Monday on Madeit - Birthday Season is upon us!

Birthdays

Have you ever noticed that some birthdays seem to gang up on you? I have. In the eight weeks over March and April our family has six birthdays. Not just any birthdays either.
It starts off in the first week of March with my Hubby. He was easy to buy for, the Scout Jamboree is coming next January and camping equipment (camp mattress) was quite welcome. I’ve got a two week lull until my eldest daughter’s 18th, then one week later is my youngest daughter. Just a few days later is my niece and the day after is my brother-in-law. Then, finally a week later is my nephew.
Exhausted? I know I will be! You see these family member are my “only’s” (only niece, only nephew, you get the idea) and I can’t just post a birthday card and I do hate to give money, although a gift card is acceptable.
So, the niece and nephew will get gift cards. I think I’ll be purchasing a few of these from Craft Mummy on Madeit


I can slip a gift card into the pockets and after they spend the gift card they can be used to hold their student id and bus tickets!
One down, two planned and three still to go, that’s a decent beginning isn’t it? If you here cheering at the end of April you know it’ll be me. :)

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Monday on Madeit - Purplefish Designs

Purplefish Designs

Today I’ve chosen to feature a single seller on madeit for my first Monday on Madeit post for 2012.

What first attracted me to Purplefish Designs is of course the name. Anything to do with the colour purple and I’m hooked, then of course I looked at Andrea’s shop. What can I say, beautiful, elegant designs that I would be happy not only to wear myself but would be more than happy to give as a gift (think Valentines Day, Birthdays).

Andrea Moran has been designing and creating sterling silver jewellery for over ten years and her work can be found at an artist's market it St Kilda, in her madeit shop and from her own website Purplefish Designs

1   Blossom        2   Note

3   Splinter        4   Puzzle

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Monday on Madeit - Christmas Gift Guide

Christmas Gift Guide

The countdown has started. Thirteen Sleeps ‘til Christmas! So here it is my Gift Guide from the virtual shopfronts of Madeit.

For Her

1. Hand knitted Spiral Scarf

2. Black Glass soy candle - Urban Honeysuckle

3. Bangles - Set of Three

4. Body Scrub

For Him

1. Passport Wallet

2. BBQ Apron

3. Flame Tree Shirt

4. Dodge #2

For the Kids

1. Black Pirate Vest

2. Natural Timber Post and Rail Set

3. Wildflower Fairies Ruffled Nappy Cover/pants

4. Plush Bunny in Navy Blue and White

For Pets

1. Cat Collar Set

2. Couch Potato Kitty Bed

3. Doggy Pull Rope

4. Christmas Pet Collar

Remember, order your gifts ASAP to avoid delays!

Thanks for Reading,

Karen  -  Over the Moon

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Monday on Madeit - Christmas Felt

Monday on Madeit – Christmas felt Decorations

What is it about felt and Christmas? Every year some part of me wishes for more felt decorations. In the Northern Hemisphere Winter it makes sense, but in 40^oC it’s just plain wrong. Still Christmas is the exception to every rule.

I find it interesting that the usual Christmas colours are taking a back seat to a brighter palette (like in the Felt Ball Wreath), but being a traditionalist, at least when it comes to the tree, I prefer red, green and gold.

1  Christmas Wreath - Felt Balls  -  Happy as Larry Designs

2  Gingerbread Christmas Stocking   -  Blue Nines

3  Felt Christmas decorations {Teacher's pressie 

hand stitched felt Christmas decorations}  -  Mich Made

4  Christmas Wreath {Red, Green and Natural}  - Gifts Created

After a big extended-family conference we decided that this year we would have a big Christmas Day gathering at the Sister-in-Law’s farm. She’s planning a blue and white theme for Christmas Day, so I’m thinking of making some white felt snowflakes and bluebirds with feathered tails, and of course a blue and white gingerbread cottage for the kids.

This will probably be the last Christmas decoration themed Madeit post (unless I spot something gorgeous). I intent to move on the pressie suggestions, a gift guide of sorts, next week.

Thanks for Reading,

Karen  -  Over the Moon

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When Thursday is a Monday on Madeit - Phone Covers

Yes I know, today is Thursday and I have a Monday on Madeit post.

Phone Covers

Phone covers are one of my favourite kinds of gifts, both to give and receive. I think I have about five of them, two of which I have made myself. I really love the Village phone cover {2} from the rabbit & the duck, and my youngest daughter would love the Owl cover from Boutique Creations.

