A very special music-themed order

I know, I know, Christmas has only just passed and we still have the new year to ring in with celebrations.  And I am technically still on holiday.  Buuuuuttt...I have been slowly working on some non-rush orders for lovely friends and family members.

One of those orders is for my cousin who has probably studied music the longest out of all of us cousins.  She wanted little gifts she could give to her music students and commissioned several creations which I have not previously stocked in Two Cheeky Monkeys.

The musical clef cufflinks have been a popular addition to my stores, with several already heading off as gifts to music teachers and musicians.  However, the cute musical note collar pins are a completely new design.  I am loving their fun small size, and am seriously thinking of adding these to my store.

Another new design is the musical hair pins/bobby pins.  I will be adding this design to my store for sure, and customers will have their choice of treble clef, bass clef or musical note variations.  What do you think - would your favourite musician or music teacher love one of these?

Merry Christmas and a Blessed New Year

Yet again another Christmas has snuck up on me - a sign of old age, I fear!  But here's to all of you my faithful readers and friends.  Thank you for your support, comments and encouragement.  And I wish you all a wonderful Christmas celebrating (the birth of Jesus) with loved ones, and here's to a blessed and fun-filled 2016.

Christmas Gift DIY: Bling Lovers

The final in my series of DIY Christmas gifts is for those who love all things bling.  While super glitzy phone cases, shoes or accessories are really not my thing, I have to admit that there is something strangely alluring about tonnes and tonnes of sparkles.  Do you have a bling-loving friend or family member?  Or are you that person?

1. I can't resist a good rhinestone creation!

2. Give the gift of a custom blinged up phone case.

3. Bedazzled sneakers are a lot of fun for big and little girls (and you can even do them in more muted colour schemes).

4. An affordable way to enjoy the druzy trend.

Christmas Gift DIY: Geeks

Okay, today's Christmas gift DIY roundup is all bout spoiling your favourite geek boy or girl (Mr Cheeky Monkeys is my favourite geek, though I have a surprisingly large number of geeks in my life...I wonder why).  The beauty of some of these projects is that they can be adapted for almost any geeky obsession; and those of us who aren't "obsessed geeks" can love these creations too, ahem cough.

1. An abacus bracelet - wow - need I say more?

2. Doctor Who high heels, because it's not just the males who love the Dr!

3. Many beloved novels have their own unique land or country - why not turn your favourite literary piece's mythical land into wall art.

4. Practical and geeky at the same time: geekery serving dishes

5. Hands up who grew up playing Donkey Kong?

6. Another practical and geeky creation, a Dr Who notebook cover.

Boho Charm Necklaces

With only a week till Christmas (eep!!!), my love for (and my customers' love for) boho chic literature necklaces is still going strong!  I had a mild panic with only three of these fun necklaces left in-store during my busiest time of year, so I quickly set about adding to this popular range.

I have added several new "Mr Darcy", "Miss Eyre" and Anne of Green Gables versions to my stores in a range of colours and am currently considering which other literary characters I should add to the range.  Who would you choose?

Christmas Gift DIY: DIYers and Creative Types

Today's DIY Christmas gift roundup is for those friends and loved ones who love to create or have always wanted to try their hand at something a little creative.  So go on, give someone the gift of creativity this Christmas!

1. This fun sewing kit/sewing caddy is perfect for a young person or novice sewist!

2. Inspire someone to keep a journal with this beautiful journalling kit.

3. Use this tutorial for ideas in putting together a glass tile pendant-making kit.

4. Encourage little ones to be creative with their very own portable craft kit.

Teacher Gifts

As the end of the school year approaches for those of us in the Southern hemisphere, there has been a lot of mad creating going on in the Two Cheeky Monkeys household.  Some of the Monkeys' teachers are fans of handmade and special gifts, so I have been making little thank you gifts for them.

Fans of my Domum Vindemia store will recognise these two designs; they are my very popular music bookmark and teacup candles.  So a question for all the teachers out there: what is your favourite kind of thank you gift to receive?  Are you an "I hope they all chip in together" type, or do you appreciate the heartfelt and well thought out little gifts?

Sweet Mummy Necklace

I was recently approached by a customer who wanted a custom necklace which would represent her love for her beautiful children.  Knowing that I make a range of literature locket necklaces, she asked if I could inset a photo into a locket instead of a snippet of text.  While this is very do-able if a photo can be re-sized to fit my lockets, she ultimately chose to go with the very popular option of birthstones.

