Wishing you a most wondrous and glittering New Year!  I think 2012 is a good year for dreams to come true!

Image Resources:
Glitter:  Pugly Pixel
Heart:  Ban.do
Fonts:  Dafont

#5


Wrapped gift for Ask Ashe 24/12

Quick Note

Just a quick reminder to add your photos to The Package Project Flickr group...we all want to share and see what you got!

This photo is what a friend of mine - Katyha got in her package from Che (Indieberries).  Amazing!

Merry - Merry

I spotted these tags over at Creature Comforts and thought they matched the colouring around here (tags from Hey Look).  I have drooled over the post about five times - so many talented people sharing their beautiful creations with the world.  I quickly popped out and printed the 'reindeer hugs' cards to add to our table decor.  I don't want this jolly season to be over yet!

Whichever way you celebrate or whatever you believe in - I wish for you a wonderful time!  Thank you with all my heart for reading Cupcake Couture this year, for your kind words, in sharing in my life and for taking new and exciting steps with me.  Thank you - Thank you - Thank you!

Now - you must excuse me...there is wrapping to be done, brownies to be baked and lots of scoffing and jolliness to be had!  Off you go...
xxx

#5



I am not being very entertaining with my posts at the moment, but I am trying to finish all my work so that I can take some time off asap!  All I want to be doing is wrapping gifts, humming to carols (good ones not Boney M) and relaxing, but alas my boss is very strict!  

This quick snap was taken at the market on Saturday.  Delicious macaroons from Daniela's!  I really love them!

#4

Sunset from Sibling Mine's Home 14/12

A tiny THANK YOU

It might seem tiny, but it comes from a BIG place of love for all of you!  Tomorrow I am offering 10% off on all purchases at my stall at the last I heart Market of 2011 - if you just mention this post.  I hope you will pop in and say HELLO*.
*excludes Frankie products.

Featured: ilovebokkie

I met Wendy from ilovebokkie through a friend and earlier this year she became one of my first clients and a wonderful client she has been!  Her work is truly inspiring and I am excited to feature her today!

What is ilovebokkie all about?

ilovebokkie is a kid’s brand which creates kids spaces, furniture and lovelies. It is an eco-aware, true to South Africa, antidote to "made in china" kids brand. I also like to describe it as "for the young and young at heart" as some of the products are not just for the kiddos, there’s a blurring of the boundary between adult and kids with some of the products. I have also recently added a "Finders Keepers" banner to the Shop page. Here I sell “previously loved” kids lovelies, my way of creating a little nostalgia and bringing back some childhood memories for us grown-ups.  

And what about Sketchbok? 

Sketch Bok/DBN is a design and decor studio. I mainly design and decorate residential interiors. This includes everything from designing kitchen, bathrooms and built in cupboards, working with carpenters and other manufacturers, to specifying finishes such as flooring, wall finishes etc. Then there’s the decor side which focuses on soft furnishings such as putting together fabric schemes, window coverings, wallpapers, furniture, objet d'art etc. I also get involved in project managing small renovations. I design homes that reflect the client’s lifestyle and is true to who they are. Interior Design in my absolute passion and i LOVE what id do!

How do you separate your thoughts into ilovebokkie creativity and the interior work you do for Sketchbok?  Or do you feel the flow is seamless? 

Sketch Bok/DBN has become my 9-5 and ilovebokkie sort of fits in between. I mostly work on new products for ilovebokkie on the weekends when I’m a little more relaxed, but ideas don’t stick to a schedule, so they do pop up at the strangest times. I just juggle the two! I suppose it is seamless in a way.

What lead you to owning your own creative business? 

I wanted to get recognition for my designs and I wanted more freedom of time so I could spend more time with my now 2 year old son, Rylee.
What are your top tips for being your own boss? Be Organised, disciplined and I always have a to-do list! Cannot function without them. And never lose the passion for what you are doing and what you love.

What is a perfect Christmas like in your household? 

Just being surrounded by those you love. Earlier this year my sister (who is my best friend) relocated to Joburg and my father past away from cancer, so family time has become so very important to me and I really treasure our time together.

Are there new products and ideas that we can we look forward to in 2012?

I’m in the process of creating a kids rocker, cool ottomans, chair slipcovers and growth charts. So watch this space! Plus there’s a whole furniture range by Sketch Bok/DBN on the horizon!


Wendy from ilovebokkie is giving away four of her beautiful Christmas decorations.  They are so pretty that they will look good in your home all year round!
All you have to do is follow the ilovebokkie blog and leave a comment here to mention that you have followed.
This is an international giveaway.
Closing date:  Monday 19th December.
Good luck!


Jars



I added these to my market table on Saturday.  They are like the gift packs that I blogged about, but they don't have a gift inside so that you can add one.  It has wrapping, a tag, pen, stickers, something extra like a mini pack of playing cards, sprinkles (just for fun), some buttons and some twine.  So...you can pick a pressie and then pop it inside the jar.  Fun!  They will be available again this Saturday along with more gift packs.

Kim's giveaway...

Last week I shared Kim Longhurst's amazing giveaway with you.  Remember to follow her blog and also comment on the giveaways that she is hosting stating that you followed her blog via me.  If I win the goodies for sending the most followers her way...I will share it with you.  Thanks friends!

#3


Kristi Kyle Necklace 12/11

Please visit...

A quick reminder that I heart Market is on again tomorrow (& next Saturday too).  I will have new goodies on sale as well as more stock of the birdie clips on vintage playing cards (there aren't many left) and Build a Brooch will be back...well hopefully all depending on power.  Hope to see you there.  Oh and lastly...my favourite chaps commonly know as dad and Daniel will be having a stall too.  Woodnewz is the name of their business and they create wonderful things from wood (duh).  They will have some of their retro pieces for sale as well as some smaller gift items.  Pop by and say hello...I would love to see you!





