Something Old, Something New, Something Borrowed, Something Blue

Two weeks ago I had the pleasure of creating a special bridal garter for a Texan bride-to-be.  She loved the Jane Eyre-inspired garter currently available in-store, but wanted even more of a "something blue" feel to it.

Which is how I ended up creating this pretty blue on blue garter featuring Jane Eyre's "Reader, I married him" quote in a charming cameo and lace bow dangle.  This pretty is now winging its way to its new owner, where it will hopefully give her a little somthing extra to smile about on her big day.

I've now run out of this gorgeous light blue stretch lace, but am seriously considering ordering in some more or ordering in a different blue lace.  So I'm asking all the brides out there - do you prefer the white stretch lace garter, or the blue one? 

Gorgeous Anisoptera

About this time last year I posted about a new range of draonfly-themed creations I was adding to Domum Vindemia.  They have been amazingly popular, with only one set of stitch markers left in stock!

So popular, in fact, that I recently created a bespoke set of dragonfly (aka Anisoptera) wine glass charms for a customer who plans to also have the back of each charm engraved with initials.  I had a lot of fun creating these, and am thinking of creating one more set with the last remaining images.  What do you think - yes or no?

I'm officially an adult!

My beloved dad used to joke that you're not truly an adult until you reach 40!  I don't know how old he was when he came up with this hypothesis, but I'm sure that he would have gleefully welcomed me to "adulthood" if he were still here today.

To celebrate reaching my BIG 4-0, I'm having a ONE DAY ONLY sale: 40% off* all purchases over USD$50 in either Two Cheeky Monkeys or Domum Vindemia.  Simply use the coupon code 40PERCENT at checkout and spoil yourself while I celebrate my birthday!

And here are some of my lovely, lovely presents from fantastic family members - I have been so spoiled!!!

* Discount does not include custom orders, layby/layaway or postage and handling.

Bespoke To Kill a Mockingbird

Some of you may remember back to two years ago when I first launched the current literature charm bracelet range, and how excited I was to show off the new range.  I am so pleased to look back over that time and see how popular this range has been in both its gold-plated and silver-plated colourways.

Today I am showing off a bespoke version of the To Kill a Mockingbird bracelet, commissioned by a customer who was interested in including Dill's name in the bracelet.  I really like this version of the bracelet and am seriously considering adding it to Two Cheeky Monkeys as an alternative to the existing design available for purchase.  What do you think?  Do you love the addition of Dill?

In my creative space

This past week I have been happily creating for the two cheeky monkeys and myself, with several floral projects adorning my creative space.  The first is something I've been planning to make for a while now, but kept putting off to work on customer orders and ideas for my stores.

This delightful vintage salt and pepper shaker was purchased from an op shop (thrift store) many years ago with the intent to turn it (and its pair) into miniature vases.  So now, they're finally being used as I had intended them to be and are the proud holders of sweet bouquets of button flowers created from my stash of vintage and contemporary buttons.

I've also been working on little collage-inspired adornments for the cheeky monkeys to decorate their rooms.  We all love using old sheet music in our creations, and my monkeys loooove glitter and all things cute, so I went with a slightly frou-frou design.  What do you think of my "just for fun" creations?  What do you create for yourself when you're relaxing?

Still on the bunting train

I'm still on a roll with storybook buntings for Domum Vindemia this week (in between consoling poor Mr Cheeky Monkeys who developed shingles), with multiple new buntings gracing my creative space.  On a side note, all this sewing has gotten me seriously considering the purchase of a new and better sewing machine to handle the various projects I tackle!

I'm still merely re-stocking bunting designs which have been sold out or  are extremely low on stock, so if you've been waiting for your favourite designs to make it back in-store, now's the time to head to Domum Vindemia and feast your bookish heart out on our new additions.  Although I've only been working on our usual designs, I have been slowly adding different bunting tape colours to the store.

I'm really loving the return to cream-coloured bunting tape as well as the addition of red bunting tape, and am seriously considering adding several new colours, such as mint green and navy blue.  What do you think?  Which colours do you love for bunting tapes?

Princess-inspired hair jewellery

In case you haven't noticed by now, I am a huge fan of long hair and fun and gorgeous hair accessories. And growing up watching Chinese wuxia films, I quickly fell in love with the amazing hair jewels and accessories worn by the female characters (especially the princesses!) in those films.

So, of course, I've added many of my own interpretations of Chinese hair sticks to Two Cheeky Monkeys over the years, including the ones you see above.  In fact, the purple Swarovski pearl version you see in the top right of the image will very soon be the newest addition to the range.  And, I'm working on other new designs to add to the store.

Let me ask you - which design is your favourite?  Are you a fan of the pearls and flowers, the more "simple" beaded versions, or are you a literature fan?

Last Minute Mother's Day Gifts and a 40% Off Sale

If you've wandering around completely flummoxed about how it is already THE START OF MAY, then you're not alone!  May is traditionally an INSANE month for the Cheeky Monkeys family, and this year is especially so as we have been dealing with illness, have two milestone birthdays in the family as well as one of the cheeky monkeys heading off on school camp and, of course, Mother's Day.

So, if you're as stressed as I am about how it is already May, then chances are you're still stressing about Mother's day presents for your mum or other significant women in your life.  But never fear, Domum Vindemia and Two Cheeky Monkeys both have plenty of ready to ship items in-store, ready to spoil your mum!!!  Simply head to our stores, select EXPRESS POST shipping, and your mum can know just how much she means to you this Mother's Day (and hopefully every day too).

AND, if you're a member of our mailing list, you should have already received our latest newsletter with your special 40% OFF discount coupon inside, which you are most welcome to use for your Mother's Day shopping!  Not signed up for our mailing list?  Never fear, sign up HERE today and you will receive our monthly newsletter with your special 40% off code too.

Magic Custard Cake Recipe Roundup

As you probably all know by now, I am a HUGE fan of magic custard cakes.  Firstly, because they're so easy to make but are such a marvel when you see the layers of cake "magically" appear upon baking.  Secondly, because they taste AMAZING.  And thirdly, because the recipe for magic custard cakes is just so versatile.  So today, I have put together a roundup of 6 different flavoured magic custard cakes for you to try - enjoy!*

1. Chocolate - who can resist chocolate???

2. Lemon - for those who prefer their desserts not too sweet

3. Pandan - an Asian-inspired version

4. Vanilla - the base recipe from which all other flavours can be made

5. Coffee - this one's a little naughty with a touch of Kahlua

6. Matcha - another Asian-inspired take on magic custard cake

Which one will you try first?

* For those on a gluten free diet, I have successfully made magic custard cakes with gluten free flour.  It doesn't taste the same to me, but is always happily eaten by my coeliac friends.