Saturday, December 31, 2011

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

I'm always a little behind the eight ball when it comes to celebrating new years. And let's be frank, in the past few years, I've struggle to make it to the magic 12 o'clock, but I do like the new outlook, the freshness off the start to a new year.

"What is the one word or sentence that sums up 2011 for you?"
My dad asked this today at a family lunch and the word that sprung to mind first for me was: "transitional". It's been a year of waiting; in a holding pattern or "limbo-land"as I often call it. Our house is temporary, we've been waiting for decisions about a big move next year, and we're growing from one child to two not to mention all the little day to day ups and downs of life. I'm ready to launch and for things start to move forward in 2012! Bring on a season of 'new'!
Photobucket
{Image source: here & here}
I really feel that the best is yet to come next year. I like to think of the cup half full, so I do get this way every year when I think about the potential a whole new year brings. But, maybe this year it will be more tangible in a way.
I've been thinking a lot about what my business too and what that will look like next year. How much time I want to spend on it, what I want it to say and how I want to position myself in the industry's I find myself a part of. It's been a bit of a brain drain and sometimes I've felt like I am going to be going against the tide with some changes I'm going to be implementing, but I feel it is right. So, you may see some things changing around this place, some new priorities and maybe even a new look (yay!!).

I saw this New years resolution kit via Dandee today and I wish it was around in the past two weeks for me to get my thoughts together about goal setting for 2012. You never know, it still may come in handy as I deliberate and make some intentional decisions... : )

Here are a few other things I've seen around that would be fun as we celebrate and welcome in this new year:
Glitter sequin photobooth wall
Surprise party
New Years in a box

So what about you, what sums up 2011 for you? And what is your one word/sentence goal or hope for 2012? I'd love to hear!

CHRISTMAS CLAY STARS :: DIY

I'm going to squeeze this post in before the New Year hits. It's a little project I did for our Christmas dinner table inspired by Real Living magazine. I know it's too late now, but you can always file it away on Pinterest for next year. Or use this concept for placecards for a wedding or your next party! Photobucket
 Materials you'll need:
1:: Air Drying clay - I bought this at Bunnings for under $10 and I made over 20 stars with some leftover
2:: Alphabet Stamps
3:: Star Cookie Cutter
4:: Rolling Pin (I raided the playdough box for this mini one)
5:: Skewar or pencil for making a hole in the top
6:: Ribbon or twine for attaching
 PhotobucketPhotobucket Photobucket
Roll dough out till about 5mm thick and use the cookie cutter to cut out your stars. (Enlist "help" as required.) You may need to really knead your dough to get it soft and not crumble.
Photobucket Photobucket
Using the stamps, press your word or name gently into each shape. You could put ink on the stamps if you wanted a colour, but I want to be able to use these again with a different coloured ribbon, so didn't want to be locked into one colour scheme. I used the words 'Joy', 'Love', 'Hope' & 'Peace' and made kind of a set.
Photobucket
Using a wooden skewar or pencil etc, make a hole for the ribbon in the top of each star making sure you've gone right though to the back.
Photobucket
Let them dry. Ours took overnight to dry completely and I had to turn them a couple of times to make sure they dried flat and not curl up at the edges.
Photobucket
If I'd thought about it earlier, I think these would make a great Christmas gift idea. Packaged up in a cute box. Or even an everyday set with words like 'Eat', 'Drink', 'Party', etc could be great for your hostess friends! Hmmm....guess what people are getting next year?! :)

Friday, December 30, 2011

CHRISTMAS 2011

It always seems so relaxing this "in-between week" between Christmas & New Years. A good time to eat leftovers, chill and plan and think for the new year.

How was your Christmas? On the weekend we went to the Christmas eve service and then opened our traditional Christmas Eve pressies of new Pajamas (so we all look smashing on Christmas morning. Except that we didn't end up getting a family photo at all this year - woops!)
Then Christmas Day was spent with Dave's side of the family for lunch and mine for dinner. It was a big fun day! Here's a snapshot from our Christmas...hope you're enjoying holiday mode! Photobucket

Saturday, December 24, 2011

'TIS THE SEASON


I feel like I should say something profound for my last post of the year, and leave you with something that will just blow your mind. But really, I like the simple things at Christmas - time with family, remembering, generosity, giving, and laughter. So these words below are truly what I hope for you this Christmas day and start to the new year.

