Customer Appreciation - 'Nicole's Button Bouquet'

A little while ago a lovely girl named Nicole bought some buttons from my shop.


The other day, I received some sweet feedback, along with a photo of the bouquet which Nicole had made with said buttons - for her very own wedding.


The bouquet is gorgeous, I just had to share it with you!  ♥  ♥  ♥

Ohhhh and look at the lovely couple, I just love this fab wedding photo. Don't they look gorgeous, and like they are both so much fun!!? And happy and in love too? Yes, they absolutely do, don't they! :-)

♥   ~ Nicole & Nick ~  ♥

...who married at the US embassy in Seoul, Korea on December 13th 2010.

 
Sally xox

a HaNdMaDe ChRiStMaS

Hello you!
I hope by now you have had your mad rush and are pretty well prepared for Christmas, and thus quite relaxed.   Or even VERY relaxed, that would be even better!!


I think I am just about there. I just have presents to wrap for the kids (when they are sleeping or something!).


I don't usually receive anything handmade at Christmas, with the exception of one or two cards, from creative friends back in the UK.
However, this year I have received a few beautiful handmade gifts.

1. A painting by my 3 year old son and a decoration made by my 5 year old son. (neither shown)
2. Sleighs decorated by said little men!
3. A box full of Christmas themed crafty supplies, including these gorgeous hand-made tags. This gift is from a very creative and kind person, who began as a customer in my Etsy shop and is now one of my friends! : )
4. A hand decorated Italian 'Pandoro' Christmas cake. Made even more special, because it was lovingly decorated with sweets from the 'British Lolly Shop', for a little touch of home!! How thoughtful. It is truly one of the nicest presents I have ever received. It tastes yummy too! {nom nom nom!!!}


Finally here is a hand-made card I just made for someone pretty special!
I used mostly vintage supplies to make it, including an old sixties Christmas card.

Have you received anything handmade - or will you be making any Chrissy goodies to give as gifts yourself??
What will you bake for your families?




WISHING YOU A VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS
& A HAPPY, HEALTHY & CREATIVE 2011 :-)

Gingerbread house with a difference!

Sally xox

And the winner is......

We have the golden envelope, handsome bloke in tux is just passing it to pretty lady in posh frock... and drumroll.... the envelope is open... and...
The winner of the Christmas Giveaway is:

♥ 'LAUREN' ♥

Congratulations Lauren!

Sorry to everyone else who didn't win, but thank you VERY much for entering.

Watch out for new giveaways coming in the new year!

Sally  xox

CHRISTMAS GIVEAWAY!!

...I have decided to do another store credit giveaway for the following reasons:

1.My last giveaway was a great success.
2. I want to thank my followers and customers
3. IT"S CHRISTMAS!!!!!

If you would like to win $25 credit for use in my humble little crafty shop,
if so - just leave me a comment.

The only rule is that you need to be a follower of this blog (new or old).

If you want extra entries then please feel free to prommote this giveaway on Facebook, Twitter,
your blog etc and leave me a link of your post.

Please make sure I have a way to contact you!

ENTRY IS OPEN UNTIL MIDNIGHT on 22nd December 2010.

A Winner will be drawn and announced on 23rd....

...please check back then :-)

Artist Love!

Hi,
happy Thursday my Lovlies!!
I have just discovered a new artist - well she is new TO ME!! I absolutely love her work, probably because it puts me in mind of my ultimate favourite artists Matisse and Dufy. I guess it's also a little similar to how I like to paint myself ~ I have a colourful, whimsical & slightly childlike style.

Her name is Bella Foster, and she lives in Brooklyn, New York....have you seen her work yet??

check out some of her lovely paintings.... which can all be found here , and view more here http://www.bellafoster.com also.

I think this Bookshelf painting mifght just be my favourite!

BUT, then again - it could be this one!! ~ The Horticulturalist

For more, head on over to the blog  HERE THERE AND THEM, which showcases Bella's paintings of "Other People's Stuff"!!

O Christmas tree, O Christmas tree...

