Petaliferous Handmade Jewellery

Secret-Santa ... Revealed!

2011-12-11T11:44:00.001+11:00

My secret santa gift arrived to it's recipient, Jacinta from spunkyarn :) So I can now reveal what I sent her...

'Christmas Garland' Red & Green Rose Cabochon Necklace and Matching Ring :)

Matching Pair Red Rose Stud Earrings

Hand Stamped Red Christmas Gift Tags

I really hope she likes them :) MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE!!

-B

Spoilt!

2011-12-06T19:42:00.001+11:00

I recieved an exciting looking parcel today in the post and opened it to reveal a gift from my DUST secret santa - the beautiful Samara from maddabling!

Opening the package to reveal all these beautifully wrapped gifts was enough to make me squeal with excitement!

Samara spoilt me rotten with a box full of pampering treats including:

2 delicious smelling bath tea bags! ...Can't wait to try them out in my claw foot bath!
Scrumptious raspberry bath milk! ...Smells divine!
A pretty heart bath bomb! ... I'll be soooooo pampered after using all these!

Samara was so generous to give me all these wonderful handmade items.

But not only that! She also included a cool photo postcard, a set of gift tags and the most beautiful necklace with a bird, key and aqua rose - my favourite color!

I love everything! And this necklace is my new favourite!

Thank you so much Samara! I absolutely love your gift. Thanks also to Samara for organising the secret santa this year, after the sad loss of our much loved Julie-Ann.

If you like the look of the items I recieved, make sure you visit Samara's etsy store, maddabling

-B

Secret Santa

2011-12-02T17:18:00.000+11:00

I love participating in DUST craft swaps, but it has been a while since I've been involved in one. I'm therefore very excited about the DUST Secret Santa I'm in this month!

My Secret Santa gift is all ready to go.... I wonder who it is going to?? Stay tuned and all will be revealed .... :)

Bye, bye Melbourne

2011-04-26T11:40:00.001+10:00

Well, its happening this week. And boy has it crept up on me! I'm moving! Yep! Bye, bye Melbourne... and hello country Victoria! A tree change away from the hustle and bustle of the city suburbs, to fresh country air! Can't wait!
But of course, since all my jewellery making bits and bobs will be packed away for a little while I've had to close my etsy and madeit stores. I'm hoping that once I set up internet access again I'll be right to reopen mid to late May. I also look forward to getting involved in the local markets and having a stall monthly or something. Will also be on the lookout for some funky country stores who might be interested in stocking my stuff. Ahh, its all exciting! I just have to get through this stressful the packing and moving stage first!!

See you all on the flipside :)

-B

Lucky Me!

2011-04-05T10:05:00.004+10:00

It was my Birthday on Sunday so I had a really nice relaxing weekend (even though my little boy was run down with his first cold and feeling pretty miserable!). The family and I went for a picnic to a local park, it was a bit brisk but we were all rugged up so it was fine. It does seem like Autumn has turned into Winter prematurely here in Melbourne though!

The cake my hubby made for me... it was a lemon, lime, coconut + white choc mudcake! Mmmm...

And although it wasn't a Birthday present as such, I was so thrilled to hear I'd won some gorgeous sterling silver earrings by the lovely Michelle from wing by sea. I recieved them in the mail yesterday and they're even prettier in real life! Can't wait to wear them out on Saturday night! I've already picked an outfit AROUND the earrings! It just so happens I got a nice black singlet and a silvery sparkly bangle for a present from my sister. So I'll be wearing the three together :)

Michelle makes heaps of gorgeous sterling silver jewellery - make sure you drop by her stores:

Mission Accomplished : Mosaic Pots

2011-03-21T14:12:00.003+11:00

I am notorious for starting projects and then never quite finishing them, much to my husband's disapproval (as there seems to be lots of unfinished projects lying around the house!) but I can happily tick one of them off my list. What started about 18 months ago as a "quick little mosaic pot" dragged on and on.. but this weekend I finally got around to finishing them off. And heres the finished product (still a little dirty in the pics and no plants in them just yet, that's another 'project' to do at some stage I suppose!)

Looking forward to popping some succulents or some annual flowers in them... not sure which yet!

Bits and Bobs

2011-02-23T13:57:00.002+11:00

I've had a few intensive 'making' sessions lately, in preparation for the Revolver Designer Market I'm doing in March. Here's some of the pretties' hot off the production line :)

Handmade flower cabochons all bagged up and ready to be made into earrings... rings... hair slides :)

Sizzling Pin Up Girl Timber Woodcut Brooches ... I ♥ these

Scrabble Tiles and timber woodcut circles all decoupage'd and ready to be made into wearable pieces!

Nailing it!

2011-02-09T13:27:00.007+11:00

I have always been fond of pampering my hands, putting some nail polish on my nails and making them look all pretty, but more often than not, I seemed to succum to 'broken nail syndrome' where I'd finally get my nails looking great, then one or more would break, leaving my pampered manicure looking uneven and sad, or "peely chipped syndrome" where my nails were so weak they would bend and peel causing the nail polish to come off and end up making the whole manicure look drab....

So you can imagine my joy during pregnancy when I was totally blessed with strong healthy nails that did not seem to break, peel and just get longer and longer (in fact I had to keep cutting/filing them to ensure they don't get too long and talon like!). I'm thinking my luck was either due to one of those natural pregnancy advantages some people get or the fact I'm taking more vitamins than normal. Who knows... I just know I certainly wasn't complaining.

So while I had the best nails of my life, I therefore decided I had to keep doing them during pregnancy, but for obvious reasons I wanted to avoid any of the harsh toxic chemicals that some nail polishes contain, the most concerning being: Formeldehyde, Toluene and Dibutyl Phlalate. Formeldehyde is a known carcinogen, Toluene is a human reproductive and developmentmental toxin and (to think it couldn't get any worse) dibutyl phlalate can cause birth defects in the developing fetus. It's amazing what is still used in some products today.

In my search for less-toxic alternatives I came across a number of nail polish brands that do not contain these ingredients and whilst there are some top-end brands, it was nice to know some of the cheaper brands have also removed them from their formula.

Here are some brands which I've found do not contain the three worrying chemicals: Zoya, Face of Australia, Chi Chi, Savvy, butter/LONDON.. and if you want to avoid chemicals altogether there are these: Suncoat Water-Based Polish, and Honeybee Gardens Water-Based Polish. These harsh chemical ingredients seem to be getting less and less though so you might find that there are heaps of other brands that don't have them either. It's always wise to check the ingredients list though before you buy as some specific colors or formulas may contain them.

Anyway, once you've found yourself a beautiful, toxic-free nail polish - time to put it on! ... here are my tips for the perfect manicure:

1. Before you paint your nails dab them with some nail polish remover (this removes all the oils and dirt that stops polish from sticking!) Just rinse your hands afterwards with water and soap, and use a nail brush if you want.

2. Always use a base coat. It will help the top coat stick, meaning your nail polish will last longer.. and will prevent your nails from being stained from some of the darker polishes.

3. Do at least 2 thin even coats. Don't spread the polish on thickly as it will not dry properly and will chip off. Give yourself plenty of time where you don't have to use your hands, and do two coats, allowing 5-10 mins between them.

4. Don't worry about getting some polish on your fingers around the nail. Don't wipe off. Wait til your nails are dry and when you take a shower, just lightly rub the skin where the polish is and it should come off easily under the hot water.

5. Always do a top coat (clear) which will seal the colored polish. Wait a while before you do this coat though (I usually do it a couple of hours later or the next day). Just make sure you wash your hands to get rid of any oils that might be sitting on the nails before you do the top coat.

6. When you're completely finished. Moisturise, moisturise, moisturise! And continue to do so. Keep your hands and cuticles nice and supple and soft, and it will help your nails remain strong and healthy.

7. Every so often, strip your nails and leave them 'naked' without polish for at least a few days to breathe. During this time use a cuticle oil (Solar Oil is a good one) or vitamin e oil (just prick a liquid capsule and squeeze it on!) on your nails, and moisturise your hands with a quality cream.

Ta Da! Good Luck xo

Op Shoppin'

2011-02-08T13:36:00.004+11:00

Took a walk to my local op shop yesterday for a bit of a browse, and naturally I did not come out empty handed. Here's what I got....

Some vintage doilies, a cute vintage deer ornament, gorgeous aqua glass vase/jug and sweet brooch!

I'm going to use this as a prop for my market stall displays, its the same color as my logo/business cards etc.

I just couldn't leave this cute little deer on the shelf all by itself. Not sure what I'll do with him yet, maybe he can sit on my market display too... or on my desk (when I finally get a new work studio area set up!)

