Loving... pretty shops

Yellow Brick Road

Have you ever daydreamed about having a cute little tea shop, or a gorgeous boutique selling pretty clothes, jewellery and gifts? I definitely have and it is a bittersweet feeling to find out someone else has already done it, but I love discovering them! I am always grateful for a little treat or some window-shopping (linking up with Paisley Jade's 'Things I'm Loving').

The Tea Lady (pic by Kute Kiwi)

I had been meaning to visit The Tea Lady ever since I heard about it - Birkenhead isn't far away and the website is super-cute... I don't drink real tea but love fruit teas and there were lots to choose from. My sister and I took my mum and my auntie, and after playing musical tables (there are only about 5 tables, thank you so much familiar-looking-lovely-lady who swapped tables twice to accommodate others!) we had tea and a big fluffy scone each. The vintage decorating includes polka dots, florals and retro toys, the perfect girly outing (thanks to Kim @ Kute Kiwi for the photo, her tea party-friendly blog is here).

I found Yellow Brick Road online a few months ago and couldn't figure out where in Parnell it was... it is worth the effort to find (and not that tricky really, just past the gelato shop) and so, so pretty. I haven't actually bought anything yet but am very tempted by these pads and a lot of the jewellery. The clothes are lovely too (see more on their blog).

Little Craft Store

Are there any other pretty shops (in Auckland or anywhere else) that you would recommend? Next on my list is The Little Craft Store, although I don't think I will be able to restrain myself from spending there...

Note: Not a sponsored post, just things I like    :)

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Where to find... More Handmade Rings

Rings are definitely my favourite kind of jewellery, I love that I can see them all the time (I never remember to wear earrings!) I don't have to worry about them catching on things, and they instantly make me feel more dressed up. Because they are small they are also great for buying online, and handmade ones can be reasonably priced for something special. I am always on the lookout for more, these are some I have seen recently...

Custom Braille Ring, studio AMF
Macrame and Silver Stacking Rings, Lunatic Art
Baby Elephant Ring (with diamonds), Michelle Chang Jewellery
Woodgrain Ring, That Vintage
Cookie Dough Ring, Beat Black
Rick Rack Ring, Christina Lowry Designs

(Previous post on personalised rings here, I never take mine off!)

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Handmade Heaven: To Mum, with love xx

Most years, the best presents from your children on Mother’s Day are made by them, such as a picture they have drawn, or a card they have made. But every now and then it’s also special to receive (or organise for the grandmothers, from their grandchildren) a special present that commemorates motherhood.

WEARING YOUR HEART ON YOUR SLEEVE

This year I’m loving these gorgeous “Brag About It” silver ‘children’ necklaces that feature your children’s names and sometimes even their birthstones – handmade on Etsy and ordered in from the US, they arrive swiftly and are so sweet. Greta also wrote recently on this blog about little silver ‘posey’ rings, traditionally for bridesmaids, that you can order with the same stamped look of name impressions - this time on the inside.

If you’re keen to support a local Kiwi crafter, check out these gorgeous ‘Mum’s the word’ pendants from Cloud Nine – one of mine and Baby Bites’ favourite crafters. I also really love the funky pairs of navy drop earrings with ‘kiss’ marks on them.

Greta also found a‘Family Tree/Whakapapa Rakau’ bracelet or necklace, with charms made from leaves with all your family’s names engraved, by New Zealand crafter etc on Felt.

How about a gorgeous wee 'jewellery tree' from Foxes to hang all these trinkets on too?

CELEBRATING REAL LIFE TOO

It's also good therapy to poke fun at yourself sometimes too. So my other type of favourite Mother's Day gift ideas do just that.

I've bought my mother-in-law (or in text speak, MIL) a Dear Colleen 'lemons' print. MIL and I can gossip away many a Sunday afternoon doing exactly what it says to do! The wonderful Dear Colleen also slipped in another one for me: this really is the best Mother's Day ever, thanks Colleen :) It's now hanging proudly in my kitchen in an oversized large white frame.

My final ‘wish list’ idea this year may not technically be handmade – but the idea is that you and your children choose and “build them” together. All the rage in Australia when I was there last month, these “family” stickers are bought individually, each in different poses or outfits. You buy a replica of each person in your household (dogs or cats included!) and adorn your car’s back window. Which Mum are you? The sporty one? The working one? The knitter? Go on, laughter is good medicine after a long day!

