tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18290410796847108242024-03-05T04:33:28.831-08:00Willow and ElmWillow and Elmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05665321457168208392noreply@blogger.comBlogger16125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1829041079684710824.post-31891134248646060552012-05-13T19:10:00.004-07:002012-05-13T20:38:05.041-07:00Homemade Play Dough<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyGHGYEkSG3N6siF898YamH9sN7ziXpvaJdLNGYr7JW524KfIDexsqyw5CqRJlJ9gDnfgAKaVqNBttVIiK27HYuvcoyheZ8cIPBRzfGM-UQ37qzWCUDdJOv8LeeQtZi0sCBLf2gVa95Kw/s1600/DSC_0013.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" dba="true" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyGHGYEkSG3N6siF898YamH9sN7ziXpvaJdLNGYr7JW524KfIDexsqyw5CqRJlJ9gDnfgAKaVqNBttVIiK27HYuvcoyheZ8cIPBRzfGM-UQ37qzWCUDdJOv8LeeQtZi0sCBLf2gVa95Kw/s320/DSC_0013.JPG" width="320" /></a>Homemade play dough has gotta be up there as far as DIY toys for your kids! I've had this recipe for a while but hadn't attempted it until this morning and I must say it was a hit all round. Its fast and easy and if your kids are old enough, they can even help! </div>
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Not only is homemade play dough much cheaper than the store bought stuff, you also know exactly what has gone into it, so it's safe for your little ones (especially if they can't resist tasting it!). It is also, in my opinion, better! and nicer to play with! </div>
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So here's how you make it. <br />
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You'll need:</div>
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1 cup plain flour</div>
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1/2 cup salt</div>
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1 tbsp vegetable oil</div>
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2 tbsp cream of tartar</div>
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1 cup water </div>
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Assorted food colouring</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeF-EdDtx0XB0HXK6eposT02hd7dAzq8tcJU_nYmte8_LiPpSdCbzZ6N39uXqYfX7cUIAAxGCM8IM-FYPbkgFsTFW10oGIB6ekH7st_8dvS5hx3UU_rYg9KXGAHV1XY_s1J3v0_P2UDJ4/s1600/DSC_0053.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: right; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" dba="true" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeF-EdDtx0XB0HXK6eposT02hd7dAzq8tcJU_nYmte8_LiPpSdCbzZ6N39uXqYfX7cUIAAxGCM8IM-FYPbkgFsTFW10oGIB6ekH7st_8dvS5hx3UU_rYg9KXGAHV1XY_s1J3v0_P2UDJ4/s320/DSC_0053.JPG" width="320" /></a>Place the flour, salt, oil, cream of tartar and water in a saucepan and mix thoroughly. Heat over medium heat, stirring constantly until the dough is no longer sticky and comes away from the pan. Remove from heat and allow to cool slightly, add your food colouring and knead until colour is uniform. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9qaZ2FXc0Vk1WhscTXUuNqpLT0Az4WygnDU0gX4VKTZ7C5uu7DrPWx8V1F-awdDhyl0VSnVKFLTmI8qheZ9jRczxR4yvCZ1X25jsWyl7MQJ3VTU6gN1R_MzDg03Zzs_q_LAwwMSw7mHQ/s1600/DSC_0076.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" dba="true" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9qaZ2FXc0Vk1WhscTXUuNqpLT0Az4WygnDU0gX4VKTZ7C5uu7DrPWx8V1F-awdDhyl0VSnVKFLTmI8qheZ9jRczxR4yvCZ1X25jsWyl7MQJ3VTU6gN1R_MzDg03Zzs_q_LAwwMSw7mHQ/s320/DSC_0076.JPG" width="213" /></a>When you're done - the kids can play til their hearts content! My little boy loved pressing his toys (legos' pens, cars etc) into it to leave impressions. After all the playing is done, you can store it in some little airtight containers or jars (I used old baby food jars), or wrap it in plastic wrap, and it will hopefully last a fair few more playtimes! You can even freeze it if you want to save it for a rainy day.</div>
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Enjoy!</div>
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</div>Willow and Elmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05665321457168208392noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1829041079684710824.post-49063341854340147292012-04-03T21:22:00.002-07:002012-04-03T21:25:03.788-07:00Missing in ActionOops. I have been a bit slack in poor old Blog world. I just saw my last post was almost 12 months ago! How bad is that? Well, on a positive note, I'm back on board and hopefully the gaps in between from now on will not be as long!!<br />
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I'm so excited to announce that my products are available on <a href="http://www.downthatlittlelane.com.au/">Down that Little Lane</a> - a gorgeous boutique online store which is full of the most splendid range of products. I'm really honoured that my stuff is there with so many other talented artisans.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://downthatlittlelane.com.au/attachments/20763" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="102px" nda="true" src="http://downthatlittlelane.com.au/attachments/20763" width="320px" /></a></div><br />
To check out my store front - goto <a href="http://www.downthatlittlelane/willow-and-elm">http://www.downthatlittlelane/willow-and-elm</a><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKvXYLwrKLMrMmYCkLX8HRCIJ7bLp0_uiugo1V9pPQzUf5kbIuTVxL8AX4AfqjqoG94KdQQtYWtXkaOxcew2CJORmOns_KAPwYOVYLsKIemZimOluLgweM6Eudjb9uLNq7MnybrcR7H4E/s1600/blog+post+signature.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" nda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKvXYLwrKLMrMmYCkLX8HRCIJ7bLp0_uiugo1V9pPQzUf5kbIuTVxL8AX4AfqjqoG94KdQQtYWtXkaOxcew2CJORmOns_KAPwYOVYLsKIemZimOluLgweM6Eudjb9uLNq7MnybrcR7H4E/s1600/blog+post+signature.png" /></a></div>Willow and Elmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05665321457168208392noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1829041079684710824.post-27376041163508564622011-03-05T16:26:00.000-08:002011-03-05T16:29:27.162-08:00Is it a Cushion? Is it a doll? No, its a cushion doll!You can play with them, you can cuddle them, you can put them on your bed. What are they? Well, theyr'e... half doll, half cushion! They're cushion dolls! And they are coming to my etsy/madeit stores soon! They come as a pair, so each one includes a doll and a little playmate as well. So far I've only been able to source enough of this gorgeous fabric for one of each different doll (theres 4 in total) so they will be very limited at the moment (at least until I can get some more fabric!)<br />
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Stay Tuned!<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjviR02lIg1lPuBapQzVLE7OLBcsDeO9aHndY1aKuWq0uenaIRmnjSI7CyHaa40aI3VRgAdzUFOBGbzYmz-h6GOxiacL5MYqso3NS5itDgOUqWGv2u9PZqOxSiOSOjY9L6YwW0YHvBzSII/s1600/blog+post+signature.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" l6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjviR02lIg1lPuBapQzVLE7OLBcsDeO9aHndY1aKuWq0uenaIRmnjSI7CyHaa40aI3VRgAdzUFOBGbzYmz-h6GOxiacL5MYqso3NS5itDgOUqWGv2u9PZqOxSiOSOjY9L6YwW0YHvBzSII/s1600/blog+post+signature.png" /></a></div>Willow and Elmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05665321457168208392noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1829041079684710824.post-14306381715750311132011-02-23T02:15:00.000-08:002011-02-23T02:51:02.141-08:00Eczema?...Shmezcema...!!Well it's easy to say that now! But unfortunately a couple of months ago, I wouldn't have been so upbeat and dismissive of this terrible skin condition.<br />
