Showing posts with label Inspiration. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Inspiration. Show all posts

A Package to Post

*When I'm not working with creative business owners and brands - I like to take a little break and send snail mail. This global revolution has sparked off an industry that has built new businesses, websites and inspired several books (like this one). Earlier this year I wrote an article for Ideas Magazine to share and educate fellow creatives on the art of correspondence.

I'm just about ready to post off this snail mail to a friend. I haven't taken part in much swapping or mailing this year, so it was really nice to take some time out and get creative. I've seen a few ideas on Pinterest using a folder to package up pretty things for your penpal. I had a ready-made folder which I decorated and added the envelopes to. The Pukka tea is for the receiver (I don't want to mention her name so that it will be a surprise) to enjoy while opening / reading the letter I sent. I filled each envelope with an assortment of papery things like stickers, Project Life Cards and a few other flat stationery items. I used mostly MT washi tape bought from Washi Bug. It works so well, sticks consistently and the colours are beautiful. 

I added the gold Chinese style knot button which allows the folder to close. The details are a mix of washi tape and I used lots of Amy Tangerine stickers.



I've been loving the tassel trend and they are so easy to make. I found some really cheap wool in a local haberdashery and made a few to add to gifts. The Typo paper bags / envelopes are perfect for wrapping too.

I found this vintage floral print style hanky at Pep (love a random bargain), it was only R4 and I used it to wrap up a bunch of smaller stationery items. The pattern is bright and happy - a lot like Cath Kidston (on a budget). The plain kraft circle tags are from m.studio.

The lovely heart tag is from Millamae - it's the perfect base for decorating.

I hope you enjoyed seeing inside my snail mail envelope before it sails the seas and heads faraway.

The Life-Changing Magic of Selling Things


(This photo is from our entrance hall and I recently decluttered it a bit. The mountain bike that we sold also used to stand next to these shelves - I'm happy the space is now clear.)

I'm a total nerd when it comes to organising and decluttering. In fact I can almost say it's a hobby. I love the idea of always knowing where things are and not having unnecessary items taking up space in our home. Things need a place and if they are no longer useful then they need to get on out of here. We recently had a good hard look around our home and although we are fortunate to have quite a lot of space - the challenge is to not succumb to adding more and more things. Through the cleaning out we managed to sell two huge items that we had decided to move on from. A mountain bike and a vintage style restored motorbike. Both were in the way and gathering dust. We sold these two bigger items and several other small things via Gumtree. I like to look for unusual finds via the site as I did during my office setup, but selling scares me a bit. Luckily with their helpful seller guide I was able to get my head around it. The process was simple, easy and now we have some extra money in the bank.

Cleaning out and selling things is the perfect way to feel not only liberated, but inspired too. More space is always welcome and some extra cash is ideal for reinvesting in items that you actually want. I like donating, but so often there are items that I know someone else could make good use of and in that case I would prefer to sell them, especially if they were expensive.

Thinking of having a clean out or declutter? Here are two of my favourite sources of inspiration to get going (and stay organsised).

> The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up by Marie Kondo: I'm currently listening to an audio version and I'm enjoying it. I like certain aspects and have already been putting her way of thinking into play. I do feel that you need to use aspects of it rather than take every single element literally.

> A Bowl full of Lemons: Following Toni's insight via the site and on Instagram is so inspiring. I love browsing the projects and challenges.

> Oh and of course my 'Organised Spaces' board on Pinterest is my happy place.

I hope this inspires you to get rid of a few things and perhaps to reinvest in some joyful new home decor or organisation items. The Gumtree seller guide offers the perfect tips for making a start.

Images via: 1, 2, 3

*Posted in collaboration with Gumtree. All views are my own and this is a site that I truly use in my personal capacity.

Ideas Magazine - February 2015

If you've paged through the latest Ideas Magazine, I'm sure you'll agree it's a beautiful and inspired issue. It makes me so proud to have my opinion mentioned as one of the experts they consulted for their Entrepreneurs article on marketing (page 64). It goes without saying that the Ideas team offer something quite unique through all they do. I loved contributing a few of my key thoughts. 