So here is what I created for this sweet customer, a locket necklace featuring each of her children's birthstones (in gorgeous Czech firepolish beads) and a charm which she fell in love with whilst browsing all my locket necklace choices.  It is always lovely to make a uniquely meaningful custom piece and get a glimpse into my customers' lives, and I know that this necklace will be cherished and worn often.  I can't ask for more than that my customers LOVE my creations!

Handy Dandy Needle Minders

For those of you who remember back to my needle in the foot episode (which I'd really like to forget), this post is one of my ways of ensuring that others don't suffer a similar fate!  Although my accident was due to a dropped sewing box and a sloppy cleanup thereof, I am completely sold on the wisdom of using needle minders when working on hand sewing projects.

So, with that in mind, I knew it was time to start creating needle minders/keepers for Domum Vindemia.  Of course, being me, I have gone down the path of making literature-themed needle minders!  The larger size (3cm - 1 & 3/16th in) of the glass cabochons I am using means that longer character names can be accomodated under the glass.  At the moment I am offering customers a choice of various Jane Austen characters, as well as Jane Eyre, To Kill a Mockingbird and Romeo & Juliet characters.  Who would you choose?

Cufflinks for the literature buff

I have been working on expanding Two Cheeky Monkeys' literature cufflink range for some time now, and last Saturday I unveiled some new additions with great approval at the Kingston Arts Makers Market.  Character names have been popular with many customers, but I have also had others asking for their favourite quotes inset into my literature jewellery and accessories.  So far I have added two famous quotes to the cufflink range, as well as a few new character name sets.  Keep your eye out for more newbies coming soon!

Christmas Gift DIY: Little People

I love to make gifts and surprises for my two cheeky monkeys, so of course I had to put together a roundup of child-friendly gift tutorials.  These DIYs are more suited for small children (I'm thinking preschool/kindergarten age), but some could be adapted for older kids too.

1. Memory games are great for entertaining kids as well as developing cognitive skills!

2. Every prince or princess needs a crown, of course.

3. This one is for all the parents who are tired of stepping on Lego/small toys.

4. Pretending to be a superhero/superheroine is so much more fun with an actual cape.

Christmas Gift DIY: The Gardener

My dad was a fairly keen gardener, and my FIL and MIL have been happily pottering around their garden in their retirement (he grows fruit and veggies and she grows beautiful flowers and herbs).  And Mr Cheeky Monkeys and I, while not particularly proficient, love to try our hand at growing our favourite edible and/or beautiful plants.  So today I have put together a roundup of gift tutorials for spoiling that avid gardener you know.

1. A funky kneeling pad for protecting knees.

2. This hand cream would be great for anyone who has dry hands!

3. Plant markers are essential for remembering which seeds and seelings were planted where.

4. A garden tote is perfect for gardeners to keep all their tools together in the garden.

Christmas Gift DIY: Edibles

As Christmas rapidly (and it feels lightspeed rapid here!) approaches, I have put together a series of blog posts to inspire you to think about handmade gift ideas.  Because we all know how much I love handmade and Christmas, there are going to be quite a few posts, hopefully with something for everyone.  Today, I'm starting with edible gifts; who doesn't love a great edible gift for that last minute party or thank you gift?

1. I love chocolate truffles and chai tea, so why not combine the two?

2. A little bit of judiciously used flavoured salt is a wonderful thing.

3. Barbecue-roasted nuts, mmm. (Just make sure your recipient doesn't have nut allergies.)

4. You can never go wrong with fudge in my books!

5. Give a gourmet twist to the gingerbread Christmas tree.

I Heart Literature

As I mentioned a week ago, I will again be heading to the Kingston Arts Makers Market this coming December.  This year I have decided to showcase a few new jewellery designs at the market to gauge interest in them.  And my lovely blog readers get a sneaky peek at them too!  If you would like to order a pair (or two) of the new earring designs, please send me an email to get the ball rolling.

A Two Cheeky Monkeys and Domum Vindemia Gift Guide

With my Christmas shipping cutoff dates fast approaching, I have put together a Christmas gift guide to help those who are wanting to shop handmade this Christmas.  And, of course, I would love you to shop handmade with Two Cheeky Monkeys and/or Domum Vindemia!

