koolaman

Mother's Day - Celebrate the special relationships in your life!

noreply@blogger.com (koolaman designs) — Wed, 25 Apr 2012 10:45:00 +0000

We're giving away a koolaman designs Mother's Day gift pack this year to one lucky koolaman blog reader! You can win a LIESEL bangle ($250) AUDREY pendant and 45cm large ball chain ($210) and a set of ELLA earrings ($49). To go in the draw all you need to do is browse through our online store, decide on which piece you'd love to receive or to give someone special in your life, write the name of the piece of jewellery and why! It's easy and you could win $509 worth of sterling silver hand stamped personalised jewellery by koolaman designs !

We're really busy hand stamping koolaman designs for Mother's Day. Just a note if you're thinking about giving koolaman designs this Mother's Day pop your order by midnight 30th April. The only exclusions for this are orders taken on the weekend of the 5th and 6th May at Broken Hill AgFair, Mathilda's Market Adelaide, Magnolia Square Malvern and Handmade Canberra will be stamped and sent in time for Mother's Day.

Terms and Conditions for the koolaman designs Mother's Day Gift pack giveaway:

1. One entry per person allowed.
2. To enter, simply comment on this post with your favourite piece from the koolaman designs online store. Tell us who (you can get it for yourself) you'd like to give it to and why?
3. Include your email address or a link to your website/blog where I can comment or find your email address.
4. This competition is open to entrants in NZ and AUS.
5. This competition is hosted by koolaman designs via our online blog http://koolamandesigns.blogspot.com.au
6. The sterling silver prize consists of a LIESEL bangle ($250) an AUDREY pendant and 45cm large ball chain ($210) and a set of ELLA earrings ($49).
7. Competition opens 8pm Wednesday 25th April 2012 and closes 11:00pm Monday 7th May 2012 AEST.
8. This competition is a game of skill and the winner will be based on the most interesting comment as judged by the koolaman designs team, and notified by email and via a post on koolaman designs blog on Tuesday 8th May 2012.

Adelaide Pregnancy Babies & Children's Expo

noreply@blogger.com (koolaman designs) — Tue, 13 Mar 2012 19:02:00 +0000

koolaman designs in Adelaide 16th-18th March

We're packing up the car and on our way to the Adelaide Pregnancy Babies & Children's expo this weekend with giveaways in tow! It's our first exhibition in South Australia for 2012 and we're looking forward to a great few days. The expo is held Fri 16th, Sat 17th and Sun 18th March. Doors open at 10am each day, last entry 3pm Friday and 4pm on Saturday and Sunday. We have FREE Tickets to the PBC expo available to download from our online store.

This weekend we're also going to give a free pair of sterling silver ELLA earrings with every order placed at the expo. This offer is only available to orders placed at the Adelaide expo and not online, one set of earrings per customer. Don't worry for all of those people who aren't able to make it to Adelaide this weekend, we'll be having some other giveaways soon.

The sterling silver personalised bangles LIESEL, are available in four sizes, child, petite, standard and large.

Our March giveaway is a LIESEL sterling silver bangle, visit our stand at Adelaide or at any of the other following venues we're attending in March and you could win your own personalised silver bangle.

Find koolaman designs in Bendigo for The Square 17th March and Piccadilly Market in Geelong 25th March and the Baby and Toddler Show in Melbourne 30th March - 1st April.

Unleash the fashionista within!

noreply@blogger.com (koolaman designs) — Tue, 21 Feb 2012 12:58:00 +0000

koolaman designs are looking for a customer relationship star!

If you're based near Wangaratta/Rutherglen and you consider yourself to be a koolaman customer relationship star then drop us a line before 5pm Friday 24th February 2012.

Christmas is just around the corner!

noreply@blogger.com (koolaman designs) — Wed, 07 Dec 2011 05:45:00 +0000

Have you started Christmas shopping yet? If you're thinking of shopping at koolaman designs for Christmas our advice is to get in now. To ensure you receive your Christmas koolaman designs in time, we ask that you place your orders by midnight 8th December in WA, QLD, NT, New Zealand and midnight 12th December in VIC, SA, NSW, TAS and ACT. This will give us enough time to create your koolaman personalised jewellery sterling silver and 9ct gold personalised pieces and pop them into the post.

Orders placed after this date, may not reach their recipient in time for Christmas.

Koolaman gift certificates can be purchased up until 3pm on Christmas Eve, we'll email you a copy for you to print off and pop in a card.

We've got gifts for everyone this Christmas;

Maybe there's a baby due near Christmas or in the New Year. Order a gift certificate and the recipient can choose their own.

hand-stamped sterling silver cuff bracelet personaslised as a special gift!

Sterling silver cufflinks personalised with names, dates or special words.

Cufflinks with initials stamped. koolaman designs is not just for parents!

The Amelia necklace, one of many in our silver seeds range.