It's a great starting point for all creatives who want to be inspired and to also learn a few valuable business lessons. Several awesome Durban locals were featured, including Max from Savior Brand Co and the What's Cutting team, who gave me a special shout-out (thanks guys). Another thank you goes to the editor Terena for a mention in the Editor's Letter too.

Besides useful advice there are several amazing DIY's which I can't wait to try my hand at. I wonder if Daniel will appreciate all the Valentine's goodies? Probably not, but I will love making them. Lastly, have you checked out their monthly Printable Paper Parcels? So pretty!
Be sure to snap up a copy of the colourful and creative February Ideas mag. 

My New Office

Late last year I announced that I will be moving into a new office space! In 2011 I took on my business in a full-time capacity and have been working from home since. I have a really lovely, big room dedicated to my work and creative projects. However, as my business grew I felt that I needed a space that I could confidently invite my clients to as well as run small workshops from. I started the search, but with little to no avail. In fact at times all I could do was laugh at some of the rent people were after (along with their strict & ridiculous requirements). I wanted it to be a solid business decision and didn't want to settle for the wrong space just for the sake of moving. And... then there was a break-through! Finally! My friend Kim approached me as she was working on a space for her business in The Design Factory / Station Road. She offered me an office and it all came together. 

It's wonderfully exciting to be working on decorating my new office. I want the style to reflect my business along with a hint of my personality. Daniel has been so supportive, guiding me and of course restoring furniture pieces (with patience and love) and slowly, but surely we are getting there. Once it's all done I will be sure to share it with you, but in the meantime here is some of my inspiration.



I've been debating as to whether or not to have floating shelves on one of the longer walls within the space, but after seeing this inspiration I have settled on two shelving units so that I can move them around if need be. Daniel and I plan to use traditional metal office shelves (the frame part) and then replace the shelves with wooden ones. I found these via Gumtree using their location listings and the seller is based in KZN - which is ideal. I think once I have added a few decor elements and styled it up a bit - the end result will be just perfect.



I really like the idea of mixing in a few pieces with history. I want a stylish space, but not void of character. This inspiration captures the look and feel that I'm after. Globe chairs are quite a common second-hand find and in this case I'm thinking that they might look good in white too or with a cushioned seat area (I'm on the hunt for fabric). I discovered a straight back version on Gumtree and once again the seller is KZN based which is making all my searching a great deal less stressful.

We are working on a few other elements and soon I'll be able to move in and start officially working from my new space. I'm so happy that I can share the journey with you (hooray)! I'll keep you posted (pun intended).

*Posted in collaboration with Gumtree. All views are my own.

Packaging Inspiration


Whether you package up products for your business or love sending snail mail - I thought I would share this parcel with you. It's for Danni from ohhellofriend who also happens to be one of my favourite creative people in all the world! As usual I used heaps of washi tape to create the base for my decorating. To inspire me while I wrapped I looked through Danni's Instagram and site to get a sense of what is catching her eye at the moment. It helped me to ensure that unwrapping this brings her true happiness. It also guided me to steer away from some of the usual colours that I like and to rather opt for options that suit her taste.
Do you have any creative projects on the go?

Ideas Magazine Feature: December 2014




Last year  September (how time flies) I got ready for Christmas... ridiculous or fun? In my opinion it was rather fun... all the creative elements without the pressure. Ideas Magazine invited me to share my inspiration with them which was featured in the December 2014 issue. I also chatted to the editor Terena and creative director, Dala about my ideas and work. We hosted the shoot at my parent's home and of course my dear mom gave me a helping hand in more ways than one. It really helps to have support!

Derryn Semple photographed the colourful Crimbo 'creativeness' and I decided to go with elements that represented my brand and the things that inspire me. The small caddy like box and large dining table were made by my favourite guys over at Woodnewz. Centre Piece Hire also let me use their beautiful black, acrylic cutlery which finished off the setting. The rest is a mishmash of my favourite creative bits and pieces and of course plenty of wrapping!

Did you get a copy of the magazine? I would love to hear your thoughts...

Basic Creative Business Success Tips

What I've Learnt...

It's easy to get despondent when seeing the success of others as it often highlights our own shortcomings. However, when we use it to our advantage it often leads to personal success. There are few simple lessons that have stuck with me throughout my journey...