A while ago I worked on a shoot with the lovely Julie from In Good Company.  I mentioned it and the bowties that Sam from Hey Cherry helped me to finish.  In amongst everything I sort of forgot about it and got a lovely reminder when I opened Wedding Inspirations which I mentioned early this week and there it was!
Thanks again to Julie from In Good Company, to Sam for her last minute (& calm) assistance and to Wedding Inspirations.

AMAZING!

I just had to share this amazing catalogue with you from Officeworks (discovered via Bright Bazaar).  It is rather lovely!  I want it all in my home now!  
The stylist (Mr Jason Grant) who worked on the shoot has a very nice website and you can see the full catalogue here.


Christmas Decorations


I decided to get into the spirit of all things Christmas and made these decorations which are for sale via the blog or at I heart Market on Saturday.  There are some with the string through the top to hang on a tree or you can get it will double sided tape on the back which is perfect to attach as a bow on a gift.  They are R35 each and the colour combinations are endless.  Christmas with a touch of Cupcake Couture.  Email me if you would like one.

Wedding Inspirations Magazine


Wedding Inspirations Magazine went on sale yesterday and I am so happy and proud to be featured. 

An amazing giveaway

Kim Longhurst is hosting the most magical and wondrous giveaway on her blog, The Painted Blackbird.  I have added a Cupcake Couture corsage to the loot that is up for grabs!  To win I have to get as many people as possible to follow her blog.  Please follow her blog and leave me a comment.  If I win I will be sure to share the goodies with you as well as add an additional something special! via a giveaway  So...pop over to The Painted Blackbird...Kim's work is perfectly pretty (see below) ...so regardless of winning her blog it is an inspirational read.



Quick Snap: Macaroons

I have loads of random photos that I snap on days out - I never share most of them as I feel that my skills aren't quite good enough and because I am often in a rush the photos aren't great.  But...often I miss out on sharing cute or fun things.  So...I have started these new posts...aptly names 'Quick Snaps'.  I hope you enjoy them...they are literally snaps taken on the run - so no amazing photography skills here...but a slice of life instead.

Macaroons - Macaroon Cafe.  Monday:  14/11

Quick Snap: Jars


Spotted these jars in the new Carol Clark shop in Gateway...and stole a quick snap.  Love them.

Christmas withouth the kitsch

Christmas is upon us!  I love this jolly season of gift giving, but I cringe at the site of fake trees, tinsel and kitsch decorations.  The traditional green and red sends me running and the shopping mall queues and the pushing and shoving is enough to keep me in hiding until the new year.  However, with so many handmade beauties out there, celebrating Christmas sans the kitsch is so easy and much more fulfilling!  A touch of tradition is always welcome, but clever, unique and interesting items are far lovelier.

If like me you are a creative and this season is full of markets, preparing and selling then check out this post on holiday craft shows and markets by Rena Tom.  It offers advice, inspiration and tips on keeping your sanity.

If you are shopping then remember to keep it handmade.  I heart Market is happening this weekend and the options are amazing!  My favourites from I heart Market:

Little Mud Hut's Pegs:
I just love adding these pegs to gifts.  Visit Venessa's blog for even more versions. 

 ilovebokkie's wooden heart decorations:
These will still be cute once Christmas is over.  These are ideal to tie onto gifts as an added extra.









Lisa & Jo Stamps:
Stationery addicts rejoice as Lisa will be at the market selling their stamps.  They stamp super clearly and add a quirky and handmade feel to your Christmas correspondence. 









Olivia Villet's Cards:
I made a vow to hand make all my Christmas cards, but I couldn't resist this beauty! And it is handmade...just not by me.











I am also totally loving these:
Genevieve Motley's decorations.  These will look good in your home the year round!
Nicole Long's Santa Cookie Kits:  I have been selling Nicole's books at the market for ages now and she is finally having her own stall full of Little Chef goodness!
Hey Cherry's Wreaths:  I can imagine this in my office and it is unconventional yet festive all in one!



















*Don't forget to add these to your shopping list:

Angelic Fragrances: My mom recently joined in the I heart Market fun her label and blog is called Underground AtticRead more about the fragrances here.  The sleep one is amazing and I recently got Ask Ashe hooked.

Terry's Art:  Each piece contains heart and soul and would make a treasured gift.

Mint:  Retro classics at wonderful prices means you can get a gift and a treat for your home too!


Whimsy:  Treat a friend to an organised 2012 with Amelia's new calendar.

Daniela's:  A macaroon a day...keeps the doctor away (that's my story and I am sticking with it). Delicious creations!

Tin Bird's Sweet Treats:  Debbie is a darling and once we get chatting we can't stop!  She bakes delightful goodies.

Token Cermamics:  Carla helped me last year with some bridesmaids gifts and a ceramic tag for my bouquet.  Her delicate work always amazes me.  Pretty pieces to fill stockings with.


Lulu Yesteryear Redeemed:  Jars, cups, plates, dishes and generally interesting vintage goodies...Irene has them.  She is always hunting for buttons for me and for that I am so grateful!

Are you a stallholder that I haven't mentioned?  I would love to meet you and learn more about your products...do say hello on Saturday.

Happy shopping!

New Clips: For Sale








I have just finished these bright and cheery birdie clips.  Each one is sold on a vintage children's playing card.  So...you can wear the little clip and add the card to your inspiration board.  They make perfect stocking fillers and there is even a little card with a Christmas theme...see the little girl standing with holly above her head...adorable.

They will be for sale at the I heart Market on Saturday or you can order one by emailing me. They are light and flat so postage will be minimal.

Small birds:  R25
Owl:  R30
Big coral coloured birds:  R35

In most cases I have about three of each card.