Fun new buntings for little animal fans

It's been a while since I've added new buntings to Domum Vindemia, mostly because I've been too busy playing with my new literature purses as well as working on the multitude of bookmark and bunting orders which have been coming through the store (thank you all!!!)  But today I've got two newbies to show off, one an all new addition to the range.

First off is a perennial favourite, a Beatrix Potter bunting.  This one features the story of the Flopsy Bunnies (can they get any cuter?) and beautifully complements the existing buntings in the range.  The Beatrix Potter buntings sell out pretty quickly, so if you NEED one for your little one's room, grab them as soon as you can before they sell out.

The second bunting is completely new to the store and features Spot, Eric Hill's intrepid puppy known to most toddlers in the English-speaking world.  The pennant-shaped flags are small enough not too crowd a small room or wall space but large enough for kiddies to recognise each character.  Which one of these new buntings do you love more?

Hanging purses in literary style

This week sees me continuing in the literary accessories theme for the woman who is not afraid to show her love for literature.  While the literature purses I showed off last week will not be hitting the stores until mid-August, I do have a little something coming soon which would go nicely with a bag or purse!

If you've ever gone out to a restaurant or cafe and been loath to place your bag or purse on the floor (and risk forgetting it or picking up whatever grot is on the ground), then this one's for you.  Coming soon to Domum Vindemia is a brand new range of bag hangers/hooks!  They're adorned with a circle of rhinestones as well as your choice of favourite quote.  I'm thinking some more cheeky or girl power quotes are in store for this range.  What do you think?

Your favourite literature in a purse

First of all, apologies that things have been a bit quiet around here of late.  The busy-ness of life has been catching up with me and blogging gets pushed down the list by more high priority tasks.

But today I am back briefly to give you a sneak peek at a new range coming soon to Domum Vindemia.

It's been my dream for a few years to create a range of kisslock purses featuring pages straight from classic literature pieces.  This month, I finally took the plunge and not only designed some book page fabric, but had enough printed to start making purses!  Of course, I started with Mr Darcy's (in)famous proposal to Elizabeth Bennet, but there will also be Jane Eyre and Wuthering Heights versions of this purse.  What do you think?

Bookmark giveaway winner

A quick thank you to all who entered last month's literature bookmark giveaway.  Unfortunately there can only be one winner, and our winner is Darla C. - congratulations!

For everyone who missed out, you can still grab a variety of Domum Vindemia's bookmarks in our Etsy store.  And this week only, there is a special offer of 10% off when you purchase 3 or more bookmarks.  To grab you discount, use coupon code BOOKMARKS at checkout.

Hanging with your favourite characters

So perhaps I'm using the word "hanging" a bit too literally when it comes to clothes pegs, but I couldn't resist the pun!  Yes, you can blame my beloved late dad for that; he had a terribly dry sense of humour.  Anyway, today I am showing off an exciting new product which will be hitting my Domum Vindemia stores next week!

I have been wanting to incoporate my favourite literary characters into more practical and quirky creations for decorating (other than the magnet sets and bookmarks already in-store).  So when I spied my collection of wooden pegs, I knew that I had hit on the perfect solution for my creative itch!

As you can see, I've started with the perennial favourite of Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice, but will also be adding Jane Eyre, Anne of Green Gables, To Kill a Mockingbird and any other classics my loyal customers want to order.  I think these clothespins are perfect for hanging favourite photos on a length of twine, or for using as place card holders at a wedding or other function.  Who would you like to see on a peg?

Sundance-Inspired Kisses and Hugs Earrings Tutorial

I have been a fan of the lustrous freshwater pearl since I was a young girl, though I don't know if that's due to my mum's love of pearls, or because of the many jewellery stores in my birthplace of Singapore which displayed strand upon strand of freshwater pearls on their walls.  Whatever the case, I adore wearing pearl jewellery and am always on the lookout for pieces which aren't your typical "twinset and pearls" look.

I am in love with Sundance's freshwater pearl range of jewellery, but since they don't easily ship to Australia, I ended up creating my own Kisses and Hugs-inspired set of earrings and necklace.  And now I'm sharing a tutorial so that you can very easily make yourself this fun set of pieces too.  All at a fraction of the cost too by substituting sparkly Czech glass beads for the gemstones in the originals.  This tutorial is for the earrings only, stay tuned for the necklace tutorial in coming weeks.

Supplies

- 2 x potato-shaped freshwater pearls, approximately 8mm

- 4 x dark red Czech glass rondelles, 4mm

- 6 x medium red Czech glass rondelles, 4mm

- 2 x gold-plated headpins, 30mm long (22-24 gauge should be thin enough to fit through the narrow holes in freshwater pearl beads)

- 2 x gold-plated lobster/leverback earring hooks

- jewellery pliers

Method

1. String the beads onto a headpin in the following order: one freshwater pearl, two dark red rondelles, three medium red rondelles.

2. Cut off excess head pin, leaving about 8-10mm of extra wire to form a loop.  Using jewellery pliers, carefully bend the head pin at a 90 degree angle to the beads.

3. Use the round nose pliers to form a partial loop in the extra wire.  Hook oone earring clasp onto the partial wire loop.  Close the loop and straighten out the wire and loop to neaten.

4. Repeat with the remaining beads and beading supplies.  And there you have it, a very fancy-looking pair of pearl earrings!

Don't think you have the skills to make a pair for yourself? Then message me to commission a custom pair in your choice of colours.  :)

Alternatives

- If you prefer to wear jewellery in other finishes, substitute silver-plated, copper or brass findings for the gold-plated ones in the supplies list.

- Making these earrings for someone with sensitive ears?  Leverback hooks also come in sterling silver, gold vermeil and 14K gold.

- Not a fan of red?  Use rondelle beads in shades of your favourite colour to keep the ombre look.  Or use any combination of your preferred colours to make a truly one of a kind pair of earrings.

The end of an era, a Two Cheeky Monkeys brooch pin sell off

When I first created Two Cheeky Monkeys' line of literature-inspired brooches and pins back in 2010, little did I know how popular these quirky brooches would become.  And little did I know how many brides would end up purchasing these brooches as additions to their bouquets, bridal gowns or bridal jewellery!

I have had so much fun creating pieces for this range and hearing stories from the many women and men who have purchased them.  But, all good things must eventually come to an end and I have decided to move on from the brooch range to focus on other literature ranges.
Therefore, I am selling off all remaining brooches at a special deal for my loyal customers.  Receive FREE SHIPPING on your brooch order when you purchase three or more brooches in one transaction.  Simply use the coupon code BROOCH at checkout to receive your free shipping discount.

Giveaway Reminder

As the countdown is on for the end of the school holidays here at TCM HQ, don't forget to enter our literature bookmark giveaway!  Head here to find the giveaway details.

To Kill a Mockingbird

A quick post in this second week of school holidays to share a little something I've been working on.  I know how much you all love the literature bracelets, and I love to constantly add to the range and re-invent the styles available.  So, today I'm showing off a one of a kind literature charm bracelet featuring five of my favourite characters from Harper Lee's To Kill a Mockingbird.  It's perfect for someone who loves to wear blues, but can also be customised to your favourite colour.  What do you think?