Mandi and Maddi

Photography@School.....

2011-04-02T19:47:00.005+11:00

Here are some of the images i have taken over the last few weeks, on a DSLR camera/manual settings!

I have always loved photography, i enjoyed this element of the diploma course, for this term at school.....

A Comeback......

2011-03-06T13:26:00.007+11:00

Ok i have been rather neglectful of our blog due to the business of living, which involves so much school work of late that my time on the computer has been monopolized. I am studying a Diploma of IT (Web Design) this year, and attending my blog keeps getting put on the bottom of the priorities list sadly.

Since my last blog post we have moved to the wonderful town of Bellingen NSW, i broke my hand had a wonderful Christmas holiday break with family, friends have had babies, relatives have passed away, the kids have grown much taller and i have grown much stronger as a woman.

We have however continued vigorously with the 'Mandi and Maddi' business, and sales in our retailers have been steady over the summer. We still have empty online stores sadly but that too is on the list of things to do asap.

If you have or know of anyone with a retail store that would be interested in stocking the "Mandi and Maddi" accessories range please send us an email at- mandiandmaddi@hotmail.com

Also add us back in your reader if you had deleted us as a lost cause because we are back!!!!!!

Fabulous Flossy...and the School holidays

2010-07-16T20:45:00.006+10:00

Checkout our mention over at Flossy Particles blog. My dear friend is an inspiration to me in many ways. I love hearing what beautiful things she is creating and achieving in life.

The kids and i have been on school holidays...this seems to involve skate park after skate park due to the winter months and my son and his cousins being tweens. Life for them seems to be about coloured skinny jeans, cool skate shoes, scooters and skateboards. Their main ambition i'm sure is to see how many skate parks they can drag Mum to until she goes crackers. But to tell you the truth i have thoroughly enjoyed the experience of visiting many of the diverse skate parks on the east coast of NSW. Keep posted for a full rundown and rating of the parks we have visited the kids are making a list etc.

We are back home now, so the nearest skatepark is Woolgoolga we went their yesterday i need a new firstaid kit is all i'm going to say. Today we headed to the Grafton Skate park. It was quite good, a nice location surrounded by many beautiful trees.

Two more days of school hols, i can do this.

So we began the holidays with a train trip (we got a private cabin this time) adventure to see my sister and her lovely boys, we met in Manly for a few days of fun then headed home to her place in Nowra.

We filled the kids time with action packed days of fun and interest, for eg.paddleboarding and rollerblading in Manly, La premier tickets to Eclipse in Chatswood, The Karate kid and Toy Story 3 also @ the movies, The Swans game at the SCG, indoor leisure center at Husky, skate parks in Manly, Mosman, Kiama, Berry( we also snuck to the markets for yummy relish mmm), Nowra, and a few other suburbs that i've forgotten the names of, then the indoor and outdoor skate parks on the way home at Port Macquarie, oh and i mustn't forget the gorgeous Glasshouse Art Gallery for Mum.

I feel my duty as a good Mum is complete...Is it it ever enough???

Fresh Headbands.......

2010-05-29T16:20:00.006+10:00

I have a few headbands left available for photographing because as soon a i've made them they are are off to the shops, some are reversible and some are better just on one side. The best things about them are they dress up a plain outfit, great for shockingly bad hair days and do not give headaches like many headbands can after wearing them all day..... Tell us what you think? Of course for more fabric variety visit Jane Potter Boutique ( if your local that is) or keep your eye open for the launch of Greenstone Gallery online Giftshop.

News and new work @MandiandMaddi.......

2010-05-28T10:40:00.013+10:00

My online shops are still EMPTY oh dear! But great news from the retailers who stock us. Stock is selling consistently and plenty of positive feedback from the customers.

We are keeping ourselves busy by replenishing stock for the retail stores, creating/producing then photographing plenty more fun new work to go online @GreenstoneGallery's Giftshop.

Greenstone Gallery has launched their beautiful new (but still growing) website! Which will soon have a Giftshop feature for artists/crafters that don't fit into the finer art categories. I love the creativity and dedication Maryanne puts in to keeping art alive and fresh here on the Mid North Coast.

Well done to the whole Greenstone Team!!!