Isn't it so cute. I'm definetely gonna keep this one for me!!

What do you like buying at the op shop?

Woodcut Woodchuck

2011-02-07T12:52:00.003+11:00

How much wood could a woodcut cut if a woodcut could cut wood?

Just listed in my etsy store....

Timber Retro Robot Brooch by petaliferous on etsy

Timber Little Red Riding Hood Brooch by petaliferous on etsy

Timber Vintage Fashion Model Brooch - Red by petaliferous on etsy

Timber Vintage Fashion Model Brooch - White by petaliferous on etsy

Shopping Relief

2011-01-25T09:40:00.002+11:00

I was very honored to be part of the amazing DUST team when a fabulous store was opened to raise funds for the devastating floods recently in QLD, Australia. Naturally I jumped at the chance to donate a couple of items, and I can gladly say they both sold and are off to new homes :) Thank you to the lovely buyers for supporting such a great cause! I also bought a gorgeous fox screenprint donated by magicjelly and it is sooo beautiful, I love it.

The store has so far raised over $5000 with a mindblowing 400+ sales, all donated items, and 100% of proceeds going directly to charity!

Here is a pic of the Bottle Top Necklace and Owl Earrings I donated;

And here is the gorgeous fox print I bought;

Generously donated by magicjelly.etsy.com

There are still a HEAP of fabulous items, goto http://www.etsy.com/shop/AusDisasterRelief to do some shopping, whilst also supporting a worthy cause!! And if you need any inspiration, here are a few of the goodies up for grabs! (click on the image to go to the listing, or to go to the donator's shop click on their name)

Generously donated by rosieok.etsy.com

Generously donated by paperbyforgetmenot.etsy.com

Generously donated by milkwooddesign.etsy.com

Generously donated by shinyrabbit.etsy.com

Generously donated by wingbysea.etsy.com

Generously donated by littlemoandfriends.etsy.com

Theres never been a better time to buy handmade goods, because you also get to support a charity!

DIY Business Cards

2011-01-19T12:05:00.002+11:00

I've had a few people I've met recently, who, when I've mentioned I make jewellery - ask if I have a business card, and unfortunately I haven't! D'oh! So realising I'm missing out on easy potential extra marketing, and not wanting to spend heaps of money geting some printed, I decided to DIY some. Using illustrator and publisher I made a fairly simple design based on my banner/logo with all the important info, and printed out a handful on photo paper. Being on photo paper they are not as thick as cardstock but they aren't too bad. I'll pop a few in my purse so I will never miss out again! I'll also send one out with each order too....

Also, some new things in store.. firstly here are some earrings....in purple and pink

and here is a new cameo brooch...

Awww-ward :)

2011-01-13T08:23:00.001+11:00

I was very honoured to recieve a blog award from Mel from the lovely Crafty DIY Bride blog. Thank you Mel!

The rules for accepting this award are to:

1. Thank the person that awarded you

2. List 7 things about myself

3. Pass the award to 15 other stylish bloggers

4. Let those bloggers know

So firstly, again, Thank you heaps Mel - it was very sweet of you and I feel very honored!

Secondly, hmm.. 7 things about myself...

1. I have a 8 month old baby boy who is growing way too fast....

2. I drive a silver "family wagon"!!

3. I have been vegetarian for 13 years and counting

4. My starsign is Aries

5. I am obsessed with cameos

6. I have a bachelor degree in earth science

7. I love painting my nails

Thirdly, I have awarded the following 15 fabulous blogs... and let them know :)

1. wing by sea

2. spokes n' daggers

3. that vintage

4. tractorgirl

5. zinnia pea

6. white raven designs

7. two cheeky monkeys

8. savage kitten

9. redeem designs

10. new earth soaps

11. messy bessie

12. maddabling

13. billymac clothing

14. klbailey art

15. michvanetta

Enjoy ;)

New Year, Time to Clear!

2011-01-10T13:13:00.002+11:00

Happy New Year everyone, and as always - thank you for your ongoing support!!

It's time to say thank you to all my facebook likers, as I am holding a big clearance sale on Facebook, starting Thursday 13th January 2011 at 8pm. If you'd like to see what is up for grabs, head over to my facebook page and check out the clearance photo album!

There will be everything from rings, to brooches, necklaces and earrings.. all heavily reduced.

Don't miss out! It's a great chance to get some handmade jewellery bargains!

Indulge: Jammy Star Biscuits

2010-12-21T18:45:00.002+11:00

Christmas certainly is the time to indulge in yummy treats, and what better to get yourself in the festive mood than cooking up some Christmassy delights. I love these kind of jam biscuits so I made them today with a Christmassy edge, normally there would just be a round circle cut out, but I used a star this time :)

The recipe for these yummy biscuits is from the BBC Good Food Website:

Ingredients:

225g unsalted butter , softened
150g caster sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
3 egg yolks , beaten
250g plain flour
110g ground almonds
raspberry (or apricot) jam, for spreading
icing sugar , to dust

Method:

1.Beat the butter and caster sugar together until pale and fluffy. Add the vanilla and egg yolks and mix thoroughly. Gradually add the flour and ground almonds. Lightly knead the mixture until it comes together in a ball. Wrap and chill for 1 hour.

2.Heat the oven to 170C/fan 150C/gas 5. Roll the dough out to the thickness of a £1 coin on a lightly floured surface and stamp out biscuits using a 6-7cm cutter. Reshape leftover dough into a ball, re-roll and cut out more biscuits. Stamp out a smaller circle from the middles of half the biscuits.

3.Put the biscuits on lined baking sheets and bake for 12-15 minutes or until golden. You may need to do these in batches. Rest for a minute then transfer to a cooling rack. When completely cold, spread the whole biscuits with either jam. Dust the ring-shaped biscuits with icing sugar. Put a sugar-dusted ring on top of a jam-covered biscuit and press lightly together.

Unfortunately (as so happens when you're trying to cook whilst also look after a 6 month old!), I made a mistake and didn't cut out enough stars, so I was left with more of the full circles than I needed. I decided to stick two of them together with jam anyway and I dusted them with icing sugar using a plastic template. So they worked out ok for a mistake!

I also had lots of left over little stars from the cut outs, so I put a dob of jam on them as well as some dusted icing sugar. You could always just roll the uncooked stars up and make more biscuits but I liked the idea of having some different shapes.

Merry Christmas Everyone, make sure you indulge!

My Creative Space

2010-12-15T15:27:00.001+11:00

I've been working on some new items this week. First some simple woodcut brooches and secondly some cabochon earrings, rings and hairclips. Whilst pondering over my creative space today, I found it quite interesting to reflect on when I started Petaliferous and how I seem to be forever changing the way I do things and constantly growing and improving my techniques and designs etc. It actually makes me think in horror at some of the things I created when I first started out, and how simple they were! (but without them I wouldnt be doing what I'm doing today, so they were all necessary - mistakes or not!). I guess it highlights the beauty of handmade. Each item reflects the artisans skills at that time, at that place... like a little time capsule really :)

Heres the brooch backs drying on the timber cut brooches. Sadly these are a limited edition and therefore I have very limited quantities.

And here's some new cabochons ready for the cooker :) My mum has requested a pair of turquoise rose filigree leaf earrings and she's been waiting a while, so it was time to get them done! Sorry Mum!

I'm hoping to have a Market stall somewhere in Melbourne next year to sell all these pretties at. Any suggestions where you think my stuff would be a good fit?

Secret Santa, The DUSTy kind

2010-12-01T15:49:00.000+11:00

I recently signed up for a Secret Santa (kris kringle) within the DUST group, and sent my gift off to my secret recipient earlier in the week, hopefully they recieve it soon so I can share with you what I sent!

Today, however, I recieved a gorgeous little parcel in the mail from my secret santa! It was so unexpected, and so lovely. It came from May, from MayBrady and I absolutely love it.. here's what I was very lucky to recieve (thank you May!)

Beautifully Giftwrapped...

A bundle of gorgeous handmade cards and gifttags...

featuring cool retro art prints...

and in her signature style, a vintage scarf headband ;)

Thanks May!

Necklace Revolution

2010-11-28T15:48:00.001+11:00

Finally I've been able to find some time to get back into jewellery making! And my long awaited new necklace designs up and into action...

You may remember in the last post I showed you a sneak peak of some things I'd been making...

Well, FINALLY they are now complete.. and have been turned into these funky necklaces ...

I'll pop them up on my madeit store in the next couple of days. I just don't know what to call the new designs, so if you have any ideas, please let me know :)

Hmm.. it's been a while

2010-11-03T17:06:00.001+11:00

Yes, yes. I have neglected my poor little blog. It's been a while since my last post :( Now that I have two blogs (the other one being willow and elm) and trying to get that one going, some inadvertant neglect was bound to happen!