Today the boys and I will be putting up and decorating our Christmas tree.
At not quite 4 years, and 51/2 years old, this is a very EXCITING prospect indeed, let me tell you!!
(I am hoping taking it down will be too, hmm?... yeah sure!!!).

I have my Christmas music CD to hand and a box of MR. Kipling Mince Pies.



I will post a pic or two once it's up, but in the meantime, here's a look at some different Christmas trees & decorating styles.

1). First a fabulously colourful tree at Black & Spiro

2) Modern Christmas Tree by Markus Linnenbrink

3) One for the Boys (big boys that is!)  Redneck Tree




4) why not make one of these recycled Christmas trees out of old mags?

 

5) how about a Shelf Tree?!

 
6)  I love this simple idea of displaying your cards in the shape of a Christmas tree - how fabulous is that?! 'Inside Out' is my favourite magazine, so I wasn't surprised to find something inspiring on their HOMELIFE website.

        

 Sally xox



Fab Finds #7

Just a quickie .... thought I'd 'give' you some flowers!!  ♥

The source for this flowery lovliness, is one of my utmost favourite Etsy shops 'Bomobob', by a talented photographer from Montreal, Canada. You really must check out Bob's work, it's awesome!!


Hope you've had a great weekend,

Sally xox

Fab Finds #6

Hello,
on this very wet Wednesday, I am feeling a bit worse for wear.
I haven't been sleeping well for a few days and now I have a stinky cold! : (

Nothing cheers me up like a burst of colour and some fab eye candy!! Window shopping from the comfort of home, mug of earl grey in hand! I even accompanied the tea with a mince pie today (sorry diet, I'll see you again soon!).

Anyhoo, I'd like to share these examples with you that made me smile today:



1.These fun bracelets are made by Liana Kabel,
she says: "Bracelets made because...
I love the graphic nature of numbers.

I'm interested in exploring simple yet effective ways to connect pieces.
they continue the theme.

I wanted to."

(a little sadly these are not available for purchase anywhere).

But DO check out Liana's awesome 'Plastic Girl' blog and her Etsy shop






2.This bright and wonderful Giclee print is by
Jenn Ski an artist and illustrator with a passion for modern and mid-20th century art and design.






3. I had this EXACT design wallpaper, (below)
on the inside of my bedroom cupboard, when I was a teenager! (Also a little bit of a great 1950's kitchen design),

coming across this today made me feel nostalgic :)

You can buy it here from Menzo Collection on Etsy.





 

and now, I shall bid you goodnight ... it's time for a little TV & Camomile tea before bed,

Sally xox

Fab Finds #5

There are so many beautiful things on Etsy and the internet in general that I come across every day.
That I covet every day  : )

Dear Santa, (if you happen to be reading this)
I would love these! (I have been good. Honestly, I have!!)

'From Italy with Love' purse in aqua - by Rosie's Armoire



Paris, Je T'aime, Fine Art 8x10 Photography Print - by Metroline 6

Recycled Map Origami Kusudama Ornament - by GrannyPantyDesigns



I have a 'thing' for vintage globes, this one is from Bella Lulu


You might gather from my picks that I have a lust for travel. I have travelled quite a bit, but there are so many more places I'd like to visit: Prague, Tibet, Peru, Brazil, Cambodia and Cuba to name but a few...
And what about YOU, where would you love to go??

Sally xox



here's a fab giveaway for you to enter...

Hello!
Do you like giveaways?  I do?
Do you like photography?  I do!!
...if you are really quick - you can enter this great giveaway, which I just stumbled accross on the wonderful Ardent Sparrow blog!  Go take a look at the wonderful work of British Photographer
Sarah Franklin


Hurry though ~ it ends today.


...then enter the giveaway to win a photo calandar of your choice, valued at $25 USD.

these are two of my favourites, as they are so quintessentially British!
ahh, memories of the seaside and pick n Mix sweets on a Saturday..
makes me homesick and nostalgic for my childhood!

Visit Sarah's Etsy shop Eye Shoot here.