The petite Lulu sterling silver personalised dog tags are a great gift for boys or for the Mums in your life.

The Charlie cuff with the Violet pendant. A gorgeous hand stamped sterling silver bangle for girls.

Liesel bangle, one of our all time favourites, perfect for lots of names or special words. This personalised sterling silver bangle is available in four sizes, childrens, petite, standard and large.

Perfect for growing families and especially for Grandma's and Nanna's. Pop the initials on each koolaman silver pendant.

We're giving a set of William cufflinks to the first person randomly selected and an Amelia bracelet to the second random winner this Christmas!

To win simply
1. Make sure you're following our koolaman blog!
2. Pop over and 'Like' our koolaman page on facebook.
3. Visit the koolaman online store and then leave a comment below with the name of your favourite koolaman piece and who you would give it to for Christmas.

The giveaway finishes at midnight 12th December. Winner drawn at random and announced on our blog on Wednesday 14th December. Prize not transferable or redeemable for cash.

Penny for your thoughts!

noreply@blogger.com (koolaman designs) — Mon, 21 Nov 2011 19:51:00 +0000

Well, think we did. The giveaway was meant to make it easy for the koolaman team to make a decision on the name of our new pendant. The overwhelming response to the giveaway with hundreds of suggestions meant that we had plenty of names to choose from. There was a varied response, with lots of Mums suggesting their children's names, names inspired by friends or special people, phrases, some humour, some suggestions of beautiful names already in the collection and we even received a poem.

We've selected the name with thanks to Brooke. Brooke suggested PENNY(the pendant) is round and penny shaped (even though there is no middle) and its just a pretty and simple name that fits with your other pendants.... We debated about PENELOPE as there were a few suggestions for this beautiful name too however we decided on PENNY. We all agreed, PENNY certainly fitted with our koolaman designs silver collection and we think it's a fitting name for our new pendant.

Congratulations to Brooke who is going to receive one of the first ever koolaman designs PENNY pendants

We'd like to thank everyone who sent through their ideas, we were amazed by how many of you there were and we certainly appreciated your efforts.

Here are a few of the interesting replies we received.

The Poem by AM

Your pendants are inspired by children's names
And just like children, none are the same!
Your new pendant suits both female and male,
So a unisex name is guaranteed not to fail!

While I have only one son, I have not chosen his name,
Instead I have decided to play your game.
I considered names such as Alex, Quinn or Marley
But in the end, I settled on "Charli(e)".

What a lovely name for a girl or a boy!
I hope you feel this name will bring you joy,
And be a wonderful addition to your collection,
Of pendants, tags, chains and other selections!

Maria said
Hi Stacey and Lisa,
My suggestion is May! It is the month of May...Mother's Day! It is also the name of my first child of four I could fit all my children's names on this pendant! May Margaret, Samuel Alan, Max Bernard and Thomas John Kent!!!

Fiona suggested
I think it should be called Fiona - cos it's big and round just like me!!

Amelia suggested
Aimi. Has Mia (backwards) in it but adding an extra letter to make it a new name but still part of it's original name

Libby suggested
Ethel Turner wrote the australian classic, Seven Little Australians. This pendant is just the thing needed for mums with thier own seven little australians, therefore I suggest ETHEL.

Renae suggested
My suggestion is "hula" when I first saw the photo I thought of a hula hoop, and all the laughter joy and excitement a hula hoop brings to a family .. Old and young :-) it creates memories that last forever in the family photo album

Olivia suggested Riverina - it just goes on and on

Tess suggested
Angelina - even she could fit all her kids names on it! ;)

Plus there are hundreds more of your suggestions on our facebook collection page and the blog
PENNY is now available at our online store and at fairs and expos leading up to Christmas. Don't forget if you're need a Christmas gift for yourself or someone else, order by midnight 8th December if you live in WA, SA, QLD, NT or midnight 12th December VIC, SA, NSW, ACT, and TAS. Orders placed after this date may not reach their destination for Christmas.

Thank you
Stacey & Lisa

A new pendant for Christmas 2011 - giveaway

noreply@blogger.com (koolaman designs) — Thu, 17 Nov 2011 22:51:00 +0000

Well it's not entirely new, it's our beloved MIA pendant, you know the silver circle necklace worn by Johannah Griggs on Better Homes and Garden. It's been with us since we started and is one of our signature pendants. Lots of our customers loved it but didn't have enough room to fit their entire family. Now, we've decided to introduce it using a smaller font as well, which means up to 46 characters can fit around the pendant.

Perfect personalised gift for Grandmas and Nanna's. Or someone with a large family!
You can win your very own, simply tell us which name you'd like to call it and why. The pendant is valued at $250. Leave a comment on the blog and your details or under the image on facebook. Winners announced on Monday 21st November 8pm and the pendant is released for sale on Tuesday 22nd at 9am.