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Like many others, my little bub suffered terrible eczema for the first 6 months or so of his life and it really was difficult to deal with. His skin was constantly dry, he was terribly itchy, oh.. and the scratching! The scratching was a nightmare. I hardly ever got to see my little boys hands, as we had to cover them with mittens 24/7 so that he wouldn't break the skin. He'd always somehow manage to get them off, have a great scratch at his itchy skin and make himself bleed. The whole thing was driving me mad and although bubs was very brave, I knew it upset him too. I tried countless potions and lotions, but to no avail. The doctors would only prescribe steroid creams, which in my mind were a last resort and didn't get to the bottom of the issue....<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM4hi3CglgiZEcwLPTBFuAIUVlZuwWmROq3eGfgyAYbITA-VfKj0Nrw4QAOsfEqv6e2HKQh21o5DHPJ9g-m_dmrkXDZjB7EjeiM4atSWswbna145YXHK2nBIRjUFJQgyMEuDyRj3yj8p8/s1600/eczema.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" j6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM4hi3CglgiZEcwLPTBFuAIUVlZuwWmROq3eGfgyAYbITA-VfKj0Nrw4QAOsfEqv6e2HKQh21o5DHPJ9g-m_dmrkXDZjB7EjeiM4atSWswbna145YXHK2nBIRjUFJQgyMEuDyRj3yj8p8/s320/eczema.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">My poor little eczema-ridden boy :(</span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div>Eventually we discovered his eczema was because of a milk protein allergy, and as soon as that was identified and eliminated, his skin improved significantly. However even now he is still prone to the occasional break out. After battling through so many routines trying to 'cure him', I have now got what seems to be a fail-proof system worked out for him, and his skin has never been softer, smoother or more beautiful. So I thought I'd share it with you!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMwFgca5JRKiMkNK_PDk3pzukRFB6Do2mAAr10q_TaJZaNiUm6aSbgm9SOteIwUZ1houWZU3nF9H_r2AsqR8vbNjlOewwY8L041Rzok3WMPG5-EfhWSpcP769n9qSgM1M-UoZKXK3oJC0/s1600/clearskin1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" j6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMwFgca5JRKiMkNK_PDk3pzukRFB6Do2mAAr10q_TaJZaNiUm6aSbgm9SOteIwUZ1houWZU3nF9H_r2AsqR8vbNjlOewwY8L041Rzok3WMPG5-EfhWSpcP769n9qSgM1M-UoZKXK3oJC0/s320/clearskin1.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">My beautiful eczema-free, clear, soft-skinned and HAPPY boy :)</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><strong>1</strong>. Bath every day! (this went against what I'd been told originally, to avoid bathing often as it dried out the skin). But apparently not! If you give your bub a bath every day the bacteria which irritates the skin and can cause it to be infected is washed away, so you have less chance the eczema will become worse. Don't use any soaps or shampoos though as these will only aggrevate the problem.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><strong>2.</strong> The only exception to the bathe every day rule is.... You must use a bath oil in the water! I use <a href="http://www.qvskincare.com.au/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=28&Itemid=121">QV Bath Oil</a> which kind of clings to bubs skin and acts as a bit of a barrier to the drying effects of the water.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOmC5NFw3Uk4J0Csj4rVU4Oy-vKf27BfJAdtSDZKelVwCoGMtIKQ0pif6rp7ixgFXuBq2aMS4uhR2yTQn7__H1VWCczEkXgI9oFCml4NDvadxa9hh0HDXljagZl-M4GraEd0lbs534ajc/s1600/qv%2527.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" j6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOmC5NFw3Uk4J0Csj4rVU4Oy-vKf27BfJAdtSDZKelVwCoGMtIKQ0pif6rp7ixgFXuBq2aMS4uhR2yTQn7__H1VWCczEkXgI9oFCml4NDvadxa9hh0HDXljagZl-M4GraEd0lbs534ajc/s1600/qv%2527.bmp" /></a></div></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><strong>3.</strong> Moisturise, moisturise, moisturise! And halleluiah, I found a product that works! The Royal Childrens Hospital even recommend it.. it's called <a href="http://www.cetaphil.com.au/Products/RestoradermBodyMoisturiser.aspx">Cetaphil Restoraderm</a>. The best cream I've used thus far (and trust me I've used A LOT!). Moisturise after each bath, and top it up at each nappy change.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi9xdNfzryL9e8uhdpt8ISt-QGOnybsp8UWa3c-JwAPnKt_9K65p24GwKXuEdca1zoP-TRSxhLrt7rWhyFYP_Q8VG3w2Fih49wdiQfIkxkTW26spFAcD2P7mJG6xJ37j0kUp1OzgVvrrY/s1600/cetaphil.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" j6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi9xdNfzryL9e8uhdpt8ISt-QGOnybsp8UWa3c-JwAPnKt_9K65p24GwKXuEdca1zoP-TRSxhLrt7rWhyFYP_Q8VG3w2Fih49wdiQfIkxkTW26spFAcD2P7mJG6xJ37j0kUp1OzgVvrrY/s1600/cetaphil.png" /></a></div></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><strong>4.</strong> Try not to overheat bubs with too many clothes and bedding. Don't dress in singlets unless necessary etc.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><strong>5.</strong> For the occasional breakout, use a prescription cream if you have one, but keep it to a minimum.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><strong>6.</strong> Use natural fabric when it comes to things in contact with your baby - clothes, bedding etc. Cotton is ideal. It is breathable and will not irritate sensitive skin. That's the reason I only use 100% cotton fabric in all of my handmade toys.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUPc6CFSaF24OBFFgxsN-F0Xh4npNVV3xItn8fKHXkjIgPA9Ndg0HdFh20RJepQu5vhWUKD4z2PIgrqh_KTQ4nLsnt4xE04Dc3t83G-UPAwzDQmQW8bCxQfmbrgG1y6UwI3vQ_RGhv5uw/s1600/cotton+tag.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" j6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUPc6CFSaF24OBFFgxsN-F0Xh4npNVV3xItn8fKHXkjIgPA9Ndg0HdFh20RJepQu5vhWUKD4z2PIgrqh_KTQ4nLsnt4xE04Dc3t83G-UPAwzDQmQW8bCxQfmbrgG1y6UwI3vQ_RGhv5uw/s320/cotton+tag.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
I know what its like to see your baby suffering from eczema and feeling helpless when nothing you seem to do helps... and I also know the joys of finally having a baby free of nasty, itchy and painful skin. I can only hope that these tried and tested tips help you too!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKvXYLwrKLMrMmYCkLX8HRCIJ7bLp0_uiugo1V9pPQzUf5kbIuTVxL8AX4AfqjqoG94KdQQtYWtXkaOxcew2CJORmOns_KAPwYOVYLsKIemZimOluLgweM6Eudjb9uLNq7MnybrcR7H4E/s1600/blog+post+signature.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" j6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKvXYLwrKLMrMmYCkLX8HRCIJ7bLp0_uiugo1V9pPQzUf5kbIuTVxL8AX4AfqjqoG94KdQQtYWtXkaOxcew2CJORmOns_KAPwYOVYLsKIemZimOluLgweM6Eudjb9uLNq7MnybrcR7H4E/s1600/blog+post+signature.png" /></a></div></div>Willow and Elmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05665321457168208392noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1829041079684710824.post-84007645891848721872011-02-05T18:12:00.000-08:002011-02-09T17:54:00.032-08:00Revealed!! New Products in StoreI'm so excited, and a little relieved.. things are finally starting to take shape! <br />
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Over the past week I've been busy getting my new range up and running and gradually adding items to etsy. It started with these two art prints, perfect for a baby's nursery... or anywhere really!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://ny-image1.etsy.com/il_fullxfull.211916757.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" h5="true" height="213" src="http://ny-image1.etsy.com/il_fullxfull.211916757.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/66816077/three-birds-nursery-giclee-art-print?ref=v1_other_2">Three birds nursery giclee art print</a> by willowandelm on etsy</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://ny-image1.etsy.com/il_fullxfull.212095049.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" h5="true" height="214" src="http://ny-image1.etsy.com/il_fullxfull.212095049.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/66868956/three-owls-nursery-giclee-art-print?ref=v1_other_1">Three owls nursery giclee art print</a> by willowandelm on etsy</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">And I am now listing a range of handmade baby toys. This is the first one listed, but stay tuned for many more..... :)</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://ny-image3.etsy.com/il_fullxfull.214762839.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" h5="true" height="213" src="http://ny-image3.etsy.com/il_fullxfull.214762839.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/67517086/100-cotton-crinkle-taggy-square-baby-toy?ref=v1_other_2">100% cotton crinkle taggy square baby toy</a> by willowandelm on etsy</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">All toys are made with 100% cotton fabric and ribbon! No synthetics in sight :)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">:: Why 100% cotton? ::<br />
