Polkadot Prints

"PERFECT PAIR" TWIN BABY SHOWER STATIONERY :: SHOP NEWS

2012-05-31T15:00:00.000-07:00

I've had a couple of recent requests for this Perfect Pair stationery I designed for my sisters twin baby shower (something in the water perhaps?!)
I hadn't realised that with the shop changeover, it wasn't moved over to Etsy. So, I added it yesterday, which means you can now view and purchase this collection in my shop.

I've also just added the 'Flying High' square labels I used for these travel pouches. I've had a heap of interest in these and have finally updated them to the shop! You can find the buffet labels here & the party dots I used for the iron-on transfer here.
Hopefully in time for all of you taking a summer holiday somewhere fun!

HOW TO HOST AN ICE CREAM BAR

2012-05-30T15:00:00.000-07:00

I've designed a few ice cream bars in my days of sharing here on the blog. It's my fall back desert - it's fun, interactive and I haven't yet met someone who doesn't like a spot of ice cream! You might remember my sisters baby shower, Australia Day party, family photo shoot & wedding that all had an ice cream desert.

When we were planning our farewell party, I again pulled out the ice cream bar from my bag of tricks as I thought with a large crowd it would be a really simple option and let our guests create their own sundae's. Not being a 'stylist' as such, I think ice cream bars are a really easy to make look pretty too. A win in everyones books!

Do you want to see where I begin when starting any kind of project or event?

I always sketch up my ideas and make notes to consolidate my thoughts.

And here's the finished product.

Image // Gerty Photography

It definitely helps when I'm shopping and collecting props and things for an event, and keeps things on track when I'm tempted to squeeze in every idea into the one event!

I thought I'd share some tips and things I've learnt along that way, that might encourage you to host your own little ice cream get together!

Here Goes....

Mock up - I always do a little mock up a few days before an event. I like to just set things out and make sure I actually have the room for that big 20 Litre tub of ice cream! Also it gives me time to do any last minute running around and purchases if I need to.

Image // Gerty Photography

Keep things in order - I like to place things on the table in order that you use them. From cups and ice cream right down to toppings and garnishes. It might sound common sense, but sure helps things flow nicely, particularly if there are a lot of guests.

Glasses or paper cups - I've only had the opportunity to use sundae glasses at my sisters wedding. Otherwise I use plain paper cups and decorate them to match my theme. You can use party dots, ribbon, stamps, wrap with fabric, a cup wrap (eat drink chic) or coloured cups are also an option.

Image // Etta Photography

Good quality ice cream - you can't build a sundae cathedral without a good foundation! Phone around your local ice cream shops and get prices on buying their bulk tubs, big and yum! I have always had a Sorbet for those people with allergies too. Trust me, they'll thank you for it! : )

Mix ins - Think cookie dough, marshmallows, crushed Tim Tam's or chocolate bars & after dinner mints, macarons, ferrero Rocher etc for a classier 'do'.

Image // Etta Photography

Garnishes & Toppings - again depends on the style of bar you're creating, but can be anything from glace cherries, sprinkles, nutella, to fudge sauce, crushed nuts, gold leaf etc.

Essentially, let your imagination take you away! It's summer here at the moment in Canada, so it's getting to be perfect ice cream weather. Can't wait!

Need invites, buffet labels & tags for your next ice cream bar? You can find printables for some of these ice cream bar themes in my shop!

LODGE PINNED

2012-05-28T21:40:00.000-07:00

Happy Monday friends! I hope you had a wonderful weekend. I think I had the best day yesterday since moving here. Spent in town; church, park, lunch, shops, dinner, home. It was a little bit of perfect!

This week I'm really trying to pull together my ideas for this lodge and the look I think that works the best. Trying to not get carried away my too many options but staying true to my original concepts. Here are a few key pieces that keep me on track. I'm thinking light, airy with glass and a few wicker and timber elements. Neutrals with texture I think.

The biggest thing now is to track down some shops that stock this kind of thing. If I was in Australia, I'd know exactly where to go. But here...I'm such a newbie. I need your help! What are some great stores here in Canada for this style of thing? Thanks in advance!

