HAPPY HALLOOOOWEEEEEEN!!!!

Okay so I caved this year and decided to get into the Halloween spirit with my kids, including buying and carving a pumpkin.  Yes  I know it's an American thing, but really who needs an excuse to get the creative juices flowing and act like a kid again and be silly and get inspired.  My husband just watched me this morning as though I was from another planet professing that clearly I have too much time on my hands and why has the pumpkin got a smile on it's face since its Halloween.  Well my pumpkin is a positive thinking pumpkin that knows all about the law of attraction, hah!!  No answer to that one.  Further to that, to the contrary I actually have so much to do at the moment that I really needed the mental break from how much I have to finish in the next week.  Sometimes its good to just switch off and do something totally different so you come back to your work a little more refreshed, relaxed and inspired.

Anyway here are a few shots of our decorating today, love the fake cobwebs from lombards, that stuff is so cool.  More photos to come later of the kids costumes!!

Of course the last photo is of our lolly jar nice and full ready for trick or treat later tonight.

So hope you are getting into the spirit even if its just an excuse to be silly and forget about your troubles for a while and have some fun even if the weather is overcast and gloomy, cold and rainy, perfect halloween weather really!!

A. xx

Snippets of my week

This week has been so busy I finally have a day to breathe and catch up for a few hours. Here are a couple of things that have kept me on my toes...

International Teachers Day - which is today by the way - Happy Teachers day to all the wonderful teachers out there - You Guys Rock!!

Here are some snippets of some other card orders I had for this day, I haven't photographed all the cards but here are a couple I did remember to photograph before handing over, showing you some great ways to use our punches and papers and embellishments on site.

Middle of this week my kitchen table looked like this for a day and 1/2 which drove me crazy whilst I was finishing 50 Birthday Invitations for my Mums 80th Birthday later this year. I recieved a little reminder whilst doing these about how much I love the creative side of this business but not the repetitive side of making 50 of one design. By the end of it I was so over it. Clearly concentrating and focusing doing the same repetitive thing isn't my strong point! LOL.



I also made some time to head down to the Rasberry Trade event and picked up some new gorgeous supplies I will be loading on site shortly as well as meet the lovely girls behind the scenes at Rasberry. This was conventiently located two doors down from my brothers cafe on Canterbury Road - Cafe Lucci. So of course I had to drop in for a coffee and they do make the best coffee there, as well as the fun and friendly atmosphere my brother is famous for.



Finally some more cute Christmas tags for our school fair. So that's it from me I have at least 20 more things to finish off on my list today, so I'm off to make a start.

Enjoy the Sunshine
Anna xx

Cute Christmas Polkadot Snowman Tags

Today has been one of those days, you know the type I talking about, where the day just starts on a funny note, like my son announcing he feels sick and is staying home, so all of sudden you see all the plans you had for that day just drift on by and then before you know it your back peddling the whole day through. Then to top it off I get a midday call from my eldest daughter who has left something behind can I go and drop it off and of course being an accomodating mum I jump in the car and bring it to her.

So its 3.15pm, I've managed a little cleaning, two lots of coffee with my sister-in-law and my neighbour, 4 orders packed and posted a quick trip to the shops and not much to show for the rest of the day.

So I decided I may as well procrastinate a little more and show you some cute little tags I designed for our school fair coming up in a couple of weeks . A lovely mum offered to make them up for me as I am just running out of time with lots of projects going on at once. This is the craziest time of year for me.

But I have decided these are so cute that I will be making a batch up myself and adding them to the website. So so adorable. If only we got to have a white christmas just once, how cute would that be.

Okay well off to do school pick up and hope for a more productive day tomorrow.

Anna

Taking Papercrafting to a whole new level..

Fancy some clothes made of paper, check out the gorgeous dress below. OMG my mind is ticking over with paper ideas now, I would love to know who created this and how they managed to think this design up, love, love, love it!! I'm glad I'm not the only one who gets excited over gorgeous paper.

I must say though, I'm thinking if you are a seamstress, your not generally a papercrafter, therefore someone is either multi-skilled and very clever or a few hands and minds have had a go at making this creation. Either way its beautiful, head on over to the fabulous photographers blog who took these photos James Carson Photoblog. to get a closer look. This is cetainly taking the 1st year anniversary tradition of paper to a whole new level.

Anna

New Products in Store Prima, Echo Park, Lily Bee Design, The Girls Paperie

Some Gorgeous new arrivals are now in store, stamps and Christmas Papers and flowers .....