The exciting news is however, that even though I've been an absentee blogger, I've been working on some new designs for necklaces and earrings. I've started making a prototype (which I'll inevitably keep myself no doubt!) and am really excited about getting that finished and some more made (assuming it all works how I plan!). Gotta get myself off to buy some supplies though, and with my new little boy - a trip to the jewellery supply store is a little more difficult than it once was. So that is what is holding me up at the moment.

Anyway here's a sneak peak ... but you really won't know the full extent until it's a finished product :)

Stay tuned!

- B

Spring has Sprung

2010-10-06T10:07:00.006+11:00

Finally my new range of spring items is getting there.... it's been hard putting together a new range and looking after my 4 month old at the same time! However the last few days I made some progress. I look forward to popping them up on etsy in the coming weeks. Here is a sneak preview of some of the items... They're all handmade out of polymer clay and will eventually be available in a myriad of colors :)

Oh yeh and you've probably noticed the change in my blog (its a pretty big change!). I opted for a new layout and color scheme and designed the pretty pink background. Knowing me though, I'll probably get sick of it again in a little while!

Another day, another blog...

2010-10-04T11:49:00.004+11:00

A few of you may know i have another etsy/madeit store.. not for jewellery like this one but for digital invitations. Well I've taken it one step further today - and started another blog. Its looking a little lack lustre in terms of followers at the moment so it'd be awesome if you could head on over and help remedy that!!

http://www.willowandelm.blogspot.com/

Friday Finds

2010-09-24T09:30:00.004+10:00

I felt the need for a bit of 'screen shopping' .. (the internet version of window shopping) .. so I logged onto http://www.madeit.com.au/ and found some very cool things that have been added to my evergrowing wish list :)

Moose Zip Pouch by bluegingerdesigns - http://www.madeit.com.au/detail.asp?id=142259

Field Ring by Stephanie Winther - http://www.madeit.com.au/detail.asp?id=129583

Foxy Rattle and Teether by chunkychooky - http://www.madeit.com.au/detail.asp?id=123939

Funky Tree Shoulder bag with free wallet by Eklecticmix - http://www.madeit.com.au/detail.asp?id=132826

Alainn freshwater pearl stacking rings by Alainn - http://www.madeit.com.au/detail.asp?id=137690

I was also pleasantly surprised to find that not only does madeit have some great sellers and handmade items for sale, but now they have released a sister site, http://www.craftumi.com.au/ which is all about supplies!

Here are some cool finds from craftumi...

"Mod Girls" Jennifer Paganelli Sis Boom Fat Quarter (Pink) by Georgielovesfabric - http://craftumi.com.au/detail.asp?id=3664

24 Half Inch Round Wooden Buttons by heartsupplies - http://craftumi.com.au/detail.asp?id=3680

Crochet Scrapbooking and Applique Flowers Pink- 3 pieces by Boutiqueflowercreations - http://craftumi.com.au/detail.asp?id=4

Spring Overhaul

2010-09-21T10:14:00.003+10:00

Spring has sprung and I'm loving all the flowers and blooms that are coming out in my garden. I've gone a bit crazy photographing them lately so I thought I'd share a few with you.

I've also decided to do a spring clean of my etsy and madeit stores, products and banner/style. I've been working on some new vintage inspired necklaces that I am really excited to share with you soon. For now though, heres my new banner...

What do you think? I used some vintage photography titling letters that my grandfather used to use on his family movies (therefore they're very special!) I'm not 100% sold on the wooden background yet but I figured I can adopt the same look using the letters and various different backgrounds every now and then (a bit like how google is always changing its logo but it remains, in essence, the same!).

And also a sneak peak at something to do with my new range.... pretty, huh?

By the way I've cleaned out my etsy store completely to await the launch of new products so it's kind of empty in there at the moment... stay tuned :)

♥ B

Delightful DUSTy Craft Swap

2010-09-09T12:21:00.001+10:00

I'm so thrilled with my second DUST craft swap, I really enjoyed it. I was paired with the lovely Olga from Ellies Pretty Things. Olga said she liked my bird themed jewellery and her favourite color was green... so this is what I came up with for her:

And in return, this is the beautiful parcel I recieved from her - a pale green organza flower headband, pair of flower hairslides and jumbo button hair tie - all gorgeous and all very very useful! (they went in my hair as soon as I got them!)

Make sure you check out Olga's store too! http://www.elliesprettythings.etsy.com/ :)

Fathers Day

2010-09-02T13:36:00.001+10:00

Fathers day means a bit more this year as it is the first one my husband is celebrating! (Unfortuantely I missed out by a few weeks for Mothers Day this year - bub wasn't quite born yet!). But seeing as my son is not quite old enough to go shopping on his own... its up to me to sort out the pressie for the new dad :)

So. I thought I'd get a hand from bubs to make a cute framed foot print and photo to commemorate this first fathers day!

First, footprint from bubs. CHECK
Second, cute photo of dad and bubs. CHECK
Third, a double frame. CHECK
Fourth, some letter stickers. CHECK.
and Finally... The finished product :)

Simple but really effective I think, I hope 'daddy' likes it! Here are some other cute finds for fathers on etsy...

Vintage Blue Copper Enamel cufflinks by petaliferous

Reddish Brown Journal by KarleighJae

Big Drip Modern Wall Clock by pilotdesign

madeit marvels...

2010-08-17T11:26:00.003+10:00

Trawling the madeit front page this morning I came across these awesome finds that really caught attention & had to share..

1 angelwing jewellery - http://www.madeit.com.au/storecatalog.asp?userid=9158
2 another empire - http://www.madeit.com.au/detail.asp?id=109649
3 mettle design studio - https://www.madeit.com.au/detail.asp?id=112158
4 ascoozamii- https://www.madeit.com.au/detail.asp?id=86501

Tiny Treasures

2010-08-05T17:54:00.004+10:00

I'm sure you've all seen the cool 3D plaster impressions you can get done of your child's tiny hands and feet to keep forever. I think are really cute, especially so when you look back and realise how little they once were. Well, I wanted to capture my baby's hands and feet before he gets too big, and not wanting to spend a fortune, I decided to try and do it myself. I got a DIY kit from Keepsakes to Cherish which came with the moulding powder, casting powder and 4 cups to mould in, enough to make 4 impressions and 1 spare.

I was a tad nervous about doing it, knowing it could go completely pear shaped so when I eventually got around to finding a time when bubs was content enough to make the moulds, I gritted my teeth and hoped for the best! Thankfully I was able to do two hands and two feet, however, it certainly wasn't without dramas! Lets just say its hard to get a 4 week old baby to completely cooperate.. and baby hands didn't like being shoved into cold water. I had moulding paste going everywhere.. and bubs was crying. BUT.. I got it done.

The photos above show my finished hand moulds, which I made by popping bub's hands into the moulding mixture until it set (around a minute). The moulding mixture looked like a strawberry milkshake!! I then mixed up some casting powder with water and poured it into the moulds to set (overnight). The next day I peeled back the rubbery mould to reveal two little hands and two little feet!

Given its a DIY job, I wasn't expecting it to be 100% perfect, so there were a few rough areas and imperfections, which I should be able to sand back a bit. I'll then paint them silver and find a deep-set frame to pop them in for the nursery wall :) If and when I get around to that, I'll update you all with the finished product!

If you want to make moulds of your own children's hands and feet, you can get your own kit from Keepsakes to Cherish like the one below!

photo courtesy of keepsakes to cherish

Photo courtesy of body-cast studio

The Bunny has found a home!

2010-07-31T14:12:00.002+10:00

Congratulations to Megg from Artnomadix (who makes super colorful beanies and tie dye clothing, check her out!) on winning this cute hand carved timber bunny brooch in the latest giveaway!! Megg was entry number 8, which was selected by random.org's random number generator. I hope Megg enjoys her new little forest friend!

Thank you to everyone for entering. As a little thank you to those who entered, you can now get 20% off your next purchase! Just let me know at checkout!

Oh and Stay tuned for the next giveaway! :) xoxo Bri

Lemon Delicious

2010-07-22T14:00:00.006+10:00

Lemon is such a delicious and versatile fruit. You can use it in sweets and in savouries. I always keep a lemon in the kitchen because you can use it in so many recipes. On the weekend, I was lucky enough to recieve a huge bag of lemons from a friend who has a lemon tree so of course, I'm making lots of lemon treats such as the lemon slice below. With a piece of it in my hand as I'm writing this, I thought I'd follow on with this lemon theme and find some gorgeous handmade lemony lovelies on madeit.