Images // 1:: Butlers Tray // 2:: Shelf & Mirror // 3:: Glass Pendant // 4:: Rustic Neutral bedroom // 5:: Grey Chair

WEEKEND WHIPAROUND :: JOY MOMENT NO.2

2012-05-25T22:28:00.000-07:00

After my big offload to you I've decided to share another joy moment with you this week.

I made Sushi!

Levi asks for it everytime we got to the shops as it was his usual snack when grocery shopping back home. They do have sushi here, but it is just the small rings, not the large hand rolls we are use to, so I took things into my own hands and created my own. I based the rice quantities on this recipe, and was a lot easier than I thought it would be.
Ah these little things that bring joy...I was definitely Levi's favourite mum that day and that made me smile! : )

Here are a few things from around the web this week that might bring a smile to your face:

// This tape would be at home in my tool box

// Letter light

// Creative kids playgrounds - amazing!

// Have you seen Olive Us yet, so very sweet.

I hope you have a wonderful weekend! xo

CRAFT TOOLS OF THE TRADE

2012-05-23T19:53:00.003-07:00

Want to take a peek into my supplies?
These are the things that I find I'm always pulling out of my tool box and using for anything to do with paper craft. Even when I couldn't bring all my craft supplies on my person when travelling overseas, these were the basics that were included in the suitcase.
With just a few tools, I can create something fairly easily such as this craft, on the run with just a few other purchased consumable items.

There are a few other bits and pieces in my box of tricks like a few other punches and such, but these are my essentials. What about you? Do you have your essentials for whipping up some crafting genius?

FARMYARD MILK BOTTLE :: PARTY DOT USES

2012-05-21T20:18:00.000-07:00

Thanks for your lovely words of encouragement about Friday's post. I feel a lot more honest having shared that with you, and am so glad I invited you to join me on my journey as I make this place feel like home!

Anyway, here's a little something pretty to inspire - thinking outside the box of using a party dot as a cupcake topper, I used this dot for a label on a milk bottle. Perfect for a farmyard, or outdoors style party!

And there's still 20% off in my shop for the rest of this week with code "CANADA20".

Image // Naomi V Photography

WEEKEND WHIPAROUND

2012-05-18T16:38:00.000-07:00

Well we finally arrived at the lodge this week. A home that doesn't yet feel like home. To say it's a culture shock would be an understatement! When we arrived, there was no running water (but was internet...get that!), our driveway alone is 20mins long, and our nearest supermarket is just under an hour away. This is totally different to the city life and Australian environment I'm use to. If I've ever needed one of my happy places like here or here, it's now! :)

It's been tough. I have missed things from home, but for the first time earlier this week, I actually wanted to get on a plane and go home. I didn't know how I'd go sharing this - this move has been something I've looked forward to for so long, so I feel ungrateful for feeling this way when I have been given this amazing life opportunity. It's strange that you can feel like something is the right thing to do, yet feels so hard.
This is life though complete with ups and downs and I know I will look back on these first few weeks and laugh at what a greenhorn I was!

This is part of the reason I opened the shop this week. I needed my creative outlet back, and something that felt normal. It is good to be back, and thank you for your encouragement over on Facebook too. I hope you have some lovely events planned for this year to create memories and bring a sense of tradition and love to your home. I hope my designs help you do that. Really family is so important, and if we can just make it a little more beautiful, then why not.

That's going to be my plan during this time of adjustment - keep making things beautiful, focus on the joy in the little things so that it changes my perspective on the big things. I don't think I can go wrong if I make a choice to be thankful in all of this, do you? xo

Here's a 'little' thing that I'm grateful for this week - Dave built a small campfire one evening and we toasted marshmallows. It felt so idealistic when inside I was feeling homesick. So here are some photos from a 'joy moment' this week - un-showered in all our glory! : )

I hope you're having a wonderful weekend!

(P.S. We now have running cold AND hot water, hooray!)

