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September 7, 2010
As someone who has absolutely no ability when it comes to drawing, cutting, painting and so on, I have really loved looking at the lovely canvas art that Designs for Tots creates.
Renee of Designs for Tots has a background in interior design and her philosophy is to design children’s décor that is fun, vibrant and adds a unique touch to your little one’s bedroom, nursery or playroom.
Renee believes that as a parent, nothing is more satisfying than seeing your child’s name and images on the wall, artwork and photo boards that allow them to stamp their personality with their favourite things. All of Renee’s artwork is designed to be mixed and matched – making it easy to create that ultimate space for your children to grow up in.
Apart from the beautiful personalised artwork holders, what I really like about Designs for Tots is that Renee goes to great lenghts to give the consumer information about the quality of the products she uses to create her art, plus plenty of info about postage, delivery and info on shipping. You know that you are getting great quality artwork with an emphasis on quality customer service!
Designs for Tots are happy to talk to you about customised requests too. Renee is super helpful! I think I’ve found more goodies for the Hamster’s ocean themed room!
Caz x
September 6, 2010
Owls are the new bird of the moment!
So to save you time we did a little search on MadeIt to find you some fabulous Owl themed items and this is what we discovered.
Owl Wheat Pack Coochie Bubble Designs
Hoot Necklace by Mecino
Owl Gift Tags by Paper Tree Designs
Moonmum Cards
Baby Wipes Container by Wipe Out
September 4, 2010
I’m sure in your household you have a favourite book to read to your little ones. Well, I’m about to show you a great new book to add to your favourite pile!
“Bill the Fish” is a gorgeous children’s book written and illustrated by Australian artist Brett Curzon. Brett injured his back four years ago on a building site and needed to be retrained. His dream was to become a graphic designer, and up and till four years ago he had never turned on a computer.
Brett is a self confessed ‘big kid’ himself and loves telling stories. He wrote and illustrated “Bill the Fish” while he was retraining. “Bill the Fish” was actually an assignment to make and sell a product at a local art and craft market. The book went really well at the market – it was a handmade version – and sold out on the day. Now published, Brett has been reading Bill’s story at schools as well as showing the ins and outs of the design process.
“Bill the Fish” is a modern tale (or is that “tail”?) and whilst we swim along with Bill we meet his friends of all shapes and sizes – all so bright and gorgeous. The images are bound to capture the wee ones attention … at least for a few minutes! The theme of the story is inclusivity and understanding and it really leaves the reader with a warm and fuzzy feeling! Not at all like you’ve been swimming in a chilly ocean!
You can read “Bill the Fish” on the website where you can also purchase the book for $20. You can even become a fan of Bill’s on Facebook.
I’d like to thank Brett for sharing with us Bill’s first adventure and we are looking forward to the next instalment!
Caz x
August 31, 2010
As you know – Mrs Robinson is knocked up and due in October!
Do you think Mrs Robinson’s baby is going to be a boy or a girl?
I’m undecided, but if it is a boy, I’ve found a few goodies to shower the latest HMK team member with!
Anou Design handmade felt elephant canvas
Oopah Crimson Corduroy Baby Oopah
Victoria OC hand knitted vintage inspired pom pom hat
Small Town – trike onesie
As for names, HMK CEO and I are keen on Ronan if it is a boy, coz we know someone who thinks that Ronan from Boy Zone is kinda gorgeous and scrummy … not that we would reveal who that person is, because obviously they could be sorta sad and a little bit pathetic – good thing it is not us!
Caz x
August 25, 2010
My dad has the great memory for numbers. At our standard Friday Night dinner this week we were talking about childhood toys and in particular The Magic Treehouse. My sister, myself and my cousin LOVED this toy so much and it really fuelled us with dreams of living in a treehouse, especially one that had a lift in the trunk and could be closed up so easily of an evening to keep the cold wind out!
