2009 Christmas Card & Ornament Swaps

Late in November 2009 I received some information on Christmas Card & Ornament Swaps.

Both these concepts intrigued me – it seemed like something fun and a good networking tool. So I put my hand up for both swaps!

Brooklyn Brides Third Annual Holiday Card Swap (with a Tasty Twist) – 3rd year running!

There are some rules that you have to adhere to:

1) Must be handmade
2) Must be sent no later than 15 December 2009
3) If you are feeling extra crafty include a Holiday Cookie Recipe

So this got me thinking….. What to make? How to make? And what recipe?

One of my points of difference in the both swaps was that I was from Australia, so I wanted to wave the Aussie Flag proudly!

I started my search on Etsy which is a online handmade community where sellers can make their living my selling handmade items direct to customers.

I came across a great Etsy store called 'i do' it yourself. 'i do' it yourself had some fantastic wedding invites that had green and brown gum leaves on them. I was able to have the wedding invite custom made into an event TH!S Season’s Greeting Card!


'i do' it yourself sent me the proofs and presto the outside of the Christmas Cards were done!


I designed the inside of the greeting card and included a cute gumnut and gumleaf!


Vane from Brooklyn Bride emailed me the list of Card Swappers from all corners of the States – New York, Texas & Missouri (check them out below)!

Brooklyn Bride www.bklynbrideonline.com

Anne-Marie Scali www.perfectboundblog.com

Danielle Harder

Kerry Quade www.marriedtobrooklyn.com

Ashley Raydo http://magpiesmagnolias.blogspot.com

The next question on my mind was what cookie recipe will I contribute? In Australia we don’t really call them “cookies” rather “biscuits”!

You can’t go past the true blue Aussie ANZAC biscuit! I also included the history of how the ANZAC Biscuit came to be via www.anzacday.org.au I took my artwork to the printer and had the cards printed up!

Assembling the cards wasn’t too hard. A bit of cutting, tying, signing my name and folding and it was done!

I picked a lovely lemongrass coloured metallic envelopes to complete the set.

I also made a few extra Aussie greeting cards to send to other Twitter pals!

Card Marking Shopping List

Etsy Store
Lemongrass Metallic Envelope
Jute String
Labels

Translucent Paper


Southern Weddings Magazine “Holiday Ornament Swap”

I wanted to keep the Aussie theme going with the SW Holiday Ornament Swap – and I will say I did find getting a hold of an Aussie Xmas Ornament a little difficult.

I came across some gorgeous baby Koalas in gumnuts on the Royal Botanic Gardens website. They are actually made from Queensland (where I am located) palm fronds and a tiny Santa’s hat to finish the cute look!

I used the customised event TH!S Greeting Cards and I also made some gift tags with the card off cuts.

I wanted the look and feel of my ornament gift to match the packaging. I even hand shred the brown kraft paper for the inside of the package for that authentic look!

I made sure to include a letter to customs in case of any questions regarding the treatment process the gumnut Koala went through before making its way to the States.

The little gumnut ornaments are going to make their way to the Christmas Trees of:

April McEwen www.aprilmcewen.blogspot.com

Katie Bond www.Twitter.com/ksbond

Cristina Perry Events www.cristinaperry.com

Southern Weddings www.iloveswmag.com

Located in Tennessee, North Carolina & Georgia!

All in all it was a great experience, I am now thinking what am I going to do for next year’s swaps?


Ornament Shopping List

Ornaments
White Shipping Box

Jute String
Tissue Paper
Kraft Paper
Magic Tape

Supplier Spotlight: Wedding Notes by Kiki K

I am a massive fan of Kiki K the items are so stylish and a great alternative to the norm.

I came across this new Wedding Notes product and loved it as you are able to fit it in your handbag a carry it with you!

No bride should be without Wedding Notes, the ultimate wedding planner book for organising every aspect of your big day.

Keep it by your side at appointments and fittings as your wedding comes together before your eyes.

Attach photos, clippings, receipts and other notes – makes a comprehensive book to keep and look back at later in life.

This beautiful wedding planner book makes an ideal engagement party gift.

Wedding Notes Features:
· Hard card cover
· 16 tabs: Budget, Guests, Stationery, Dress, Rings/Beauty, Flowers etc...
· Lined pages
· Elastic band closure
· Pocket at the back
· 141mm x 197mm

Forget the car - Hire an Engine!

I saw this transport option and thought it would be a great option for school formals, wedding and kids parties!

The Hire Engine is Brisbane’s first and only private fire engine available for hire. Whatever your requirement, personal or commercial, The Hire Engine is available for your use.

The Hire Engine is a unique and fun way of arriving at your next special occasion. Also perfect for Santa deliveries, formals, hens’ parties, weddings, children’s parties, concerts, fetes, or just cruising around on a Saturday night.

