Handmade Mother's Day Card Ideas

With Mother's Day fast approaching here in Australia, I've collected a roundup of some of my current favourite DIY Mother's Day card designs. Enjoy!

1. Floral Card

What's not to love about a floral pop up card? Find the pattern here.

2. Flower Bracelet Card

A card and bracelet in one! Get the tutorial here.

3. Folded Flower Envelope

Find the tutorial for this cute folded flower envelope and flower card here.

4. Simple Mother's Day Cards

Sweet card ideas you can put together in minutes.

5. Mum's Favourite Things Card

Whip up a card that celebrates mum's favourite things.

Surprise Christmas Cake Roundup

 As the Christmas season approaches, I yet again start my hunt for the perfect cake to make for the year's celebrations.  And what better way than with a cake that will wow them on presentation AND when you cut it to serve your guests!  This roundup of surprise Christmas cakes has me more excited than a traditional Christmas cake ever will.

A Christmas gift cake with a bauble on the inside

Chocolate, mint and Christmas trees, what's not to love?

A cake inspired by Dr Seuss's The Grinch

 

 A Christmas pinata cake will definitely bring smiles

Merry Christmas 2021!

 

Well, what another year of chaos and upheaval we've had in 2021!  While I will admit that it's definitely been a very difficult year here in the Two Cheeky Monkeys household, I am thankful that we've made it to Christmas relatively healthy physically, mentally and spiritually.

I hope that all my wonderful supporters are safe and well, and want to thank you so much for your continued support of my little blog and businesses.

May you have a merry Christmas and blessed 2022! 

Taste and see that the Lord is good;
blessed is the one who takes refuge in him.

Psalm 34:8 (NIV)

Mug Cake Roundup

In the midst of this sixth lockdown for those of living in Victoria, Australia, the Cheeky Monkeys family has been pampering ourselves with easy to make desserts that can be cooked on the run during breaks of remote learning and working from home.

If you've never had the fun of making cakes in a mug with your microwave, then here is a roundup of recipes to start you on this journey of fast and simple treats.  Enjoy!

 

1. Vanilla mug cake

2. Snickerdoodle mug cake

3. Low fat chocolate mug cake

4. Carrot cake in a mug

How to make family birthstone earrings

Make a pair of birthstone-inspired earrings featuring luscious glass beads that represent the entire family's birthstones.

I'll show you how to put this simple, yet eye-catching, pair of earrings together to represent the favourite people in your life.

Birthstone jewellery will always be popular, especially for mothers and grandmothers, so I was inspired to create this pair of birthstone-inspired earrings featuring vintage and Czech glass beads that represent a family of four close to my heart.

 

How to make a pair of family birthstone earrings

Materials

- 2 x 5-6mm glass beads

- 2 x 8mm glass beads

- 2 x 9mm rondelle beads

- 2 x 10mm Czech glass beads

- 2 x 50mm headpins

- 2 x leverback earhooks (to keep those earrings safely on your ears)

- round nose pliers

- needle nose pliers

- wire cutters

 

Steps

1. Thread one of each size of bead onto one headpin in order from largest to smallest. Using the wire cutters, cut off excess headpin, leaving 10mm of headpin to attach the beads to the earhook.

 

 2. Using the needle nose pliers, bend back the headpin as close to the beads as possible.

 

3. Using the round nose pliers, create a loop in the headpin end, but do not close the loop.

 

4. Hook the half-formed loop onto a leverback earhook.

 

5. Close the loop with the round nose pliers, straightening with the needle nose pliers if needed.

6. Repeat with the remaining bead supplies to create the second earring.

And there you have it, a gorgeous pair of earrings celebrating a family of four in meaningful and affordable style. 

Happy Easter!

 Wishing you all a blessed Easter in 2021!

But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

Romans 5:8 (NIV)

Hair Braid Jewellery Coming Soon!

They're coming!  My exciting new hair braid jewellery range is coming very soon for those who can't get enough of the viking braid and hair jewellery trend.

