Ahhhh Paris

While at work on Saturday I was on Etsy as always, & thought I would do a local search (in Australia) to see who was out there and what amazing pieces were being made. Basically I was in the mood to buy. Anyway, well all I can say is that I struck GOLD. I am not lying when I say this my my heart started racing when I saw this & just new I had to have it.

The piece is made by Pretty Peonies, who is a Melbourne based artist from Melbourne. Anyone who knows me well understands my love for Paris. I don't know what it is about Paris that I love the most, it's a mixture of the architecture, the language, fashion, art, buskers, freelance street artists, red wine, baguettes, cheese, and Nutella crepes. I first went there when I was working full time as a fashion designer/buyer, on a buying trip & it was love at first site. People always say it's romantic. As I was there for work, I can't actually say I was struck with romance, to me it was more of how it looked, the blue stone streets and how they were not grid locked, but seemed entwined with each other, how women dressed so elegantly and were so thin, and of course all the their most famous monuments which don't need to be named. I loved the cafes (especially Paul's) boutiques, Rue de Rivoli, Massimo Dutti, especially "Galeries Lafayette", it's a department store like no other, it doesn't have anything typical about it. The building is circular and the art/decoration on the roof took my breath away when I first saw it. I am sure anyone who has been there understands. Unfortunately the photos just don't do it justice.

I did several more trips there in my working travels, which I yearned for yearly, and then I finally got there with my husband Daniel in 2005, which was the best experience ever, as I finally got to explore more sites and take in everything I never got the opportunity to do when on work time.

I could go on for hours for my love of Paris, I know I bore my friends except one, Tania as she feels the same, I guess the fact we did the buying trips together with work explains it. To keep my love affair going with this beautiful city I listen to "So French So Chic", and I read books like this, I just can't help myself. I really need to learn the language, but never got around to it, I knew some basics when there but that was it. Maybe if I did that I would understand my damn French CD's ("So French So Chic"), I listen too.

Anyway I hope to get back there one day, I would love to go for a month. I want to explore more of Paris, and venture to more of the French country side. I dream of doing this with my husband, on a very conventional push bike with traditional brakes, a wicker basket on the front filled with a red gingham picnic blanket, a french bread stick, cheese, and red wine. Daniel would rather French Beer, but that's OK I can't have everything!!!

I think I have gone on enough about it, and I am sure you get my love for it. I better sign off before I carry on more, which would be so easy to do.

Before I go thanks Shanwen for making the "Amelie" neck lace (by the way I love that movie too with Audrey Tatou) I can't wait to receive, and bringing back my memories so I could share them with everyone.

au revoir,

Kylie

How life has changed.....

MMMM I ask myself should I be missing the bar scene? Should I be missing all the bottles of champers I would consume with friends on the weekend? Should I be missing being able to go to the movies without any interruptions? Should I be missing going out for dinner until late catching up with friends and talking endlessly? I am sorry to say the answer is a big YES! YES! YES!

But in the same breath I wouldn't change my now, new world for a bit. Having Hudson in my world is life changing, I am blessed with such a happy kid, he is actually quite amusing, and I am learning what a great sense of humor he has. I can't help myself, but I just have to show his happy face.

I am positive my life isn't to dissimilar to a lot of other artists and crafters out there with kids, but here I am on a Saturday night thrilled to pieces that my son is asleep, my husband is watching a movie (Pineapple express, which is a load of crap so I abandoned him), and I am here doing a super quick blog, and thinking of what work I could be creating. It's also a time to surf the net, especially Etsy of course, reading blogs, and to see whats happening out there and what beautiful pieces I want to buy next.

Oh one thing I don't miss are the hang overs and waking up with such foggy feelings.

Well if anyone else out there is at home with the same satisfaction, as lame as it sounds,

CHEERS and enjoy!

Goodnight,

Ky x

Artsist of the week - Lou from ButtonsByLouLou

This weeks fab artist is Lou from Buttons By Lou Lou, she is a Melbourne girl who I think has such adorable products.