I'm excited about 2012. There will be a few changes around our place as we welcome a new baby, and plan to move. And my mind is actively planning new adventures for this little business of mine. I have to remind myself it will all happen in good time!

So, this is the official sign off for the year. I'm going to lay low and charge full steam ahead with baking and Christmas food preparations today ready for tomorrow.
I'm so grateful for your support this year, it's been wonderful! 
Merry Christmas! 
Much love, 
Jordan xo  

Photobucket

Thursday, December 22, 2011

PINTEREST CHRISTMAS

Photobucket
I have my last Christmas craft air drying at the moment. It is for our Christmas table, so I'll share with you after Christmas day, on how it all comes together. It was inspired by an idea I found on Pinterest.
Such a resourceful place to browse (and "waste" time!) I can get off on so many tangents, discover new blogs and inspiring people.
I thought I'd share a few of my favourite Christmas pins I've collected. There is definitely a red & white and navy scandinavian vibe going on in my Christmas board!
Are you all ready for Sunday? The presents are mostly all wrapped up at our place and final preparations are happening - exciting!!

Images via my Pinterest - 1:: Winter Dessert Table  2 :: Scandinavian place setting 3 :: Pinhole candles 4 :: Outdoor Australian Christmas 5 :: Mini wreath drinks

Tuesday, December 20, 2011

ALL BOXED UP

Photobucket
Photobucket Photobucket
Photobucket
It's only a few sleeps till Christmas, and just three weeks till our baby arrives! I don't know what life will look like with a second child - so many unknowns all over again! I do hope he/she can wait till after Christmas though, I don't really wish for a Christmas birthday for this little one.

This past weekend, I organised an early surprise celebration for our 7th wedding anniversary coming up in January. I wanted to get a chance to have some quality time before our life gets a little addition. We had an overnight getaway, went to the movies *during the day* (gasp!), dinner in the city...ah the simple things. : )

It's a busy season for sure, but at the same time everything seems to start to winding down don't you think? Levi has his last day of Kindy this week, and we (I say that very loosely), made some passionfruit gem cookies to package up and give to his teachers. He even helped write his own name...awww. xo

What are you doing in this week to prepare for Christmas?

Monday, December 19, 2011

HANGING COOKIE BAGS :: THE TWINERY

Photobucket
"...brown paper packages tied up with string, these are a few of my favourite things"! (and now try and not sing the rest of the song... : )
Photobucket
I recently discovered these gorgeous homemade cookies by Cookie Dough here in Australia. They are chunky little circles of goodness with amazing flavours! When my boxes of treats arrived recently, I wanted to display them in a fun way. I've had these oversized pegs from Typo and have been itching to use them. This seemed the perfect project.
Imagine these served up for a cookie bar for a "Milk & Cookies" themed party. Yum!

I used the party dots from my Snowflake Christmas printable collection and some Carribean & Maraschino twine to suspend some kraft paper bags. Hang them over your mantel or from your Christmas tree and they will definitely add some sweet goodness to your home! They may not last for long however!

This project was featured over at The Twinery blog today with a few more photos. It's my last contribution on their design team, which has been such a fun opportunity - thanks Nicole!
Photobucket
Photobucket

Friday, December 16, 2011

A LITTLE BIT HAMPTONS

I have always loved a beach party - we live in such a beautiful part of the world why not make the most of this gorgeous backdrop, I say. I did a surprise party for my sister on the beach last year which was a lot of fun, and then last month I had the opportunity to collaborate for a second party down on the Gold Coast with a group of wonderful ladies. It was featured on Amy Atlas this week, which always brings a smile to my face!

While planning another event with Tash from Whimsy Petite Styling, I explained an idea to use my Whimsical Bird stationery Collection for a promotional 'Hamptons' inspired shoot on the beach. She pretty much took that up and ran with it, ending up using it for a real party of hers. I just love everything she did and how it all turned out - the colours, the furniture & the details. The food, the photos & the dresses.

I'll stop with the words for now and let the photos by Sheila Higgins Photography tell the rest of the story...(it has been hard to cull it down with so many gorgeous photos to choose from so hope you don't mind all the pics!)
Photobucket Photobucket Photobucket Photobucket
Photobucket Photobucket Photobucket Photobucket Photobucket
It takes a team to make something like this work, so all credit to these wonderful women:

Styling & Event Coordinating - Tash, Whimsy Petite Styling
Photography - Sheila, Sheila Higgins Photography
Stationery & Paper Goods - Jordan, Polkadot Prints
Dresses - Marina, Wild Blossoms
Cookies & Macarons - Linda, Bubble & Sweet
Cake & Cupcakes - Sam, Cake Chick Sam

This collection of printables are available for purchase in my shop

Thursday, December 15, 2011

AFTER-PARTY CHERRY JAM

One of my regular customers and friend, Shannon, recently purchased the Cherry Love collection for her daughters 4th birthday. (You can see some of the photos in my Facebook album here.)