The photo above is a set specially commissioned by a customer for her braid-loving teen; I can't wait to unveil the brand new range for women of all ages!

To pre-order or special commission a set for yourself (or your daughters), send me a message via my shop to make sure you don't miss out.

Favourite Kids' Stories

I get a lot of comments about our Spot the dog and Maisy mouse buntings, and queries about when our new stock will be in; and I thank you all so much for your love!  Classic children's storybooks are one of those things that we never stop loving.  And how could you not love Spot or Maisy?

Just having the partially-completed buntings sitting in my work space makes my creative area so cheerful and bright!

Grab a Spot or Maisy bunting to brighten your little one's room (or one of each!), and don't forget to tag @domumvindemia on social media when you show off your new purchases.

Valentine's Day Recipes

Whether you're spending Valentine's Day with your gal pals, or wining and dining your beloved, these recipes will make for a fun night in with your favourite people!

1. Smoked salmon bites make great finger food, and are luxurious at the same time.

 2. Chocolate bark studded with candy hearts is perfect for a whimsical Valentine's Day treat.

 3. Who knew that chocolate and pate could be combined to make a luscious treat!

4. There's a reason that chocolate-coated strawberries are still popular - they're tried and true.

5. Prawns and harissa combine to make a decadent pasta dish.

6. Make seasonal-themed fudge with this chocolate and red hearts version of the ever popular treat.

Elegant drop earrings

 

Since at least the 1960s, women have been hunting for the perfect little black dress to wear to any occasion. So today I am sharing a quick and easy DIY for an elegant pair of earrings to match whichever LBD you choose for yourself!

 Supplies

 - 2 x 10mm black glass beads

- 40mm of thin (1.5-2mm wide) silver-plated chain

- 2 x silver-plated earring hooks (or sterling silver if you have sensitive ears)

- 2 x 30mm silver-plated headpins

- 4 x 6mm silver-plated filigree bead caps

Method

1. Place one bead cap, one bead, followed by another bead cap onto a headpin. Cut off excess headpin, leaving 8-10mm above the bead. Make a loop in the headpin; repeat with the remaining bead caps, bead and headpin.

2. Divide the chain into two 20mm lengths. Open the end link of one chain and attach the chain to a loop made in step 1. Repeat with the remaining chain and bead loop.

3. Open the hanging loop on one earring hook and attach to the free end of one of your chain and bead drops. Repeat with the remaining earring supplies, and there you have it, one pair of elegant earrings that will do your LBD proud!

We wish you a Merry Christmas

Wishing all of my wonderful readers a blessed and safe Christmas 2020!  Thank you for your continued support, and may 2021 be a calmer and healthier year for everyone!!!

Apple Pie Granola

The Cheeky Monkeys family are huge fans of granola, and homemade granola is our favourite because of the ability to tailor the ingredients to our current flavour(s) of the month.

Our current favourite is this apple pie-inspired granola, which is not only full of high fibre and high protein ingredients, but low in processed sugars too.

 

 

Ingredients

- 3 1/2 cups rolled oats

- 1/2 cup quinoa flakes

- 1/2 cup sultanas

- 1/2 cup dried apple, chopped

- 1/2 cup blanched hazelnuts, chopped

- 1/3 cup buckwheat groats

- 1/3 cup pepitas

- 1 tsp ground cinnamon

- 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg

- 1 tsp vanilla essence

- 1 Tb maple syrup

- 1 Tb powdered stevia

- 1/3 cup canola oil or coconut oil

 

 

1. Pre-heat your oven to 170°C. Line two large baking trays with non-stick baking paper.

Mix the dry ingredients (the first 7 ingredients) together in a large bowl.

2. Mix the last 6 ingredients together in a small bowl.

3. Mix the dry and wet ingredients together thoroughly.

4. Divide the granola mix between the two baking trays, spreading the mix evenly over the trays.

Bake the granola for 20-30 minutes, or until lightly browned, mixing every 5 minutes to ensure the granola doesn't burn.