<br />
♥ Cotton is a natural, renewable, biodegradable and sustainable fiber.<br />
♥ It is a natural fabric, suitable for people with sensitivity to certain chemicals. It is therefore great for baby's sensitive and/or eczema prone skin.<br />
♥ It is not only soft and breathable, but strong and absorbent too.<br />
<br />
So if you haven't already guessed, willow and elm has changed for good and is now aimed towards handmade baby toys, nursery art and decor ;) I'm very excited about this new direction and am so pleased to be able to finally reveal all!!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTFIHCShJZuG26NRqwplmrF_jd2AOc8K5xKATuMmrmT9GzRJ4MXZw4iuh7K6qSEtkDwbYw-lAl38eQDPoP5-dfnPUPymxe5SnkE0hCLScytQQtcQKvSy1owvwnw6AFN1zHdZvyZ3VVbnI/s1600/blog+post+signature.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" h5="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTFIHCShJZuG26NRqwplmrF_jd2AOc8K5xKATuMmrmT9GzRJ4MXZw4iuh7K6qSEtkDwbYw-lAl38eQDPoP5-dfnPUPymxe5SnkE0hCLScytQQtcQKvSy1owvwnw6AFN1zHdZvyZ3VVbnI/s1600/blog+post+signature.png" /></a></div>Willow and Elmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05665321457168208392noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1829041079684710824.post-10859561669817000352011-01-20T17:05:00.000-08:002011-01-20T17:05:51.401-08:00New Year, New StoreHappy New Year everyone!<br />
<br />
I anticpate it's going to be an exciting year for me and willow and elm. As you're probably aware, I started out willow and elm by making digital photo cards and invitations, however as much as I enjoyed it, I didn't have a lot of success with sales, given there is a lot of other competition, so unfortunately I've decided to close my existing etsy and madeit stores.. <br />
but don't panic, it's only a temporary measure! And what is even more exciting is, I am planning to relaunch them with some brand new products!!<br />
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I won't tell you exactly what it will all be about just yet.. you'll have to be patient :) But I am very excited and I hope you can continue to join me along the ride....<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGQpZiafcvM5qtD30gJ-slIJWX-TeOqfS3f3S5jSKff7rnUq2gCkE7K17DRSTYgH36o_SP-7AMDv4rdl-2aUa5dDkOH84n2UkXVIDGGnE-o83T_pr-D6BdGPLes1u7sKFmNiiCZQ8w7pU/s1600/blog+post+signature.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" s5="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGQpZiafcvM5qtD30gJ-slIJWX-TeOqfS3f3S5jSKff7rnUq2gCkE7K17DRSTYgH36o_SP-7AMDv4rdl-2aUa5dDkOH84n2UkXVIDGGnE-o83T_pr-D6BdGPLes1u7sKFmNiiCZQ8w7pU/s1600/blog+post+signature.png" /></a></div>Willow and Elmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05665321457168208392noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1829041079684710824.post-23607095362415688692010-11-26T00:41:00.000-08:002010-12-15T14:36:28.666-08:00Starry Starry Night<div align="center"><span style="color: black; font-size: medium;">Star Light Star bright,<br />
The first star I see tonight,<br />
I wish I may, I wish I might,<br />
Have the wish I wish tonight.</span></div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div align="center"><span style="font-size: medium;">Here's two new items in my madeit store....</span></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.madeit.com.au/detail.asp?id=178575"><img border="0" height="213" ox="true" src="http://www.madeit.com.au/uploaded/2010-11-21/1eee4d7c2D96d12D49bd2Dad442De80bce6a95bbDSC5F0011.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.madeit.com.au/detail.asp?id=178575">http://www.madeit.com.au/detail.asp?id=178575</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.madeit.com.au/detail.asp?id=178425"><img border="0" height="213" ox="true" src="http://www.madeit.com.au/uploaded/2010-11-21/549ea05c2D3b8d2D4e082D9c162D6ca9fa93ac7aDSC5F0003.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.madeit.com.au/detail.asp?id=178425">http://www.madeit.com.au/detail.asp?id=178425</a></div>Willow and Elmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05665321457168208392noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1829041079684710824.post-91039422259557716562010-11-02T21:00:00.000-07:002010-11-03T22:19:51.810-07:00Wishlist Wednesday ~ NecklacesHere are some nifty necklaces on etsy that I'm currently drooling over.... *insert winning tattslotto ticket here* ;)<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYAW7unM5F7T2UOCG0_4kNaGRUtI-mBjRHSTD01fEfhGEhrIm1LsPVpn0iRUexOQHfg0UXWFDDG9Clo1JEUIKzIsgFXGA2umZtCWdWGKr3ORIfcsx_HGE_IV9ZjMG75z0J6HxMM1x7OoY/s1600/WWnecklaces.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="333" nx="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYAW7unM5F7T2UOCG0_4kNaGRUtI-mBjRHSTD01fEfhGEhrIm1LsPVpn0iRUexOQHfg0UXWFDDG9Clo1JEUIKzIsgFXGA2umZtCWdWGKr3ORIfcsx_HGE_IV9ZjMG75z0J6HxMM1x7OoY/s400/WWnecklaces.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #c27ba0; font-size: x-large;">1.</span> Vintage Louis Feraud Dogwood Flower Choker by <a class="username" href="http://www.etsy.com/people/FouPatou?ref=ls_profile">FouPatou</a> </div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #c27ba0; font-size: x-large;">2. </span>Romantic Flowers Vintage Cluster Necklace by <a class="username" href="http://www.etsy.com/people/lonkoosh?ref=ls_profile">lonkoosh</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #c27ba0; font-size: x-large;">3.</span> Infinite Growth Necklace by <a href="http://www.fullspiral.etsy.com/">FullSpiral</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #c27ba0; font-size: x-large;">4.</span> Little Red Fox Necklace by <a class="username" href="http://www.etsy.com/people/lulubugjewelry?ref=ls_profile">lulubugjewelry</a> </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGQpZiafcvM5qtD30gJ-slIJWX-TeOqfS3f3S5jSKff7rnUq2gCkE7K17DRSTYgH36o_SP-7AMDv4rdl-2aUa5dDkOH84n2UkXVIDGGnE-o83T_pr-D6BdGPLes1u7sKFmNiiCZQ8w7pU/s1600/blog+post+signature.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" nx="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGQpZiafcvM5qtD30gJ-slIJWX-TeOqfS3f3S5jSKff7rnUq2gCkE7K17DRSTYgH36o_SP-7AMDv4rdl-2aUa5dDkOH84n2UkXVIDGGnE-o83T_pr-D6BdGPLes1u7sKFmNiiCZQ8w7pU/s1600/blog+post+signature.png" /></a></div><div align="left" style="text-align: center;"></div>Willow and Elmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05665321457168208392noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1829041079684710824.post-33157740590101023222010-10-31T22:08:00.000-07:002010-11-01T21:28:02.799-07:00Sharing the Link Love<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">I'd love to link to some of your cool blogs (in my new 'cool blogs' section) so I am putting the call out to all of you lovely bloggers out there.... would you like a link to your blog listed? Absolutely free? Of course you do!! However, before you say "pick me, pick me, how do I do it?" there is a slight errrm.. how shall I say... favour involved! </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">But it's no biggie! I just ask that in return, you link back to my blog! Sharing the link love, so to speak! </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div>You'd need to supply a 120 x 50 pixel image and your blog web address and pop a <a href="http://www.willowandelm.blogspot.com/">willow and elm</a> link somewhere on your blog. If you're interested, just <a href="mailto:willowandelm@optusnet.com.au">email me</a> or click the little cloud ad in the links section! Or of course you can leave your comment below.<br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Please note that unfortunately the amount of blogs I can link to will be limited, and I need to approve your blog before I can link to it so not all submissions will necessarily be selected. Look forward to sharing the link love with you! ;)</div></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPgJkmiHwJDZ4rAN8ecGOk5ZMPyvtgq-CwR93quusm2kfWOu4TcN61h9FUad8eIypSHlNypau9JAVSZMLSvecmr5iyRYkN1jBgqpoRRYED2P-A6j8CubQQbhFiFWxEvY-y16mPOvob7bQ/s1600/photo_19720_20100817.