Lou's passion for her self covered buttons started when she was seeing them everywhere, and became intrigued as to how they were made. She started making some as gift ideas for friends and family, and started becoming as she describes somewhat obsessed.

What I love about Lou's buttons, is her attention to detail. She has clearly thought about every fabric selection she has made, making sure the placement of each design sits perfectly within the button shape, and product design she has conceived. The packaging of the some of her products are so cute, I love those tins, I can see why they were such successful gifts. Best of all she has buttons for BOYS!!!!! Who would have thought self covered buttons for boys could be so cool.

Do yourself a favour, please look at her Etsy shop and think about her buttons for you next gift, craft project that needs a super cute finishing touch.

Keep on reading to get an insight of Lou's inspiration and other thoughts.....

1)Tell us a bit about yourself?

I am usually a mum at home with my 2 little boys - almost 3 years old and 8 months old. We do every day stuff at home, go to the library and playgroup and other kids bits and pieces. I'm having a break from my usual work for a while - not sure for how long. I will have to see how my 'buttons' go. I live in Melbourne, although grew up in country Victoria. I like chocolate and lollies, my hot water bottle, handmade things, nice friendly people, eating out, movies, and plenty of other things I'm sure...

2)Where did your business name come from?

I came up with my business name in about 2 seconds because I was never really expecting to become a business. Sometimes I regret that I didn't put more thought into it but I don't know what I would call it otherwise. Very self explanatory - I make buttons and my name is Lou.

3)Tell us a bit about your business?

I sell fabric buttons for people to use for their own sewing projects. Also accessories made from fabric covered buttons. Hair accessories, earrings, rings, brooches, magnets, and other bits and pieces. Lots of fun and bright designs for children - robots, babushka dolls, cupcakes, and polka dots. And plenty of things for adults as well. I love buying the fabric and I always buy too much. I can't sew so this is the perfect outlet. It all started very spur of the moment as I mentioned above. I started making some button accessories eg. hair elastics and clips for my niece and some of our friend's children as gifts. My sister said that she would buy some to give as gifts and then suggested I list some on Etsy so I could show some interstate or overseas friends in case they were interested. Well that was it - it was off. It was nice to have started just before Christmas because it was very exciting having regular sales while people were doing their Christmas shopping. So, now it is expanding from there. I am learning SO much and having a great time doing it (most of the time). I have a few retail stockists, an online Etsy store, and am selling at a few markets in Melbourne this year. It's all happening!

4)What inspires you to create what you make?

I love the fabric. I could buy and buy fabric and always have too much. I love giving my little creations as presents so often picture particular people when I make new products. I try one to them and make a couple of extra to sell. I want to keep making new things so people don't get bored with my buttons. They are just perfect to add something a little different to an outfit, project, etc. They are just fun. I also like that although the whole business is very time consuming, each button is not so I can fit my making into the little pieces of time I get between children things.

5)What do you think is the key to achieving successful sales?

Not sure I am an expert on this just yet but so far there are a couple of things that have helped me. For selling on Etsy - regular listing is important so people can find you among the huge number of things for sale. Joining an Etsy team such as the Australian sellers DUST team is great for networking as well as support and advice. I have also found that retail stores have approached me after seeing me on Etsy. I started a blog at the end of last year and it has given me a few sales, not heaps. I think it has also been important for linking me to other people that have the same interests and goals, keeping me motivated and getting my brand name known amongst others. A quality product is very important but also good photos that can make your products look as good as possible. This is an area I am slowly improving.

6)What is your favourite music/artist/movie/book/website?

At the moment my favourite CD is a 'Joan as Policewomen' CD. I heard it playing in a shop, asked them what is was, then requested it for my birthday. Not sure it is just one website, but I am enjoying blogger at the moment - so addictive! I am also enjoying Etsy - not quite as obsessed with my shop anymore but am loving shopping!! Not sure about the others just now.

7)If you could interview anybody in the world who would it be?

Staying around the current topic. I would like to interview some successful business women who have started with a small handmade business, as a mum at home, and made it work well enough to pay like a 'real job'.

8)Where is your next holiday destination?

No big plans - Easter in Heathcote (Central Victoria). Contemplating Bali for a cousin's wedding later in the year.