Clockwise from Left:

And to top it all off, heres a yummy recipe from taste.com.au for the tart of all tarts... lemon tart!

Ingredients (serves 6)

185g Marie or Nice biscuits, processed to fine crumbs
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
90g butter, melted
pure icing sugar, to serve

Lemon curd
3 lemons
4 eggs
1 cup caster sugar
125g butter, chopped

Method

Lightly grease a 2cm-deep, 24cm (base) loose-based round flan pan. Combine biscuit crumbs, cinnamon, nutmeg and butter in a bowl. Press into base and sides of prepaed pan. Refrigerate for 1 hour.

Make lemon curd: Finely grate rind of 1 lemon. Juice all lemons. Whisk eggs and sugar together in a heatproof bowl until well combined. Add lemon rind and 2/3 cup lemon juice, whisking constantly until well combined. Place bowl over a saucepan of simmering water (do not allow base to touch water). Cook, stirring with a wooden spoon, for 20 to 25 minutes or until thick and custard-like. Do not allow to boil. Remove from heat and whisk in butter.

Pour lemon curd into chilled tart case. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight. Dust with icing sugar and serve.

Recipe and Photograph from taste.com.au

I hate vacuuming, but I love DUSTing - Part 3

2010-07-16T18:18:00.004+10:00

In my third installment of featuring one of the lovely members of the DUST team (down under street team), I was lucky enough to interview the gorgeous Jess, of Full Spiral Designs who makes stunningly beautiful eco-friendly jewellery that I just adore, and I'm sure you will to. Jess uses recycled metals and natural stones in creating unique wire wrapped and forest inspired spirally designs. Jewellery for (R)evolution!

What is Full Spiral Designs?

Imagine finding jewels in the forest, and you've got the earthy elegance of Full Spiral Designs. The pieces are designed to bring the magic of the forest into everyday urban life.

What is the story behind Full Spiral Designs? How did it all start?

Full Spiral Designs started with an overwhelmed postgraduate student who needed a creative outlet! This picture of a gemstone and wire creation just popped into my head one day, so I went to Spotlight and bought some cheap craft wire and plastic beads, did some googling and got started. I still have the first wonky wrapped link that I made all those years ago, to remind me of how far I've come.

I am mostly self-taught; I learned a lot from reading books and following tutorials (Eni Oken is a big hero of mine and I have tried most of her tutorials) but at some point I let most of that go and decided to follow my own style instincts. Now I try to keep learning and improving my technique, but I try not to look at other peoples' jewellery too much and rather draw my inspiration from nature and other art forms.

If you could describe your style in one word, what would it be?

Organic

You use a lot of different gemstones in your designs, what is your favourite?

Right now my favourite gemstone is Turquoise, but ask me again in 5 minutes and that might change! I adore the various shades of aqua and green in turquoise and the natural inclusions. I love how it's earthy and sophisticated at the same time. I love how it looks brilliant with any metal.

I am also loving Rutilated Quartz now...I love those little zig-zaggy black inclusions against a white background. I also love any kind of jade, amazonite, peridot and green tourmaline. I guess overall my preference is for earthy and cool colours, but I do love a pop of bright purple amethyst or orange carnelian here and there.

Where does your inspiration come from?

First and foremost, my inspiration comes from nature. That's why I like to work mostly with natural materials - a kind of partnership in creation between me and the greater creative powers. But living in a technologically advanced society, I can't help but be influenced by the 1 and 0 aliens! So I do feel that there's a sense of contemporary confusion about my pieces, a bit of dichotomy between the natural and the manmade, the organic and the technological. It's all connected, of course!

As a creative business person and blogger, I'm deeply inspired by the myriad other creatives out there who are following their dreams in fantastic yet practical ways. I try to read as much as I can to learn from all my mentors. I think the most important factor is a strong vision and belief in what I seek to attain - and patience as I work to manifest it!

Do you have any new designs you’d like to share?

Why funny you should ask! I'll be launching my newest line very soon - a collection of upper arm bands, anklets and bangles for summer - which I'm very excited about! I've leaked a few photos around the blogosphere so I'm happy to share a sneak peak with your readers.

And what a gorgeous sneak peak it is! I absolutely love these arm bands, I can definetely see Jess's forest inspiration, they are so elvish and would definetley not look out of place on the arm of a forest pixie :)
You can find more about Jess and her gorgeous pieces on her webpage, at her etsy store, facebook page and her blog. You can also follow her on twitter.

It's Giveaway Time!

2010-07-03T14:53:00.004+10:00

It's been a little while since I had a giveaway so I thought it was about time I give you all the chance to win again! I'm also currently 19 'likers' away from 400 on my facebook page too, so it would be awesome to crack 400 at the same time! Can you help me do it??

For this giveaway, you could score this adorable Handcarved Timber Forest Friend Bunny Brooch .. All you have to do to enter is visit either my etsy or madeit stores, and comment below with your favourite item!

For additional entries (submit each as a separate comment below);
- become a fan of my facebook page;
- follow me on twitter & tweet this contest;
- follow this blog;
- purchase something from my etsy or madeit stores.

Please make sure you include your email address so I can get in touch with you, should you be the lucky winner!
The winner will be randomly selected using random.org and announced 31 July, so make sure you get your entries in before then!

Good Luck & Thanks for your Support :)

Free as a Bird...

2010-06-27T17:01:00.003+10:00

Well I've been a bit quiet of late, but with my etsy and madeit stores now open again, I've got some brand new pendants I've been working on to show you. With my little boy still keeping me busy, I wouldn't quite say I'm 'free as a bird' yet, but I am getting into a routine which is making it easier for me to start creating again :)

Entitled 'freedom', each of the new pendants feature a wooden birdcage in various colors, with a handmade black polymer clay swallow bird attached - which has broken free of it's cage, hence the name Freedom! Currently available in white, green, blue, hot pink, pale pink, yellow, purple and red. I decided to do all the swallows in black, but might do a few colour variations of those as well.

I have also updated my resin bottle top pendants with a new cameo style, using a handmade polymer clay cameo border instead of a bottle top. I'd been meaning to do something like this for ages, having seen some awesome molds available on etsy . But I decided to make a mold myself. So far I've got a heap done in pink, purple, green, red, and blue - all featuring super cute images from original retro (1970s) swap cards, which I had as a child! I haven't listed any yet as I'm still waiting on getting some chain to finish them off. I'll probably make a few rings as well. I currently have one up for sale on madeit.

And last but not least, I've made some new calico gift bags so all my jewellery will now arrive looking like this...

Ahh.. busy, busy!

It's a Boy!

2010-06-08T15:04:00.003+10:00

I'm so pleased to be able to announce I'm now the very proud mum of gorgeous baby boy Fox, born 31 May 2010....

While we settle into our new lives, it will probably be a bit quiet around here, but I will be up and running again as soon as I'm able.

~Bri

I hate wait

2010-05-20T14:41:00.006+10:00

I'm due in about a week and already so bored and tired of waiting for bubs to arrive... so bored in fact, I fiddled around with illustrator for a bit and came up with a picture to try and depict my predicament...

Yes. I hate wait.

I will.

2010-05-18T15:16:00.009+10:00

Just a quick post as really nothing needs to be said about this live version of 'i will' i found whilst browsing youtube, it speaks for itself.. Thom Yorke is a god. Radiohead are immaculately wonderful. Enough said!

Can you sense I'm beginning to get slack with my posts? :P

I hate vacuuming, but I love DUSTing ~ #2

2010-05-10T16:07:00.009+10:00

Ok so the second installment of "I hate Vacumming but I love DUSTing", where I pick a few of my fellow DUST (Down Under Street Team) members and feature their items and etsy store, has taken a little longer than I would have liked, but better late than never or so they say!!

Don't forget you can see a whole list of members of the DUST team and their etsy stores at http://www.dustteam.com/

This time around I'm featuring some stunning creations from Maddabling, JulieBlanchette, lafemmejewels and Wiccked ....

__________________________________________________________

| MADDABLING |

Samara from Maddabling (Maddo)'s shop catchphrase is 'made with love' and her items certainly reflect that. With eclectic jewellery, paper goods, collages just to name a few - her diversity in arts and craft is seemingly endless. Here are some examples...

Clockwise from Left:

♥ The sweetest red heart card "il mio cuore e il vostro" , meaning "my heart and yours" in italian for someone special in your life ...
♥ Industrial but dainty, this necklace appropriately entitled "Green Steel" is a real steal!...
♥ Earthy "Things of Glass and Wood" necklace....
♥ A beautiful and delicate pin brooch named "papilons dans le jardin" which translates from French to 'Butterflies in the Garden'... aww :)

You can also see more about Maddabling at her blog and on facebook.