BUMBO SEATS

2012-05-17T15:53:00.000-07:00

I recently purchased a Bumbo seat for Ellie. I can tell you it is now on my 'must have' parenting list, I love that it give me some time to do things around the house, cook dinner with two hands or work on design projects with her nearby.
She really loves it and is able to join in the family activities a little more than when plonked on the couch or floor. The colours are sweet too, don't you think? Do you have an item that is a parenting essential? I'd love to hear.

LEGO GIFT BAGS

2012-05-15T14:39:00.000-07:00

I have been so thankful to some people who have really blessed us in the first few weeks of arriving in Canada. I wanted to show them just a smidge of my appreciation. Not having all my usual arty supplies with me yet, I used what I had in my hand, which was a box of Lego and the basic craft supplies I jammed in my suitcase. I bought a roll of white textured wrapping paper from Michael's, and printed some printables to finish them off.
I love that they can be made in any size you like, and filled with anything!

Crease the edges while the paper is still wrapped around the lego block. It will make it easier to fold the sides together and the bottom up.

I used a 1" punch to finish them off.

You could go with the Washi tape and use it for decorating too, however I had some printables on hand of a new design that will be in the shop soon. Voila!
You can then go ahead and make them in any size you like!

Images // Polkadot Prints

SHOP OPENING

2012-05-14T08:59:00.002-07:00

Happy Monday all! Good news for you party girls...the shop is open again this week. It's been a little add-hock with internet and getting everything in order, but now I'm ready to help you get your parties happening once again. I can't wait! There's even an re-opening special of a big 20% off all stationery! Just enter "CANADA20" in the promo code box (although of course anyone can use it, not just you Canadians!) Share with your friends and happy Shopping! xo

All images & designs are Copyright to Polkadot Prints

WEEKEND WHIPAROUND

2012-05-05T23:02:00.005-07:00

I think things have finally caught up to me this week. I am feeling a little overwhelmed with learning how a country operates. It's easy to take for granted all that you know about your home country works. You gradually pick things up over time as you go through school, get your license, insure a car, buy a home, have a child, shop for groceries (knowing the good brands from the bad), understand the medical system, government etc. We have been trying to get a grasp on it all in just a month...talk about brain overload! Not to mention the mammoth task of visa applications....

It was so nice to spend some time out at our friends cabin today and not do much at all.
We're finally off to the lodge this week so connections may be down for a bit, but I look forward to getting back on deck and getting my craft on!
Here are just a few things from the web this week as I haven't had much spare 'surf time':

// Create a large format photo - love
// A ripper font find
// Hey mum's we can all take a leaf from these tips
// Confetti Dishtowel
// Oh Sweet Mum (and follow the links to the online mag) - sugar rush!

I hope you have a wonderful weekend! xo

CREPE PAPER CHANDELIER

2012-05-03T21:00:00.000-07:00

I first created a crepe paper chandelier for a photo shoot last year. Unfortunately it wasn't featured, so I've been hanging out to create another for some event. Our farewell party seemed the perfect oppportunity with a cute colour palette. They're kind of my new favourite backdrop.
They are inexpensive to make and super easy to boot, and easy enough for a little boy to help out with too.
All you need are
// Embroidery hoops in various sizes
// Crepe paper streamers in your choice of colours &
// Masking tape
// Twine to hang

I suspended my hoops from a hook stuck in a ceiling beam to give me some height. Then worked my way around the hoop, taping streamers over the edge, letting them fall to the floor & then cut (this is where the toddler help came in handy passing them back up to me! - and yes, it must have been hot work :).

I alternated colours that matched my event, but you could do these in solid colours which I think would look really cool too.