TEACH THEM YOUNG

As a Mother one of the coolest things I think you can do is pass on skills and creative crafting traditions. So if your children are into crafting (and you’re into free printables) – show them how to download some of these free Mother’s Day cards too – here and this one here via L’il Magoolie.

I have already downloaded this wicked one from Fantail Digital Art, a fellow NZ crafter - I have a thing about birds and especially owls right now.

So go on - get that printer going: then act surprised when you open them on Sunday!

Enjoy this weekend and remember to sit back and celebrate your wonderful family.

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Handmade Heaven: Yoozoos!

Foo. Oodle. Jooniper. Gooloop and Hooper. The tongue-twister names alone will attract your little guy! These fun plush softies from designer and animator Julian Stokoe from Yoozzoo in Auckland look like characters straight out of a cartoon – and actually, they are.

Oodle

Julian was inspired to make this set of dolls after developing the characters for animation and book form. Yoozzoo dolls are a limited edition series of 50 each of 6 characters. Designed and made in New Zealand, each doll has a polar fleece outer and is filled with 100% NZ carded wool.

Foo

Each doll comes with a swing tag featuring their own story. My favourite, Foo, is described as a 'go-getter', especially if that means going and getting more supplies of quince jelly and milk. Available at New Zealand design store www.toggle.co.nz or direct at http://shop.yoozzoo.com

(Aimee is on holiday this week but this is her latest Handmade Heaven column from babybites.co.nz)

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Cavas Bus Stop Art: uplifting messges for your family

When times are so sad and distressing in New Zealand, I'm wondering if other people, like me, are turning to their favourite art, design and craft blogs for a bit of escapism. If you are, and that's why you're reading this: welcome. I hope you and your family are safe and warm.

Hopefully these lovely gems I found on Felt.co.nz and wrote about for my column on http://www.babybites.co.nz/ recently will bring some cheer to your home.

I absolutely love the vintage ‘bus stop roll’ canvas art works that are so in fashion in home décor right now – I even made my own one combining locations important to my life, and to my Australian husband's.

Now you can buy ones especially for the little ones in your life. Instead of listing locations though, these typographic-style art works list fun, positive “Family Rules” or a list of “Beach Rules”, “Dreams for your Child” or “Wishes for your child”. I love the thought of my little girls staring up at this poster and attempting not only their ABCs and starting to learn to read, but memorising such neat messages. Made by Almond Design in Melbourne, these artworks are available in colours perfect for all nurseries like yellow, pistachio, pale blue and mocha.

PS: Don’t forget to get yourself one of these fabulous WWII motivational ones especially for mums ( “Keep Calm and Carry On”!) See Studio Dollmain on Felt.co.nz


Read my original column on http://www.babybites.co.nz/

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Things I'm loving...

It has been a busy week but these things have made me smile...

This new Lego game is like Pictionary but you build instead of draw - we got it for my brother-in-law's birthday and it looks awesome! Available in NZ at the Warehouse or fishpond (cute review here).

Did you know that the Auckland supercity means all 55 libraries are now amalgamated? I had forgotten to check out the revamped Birkenhead Library until a couple of weeks ago, but it is lovely... airy and modern with lots of natural light, and a playground right outside.

NZ artist Sarah McNeil is known for her beautiful animal sketches, and is having a sale to clear her Etsy shop - how cute is this "Trying to be happy a lot of the time" print? I bought the set of quilt notecards.

And finally, if you have the Living Channel on Sky (or want to watch online), take a look at Kirstie's Homemade Home (Monday nights). It fits perfectly with our re-design theme, and just in last week's episode Kirstie made a cool teenager's bean-bag (with pockets for remotes!), stencilled on some window blinds and made a glass bowl. This week she tried the machine embroidery that is like drawing, I can't wait to try it myself.

See what everyone else is loving this week on Paisley Jade's blog (and check out her amazing rainbow cake!)

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Berry Obsessed

If you were a little girl (or a mum!) in the 80s you may recognise this little lady - an original Strawberry Shortcake doll, complete with enormous hat and berrylicious smell.