__________________________________________________________

| JULIE BLANCHETTE |

A visit in this store is like peering into a page of Beatrix Potter's 'Peter Rabbit' or Enid Blyton's 'Faraway Tree'. The gorgeous creations certainly transport you back to your childhood and are so very delicate and sweet you can't help but be enchanted. Take a look at what I mean....

Clockwise from Left:

♥ Super sweet and irresistably cute Needle Felted Art Child with Teddy

♥ I love these Delightful Wool Felt Eco Friendly Bunnies they are just so cute and whimsical :)

♥ Darling Mother and Child needle felted ornaments, both holding a heart, the perfect gift for a mother

♥ Or if you're into DIY, how about this kit for a pocket gnome? All you need to create your own little felted friend!

__________________________________________________________

| LA FEMME JEWELS |

All ladies love jewellery right? Then La Femme Jewels, with "Exquisite Accessories for every woman" is sure to have something for everyone indeed!

Clockwise from Left:

♥ I adore the rustic elegance of this Sterling Silver and Copper Twisted Tube Necklace...

♥ Delightfully dainty aquamarine quartz earrings will dazzle any ears and illuminate any outfit...

♥ The classic pearl, in a modern style, these Girls Best Friend Pearl Hoop earrings are sure to become any jewellery lover's new BFF.

♥ Modern and futuristic, this Copper Enamel Square Pendant on Steel Neckwire is a stand-out-from-the-crowd piece.

__________________________________________________________

| WICCKED |

And last, but by no means least, comes an array of jewellery, multimedia arts, and quilting by the very talented Melanie J Cook. Is there anything this girl can't do? Difficult to only select 4, here are some examples showing her diverse range...

Clockwise from Left:

♥ Oozing with rustic and organic qualities, this gorgeous silver and peridot CZ pendant is not only etheral but an example of wicckeds' trademark silver designs....

♥ Vivid and tantalising for the eyes, this original watercolor painting entitled "Abundance" is filled with color, and abstract imagination...

♥ Clarity is definetely something to be beheld in this stunning "Clarity of Lemon" topaz and silver necklace. Breathtakingly beautiful with a delicate yellow hue set against harsh metallic silver....

♥ A handstiched drawstring bag made of pink gingham cotton with hints of lime green from 'Quest for a Cure', Wiccked will donate $1 from the sale of this bag to Breast Cancer research. Like we need any more of an incentive to shop in her store!

__________________________________________________________

I have very much enjoyed sharing these exquisite etsy stores with you and featuring some wonderful local Aussie DUST talent and I hope you've enjoyed reading. Please make sure you visit their stores....support local handmade.

-Bri

Treasury East Addiction

2010-05-07T11:35:00.002+10:00

I am so loving Etsy's new Treasury East where you don't have to wait til a spot becomes available and can therefore collate etsy pretties til the cows come home! You can do multiple treasuries too and there is no expiry! Love it!

Here's a couple I prepared earlier... hehe

Baby Bonanza by Petaliferous (featuring ALL Aussie DUSTers):
http://www.etsy.com/treasury/4be269cee56c8eefed4ffd1a/baby-bonanza?sort=hotness&order=desc

and The Retro Kitchen by Petaliferous
http://www.etsy.com/treasury/4bdfbdd487808eef6f53beea/the-retro-kitchen?sort=hotness&order=desc

Two Treasuries for the Price of One

2010-05-03T15:10:00.001+10:00

Happy Monday Everyone! Here are two new treasuries... The first one I curated, and the second one I'm included in... Enjoy :)

Art Nouveau Treasury by me - http://www.etsy.com/treasury/4bde29998de56d913ff7cf37/art-nouveau just because I love art nouveau!

Classic Black Treasury by glimmeringems with my black rose necklace included - http://www.etsy.com/treasury/4bdcf18587808eef973faeea/classic-black-from-my-twitter-friends

Weekend Drool List

2010-05-01T17:40:00.003+10:00

I'm having withdrawal symptoms from clothes shopping at the moment, given I'm 37 weeks pregnant and there is no point in me even considering buying new clothes until bubs is here and I'm back into some sort of normal shape! However I cannot wait to go on a shopping spree for some new wardrobe pieces....

So with that in mind, thought I'd do a search on etsy for some handmade clothing designers. Here's what I came up with...

I stumbled across a designer located in Perth (and part of the DUST team) who has a store called RawHemline and makes these etheral, angelic, delicate tea-dyed dresses and tops. They make me feel all pretty and feminine just looking at them!

And speaking of feminine, these femme-fatale tattoo-inspired peacock feather tights are so adorable. They're from a cute little stocking boutique on etsy called tattoosocks. I can so imagine them paired with a hot little black dress and killer heels. Think French Bond Girl. Ooh la la!

It was really hard to choose one item to feature as I adore practically everything in this store. Vintage inspired and oozing with 1950's sex appeal comes this gorgeous chemise from Hopeless (another wonderful DUSTer!). One word...Gorgeous. No actually two words.. I want!

How delightfully feminine is this vintage turquoise bombshell dress from Thrush Vintage. I adore the color, the beaded bodice detail and the form of this stunning dress. Wear this dress and you'll be instantly transported to another time, with 'blue moon' playing in the background and slow dancing with your first crush . Sigh. If only I had a ball to go to....

How sexy is this dress? From melissatabor on etsy, it has a deep plunging neckline and high waist, with a cute little pleated feature at the back. It is definetely the ladies alternative to a killer suit. I think strutting around the office in this little number would sure to get you some attention, maybe even a payrise.

Ok no more clothes talk now until I can actually buy some :)

Owls

2010-04-30T15:44:00.005+10:00

I'm into owls in a big way lately. You may have noticed this influence in my jewellery.. with items such as these popping up in my etsy store:

And with my baby now less than a month away (eek!!), today I've been busy blowing the cobwebs off my mum's old sewing machine and getting right into making some home made toys for the baby using old scrap bits of material I had and some assorted ribbon and oddly enough, they're... well... owls!

I made a really rough pattern and used calico and other cotton prints for the body/wings, adhesive felt for the eyes and adhesive courdroy for the beak (I cut up an old iron-on patch!), and sewed in little bits of ribbon folded in half like tags. On this one I used a larger peice of ribbon on top so it can hang from a plastic ring and attach to a pram etc.

Given I probably haven't used a sewing machine since the days of making clothes for my cabbage patch kid & barbies, they are no where near perfect (don't look too close!) but I don't think baby is going to mind!

and the winner is......

2010-04-26T14:04:00.003+10:00

Congratulations to Kellie Christie for winning this handmade crystal white rose cabochon ring in the giveaway! Well done and a huge thank you to all that entered!

Using Random.org List Randomizer I entered all the names from the entry comment (giving a bonus entry to those who were or had become followers of this blog). The list was then randomised and the name that appeared at the top was the winner!!

Congrats again to Kellie - Please contact me ASAP at petaliferous@optusnet.com.au to claim your prize! (if I haven't heard from the winner within 24hrs, I will re-select another random winner)

A Botanists' Delight

2010-04-22T08:09:00.000+10:00

I just listed some brand new 'Poison Ivy' earrings which are a little different to my normal stuff, and I managed to score a treasury slot so I thought I'd include them and make it a botany theme. Please make sure you check it out to give it heaps of views... http://www.etsy.com/treasury_list.php?room_id=127373

DUST Team Craft Swap

2010-04-21T10:15:00.001+10:00

This month I participated in one of the DUST team's monthly Craft Swaps. If you don't know what a Craft Swap is, basically all members who wish to participate in a swap, register their name, and then the lovely Julie-Ann from DUST (and JulieAnnsJewels) partners each of us up. We then contact eachother and make eachother a surprise to send, and of course - we get one in return! This was my first Craft Swap experience so I was very excited, and needless to say I am very pleased with the result :)

My partner was the lovely Kirsten from KLBaileyART. Kirsten does gorgeous water color paintings in a myriad of dreamy pastel colors and also converts some of her work into wearable art. I really love her stuff so I was extremely happy when my parcel from her arrived in the mail.. and this is what I got: (I was totally spoilt)! A gorgeous original watercolor painting featuring a silhouette tree & bird with gorgeous pastel background, and the same picture made into a wearable glass pendant! Also a card and two postcards of prints of her lovely paintings.

Thank you so much Kirsten!! I adore them!

In our coverstaions Kirsten had told me she liked blues, pinks and purples, liked my rose cabochon styles and also some of my polymer clay bracelets. Therefore I came up with this special package for her... containing a hot pink rose cabochon necklace, purple rose cabochon ring, blue/black/silver swirl bracelet and 3 little mauve courdroy bags I whipped up on the sewing machine. I hope she likes them!