I wish I'd taken a few more shots of these, but I was in such a hurry and pressed for time. They're really quite easy, but if you have any questions, just leave a comment below and I'll be sure to answer them.
Because I made these ones shorter than my first ones, there was nothing to anchor them to the ground when the wind picked up. It meant they got caught up in the trees a little more than I'd planned, but I decided not to get hung up on such a detail but just embrace the crepe paper & leaf tangle! : )

Images // DIY by Polkadot Prints & Ice Cream table by Gerty Photography

FAREWELL PARTY IN THE PARK

2012-05-02T21:00:00.000-07:00

This week we had to crack open my computer to print some stuff for my visa paperwork, which was actually a big 'Yay' for me. As sad as it may sound, being without my computer is like a part of me is missing - I miss my creative outlet, and my usual programs and tools to make my ideas happen! So nice to feel a little bit normal : )

It has also meant that I have access to the photos from our farewell party which I have wanted to share with you for a while, double yay!

Given we didn't have our own house and the fact we wanted to invite as many of our friends & family as we could to our farewell party, we held it in a nearby park. I had no 'plan B', so thankfully, it was a beautiful day and didn't rain!
Hot Dogs & Ice Cream were on the menu, which made it easy for a big crowd. It's times like these that I am extra thankful for a big helpful family and a chef as a brother in law (I dare say hot dogs were a little below his level, but he was very obliging! : )

I love that photo of Levi and one of his little buddies! xo

I created a new stationery design for the occasion (which will be in the shop when it re-opens), and put together an ice cream bar. Easy and always fun! We had some delicious flavours of ice cream and I tried to choose Australian style lollies along with the standard sprinkles & toppings.

I think my favourite little details are the blue glass spoon holder from Ikea, and the pastel paper doilies (thanks Chelley Bean Designs for such a speedy delivery!). My favourite hand made detail were the crepe paper chandeliers that I hung in the tree. They looked a little different than I anticipated due to the wind (didn't think of that!), but they were quick to make and made a nice impact.

We sent everyone home with a giant freckle in a glassine bag with our contact details - so there's no excuse not to keep in touch! : ) Tied with bakers twine, they looked so cute all packaged up.

We had some props set up for friends to have their photo taken too. A few laughs!

I want to say a humungous thank you also to some lovely friends who helped make this day so awesome -
// Tash from Whimsy Petite Styling for her fabulous props, games & tables - she hires these out did you know? They really made it all come together when I just wasn't feeling it.

// Jess from Gerty Photography - seriously, so thankful she was able to capture so many photos of our friends and casual fun. Evertime I looked up there she was snapping away so many memories for us. Please check out her website and facebook page. I will treasure all her photos.

// Daneve from Ah-Tissue & Chalk-It for those snazzy chalkboard labels. Love this product, thank you for a lovely going away gift xo

// And the photobooth props were from Oh Happy Day for a bit of fun. Thank you for the last minute inspriation! : )

I hope you enjoyed a little peek at my last Aussie event. Have you ever hosted a party for a lot of people? I'm curious to know what you served for food!

WEEKEND WHIPAROUND

2012-04-27T15:00:00.000-07:00

We took the kids to see the snow for the first time this week. While it's quite mild weather where we are, there is still plenty of snow up at the nearby ski resort. To say Levi had a great time is an understatement! He threw, jumped and played with the stuff with reckless abandon. We'll see what he thinks of snow after a long winter at the lodge!

I'm having a few techy problems at the moment; one is replying to your comments with Bloggers new threaded comments widget, so I hope that sorts itself out soon. Thank you for all your thoughts and kind words of encouragement. It's such a highlight of my day to read your comments.
The other issue is sending email. I am getting email fine, but outgoing are have a few issues. I hope that will be fixed soon too especially if you're waiting for a response from me!

Until then, here are few fun things from around the web this week:

// This tutorial would help me respond to you easier (please do it! : )
// An easy take home idea you could use for many occasions
// Eat in style (reminds me of this)
// Have you ever tried felt food?
// An easy toddler craft to practice sewing

FONDUE FOR YOU

2012-04-26T16:56:00.000-07:00

Here's a little free printable that I thought you might enjoy. Perfect for a personal treat (hello Mothers day!) or for a get together with the girlfriends, these little flags are ready to be stuck to a toothpick and be dunked in chocolate.

