It's a Wonderful Blog

Warmest greetings of the season to you.  It's been a heck of a long time since I last posted anything but I knew I couldn't say goodbye to 2014 without having the last word.

A few weeks ago I had the great experience of working on a Christmas-styled photo shoot with Rose from The Eleventh Flower, floral designer extraordinaire and my BFF.  Planned over lattes and laughter the shoot took place one not-so-sunny Sunday afternoon at Silvan Reservoir in the foothills of the Dandenong Ranges. 

Rose went with gorgeous traditional reds and greens, with lovely touches of moss here and there and I kept my stationery a simple black and white. I really loved the results and we enjoyed working together so much we were already discussing ideas for our next collaboration on the drive back.
 

 

Best wishes to you for a safe and happy 2015.

Deb xx

Marmalade Likes...

In this entry I want to bring your attention to a few other Australian small businesses that I like and recommend.

First up is The Eleventh Flower, a Melbourne based floral design business.  Floral designer Rose creates amazing arrangements for weddings, events, corporate needs and gifts for special occasions like anniversaries and birthdays.  

She's a clever gal, our Rose.  And a mixed bag of contrasts.  She's a jeans and Chuck Taylors kind of girl with a strong dash of Martha Stewart and the quit wit of Dorothy Parker.  It makes for some very creative results.

How beautiful is this?

Snowberries...wow.

Okay, now she's just showing off.

So, if you're in Melbourne and need a dazzling and unique arrangement check out The Eleventh Flower.  You can also find her on Facebook here.

Next we travel to the rural Victorian town of Euroa.  Euroa has three claims to fame:  

1. Cricketer Merv Hughes was born there.
2. Ned Kelly robbed the National Bank in 1878.
3. Fabulous small business Sew N Sow is located there!

Inspired by a love of the simple life, owner Michelle takes gorgeous fabrics and transforms them into handmade hats, market totes and gifts.  

Sneaky peek time:

Chevron!

Bicycle print bucket hat?  Yes please.

Little Sweet Dreamers...aww.

You can't see it in the picture but those Sweet Little Dreamers have a pocket in the front for special treasures, or can be used as a Tooth Fairy Pillow.  In fact, nine out of ten tooth fairies recommend the Sweet Little Dreamer for the safe-keeping of lost teeth and subsequent funds transfer.

My 3 year old nieces have the Sweet Little Dreamers.  When Niece #1 wants to have a lovely dream about chocolate factories and new sparkly shoes she has Mum or Dad write the dream down and places it in the pocket.  Niece #2 keeps a shiv in hers.  

You can follow Sew N Sow on Facebook, through the blog or just go straight to the Etsy Shop.

Last, but by no means least is Pink Poppy Makeovers.  Makeup artist Rachel does bridal makeup and runs group and one-on-one workshops.  I attended a workshop a few months ago and had a great time and learned quite a lot.  They're a great idea for anyone wanting to freshen up their look for a new job, or for an alternative idea for a Kitchen Tea or Hen's Party.

The products Rachel uses, Motives by Loren Ridinger, can also be purchased from her and include both makeup and skin care.  I'm currently using the primer and foundation and love, love, love them!  I especially love the primer.  It's smooth and makes the skin feel great, plus the smell is addictive.  It reminds me of the beach.  If I'm not careful I'll wind up on that show, Strange Addictions as the crazy woman hooked on makeup primer.

Motives palette...gorgeous!

When Winter cold bites, bite back with bright colours!

Smell it...you know you want to.

You can find, contact or stalk Pink Poppy Makeovers on Facebook.

Got any Australia based small business recommendations you would like to share?  Feel free to leave them in the comments, I'd love to discover them.

Deb