Out and About!

noreply@blogger.com (koolaman designs) — Wed, 16 Nov 2011 01:14:00 +0000

Out and About! We're embarking on a very big weekend travelling all over visiting some beautiful places, Toowoomba, QLD, Tamworth NSW, Hamilton VIC, Brisbane QLD and Geelong VIC to exhibit our koolaman designs personalised jewellery range. The koolaman team is spreading out and our Mum (affectionately known as Mama) has jumped on board to help us.

It all starts at Toowoomba Bush Christmas. The Bush Christmas started 14 years ago as a way to showcase talent in outback QLD and NSW. We've been fortunate enough to be accepted into the exhibition this year. The exhibition is open from 18th - 27th and Mama (Lisa and Stacey's Mum) and Stacey co founder of koolaman designs will be there on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Entry is gold coin donation.
We've had some great coverage from Lee and Lizzy at 3GR and they are giving away a koolaman designs Audrey pendant and William personalised cufflinks this week. If you're a Toowoomba local tune into 3GR and check out their facebook page for the "koolaman kodewords" and you kould win one yourself!

Recent display at the Henty Machinery Field Days with Kristie (koolaman customer service) and Mama (jack of all trades).

Our final Brisbane Mathilda's Market for 2011 will be a huge Christmas extravaganza held at Eagle Farm Racing Club. Tess will be there and can take your Christmas orders. It's all under cover and rain hail or shine the show will go on.


koolaman designs 9ct gold hand-stamped pendant VICTORIA with 9ct curb gold chain

Then it's down to Tamworth to the Brain Foundation Christmas Fair, held at the Tamworth Racecourse we'll be exhibiting Saturday 19th November 9.30 - 4pm. This is our first time taking koolaman designs to Tamworth and I'm sure it's going to be a lot of fun! Look out for Stacey who will be taking orders.

koolaman designs sterling silver round pendants KATE with large ball sterling silver chain

Much further south we'll also be down to Hamilton to the Three French Hens at the Hamilton Racecourse. We had a great time last year purchasing some lovely christmas gifts, beer and proteas. Can't wait to see what they've got in store for us this year. The fair goes for two days Friday 18th and Saturday 19th 10am - 4pm.. koolaman designs will be exhibiting SATURDAY ONLY and Lisa will be able to take orders.

koolaman designs CHARLIE sterling silver cuff personalised childrens keepsake bracelet. This is a stunning gift for a baptism, christening or naming ceremony

Sunday is the final Piccadilly Market for 2011. We've really enjoyed exhibiting here at this Geelong Market. Visit Janina's blog to see all of the stall holders and their beautiful wares.

Just remember any orders placed at the fairs will be sent to you free of charge saving $15 postage fee. See you there!

Have you ever forgotten something very important?

noreply@blogger.com (koolaman designs) — Thu, 21 Jul 2011 00:33:00 +0000

Well I must confess.... like all Mums we lead busy lives, with extracurricular activities, working, maintaining a house and caring for children, tasks here and there ... Often some things are forgotten along the way.... some not so important and some very important.

It was a sunny Wednesday afternoon, I was in town doing a few jobs, Miss Lulu was at daycare and Bella Boo with her familycarer. My car was being serviced and I was running behind schedule. The car was taking longer than it was meant to and as I was waiting around for it to be ready, kept thinking that there was something that I should be doing...... After a horrible sinking feeling, realised that Augie had gone home on the bus but there wasn't anyone to meet him... Now ours isn't your standard bus stop, it's in the middle of a gravel road and maybe a car or three a day would pass, no bus shelter nearby and 5kms from our house, and there isn't any mobile phone service.... Nearly too far for me to walk, let alone a 6 year old boy whose day on the bus started at 7.25am.

After I pulled my heart from the ground, all of these thoughts ran through my head, he's left out there by himself that he'd be in tears, a random person (not that likely considering the lack of traffic) could have picked him up... Then I rang my mother in law, who like a 'supergranny' travelled at the speed of light to get to the bus stop. And in the meantime I wiped my tears and headed home not knowing what state I was going to find Augie....

Well it's fortunate that he's grown up to be a resilient child, our kindly bus driver patiently waited for 35 minutes for someone to arrive (ours is the last stop)... and then as he drove down the last 5 kms to our house met 'supergranny' on the road. You see he didn't want to drive to the house because he would have missed me on the road and he was worried I'd be concerned that the bus wasn't at the stop (little did he know I was 50kms away) and he also didn't know if there were any adults at koolaman as he wouldn't drop Augie off and leave him to his own devices..... God bless him!

As for Gus' emotional state, he had a great trip home, wasn't concerned at all, in fact he enjoyed it as he had an uninterrupted ear with the bus driver and the bus driver said that he shared many an interesting story (not sure if I like that or not).