I used them at a party I hosted last year where I served individual plates & pots of chocolate fondue & fruit. Instead of pure chocolate, I made a mousse style dip with whipped cream and melted Toblerone (delish!). It made it a little less rich and sickening. But I'm sure you're friends wouldn't complain whichever you served!

These photos make me miss Pascall marshmallows - so soft and creamy....hmmmmm. Have some for me!

NOTE: Remember to play nice - if you re-post or pin these images, please link back to this post and not the dowload directly. Thanks! : )

LEST WE FORGET

2012-04-24T10:09:00.002-07:00

It's ANZAC day in Australia on Wednesday. Are you a regular at the dawn services? We normally have a BBQ breakfast to start the day. Being miles apart this year, I don't think we'll make it!

But, I saw these free Poppy printables from Mooo to commemorate the day. They would be great for a place settings don't you think? You can see more creative ideas and download the set here.

Enjoy the public holiday and may we all take a moment to be thankful for those who fought for our freedom!

WEEKEND WHIPAROUND

2012-04-20T21:33:00.001-07:00

Everyday is feeling like a weekend at the moment with not much daily structure, so I nearly forgot to post today! But I wanted to send you off for the rest of your weekend with a smile.

We had three deer trot down the street in broad daylight this week! So random and funny. I don't want to mock this new country we live in, but I find myself taking iPhone photos of so many things that I find different to home. A walk down the street and a trip to the supermarket has never been so quirky! I'll be sure to share some more photos with you in the coming weeks!

Here are a few more fun things I've come across this week that I thought you might enjoy...

// Cute shop and baking supplies
// The second edition of a pretty online mag
// Blank Goods
// Quilling never looked so chic
// Would you dare have a neon wedding?
// Fill your picnic basket with these tasty sangers

I remembered our Australian farewell party this week too and can't wait to unpack and share the photos with you. Oh memories!

Image // Polkadot Prints

GROWING LIKE A WEED

2012-04-19T11:12:00.000-07:00

She is growing like a weed! I can't believe Ellie is 3 mths old already, no longer new-newborn. There are many cliche's people tell you when you first have child - "make the most of every moment", "time flies", "they grow so fast" etc, etc. I remember with Levi, I found each day was L.O.N.G and those cliche's just didn't stick. But this time round, it's different. It IS truly going by so fast!

She is generally all smiles, but seems to be a sensitive little soul, affected by sudden loud laughing & noises (which doesn't gel too well with an active big brother!)

I've been documenting each monthly milestone with a little chalkboard speech bubble from Chalk-it. Here's the 3mth version...at the end of her first year, I hope to have a collection like this or this.

Have you taken month by month photos for any of your children? If you have, leave a link in the comments so we can all check them out!

TRAVEL PASSENGER GIFTS

2012-04-15T21:06:00.001-07:00

When you tell someone you're taking two small children on a 14hr plan trip, you can guarantee there will be an "oh, you're brave", "have you got drugs?" or something similar. We all know one of the few things worse than a crying or whingy child, would be a crying and whingy child in the confines of a plane cabin!

Hence the idea for this little peace offering to fellow passengers on our flight, to break the ice and say "sorry" from the start of the trip.

I wrote a little note from Levi & Ellie to fellow passengers, with some mini Easter Eggs (we travelled on the Easter weekend) and some earplugs. I packaged them in a drawstring muslin bag with an iron-on transfer on the front. I used my plane design to tie it all together (and it matched Levi's marshmallow building tin too). I made about 30 or so - just for those in the surrounding seats and a couple for the stewards serving on our section of the plane.

When preparing these, my sister told me how crazy I was making them when I had all these other logistical things on my list to do - "no wonder you're stressed out" she said. I explained to her that the stress now would be worth it when I got on the plane and my child was crying, and because I'd given them a pack, I wouldn't feel the need to apologise all the time. (Say sorry once first up with our little peace offering, and then travel in confidence, I say!) And you know what? It really worked!

The passengers around us were so impressed I got offers for help and even a nearby Grandma who offered cuddles any time I needed it. The stewards we gave it to offered us some lovely extras (win!) and it just got things off on the right foot, so glad I did it!