1  The Craft Mummy  -  crochet iPhone cozy   turquoise acrylic yarn

2  the rabbit & the duck  -  Village phone pouch   cotton/linen

3  High Tea Vintage  -  IPhone iPod padded gadget case   assorted prints

4  Boutique Creations  -  Owl Phone Slip Cover   made to order

If your giving a phone cover for a gift this Christmas slip a lens cleaner cloth into the package. I picked a a large one from the optometrist and cut it into smaller squares. They are excellent for keeping the screen of smartphones clean, especially touch phones like the iPhone. It really is incredible how grotty your screen can get if it’s a touch screen.

That’s it for today, Monday on Madeit will be back on it’s regular day next week.

Thanks for Reading,

Karen  -  Over the Moon

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Monday on Madeit - Christmas Wreaths

Monday on Madeit  - Christmas Wreaths

A welcoming wreath on the front door for visitors is often the first sign of Christmas in the home. But a Christmas wreath need not be restricted to the front door. Hang them from door handles, prop one up in a kitchen dresser full of other Christmas dishes, hang one over the mantle, lay one flat on the coffee table and place candles in the centre. Use your imagination, wreaths are fun!

1. Christmas Bauble Wreath Customizable with up to three colours
2. Christmas Wreath- modern festive decoration from Bubby Makes Three (great relaxed modern wreath – just my style)
3. Door Knob Jingle Bell Wreath  from Set Adrift (perfect for a child’s bedroom door)
4. 100% Happy X'mas Wreath from Uniquely Sweet (an indoor wreath made from chocolates – keep the family chocoholic away! lol)

This week I’m making some decorations of my own and I’m planning a new advent calendar to make up before December begins.

On a personal note, my eldest daughter graduated from high school last week. After a two hour award ceremony No.1 daughter walked away with the History Award! We're very proud parents. Now that all the school duties out of the way, on Friday I’ll share with you her Formal jewellery.

Thanks for Reading,

Karen  -  Over the Moon

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Monday on Madeit - Christmas is Coming

Christmas is Coming

Yep, there is is, Christmas! It’s come all too quickly this year, it feels like it was only a few months ago that I packed away the Christmas decorations.

Below are what I consider the minimum Christmas decorations and preparations. Firstly, you’ll need a nice pack of Christmas cards to send out (start now and make someone’s day when they receive their first card) next a wreath for the door. This one is made from book pages (great recycling) and gives a natural look if your not into too much colour. Match it with a driftwood table top Christmas tree and one of this year’s most popular decorating item, a banner over the mantel.

1. Noel - Christmas Card Pack by Rachel Kennedy Designs 

2. Book Page Wreath by Michelle68

3. Merry Christmas Banner by Ben and Jess

4. Medium Beach style Christmas Tree by Set Adrift

But for me there’s not such thing as a minimalist Christmas.

I usually put the Christmas tree up just after the Christmas Pageant which was Saturday (I swear it was later in the month last year). We have a little slew of birthdays in November and I just have to wait this year before I start the decorating. But that’s OK because I have a chance to add to the already large pile of decorations. In our house the Christmas tree goes up first and the season cheer seems to slip out from the tree, as the decorations spread all around the house.

A Christmas village by the front door, some wall hangings over the more messy furniture (well used and overflowing bookcases) and my growing collection of snowmen, just to start with. I usually replace the various family photos with their seasonal equivalents and hang at lease two advent calendars (the second one is for visitors and their kids). Then it’s time to tackle the dining room and bedrooms. The only rooms that escape the Christmas decorating binge in the laundry and bathroom.

This year’s decorating projects are the bathroom and the pot-belly. I’m sure I can turn the pot-belly into a Santa, it’s not called a pot-belly for nothing!

Thanks for Reading,

Karen  -  Over the Moon

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Monday on Madeit - Modern Retro

 

Modern Retro

Today’s Monday on Madeit is following a retro theme. I love the retro style, from simple geometric prints to more involved psychedelic offerings.

1. A5 Abstract journal from Kikay DesignsRetro 
2. Psychedelic Messenger Bag from Cheech & Cheecher
3. 70's retro handbound journal from Odds n Blobs (sold I think)
4. Groovy Xmas Singlet from Bohemian Babes

Now, if I could just get the messenger bag from Cheech & Cheecher in the print from the abstract journal from Kikay Designs and if someone would have a baby so I could buy this tie-dye singlet…

Time for me to go now, the kitchen’s calling and the dishwasher needs unloading.

Thanks for Reading,

Karen  -  Over the Moon

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Monday on Madeit – Happy Halloween!