Thanks heaps Lou for telling us all more about yourself and you business.

If you would like to keep up to date in the world of ButtonsBy Lou Lou you can find her also at the following links;

Her Etsy Shop of course - www.buttonsbyloulou.etsy.com

Blog - www.buttonsbyloulou.blogspot.com

Other Website - www.buttonsbyloulou.com.au

Bye for now,

Ky x

MAKE SURE YOU READ MY FANTASTIC PRODUCT REVIEW

First I have to mention my fantastic product review received from Kookie Kids. My "Commando Gift Set" was put through the ringer by the lovely Amy, and came up trumps. Have a read HERE. Remember Kookie Blog readers I am offering a 10% discount until 1st April, just remember to put the word Kookie in the message to sender box.

I had the Flemington Market on Sunday, the weather was great, and I shared my stall with my cousins Kelly & Tania. They had their amazing children's jewelry that I occasionally dabble in with them, on show for the world to see. The day seemed somewhat quiet, I mean people were there but I didn't see a whole lot of buying happening. Maybe the whole OZ credit crunch is hitting harder than I anticipated. I had a couple of sales, but like all o us stall holders I would have loved some more.

I have just uploaded to Etsy and my other website today my new baby girl version in my NAPPY COMPACT collection. I sold one over the weekend, and have made another with a really sweet swallow bird on it. I used mine all the time and is so useful I have found for everything else including it's original purpose of nappies. I have thrown my deodorant in there, sunscreen, and hair brush the other day as I had swimming lessons for Hudson. But more importantly it's brilliant for it's original purpose of throwing a nappy, a few wipes, couple of nappy sacks inside then the whole thing into my hand bag. Make sure to check out my co-ordinating bib and change mat too.

Well the timer for my lasagna has gone off 10mins ago so I better go and serve it up MMMMM. Don't forget KOOKIE readers to add Kookie in the message to sender box to receive 10% off your purchase.

Ky x

I have been so busy this week. Tomorrow I am attending the Flemington market, so if you're in Melbourne come on by and say hi. My new products will be there to see, touch and feel. I hope the weather will be nice, as too much wind can not only be cold but potentially make my tent take off! I am at site #361 and hope to see you all there.

As you are aware I love to cook I have to post this delicious desert I made the other week. My parents came for dinner so I experimented on them.

Ingredients (serves 6)
1 cup self-raising flour
1/2 cup caster sugar
1/2 cup desiccated coconut
2/3 cup light coconut milk
1 egg
80g butter, melted, cooled
pure icing sugar, to serve
Sauce
1/2 cup caster sugar
3 teaspoons cornflour
1/2 cup milk
2 small lemons, juiced
3 passionfruit, halved

Method
Preheat oven to 180°C. Grease a 6-cup capacity, 5.5cm-deep, 19cm x 25cm (base) ovenproof dish and place on a baking tray lined with baking paper.

Sift flour into a bowl. Stir in sugar and coconut. Whisk coconut milk, egg and butter together in a jug. Pour into flour mixture. Gently stir until combined. Spoon into prepared dish. Smooth surface.

Make sauce: Combine sugar and cornflour in a bowl. Sprinkle over pudding. Combine milk and 1/3 cup lemon juice (don't worry if mixture curdles) in a small saucepan. Cook, stirring, over medium heat until mixture comes to the boil. Remove from heat and stir in passionfruit pulp. Pour hot lemon mixture over the back of a large metal spoon, over pudding.

Bake for 50 to 55 minutes or until a skewer inserted halfway into pudding comes out clean. Dust with icing sugar and serve immediately.

Try it it's divine MMMMMMMMMMMMM.

Have a great weekend.
Ky xx

Artist of the week - Chantelle from chantillybowtique

My featured artist if the week is Chantelle from chantillybowtique. I just had to feature her, please go and check out her store she make the most adorable hair accessories. I am gushing over her items as I have a son, Hudson, so there is now chance of me putting these on his head. I love them because they are so girly and so pretty, the quality is outstanding, and colours which is a huge part of my inspiration are super bright, bold, and sooooo happy. Her interview is fab, read on.....