Since that fateful day there have been a few systems popped in place! I have a daily alarm on my phone for pre-school pick ups, school pick ups and bus pick-ups! And it goes 15 minutes early for me to make sure that I have enough time to pop arrangements in place, if they aren't already. The bus' UHF radio has been repaired and the bus driver can call up the houses or the boys in the paddocks if needed and a UHF radio has also been installed in the car. And finally everyone at koolaman are made aware of any changes to the bus routine..

Have you ever forgotten something very important? I'd love to hear your thoughts....

Arriving at the bus stop, and I'm there to take him home!

The perfect bag - win one for yourself!

noreply@blogger.com (koolaman designs) — Wed, 22 Jun 2011 13:47:00 +0000

We love exhibiting our silver and now our gold collections at shows and expos around the country. There are a couple of reasons; to meet our customers who always give us such wonderful feedback which often help drive new ideas and the second is to catch up and meet with other exhibitors.

This weekend, Friday 24th, Saturday 25th and Sunday 26th we'll be at the Brisbane Pregnancy Babies and Children's Expo along with the girls from Isoki.

We've been meeting up with the Isoki girls at the Pregnancy Babies and Children's Expos around the country for the past few years. We've always admired their sophisticated range of baby bags and accessories. And we've often bought bits and pieces for presents for family and friends. In fact the word ISOKI is derived from an African word meaning 'a beautiful gift'. Thanks to Maria and the girls we're lucky enough to have a beautiful ISOKI bag to give away valued at $199

All you need to do is pop on over to ISOKI view their gorgeous collection of bags select your favourite and tell us why in the comments box here. Download a free ticket to the PBC Expo and you can see all the bags for yourself! Easy! For an extra chance, pop a comment into the ISOKI comment on the koolaman designs facebook page. Giveaway is open to Aussie residents only and closes at 8pm on Thursday 30th June 2011. What better way to finish the financial year than a beautiful bag. Winner drawn at random. Prize is not transferable and not redeemable for cash. If you don't have a Google ID just leave it as anonymous and your contact details.

Don't forget if you're in Brisbane and looking to buy a silver koolaman designs then place your order at the PBC Expo and you won't have to pay postage! (save up to $20) And,we're giving away one of our Liesel bangles soon, simply visit our stand at J19 and pop your details down to win a LIESEL bracelet . This koolaman designs JUNE giveaway will be drawn 8pm on 30th June 2011.

Mother's Day 2011

noreply@blogger.com (koolaman designs) — Tue, 26 Apr 2011 08:09:00 +0000

How are you going to spend Mother's Day 2011?

It's sowing time at Koolaman Station and it's usually a picnic in the paddock while the boys are sowing the wheat crop. This year won't be any different, with a sausage on the bbq, marshmallows for the kids to toast. Mother's Day is a quiet day, at least I don't have to worry about dishes. Last year the kids made special cupcakes complete with parasols.....

Don't forget to pop your Mother's Day order in by midnight tonight for WA, QLD and NT addresses, Visit our online store to place your order for one of our unique Mother's Day gifts in sterling silver or 9ct gold. Other states, have until midnight tomorrow 27th April to decide on what Mum would like this Mother's Day. If it's for a grandmum, what about the SOPHIE pendants with grandchildren's initials on each tag, a Mum who wears gold the GRACE pendant is perfect and for a Mum who has everything, try the EDWARD keytag

SOPHIE sterling silver pendants - perfect gift for grandma

We're giving away a Liesel bangle this April for anyone who visits our stands at Magnolia Square or any of the other markets and fairs and pops their name in the giveaway.... The March winner was H Colyer from Joslin SA

LIESEL bangle

as good as gold!

noreply@blogger.com (koolaman designs) — Mon, 28 Feb 2011 14:31:00 +0000

Stacey and Lisa and the koolaman designs team are very excited to be launching the gold with character collection. After many requests the gold has finally arrived, and not just any gold, koolaman light gold, a 9ct subtly coloured gold, just like the sunsets at koolaman station. All ready in time to be the perfect gift for Mother's Day 2011.

VICTORIA - a stunning circular pendant that is sure to be one of our most celebrated pieces and treasured by all who wear it.

CATHERINE

CATHERINE is both petite and elegant. The gorgeous light gold pendant with fixed jump ring offers the flexibility to be worn with one, two or three pendants, reflecting each individual style.

The stunning koolaman designs ELIZABETH light gold pendants team beautifully together with sets ranging from one to six pendants. Best described as a combination of city chic and country charm.

GRACE

The name GRACE was chosen for this koolaman gold pendant to relect its true old world glamou. Known as our heirloom piece, this pendant really does transcend time and passing trends. This round familiar circle is designed for those who appreciate both simplicity and elegance.

GRETEL

Classic and contemporary the GRETEL is suitable for both males and females. Wtiht he ability to wear up to five pieces on the one chain, this is the perfect way to celebrate and keep close to your heart all those that are special to you.

You're going to love these delicate gold pieces recreated from our favourite sterling silver pendants. Pop on over to the koolaman online store and see what all the fuss is about! koolaman designs handstamp sterling silver pendants and now are hand stamping 9ct gold.