5. Enjoy granola with your favourite milk!

* Alternatives:

- Rolled barley, rye, spelt or buckwheat work well as an alternative to the rolled oats and quinoa flakes

- Blanched almonds can be substituted for the hazelnuts, or leave out the nuts if you or your family members have nut allergies

The poison ring's sweet little sister

Popular in the middle ages, the poison ring, also known as the pillbox ring, was used by many to hold trinkets, such as locks of hair, that reminded them of loved ones.
Two Cheeky Monkeys' range of locket rings, was inspired by those antique poison rings, but are a much sweeter version, created empty, or holding your loved one's initials!

These rings have been extremely popular in the last six months, with only one sweet ring left in-store.
BUT, I have been busy and have now re-stocked our locket ring range with popular sold out designs, as well as a range of all new designs that keep the retro, floral look of the original design.

Now also featuring locket rings with heart-shaped lockets, head to our Etsy store to see the full range, and tell me which one(s) you love best!

A roundup of Regency bonnet DIYs

Regency and cosplay loving friends, today's post is perfect for those who are keen to make their own costume for future Jane Austen and regency era festivals!

Once you've settled on a dress for the day, you can follow one of these tutorials to create a matching bonnet or hat to complete your outfit.  Enjoy!

1. Upcycle a straw hat to create a sweet bonnet.

2. Not a bonnet, but a regency turban cap.

3. A different method for turning a straw hat into regency bonnet.

4. A drawn bonnet DIY for those with mad sewing skills.

5. Prefer the look of a stovepipe bonnet? Try this simple DIY.

Button Bracelet Roundup

Hello friends, I hope you're all well and coping with the isolation of being in lockdown (or whichever name your country is calling it).

With Mother's day almost upon us in Australia, the US, and several other countries, I know that lockdown has made celebrating difficult this year.
So, I've put together a roundup of button bracelet tutorials that are easy enough for kids and teens to create for Mum, maybe with a little help from Dad!

1. This suede and button bracelet is the easiest of the lot, and perfect for the Mum who loves minimalist jewellery.

2. Another simple bracelet, but with a unique look.

3. A fun button bracelet perfect for those with a big button stash.

4. A perfect button bracelet for the Mum who loves bangles.

5. This button charm bracelet will need some basic jewellery making skills.

Our Madeit Stores Are Now Open!

Aussie fans, most of you have said that you prefer to shop online via an Australian site, and that you prefer to shop in AUD, so I've listened to your preferences and have re-opened my Madeit stores!

Via Madeit, store prices are a constant figure in Australian dollars, rather than a fluctuating figure based on US dollar exchange rates.  AND, shopping via Madeit means that you're not just shopping Australian small business, but you're shopping via an Australian owned and run website - a win-win situation, am I right!

For those who love my book- and vintage-inspired jewellery, you can find us at Two Cheeky Monkeys.

And if you're a lover of our bookish and boho homewares and accessories, head over to the Aussie site for Domum Vindemia.

Also, if you're worriedly wondering what to do for your Mum during this lockdown Mother's Day, I am still taking Mother's Day orders, simply select Express Post shipping at checkout and I'll send your order direct to Mum on your behalf!

A roundup of quince recipes

Quinces - those fruit that I always think I'd like to try cooking with, but never do.  But, now that we're all living in self-isolation thanks to a certain virus, I found myself the proud purchaser of a box of quinces and other fruit direct from a friend's sister's farm (long story).
Of course, I've since been madly baking away with the various fruit in the box, so here is a roundup of quince recipes I've been trying out.  Enjoy!

1. Unless you're making quince paste, you need to cook your quinces before using them. I love the spice combination of the poaching liquid in this recipe.

2. Quince paste, possibly most people's first exposure to the enigmatic fruit (and delicious with a selection of cheeses).

3. This cake was so good my family ate half of it in one sitting (hey, it was on the smaller side)!

4. Upside down cake minus the 1980s kitsch.

5. These muffins call for dried quince, but adding cold, poached quince works just as well, if not better.