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" nx="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPgJkmiHwJDZ4rAN8ecGOk5ZMPyvtgq-CwR93quusm2kfWOu4TcN61h9FUad8eIypSHlNypau9JAVSZMLSvecmr5iyRYkN1jBgqpoRRYED2P-A6j8CubQQbhFiFWxEvY-y16mPOvob7bQ/s320/photo_19720_20100817.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"><em>image courtesy of </em></span><a href="http://www.freedigitalphotos.net/"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"><em>http://www.freedigitalphotos.net/</em></span></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGQpZiafcvM5qtD30gJ-slIJWX-TeOqfS3f3S5jSKff7rnUq2gCkE7K17DRSTYgH36o_SP-7AMDv4rdl-2aUa5dDkOH84n2UkXVIDGGnE-o83T_pr-D6BdGPLes1u7sKFmNiiCZQ8w7pU/s1600/blog+post+signature.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" nx="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGQpZiafcvM5qtD30gJ-slIJWX-TeOqfS3f3S5jSKff7rnUq2gCkE7K17DRSTYgH36o_SP-7AMDv4rdl-2aUa5dDkOH84n2UkXVIDGGnE-o83T_pr-D6BdGPLes1u7sKFmNiiCZQ8w7pU/s1600/blog+post+signature.png" /></a></div></div>Willow and Elmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05665321457168208392noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1829041079684710824.post-60653825967325507392010-10-29T22:48:00.000-07:002010-10-31T16:22:35.166-07:00Happy Halloween!<div style="text-align: left;">Some spooky and cooky halloween inspired finds on etsy....</div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP8vu1lWG_LkwedaA4zue2kPfBYqRWFUUrrAelWGiK-yXqtH5XjnF5b2hxgIU2Rz1lH0CKotaBqJ0JKZfETBfpcZrzMq_y3p853tIu8wnvFfm51yDrSQnE9audrLgph2UBbrl6gnYTbbU/s1600/halloween+finds.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" nx="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP8vu1lWG_LkwedaA4zue2kPfBYqRWFUUrrAelWGiK-yXqtH5XjnF5b2hxgIU2Rz1lH0CKotaBqJ0JKZfETBfpcZrzMq_y3p853tIu8wnvFfm51yDrSQnE9audrLgph2UBbrl6gnYTbbU/s640/halloween+finds.jpg" width="367" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: left;">1. Spookorama Mama Necklace by <a class="username" href="http://www.etsy.com/people/AUNALIArtisanMetal?ref=ls_profile">AUNALIArtisanMetal</a></div><div style="text-align: left;">2. Retro Orange and Black Full Apron by <a class="username" href="http://www.etsy.com/people/loverdoversclothing?ref=ls_profile">loverdoversclothing</a></div><div style="text-align: left;">3. Pink and Silver Skull Ring by<a href="http://petaliferous.etsy.com/"> petaliferous</a></div><div style="text-align: left;">4. Ghost Magnet by <a class="username" href="http://www.etsy.com/people/BusyAsABug?ref=ls_profile">BusyAsABug</a></div><div style="text-align: left;">5. Honey I shrunk my brain soap by <a class="username" href="http://www.etsy.com/people/KcSoapsNmore?ref=ls_profile">KcSoapsNmore</a></div><div style="text-align: left;">6. Halloween Kitty Plush by <a class="username" href="http://www.etsy.com/people/feralchildren?ref=ls_profile">feralchildren</a></div><div style="text-align: left;">7. Morticia Lip Tint by <a class="username" href="http://www.etsy.com/people/BLSoaps?ref=ls_profile">BLSoaps</a></div>Willow and Elmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05665321457168208392noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1829041079684710824.post-61936955722679348072010-10-26T15:16:00.000-07:002010-10-26T17:36:42.357-07:00Saving the Planet - One Nappy at a TimeThis week I was thrilled to win a prize in the <a href="http://www.ittibitti.com.au/">itti bitti</a> 'green' photo competition for a happy snap of my little fella in ALL of his green itti bitti nappies. Itti Bitti is an Australian company which makes Modern Cloth Nappies. Gone are the days of folding terry toweling to cover your babies precious butt, Modern Cloth Nappies are Better, Easier and Cuter than their predecessors. And above all else, they are much more friendly to the environment than the alternative - the nasty disposable nappy.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs027.snc4/33707_443091597342_22609437342_5820689_6014036_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" nx="true" src="http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs027.snc4/33707_443091597342_22609437342_5820689_6014036_n.jpg" width="228" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">My little green pea :)</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div>Unfortunately disposable nappies are a part of the ever increasingly disposable society we have created. They have only been used for the past 30 or so years, but have become the norm in modern families. Although disposable nappies were available when a lot of us were babies, our parents would have used cloth, as disposable nappies were seen as a luxury item and were very expensive and unsuitable for every day use. <br />
<br />
How things have changed!<br />
Did you know that these days over a billion nappies are used in Australia and NZ alone, in one year? And what is more shocking, is that over 2 million (yes, TWO MILLION!) disposable nappies are thrown into landfill every day in Australia and NZ! (not counting the rest of the world!).<br />
<br />
Shocking huh!?<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjErq1BcglxaMK_6GA-2o12g8w_xNdCP2vaKGFjKi_lGl2q6HLs7jSqVGz_1YvGU7jahKck63dE32DOVDLrRkfR7cWsYALStMFOZcoHyR6Qhg-Jcy8NP6AwE3WbBiWD8kD9VrLx1-kSmAQ/s1600/landfill_site.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" nx="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjErq1BcglxaMK_6GA-2o12g8w_xNdCP2vaKGFjKi_lGl2q6HLs7jSqVGz_1YvGU7jahKck63dE32DOVDLrRkfR7cWsYALStMFOZcoHyR6Qhg-Jcy8NP6AwE3WbBiWD8kD9VrLx1-kSmAQ/s320/landfill_site.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
It is said that if a person lives to be 100, the disposable nappies they wore as a baby will still be in landfill as they take centuries to break down...<br />
<br />
But as passionate as I am about this, that's enough doom and gloom!!<br />
<br />
The good news is that there are TONNES of awesome environmentally friendly reusuable nappies now on the market such as itti bitti (the ones I use). And if you're not interested in the bigger companies, there are also heaps of handmade versions popping up on <a href="http://www.etsy.com/">etsy</a> and <a href="http://www.madeit.com.au/">madeit</a>.<br />
<br />
Here are some selections.....<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNUco2QaXJOVlJqdL12_0P6wPAWJQamtuCbAMZez_FOPSa-d9aShf0c7d5xktQ-J0kkhXvVP3zTnZRbnOEH5hPhg3Eca3wdjQ6iddcujBTL6px_4fV3aShPXQB7bVCqYeaEXzCjHN2118/s1600/ittibitti+pink.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" nx="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNUco2QaXJOVlJqdL12_0P6wPAWJQamtuCbAMZez_FOPSa-d9aShf0c7d5xktQ-J0kkhXvVP3zTnZRbnOEH5hPhg3Eca3wdjQ6iddcujBTL6px_4fV3aShPXQB7bVCqYeaEXzCjHN2118/s320/ittibitti+pink.png" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">The itti bitti SIO Nappy by <a href="http://www.ittibitti.com.au/">itti bitti</a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/59356604/aqua-flower-patootie-os-cloth-diaper?ref=sr_list_2&ga_search_query=modern+cloth+nappy&ga_search_type=handmade&ga_page=&order=&includes%5B0%5D=tags&includes%5B1%5D=title"><img border="0" height="320" nx="true" src="http://ny-image2.etsy.com/il_fullxfull.184609186.jpg" width="316" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/59356604/aqua-flower-patootie-os-cloth-diaper?ref=sr_list_2&ga_search_query=modern+cloth+nappy&ga_search_type=handmade&ga_page=&order=&includes%5B0%5D=tags&includes%5B1%5D=title">Aqua Flower Patootie Cloth Diaper Nappy</a> by <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/Junktique">Junktique</a> on Etsy</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/58267318/newborn-fitted-organic-bamboo-cloth"><img border="0" height="320" nx="true" src="http://ny-image3.etsy.com/il_fullxfull.180964451.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/58267318/newborn-fitted-organic-bamboo-cloth">Newborn Fitted Organic Bamboo Cloth Diaper</a> by <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/bananabottoms">Banana Bottoms</a> on Etsy</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.madeit.com.au/detail.asp?id=154697"><img border="0" height="309" nx="true" src="http://www.madeit.com.au/uploaded/2010-6-14/5efdc99f2Df15a2D45062Da6352D16504441f729Lushis.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.madeit.com.au/detail.asp?id=154697">Bamboo Velour 'Lushies' Nappy</a> by <a href="http://www.madeit.com.au/storecatalog.asp?userid=5585">nappylady</a> on madeit</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.madeit.com.au/detail.asp?id=126545"><img border="0" height="213" nx="true" src="http://www.madeit.com.au/uploaded/2010-8-14/a644b0f32D0f332D4b9e2Da8b62D63b5244b9024IMG5F5292.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.madeit.com.au/detail.asp?id=126545">AIO nappy</a> by <a href="http://www.madeit.com.au/storecatalog.asp?userid=17633">TailEndz </a>on madeit</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">The initial investment for a full set of modern cloth nappies required may seem like a lot but when you work out how many boxes of disposable nappies you will need to buy, it actually works out cheaper! <br />