1)Tell us a bit about yourself?

Well, my name is Chantelle and I'm 32 years old. I'm a wife and mum to a sassy 4 year old girl, Holly and a 2 year old very boyish boy, Luke. I live in Sydney and run Chantilly Bowtique from home. I'm a chocoholic, lollyholic and of course hence my business a ribbonholic! I love getting creative in my 'Bow Studio' surrounded by endless amounts of ribbon and embellishments and armed with my glue gun! I also dabble in a little bit of Polymer Clay.

2)Where did your business name come from?

I came up with the name Chantilly Bowtique because my name is Chantelle and ever since I can remember, my family have always sung 'Chantilly Lace' by the Big Bopper to me. Because I create childrens products it was great way to go back to my childhood.

3)Tell us a bit about your business?

I've always loved dressing my little girl in girly outfits and just needed something to complete them. I started make hair bows and then after friends and family and then strangers started commenting on them, I decided to give it a go and start selling. I create boutique hair bows, headbands, bow holders, and clippies for babies, toddlers and little girls. As well as selling online, I now supply my Bows to a few boutiques around Australia and hope to secure more in the future.

4)What inspires you to create what you make?

Colour and my kids! I adore bright colours. Even in winter, my little girl is getting around in bright colours. I usually check out what the favourite colours are of the season and then go from there.

5)What do you think is the key to achieving successful sales?

First of all you need a top quality product that will last. You need to have a friendly customer service as well as a prompt service. I think you also have to step outside of your own tastes sometimes. I know what I love but not always what the customer loves. That's why I'm more than happy to do custom orders for my clients.

6)What is your favourite music/artist/movie/book/website?

I love dancing so my favourite music is anything that I can groove too. Mmmm, favourite artist, I have many. I'm a big fan of Pink, I like Amy Perry, Kylie, Kings of Leon and Empire of the Sun. My favourite movie of all time is Braveheart. I cannot tell you how many times I've seen it. Oh and I cannot get enough of Grease! I don't really have a favourite book. I tend to read non fiction type books when I get the time. I enjoy reading about the real lives of intriguing people.I have lots of favourite websites. Of course I love etsy, ebay. Anywhere I can shop really!

7)If you could interview anybody in the world who would it be?

Ooh, I'd love to interview Pink. She's just such a down to earth type of girl. Great music, she loves Australia and her name's a colour and I happen to love that colour!

8)Where is your next holiday destination?

Koh Samui, in Thailand. It's not booked yet, but all in good time. The last time we were there was when Holly was 10 months old, so it's been a while. I just love the relaxed culture, the food, the people are incredible and the scenery is just amazing.

Thanks Chantelle for your interesteing answers, all all the bright, fun, and girly success in the future.

I hope everyone enjoyed that. remeber to check out chantillybowtique right now...

Kylie

I went to the Craft & Stitches show at Flemington (Melbourne) on Sunday and to be honest I was a little disappointed. I hadn't been before as last year I was unavailable so I was ready & geared up to go this year to be filled with inspiration. I don't know what I was expecting, or hoping it would be, but I know it wasn't what I thought. The indie craftsters stalls were fantastic, I saw Justine from Mixtape which was great & Dana from Twiglet too which was nice. Their stalls may I add looked great. I think it was because I believe the venue looked too large for the event & the hall seemed somewhat empty!! MMMMM don't know. If you went let me know what you thought.

Today's posts is a little self indulgent, I have a NEW product to show off. I haven't even uploaded it to Etsy yet, but while do after this post.
Introducing my new "Bib & Chuck/Burp Cloth Combo". I have 3 new combo's so far but will show this today. My Apple green with Spots, is a great unisex item. My bib is my standard design for 0-6 month old bambino's, with a yummy soft and super absorbent toweling behind it. My chuck/burp cloth is a great 58cm square in a super soft flannel with a great detail feature in the corner. Keep that corner safe I think it's too nice for a messy accident. You can buy them individually or as a set, the choice is yours.