Sally xox

shopping... it's for a good cause...

Would you like to see what I made and donated for the Creative Collective group's Christmas Charity Auction 

You can see more details or place a bid for it here it comes gift-wrapped with a little  extra free something tucked inside your parcel!

There are lots of other goodies to bid on. Go take a look, like I said it's for a good cause!! : )

6 Merry Christmas Flatnote postcard and Envelope Set - Retro Glamour - Peace Love and Joy
donated by Percival Road

I have placed a few bids too, now just waiting to see what happens...
Auction ends Tuesday November 30th.

Sally  xox

Fab Finds #4

I just love this! ♥

                                     Red Umbrella -- 3D Wall Art by Gosh & Golly on Etsy.

"Rainbow-colored raindrops fall from the clouds above a little red umbrella in this adorable 3D wall art.

 Each piece of the wall art is separate from the others allowing you to hang them on the wall and

arrange them however you want and can be moved as often as you like.

They add texture and dimension to the wall and are the perfect touch in a nursery,

child's room, or playroom."

* * * GIVEAWAY TIME!! * * *

Hello!
How are you today?
Have you visited my shop before? If you have you will know what I sell, if not let me enlighten you!

 Jambo Chameleon is a little Etsy shop, full of colour & fun - selling lots of buttons; other arty-crafty supplies, some fab vintage finds, and handmade bits & bobs  (for Scrapbooking /crafts...etc).

So, would you like to win a $25 voucher to spend on anything you like in my shop??

You can even use the credit to pay for your postage.
(No change given, but you may use the credit on another occasion).

Come and have a looksee, maybe you will be tempted...

You may be wondering about the name
Jambo Chameleon??
Well, I will tell you a little story...

Once upon a time, an excited loopy lass on her honeymoon in Kenya, saw a real, live chameleon for the very first time. It was a tiny, cute little fella and she got to (nervously) hold it in her hand.

The lass greeted her new friend
"Jambo Chameleon!"
{'JAMBO' being Swahili - the local lingo - for hello!!}.


 This was a memorable moment and somehow the pairing of these two words just stuck in her mind...

How to enter:

Please leave me a message(s) in comments, you will receive one entry per each of the following:

*Become a follower of this blog (or remind me if you already are!)

* "liking" me on Facebook  (or remind me if you already do!)

* following me on Twitter  (or remind me if you already do!)

* "hearting" my shop on Etsy (or remind me if you already have!)

* Blogging / tweeting/or mentioning on Facebook this giveaway

* visiting my shop and coming back to tell me your favourite item

Please leave any relevant links / usernames in your comment.

CONDITIONS: 

- Entrants must adhere to these conditions for their entry to be valid.

- All entries must be received by midnight THURSDAY 25th November (AEST).

- Open to Australian and International readers.

- Please ensure you leave a valid email address or Facebook / Etsy shop link. If I cannot email you easily, the prize will be re-drawn.

- Please note the $25 will be in U.S. Dollars as this is currently the currency used for Etsy.

- The winner will be notified by email, and will have 7 days to respond or the prize will be re-drawn and a new winner found.

A winner will be drawn at random and announced on  FRIDAY 26th November (AEST).

My name is sally and I am addicted to making Etsy Treasuries!!

Are you on Etsy?  If so, do you like to make treasuries? I do. I really, really do!!
Curating them is fun. I like collecting all those great things in one place. Sometimes I use a theme, sometimes a colour story, sometimes a title from a challenge etc...


Today I made one for MOVEMBER which (for the uninitiated) is held in November (not surprisingly, you say?!), and involves moustaches ('of course', you say!!), and raises money and awareness for men's health issues. Good stuff. yes!


Would you like to see my treasury?



to see the details for each item / shop click on this link to the treasury
and then you can click on any  item / shop name.



Last week's Sydney ABCD meet-up!

I am later in posting about this event, than I would have liked. Oh well, small boys must come first...
(at least SOMETIMES anyhow!!).