Fuel: Envy or jealously are such wasted emotions. It also leaves a nasty feeling in your heart (life is way too short for that nonsense). My personal experience has led me to rather use my emotions as fuel. Instead of comparing I suggest exploring why others are successful and use it as fuel to lead you to new heights in your own career. Admiration leads to inspiration! Jealously shuts your heart and mind down and nothing useful ever comes from that.

Hard Work: Boring old hard work - can we ever escape it? Nope! Don't let it be the enemy - when you invest time in what is important to you the benefits will far outweigh the sacrifice. Trust me!


Smart Thinking: What is working and what isn't? Do away with things that aren't bringing your business success or enriching your life. Certain things make us feel a certain way - if an emotion isn't welcome then go to the route of the cause. Often there are small things we are able to do to ensure we don't feel unhappy, disorganised, overly stressed and so on. It might take time, but evolution is part patience, part mindset.

Go for It: That's right... go on, get out there. Success is for the taking, but we often need to leave our comfort zone to take hold of it. Embrace new things and don't be afraid to ask for what you want.

Competition: Apparently competition is healthy... how many times have you heard that? The truth of the matter is that it can assist you to get moving, make changes and take a few risks. Don't let competition scare you into inactivity.

Move Forward: Sometimes things don't work out perfectly and that's okay. Take away the lesson learnt and move on to better / different things. No job, client or project are ever perfect and neither are you. Nonetheless everything holds a lesson - use it, but don't stay stuck... get moving.

Keep these in mind as you set your intention for 2015. Make it a brilliant year for business and personal growth!

Snail Mail Ideas: Wrapping Inspiration

In between my real work I always try and fit in some snail mail wrapping and crafting. It makes me so happy and I love seeing a package come together. There is a sense of achievement in finishing it, coupled with the joy of giving. What could be better... than a bit of DIY fun! With all the Christmas inspiration flying around the internet - I thought I would rather share some snail mail inspiration which is relevant all year round.

I like to layer lots of random goodies like stickers, tags, fabric and buttons when I wrap small gifts. It creates a colourful combo of textures which is sure to make my pen pal smile.
I love using buttons to finish off a parcel. This minty polka-dot one and bird button are unique finds, but also really cheap. Paired with some washi tape and twine they add a unique touch.
Plain paper bags are useful as you can decorate them as you see fit. Sometimes I leave them plain and add a small detail or I add lots of strips of washi tape to brighten things up.
Like most crafty people I have a huge stash of supplies so I don't actually have to head out and buy more items to get creative with (often I can't resist though). I like to keep my items neat and tidy so I can really have a good look and use the things I have. It also encourages me to make hand crafted gifts rather than buy snail mail pressies. I had these stickers made to match my branding, but there are loads of stamps out there or ready to buy stickers which you can add to your handmade creations.
I like to decorate the padded envelopes which I send snail mail in, but I find if I do it too intricately it gets damaged. Small additions like washi tape on the outside makes it pretty and also tells your pen pal that there is something exciting inside (rather than the boring old mail most people receive).
I like to wrap individual items so that my pen pal has several small packages to unwrap. I use wrapping paper, paper bags and also pretty pages from magazines. I often buy packs of items like pens or notebooks and then split them up so that I can give them to different people.

It's also fun to just send papery items now and again - which is a great deal cheaper to post. I like to fill a bag or envelope with a nice note, some stickers, cards and other flat crafty items.

Making gifts can be super simple. I made this small brooch using a mix of buttons, thread, a piece of felt and a brooch back. It didn't take long at all, but it's a piece of hand made love for a special faraway friend. I found a simple black box and packaged it up. 

 Snail mail is such fun and I hope this inspires you to get creative.

DIY Snail Mail Jar for Consol


Consol recently reached out to me and asked that I put together a little something using their new jars with coloured chalkboard labels. I decided to get creative and share a gift that could also lead to more  giving or sharing down the line and that's how I came up with a Snail Mail Kit in a jar. The idea is really simple and easy to replicate as a special DIY gift for a friend. I included a pen, washi tape, envelopes, a few cards, a stamp and scissors. You can fill it with anything stationery related to get them started on their snail mail journey. I made use of  other crafty bits and pieces too like buttons, glitter paper and tape, as well as small bells to decorate and add to the Olive Finch Christmas tag around the bottle's neck. It is so easy and fun to create - I hope it inspires you to get making this Christmas.