Recently I started obsessing after I saw these ridiculously cute hats by susyq19 on Etsy. My daughter has a couple of the recent little dolls but they do not have such over-sized heads and cheeks, or fabric clothes.

I had two Strawberry Shortcake (SSC) dolls when I was young, Strawberry Shortcake herself and Lemon Meringue, who with her big yellow curls and pretty little face was my idea of perfection. So I searched Etsy (did you know they sell vintage as well as handmade?), eBay and TradeMe looking for these relics of my childhood (I have no idea what happened to my ones...)

Now that they are 'vintage' of course, they can be pricey, but I think the fact that they have lasted so long means you can compare them to what is new in the shops now. My new SSC friend (pictured on my strawberry fabric stash, another obsession of mine!) was $18 on TradeMe, including postage, and she is in great condition, with all her clothes and only a little fading on her cheeks.

After a little research I found out she is actually a first edition, which means she was issued in 1979! You can tell by her flat hands, and she didn't have her pet cat Custard until the second edition, so she isn't missing anything. I am quite chuffed   :)

My second purchase will need a bit more TLC, the seller thought it might be Angel Cake but I think it is a Lemon Meringue... hopefully she will arrive in the post today...

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Where to find... Personalised Jewellery

Custom jewellery might be more affordable than you think, check out these gorgeous handmade options (and maybe start dropping hints for Valentine's or Mother's Day...)

I first saw Smallprint in Aimee's babybites column, so cute, I love the idea of preserving those tiny fingerprints.

Blackbird Singing sells these vintage-look charms on Felt, using leaves to make a 'Family tree' is so clever!

These rings are so divine, I would love to get a couple and stack them together. AForfebre is an Argentinian label on Etsy (and found via Evie Kemp on Dear Colleen).

\

You might have guessed by now that I have been researching this topic for a while - and this was my decision, a Brag About It circle pendant with my children's names, to wear with a silver heart pendant I rarely take off, but just as I was about to order it...

I found these 'posey' rings from Kathryn Riechert, traditionally a bridesmaid gift, that can be stamped on the inside or outside. I love rings and figured I could also wear it as a pendant, which I think makes it great value at approx NZ$40 including shipping from the US. I love it and my daughter is fascinated by it, now I'm tempted to get her something too!

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New Year, New Babies, New Names....

Naming your baby is one of the biggest decisions you’ll ever have to make as an expectant mum. And if you’re like me, even after you’ve named yours, you take a big interest in what everyone else is naming theirs. So every January I hang out to see the official list of the top 100 baby names compiled for the year just been. I’m a curious cat and I love pouring over the list, seeing the trends, being surprised at which of my friends’ children are in the top 10 this time, or top 30, or whose name has fallen down the list.

This year, both of my girls’ names don’t even make it into the top 100; I’m thinking on one hand, how sad, and on the other hand, how cool that they are so unique! My top ‘boys’ name that I’m saving in case I have a boy one day, Isaac, is suddenly in the top 20 this year too, out of nowhere.

My close friends' children all feature including Sophie, Olivia and Lily, and my sister is Emma; while on the boys side, Finn, Benjamin, Cooper, Jack, Tyler, Liam and Joshua are all in the top 20.

Top 10 Girls Names, 2010
Name/ How many births

Sophie 377
Olivia 335
Ruby 322
Charlotte 305
Isabella 286
Lily 281
Ella 277
Chloe 262
Emily 232
Emma 228

Top 10 Boys Names, 2010
Name/ No of births.

Liam 374
James 333
Oliver 327
Jack 325
William 320
Joshua 298
Benjamin 286
Jacob 285
Samuel 282
Lucas 271

I think it’s important to celebrate your naming decisions and in both my daughters’ rooms I’ve always had letter wall art spelling out their names or first initials. Mine are homemade with MDF and fabric, but if you want to buy something special, try buying New Zealand-made and custom-made just for you. I absolutely love the Nursery Art Prints by Miss Print on felt.co.nz. As well as their name, it records their date of birth and weight. I also adore the hand drawn ‘initial’ prints by Cloud Nine, also available on Felt.co.nz. Or for something that will still be useful after your child has grown into a teenager, check out the mirrored acrylic ‘name’ plates that double as looking glass mirrors – there are several sellers on Felt and trademe.co.nz, including graphic artist Terry Barnett of Flaming Tiki.