I am attending the Flemington Market on Sunday, so I am busy trying to get everything together, and some new items made too. I know anyone who holds stalls regularly knows the mad week leading up. Clearly I need to be more organised!! I would love everyone to come past and say hi, I will be at site 361, near the food & coffee of course.

It's my 9 year wedding anniversary tomorrow. I can't believe it, how time flies when you're having a ball. I was a young bride, I got married at 24yrs, which I know horrifies some people. But you know when it's right it's right. Yep it took a while to finally have Hudson, but Daniel & I had things to see. We wanted to travel which we have done, & if it wasn't for Hudson & now a single income I am sure we would be jetting some where again soon. Aaaahhhh they were they days.

That's it for now
Goodnight
Ky xo

FEATURED ARTIST - Amy From Giggleberry

This weeks featured artist is Amy from Giggleberry. Not only is Amy from the land of OZ, and also an awesome Etsian, she is the proud mother of new addition "Harrison" to her family. To see how cute he is check out her blog.

What I love about her buntings are the colours, everything is so bright and happy, no wonder she giggles! They are also so versatile for any occasion, birthday celebrations, bedrooms, outside dining, play rooms, actually for any room.

She also designs fabulous cushion covers that will brighten anyone's bed or lounge right up.

Check out her shop at http://www.giggleberry.etsy.com/

1)Tell us a bit about yourself?

I love being a wife and stay at home mum! I have a wonderful, gorgeous, sexy, loving husband, two special girls – my beautiful 13 month old Milla and my full of energy, 8 year old step daughter Felicity, who is autistic…. oh and a brand new addition to the family Harrison who arrived last weekend!

2)Where did your business name come from?

I wanted something fun and different and would literally sit on the couch at night with hubby just blurting out ideas to hear it out loud or to see what reaction hubby would give when I said Giggleberry I liked it instantly and registered it the next day.

3)Tell us a bit about your business?

Giggleberry Creations started when I was at the end of my pregnancy with my daughter Milla. I worked full time managing a retail store until the 2nd last week of the pregnancy and when I stopped work I needed a way of keeping myself busy while I waited for her to arrive - I have always loved to be creative so when my mum finished a quilt that she had made ready for her new granddaughter I asked for the left over fabric and turned it into a set of flags to hang over the cot as a unique way to decorate the nursery.Milla was then 10 days late so I found myself making flag sets for my nieces and nephews which had friends and family asking for more and more which along with my experience from working in retail became the Giggleberry Creations WAHM (work at home mum) business.

4)What inspires you to create what you make?

I love anything bright, fun and different for that very reason - it's different!! So I keep this in mind when thinking of new items and when buying fabric. I never buy allot of one fabric so I know my items will be one of a kind.

5)What do you think is the key to achieving successful sales?
I think you need to get your name and product known everywhere possible... you never know who might come across you. After you 'make' a sale I believe you must focus on customer service and from this you will have the irreplaceable value of positive word of mouth!!

6)What is your favourite music/artist/movie/book/website?

Music - 80's classics.... can't go past them!Movie - Bed of Roses - awwwwww so romantic and soppy......Book - Any true crime has me hooked or a travel book for dreaming is fun too.Website - hmmmmm I visit a few daily the first being Etsy but I do allot of floating through blogs and WAHM sites for tips and ideas.

7)If you could interview anybody in the world who would it be?
I'd love to sit down with Nelson Mandela but I wouldn't interveiew him I would just ask one question -" Tell me your life story" then sit back and be amazed!
8)Where is your next holiday destination?
After having our latest addition to the family last weekend there is no holiday planned for a little while but we LOVE winter so we can't wait to take our little ones to the snow for the first time!

Thanks Amy for letting the world know a little more about yourself and your succesful business.

If you like what you saw you can check out her Etsy store and read more on her blog.