<br />
So why not check them out and reap the benefits for you, your baby and the planet! See the <a href="http://www.modernclothnappies.org/facts.htm">Reusable Nappy Week</a> website for more info.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGQpZiafcvM5qtD30gJ-slIJWX-TeOqfS3f3S5jSKff7rnUq2gCkE7K17DRSTYgH36o_SP-7AMDv4rdl-2aUa5dDkOH84n2UkXVIDGGnE-o83T_pr-D6BdGPLes1u7sKFmNiiCZQ8w7pU/s1600/blog+post+signature.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" nx="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGQpZiafcvM5qtD30gJ-slIJWX-TeOqfS3f3S5jSKff7rnUq2gCkE7K17DRSTYgH36o_SP-7AMDv4rdl-2aUa5dDkOH84n2UkXVIDGGnE-o83T_pr-D6BdGPLes1u7sKFmNiiCZQ8w7pU/s1600/blog+post+signature.png" /></a></div></div>Willow and Elmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05665321457168208392noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1829041079684710824.post-39721433153172475942010-10-20T14:45:00.000-07:002010-10-20T20:11:03.207-07:00An interview with... re:deem designs<div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I recently interviewed Vicki, the very talented lady behind <a href="http://redeemdesigns.etsy.com/">re:deem designs</a> and <a href="http://www.madeit.com.au/redpunchbuggy">Red Punch Buggy</a>. Vicki creates a myriad of delightful things, from gorgeous purses and bags, crochet, papergoods and upcycled bound journals and is passionate about recycling and supporting aid causes. I originally came across Vicki through <a href="http://www.dustteam.com/">DUST</a>, and discovered her talent when I was lucky enough to win a beautiful scarf on her <a href="http://redeemdesigns.blogspot.com/">blog</a>. I have also since purchased a couple of her gorgeous bound journals, upcycled from vintage books... and understandably, crave many more ... See the interview with Vicki below ...</span></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicUkRzRKfOgRZT1ND_5MSq7Cde-DCEidzXIyW8KQcOlxL6S6mBnGuPSmE0xujhUVAANA2_KfnOX9uAegRbca27G6pwEYU-WLGNPlcMSrUtJ824ESXg2JsEx_JYl-BljYUaEyeXy4P7rXg/s1600/vicki.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ex="true" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicUkRzRKfOgRZT1ND_5MSq7Cde-DCEidzXIyW8KQcOlxL6S6mBnGuPSmE0xujhUVAANA2_KfnOX9uAegRbca27G6pwEYU-WLGNPlcMSrUtJ824ESXg2JsEx_JYl-BljYUaEyeXy4P7rXg/s320/vicki.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Vicki working in her Gold Coast studio</span></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlBVNSDM9aQHULCx9OaznUXqbT3NCM5tvV88IlRXyUAd06QwY0PFzxCJivu-29_rincGJo6dgYhQjJ4n3pm-ln0V_Ak4iFxP-qY51YcnWKfINWPZz-ArT76JEKrrfkRhQqRgXVIO2Dj_4/s1600/redeem.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ex="true" height="104" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlBVNSDM9aQHULCx9OaznUXqbT3NCM5tvV88IlRXyUAd06QwY0PFzxCJivu-29_rincGJo6dgYhQjJ4n3pm-ln0V_Ak4iFxP-qY51YcnWKfINWPZz-ArT76JEKrrfkRhQqRgXVIO2Dj_4/s320/redeem.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Awesome re:deem journals I've bought and the lovely scarf I won </span></div><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #274e13; font-size: large;"><strong>How did it all start?</strong></span></span><br />
<em><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">I grew up surrounded by art and creative types so I have been crafting in many mediums for as long as I can remember. Handmade gifts were my speciality as</span></em> <em><span style="color: #b45f06; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">I have always thought a handmade gift had more soul than a store bought one</span><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">....massive sparkly diamonds not included. When I was a young mum I sewed, knitted and crafted for my children and myself mostly out of our tight budget constraints... it certainly was a creative challenge living on a shoestring!!! The creative process inspires and energises me. Even when it doesn't go to plan I still learn something and you can always hide those mistakes in the bottom of a cupboard LOL</span></em></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/31993371/lily-clutch-purse-recycled"><img border="0" ex="true" height="299" src="http://ny-image1.etsy.com/il_fullxfull.166740809.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
<strong><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><em>If you could describe your style in one word, what would it be?</em></span></strong><br />
<em><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">eclectic!</span></em></div><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><strong><em>What’s the difference between your two stores, re:deem designs and Red Punch Buggy?</em></strong></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><em><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">On the surface not much, you will find the same things in both stores. re:deem is in a sense my aid arm. I have always been involved in</span></em> <em><span style="color: #b45f06; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">supporting others through aid organisations</span></em> <em><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">but I was very attracted to funding projects that helped them build their lives...the whole give a man a fish feed him for a day, teach a man to fish feed him for a lifetime thing. So out of that desire re:deem was born. Red Punch Buggy is because I am about to become a full time uni student and we are back on one wage so I want to be able to contribute to my families income. With Red Punch Buggy I also wanted to be in the Aussie market place and be able to explore other handcrafts that technically do not fall into the recycle/upcyle ethic as strongly as re:deem does. </span></em></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/52497517/6-layered-paper-posies-vintage-paper"><img border="0" ex="true" height="320" src="http://ny-image1.etsy.com/il_fullxfull.161660425.jpg" width="285" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><strong><em>I notice many of your items are made from recycled or upcycled materials. Why do you think it’s important to use recycled items in your craft?</em></strong></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><em><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Ok you mean apart from the obvious... be kind to our planet, lessen our carbon footprint and cut back on rampant consumerism? No seriously, that's very important and something I am working hard on (not always good at it). Make do and mend was something I grew up with.</span></em> <span style="color: #b45f06; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><em><span style="font-size: large;">I've</span> <span style="font-size: large;">always loved the tactile history associated with objects of age</span></em></span>. <em><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">So if an object has served it's purpose as one thing it's very satisfying to me to see it reborn as something else. I think recycling/upcycling embodies in it the same spark of human ingenuity that enabled our pioneers to forge out a life with what they had in their hands. I love anything that carries a sense of history and permanency with it.</span></em></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><em><br />