What:  ABCD Sydney Meet-up     When:  Thursday 28th October

 The ABCD (Artists + Bloggers + Crafters + Designers) Meetups are a chance for art, design and craft bloggers to get out from behind their computers and meet face-to-face at a casual quarterly get-together.

"The meet-ups have no set structure, and are designed to be an informal gathering at a bar or cafe on a Thursday evening."

True to their promise organisers/ hosts Steph Bond  and Lisa Tilse gave us a fun, casual gathering (in a swanky room, in a bar). Which luckily for me was in my very suburb!! Yes, I know, so lucky!! : )
                                                                           
Thank you Lisa & Steph, and also Kim of Udessi for co-organising. You all did a great job!

We were invited to bring something along (well, around 30 somethings!!) for the goodie bags, so I made up extra of the Spring embellishments I had made for the Creative Collective project, and made up little mini goodie bags, with one of these in , a postcard, a sticker and a lolly.

 The goodie bags were a lovely treat and were filled with all sorts of creative yumminess such as a little apple pin cushion, hand-made cards and tags and a teeny-weeny cute knitted tea-cup! Oh, plus more lollies. Yum!

My favourites were the Screenprinted fabric bookmark by Michelle from Me We and the little Apple pincushion by Dandi, but everything was fabulous. Thanks muchly to all who contributed to the goodie bags - I loved mine! ♥

for more details of the goodie bag contents (and better photos) see Steph's post here !

This is ME with the lovely Anastasia

Of course the best bit was meeting some of the lovely creative ladies who were there, every one of them beautiful AND talented! My only regret was that I didn't get to meet EVERY single one of them!

I had an awesome time chatting to the likes of these awesome gals: Amanda, Anastasia, Lisa, Steph, Sarah and Jessica...

In the (prettily put) words of Steph -

it was "LOVELY TO MEET YOU"!

                        ♥

" Tumblr "- I do. Do you??

I  LOVE ♥ ♥ ♥ Tumblr - it's just such an inspiring place to visit, full of lovely eye candy.


If you'd like to share more of my inspiration with me, come on over to my
OTHER BLOG!!! and take a look:  Cre8tivity Always

photo from http://www.myowlbarn.com/





I think I'll soon be buying...

.....this pretty yellow and white bakers Twine  from my lovely friend Anastasia of
 Percival Road - I think it would look so fresh and pretty on my spring crafts.

I was lucky enough to meet Anastasia  in person, for the first time, last week. I am hoping to talk about that, (and the other lovely girls I met) tomorrow.

Spring has sprung!!! {Creative Collective spring project}

hello!

Would you like to see what I made for the Creative Collective SPRING themed craft project?

These are embellishments that can be used for scrapbooking, cardmaking, gift topping (instead of a store bought bow!), gift tags...etc

would you like to know more about the Creative Collective?

"Creative Collective is a group of creative Bloggers who have joined together to bring fun, interactive projects to their readers. Periodically these Bloggers will post the latest project to their blogs and invite their readers to take part. Projects might include creating a craft item based on a particular theme, a craft or stationery swap, giveaways, photo project or anything else we can dream up!"

I might start selling these in the shop - what do you think?

Fab Finds # 3

here's a little pretty for your friday!! :)

photo from Photogenic Gallery

hope you are having a great day! If not, take heart - it's almost the weekend. Yaay!!

Sally xox

watch this!

Hey, hey - I just watched this fab clip of the awesome Miss Pip (Lincolne), Crafting Queen of Meet Me At Mike's fame, appearing on TV ( The Circle ), to talk about how Nanna-crafts are cool once more.

{If you are reading this - you knew that already, but not everyone is as cool as you and I right??!}

watch here:

Of course I am not the only fan of Pip, here her new book is featured on one of my absolute favourite blogs.



photo borrowed from The Design Files blog

  Pip Lincolne is a TV-natural - warm, effervesent & inspiring. She makes me want to make things.
Now I want to make a shirt cushion...EVEN I could sew one of those!!! : )

I can't wait to buy her new book Sew La Tea Do

Sally x0x