I wish right now that I could send my whole family on a holiday so I can have a week to myself and just sit and create and do everything a Work at Home Mum would like to do. No pick ups, no drops offs, no after school activities, no playovers, no dinners to cook, no kids to wake up and hurry out the door. Ahh now that's a real mummy break...... Okay I am dreaming, that won't be happening any time soon. So I will just have to stay up late or get up early to carve a little extra time to have a play with these gorgeous new supplies.

Can't stay and chat as I am multitasking doing this whilst cooking dinner at the same time. Time to go........

Enjoy xx

World Teachers Day

Is coming up on the 29th October. On this day we acknowledge the fabulous job all our teachers do. I believe teachers today have a much harder roll than they did years ago. It's not just enough that they teach, they really have to be switched on with all the emotional stuff that goes on in the classroom these days. I certainly have a lot of respect for them and think they do an amazing job. My kids have always been blessed with great teachers, and I am sure sometimes teachers need to pick up where parents lack, which really shouldn't be their job. However they take it in their stride and just get on with it.

I have had a few orders for specialised cards for this day in the last couple of weeks, so here are a couple of designs I have done so far.

If you would like to purchase a card like one of these, you can send me an email at pontikis@netspace.net.au.

Enjoy the sunshine Melbournites, looks like its here to stay for a few days.

Yippee xx

Things that make me happy right now

This is a randomn post and just because I'm in the mood.

The last few days I have started a major clean out around here. Trying to find some clarity in my mind and although that doesn't seem to be coming in leaps and bounds I have decided that if I clear the space around me that perhaps the outer will then make the inner clear.

Here are a few things that make me laugh and happy lately, because of course it's important to remember it's not just about getting it done, it's also about being happy and inspired on the journey with a heart full of gratitude. I keep reminding myself to let go of perfectionism about myself and those around me, and although they may not be or do what I would like them to be or do, and I may not do what I set as my intention to do at times, I need to let it go and be gentle with myself and others and just concentrate on being the best person I can be in any one moment.

Okay so here goes some randomn things happening in my world at the moment:

Just looooooving this class. It is new at our gym and one of the mums from school who is a fitness instructor takes the class she is brilliant, full of energy and inspiring. Trying to surround myself with inspiring people that really get what life is about and not just the superficial stuff. I used to love dancing as a kid and I still love it as an adult maybe this was my calling!! LOL. I could do this class a few times a week I really enjoy it and it makes me feel young and energetic and uplifted for the rest of the day when I do it. If you haven't heard of Zumba yet or haven't done a class where have you been??? Guys you can do this as well it's not just for the girls.

Just love this book. Have almost finished reading it and can't wait to see the movie hopefully this week some time. Wish I had the courage to do something as bold as this author. Take an adventure and then write a book about it. How often we settle for a mediocre lifestyle because that's all we know. Or perhaps fear gets in the way and makes us small. What would it take to step into your power and live the life you were meant to lead. "What would courage have you do?"

This photo is just for fun because I would love to be in a field like this and have a photo taken like that. Bliss!

Journalling. Something I always want to do but never find the time to do. Tell my story. They say that writing daily, helps to bypass the conscious mind and get to the subconscious the real controlling part of your brain. Oh boy would I love a day with that subconscious mind of mine I would set it straight, that's for sure!!

Yoga, I love my yoga class and well on the beach would be even more wonderful, my favourite of all places. Just love the beach, the water the sand. Could sit there all day with a great book and the kids around me playing. Oh heck I'll take the body as well. Hehe!


Finally just for fun, because of course it's perfectly fine to want nice things. It's just important that the attaining of those things doesn't compromise your integrity and you are still a grounded person. This is what money could buy. I am not into labels with cars, but I do love this car and I have driven it and it drives beautifully and isn't too big but just big enough with a couple of extra seats. Not that I am having any more kids but its handy to have the extra seats sometimes even if just for separating the kids on family trips when they endlessly fight. I will own it one day , but I am patient (much to my husbands dismay who keeps trying to appeal to the logical side of me "why would you want to drive a truck." "Well honey just because, there doesn't have to be a reason, it's okay you don't have to drive it so get over it and move on." Do you ever have these types of conversations with a controlling partner who is always so logical and sensible. So very over it. A sensible and responsible husband has its up side but hey sometimes you just want to do what your spirit tells you to do like be spontaneous and fun.

However I will say I would never purchase something like this on credit. I would save up and buy it outright, instant gratification isn't my style. Either you can afford it or you can't. Maybe it's my upbringing. But that's just the way I see it. I guess instant gratification is why so much of our country is drowning in debt, now that to me is disempowering living beyond your means, unless of course the debt is earning you something back in return like paying off a house or a business then that's cool.