So basically my first craft swap was great, and I'll definetly do more in the future. It's so enjoyable interactacting with other artisans, making a special item for them and recieving something special in return - It's a great way to support your fellow etsian's, and afterall who doesn't love getting a surprise in the mail!!

Check out Kirsten's blog feature about the Craft Swap too at http://www.klbaileyart.com/2010/04/20/more-swappy-goodness/

Another day, another treasury....

2010-04-20T10:04:00.011+10:00

Since posting a few treasuries, I've been in four more treasuries this week, that's 6 all up just since the weekend. Something is definetely in the air with treasuries lately!! Thank you to Gaby from hopelesslydevoted, Emma from noogal, Kavitha from poetry jewelry and Rhonda from glimmeringgems for inclusion in these four new gorgeous collations....

Giveaway Time!

2010-04-19T14:55:00.012+10:00

Entries Close at 2pm (EST) 26 April

I've decided to run a little giveaway here on my blog (rather than facebook). I'm gonna be giving away this handmade crystal white rose cabochon ring to the lucky winner...

All you have to do to be in the running is:

1. Become a facebook fan (leave your facebook name in comment), and;
2. Make a comment below this post, telling me which is your favourite item on my etsy store & why

Also, for an extra entry (optional)... become a follower of this blog (please just mention your avatar/ID name in the comment)!

One lucky entrant will be randomly drawn and announced on this blog and my facebook fanpage on 26th April (so you have 1 week to get your entries in!). If you are the winner, please contact me with your details within 24 hours to claim your prize or another winner will be drawn. Thank you and Good Luck!

Miniature n' Cute

2010-04-19T11:02:00.002+10:00

With my impending 'bump' due to come into the world in roughly 5 weeks, I've been getting a lot of cute pressies! I am fortunate enough to have all these super cute items ready for my bump to enjoy...

Clockwise from left:

Cheeky Monster Baby Bib by Little Odd Forest - A friend of mine gave me this adorable bib (and matching shoes) for my baby shower. I think its the cutest thing ever!!
Owl Moneybox from Smiggle - I saw this in my local smiggle store and couldn't resist buying it for the nursery. It looks cute enough as an ornament, but when the bump gets older they can use it as a moneybox too!
Zanzibar Cot Quilt by Kids Line - my parents gave me this cot set for my baby shower. Its so adorable, and fits in perfectly with my nursery jungle theme.
Hobo Nappy Bag in Pansy print by Oi Oi - Nappy bags are incredibly expensive so I couldn't resist this funky looking one when it was reduced to a mere $59.00 at Baby Bunting. Much better than the original price of $130!
The original Raggy Tag Blanket by Raggy Tag - My sister in law is living in the UK currently and sent this gorgeous raggy tag blanket for my baby shower. Mine is a different print but they didn't show that one online. An ingenius idea, since babies inevitably always find the tags on toys much more enjoyable to suck!
Mothercare (a UK baby store) has just opened up in Australia and I was lucky enough to find these cute sunshades for the car window in one of their new stores.
Cheeky Monster Mary Janes by Little Odd Forest - got these from the same lovely lady as I did the bib above. I am IN LOVE with these shoes and can't wait to pop them on my baby's feet!
D'Lish Snap-In-One reusable modern cloth nappy from itti bitti - We bought 30 of these bad boys (in all different colors) so we can avoid completely the need for disposable nappies when our bump arrives. Gone are the days of the terry toweling nappy, modern cloth nappies are so ingenius, easy to use and look adorable!! With snap in liners, you can even re-use the same nappy before washing. Just whip out the soiled liner and put in a new one!
Gazzle Giraffe Rattle Toy from Gumnut Toys - a dear friend of mine brought this down with her for my "bump" when she last visited Melbourne. It's so cute and will no doubt be a favourite thing for bump to play with.

All Treasured Out

2010-04-18T16:05:00.003+10:00

You can tell when DUSTers are sitting around waiting for the treasury list to expire and for a spot to open up when in a matter of minutes I was featured in two gorgeous color-themed DUST treasuries!

Firstly a pink treasury "Passionate about Pink" which I put together... make sure you check it out here http://www.etsy.com/treasury_list.php?room_id=126564 and support all the lovely Aussie sellers I've included.

Secondly a purple themed treasury entitled "Purple Parrots" by lafemmejewels ...check it out here http://www.etsy.com/treasury_list.php?room_id=126555 Thank you for the inclusion!!

Autumn in Australia

2010-04-18T12:10:00.001+10:00

The Lovely Christina from Billymac put together this stunning treasury featuring all-australian etsy sellers with an Autumn theme in browns, oranges, and reds, and she included my timber bird branch earrings :) Like that wasn't enough, the treasury then got featured on the front page of etsy (Well done Christina!) and thank you for including me. It will now be my mission to get another treasury and feature you back! (I've been waiting for ages, but fingers crossed I'll get on soon).

So here is the original gorgeous treasury by Christina...

and here's how it appeared on the FP (etsy must have slightly altered it)....

Bowlicious

2010-04-15T10:51:00.000+10:00

I love waking up to an email saying my item has been included in a treasury, and that's exactly what happened this morning. RachellesJewelryBox kindly included my new black and silver bow ring in this cute bow-themed treasury. Make sure you check it out and give it lots of hits :) ... http://www.etsy.com/treasury_list_west.php?room_id=95462

I love my mail box

2010-04-12T17:02:00.000+10:00

Well it was a good mail day for me today, hence why I love my mail box (not that the parcels I recieved actually fitted in the mail box -the Australia Post lady brought them to the front door) ... I don't think I will ever lose that child-like excitement of recieving and opening parcels!

The first one I opened was my birthday present. I'd put the money I recieved for my Birthday towards a GHD Hair Straightener, that I bought from Ebay. I knew it was going to be coming one day this week but was still beyond excited when it turned up at the front door. And I CANNOT wait to use it. I don't know how many of you use straighteners, but GHD's are meant to be the bees knees in the straighening world, and when you have curly hair like me, you need the best. So now that I have this beautiful baby in my hot little hands, no more $40 priceline straighteners for my hair!! It's so gorgeous too... sparkly, black, silver... When I opened the package, I was breathtaken.

Here's why....

And so like its not enough to recieve one big parcel on a boring cold Monday, I got another one! The second one being a big bag of goodies I won from Kids In Australia. It was filled with loads of loads of discount vouchers, special offers, $ gift vouchers, a bright green girls' tutu, box of baby toiletries and some cute button hair clips.

Believe it or not I'm also expecting a few more things in the mail too, I won a prize a few weeks back on Sunday Night Giveaway from hekoky creations, and also some custom hairclips from byconnie's facebook page. Petaliferous also donated a prize to Sunday Night Giveaway last night, Congratulations to the lucky winner, Amber, who scored this cute retro bottle top badge.

I am also partnered with the lovely Kirsten from KLBaileyART for the DUST Craft Swap... I've got her surprise ready to post, hopefully tomorrow - and once I know she's recieved it I'll share some pics of that on here too....

Wow....so much excitement and mail-love, I think its time for a hot chocolate and an ogle over my goodies...

I hate vacuuming but I love DUSTing

2010-04-07T12:19:00.005+10:00

I thought I'd put together a bit of a feature of some cool items available on etsy from my fellow Australian DUST members. DUST is the Down Under Street Team for etsy sellers and is a really cool & supportive group of people who have really helped my transition into etsy selling. You can check out the members of DUST at http://www.dustteam.com/ or do a product search on etsy with the keyword "dust team" to see all their goodies!!

Anyway here are a few of my current favourites. Hopefully I'll do a post like this every couple of weeks and overtime feature heaps of cool stores.

Billymac Clothing:
The Billymac store is full of gorgeous designer t-shirts for your littlies featuring cute and original images such as this adorable 'kiddie warhol' pop art print:

Inner Earth Soaps:

This scrumptious store is full of bathing goodies, that look good enough to eat! I could just take a bite out of this divine handmade Vanilla Buttercream soap. All inner earth soaps are full of natural goodness and therefore are kind to your skin and the environment.

Poetry Jewelry:
Gorgeous gems and precious metals are intermingled in these gorgeous adornments by poetry jewelry. I just love these etheral Isabelle earrings with pale green praisolite and gold.

klbaileyART:

I feel dreamy and peaceful after looking at all of the gorgeous artwork at this store. Watercolor paintings and wearable art featuring beautiful pastel colors, silhouettes and swirls such as this divine 'Brave' original watercolor by one very talented artisan.