</em></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.madeit.com.au/detail.asp?id=129220"><img border="0" ex="true" height="298" src="http://www.madeit.com.au/uploaded/2010-9-0/7a55dfa02D81262D4e522D878c2D3435321c74cdmm1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><strong><em>What are some of your favourite items you’ve made?</em></strong></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><strong><span style="color: #274e13; font-size: large;"></span></strong></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><em><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Ooooh a hard one. Like I said mostly everything I have made has been as gifts for special occasions. I think some of my favourites were the ones where I tried a new craft and it worked!!!! For example I made and hand embroidered a teddy bear for a friends 1st child, I handcut with a scroll saw and painted a american folk christmas angel flying with trumpet on a stand like a weather vane. I've made scrapbook albums, painted paintings and decoupaged handmade wooden boxes all for the first time and felt pretty proud of my work and had</span></em> <span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #b45f06; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><em>the satisfaction of seeing my gifts loved and treasured</em></span>.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/32866210/mini-violet-peony-hair-clips-hand"><img border="0" ex="true" height="262" src="http://ny-image3.etsy.com/il_fullxfull.143996167.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #274e13; font-size: large;"><strong></strong></span><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><strong><em>Where does your inspiration come from?</em></strong></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><em><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Honestly, it can come from anywhere. That sounds a bit vague I know but</span></em> <em><span style="color: #b45f06; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">I really do find inspiration in the strangest places</span></em>. <em><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Nature, people, books, music, words, smells, shapes, textures I guess if you have to give it a word I would say Life.. Life inspires me, it's a gift given to me by God and that creative force is in everything and I'm inspired by that. It's probably why I'm so eclectic there's so much variety in life and I love it all. </span></em></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/50078606/country-green-floral-wristlet-upcycled"><img border="0" ex="true" height="266" src="http://ny-image3.etsy.com/il_fullxfull.164156811.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><strong><em>Are there any other handmade artisans you admire or handmade items you covet?</em></strong></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><em>So many talented and gifted artisans. Hard to know where to start. Ok here's a short list of current faves for various reasons and I covet basically anything they make. </em></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/reclaim2fame"><em><span style="font-family: Times;">reclaim 2 fame</span></em></a><em><span style="font-family: Times;"><span style="color: black;"> </span></span></em></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><em><span style="font-family: Times;"><span style="color: black;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/Artsy">Artsy</a></span><span style="color: black;"> </span></span></em></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><em><span style="font-family: Times;"><span style="color: black;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/rubyvictoria">rubyvictoria</a></span><span style="color: black;"> </span></span></em></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><em><span style="font-family: Times;"><span style="color: black;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/Lirola">Lirola</a></span></span></em></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><em><span style="font-family: Times;"><span style="color: black;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/Minxshop">Minxshop</a></span></span></em></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><em><span style="font-family: Times;"><span style="color: black;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/cartbeforethehorse?ref=seller_info">cart before the horse</a></span></span></em></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><em><span style="font-family: Times;"><span style="color: black;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/brindakaydesign?ref=seller_info">Brinda kay design</a></span></span></em><span style="color: black;"><br />
<em><span style="font-family: Times;">This list changes a lot and is tiny compared to all I really really like .</span></em></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.madeit.com.au/detail.asp?id=146190"><img border="0" ex="true" height="299" src="http://www.madeit.com.au/uploaded/2010-10-0/85485a9f2Dcc402D4c7e2Da2432D372c23aed3f6pnp1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><em><br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong><span style="color: #274e13; font-size: large;">Do you have any new designs you’d like to share?</span></strong></span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">I want to have a go at hand binding books so there are</span> <span style="color: #b45f06; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">a few ideas bubbling</span><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"> there. I also want to do printmaking and digitally designing my own fabrics. Thats just a couple but there's a few things I'm short of.... time and money haha </span></em></span></em></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/49548301/handmade-mini-notebook-jotter-art-diary"><img border="0" closure_uid_o14eh7="174" ex="true" height="308" src="http://ny-image1.etsy.com/il_fullxfull.151799781.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
<span style="color: #274e13; font-size: large;"><strong>Where can people find you? </strong></span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">~ <a href="http://redeemdesigns.etsy.com/"><em>re:deem designs on etsy</em></a></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><em><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="color: black;">~ <a href="http://www.madeit.com.au/redpunchbuggy">red punch buggy on madeit</a></span></span></em></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><em><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="color: black;">~ <a href="http://redeemdesigns.blogspot.com/">re:deem designs blog</a></span><span style="color: black;"> and;</span></span></em></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><em><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="color: black;">~ Facebook (</span><span style="color: black;"><a href="http://www.facebook.com/redeemdesigns">redeem designs</a></span><span style="color: black;"> and<a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_757156983"> </a></span><span style="color: black;"><a href="http://www.facebook.com/redpunchbuggy">redpunchbuggy</a></span>)</span></em><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Thanks so much for allowing me to interview you, Vicki!</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGQpZiafcvM5qtD30gJ-slIJWX-TeOqfS3f3S5jSKff7rnUq2gCkE7K17DRSTYgH36o_SP-7AMDv4rdl-2aUa5dDkOH84n2UkXVIDGGnE-o83T_pr-D6BdGPLes1u7sKFmNiiCZQ8w7pU/s1600/blog+post+signature.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ex="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGQpZiafcvM5qtD30gJ-slIJWX-TeOqfS3f3S5jSKff7rnUq2gCkE7K17DRSTYgH36o_SP-7AMDv4rdl-2aUa5dDkOH84n2UkXVIDGGnE-o83T_pr-D6BdGPLes1u7sKFmNiiCZQ8w7pU/s1600/blog+post+signature.png" /></a></div></div></div>Willow and Elmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05665321457168208392noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1829041079684710824.post-21976988638956466642010-10-12T19:07:00.000-07:002010-10-12T19:28:19.838-07:00Christmas is just around the corner!October already! Who would have thought!! This year has just flown for me, especially since the arrival of my little boy in May. The last 4 and a half months have been a blur! Given its now only 2 months til Christmas I thought I'd do a Christmas themed greeting design. A personalised photo postcard - alternative to sending a traditional card. And this is what I've come up with. It's currently on <a href="http://willowandelm.etsy.com/">etsy</a> and <a href="http://madeit.com.au/willowandelm">madeit</a>.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/58822040/personalised-christmas-snowman-digital"><img border="0" ex="true" height="320" src="http://ny-image0.etsy.com/il_fullxfull.182826384.jpg" width="213" /></a></div><br />