We love the soft 9ct koolaman gold on the sterling silver ball chains... and we know you will too!

The winners of the koolaman designs Valentine's Day Giveaway

noreply@blogger.com (koolaman designs) — Tue, 15 Feb 2011 23:58:00 +0000

Hope you all had a lovely Valentine's Day. Even if you were like me and it passed like every other day ! From all your comments, I need not feel left out, as it seems though there are many partners out there that aren't drawn into the Valentine's Day hype.

The winners were drawn at random using random.org . The first winner Heather won the silver AUDREY pendant and large ball chain. were #86 Heather with her comment "

With 4 year old Matilda at pre-school today, it's just my 2 year old main man Toby and me this Valentines Day. No pressie or flowers for me today...but plenty of cuddles and kisses!!!"

The second winner, the winner of the WILLIAM silver cufflinks is Maisy Dee #59 with her comment "My husband doesnt do anything for valentines day either ~ it would be nice but i consider everyday to be a good day. My husband does all my housework - washing, ironing, cleaning etc.. All i have to do is cook! So I am lucky enough to be treated everyday!! :)"

The AUDREY and large ball chain - sterling silver hand stamped pendant

Congratulations to Heather and Maisy Dee !

Thank you to everyone who kindly spent time on the koolaman blog, entering the giveaway. We're also on facebook and will be announcing other giveaways and launching of new products in the coming weeks!

KATE pendants and large ball chain

Roses are red.....

noreply@blogger.com (koolaman designs) — Sun, 13 Feb 2011 19:02:00 +0000

Roses are red, violets are blue, koolaman is special and so are you!

We've been busy stamping away our Valentine's Day orders. There are lots of people who have shopped online to get their partner something special this Valentine's Day. Our sterling silver hand stamped WILLIAM cufflinks have proven to be one of more popular gift for the men and the AUDREY pendant is a stand out favourite for a gift for the girls.

Now, if you're anything like me, I've never received a Valentine's Day gift and I don't think I've even received a bunch of flowers on the day. It was bk (before kids) that a bunch of flowers would arrive, but as far as a Valentine's Day gift.... Nope not ever! My husband, is a Valentine's day non-believer!

Anyway, because we know there are people out there who would love a Valentine's Day gift (like myself) The koolaman team have decided to give away a handstamped silver pendant with silver chain and a hand stamped silver set of cufflinks to two very lucky people.

A set of the WILLIAM cufflinks and an AUDREY pendant and chain and if you're like me, the only way to receive a Valentine's Day gift is to buy it or win it yourself!

Tell us what you're going to do this Valentine's Day, a special gift you'd like to receive or give or perhaps (just to make the Valentineless people like myself envious) a special Valentine's Day treat or surprise someone's given you! Or even just a few words to describe your Valentine!

Giveaway is open to Aussie residents only and closes at 11pm on Monday 14th February 2011. Winner drawn at random. One entry per person please. If you don't have a Google ID just leave it as anonymous and your contact details.

The good things about living in the country! (and married to a farmer)

noreply@blogger.com (koolaman designs) — Sun, 16 Jan 2011 04:47:00 +0000

You can ring the pharmacist for medical advice (he's kind of like the local Dr anyway) and he knows you and the kids. You can even ring the local DR and get to speak to them too!

That we can take Merv his lunch and enjoy a long picnic with him down in the paddock under a tree.

Take-Away food simply isn't an option.

When Merv's not busy he comes in for several cuppas a day and takes the kids with him to check on the sheep.... and I have a moment to catch up on the jobs of the day.

Stopping on the side of the road for a toilet stop for three children, people driving past slow down to check if everything is okay.

The lamb and pork we eat is grown on our own property. Chooks have free range and we have the most delicious eggs!

When the mailman arrives, he calls us on the radio to say that the mail has arrived , the previous one used to drop the mail on the kitchen bench.

The day I developed mastitis with my newborn second child, after having previously having experienced it with my first child, I rang my Dr who is 200km away who faxed the script through to the pharmacist and my mother in law who was in town shopping brought the antibiotics home with her.

Taking things home on "appro" still happens in country towns.

The mailman only comes two days a week, but our next door neighbour works in town every day, and when I need to post parcels and I'm not going into town, I ring my neighbour and hang the parcels on the grid and she picks them up on her way past.

Run out to the clothesline (yes, we still have room for a clothesline in the yard) after a shower covered in a towel and not worry about any neighbours popping over the fence.

Our kids can ride their bikes on the tracks and I don't have to worry about any traffic.

Our kids at koolaman are fortunate to have their grandparents living next door and can ride their bikes or walk between the houses.

You can still get driveway service at fuel stations

We know everyone in our street (road), in the district...

Very rarely, does someone just pop in and surprise us in our pj's.

It's a long way to come to Koolaman for a visit and I love how visitors always stay longer than just for a cuppa.

