It's almost time to start our Christmas countdown with our favourite advent calendar. It was bitter sweet to see our Aussie Xmas advent fabric sell out, but not to worry we've got plenty of other ideas for some DIY alternatives to the traditional advent calendar that will add a splash of personality to your festive season.

1. Paper Bag Surprise Calendar

Immerse yourself in the joy of DIY by transforming simple brown paper bags into a festive masterpiece. Here we decorated each bag with the playful designs from our Creative Monsoon festive friends advent circles. Fill them with little treats or notes, and voila – you've got a quick and easy daily dose of surprise waiting to unfold!

Create a whimsical mini stocking garland from colourful felt. Begin by selecting an array of fun colours and cut out stocking shapes from the felt, mixing and matching hues for a playful touch. Personalize each stocking with unique embellishments, whether it's sequins, buttons, or even stitched patterns that reflect your creative flair. Once adorned, stitch or glue the stockings onto a length of twine, ensuring they're evenly spaced. Pic Lay Baby Lay

3. Paper Roll Tree Advent Calendar

Begin by collecting empty paper rolls, transforming them into adorable tree-shaped compartments for each day. Paint or wrap the rolls in vibrant, playful patterns then arrange them in the shape of a Christmas tree, securing them together to create a visually striking display. Nestle surprises or handwritten notes inside each roll, inviting a daily unraveling of joy throughout the holiday season. You can wrap the whole thing in tissue paper and write the numbers on, or use our Aussie animals advent circles, just select to scale down the size of the print.

4. Storage Box Advent Calendar

Begin by sourcing a set of plain storage boxes, you can often find these ready to decorate at craft stores or you could piece together some ikea storage, even just some small cardboard boxes. Adorn each box with lively patterns, stickers, festive wrapping paper. Fill each compartment with treats, small gifts, or personalised notes.

5. Bookish Advent Calendar: 

Finally, one for the little bookworms! It might not be the most hands-on DIY, but consider wrapping up books four your kids' in the most colourful paper, creating a bookish advent calendar that's as visually stimulating as it is intellectually exciting. Unwrap a new book each night – the gift that keeps on giving!

The arrival of summer school holidays for children in the northern hemisphere means it's time for fun! But, as the days stretch out, the onset of boredom can dim the excitement. Fear not, creative monsoon has assembled a list of some of our favourite art and craft projects that will engage and entertain, AND ignite their creativity. Check out these five activities to banish boredom on the summer break.

1. Seashell Painting 

Great for all ages. Capture the essence of the seaside by painting seashells in bright, tropical hues. Encourage your child to collect various seashells during a beach trip or purchase them from a craft store. With acrylic paints and brushes in hand, they can transform these shells into miniature canvases, adorning them with vibrant patterns, oceanic scenes, or whimsical designs. Seashell painting brings the beauty of the beach directly into your child's artwork. Pic erinsummer_

2. Yarn-Wrapped Octopus

This cute project combines the joy of working with colourful yarn or wool and the excitement of creating a whimsical octopus. Paint a toilet or paper towel roll, or use our free octopus template to help practice those scissor skills too. Download the template here.

Maximalist interior design is a bold and playful style that embraces excess, eclecticism, and an abundance of colour, pattern, and texture.

If you're someone who loves bold, colourful and playful design, then maximalist interior design might just be the perfect fit for you. This style is all about embracing excess and creating an eclectic, layered space that is full of personality and character.

What is Maximalist Interior Design?

Zebra print rug from flor.com

History of Maximalist Interior Design

Maximalist interior design has a long history, dating back to the Victorian era. During this time, opulence and excess were celebrated in interior design, with ornate furnishings, heavy drapes, and rich fabrics all being used to create lavish and extravagant spaces. Much of the maximalist design style we know today has its roots in the 1960s and 1970s, a time when a more-is-more attitude was prevalent in both fashion and interior design. Maximalism was seen as a rebellion against the more minimalist design styles of the time, and it embraced a bold and playful approach to design that incorporated a mix of colors, patterns, and textures to create an eclectic and visually stimulating space.

Defining Elements and Characteristics of Maximalist Interior Design

Designing a nursery can be a daunting task, but it's also a lot of fun. With each passing year, new trends emerge, and 2023 is no exception. Whether you're expecting a baby or looking to update your little one's room, to help inspire your nursery design, here are five of the top trends that are expected to dominate.

1. Verde All About It​ Verde is a colour trend for 2023 nurseries. This green shade can add a playful and lively touch to your baby's room. Consider incorporating Verde in various elements such as bedding, curtains, and wall art as well as a wall colour. You can also add green plants to create a natural and refreshing atmosphere.

2. Welcome to the Jungle!​ Jungle-themed nurseries allows you to bring the outdoors inside and create a playful and adventurous space for your little one. To truly capture the essence of a jungle in your nursery, consider adding some jungle-themed artwork to your walls, full of exciting animal prints, lush foliage, and playful elements that will ignite your child's imagination. Consider adding a jungle-themed wallpaper or mural to create a feature wall that adds depth and character to the room.

3. Dive into the Deep Blue The ocean theme is another trend that's still making a splash. This theme allows you to create a soothing and calming space for your little one. Incorporate various shades of blue, green, and white to create a serene and tranquil atmosphere. You can also add ocean-themed elements such as fish, shells, and sea creatures to complete the look.

4. Colourful Cribs and Rainbow Rugs Colourful furniture is a trend for 2023 nurseries that allows you to add a playful and vibrant touch to the room. Consider adding colorful furniture such as a bright crib or a colourful chair. You can also incorporate colorful storage options such as colourful baskets or shelves.

5. Checkmate! ​Checkerboard patterns are making a comeback in 2023. This classic pattern can give a playful and retro look to your baby's room. You can incorporate checkerboard patterns in various ways, from wallpaper to rugs, bedding, and prints. A black and white checkerboard is a timeless option, but you can also choose bold and bright colors to add some pop.

Looking for inspiration to create a vibrant and fun kids' room? Today we're inspired by playful decor, bright colours and florals. This lively design is sure to brighten up your child's space. From the colorful bedding to the floral beanbag, it's a riot of colors and patterns that kids will adore. 

We're loving this colourful and fun kids bedroom decor via four cheeky monkeys. And, for a touch of whimsy, don't miss their creative craft ideas, including the adorable paper plate rainbow. Get ready to transform your child's room into a magical and lively space that's perfect for play and creativity.

ROUND JUTE RUG from Temple and Webster

FLORAL BEAN BAG COVER from Donna Firnberg Art on Etsy