The Hire Engine is a real fire engine which was, up until April 2006, still fully operational with the Metropolitan Fire Brigade, Melbourne. The vehicle is completely functional and is able to perform any operation of a normal fire engine.

Your imagination is the only limitation! Licensed to carry 9 passengers.

Christmas Décor – Festive Styles

Black and Zesty Lime!

Are you planning the office Christmas event or perhaps this year Christmas is at your place?

Staging Connections have some fabulous new décor options!

If you need help co-ordinating your Christmas affair please contact event THIS.

Christmas Décor – Natural Elegance

Modern, organic & earthy...

A fashionable new feel inspired from nature.

Neutral tones perfect to complement hot summer festivities.

Are you planning the office Christmas event or perhaps this year Christmas is at your place?

Staging Connections have some fabulous new décor options!

If you need help co-ordinating your Christmas affair please contact event THIS.

Christmas Décor – Festive Angels

Shiny, luminous & serene...

A classic Christmas scene of reverent angels trumpeting.

Against the twinkling of snow and a dark starry night.

Are you planning the office Christmas event or perhaps this year Christmas is at your place?

Staging Connections have some fabulous new décor options!

If you need help co-ordinating your Christmas affair contact event THIS.

Christmas Décor – Snow Dome

Crisp, fresh & fun...

Childhood dreams of magical snow dome toys.

Freedom and fun and holiday cheer.

Are you planning the office Christmas event or perhaps this year Christmas is at your place?

Staging Connections have some fabulous new décor options!

If you need help co-ordinating your Christmas affair please contact event THIS.

Christmas Décor – Red Berry

Warm, rich & inviting...

The traditions of a cold festive season with lavish red berries.

Sumptuous and warm. Adding beauty and brightness.





Are you planning the office Christmas event or perhaps this year Christmas is at your place?

Staging Connections have some fabulous new décor options!

If you need help co-ordinating your Christmas affair contact event THIS.

Christmas Décor - Gifts of Christmas

Contemporary, striking & oblique...

Holiday gift giving with a new modern twist.

Presents waiting to be unwrapped with the delight of surprise.







Are you planning the office Christmas event or perhaps this year Christmas is at your place?

Staging Connections have some fabulous new décor options!'


If you need help co-ordinating your Christmas affair please contact event THIS.

Christmas Décor – Festive Style

Are you planning the office Christmas event or perhaps this year Christmas is at your place?

Staging Connections have some fabulous new décor options!

Celebrate the festive season in style!

{Black, White & Red Christmas}

If you need help co-ordinating your Christmas affair contact event THIS.

Supplier Spotlight: Quality Napkins

Quality Napkins specialise high quality with a "Linen Look" Napkins, Table Runners, Rolled Cloth & Tablecloths.

Convincing on the table as real linen, our single use napkins, table runners and cloths have been designed with superior softness and excellent resilience which is comparable to woven fabrics.

Mix and match, changing the look of a room in an instant to suit your theme.

Enjoy the convenience of a disposable product with the smart look of linen crisp on the table every time!

24 x 24cm Cocktail Napkins
40 x 40cm Lunch Napkins
48 x 48cm Dinner Napkins
40cm x 24m Table Runners
120cm x 25m Rolled Cloth
100 x 100cm Tablecloths
120 x 120cm Tablecloths

All products 60gsm (except cocktail napkins which are 50gsm)

Visit the Design Gallery for more styles.

Supplier Spotlight: Valiant Event Hire "Pai Gow" Lounge

I was catching up on some TV this week and on one of my fav shows “Grand Designs” they showed a fab lounge that is similar to a range available for event hire in Brisbane through Valiant Hire (also located in Sydney & Melbourne).

Valiant Hire’s Lounge called “Pai Gow” is a stunning piece – so different.

It comes in either hot pink or lime green.

Dimension 550mmh x 950mml x 950mmw.

Valiant Furniture Hire, Australia's leader in office, residential, event and relocation furniture rental with locations in Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane.

Supplier Spotlight: EnviroTrend Designer Bags

Last week when I was away on business in Adelaide I went to buy a few of my fav Bridal mags to read – when I asked for a bag they said they didn’t have any as they are now a non plastic bag city.

So I had to buy a really ugly shopping bag..... I missed my designer EnviroTrend bags (which were safely tucked away back in Brisbane)!

So in case you haven’t seen these fab bags here is a bit about them.

* PS these bags also make great gifts for any occasion.
EnviroTrend® is leading the fight against damaging plastic bags with their fashionable and affordable range of eco-friendly designer shopping bags. The bulk of our products are made from 100% recyclable non woven polypropylene.

First product, the EnviroShopper™ was designed as a stylish alternative to supermarket green bags. Our philosophy is to reduce unnecessary waste by spreading the environmental message through creative design and quality environmentally friendly products.

Use an EnviroTrend® bag wherever you go and help make a positive contribution to reducing plastic bags in style!