Visit the new website

I must admit the main reason for my online shops being empty is the 'all brain consuming course' i am currently taking 'Web Design'. Loving it, love the brain workouts and coming up with design ideas but very time consuming.

So for now i will be posting plenty of new work on here to keep interest alive and you'll have to hope you live near a retailer or you can EMAIL me about anything in particular you see and like.

New Stock is on the way!!!!

2010-04-09T00:24:00.013+10:00

Our online Etsy shop, Madeit store and retailers are currently being refreshed with new stock and images. Lookout for our new headbands, and plenty more!!!

Below are a few Easter holiday images.....

The Easter holidays have been heaps of fun so far!

The Ropers are up, my sisters family, so we have been taking the kids surfing everyday from Arrawarra beach to Park Beach.

Billy are Taj are growing up so quickly. They were spoilt at the surf shop today after 6 big days in a row of surfing all day, they are both right at the age where they're really keen to get surfing more. Maddi, Bethany and Noah have been collecting more and more anklets at their favourite store Pushkar Fair. There is a lot of jingling going on.....

Aghh such is life, but hey i do stay up all night doing assignments and housework and making stock blah blah blah....I also grabbed some cool images with Noahs underwater camera whilst on our adventures....

EARTH HOUR... EARTH HOUR... EARTH HOUR...

2010-03-11T12:48:00.007+11:00

Earth hour is special to our family, it has been ever since the event started. We celebrate every year. There are lots of options to get involved, here are some links below for you to peruse and see what you'd like to get involved in!

Try lantern making with the kids here is a PDF

Read about EARTH HOUR history where it all began....

Calculate your carbon FOOTPRINT

Read the latest Earth Hour news by visiting their BLOG

You can make a virtual lantern that hovers over the EARTH......

But most importantly just get involved and turn everything off for the HOUR or more if your up to it!!!!

Crochet Creative......

2010-02-28T15:22:00.003+11:00

Since introducing these adorable crochet flowers into the hair accessories range 'Mandi and Maddi' have been selling considerably better. It seems our customers love new stuff from us, the fabric covered magnetic bookmarks have been quite a hit also.

Our online stores are a little empty of late sorry, due to christmas sales and our stockists in retail stores doing well, also my return to full-time study of web design, quite a brain strain. Oh and i have been busy moving the kids bedrooms up into our loft space so that i can go downstairs and have a bedroom and a seperate study/craft business space.

I am starting to settle into a study pattern and my workspace is almost sorted so there will be plenty of fresh stock arriving shortly to fill our online stores again, so please keep posted or rather i will post about it!!!!!

Beautiful Gift.........

2009-12-27T19:50:00.003+11:00

We gave this optical illusion mobile as a gift this Christmas, what a beautiful place they have chosen to hang it......How did everyone enjoy Christmas 2009? The East Coast of Australia was very hot but we were lucky enough to have a pool to enjoy the afternoon in.

Almost Christmas!!!!!!

2009-12-21T16:55:00.008+11:00

Last night we picked a name from the hat (our customary way) And the lucky winner of the zebra print Mandi and Maddi hair accessory goes to................. Redness from 'I'mOverIt' another fabulous Australian blog. It's definitely worth popping over their for a visit!!!

Now down to the business of Christmas, I have all my pressies wrapped and I'm quite ready for the 25th now, how about you? We didn't buy a new tree this year and i didn't need to buy wrapping paper as i had bought some fab 7m rolls earlier in the year for $1 each, we made our house decorations so it seems the only real expense have been the presents themselves which is great, it is hard when you are bombarded with all the extra merchandising over the silly season!!! I insist on setting a good example to the children, we don't need another upcoming generation of over consumers.

We would love for anyone to post links to images of there christmas trees or gift wrapping expertise or homemade decorations?

We have a winner and are looking for another one......

2009-11-30T18:37:00.010+11:00

This afternoon we wrote down the entrants names and yes we put them in a hat, and drew one lucky name out, are you ready? The winner of a Mandi and Maddi hair accessory gift pack isssssss Challen Charms from Brisbane.

Congratulations to you!!! Your prize will be in the post tommorrow, how easy was that? Thankyou for the poem entry also it was lovely.

Okay so is everyone ready for another giveaway to keep things rolling?