To read my original column, check out the online baby magazine http://www.babybites.co.nz/

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MiniEco's festive scented playdough!

With three days til Christmas, I’m firmly ensconced at home with my kiddies, and ignoring the manic shops. With the shopping all done, it’s time for baking, and some last minute crafts. Why not combine the two? Check out these amazing scented play dough ideas with festive Christmas smells from MiniEco. As she says, where’s “smellovision” when you need it?
I have a particular love of Cranberry, just hoping it doesn't stain....Just need to make sure the one year old doesn't mistake it for real food!!!

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Some Unique Christmas shopping!

You have probably heard all about Unique Boutique by now, it is such a great concept that creator Tam de Haan has had her products featured in some of Australasia's top magazines and blogs. If you haven't browsed through the gorgeous www.uniqueboutique.co.nz yet, get cracking because there is still time to get some amazing things for Christmas.

Everything is exclusive in New Zealand, and many things have been designed especially for the site. Aimee and I are very proud to have worked on two very different projects that have co-incidently released at Unique Boutique at the same time (we are spooky like that sometimes...)

I have made these Christmas stockings, similar to my Topography Mini Stockings but approx 40cm from top corner to toe. They are lovely and soft with some padding to hold their shape, and feature fabric from some of our favourite designers like Michael Miller. There is very limited stock so if you would like to start a new family tradition, order now!

And if you are looking to really spoil someone at Christmas, now there are even more lily pads to choose from - how divine are they?

Aimee has designed the 'Vintage Boutique' collection exclusively for Unique Boutique, with four new lily pad looks in pinks, blues and a classy grey backing. What an amazing present for a mum who needs a burst of colour in her day (and yes, those beautiful fabrics are from top designer Amy Butler!)

Make sure too that you are following Unique Boutique on Facebook for all the news on new products and giveaways. 

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Baby bites column: bright iDears for Xmas Wrapping

As you know around here we LOVE Christmas and Greta and I have dedicated the last two months to making crafty gifts. But if you are like me, half the fun of Christmas is in the wrapping, ribbons and card writing!!!

There’s nothing cooler than seeing your gift looking stylish with handmade cards, gift tags and wrapping paper. With this gorgeous selection I’ve gathered up you’ll be hovering around making sure the kids don’t rip the paper when they attack the sellotape, or screw up the tags in the rubbish pile!

First up – gift tags. I literally burst out laughing when I saw these “No Peeking” gift tags (see pic above) from iDearPapergoods. Super stylish for school kids and teenagers alike! Quirky and fun, they’re perfect for people who don’t take life too seriously and iDear also has a range of more traditional ones on her store at Felt.co.nz.

Or here’s an idea for your littlies to give to Nana on Christmas morning which will no doubt be more popular than the gift attached. Beautiful ceramic gift tags from Mudbird NZ. Treat them carefully and they can double as Christmas decorations for the tree next year!

If you’re after free downloadable gift tags, check out the lovely designer selection by Creature Comforts here or here.

For handmade Christmas Cards, check out iDear’s range again: I love the “Have a bright Christmas” card featuring bright blue sunglasses, and the “Seasoned Greetings” card with old fashioned salt and pepper shakers!

Cupcake Cutie also has a lovely range for the little sweetie in your family – cupcake designs perfect for little girls.

And anyone would love receiving these heart-felt cards from Tinch Design Studio, which double as fridge magnets for the rest of the year, or check out her little birdie-themed 2010 Christmas card and matching gift tags design.

If you’re after a free downloadable card design, check out this early morning-inspired one by Designs from Val. Coffee is a must when up with the kids so early!

As for wrapping paper: while you’re looking at Tinch’s designs, you might notice her freebie – some colour-in-your-own wrapping paper! Too cute!

Other free DIY wrapping paper downloadables include this lovely range in traditional red and green spots or this range including duck egg blues and damasks from Mae in Australia, or this carved stamp wrapping idea spotted on Li'l Magoolie.

Have fun wrapping – I know I will this year!

To read my original column and other 'handmade heaven' columns on Baby Bites, visit http://www.babybites.co.nz/

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