These are some of the advantages of living in the country, on a farm and married to a farmer! There are plenty of negative but we're looking at the glass half full!

What are the good things where you live?

Liesel

noreply@blogger.com (koolaman designs) — Sun, 28 Nov 2010 11:08:00 +0000

If you've visited koolaman designs at one of our exhibitions around the country you might have spied this classic sterling silver bangle. It's a very special piece for us at koolaman having named it after our beautiful friend Liesel who passed away from breast cancer in 2008.
Liesel was the type of person who everyone loved. It's difficult to find the words to describe the beautiful woman she was. A wonderful friend, Liesel and her daughter Kate were very supportive in the early days of koolaman designs, with plenty of encouragement and helping us package our silver pendants.
Like it's namesake Liesel bangle is a classic, stunning piece and will be loved by everyone.
Never forgotten and always missed. L xx

Life down on the farm

noreply@blogger.com (koolaman designs) — Tue, 09 Nov 2010 11:41:00 +0000

koolaman wool

Stacey and I grew up on a farm, and although it was a small distance from town, and we sometimes felt isolated, it's nothing in comparison to living at Koolaman. Koolaman is 50km from the nearest town and 70km from Balranald. Today, as I negotiated (I wouldn't say drove - because that would infer I was in control) the 40km stretch of dirt road into town, I wished that we lived a little closer to town, that we had a bitumen road from our front door which led us there. The deep boggy muddy stretch that in dry times would be described as a road took us twice as long as normal to negotiate. I also then thought of some of the things that we've done in the past week and how fortunate our children are growing up on a farm and the things they are able to experience.

It's been shearing time at Koolaman this week. The culmination of a years hard work, nurturing the sheep to grow a fine wool, to have it shorn off the sheep and sold at auction. It's a rewarding time and it's also one which creates a buzz around the property. There are ten staff on the shearing team who stay in the quarters at Koolaman during shearing, consisting of the cook, shearers, rouseabouts, wool roller, classer and a presser.

The kids have loved interacting with these visitors and dare I say the team have enjoyed having young kids interested in what they're doing. I love that our kids know where the wool for their jumpers come from as well as their roast lamb!

Lulu

And, as well as one of the busiest times of the year with shearing we had a visitor in the form of a 'crop duster'. A most unusual sight in this Mallee/Riverina area. This year due to the substantial rainfall that has fallen, the crops at koolaman are looking the best they ever have. With high yields, (provided the locusts are contained - that's another blog to come) predicted, robust grain prices this year is something farmers have been hoping for ever since the drought began.

The reason for the visit from the crop duster is that although the rains have created these monster crops, it's also created problems with stripe rust which is a fungal disease and it loves this wet rainy weather. There is only way to remove it and that's to spray it with a fungicide and to do so by ground would mean that we'd knock down too much of the crop. The only option was to call in the 'crop duster'. If you've never seen these pilots in action you're missing out.... dodging trees and powerlines all the time spraying the crop from a few metres above it. Here is a photo of the plane negotiating a tree in the paddock.

Crop duster spraying fungicide on the koolaman wheat crop

The people we meet.....

noreply@blogger.com (koolaman designs) — Mon, 04 Oct 2010 07:39:00 +0000

We've met some wonderful people during our time with koolaman designs. We often wonder where we'd be if we weren't working with some of the most beautiful silver jewellery and making something so sweet and personal for our clients.

two ISOBEL pendants on an extra large ball chain

Among the delightful people we've met along our journey is the gorgeous Kristy from Sisken... this graphic designer turned bag fashionista creates the most beautiful leather bags for every purpose in colours that you'll be drooling over. We were very excited when Kristy asked us earlier in the year if she could use some koolaman designs in the photo shoot for her latest look book. We were even more excited when we saw the results of her hard work. These bags are a must have in any girls wardrobe... And except for a piece from from koolaman designs, these would have to be the perfect christmas present.

Montgomery tote and the koolaman FINN pendant

Pictured here is the Sisken, Large Montgomery tote $349 which has a convenient cross body strap, perfect for the times when you need a free hand, I love it when I've got my toddler on my hip and my pre-schooler holding my other hand. Model is wearing the sterling silver hand stamped FINN pendant on the 80cm large ball chain.

Sisken Bronte Clutch with the koolaman Stella pendant

And here is the Bronte Clutch Bag $220 which is a secure zip around clutch bag with a detachable strap. And the gorgoeus model is wearing the hand stamped sterling silver STELLA pendant on the 80cm large ball chain from koolaman designs.
The SISKEN bags are available in 9 colours including espresso, milk, licorice, stone, cherry, honey, blueberry, pomegranate and plum. With names this delicious you may even need two!

And Kristy is going to be giving away one of her very special Tarlee tote in Milk ($299). All you need to do is pop on over to the SISKEN site and select your favourite SISKEN item and then tell us which one and why in the comments box. Giveaway is open to Aussie residents only and closes at 8pm on Friday 15th October. Winner drawn at random. One entry per person please. If you don't have a Google ID just leave it as anonymous and your contact details.