I bought my supplies mostly from Typo and one or two elements like the envelopes and glitter paper from a general craft shop. The MT washi tape is from Washi Bug. My Motex label maker from Love Letters Stationery also came in handy. As mentioned you can include anything creative so it's an easy DIY to shop for.

Poster Fun with Recite This

On my recent Pinterest adventures I came across Recite This, a really fun site which allows you to create posters with quotes. I had a ball making a batch of my own and it was so easy! Here is some creative business food for thought. Visit the site to get making yourself!



Cath Kidston's New Sewing Book


Yesterday the delightful Cath Kidston launched her new Sewing Book, called just that. To tease us further she signed copies at the flagship Piccadilly Circus shop and oh my what I would have given to have been there. Regardless of missing out, the book is still something to look forward to. In true Cath style it is filled with an abundance of florals, beautiful photos and a mix of fun projects. I wouldn't mind a copy of this in my Christmas stocking this year (hint hint). Let me know if you get this beautiful book as I would love to hear your thoughts.



Here is some more info...
Step-by-step illustrations and templates for all 30 projects make this a perfect book for sewing novices as well as enthusiasts. As an inspirational kick-start, Cath Kidston is giving away all the materials to make the cover project — a pocket sewing kit — in a unique fabric specially printed for the book. Templates are included, all the sewing techniques are clearly explained and each project is paired with hand-drawn, step-by-step illustrations and beautiful photography, so that even an absolute beginner can be sure of success. There are stitching shortcuts for the time-pressed, take-it-further guides, and, for the more adventurous stitcher, a guide to experimenting with a range of fabrics from cotton and oilcloth to flannel, silk and linen.

"Five years on from our first sewing book, I wanted to follow up the huge success of Sew! with a very modern sewing book: practical, accessible, bright and fun, with a breadth of projects that felt versatile and relevant for today." — Cath Kidston

Spring DIY Project List

Spring is the perfect time to get creative, make project lists (and actually do them), it's also a time to get organised before year-end madness arrives. I'm really fortunate that Daniel helps me with my DIY ideas, both with inspiration and useful insight. He is a keen Gumtree shopper and at first I was hesitant and I wondered how the cool and lovely items I spot on Pinterest could possibly live on Gumtree! I have, however been proven wrong time and time again. I must admit my interest was piqued and I started exploring for myself... finally! Thank goodness I did. I've had three creative projects in mind... a camera lamp, crafty locker storage and I've also had my eye on an old or vintage bicycle. I found this lovely inspiration as well as the creative 'ingredients' to get going on my spring DIY projects. Do you shop for second hand items or via Gumtree? Have you found any treasures while out shopping?

Project One... Re-purpose a Locker
Perfect for storage and a lovely conversation piece.
My Inspiration One, Two & Three


My Gumtree choices for lockers to use: One & Two
My 'how to' DIY inspiration via My Passion for Decor.



Project Two... Make a Camera Lamp
This will look so lovely in either my office or our lounge. A few years ago we upcycled an old photography spotlight for our home - this will compliment it nicely.

 My Inspiration One & Two

My Gumtree Choice for Cameras to use: One, Two & Three
My 'how to' DIY inspiration via Instructables - I aim to do the wiring via the lens (or shall I say Daniel will be doing the wiring - I'll project manage... he he).

Project Three... Restore a Bicycle
Daniel's just finished restoring and creating a vintage style cafe racer motorbike. Helping with an easier project should be so much simpler. I would love a bike of my own, but it needs to be pretty!

 My Inspiration One, Two & Three

My Gumtree Choice for Bikes to use: One & Two
My 'how to' DIY inspiration via Sweet by Chan.

Now... to get started! Are your working on any home DIY projects? I would love to hear more!
*Also be sure to take a look at Nicola's post on Ask Ashe where she showed some of her DIY project ideas.
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