Janina Byrne and Celina Jorgensen came up with the Enviro-Shopper concept over a bottle of champagne in 2006 and have not looked back.

Close friends for over a decade, the duo's combined backgrounds in law & business and design & marketing made for a perfect partnership.

Both women have small children and run their own respective businesses as well. EnviroTrend is a business they are building in their "spare" time after spotting a gap in the market! While being environmentally conscious is important to both women, neither were fussed on toting around ordinary green bags - especially outside the supermarket!

These eco-friendly reusable bags were an instant hit and our first shipment of 6000 bags sold out in just three months. The EnviroShopper™ bags are lightweight, have long handles and fold flat. Each one holds the equivalent of four supermarket plastic bags thanks to the reinforced seams.

The EnviroTrend® range now includes a wide range of EnviroShoppers™, EnviroCinos™ and Roll&Fold™ bags. All come with blank gift tags so they make a perfect eco gift!

Our customers use our eco bags to carry anything from groceries, university books, sports gear or even as nappy bags.

The philosophy of EnviroTrend® is to reduce unnecessary waste by spreading the environmental message through creative design and quality environmentally friendly products. The next time you give a gift, think about using one of our bags – they make a great alternative to gift wrapping. You’ll be giving a gift that keeps on giving.

They are continually adding to our range of recyclable carry bags and love receiving your feedback, so please contact us with any comments or suggestions you have.

Remember to take an EnviroTrend® bag wherever you go and help make a positive contribution to reducing plastic bags in style!

EnviroTrend® Stockists

EnviroTrend® Buy Online

Supplier Spotlight: Romana Saeheng

Another fantastic wedding shot from Romana Saeheng.

Supplier Spotlight: Victoria Simon JP - Beautiful Moment (Celebrant)

I have had the pleasure of working with Victoria on a number of occasions. She really does mould a ceremony to fit the personal style and vision of the couple she is marrying.

Victoria will create a unique ceremony for you, ensuring that the words, readings and symbols capture your desire to celebrate in a way that reflects what you most value.

Putting together your ceremony can't be rushed ~ she will spend time to ensure that your ceremony contributes to a beautiful and memorable day that is rich with happiness and warmth with special moments to remember.

For more information visit www.beautifulmoment.com.au.

See Victoria in action - event THIS

Supplier Spotlight: Nomadic Tents

I have worked with Nomadic Tents and have found them to be not only a great supplier to deal with but the product itself can be utilised in so many different ways.

Not to mention the great colour palate they have available – the tent itself can become a real décor feature of your event.

Colour Options: White Ivory Chino Red Pink Maroon Blue.

Nomadic Tents are Australia's only manufacturer and supplier of free-style marquees that meet the required Australian building and fire regulations.

They not only do Weddings they can also do just about any event that comes to mind corporate events, festivals, 21st birthdays or just a party at home.

So if your looking for a free-style marquee will give you a unique and stylish event, one that you'll remember forever. Whatever your event, big or small... from an event of 50 people to 5000, Nomadic Tents have the solution and the experience.

How does it work?
Nomadic free-style marquees are the most versatile cost effective out door event structure available in Australia today. They can be pegged or weighted making them suitable for all types of ground surfaces. Erected at different heights, attached to the side of a building, installed on balcony's, around or over trees, in uneven ground, sides up, sides down, tent or shade... its just amazing what you can do with Nomadic Tents... and the most amazing part is... all for the same price as the old style plastic marquee.

Weather?
Nomadic free-style marquees are made from a unique material especially developed by us to handle Australian conditions. This special blend and weave of material gives it the unique ability to be 100% waterproof and breathable. Giving you protection from the rain and keeping you cool on those hot summer days.

Rental Guide:
Structures range in size from (10m x 5m) to 2800 sqm.

Event Size Guide:
Cocktail Style: (people standing) approx 0.65 sqm per person.
Formal Style: (people sitting) approx 1.3 sqm per person.

They also offer a full range of tables, chairs, flooring, lighting etc.

For more information contact 1300 55 48 35 or visit www.nomadictents.com.au

Supplier Spotlight: Clean Heels (Peep Toe Shoes)

Flexible heel stopper to stop you from sinking in soft ground at the races, weddings and all outdoor events.

Available in 2 styles Clear & Glitter.

When you spend a fortune on your shoes the last thing you want to do is be sinking into the ground!

Visit Peep Toe Shoes www.peeptoeshoes.com.au

Supplier Spotlight: The Cupcake Parlour

I have had the pleasure of working with the Cupcake Parlour for a number of events. They are produce absolutely stunning cupcakes (& bite size cupcakes).

Each cupcake is frosted by hand!

Gluten Free, Dairy Free & Vegan are available now.

Some of their fabulous flavours include Toblerone Topper, Mango Frangipani, Cookies 'n' Cream, Rockn Road, James Brown & Passionfruit Power just to name a few.

For more information please visit www.thecupcakeparlour.com.au