Above is our lovely zebra print/ large button hairtie!
It could be in your mailbox very soon if you act quickly!

To enter complete one or more tasks by Dec 20th -

Join our google friends list (right hand column).
Leave a comment about our blog on the link below or in right hand column above google friends.
Post about our blog with a link and tell us about it.
Buy something from one of our online stores.

Special Giveaways.....

2009-11-24T10:50:00.013+11:00

Fellow bloggers flossy p and chunkychooky are both having fun giveaways on their very sweet blogs!!! You definately want to pop over there for a visit and see what it's all about.....

Fun easy decorations.......

2009-11-23T12:16:00.012+11:00

It was too hot to go out after 10am yesterday, so we stayed indoors and made a few chrissie deco's to hang on the windows. I think we'll make some giftcards and decorations to hang on the tree next. ~ We used old chinese newspapers, origami paper, plain coloured paper, cardstock, glue, scissors, string and a hole punch. ~ Not overly traditional but simple and sweet and we already had everything in the house to make them. I have been trying to teach the children about the materialistic exploitation upon us with Christmas eg. cards, wrapping paper, tinsel ect. There are so many crafty parents that would have useful things around the house to substitute these sorts of unecessary yearly costs. I'm going to try some homemade tinsel of a different kind, i'll keep you posted on the success of that. ~I like the idea that christmas doesn't bring stress and the need to buy many things we do not really need, but more family time and holiday activities.

Pre - Christmas giveaway.....

2009-11-16T13:26:00.011+11:00

I went to my first Christmas party yesterday and wore a pretty dress a friend had given to me(thanks Jess always love a fab freebie). Of course in my hair i wore a Mandi and Maddi button hair tie voila, and my trusty Natasha diamonte sandles great with almost every outfit . I love it when the right outfit presents itself in my cupboard for the right event and i'm not thinking.........

'I have nothing to wear'

So after getting into the Christmas spirit i decided to photograph our next little giveaway- i think these two hair ties would look fab in one of our readers hair for any Chrissy parties or to wear on the big day!!! Enter now as this one will be drawn and the winner notified on the30th of Nov so it can be sent out for the winner to wear in time for Christmas functions.
To enter complete one or more tasks below -
Join our blog with Google friends connect (down in the right hand column)

Get a friend to join our blog and tell us about it (post comment or send msg)
Post a poem in Poetry corner - (Click here)
Leave a comment here telling us why you would like to win (eg. To wear to a work party)

Poetry corner.....

2009-11-14T14:18:00.008+11:00

I hear the ocean on nights of black
The waves crash on the shore
The whisping sound of salt sought air
I lay whilst listening for more.....

By Amanda when aged 10.

Does anyone have a poem from there youth they would like to share?

Chosen for Kreativ Blog award......

2009-11-10T18:59:00.012+11:00

How exciting!!! At the Bench with Narelle has chosen our blog for a KREATIV BLOG award. Thankyou Narelle.

Visit Narelle's Madeit shop to see her Beautiful work....
Or visit her interesting Blog

There are 6 rules to keep this award growing:

1) Copy the award picture and post on your blog - ✓
2) Thank the person who gave it to you and link to their blog - ✓
3) Write 7 things about yourself we don't know:

I am a pecto-lacto-ovo vegetarian.
I cannot rollerskate as fast as i used to be able to or run or swim or think.
Sometimes i wonder if i should have been a dominatrix instead of a mother.
My clothes cupboard is always messy.
I read too many novels when i should be studying or cleaning or blogging.
I wish Robert Pattinson was around back in the day to be my teenage heartthrob.
I wish River Phoenix never overdosed he was my teenage poster boy.

4) Choose 7 other bloggers to pass the award to - ✓

Chunkychooky
GingerLouiseClothing
GloriasJewelryBox
PetalsandMetals
TinnieGirl
LittleLostLove
TractorGirl

5) Link to those 7 other bloggers - ✓
6) Notify your 7 bloggers - ✓

Finished! Now i'm off to notify everyone. Please keep this award going alot of people have made this small effort in order to spread the blogging love. Enjoy........

Trip to Sydney...Sculpture by the Sea images...