There are so many talented designers, crafters, and etsy artisans out there - please check out their stores and help support local handmade :)

Autumn Leaves

2010-04-07T09:55:00.000+10:00

What an honor it is to be included in this fab new treasury by savage kitten. All items are from australian sellers too, so show your support! It features beautiful bright colors to lift any dreary autumm day! Click on the link to give it some views! http://www.etsy.com/treasury_list.php?room_id=124317

Love in Bloom

2010-04-03T10:41:00.000+11:00

It's my birthday today so it was even more special to wake up to a message from heatherkingdesigns who has included my hot pink rose necklace in this gorgeous new treasury! Stunning. I love the combination of yellow and hot pink - thank you!! Make sure you check it out at http://www.etsy.com/treasury_list_west.php?room_id=93728

Happy Easter Everyone!!

2010-04-02T16:23:00.001+11:00

Easter PPB by pètαlifèrous on Polyvore.com

Items in this set:
Vintage Easter Postcards, Set of 3 | Pottery Barn, $10
Easter Decorations and Crafts - Easter Table Decorations - Delish.com
Easter Decorations and Crafts - Easter Table Decorations - Delish.com
easter egg background
Enchanted Filled Easter Egg | Williams-Sonoma, $26

Aqua Treasury

2010-04-01T09:37:00.002+11:00

Well it was a nice surprise to wake up to an email from StoreyShop telling me I'd been included in this gorgeous aqua treasury they had curated. I love it so much since Aqua is my favourite color! My Emerald Green Rose Cabochon ring was the lucky inclusion. Make sure you check it out to give it lots of click love at http://www.etsy.com/treasury_list.php?room_id=123234

Whats even better is this treasury then went on to be featured as a front page on etsy. 200+ views on my ring later ... Always a good thing! Thanks again to StoreyShop for creating such a beautiful collection!

All listed up

2010-03-30T18:00:00.002+11:00

I'm gradually putting a whole heap of new listings on Etsy. So far I've got a heap of rose cabochon rings in various colors to choose from, some rose filigree leaf earrings in various colors, and cute as a button bottle top badges. Check them out at http://petaliferous.etsy.com/ andgimme some view and heart love :)

A Shower for Bump

2010-03-28T10:43:00.000+11:00

I had the most wonderful weekend, I had a group of my friends and family over for a Baby Shower! It was so much fun. Games, Yummy food, Great company and awesome pressies! My bump and me were very spoilt...

Here's the present haul (everything is so cute & miniature, whenever I look at the things I'm in heaven). I did so well!!

And here's some of the yummy food...

And here's the mum-to-be (me!)... Oh, and fancy that - I'm wearing a Petaliferous necklace (hehe, had to get the advert in somewhere!)

Etsy Collage

2010-03-14T20:39:00.003+11:00

I'm so addicted right now to making PPB/collages on polyvore. Thought I'd do a search and find some pics from art on etsy. This is what I came up with...

Inspired by Etsy by pètαlifèrous on Polyvore.com

Items in this set:
Etsy :: melissamoss :: original painting - float
Etsy :: yumiyumi :: White Love Birds (blue and orange edition)
Etsy :: seasprayblue :: we follow the sun
Etsy :: jkldesign :: Im Afraid I Cant Help It - Art Print
Etsy :: dazeychic :: SO VERY HAPPY (version 2)

I'm so in love with pastels...

2010-03-13T16:30:00.004+11:00

In Love with Pastels by pètαlifèrous on Polyvore.com

Items in this set:
Daisy Pink Cupcake: ~Pretty Photography~
pastel cuteness
Paris & Pastels
Paris & Pastels
Hand Painted Shabby Chic Items Vintage Roses

Bright and Cheerful Treasury

2010-03-13T10:54:00.000+11:00

My icecream necklace was featured in this gorgeous, bright and super cheerful treasury by Glimmering Gems http://www.etsy.com/treasury_list.php?room_id=118419- a lovely start to a sunny weekend :)

Revolver Designer Market 11-03-10

2010-03-12T10:18:00.002+11:00

Last night I attended my first Revolver Designer Market. It's a bit of a bizarre thing, I've never been to a pub or bar before that has market stalls, but I liked what I saw and was more than happy to be a part of it! Thank you to everyone that popped down to see me and my stall, and thanks to all who purchased from me on the night! An extra big thank you to my husband Ty who came and sat with me (no doubt bored!) the whole night :) I was a bit nervous about the whole thing, having not done any markets before, but it worked out well and I have another one in 2 weeks (so if you missed this one, come to the next!). Thanks also to Gaby and her sister from hopeless who were on the stall next to me and managed to answer my silly questions, being a newbie and all!

Whilst me and Ty gobbled down our yummy thai food from Colonel Tan's on our laps, without, may I say - a single drop down my top (a mean feat considering I'm usually such a clumsy grub!) I managed to sell out of wooden bunny brooches, so I will have to get busy to make some more for the next market. Also popular were rose rings and rose necklaces. Not a huge amount of sales, but the other stall holders assured me it was an unusually quiet night, and with markets, unfortuantely you have to take the good with the bad. So based on that theory alone, the next market is gonna be tops & I'm gonna make a fortune. Hehe. We'll see.

The other stalls incuded some wicked jewellery, awesome funky cards from able and game, cool eco lighting shades from electric firefly, and darling handmade hair accessories from hopelessly devoted. I must also thank Amelia from milkwood design for giving me the goss on the market before hand, so I was a little more aware of what to expect! She does awesome resin jewellery I always drool over.

SO.. If you're going to be around, make sure you come down Thursday 29th March, from 6-10pm. Bring a group of friends and make a night of it. It's a really great atmosphere, with groovy beats, cheap yummy thai food & quality beer (just $10 for jugs if that tempts you further!) or if you're more into cocktails, extremely 80's cocktails are a also hit :) PLUS whilst schmoozing and drinking, you can view a selection of handmade designer stalls, including mine! Now tell me, whats stopping you! :)

Revolver Upstairs - 229 Chapel Street PRAHRAN, VIC (sorry interstaters!) - Thurs 25th March, 6-10pm

Gorgeous Mauve Fascinator from Hopelessly Devoted

Cute Acrylic Owl Necklace from Lab three-o-five

Cute Cards from able and game

Awesome recycled plastic lamps from Electric Firefly

The Drool List

2010-03-06T21:23:00.005+11:00

GHD Pink Limited Edition Styler. Ahhh Heaven... I have curly hair so a good straightener is a must (unfortunately I've just got a cheap one at the moment - but would love to upgrade!) $30 from each sale of these goes to the Breast Cancer Foundation too. Nice... and pretty... and Pink :)

Ok, so sure. It's totally unlikely I'd even be able to stand in these, let alone give them justice by wearing them to a special event, but it's all fair and well to drool over high heels that you can't wear. And what better shoes to drool over than these, gorgeous 'Noel' green and yellow numbers from none other than the gorgeous Gwen Stefani's L.A.M.B label. But I should move on from shoes before I get completely carried away....

Ahh diamonds. A girl's best friend. And when they come as stylish as this, how can you not drool. A beautiful 28-diamond band in white gold from MDT design (whom I was fortunate enough to have make my engagement and wedding bands!) I think just another matching one should do it.... hehe, I'm sure my husband isn't keen on that. But hey - it's a drool list afterall.

Ok something not quite so extravagant perhaps... but oh my goodness this turquoise ring from chicmetal on etsy is equally as gorgeous!! It reminds me of an aerial view over the Great Barrier Reef.... I so want!! (makes note to tell Husband for upcoming Birthday!)

With bubs arriving in May, I need to sort myself out a nappy bag. They all seem so expensive though, so ebay might be a go-er. But in a perfect world, then something like this from Babymel would be my perfect bag. Its so funky and cute, and functional too!

What's on your drool list?

YMI Obsessed - Blog Featured

2010-03-06T15:02:00.004+11:00

Well I woke up to a lovely message on Etsy this morning from Stephanie at YMI Obsessed (a cool fashion blog incorporating YMI jeans) informing me that she's featured my wooden lone wolf brooch on their latest post 'running with the wolves'. A very nice inclusion indeed, thank you :) Make sure you check it out!!

Autumn in Melbourne - A Beautiful Brown Treasury

2010-03-03T19:25:00.003+11:00

I was lucky enough to be featured in a treasury this week, curated by the lovely michvanetta (thank you darling!!). The gorgeous treasury also made it to the front page of etsy whic is no mean feat! It features gorgeous natural hues to fit the Autumn theme, and all items are from etsy sellers based in Melbourne (sharing the local love!). Make sure you check it out at http://www.etsy.com/treasury_list.php?room_id=116552 :)

Treasure Chests & Jewellery Trinkets

2010-03-03T14:21:00.004+11:00

It's no surprise that I love jewellery and chances are, if you're here, reading this - then you probably do too! I have been busy making some displays to show off my jewellery at an upcoming market, and it got me thinking of cool ways to display and also store your jewellery.