Halloween Goodies

I just couldn’t pass up a little bit of Halloween fun today. This will have to be a short post though, my eldest daughter starts her final High School exams today and I’m giving her a quick quiz for her English Exam.

So, I present to you…

Little Red Strawberry

Little Red Strawberry makes the cutest glass tile pendants.  I’ve picked out two glass pendants the I think my daughters would like.

My eldest would love this Halloween Witch Glass Tile Pendant, she loves bright stripey socks and stockings!

My youngest, who will start High School next year, is a real owl fan. I’ve chosen for her this lovely Halloween Owl Glass Tile Pendant.

Please pop over to Little Red Strawberry, they have the cutest glass tile pendants I’ve seen in a long time. Perfect for an Aussie Summer.

Thanks for reading,

Karen  -  Over the Moon

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Monday on Madeit – Beautiful Tutus from Kylie’s Collections

Last week I wrote a post tying my Colour Palette post on Tutus with a Madeit shop. Unfortunately during the journey from Live Writer to my blog the post vanished. So, here’s the resurrected version of the post, not quite as good as the original, but do-overs rarely are.

Tutus from Kylies Collections

Kylie is a stay-at-home mum whose inspiration for starting her business is her daughter. She makes the most beautiful children’s tutus and hair clips for children of all ages. All of Kylie’s Collections are handmade, and the tutus are made with soft tulle, much less scratchy than the theatrical versions I wore.

The tutus are suitable for newborn to 5 year olds, and can be worn to birthday parties and other occasions, or just for fun! Kylie also makes  Tutu Party Packs, perfect for birthday parties!

The Party Petti Tutu is solid pink tulle with Pink, Purple, Turquoise and Yellow accents. Doesn’t it look gorgeous! It has a gathered non-rolling waistband and bow.

All of Kylie’s tutus are custom made at purchase and allow for growth.You can also purchase cute matching tutus for cabbage patch style dolls or teddy bears.

I can honestly say that if my girls were 10 years younger they would be wearing these. As a matter of fact both girls have teddy bears and bunny rabbits the perfect size for the medium tutus. I’m sure though my 17 year old daughter would disown me if I put her bunny “Flopsy Dizmo” (don’t ask) in a pretty pink tutu.

Stay tuned for another Monday on Madeit post later this afternoon.

Thanks for Reading,

Karen –- Over the Moon

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Monday on Madeit – Kindle Cover

Kindles

I love my Kindle. I used to carry a book with me everywhere, now I can carry lots of them without the added weight of a book, and it takes up less room too. Seeing as I spent some time this weekend updating my Kindle 3 to it’s new software, I thought I would take some time this morning to look at some Kindle covers.

ambette by Liz Doust

Once I saw this cover I stopped looking.
This elegant Kindle cover by ambette is made of grey and navy wool and could seriously make me retire my leather cover. I love the understated grey wool felt with the splash of a red snap closure.
I could see myself slipping this cover into the handbag I featured last week from Teresa Cowley. But this cover isn’t only for us ladies, it would work equally well for the man in our life.
Of course, kindle covers aren’t all ambette makes. You’ll also find  iphone, ipad and MacBook covers in a fantastic variety of colours.
I really should finish up now, there’s a ton of washing waiting for me.

Thanks for reading,

Karen –- Over the Moon

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Monday on Madeit

Hello and Welcome to my first Monday on Madeit.

“Monday on Madeit” is a series of  blog posts that will allow me to show you something about my personal taste and things I love, as seen at Madeit – The Handmade Market.
For today’s first Monday on Madeit post I’ve chosen a subject that is close to my heart – Handbags!
Really when you get down to it you’re either a “handbag girl” or a “shoe girl”. I’m a Handbag Girl all the way, mostly because I don’t like shoe shopping (I’ve got a wide foot and finding nice shoes in a wide fitting is difficult). So, without further ado I introduce you to  Gorgeous Handbags, Purses and Artwork by Teresa Cowley.

This handbag titled 'And She appeared in the Moonlight' is made from organic cotton and hemp blend in crème latte (yum, one of my favourite classic colours) and is also available in blackberry, chocolate mouse, blueberry and strawberry.
The interior of handbags are very important to me and this one’s excellent! I detest bags with dark lining, it’s so difficult to see what’s inside if the lining is black.
Teresa also has a blog, The Gardenia Purse. 
If you prefer a bricks and mortar store visit -

• Weave Shop 42 Hyde Street, Bellingen
• First Avenue Boutique, Sawtell
• Dorrigo Rainforest Centre

There you go, my first Monday on Madeit post.

Thanks for reading,

Karen -– Over the Moon

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