And just 'cuz I'm in the mood, here's some other cool Christmassy finds...<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGQpZiafcvM5qtD30gJ-slIJWX-TeOqfS3f3S5jSKff7rnUq2gCkE7K17DRSTYgH36o_SP-7AMDv4rdl-2aUa5dDkOH84n2UkXVIDGGnE-o83T_pr-D6BdGPLes1u7sKFmNiiCZQ8w7pU/s1600/blog+post+signature.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ex="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGQpZiafcvM5qtD30gJ-slIJWX-TeOqfS3f3S5jSKff7rnUq2gCkE7K17DRSTYgH36o_SP-7AMDv4rdl-2aUa5dDkOH84n2UkXVIDGGnE-o83T_pr-D6BdGPLes1u7sKFmNiiCZQ8w7pU/s1600/blog+post+signature.png" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/58106501/jingle-bell-rock-felt-headband-with"><img border="0" ex="true" height="212" src="http://ny-image1.etsy.com/il_fullxfull.180430657.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/58106501/jingle-bell-rock-felt-headband-with">Jingle Bell Rock Felt Headband</a> by <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/giddyupandgrow?ref=seller_info">giddyupandgrow </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/54936979/little-hoot-selvage-christmas-ornament"><img border="0" ex="true" height="240" src="http://ny-image3.etsy.com/il_fullxfull.169830663.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/54936979/little-hoot-selvage-christmas-ornament?ref=sr_list_5&ga_search_query=christmas&ga_search_type=handmade&ga_page=&order=&includes%5B0%5D=tags&includes%5B1%5D=title">Little Hoot Selvage Christmas Ornament Set of Six</a> by <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/bungalowquilts?ref=seller_info">bungalowquilts</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/56056836/large-chevron-dupioni-silk-rosette"><img border="0" ex="true" height="240" src="http://ny-image0.etsy.com/il_fullxfull.173568696.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/56056836/large-chevron-dupioni-silk-rosette">Large Chevron Dupioni Silk Rosette Wreath</a> by <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/cocorosecouture?ref=seller_info">cocorosecouture</a></div>Willow and Elmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05665321457168208392noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1829041079684710824.post-77540619197614978452010-10-10T16:44:00.000-07:002010-10-10T19:19:42.050-07:00Lights, Camera, Action!This weekend saw my husband and I on a trip to the city, trawling the Elizabeth Street camera shops to score a new lens for our camera. After much confusion and decision making we eventually got a 50mm which will allow more light in for taking inside shots (especially for photos of bubs). Here's our new bad boy...<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv6QBxyKQDkQ7QL9oWzuVH-4Jk9m3z15r9cLchHe3WsVE4Kd91_9RV1T_8Fr5AcmTljzT0lJI7AZ8goEcqTXInwbyPRYRpcucDhwaCffbcvKi5f9DRicm7gAC3tW4VxG5slS4IjjzCEMU/s1600/nikkor.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ex="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv6QBxyKQDkQ7QL9oWzuVH-4Jk9m3z15r9cLchHe3WsVE4Kd91_9RV1T_8Fr5AcmTljzT0lJI7AZ8goEcqTXInwbyPRYRpcucDhwaCffbcvKi5f9DRicm7gAC3tW4VxG5slS4IjjzCEMU/s1600/nikkor.jpg" /></a></div><br />
It might even help me take better product shots (well.. hopefully anyway!) A bit of practice is still required to get the perfect shot though, it seems! Anyway.. it got me thinking that I'd do a post today of camera related items on etsy ...<br />
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And here's what I came up with ...<br />
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<div align="left"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGQpZiafcvM5qtD30gJ-slIJWX-TeOqfS3f3S5jSKff7rnUq2gCkE7K17DRSTYgH36o_SP-7AMDv4rdl-2aUa5dDkOH84n2UkXVIDGGnE-o83T_pr-D6BdGPLes1u7sKFmNiiCZQ8w7pU/s1600/blog+post+signature.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ex="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGQpZiafcvM5qtD30gJ-slIJWX-TeOqfS3f3S5jSKff7rnUq2gCkE7K17DRSTYgH36o_SP-7AMDv4rdl-2aUa5dDkOH84n2UkXVIDGGnE-o83T_pr-D6BdGPLes1u7sKFmNiiCZQ8w7pU/s1600/blog+post+signature.png" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/57427232/necklace-little-red-camera"><img border="0" ex="true" height="240" src="http://ny-image2.etsy.com/il_fullxfull.178157414.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/57427232/necklace-little-red-camera">Little Red Camera Necklace</a> by <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/SarahEln?ref=seller_info">SarahEln</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/58605978/folding-camera-13x19-large-archival"><img border="0" ex="true" height="320" src="http://ny-image0.etsy.com/il_fullxfull.182104300.jpg" width="243" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/58605978/folding-camera-13x19-large-archival">Folding Camera 13x19 Archival Print</a> by <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/memorydust?ref=seller_info">memorydust</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/38294229/101010-super-sale-diana-camera-vintage"><img border="0" ex="true" height="320" src="http://ny-image2.etsy.com/il_fullxfull.115222510.jpg" width="295" /></a></div><div align="center" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/38294229/101010-super-sale-diana-camera-vintage">Diana Camera Vintage Messenger Bag</a> by <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/happyfamily?ref=seller_info">happyfamily</a></div><div align="center" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/57564006/focus-vintage-cameras-recycled-kraft"><img border="0" ex="true" height="320" src="http://ny-image3.etsy.com/il_fullxfull.178607995.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/57564006/focus-vintage-cameras-recycled-kraft">Focus Vintage Cameras Recycled Card Set</a> by <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/thecraftpantry?ref=seller_info">TheCraftPantry</a></div>Willow and Elmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05665321457168208392noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1829041079684710824.post-24745500514750332662010-10-04T15:14:00.000-07:002010-10-10T17:01:42.206-07:00Imagine...<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">This was a movie I wanted to see at the cinema but unfortunately never got around to it. So, you can imagine my excitement when I rented it from the DVD store on the weekend, "The Imaginarium of Dr Parnassus". An ode to Heath Ledgers amazing talent, and devastating loss, this movie was the last he ever made, passing away during the filming of it. However the inclusion of seasoned actors Johnny Depp, Jude Law and Colin Farrell to take on his role throughout the duration of the film did not ditract from it at all, in fact, I believe added to it - with each of them paying hommage to Heath's character in their own special ways.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1lqLGpz7YLqy168iVVak55Ct1RztBOLO5jo3mHp-8hMfkJ_f4aL4q_BLgDJPAHr19s3ZNZ0WdA3CReKfA229xdCU4qlBJLBceAbt7YhiP8uBfzKyL2oSIwMTHTTI2tQXeYfoUoE4SsuY/s1600/heath.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" px="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1lqLGpz7YLqy168iVVak55Ct1RztBOLO5jo3mHp-8hMfkJ_f4aL4q_BLgDJPAHr19s3ZNZ0WdA3CReKfA229xdCU4qlBJLBceAbt7YhiP8uBfzKyL2oSIwMTHTTI2tQXeYfoUoE4SsuY/s320/heath.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><object height="202" width="300"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/7SYg_7pNptQ?fs=1&hl=en_US&rel=0&border=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/7SYg_7pNptQ?fs=1&hl=en_US&rel=0&border=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="300" height="202"></embed></object></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">The movie itself is full of jawdroppingly beautiful etheral vintage glitz and gypsy glam, with the gorgeous Lily Cole's character 'Valentina' pulling off such amazing outfits.<br />