With such good success, I wonder now, would there be another situation you could use this for besides children? What would you put in your pack?

Images // Copyright Polkadot Prints

WE'RE IN CANADA EH?

2012-04-13T14:37:00.000-07:00

I just wanted to pop in, say hi and let you know we arrived safe and sound in Canada. A long haul flight with two small children isn't something I would want to do everyday, but I was seriously impressed and pleased at how our little peeps managed. No big meltdowns and fairly easily entertained. Phew!

Life here is so different (who says you have to go to a developing country to have culture shock!). Driving, shops, house styles, fashion, food - all different. Lots to learn! I think we're all over the jet lag now and ready to get in and get this life started.

I've got a post up my sleeve of a little something I did on the flight that made it a lot less stressful too. Might share that over the weekend!
Till then, my friends!
xo
Images // Copyright Polkadot Prints

LEAVING ON A JET PLANE + GIVEAWAY WINNER

2012-04-06T23:30:00.000-07:00

I know it's been a quiet week around here this week, and you know what that means...it's been manic on the home front! : ) It's been busy here as we pack up our life here and head over to Canada. But we've had some lovely time with family and friends - very much a bittersweet time.

I started my business here in Australia a couple of years ago and really I never knew this whole world of lovely like-minded women online existed. I'm so glad I have met you here and in real life at the markets, photo shoots and other collaborations. My life is all the richer for having you all in it. Thank you for making room in your worlds for me!

And so now the time has come to say goodbye to you too...but just from this chair. There is a new chair and studio space just awaiting me (somewhere...somehow) And we have to still do the final farewells, the sitting on of the suitcases and final weigh in, the cramming in of my favourite Aussie foods, closing of accounts, last minute coat and beanie purchases....(At least it's Easter and there's lots of chocolate around the place to combat the stress!)

See you on the other side friends. Thank you from the bottom of my Australian heart!
Jordan xo

P.S It's been so much fun reading through your entries to the "celebraTORI" giveaway this week. You girls are really party people! I've announced the winner here.

Image // by Polkadot Prints (One of the positives of moving is forcing myself to use up some of my craft supplies. This thank you parcel was for a teacher of Levi's - Wrapped in Love Mae paper, The Twinery twine & Bespoke letterpress tag)

TORI SPELLINGS 'CELEBRATORI' BOOK GIVEAWAY

2012-04-02T05:10:00.000-07:00

GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED - SEE WINNER BELOW!

I had just been thinking it was time for a giveaway for you, when what do you know, an email arrives in my inbox offering one of you a copy of a book just about to be released! ooo...fun times!

So today's your lucky day to win a copy of celebraTORI by Tori Spelling. (My husband was like "you mean Tori Spelling from 90210?" Yes, THAT Tori Spelling.) Who knew that this 90210 star would turn home party host? Well, she is and she has the goods!

Apparently party planning has been on the cards since she was 8, and debuted her party planning skills hosting her own roller skating themed party! She never looked back and has hosted events for many friends and family in her home ever since. In her new book to be launched on the 3rd April, Tori shares all her party secrets making "stylish" & "elegant" go hand in hand with "budget".

Here's a little blurb to get you excited:

In this delightfully entertaining, must-have party companion, Tori shares all the tips and tricks she’s learned from her most successful soirees (and a few train wrecks). It’s like having your own personal party planner for a fraction of the cost!

And from Tori herself....

Planning and preparing are my favorite parts of the process. Truth be told, when it comes to the actual parties, I’m a nervous wreck. But there is a moment of joy. Mine comes when I see the party come together. The guests are flowing through the space, tasting food, trying out any activities, having conversations with friends and strangers. And when I see someone take a bite of dessert, or try out a photo booth costume, or smile as they pick up a favor, well, that makes it all worth it.

Creating a party. It’s my favorite thing to do, and I’m inviting you, as my guest, to join me in the festivities. I know we’re going to have fun.
Come—discover your inner party planner!

Love, Tori

So, here's the bit you've been waiting for. One lucky reader will win their own copy of Tori's book 'celebraTORI'.

