentum in the marketplace.

Hope you're having a great Monday.
Michelle

Salvation Jane

Salvation Jane pillow cases and sheets

I just adore this new range of homewares from Jane Hall.

Jane, who we all know most recently from her starring role in Neighbours, has just launched her online site Salvation Jane where she is not only providing a home decoration service, but also designing and selling gorgeous items for the home.

Jane's decorating philosophy is all about designing around what people already have, rather than starting from new. She believes that a person's home should reflect their individuality and personality. Something close to my heart too.

Her first homeware range includes bedlinen, scatter cushions, floor cushions and wall decals. They can all be purchased through her online store, and all at a reasonable price!

Salvation Jane pillow cases, sheets, and scatter cushions

Jane also has a blog where you can follow her on her journey.

I'm loving this range, and I'm sure you will love it too. You know how I feel about Australian made!

I hope you enjoy looking through Salvation Jane's site.
Michelle

Wednesday Wicked Design

This week I am so very excited to share the gorgeous designs of Red Revival.

With designs made from wood and acrylic, Red Revival produce products with a hint of retro and a big nod to yesteryear. Their products include beautiful jewelry pendants, necklaces, earrings and brooches, along with home wares such as clocks, and wall art.

All of their products can be purchased through their online website or their etsy store.

Some of my favourite designs are ....

Doily Clock

Set of Three Wall Swallows

Earrings - Cross (stitch) My Heart Red and White

Cloud Brooch

Red Revival believe in using ethical and sustainable products in their design, they also support locally made supplies. Their studio is based in Brisbane, and they are also a part of the Bris-Style etsy street team.

You can also learn a little more about their designs by visiting their blog via their online store.

With Christmas just around the corner, be sure to add them to your favourites!! I know the Wall Swallows will be on my 'wish' list this year!

Happy Wednesday everyone.
Michelle

It's Time to Think Pink

As you may know October is breast cancer awareness month!

You may not know that some of the BrisStyle girls are donating a percentage of their profits to 'chicks in pink'.

So 'think pink' and join in the fight against this horrible disease. Just pop on over to BrisStyle and check out the crafty goods on offer. Simply click on the store you are interested in viewing.

Hope you all have a great weekend.
Michelle

Wednesday Wicked Design

Hi everyone, today I wanted to share the wonderful designs of Alphabub with you.

Alphabub create beautiful handmade original designs for children including cards, canvases, prints, and bibs.

I just adore these educational and fun canvas prints ....

The alphabet print comes in a girls or boys version. Each canvas is beautifully packaged and would make a wonderful gift. These prints are available from their etsy store.

Thanks once again for supporting great Australian designers.

Michelle

Holidays , Craft and more

Hi everyone, with the holidays drawing to a close here in Queensland I can finally get back to some craft. Although we have had a wonderful break I must admit my business has suffered a little. Luckily I was able to keep up with my orders ..... just!!

Hope to put some work onto my website early next week. If you have the kids home on holidays, I hope you have had a safe and happy holiday. Can you believe we only have a term until the end of another school year??

Michelle

p.s. Have also been doing some interior design work for a company and have really really been enjoying it .... hopefully it will lead to some permanent work, and I can let you know some more details soon!

Huge Giveaway

Hi everyone, just wanted to let you know that there is a huge giveaway on Bespoke Zine's site. As part of the re-design of the website and the launch of issue four of Bespoke magazine Jess is doing a large giveaway with over 25 prizes to be won!!! Yippee!!!

I am lucky enough to be involved in this wonderful giveaway too. There are many gorgeous prizes to be won from many talented Australian designers, and it's really easy to enter.

Head on over to Bespoke now to enter!!

Enjoy
Michelle