So what do you keep our prized posessions in? I have a gazillion trinket boxes, jewellery boxes and hanging stands in my bedroom. I especially love vintage trinket boxes. I did a quick search on etsy for some cute jewellery boxes, and I came up with these. They'd be nice to pop on your bedside table or dresser... (Click on the links to be taken to the etsy store you can buy them at).

From BountifulGoods From LAKESIDEANTIQUE

But if you're not into trinket boxes or jewellery boxes and want a cool way to store your jewellery whilst also displaying it, then how about this DIY jewellery tree you can make using a real branch and some polymer clay... instructions to make your own are at http://familyfun.go.com/crafts/jewelry-tree-669610/ It would be a really nice project for a lazy weekend and might even kick start some jewellery organisation (if you're like me and have managed to let it get out of control!)

And another DIY project, if you have heaps of brooches (like me!) then the best way I've found to store them, whilst also show them off (if you don't mind the dust factor) is to use a picture frame and some fabric. Simply remove the glass from the frame, and cover a piece of cardboard (same size as the glass) with some fabric of your choice (I used a black velvet). Then you simply slip the pins of your brooches into the fabric and put them in any arrangement you like! Functional and Pretty!

Night Fever

2010-03-01T10:37:00.002+11:00

I am happy to announce that Petaliferous will be at the Revolver Designer Market for two nights during March. The market runs from 6pm - 10pm at Revolver Upstairs, 229 Chapel Street PRAHRAN. I haven't been along to it myself before so I am excited to see it and also be a part of it for these two nights - Thurs 11th March and Thurs 25th March. I'm sure it will be a lot of fun! If you're in the area make sure you come and see me, or grab some dinner and then a few drinks at Revolver Upstairs whilst perusing the local wares!

Now I've just gotta knuckle down and put together some new items for the market... Stay Tuned!

Cute and Quirky, Tweety and Chirpy!

2010-02-22T14:27:00.002+11:00

I love birds so I decided to do a search on ETSY for some really cute birdy pieces, here's what I came up with....From a gorgeous etsy store called Swallowkisses I found this sweet swallow-tattoo inspired necklace, and particularly loved the quote 'crafty' on it! Check out the other great pieces in the store:

From another etsy store called Bijunea, come these gorgeous owl stud earrings! Aren't they adorable!

And last but not least, a gorgeous cartoon owl cameo-style pendant from an etsy store called Vintage Kitsch:

The Baby's Room

2010-02-17T15:05:00.006+11:00

So I mentioned a little while ago I bought some awesome fabric from Ikea, to make some cushions for the couch in the nursery I've been busily creating (some may call it nesting!). Here are the finished pics of the cushions (quite cute I think!) and some other features of this dreamy room that I love; obviously it will be all the more better when there is a baby to actually go in it!!

The finished Cushions with Ikea fabric (they're quite big.. 66cm square) :

Cute little critters adorn the floating shelves :

The cot with colourful mobile and alphabet worm :

The couch with cushions and canvas of a bird I painted :

A gorgeous little blue ceramic owl moneybox I saw and HAD to have (from Smiggle) :

My 2nd Treasury

2010-02-15T19:48:00.002+11:00

Woohoo! I got to make a treasury on etsy for the 2nd time! I just made a 'nature' theme treasury featuring some gorgeous items from the DUST team and including my wooden rabbit brooch.
Check it out:
http://www.etsy.com/treasury_list.php?room_id=113382

Polyvore Promotion

2010-02-10T13:14:00.001+11:00

Still trying to get the word out there, neverending internet promotion it seems!! Anyway I thought I'd make a set on this awesome website called polyvore for this blog. I've been using polyvore for ages, in fact some might say I'm hooked! (you'd be able to tell by the amount of sets I've made over the years!). It's such a quick and easy little creative outlet to get your fix, a much better way to clear your mind than playing solitare! Check it out at http://www.polyvore.com/ and make your own sets!

you've got that vintage vibe by pètαlifèrous featuring TopShop

Items in this set:
Pink Flower Cup Bandeau Dress, $90
Opening Ceremony Bow Tie Bootie at Barneys New York, $560
Antique Victorian Diamond Cameo Reversible Gold Ring - #5501 Onyx..., $395
Nancy's Gone Green! eco boutique - Re:Awakened Antique lace vintage..., $36
Lucky Brand - Give Peace A Chance Double Charm Necklace (Gold) -..., $35

Nursery Rhymes

2010-02-08T10:39:00.001+11:00

With a baby due late May, I'm busily readying the nursery and trying to make it look all cute and warm and fuzzy. It's so exciting, and therefore its a really nice project to keep me busy.

We already have an existing feature wall of dark mermaid blue, so the theme is blue, aqua, lime green, white etc. Regardless of what the baby's sex will be (I think the whole blue for boys, pink for girls is super silly). Anyway I found some gorgeous print fabric at Ikea (yeah who'd have thought Ikea would sell material) ..see pic, and have just buzzed down the shops to buy zips and inserts so I can make 3 big cushions to sit on the nursery couch.

I'm eager now to get sewing because once the cushions are done, it should start looking really cute in there. And of course, I'll post pics of the finished nursery when it's... um... finished.... which is hopefully soon... :)

My first Treasury!

2010-02-04T15:14:00.005+11:00

In my haste to get a whole heap of wooden brooches done & online I forgot to post the first treasury I curated on etsy! Obviously its expired now, but you can see the items in the pic below. I've always loved pastels, they are not only pretty, soft, angelic, delicate - but soothing on the eyes! So I did a pastel seletion... and of course, selfishly I included my cream rose filigree earrings :)

The treasury also got featured on two fantastic blogs..
S&O productions "Elite Eight"" and The Crafty DIY Bride .......Thanks guys!

New Forest Friends Range!

2010-02-01T13:48:00.002+11:00

Ok so I haven't been here for a while (tsk, tsk!). I guess with the new year starting and all, it can be a frantic time. But now with new years resolutions intact, its time to get back to blogging. I've been busy making some really cute little wooden brooches, hand carved and engraved in shapes of gorgeous little forest critters. I'm calling them my forest friends range.. so far there are swallows, owls, wolves, bunnies, and horses but the menagery is sure to keep growing. Check out the ones currently for sale on http://petaliferous.etsy.com/

Happy 2010!

2010-01-12T18:31:00.003+11:00

Happy New Year to everyone! 2010 is bound to be an exciting one :) Check out these new year related items from Etsy....

http://www.etsy.com/shop/redstarINK

http://www.etsy.com/shop/ruffhouseart

http://www.etsy.com/shop/alidesign

Merry Christmas!

2009-11-30T15:36:00.001+11:00

'Tis the season to be jolly, so Merry Christmas to everyone! Here are some cute Christmas-themed finds from etsy... click on the links to be taken to their etsy page, and don't forget to check out the petaliferous range while you're there!

http://www.etsy.com/shop/retropage

http://www.etsy.com/shop/thecraftpantry

http://www.etsy.com/shop/RandomStuff

http://www.etsy.com/shop/georgiapeachez

http://www.etsy.com/shop/leahkl

Three Wise Owls

2009-10-19T14:49:00.006+11:00

I've added these cute little owl earrings to the range. I've only done them so far in blue, purple & lilac but they can be custom made in any color.

Gorgeous Vintage Finds on Etsy

2009-10-07T15:47:00.000+11:00

I had a browse through some of the vintage sellers on etsy today and came up with a couple of really cute finds... How hot are these vintage cowboy boots? (http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=29816181&ref=fp_feat_1)

and how about this funky and chunky red flower brooch - its so cool... (http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=32183845&ref=cat1_list_3) I want it!!

Oh and i saw this cute cat statue and thought I must add it. How adorable are the little kitties! (http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=28110475&ref=sr_list_6&&ga_search_query=ornament&ga_search_type=vintage&ga_page=5&order=date_desc&includes[]=tags&includes[]=title)

Welcome to Petaliferous!

2009-09-08T14:25:00.000+10:00

Hello and welcome to the new Petaliferous blog!

"Petaliferous" meaning to bear petals' is a range of handmade and vintage jewellery. The Petaliferous range was born in April 2009. It is created from a home studio in Melbourne, Australia consisting primarily of handmade polymer clay items and upcycled vintage pieces. Both are available for purchase online from etsy and madeit. I also occasionally hold a stall at craft markets around Melbourne. To stay up to date with new products and events, or for any questions or comments, feel free to become a follower of this blog, or simply email me at petaliferous@optusnet.com.au. Thanks for visiting!!