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<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOlG-FMGRAN8HM5DEUfRBu3bWq78JO3BovEnxCE9OdBNEFIkK4XDR9qeq4rqpaCZo1VqAkme_rfHrTvczZYpK3sFdt6g1ez7bPeWZrIZ7E8W_9Vqqm67JWEMbij78MJrZQRMLk96A8c7I/s1600/lilycole.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" px="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOlG-FMGRAN8HM5DEUfRBu3bWq78JO3BovEnxCE9OdBNEFIkK4XDR9qeq4rqpaCZo1VqAkme_rfHrTvczZYpK3sFdt6g1ez7bPeWZrIZ7E8W_9Vqqm67JWEMbij78MJrZQRMLk96A8c7I/s320/lilycole.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I therefore thought I'd trawl through etsy to discover some "Imaginarium" style pieces....</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/48953340/the-daring-debutante-masses-of-chains"><img border="0" height="320" px="true" src="http://ny-image1.etsy.com/il_fullxfull.149965449.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/48953340/the-daring-debutante-masses-of-chains">'The Daring Debutante'</a> by <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/MorticiaSnow?ref=seller_info">MorticiaSnow</a> on Etsy</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/56526310/fractal-fairy-forest-skirt?ref=sr_list_11&ga_search_query=gypsy+fantasy&ga_search_type=handmade&ga_page=3&order=&includes%5B0%5D=tags&includes%5B1%5D=title"><img border="0" height="213" px="true" src="http://ny-image3.etsy.com/il_fullxfull.175140499.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/56526310/fractal-fairy-forest-skirt?ref=sr_list_11&ga_search_query=gypsy+fantasy&ga_search_type=handmade&ga_page=3&order=&includes%5B0%5D=tags&includes%5B1%5D=title">'Fractal Fairy Forest Skirt'</a> by <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/FractalWings?ref=seller_info">FractalWings</a> on Etsy</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/34417255/havisham-cuffvintage-textile-bracelet?ref=sr_list_11&ga_search_query=marie+antionette&ga_search_type=handmade&ga_page=&order=&includes%5B0%5D=tags&includes%5B1%5D=title"><img border="0" height="240" px="true" src="http://ny-image0.etsy.com/il_fullxfull.102179524.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/34417255/havisham-cuffvintage-textile-bracelet?ref=sr_list_11&ga_search_query=marie+antionette&ga_search_type=handmade&ga_page=&order=&includes%5B0%5D=tags&includes%5B1%5D=title">'Havisham Cuff'</a> by <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/katinkapinka?ref=seller_info">katinkapinka</a> on Etsy</div><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/12002803/bird-8x10-original-signed-fine-art?ref=sr_list_13&ga_search_query=bird+masquerade&ga_search_type=handmade&ga_page=2&order=&includes%5B0%5D=tags&includes%5B1%5D=title"><img border="0" height="320" px="true" src="http://ny-image3.etsy.com/il_fullxfull.45142539.jpg" width="256" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/12002803/bird-8x10-original-signed-fine-art?ref=sr_list_13&ga_search_query=bird+masquerade&ga_search_type=handmade&ga_page=2&order=&includes%5B0%5D=tags&includes%5B1%5D=title">'Bird 8x10 Original Signed Fine Art Photograph'</a> by <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/ellemoss?ref=seller_info">ellemoss</a> on Etsy</div><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/57732384/french-boudoir-flapper-wig-fit-for-a"><img border="0" height="320" px="true" src="http://ny-image1.etsy.com/il_fullxfull.179168237.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/57732384/french-boudoir-flapper-wig-fit-for-a">'French Boudoir Flapper Wig'</a> from <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/CrudeThings?ref=seller_info">CrudeThings</a> on Etsy</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I also put together this Parnassus inspired treasury! (click on the pic below to see the whole thing)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/treasury/4ca959cccb618eefc2e289af/the-imaginarium-of-dr-parnassus?index=0"><img border="0" height="122" px="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx1v0I3zBz1NtYtc1sU0ASFj9XsQ3k60BeUBa057EadEyakuO-42DqDcXW-N2tZpR0mYbnhq1OI_ROP5ulrsl38yYUWrhh3hJzV7OA0-n3I3tcia_34iGB8iMnK1-PznOrqVxIviXELMQ/s320/parnassus+treasury.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGQpZiafcvM5qtD30gJ-slIJWX-TeOqfS3f3S5jSKff7rnUq2gCkE7K17DRSTYgH36o_SP-7AMDv4rdl-2aUa5dDkOH84n2UkXVIDGGnE-o83T_pr-D6BdGPLes1u7sKFmNiiCZQ8w7pU/s1600/blog+post+signature.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ex="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGQpZiafcvM5qtD30gJ-slIJWX-TeOqfS3f3S5jSKff7rnUq2gCkE7K17DRSTYgH36o_SP-7AMDv4rdl-2aUa5dDkOH84n2UkXVIDGGnE-o83T_pr-D6BdGPLes1u7sKFmNiiCZQ8w7pU/s1600/blog+post+signature.png" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Willow and Elmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05665321457168208392noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1829041079684710824.post-73880734414090768942010-10-03T16:51:00.000-07:002010-10-10T17:02:05.529-07:00Ready, Set.. Blog!Wow. Ok, so this is my first post. I always think the first post of any blog should be bold and articulated, setting the pace for the rest of the posts to come. But for some reason, just the idea of writing a momentous post is a little daunting, and immediately I get writers block. So... I'm going to have to stick with whatever comes to mind first, and set that kind of a standard for future posts. Nice and casual. Just hope you're ok with that :)<br />
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So, anyway... being the first post on this brand new blog for Willow and Elm I thought I'd celebrate by having a huge introductory sale in my <a href="http://willowandelm.etsy.com/">etsy</a> store. For a limited time, I have 50% off all designs! Half the usual price. No, I haven't gone mad! I simply wanna introduce willow and elm to the etsy community and hence, offering a bargain price to get my name out there! If you're in the market for personalised invitations at the moment, whether that be for a kids birthday, baby shower, engagement or bucks night - you'd be silly not to take advantage of this sale!<br />
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I also thought I'd share with the excitement of my first print ad. I've popped a classified ad in the brand new soon to be released crafty zine called <a href="http://bespokezine.com/">*bespoke*</a>. It may only be a little ad (see pic below) but its a big step for my little shop, being the first kind of advertisment in any magazine, so I'm very excited and can't wait to see the magazine. I've preordered my copy <a href="http://bespokezine.com/products-page">here</a>, you can too!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9c6SPOZtCvCInp2vhn3MzSXu_3QwmgMG5QfH-BucZxR02QB-TwlmDJn2veZJtv91Z7JATbNQMtC96iYVR3BJ4ydB0sX9fX9w6En6pDZu0S7HvQe8m_pPoDOV0AERjd7-rAkd0BS5K0Ug/s1600/Bespoke+Ad.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="139" px="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9c6SPOZtCvCInp2vhn3MzSXu_3QwmgMG5QfH-BucZxR02QB-TwlmDJn2veZJtv91Z7JATbNQMtC96iYVR3BJ4ydB0sX9fX9w6En6pDZu0S7HvQe8m_pPoDOV0AERjd7-rAkd0BS5K0Ug/s200/Bespoke+Ad.png" width="200" /></a></div><br />
Ooh, seems I've managed to write a fair bit without really trying, so at the risk of waffling on too long, I'll end it there. Thank you for visiting and reading my first post! I'd love to get some new followers so please add yourself before you head off.. and stop by my facebook page too! xoxo <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGQpZiafcvM5qtD30gJ-slIJWX-TeOqfS3f3S5jSKff7rnUq2gCkE7K17DRSTYgH36o_SP-7AMDv4rdl-2aUa5dDkOH84n2UkXVIDGGnE-o83T_pr-D6BdGPLes1u7sKFmNiiCZQ8w7pU/s1600/blog+post+signature.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ex="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGQpZiafcvM5qtD30gJ-slIJWX-TeOqfS3f3S5jSKff7rnUq2gCkE7K17DRSTYgH36o_SP-7AMDv4rdl-2aUa5dDkOH84n2UkXVIDGGnE-o83T_pr-D6BdGPLes1u7sKFmNiiCZQ8w7pU/s1600/blog+post+signature.png" /></a></div>Willow and Elmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05665321457168208392noreply@blogger.com1