For customers outside of Australia, you have until the start of December to get your handmade pretties ordered.  Orders after the 3rd of December will need to go via Express Post and still may not arrive in time (depending on the reliability of your country's postal service).

And don't forget that all orders can be shipped direct to your friends and loved ones and a small note included on your behalf!  All of the items shown here can be found in my Etsy and Madeit stores so that you can shop in either USD or AUD.

Two Cheeky Monkeys - Madeit - Etsy

Domum Vindemia - Madeit - Etsy

For Him

Who doesn't love seeing their favourite man in a finely tailored suit, shirt and snazzy cufflinks?  And for the guys who are overwhelmed by the array of highly feminine homewares and bookmarks, Domum Vindemia has both which will appeal to people of both genders.

For Mum

 

She's the one who gave birth to you, wiped up your spills and lost sleep taking care of you when you were sick or injured.  So spoil your mum with traditional freshwater pearl or vintage cameo jewellery, or add a little vintage fun to her home with doily buntings or upcycled cake stands.

Bestie

  

Show you bestie how much you appreciate her with kindred spirit jewellery or accessories, or some fun hair accessories and homewares.

Little Girls

Teach little ones to love handmade young, with sweet ring sets and bracelets from Two Cheeky Monkeys, or upcycled mobiles and buntings from Domum Vindemia.  Little boys won't miss out either, with a range of book buntings designed to appeal to rough and tumble boys.

Bling Queen

We all have that friend or relative who loves her jewellery chunky, sparkly and bold.  Two Cheeky Monkeys has a range of statement rings, necklaces and bracelets as well as Swarovski crystal jewellery and hair accessories to bring a sparkle to any eye.

Teacher Appreciation

In Australia it's that time of year when parents madly scramble to find something appropriate and not too cliche for their children's teachers, childcare minders and assorted sport and extracurriculur activity coaches.  A quirky card is a fun way to thank those who have laboured all year to teach your kids and typography earrings are also a fun way to thank particularly on trend teachers.  Literature bookmarks and thumb tack sets make great gifts for classroom teachers of either gender - no need to stress about what to get that male teacher!

Don't forget our cutoff dates:

Domum Vindemia - International, 2nd December; Australia, 14th December 

Two Cheeky Monkeys - International, 4th December, Australia, 16th December 

New Literary Quote Necklaces

Hellooo and happy Monday!  Although I'm still suffering from a sinus infection, I have been steadily working away at more literary jewellery designs for Two Cheeky Monkeys.  These "new" designs are a little different from my usual locket necklaces in that rather than featuring a fictional character's name, they feature famous and beloved quotes from classic literature.

Of course, like many of my necklaces, these new designs come in your choice of bead colour and with the option of personalising with an initial charm (or two).  The new designs are destined for my stockist, Our Little Caravan, as well as my upcoming market and my Etsy and Madeit stores.  Which one do you love best?

Stitch Markers Taking Flight

Today I am sharing a few new creations which have had me squealing with delight at their prettiness.  Those of you knitters and crocheters who have been loving my literature-themed stitch markers can now add pretty illustrated stitch markers to your collection.  Made from luxe, Australian made collage paper, there will be a range of stitch marker sets featuring dragonflies and birds/nests.  And, of course, like all my stitch markers, these new ones can also double as funky asymmetrical earrings.  Which ones would you choose?

The all important Christmas shipping dates

I'm afraid I've let it a little late this year, but it's still not too late to let you all know this year's Christmas shipping cutoff dates.  As I stress every year, if you want to give your loved ones the gift of a Two Cheeky Monkeys or Domum Vindemia pretty, then you will need to be organised and get your shopping done before the Christmas rush madness hits our postal services.

If you're an international customer, then you have to super organised due to the state of international post at this time of year.  Aussie customers have a bit more breathing space, but don't let this make you complacent!  I recommend that any purchases made at the end of November or during December should upgrade to the Express Post option to ensure a speedy arrival of your Christmas purchases.

Kingston Arts Makers Market

I am very excited to announce that in a few weeks' time, I will yet again be gracing the Kingston Arts Makers Market as a stallholder!  I really enjoyed myself last year, meeting lots of lovley customers as well as finally meeting in person two sellers I had met online, Madame Clochette and Rondelle Douglas Illustration.  If you're free this December 5th, and happen to be in Melbourne, please drop by and say hi to me!  You will also get a chance to meet Sam of Madame Clochette, as well as another friend of mine, Marcia from My Friend Marcia.  See you there!

