My Creative Space: Earrings

A few weeks ago I finally sat down and dug through my bead stash to make a rather belated birthday present for my sister (I figure the lateness of my present is balanced by the fact that I put together a made to order gift).  She was in need of some turquoise blue earrings after losing one side of an existing pair she owned and was also interested in multicoloured earrings to match with a variety of outfits.

To be honest, the hardest part about putting together the turquoise pair was choosing the right beads for the project.  I went for a simple design because sometimes it's nice just to go back to basics.  The second pair required some thought to put together a multicoloured pair of earrings which wouldn't look like they were made from whatever leftover beads could be found.  Thankfully, my sister LOVES her new earrings.  What do you think?

Things I Never Thought I Would Say...

Well, the first week of school holidays are almost over here at Two Cheeky Monkeys HQ, and it has been a BUSY one (despite all my attempts to have a peaceful, restful week).  So in the spirit of school holidays and children's antics, I thought I would write down some of the things I, or my friends, have uttered which we never thought we would have to say as parents.

1. "Don't horsey ride on the baby!!!" - This was exclaimed at oldest Monkey when she was 2.5 years old and decided that her 6 month old baby sister made for a good horse substitute.

2. "Those are not pyjamas, you cannot wear them to bed." - Uttered remarkably frequently at both Cheeky Monkeys as they try to wear tutus, school uniforms, or an assortment of other highly inappropriate regular clothes to bed.

3. "Don't stick your sister's head in the sand!" - This one was moaned in horror by a fellow school mum (and yes, the rest of us were relieved it wasn't our oldest smushing our youngest into the school sandpit).

4. "Don't wrestle your sister while you're both hanging off the monkeybars!" - The first part of this sentence didn't surprise me too much; it was the second part that was the killer.

5. "No, you may not use the empty ginger beer bottle to make yourself a jet pack." - Actually, I don't know why this one surprised me at the time, it is totally in keeping with my children's inventive and quirky natures.

Have you ever been surprised by the phrase you uttered to your kids, grandkids or nieces/nephews?  Do share!

Photo sources:

1. Horse breeds

2. Herald Sun

3. Daily Mail

4. ABC blog

5. Bundaberg brewed drinks

8 Must Try Bracelet Tutorials

If you're not a brand new reader to this blog, you may have noticed by now that I have a bit of a thing for bracelets!  I've had a passion for wearing them since I was a very little girl (when I was three I had a favourite set of plastic bangles which I wore all the time, according to the photo evidence) and nothing has changed in the ensuing years.  So today I have put together a roundup of eight of my favourite bracelet tutorials!  Of course, for those of you who don't want to make your own bracelet, I have plenty available at Two Cheeky Monkeys.  ;)

1. Easy bracelet cuff.

2. Contrasts beaded bracelet.

3. Crystal tassel bracelets.

4. Hardware store bracelet.

5. Rhinestone bracelet.

6. Braided hex nut bracelet.

7. Rhinestone vinyl bead bracelet.

8. Macrame rhinestone bracelet.

Little girls' rings and children's buntings

So today I'm starting with this question: Are you a fan of buying handmade for children?  Obviously I am, and this past week I have yet again been working on creations for kiddies.  I was planning to work on something else, but I was so inspired by these supplies that I had to keep on creating for the little ones.

First off are a slew of multicoloured ring sets for girls.  Although meant for young ones, they ideally fit girls between the ages of five and twelve.  They will be a bit loose on younger girls and do pose a choking hazard for little ones who are still putting things into their mouths.

I am also super excited to be adding several new book buntings to Domum Vindemia, including the addition of Beatrix Potter buntings to the range.  The highly popular Dumbo buntings are finally back in stock, but as each book bunting really is a one of a kind creation, you need to grab your favourite while it's available. 

What's in a town name?

Working as a handmade business owner who sells my creations to customers all over the world, I sometimes discover suburbs, towns and cities with the most delightful-sounding names!  Call me silly, but it gives me a little thrill to imagine what a customer's town must be like while I package up their order.

Okeechobee, Florida - a locale I was recently delighted to discover.

Of course, just because a city has a fun, quirky or beautiful name doesn't necessarily mean it is a nice place to live.  There are some cities around the world with ridiculously exotic or beautiful names but are places where many live near or below the poverty line and where crime rates are very high.  Which got me thinking, what's in a town or city name?  Are suburbs with more sedate and stately (read boring) names ones which attract a more wealthy demographic?  What do you think?

Mermaid Waters, Queensland - did a little girl name this town?

Buntings for little ones

After spending last week working on creations for adults, I am back to creating for children this week.  My Two Cheeky Monkeys inspire me immensely when it comes to creating handmade goodness for kids, which does mean that many of my creations are for little girls rather than little boys.  But today, I'm showing off two buntings which are suitable for both boys and girls (yes, my Cheeky Monkeys love Thomas almost as much as any little boy out there).

The storybook buntings that I make for Domum Vindemia have been highly popular, with Peter Pan, Thomas the Tank Engine and Bambi being especially sought after.  So every now and then I sit down and stock up on the more popular designs as well as creating brand new designs.  Of couse, I have my own favourites, such as Goldilocks and the Three Bears, which was my preferred bedtime story EVERY NIGHT when I was three years old.  Do you have a favourite?

Chandeliers and Classic Quotes

Yes, it's another post about literature jewellery creations!  I was so inspired by the baroque chandelier necklace custom order I made recently, that I sat down and made several necklaces featuring touching or beautiful literary quotes.  The two quotes I have started with are ones which I have previously used in custom orders.  The first is from LM Montgomery's Anne of the Island, and the second is from Charlotte Bronte's Jane Eyre.  Making these necklace also got me thinking about whether I had any favourite quotes from classic literature.  I don't think I have one all time favourite quote, but rather many which I like.  What about you?  Do you have a favourite literary quote?

Literature Finds For Father's Day

Yes, yes, yes, another Mr Darcy and literature-themed blog post!  Since many Australians will be celebrating Father's day this coming Sunday, I have put together a roundup of items I think Mr Cheeky Monkeys would appreciate.

Jane Eyre-inspired card

Mr Darcy keyring

Mr Wentworth mug

Mr Rochester-inspired solid cologne

A little Mr Darcy for your hair

Today's post continues the Mr Darcy theme for my blog this week.  I still can't believe how popular anything Jane Austen or Mr Darcy is for so many around the world!  I have been focussing a lot on increasing the range of literature-themed creations for Two Cheeky Monkeys this past few weeks and this week I am showing off some Mr Darcy headbands.  These headbands combine three of my favourite items with which to work: metal filigrees, floral cabochons and literature snippets.  What do you think?

A Mr Darcy Bridal Set

Last month I was commissioned to create a jewellery set for an American bride with a love for Pride and Prejudice.  Like many others, she was very taken by Mr Darcy's (disastrous) first proposal to Elizabeth Bennet.  So after some discussion, I was asked to create a necklace with a baroque chandelier-style pendant featuring part of Mr Darcy's proposal.

The adorning pearl and Swarovski crystal drop were added to the pendant to complement the bride's dress (a stunning latte buttercream gown embellished with tiny Swarovski crystals).  I love the way the Swarovski crystal sparkles and complements the facets of the baroque cut pendant!

I also created a pair of earrings using the Swarovski crystal drops to match both the necklace and the dress.  In spite of my nervousness (bridal orders always make me nervous because a wedding is such a big deal), I had a lot of fun working on this latest custom order.  And I can't wait to see photos of the beautiful bride and her groom after their ceremony later this month!