2009-11-06T12:08:00.026+11:00

So i didn't succeed entirely with Octoberfest, but it did encourage me to post more when i could. Over the last week i was in Sydney with the kids for my son to compete in the state finals with his running relay team. They made it to the semi's and came in 5th hooray!

The kids hadn't been to Sydney city since they were too young to remember. So we did a few touristy (surely this word is in the dictionary by now) things.

Sculpture by the sea headland walk starting at 'Bondi beach'.
Fig tree climbing at 'Balmoral beach'.
Lunch at 'Manly Corso' and icecream.
Woodfired pizza for dinner at 'Cremorne'.
Mexican dinner feast at 'Crow's Nest'.

An early evening train trip across the Harbour Bridge into the city, with a walk through the Queen Victoria Building, their Christmas tree was huge. Maddi stops us when she see's the three story inner city Supre store she has a mini spend up, then through to Friday evening 'Chinatown' markets and yum Cha for dinner.

And of course Homebush Olympic stadium where Billy had his finals, afterwards the whole relay team and the sisters and Mum's had a ball at the Homebush indoor Aquatic centre and Homebush outdoor interactive water sculpture.

For any of my overseas readers Homebush is where the Olympics were held, so it was a great venue to attend. My favourite thing though besides seeing the boys compete was the sculpture walk and we were pleasantly surprised to see one of Coffs local artists Jeramie Carter exhibiting.

The next trip to Sydney is in 10 days, i'm taking my daughter to see Britney Spears for her 13th birthday. Thirteen oh my goodness i just don't feel old enough to have a teenager, she's starting to borrow all my stuff too aggghhhh........

Jane Potter - Our lovely local stockist.......

2009-10-27T15:26:00.008+11:00

I would really like to tell you about one of my local stockists today, Natalie Jupp! She runs the gorgeous/sassy women's clothes store 'Jane Potter' on the top floor of the Coffs Harbour Palm Shopping Center. Natalie has shown great support towards our small but growing business. So the next time you're in town take a peek in the 'Jane Potter' boutique , see the latest clothes in store, and checkout the 'Mandi and Maddi' hair accessory range.

Day 23 - What can i do with some chinese newspapers?.......

2009-10-23T08:43:00.006+11:00

Recycled Inspiration

We found these images some time ago on the web, unfortunately i have lost the details. I'm pretty sure they were part of an exhibition abroad somewhere? They have inspired me since i recently asked for a heap of Chinese newspapers when i was purchasing a gorgeous teapot at an Asian grocery. The man very generously gave me a pile of old ones at no cost, when i assured him i wouldn't be reading them ??

I'm thinking of paper mache on short chop sticks to put in one's hair? Cover a thick bangle, screen print over a page and frame, I'd also like to try the beads in the image above, as i have made those with fabric in the past! Back when i had a jewellery making fetish (which i have been thinking of returning to).

Recycled items are just so more interesting and fullfilling to wear or have around your home, than big brand $$ items that aren't unique !!!

Octoberfest Day 22 - Chainmaille Creations......

2009-10-22T08:13:00.005+11:00

We love chainmaille jewellery and would like to thank!

'The ChainmailleLady' for posting this weeks shops for 'spread the love' on her blog. I belong to a fabulous Etsy Team called The Handmade Artists Forum or HAF Team for short! Each day we promote a shop. Here is the list again for today through to Sunday 25th. Please visit each shop, enjoy browsing all the items in their shop, and be sure to heart all the items you love in each one!

Thursday, October 22 http://littlefishlikegreen.etsy.com/

Friday, October 23 http://cassandracreations.etsy.com/

Saturday, October 24 http://mandiandmaddi.etsy.com/

Sunday, October 25 http://tuscanroad.etsy.com/

DAY 21 - 'Spread the Love' with the HAF etsy street team.

2009-10-21T10:15:00.002+11:00

New stock that will be in shops this Saturday

Mandi and Maddi are very excited as we have been chosen this week to take part in 'Spread the Love' organised by the HAF etsy team. The team is always working to promote fellow members through the Handmade Artists Forum. To visit there click the title link at the top of this post.

If you would like to take part in helping 'Mandi and Maddi' mark Saturday Oct 24th as a day to visit our shop/blog and show lots of love. This is what the other members of the forum and HAF etsy team will be doing. It's a lovely way of showing support for all things Handmade.