So once again I have let loose my opinionated self. Please don't take offense if you don't agree it's just me and I am having an educate and save the world kind of moment. I guess that's what happens when you are up at 6am on a Sunday. Okay so enough procrastinating I am off to day 3 of decluttering.

Sending wishes for some sunny rays today after all it is Spring, just a reminder to the Universe, enough rain!!!

Happy Sunny Sunday and if you read my blog and are inspired to create a post like mine send me a link I would love to have a peek. Now what are you waiting for, log off the computer and go and make a difference in your life today or someone elses life. One kind gesture or act of service can send a ripple that just keeps on going. Or do something for yourself that you have been putting off doing, just get it done and over with so the guilt doesn't hang over you like a dark cloud not allowing you to live your best life. Its time for a fresh start, be honest with yourself and begin to put into action the life you are meant to live. Don't wait for the start of the new year, there is no time like right now begin to make yourself happy.

Anna xx

More New Punches from EK Success

I have been waiting on an order of punches that seems like forever. I am happy to report that using the new EK Success Slim punches rock!! to say the least. These are smooth and easy to punch with even in the larger style shapes.

To prove my point I asked my 8yr old son to do a sample test for me. I should have taken a photo but didn't think of it. So I gave him the large 2.25" circle punch and asked him to punch a circle out. No problems. Did it easily and wanted to do more. Previously with the other different leaver style punch, he wouldn't have been able to do it. The other style punch is also smooth but the design of these newer lightweight versions is just easier and smoother to punch with and the shape comes out perfectly clean no jagged edges like some other brands.

Another benefit is that they are a little cheaper than the previous style. Of course easier to store as they are slim and have a latch to close them down flat for storage. A closed 2.25" circle punch measures 12.5cm L x 7.5cm W x 3.25cmH. Just to give you an idea of how compact they are. There are plenty of reasons to give the new slim punches from EK a try.

Also back in stock are the large E.K butterfly punches. To view all the different styles punches we have in store at koko vanilla you can find them here.

Christmas Mulberry Paper Santas, Reindeers and more

How exciting it's that time of year, the build up to Christmas. Okay I know it's only October, for retail however Christmas begins long before Christmas day.

So what has arrived at Koko Vanilla headquarters this week?? the cutest mulberry paper shapes. I have only managed to photograph them at this stage however they will be loaded to the store either tonight or tomorrow at as I have run out of hours today.

I can't believe the first week of 4th term is already over and I realise that I can really loose a week without being half as effective and efficient as I had first planned. So less socialising next week and back to list writing and focusing on the end goal without getting sidetracked on the petty details.

I leave you with some inspirational words I read today

"Worrying will never fix a problem because worrying paralyses us. It actually gives power to the very thing we don’t want to happen. Instead of being afraid of "what might" or "might not" happen, focus on what you WANT to happen and then get fired up enough to make it happen!"

Crystal Andrus

Happy Weekend

Anna xx

Decorative Wrapping with Bakers Twine

Traditionally used by bakers for wrapping their bread in brown paper or white paper and then secured with twine, bakers twine has had a long history of being used to pretty up a parcel.

Over the weekend we had several parties to attend, so I thought I would take photos of my wrapped parcels to show you some examples of how the twine looks on a gift. Twine is also great for wrapping customer orders. I am always impressed when supplies I order over the internet come packaged nicely and with care to detail. I think it makes such a difference and illustrates that the seller take pride in what they sell and how they present it.

Bakers Twine is the ideal wrapping companion, inexpensive, colourful, and makes each parcel look gorgeous. There are many other uses for this twine and many other ways to decorate a gift with it and I will illustrate some of these examples in another post. But for now here are some wrapping ideas.

Enjoy;

Customer Orders Wrapping with Bakers Twine

Kids Card Making Kit wrapped with twine

Gift Packaging decorated with Bakers Twine

Take a look at our selection of twine colours here.

Anna

October - Super Sale Month at Koko Vanilla

Are you on our email subscription list yet????

If not I suggest you head over to the home page and pop your email address in at the top right hand corner of the page to subscribe. Click here to take you there.

For the month of October we are having special sales offers each week for the whole month. The only catch is you must be a site member. It costs nothing to join and all it means is you recieve our emails every week or so.

The special offer for this week is 30% off our Patterned Paper Dept and our Chipboard, Clear Products and Off the Page Dept. If you would like to take advantage of this special offer, once you have subscribed you will get a copy of the email sent to all our customers with the special code to recieve your discount. So what are you waiting for, now is the time to stock up on some of your favourite papers and supplies at a heavily discounted price.

Happy Shopping

Anna.