Have yourself a very shabby chic Christmas

I have been working non-stop these last few months at stocking up Domum Vindemia with lots of practical and shabby chic pretties for my stores.  My current favourite creations are these two new Christmas stockings, both upcycled from retro fabric doilies.  The stocking above features classic embroidery in a single rose with swirls pattern, whilst the stocking below features a detailed cross stitch design on yellowy cream cotton.  I'm having a lot of trouble deciding which one is my absolute favourite - which is yours?

17 Cherry Tree Lane

Hands up who was a fan of the movie Mary Poppins?  And hands up who has read Pamela Travers' books (which are apparently nothing like the Disney movie)?  I was recently commissioned to create a locket necklace to be given as a gift to a huge Mary Poppins fan.  My customer asked me to inset one of my favourite quotes from the movie, "Practically perfect in every way...just as I suspected", into a locket pendant.  Further embellished with a vintage, jade green bead, I love how this custom piece turned out and hope my customer's friend does too!  What do you think?  Which Mary Poppins quote would you have chosen?

Our Little Caravan

Today, I am excited to announce that Our Little Caravan has become a stockist of Two Cheeky Monkeys' and Domum Vindemia's handmade goodies!  At the moment I've started off small with a handful of both book and doily buntings being stocked at Our Little Caravan, as well as a few compact mirrors and pocket watch necklaces.

If you're in the Nottinghill area, then you should really consider dropping in to check out the range of lovely handmade goodies at this store, as well as find out about booking a craft party session for yourself and some friends or your little ones, or sign up for one of various craft classes on offer.

The typography fun continues!

I have been so busy working on new products for Domum Vindemia that I completely forgot to tell you all about my current new faves for Two Cheeky Monkeys!  They are, of course, inspired by my ongoing love of typography and dictionaries.  The pair above is for the thoroughly modern teen or woman who loves her social media, texting and symbols.  The pair below features words taken from a retro dictionary, and customers can have a choice of (short) words such as "yes/no", "love/wish", etc.  Which pair do you love best?

Lizzy Loo

Today's post is a little bit of fun, sharing some photos I've taken of our local blue tongue lizards.  I'm not sure how many of them are calling our garden and neighbours' gardens their territory, but the Two Cheeky Monkeys family loves to see them around in the warmer months.  Do you have any fun native fauna in or around your garden?

Mirror, mirror, on the wall

Today I am unveiling a new range of creations which have been capturing my imagination, and attention, for the last month or so!  Although I don't wear makeup often, and am striving hard to put aside vanity, I love compact mirrors for their cute size and practicality.

And since I am always thinking up new ideas for my stores, I thought combining practical little mirros with a favourite literary quote was the way to go!  These three compacts pictured are now all available in my Domum Vindemia stores.  And for those of you who can make it to the Kingston Makers Market in December, I'll be showcasing these pretties there too.  What do you think - which one would you choose?

Fruity Picnic Accessories

With the arrival of beautiful picnic and entertaining weather in Melbourne, and the ever-growing fruit trend barrelling full bore along, I have been busy adding new designs to Domum Vindemia's cocktail napkin range.  The two new designs shown are ones specially requested by my little Cheeky Monkeys, and I think they'd make great additions to a child's or teen's own picnic set.  What do you think?

May The Force Be With You

Last week was Mr Cheeky Monkeys' birthday, and we celebrated in usual style for him, with Indian food, a baked cheesecake and something inspired by his sci-fi/fantasy geek side.  This year, I made a snap decision to step outside of my comfort zone and tackled a sewing project of which I'm very proud.

As I said, Mr Monkeys is a sci-fi/fantasy fan, especially when it comes to Star Wars, Dr Who and Star Trek.  So, inspired by a pattern in Tanya Whelan's Sew What You Love, I made him a Star Wars-themed necktie for wearing on his whimsical or super geek days.

I'm really pleased with how well the tie turned out (after some troubles with cutting the pattern to accomodate the directionality and orientation of my Star Wars fabric).  And I'm also really pleased with how well the baked lemon birthday cheesecake turned out too!  And now all we have to do is wait for the latest Star Wars film to hit Australia, and then we'll probably head out to see it as a family!