To enter, all you have to do is leave a comment below telling us -
1. The first ever party you hosted (flop or not!)
or
2. The theme of an upcoming event.

This giveaway is open to US residents only I'm afraid *sniff*. So make sure you enter you lucky Americans you!! :)
~~Entries close Friday 6th April, 2012~~ CLOSED

If you're not in the US and would like a copy you can pre order it here

I can't wait to read your comments, and good luck!

GIVEAWAY WINNER -
Thank you to all of you who entered, it has been a lot of fun to read your stories! You've got some great memories there. Make sure you have a read at all the comments if you haven't already.
But without further ado the winner of the book is ::

Sarah from A day in the life, congratulations!

Images // ediTORIal

PARTY OF THE WEEK

2012-03-29T22:00:00.000-07:00

There are so many fun weddings and parties that fill my Facebook news feed every day, and I don't like to spend all my time re-hashing what's already been tagged, said and featured. But some of these events really are worthy of sharing with everyone. SO, I've decided to bring back my 'favour friday' posts to highlight my favourite party from the week from the view point of the party favour or take home treat. Gotta' love a pretty presented parcel!

So to kick things off, check out these favours from Ruby May Designs sons' 2nd birthday party (via AAE) If you need bunting, Dawn's the girl!
I think my favourite part of the party is that instead of one large styled party table, she created some vignettes around the party area for food etc in her chosen colour scheme - love it. And these fabric bags based on a Sarah Jane print look so cute stacked up in the little wagon. You can see all Dawn's images here.

Also, I've had a few "I thought you'd like this" emails and links this week - thanks friends! Here's a few of them as well as some of my own finds from around the www -

// Puppet Invitations (thanks Alicia)
// Get your ambience on
// Chocolate icing just got healthy - I have can in the fridge right now...
// DIY blackboard photobooth (thanks Ros)
// Speaking of blackboards, check out this Arty family (thanks Kristy)
// Get organised - so need this (thanks Maddie)

I hope you have a lovely weekend - enjoy! xo

Image // Graham Sharkey

HAPPY LAB

2012-03-28T14:13:00.002-07:00

I just ordered a couple of small things for Easter from Happy Lab. I discovered this shop last week in Sydney. Have you heard of them before? What's your eye drawn to? I love their packaging and fun ideas with chocolate, test tubes of rainbow colours, 'make up' chocolate and choc pops. The shop was a feast for the eyes I tell you! I can't wait to get my parcel!

INK-DYED COFFEE FILTER POM'S

2012-03-27T03:45:00.001-07:00

by Ros Grace

I'm working on orders and my last wedding stationery suite for a customer at the moment, so sponsor, Ros Grace from Grace Designs is here to share a DIY with you today...enjoy!

The old faithful coffee filters provide endless crafting opportunities and I love working with them!! Here I have created two different pom pom looks, both using dip-dying with ink!

The top pom pom that looks like a carnation was dip dyed on the ends only using pure ink as below.

This pom pom took twelve large filters. Once they were dip-dyed and completely dried, I hot glued two flattened filters together to form the base. I then pinched the remaining filters in at the middle to get the shape seen below. I proceeded to glue five on either side of the base filling in the circle.

Half Pom Pom

The second pom pom was dyed twice using diluted ink both times but at different strength (more/less water). I dyed the filters pale blue first time round then once they dried, I dip-dyed them a medium blue. You can actually see three colours in the photo below but the white got lost when the pom pom was assembled.

I used a slightly different technique making this pom pom. Still using twelve filters, I pinched each filter in the middle to form the shape but sewed them in bunches of two, then hot glued the pom pom together. You can see it made a smaller ball but a rounder shape.

Finally if you wanted to make patterns on your pom pom's I made these spots and stripes by dipping a straw into the diluted ink/water mix and drawing on the filter with the straw. A dropper would have made much cleaner spots but I just used what I had on hand. I think these patterned filters would make a great garland, pinched into a bell shape like my chandelier!!

Thanks for having me Jordan!