Have a great day

Kylie xo

MMMM muffins

Not sure if I have mentioned this but I love baking. I love cooking generally, but love baking. My cousin gave me this recipe the other day as she loves cooking with her 4yr old daughter Sophie. She is quite particular with the food she feeds her kids & especially likes these muffins due to there added goodness. I made them & yum is all I can say. Perfect with your mid morning coffee or cup of tea. Try them out & tell em what you think.
ENERGY MUFFINS - makes 18
Ingredients
1 1/4 cups (275g) caster sugar
2 cups (300g) plain flour
2 tsp ground cinamon
2 tsp baking powder1 cup sultanas
2 cups grated carrot
1 cup grated apple
1 cup dessicated coconut
1 cup shopped walnuts
3 eggs
1 cup (250ml) vegetable oil.
1 tsp vanilla extract
Icing sugar to dust

NOTE - I didnt like the idea of a cup of oil so I did half a cip of vegetable & half cup vanilla yogurt, still delicious.

Method
Preheat oven to 180'C. Use 18 paper cases to line muffin pan.
Sift sugar, flour, cinnamon & poder into a large bowl. Add sultanas, carrot, apple, coconut & walnuts. In a separte bowl beat together oil (or yogurt) and vanilla.
Add dry ingededients & fold until just combined - do not overmix.
Spoon into muffin pans & bake for 25mins or until golden brown. Serve dusted with icing sugar.

Enjoy Kylie

WOW an earth tremor in Melbourne!! Friday night I had mum and dad over for dinner & just before 9pm we felt something. We all looked at each other blankly and thought what was that? Daniel came up with "it's must be the wind" as it had previously been so windy the last few days. Anyway we carried on eating. Well it wasn't until we were watching the late news we realised it was a tremor. Couldn't believe it.

I was floating around Etsy and found these amazing spoons from beehivekitchenware They are amazing, and I am totally in love with them. I am a lover of cooking, especially baking. I couldn't think of anything better than to measure my vanilla essence with these. I also found a fantastic coffee spoon as well, and do I have to really comment on these gorgeous birds. Do yourself a favor and drop by and have a look. They are just fantastic.

Kylie x

P.S - Make sure to check out Giggleberry as I am her featured artist this week. Yay!!

I have decided this long weekend for those living in Melbourne will be dedicated to cleaning out my office/studio. I have a bucket a scrap fabric, left over remnants of what fell to the floor when being cut away from a pattern piece. The solution.....nothing genius........soft baby blocks, and other soft things alike!!!!!!
Yep I went and bought some filling, made my blocks, added some ric rac, ribbon, stuffed them and what do you know. This is my challenge over the next week, instead of being drawn to buying more beautiful fabrics, I am going to actually work out what can be used and just make something beautiful. Turn it in to some change instead of just sitting there collecting dust. I know one person who would be thrilled with this genius concept....My husband. I know all of us crafters out there understand exactly what I am saying. I urge you all to take the challenge. I will be attending the Flemington Market (those in Melbourne will know where that is) on 22nd March, so they will be a good opportunity for a "nothing over $10" bucket.
Here are a couple of photo's of the many more items to come. Wish me luck using everything up, I will post other things as I go along.

I will be starting my featured artist of the week next week, so please keep posted as to who the 1st artist ever on my blog is.

Have a great evening.

Ky - xo

How was everyone's weekend?

Mine was crazy, super busy. I worked my whole 4hrs a week Saturday and I had my cousins birthday Saturday night, and on Sunday my nephews 9th birthday. The over stimulation has rattled my poor little angel Hudson. The look on his face today I am sure said, can we just stay home today mummy? On top of that he knock his head twice on furniture leaving 2 nice marks on his forehead. His crawling is so quickly now, he is moving left right & centre which is resulting in over balancing and many, many falls....It's so cute though, & thrilling. Here is a picture of him discovering bubbles.

For both of my nephews b'days each year is always a challenge. Luckily for me this year I recall at Christmas them complaining they didn't have Christmas stockings. So I got in the festive spirit very early & made them for them. They have come out fantastic, I am so happy with them. They stand abouy 1.25mts high, & I appliqued the front of them followed by quilting the around the shapes & letters. I have had a good response from everybody so I am think they may be an addition to my Tiges and Weince Christmas collection!! Her are a couple of photo's of them.

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Lastly I just want to congratulate Amy from Giggleberry on the birth of her son Harrison.

Have a great evening everybody.

Ky x