- Always a fan of Geninne's work. She has three gorgeous nautical prints available. I think when we finally get a place of our own I'm going to treat myself to one of her prints.
- I just love these little stones covered in crochet work. They become a mix of sea urchins, shells and smoothed pebbles -all the things I love to go hunting for on the beach. My only problem with these little guys from knitalatte is that you buy a photo of them, not the actual pebbles. But I guess postage would be a bit on the high side for a bunch of the real thing.
- This beautiful bowl edged in gold leaf reads: 'The deepest waters flow with the least sound'. From paloma's nest.
- Another lovely handmade dish this time by raedunn.
- Original 10x8 fishing boat print from creative monsoon. We came across these boats while on a walk in the English countryside last year. Great texture.
Valentine's is nearly here! If you haven't been dropping hints about flowers and chocolates better start quick! I've just finished another love themed card, probably a bit late for this Valentines Day but it would still work well for anniversaries etc. It's based on one of those word search games. So I thought I'd have a look at other word themed Valentines gifts.
- Creative Monsoons new 'Find Love' card. 14.5cm sqaure (approx 5 3/5inch)
- All you need is love - or one of these fun prints from theloveshop.
- L.O.V.E LOVE, that word, shown beautifully as a set of four mixed media artworks by cathynichols. Stack them as a square or horizontally, or however you like.
- Love is forever with these lovely balsa wood tags from perchpapiers.
- Spell it out with these great little 'be mine' badges by forknspoon.
- Awwww... this cute little freezer bag from inklore will not only ease bumps and bruises but show how much you care.
- 'Lucky charm' 3/4" (2cm) pendant 50% OFF - ONLY US$12.50 at etsy
- 'Love Bird' necklace 1" (2.7cm) charm on a ribbon chain - perfect little Valentine's gift wit 50% OFF - ONLY US$22.50 at etsy
- Square 'Dragonfly' necklace with ribbon chain 50% OFF - AU$39.50 at creative monsoon
- 'Holiday Dream' pendant of beautiful matching beaded chain - AU$59.50 at creative monsoon
- 'Dragonfly' 1" across charm on white ribbon. 50% OFF - US$22.50 at etsy
- 'Lucky' square pendent on black ribbon. 50% OFF- only AU$39.5o at creative monsoon
- 2.5 x 5.5cm pendant 'Together" on blue ribbon chain. 50% OFF - AU$44.50 at creative monsoon
- 'Take Flight' pendant. 50% OFF- ONLY US$22.50 at etsy
- 'Wish' beautiful square pendant on a white shell chain. 50% OFF - AU$54.50! At creative monsoon.
So Pantone has selected its Colour of Year for 2009. And I have to say I was a little surprised at it being yellow. But apparently Pantone feel that at this time, with a change in US government and so much doom and gloom around in the economy, we need a little optimism. So they have picked Mimosa tree yellow, (a Mimosa tree seems to look a lot like a Wattle tree.) It's also available as an eco friendly paint, although I think I'd feel like I was inside a giant egg if I painted my walls this colour. But still, it would be a happy optimistic egg room.
So in honor I have selected some of my favourite yellow things at the moment:
- Mimosa Yellow from Pantone.
- Just added to the creative monsoon website this week! 8x8" print titled "Fields of Gold"
- A lovely limited addition print from Swallowfields etsy shop. Great pattern, love the almost doodle-like designs.
- I'm not sure who started remaking the keep calm and carry on posters, there are so many out there. But I think I prefer this new one, now panic and freak out.
- Another lovely mixed media artist. meArtDesign
- Becoming a bit of a favourite. Gazzu has this great yellow oversized ponytail holder, love it, want it.
- A cute little purse from Jennifer Ladd, she has some great bold prints to really stand out.
I've been busy last week or two trying out these circle pendants for my jewelry. I've got two sizes, little 2cm (3/4") ones that I'm going to sell as is, and slightly bigger 2.7cm (1") ones that I think suite a ribbon chain.
I think some of them would make nice Valentine's presents.
I'm also testing out the etsy to sell them. Etsy is an online store for all things handmade and vintage. You can visit my little online shop here.
And due to a typo on my first go I've got another shop here!
Love is in the air and Valentines Day is just around the corner! I've been busy last couple of weeks getting creative monsoon ready. And not only is the home page updated but the papergoods sections is finally ready with some gift cards! More on that later.
For now I thought I'd share some of my favourite little love themed gifts around to make your sweethearts day:
- Ok I have to put creative monsoon down! I've had such nice feedback on this 'Love Paris' print so now I've turned it into a Valentines card!
- How cute are these? Iron on felt patches that you could put anywhere.. the mind boggles. A kit comes with two animals, lots to choose from, and a heart... ahhhhh. From chikabird.
- There is some great pottery around at the moment. I love this heart from lilypottery, its been impressed with vintage lace to create the lovely texture.
- Chocolate creative (great name) have lots of fabulous cushions that would make a fun Valentines Day gift. My favourite is this one though.
- I've been a fan of Lush Designs since their stall at the Greenwich markets. Now they have a shop there and I popped in before I left London, but now I regret not getting these gorgeous 'LOVE' pillow cases! (they also come in pink)
- More pottery. I just think these little hearts from readunn are cute.
- Yup me again. I've got six new necklaces ready to go, a few with a love theme. But these new ones I'll be popping on etsy this time. A couple of you have said you'd like to see some heart shaped pendants, thanks for the feedback, Ill look into it!
There are so many telented people out there making so many lovely things, I thought I'd share some of my favourites:
- Love these little button hair bands from Gazzu. And in my favourite colour, purple.
- I love the work of the girls at papaya! Amazing journals, cards, calendars. More of these for my birthday please!
- If only my journal looked this amazing. The work of Teesha Moore, love the colour and the sense of fun.
- I always keep an eye on Geninne's Art Blog, shes very talented and always has something lovely to share, pictured is bird no 29 from a series of gorgeous illustrations.
- Ok I just LOVE Boston Terriers and this little guy in the hat cracked me up. How cute is he? This is from Beantown Handmade dog sweaters and accessories.
- Stephanie Levy has a really interesting style, I like the mix of illustration, material and paint.
The jewelry page is finally up and running on the creative monsoon website, yeay! I have three finished handmade necklaces with more on the way. I love how each one is like a little mini collaged artwork. Some are finished with beaded chains and others with ribbon.
Rehabilitated Dishware uses unwanted ceramics collected from second hand stores and redesigns and resurfaces them. The dishes are reglazed and refired. Very cool. Prices range from US$34 to $59. WEBSITE