Anyhoo, my dad specifically recalls that mum and he paid $23 for this toy back in the mid 70’s and he was right (he’s always right!). But GUESS WHAT - now you can buy one for your wee ones from Belles Familles … at a slightly higher price of $199 – but now it is fully motorised! And I’m seriously contemplating buying one!
I really have such fond memories of this toy and with the years forging ahead, the never ending stream of boring bills, and just the horrible things that can happen in the blink of an eye; why not have something that brings you back to a more carefree time.
I was born mid 70’s and even though it feels like a lifetime ago I’ve easily found awesome 70’s handmade goodies that indicate to me I’m not alone whilst I stroll (or ‘bogey on down’) memory lane!
Mumma Ficarelli corduroy pinny – remember the sound cord jeans made when you walked?
Szeya cassette earrings – did you used to tape songs off the radio on a Saturday night and maybe even phone up the radio station and send out fake love song requests?
Snap Dragon Style – roller skate clutch. All of the cool kids roller skated. In fact our very own HMK CEO was something of a prize winner on the concrete rink!
This gorgeous bag does remind me of something that my mum wore with chunky knee high black boots! Edna Wears retro curtain handbag. Beautiful!
And whilst I think this Bruce Springsteen album was released in the 80’s, I think Bruce is hot and Born to Run is in my top five ‘driving albums’, so I had to put in this gorgeous record album bag from Brindakay Design.
Ahh, it takes you back!
Caz x
August 21, 2010
August 19, 2010
In the world of kids there is so much STUFF! It takes over your house bit by bit and as you slowly get used to that, birthdays come around. Our kids are so fortunate to have so much in their lives but when buying gifts it becomes a matter of trying to guess which friend has which toys so there isn’t any double ups.
And then you find sites like Groovy Goose. I just love the idea of giving personalised gifts. It is thoughtful, creative and means my gift doesn’t end up in an ever-growing pile of toys. I just love the idea of my little one receiving a puzzle with his name on it, or a canvas board with his name to pin up paintings, photos… whatever he chooses! Not to mention being able to invite kids to his party with a personalised invitation along with a matching lolly bag. How cute does the dump truck image look below?
At Groovy Goose you can find a gorgeous array of canvas art, stationery and accessories to suit every need including these fabulous canvas display boards.
The groovy goose doesn’t think beautiful photos should be hidden away in drawers, photo albums or on computer hard drives. So they designed these beautiful and modern display boards as a unique way to display photos of loved ones, friends and family in your child’s room or anywhere in the house.
So have a meander through the Groovy Goose store. There is more than just the personalised items if that isn’t what you are looking for…
August 18, 2010
JulJuni – Space Invaders wall decal Nooshka – red retro doll
Hey Harriet – red retro teacups print Hannah Banannas – Nanna’s table cloth dress
August 16, 2010
August 14, 2010
What beautiful goodies can we get for the man in our life this coming Father’s Day? We are inundated with gorgeous handmade choices!
Lovestamp – guitar pick necklace
Vinyl Tees - gecko t-shirt
Ambette Designs - iphone case
Blue Day Designs - customised mini portraits
Caz x
August 8, 2010
I feel quite zen after gazing at m2matiz’s beautiful products. There is a real sense of calm that comes from browsing this gorgeous online creation. Mariana is a graphic artist/designer and in recent years photography has become a passion. She has been inspired by her two beautiful children, mother earth, and the world around her.
Mariana’s love of photography and her skills in graphic art and design has led her to produce a range of gift cards, gift tags, journals, prints, the t.lighthaus© (tea light candle lantern) and the most gorgeous bar-code nursery art which states your little ones time and date of birth and where he/she fits into the family - all cleverly disguised as a barcode. I love them.
Thanks m2matiz - lovely images, art and inspiration!
Caz x
August 7, 2010
Whoops, I have had another one of those moments where I have come across something that does not fit our usual criteria of being Aussie, but it is just too cute not to showcase, and I am definately feeling in the mood for a bit of Kawaii to brighten the day.
Fantastic Toys brings a whole new meaning to the term paper craft!
With a few simple tools and a printer, you can create your own fabulous items above.
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