Here are links to other members that are also taking part this week!!!

Wednesday, October 21 http://thechainmaillelady.etsy.com/
Thursday, October 22 http://littlefishlikegreen.etsy.com/
Friday, October 23 http://cassandracreations.etsy.com/
Saturday, October 24 http://mandiandmaddi.etsy.com/
Sunday, October 25 http://tuscanroad.etsy.com/

Octoberfest Day 20 - My first day was fun.........

2009-10-20T19:03:00.000+11:00

This is the current exhibiton at the Bunker gallery. Very beautiful photography. My first day was fun, due to the lovely people that work there. It's an amazing space for a gallery, i'm looking forward to learning more and being a small part of the process. Thanks for the positive comments readers.

Day 19 Octoberfest - I start volunteer work here today ........

2009-10-19T08:41:00.006+11:00

History of the Bunker Gallery

The bunker that currently houses the Bunker Cartoon Gallery was built during the dark days of World War II, after Coffs Harbour was selected as the best town on the east coast of Australia to build a military operations base to defend the nation against invasion.

As part of the Air Force operations, the RAAF bunker was built in 1943 on what is now known as City Hill. It became home to many men and women working to protect their country, including a young Gough Whitlam, former Prime Minister of Australia.

By 1984, the bunker had become derelict, filled with rubbish and the occasional home to the homeless. Fortunately, the Rotary Club of Coffs Harbour City recognised the potential of the building and its heritage value. They proposed it be converted into a gallery to house the Coffs Cartoon Collection - the largest contemporary collection of original cartoons in Australia.

During the restoration of the bunker only minor alternations were made to ensure the historical integrity of the structure was preserved. The Bunker Cartoon Gallery was opened to the public in 1996, largely due to the hard work of Coffs Harbour City Rotary Club with the support of Coffs Harbour City Council.

Ten years later, in September 2006, the Coffs Harbour City Rotary Club donated the cartoon archive to the community and Coffs Harbour City Council assumed responsibility for the Bunker Cartoon Gallery and its permanent collection.

Photo above: Inspection of the old bunker in 1994, before it was restored and turned into a gallery space Photo below: The interior of the Bunker Gallery in 2006, showcasing an exhibition of works by local artists.

I am looking forward to heading off into Coffs Harbour today, to gain more work experience in the arts industry. I think i will be doing alot of scanning and cataloging of works this week.

Day 17 Blogtoberfest Halfway - Strange Trees..........

2009-10-17T09:42:00.004+11:00

I love these images of interesting trees. As i have already posted we are a tree loving family, my father taught me about tree hugging (seriously) when i was a child. If you have never really tried tree huggging i dare you to give it a go! They are our life source so it makes sense the closer you get the better you can feel. I love tree energy it is so invigorating. If your worried about looking silly hug privately, the next time you are on a secluded bush walk or something.

Now these tree images are just darn amazing don't you think????

Day 16 Octoberfest - Almost time to go home.....

2009-10-16T18:01:00.000+11:00

Well, we have made the best of the weather while we have been away but the wind has been very full on ( i get cranky in the wind). I'm sure the kids have still had fun even though it has been too cold to swim in Jane's pool.

We took them to Bay and Basin indoor leisure centre a few days ago so they have had a swim, the Mumma's hung in the spa bath and cafe while the kiddies had fun.

Today Jane shouted me a deluxe pedicure at a beauty salon, very nice, i feel very spoilt. I love my new toe nail colour, so very shiny, i hope i don't trash it too easy. Jane wrecked hers at soccor last night but the leg scrub and massage was well worth it anyway.

Today is our last full day here the weather is still iffy but we're heading out for the day very shortly.

Hey has anyone else had problems with writing posts before the day you publish them and them posting with the date you wrote them not published them??? So ignore my dates on my posts at the moment they are not correct, annoying!!!!

Blogtoberfest Day - 15 Teen Vampire series........

2009-10-15T20:20:00.001+11:00

Since my daughter Maddi read Twilight three times in a row, and was about to read it for a fourth time i had to buy and introduce her to the many other vampire series available on the market these days. Of course there are the classic Anne Rice series, but i am talking appropriate teen material here. We are reading about three series on the go as we wait for the next ones of each series to come out.

