Welcome to 2014 - New Year Break

Dear Friends





Welcome to a New Year filled with potential and fresh beginings.

As always I love to start the new year with lots of reflection, planning, decluttering and journaling.  I usually spend a little time assessing the year that has passed and then move onto the new year.  I usually do this using these two planners which form the basis of my year.

It's amazing to compare the mindset I had from last year to this year.  I have to say 2013 was a year of soul searching and inner growth.  It was a year full of hard lessons and insight into how my patterns and habits have served to either hinder my growth or help it flourish.

My word for the year last year was focus.  I certainly did that behind the scenes.  I spent most of my time reading and learning attending seminars and plenty of inner work with a life coach and more.  It really is worth discovering why we do what we do and whether this serves us.  Sometimes we weave the web so intensely that it takes a while to then untangle ourselves.

This coming year for me is all about shining bright and building confidence and courage to really be my true self.  To move foward with baby steps the only way I know how and rebuild myself from the inside out.

I have lots of plans for my business as I mentioned last year but to be honest I didn't have the desire to make all the necessary changes.  It was more a year to work on me before working on my business.  My commitment wasn't strong enough nor my energy or desire.

I am hoping to find both external support (for my businesss) as well the motiviation to start implementing changes to the site. Resistance this past year has definitely been my friend with excuses for not getting things done.  I realise now that reistance is a form of fear and procrastination and needs its butt kicked.

At this stage I still haven't found  my word for 2014 and I am not forcing myself to choose one.  I am having a short break this coming week with the family and hope inspiration will strike.

May the New Year for you be filled with joyful rest and relaxation and giving yourself what you need when you need it.

A quick note to mention any orders placed this coming week from 5th January - 11th January won't be packed and sent until Monday 14th January.

Looking forward to being back with a commitment to really share all the amazing things I have learned with you all in a way that can help you all in your life journey too.

30 days of Creativity Challenge

Wow has it really been that long since I last blogged.  I think this is the longest time really.  Blame it on all the other social media platforms that exsist like instagram and facebook and of course my direct email from my website.  Sometimes I just forget to jump on here and blog.

At the start of this month I set myself a challenge to create every day for 30 days.  I was doing pretty well until I realised that is it really hard to commit every single day consecutively because things come up, like a busy day, no creative ideas, not time, or just getting sick (thanks kids for sharing your colds).

However I will finish the challenge, just maybe not 30 consecutive days in a row.  If you would like to follow or see what I've done so far you can follow me on Instagram under the name kokovanilladesigns.  The title of the challenge is #30daysofcreativity.

Here is a just a little of some of what I've created so far...  This first project Mixed Media Collage Christmas Tree Canvas has been my absolute favourite.  What I have also learned is that when you push yourself to be creative everyday even when you don't really feel like it, you make it a habit.  That's when amazing creations happen, because you don't come from the mindset of I might do it, it's I am doing it so lets go.

Nothing like public accountability to whip you into shape.

Have a happy Sunday xo

Creative Card Making Workshop - Melbourne

This workshop is for all you lovelies located in Melbourne, or of course if you happen to be visiting at the time you are more than welcome also.

Join me next friday morning October 25th from 10am - 12pm for 2 fun filled hours whilst we make some gorgeous gift cards.

Below is a sample of what you will learn to make and take home with you

For full details and to purchase your spot go here.

Looking forward to seeing you there

Anna xx

Some Crafty Goodness to Share

Hey Everyone,

 

Its been a while, I am still around just super busy doing other things besides being crafty and updating this blog.  I just wanted to pop in and share on this blog a few crafty projects I've been working on. 

 

The first is a gift card using lots of chipboard embellishments (which I love at the moment) and some fun papers and prima flowers.

 

 

 

The second is project is a whole lot of hearts using texture paint and colour paints and inks and stencils to create these beautiful pastel hearts.  This was such a fun project.  Once you start you just can't stop.  Great therapy I highly recommend it.

 

 

Finally I update the site with some new purple paper posies, so cute and fun and perfect to add to any project.  Grab some here

 

In other news I have had a busy couple of weeks visiting the trade fairs that have been on in Melbourne.  I also attended a business breakfast last Friday morning and heard the lovely Brene Brown speak.  She was so awesome and empowering I suggest you google her and listen to her Ted X Talks for some great inspiration.

 

 

That's all from me, a super quick update.

Hope you are having an awesome week xox

Anna



Handmade Card Inspiration

Hey Everyone,

Hope your day is full of sunshine.

Here in Melbourne we are in the middle of  Winter School Holidays however the days have been lovely, sunshine filled although the temperature is cold.

It has been nice to relax in the morning and not rush out the door really early to take kids to school and make lunches and all the other associated busyness with school term.

I thought I would pop in to share a card I made the other day.  It is meant to be part of a card kit but I'm  not sure if it will be.  To be honest I am feeling a little uninsipred with my card kits not sure where to head with those.  I feel limited in terms of technique and product I can put them which limits how creative they can be.    So anyway while I ponder how to reinvent what I am offering here is a card I made last week.

List of supplies below

Patterned Paper Echo Park Splash Umbrellas 12 x 12 Paper
Bird Twig From Kaisercraft coloured using White Linen Dylusions Spray
Orange Gathered Satin Ribbon From Making Memories

Holidays are a great opportunity to spend time crafting with your kids.  If you need some inspiration we have a supply of cards kits on site, grab one for yourself and one for the kids and spend some time creating together.  The follow on benefit will be a years supply of cards ready to gift to family and friends.

Anna xx

Washi Tape Tutorial

Hello Friends

Another Video is up and this one is a Card Making tutorial using Washi Tape.  Below are some images of the card I create in the video.  Underneath the link to the video (at the bottom of this post) is a special discount  code for all twines, ribbons and washi tape in store, valid for this week only ends Monday 1st July.

Enjoy

 

 

Card Making Tutorial Using Washi Tape

 

 

Pop in the code WASHISALE at checkout and receive 20% off all items in the Ribbons, Trims, Twine and Washi Dept.  You may add items from other depts. but only these will be discounted.

 

Here is the link happy shopping

 

Anna xx

New Workshops Card Making for Adults and Butterfly Shadow Box Frame for Kids

If you haven't heard I have scheduled two more classes one for June and one for July

This time the adults as well as the kids get to play

I will be teaching both these classes so come and join me for a creative couple of hours. 

Take a look below for details

Creative Card Making for Adults

Monday 24th June 7pm - 9pm

Box Hill Melbourne

 

View complete details and book you spot here

and

Beautiful Butterfly Shadow Box for Kids

Wednesday 10th July 10am - 12pm

Box Hill Melbourne

 

View complete details and book you spot here

 

 

I look forward to seeing you in class

anna xx