That one day in September....

noreply@blogger.com (koolaman designs) — Mon, 27 Sep 2010 13:06:00 +0000

Months of training, every Tuesday and Thursday evening and then a football game every Saturday (which took up the entire day by the time we drove the 260km round trip to get to the away matches) every Saturday for the past 21 weeks. The two local teams, the seniors and the reserves team made it to the finals. I admire the dedication, and the committment that the players have. I also think more should be made of the committment that wives and partners (particuarly those with children) have too!

Last Saturday we barracked for Merv's team in their attempt to take home the Grand Final trophy for the reserves and unfortunately it wasn't to be.... Even after Joh's super effort at creating t-shirts and everyone wearing their red and white, the footy team lost by 12 points. The senior match result was different and they won by a large margin. The disappointment felt by the reserves overshadowed by the win of the seniors.

It's back to the drawing board and as we look forward to free weekends and Tuesdays and Thursday nights at home, 2011 will be here before we know it.

Help.......

noreply@blogger.com (koolaman designs) — Tue, 10 Aug 2010 12:40:00 +0000

One of our new pieces for 2010 is ready to be launched, it's the stunning "NEW MIA". A little smaller than MIA and bigger than the KATE pendant. Already proving to be a very popular piece as we've shown clients at fairs and expos in the past month.
We haven't been able to decide on a name, so we're going to leave it to our wonderful loyal clients, who make our job such a pleasure to contribute! It's your chance to win a hand stamped MIA pendant and silver large ball chain valued at $210 customised especially for you by simply suggesting a name and leaving it in the comments section here. You can also let us know why you think it would be a great name.

Pop your entry in the comments box here and the comp closes 8pm Wednesday 19th August 2010, winner will be announced on Friday. If you don't have a Google ID just leave it as anonymous and your contact details.

Here is an image with the KATE, "New MIA" and the MIA pendant just to give you an idea of size

Just in time for Father's Day

noreply@blogger.com (koolaman designs) — Tue, 03 Aug 2010 15:10:00 +0000

Just in time for Father's Day, we'll be at Magnolia Square, at the Malvern Town Hall, this Thursday 5th, Friday 6th and Saturday 7th of August.

The stunning WILLIAM set of cufflinks have just been launched for Father's Day 2010. Pop on down to Magnolia Square where you can place your order, view the curated wares and drop back to pick up your personalised silver with character gift. Don't worry if you don't have time to wait, we'll stamp your unique piece of hand stamped jewellery and post it out free of charge. And if you can't get to see us before Father's Day, don't worry just make sure you have your order in by the 30th August.

And, the following week you'll find us in Perth, WA at the Claremont Showgrounds for the Pregnancy Babies and Children's expo, visit our website to download free tickets to the expo.

The simple things in life

noreply@blogger.com (koolaman designs) — Thu, 29 Jul 2010 23:58:00 +0000

I love birthday parties, I love all of the birthday bits and bobs, the themes, the matching paper products from places like the cupcake wrapper co and sambellina party supplies. And I also love the simple things and when we were invited to Lara's birthday the other day I was delighted to see these gorgeous homemade goodie bags... All decorated by the birthday girl and her four year old sister. In between coordinating two year old birthday parties Lara's Mum is busy making delicious olive oils and olive oil products

And, then the not so simple. Talia, one of the koolaman team members said that she was going to create a Humpty Dumpty cake for her daughters birthday, we imagined one about 10-15cm high, with an egg as humpty dumpty and a piece of cake covered in chocolate icing for the brick wall. We were astounded when we saw this spectacular Humpty Dumpty masterpiece. As I'm sure little Amaya was too! Talia also used the 'reusable' cupcake wrappers from Kathy and Natalie at the Cupcake Wrapper Company.

Don't forget we'll be at the GEELONG Piccadilly Market this Sunday 1st August from 10am - 4pm.

A sneak peak of the WILLIAM cufflinks

somewhere OVER THE RAINBOW...

noreply@blogger.com (koolaman designs) — Tue, 27 Jul 2010 13:39:00 +0000

Rainbows never fail to amaze me with their beauty and this week we were treated to a double rainbow over Koolaman. You can see the main rainbow and the second one popping out on the right.

Here is mother nature in all her beauty with a double treat for us at Koolaman.... And to wash away the rainbows five minutes after this image was taken the skies opened up and it rained and rained and rained..

There are some organised koolaman clients out there who have been placing their fathers day orders for our cufflinks, keyrings and pendants. Here's a sample of what we've been busy creating. To ensure your Fathers Day order is received in time, please place your order at koolamandesigns.com.au before the 30th August. And look out for the new cufflinks which will be launched next week, we know you're going to love them!