After the party, she made jam from all the cherries leftover from decorating and popped them into jars to give as Christmas gifts. Add some twine and a party dot and you're all set! What a creative idea!
Photobucket Photobucket

CHRISTMAS FAIRY LIGHTS :: DIY

Photobucket
I've shared a little Christmas DIY over on Design Dazzle today as a part of Toni's 100 Ideas of Christmas Wonderful. Head on over to see the full tutorial and for a tonne of Christmas craft inspiration. It's only 10 sleeps!
Photobucket

Tuesday, December 13, 2011

ELLA'S BROWN PAPER & STRING PRINCESS PARTY

Okay I don't say this very often, but..."Oh my goodness, I love this party!"
I recently designed a new "Princess" collection for Maddie of Etta Photography. Her daughter Ella was turning 3 and wanted a pink princess party (don't all 3yr old girls?!) I have to say, not being tizzy girl myself, and being a mum of a little boy, I haven't had much to do with tutus and frills. But this party has changed my mind about how a princess party can look. Princesses are to girls are what trucks are to boys; it seems to be just built within them!

Maddie used a lot of pink which is kind of a given, but by using brown paper and some pretty home made touches it's still so very girly with no tulle in sight! It's a party any little girl would dream of. (And it kind of helps to have a mum who is an extremely talented photographer too!). Check out some of the photos Maddie sent me...
Photobucket Photobucket Photobucket Photobucket Photobucket Photobucket Photobucket Photobucket
I love the tall paper party hats for decorating by the little guests, and all the cute food. (Thanks for making my printables look so good Maddie!) You can read and see more of this gorgeous party in her post here.

I'll be adding this collection to my shop soon, but in the meantime, please feel free to email me with your enquiries!
{All Images: Etta Photography}

Monday, December 12, 2011

GINGERBREAD HOUSE WEEKEND

I hope you had a lovely weekend! We made our annual gingerbread house over the weekend. A family affair.
I used the template from Adriano Zumbo's whacky gingerbread house of Masterchef fame.
Photobucket
We tiled the roof with homemade freckles as per his instructions and then with the "help" of a three year old, we just stuck lollies all over the sides. Photobucket
Photobucket Photobucket
 I don't see Adriano selling it in his patisserie,  but it's built with a whole lotta love! Photobucket

Friday, December 9, 2011

CHRISTMAS PRINTABLES

Photobucket
It's the start of another weekend (yay!) and the last chance to get a bargain in my shop. Both the 'Snowflake' & 'Silent Night' collections are 25% off till Saturday/Sunday (Depending where you live in the world!).

I hope you have plans for a wonderful weekend. I'm 'enjoying' a head cold and sore throat, so hopefully it goes away in time for some fun get-togethers we have planned! Whatever you do, enjoy! - Jordan x

Thursday, December 8, 2011

MAX'S MAGICAL GARDEN :: CUSTOMER PARTY

When Melanie from Mermade Designs sent me these photos of her son's Magical Garden Party, I knew I had to show you.
She used the Down in the Garden printable collection and really made it her own.
Photobucket Photobucket Photobucket
Grass table top, check. Moss, check. Cute toadstools and trees, check!
Melanie and her mum made all the food (including my family's favourite Jelly Slice!) She also made lots of the decorations like the bunting and the trees above the food table.

To see more photos and read more about Max's birthday take a look at Melanie's blog. Thanks for sharing Melanie!

I love seeing customers parties, if you would like to share your families celebrations, feel free to email me some photos and details!

Vendor Details
1. Invitation and paper goods - Polkadot Prints
2. Terranium Apothocary Jar, Mini bottles & Lollipops - Little Big company 
3. Flocked deer inside terranium - P is for Party
4. Cupcake wrappers - Occasion by design
5. Glass domed cupcake stand, bamboo tongs & mini apothecary jars - Sharnel Dollar Designs
6. Timber tree's above table - Mermade Designs