Winter Holidays @ koolaman

noreply@blogger.com (koolaman designs) — Mon, 12 Jul 2010 12:38:00 +0000

School holidays are over. On the last day of the holidays it rained for most of the day today and the girls and I were looking for fun things to do inside. Lulu's idea was to paint our nails, a beautician in the making.... It looks like it might have been torturous and bloody but there was far too much laughter happening while the toes were being murdered. Lulu & Belle might need a bit more practice of painting the nails and less of the toes!

We had a couple of days in Melbourne, where we went to a footy match to see Gus' beloved Hawks... Melbourne turned on the cold weather and despite our best efforts we had to duck out at three quarter time and watch the last quarter of the "best game of the year" from our hotel.

Watching the players warm up... and getting a bit of practice in for when the Hawks score a goal....

We can highly recommend dinner at Carltons Bistro Two Dozen. A beautiful restaurant we'll visit again, next time without the kids. Not because kids aren't welcome, that's not the case at all, we arrived early and we were all waited on by the staff, all delighted to be able to help us out. No, the reason I want to go again, is to enjoy a drink in the wine room downstairs, before dinner and then be able to sit back and take my time digesting the delicious meal. It's situated at 180 Rathdowne street and is easy to find, I'm looking forward to another date with bistro two dozen...

Gus in the wine cellar at Bistro Two Dozen

Gus Lulu and Belle loved the Disneyland on Ice show...

And, don't forget Father's Day will soon be upon us... We've got some new things to show you soon but in the meantime you can admire the Henry cufflinks here. Pop the 30th August into your diaries. This is the last date for orders to ensure delivery for Fathers Day.

koolaman designs finalists in AusMumpreneur of the Year Awards

noreply@blogger.com (koolaman designs) — Sun, 11 Jul 2010 11:53:00 +0000

We were very very delighted when we heard earlier this week that we have been selected as one of five finalists of AusMumpreneur of the Year. And we were doubly excited when we also found out that we're a finalist in the category of Handmade Mumpreneur of the Year.

The awards recognise the innovative and professional women who are Mums working in Businesses all over Australia and New Zealand. We are thrilled to be in the same company as all of these Mums (& Dads) see all the other finalists in the AusMumpreneur awards here.

There is also a Dadpreneur Award too, and we were really pleased to see Daniel from Ear Muffs for Kids as a finalist. Since June 2009 the koolaman kids Gus, Lulu, Bella, Chloe, Lenny and Teddy have been roadtesting the Ear Muffs for Kids. They are perfect for any time when the kids are near loud noises and importantly the kids love wearing them.

The awards ceremony will be held at the Connect2Mums conference in Brisbane at the end of this month. There is still time to get your tickets to the conference and awards night visit connect2mums for more information.

Frosty outside but it's warm and toasty on the inside.....

noreply@blogger.com (koolaman designs) — Fri, 02 Jul 2010 13:21:00 +0000

Brrrrrr, it was cold in Canberra on Sunday, but the Mathilda's Market at the Federation Ballroom at the Hyatt Hotel was warm and toasty. There were lots of beautiful products on display. Sunday morning in Canberra was a frosty -3 degrees, but the ballroom was warm and toasty, causing all the Canberrians who visited to peel off their coats, hats and mittens.

Corrie from RetroMummy was there with her gorgeous crochet hats, and fine frocks all made from the cutest coloured fabrics. We met Corrie at our first Canberra Mathildas in February. There is a picture of her 'hat tree' exploding in the finest crochet hats.

Anastasia from Cheeky Textiles had her display of wall art, I loved the robin red breast screen printed artwork. Helen from Ensparkle and her personalised ceramics and they look even better in real life... The brooches are the perfect gift or even one for your winter coat.

Sarah from Gifts Created have the cutest little birds in a cage that you've ever seen! Can't wait to get back to Mathilda's and get one for the girls room. And Justine from Baldi Bear Art with her beautiful illustrations and custom portraits, this is one clever Mama! Justine's daughter was helping out on Sunday and she even has her own portrait on display.. I did a double take when I saw the pretty image and then the real thing!

Koolaman is a sheep and wheat station, we grow wheat and we also grow sheep for meat and wool. I especially love seeing wool made into beautiful pieces of clothing and these stylish, yet simple childrens vests from Katherine at Little Blue Children's clothing are the perfect thing for winter.

a snippet of some of the retailers from the market.

Look out for
Michelle from Poppy, Bean and Bloss and her handmade toys and more was there. It's school holiday time and she has the perfect craft activity to keep the kids entertained...

Another appearance at the Canberra Mathilda's Market, and we're constantly amazed by the beautiful historical building of the Canberra Hyatt. The Market operates in the Federation Ballroom and is an absolute delight to visit and exhibit. We can recommend the delicious hot chocolates from the Hyatt too, worth the eight hour drive..

A little nook at the Hyatt in the wide hallways...The Canberra Hyatt Hotel at night....The black baby grand.....