'The Vampire Academy' series is our latest read.
'The House of Night' series (this one has an interactive website for fans)
'Evernight' series

Day 13 Blogtoberfest - Short sweet poem for laughs......

2009-10-13T22:53:00.000+11:00

Teacup cozy by KnitStorm

A Word to Husbands
by Ogden Nash

To keep your marriage brimming
With love in the loving cup,
Whenever you’re wrong, admit it;
Whenever you’re right, shut up.

I love this funny little poem, it reminds me of something Heidi Klum and Seal said on the Oprah Show ' A Happy Wife is a Happy Life'

Day 14 - Octoberfest / Treehouses......

2009-10-12T17:22:00.013+11:00

As a child i spent a lot of time climbing trees, it was essential to my happiness and my children have grown up being the same way. Trees really do give us amazing energy when we are around them. I could happily live in some of these amazing tree houses above. We will be heading to Kangaroo valley while we are on our trip, looking forward to the lovely green life going on there........

Day 12 - My favourite Australian Artist of all time.........

2009-10-11T22:38:00.008+11:00

Rupert Bunny (1864-1947), was one of the most successful expatriate artists of his generation: indeed no other Australian achieved the critical acclaim nor enjoyed the artistic affiliations which Bunny experienced in Paris in decades around the turn of the century.

When i first viewed his work i was 14 yrs of age, instantly drawn to his work, i have had a strong love for it my whole life. Oh to have an original Rupert Bunny in one's house would mesmerize everyone with it's beauty and we would all sit around on the carpet staring, dreaming and lazily gazing our lives away.......

Day 11 Blogtoberfest - Day 2 Our trip to the Southcoast....

2009-10-11T18:57:00.007+11:00

Today i got to sleep- in again, as my sister arrived home from night shift to meet the waking children. She won't be sleeping much for the next few days, but she will still be the one to motivate the troops for a day out somewhere.

After the morning chores and showers we headed further south to Huskisson, a lovely coastal town. We were after fish and chips for the kids, and yummy vego salad's for the mum's, lunch at the spider park on a rug. Some friends joined us, and the dog enjoyed a day out as well.

Scott, big sis's husband has gone away for the rest of the time we are here, so girlfriends and their children are coming for sleepovers, things are going to get busy around here. How is everyone else going with the daily blogging? It's a little hard at someone else house/computer but if i stick to the topic of our trip i think i can make it while i'm here........

Day 10 Blogtoberfest - Day 1 Our holiday to the south coast......

2009-10-10T12:43:00.007+11:00

So the train trip to Sydney was interesting, we hadn't traveled on the countrylink train for ten years. My son Billy was only a baby (he is now ten). It was a novelty for the kids for the first few hours, but then they started to get stir crazy, it's a 9 hour trip. We spent a small fortune at the buffet bar and tried many different sleeping positions.

My sister Jane picked us up at central station and then 2 hours in the car to her house. The kids got straight out of the car and onto the skate ramp my sister's handy husband Scott has built. My sis has two boys and she has Bethany a girlfriend's daughter visiting to play with Madeleine(my girl). So five kids in the house, plus the many friends and their kids/neighbourhood kids that come to visit.

Day 1 - The girls made cupcakes for morning tea, then we headed out for the day, the boys went to the movies and the girls went for Chai and hot chocolate then a little bit of lite shopping. Back home for dinner and a little skate ramp time downstairs.

Then off to the Friday night rollerskating disco. Well the kids and adults were all having a blast. But then i decided to go in the speed skating and fell very hard on my left wrist and left side of my bottom which is very unfortunate for my bad sciatica agghhh!!!!! Not to mention i gave everyone a good laugh....I am very thankful for the strap on wheat bag invention, it is my new best friend. Today i am very sore and bruised, so Jane and i are staying home in our P.J's all day and Scott has taken the kids out to guess where? The local skate park. We sure love to wear these kids out.

Early day 8 - Our first Christmas gift guide.......

2009-10-05T20:07:00.032+11:00

Scroll to the bottom off our selection to click on links to these shops.....

1- Sea anemone stacking rings by KiraFerrer

2- Sweet summer washcloths by Paradise Knitting

3- Original fresh greens stacking rings by Kiraferrer

4- Beechy Keen earrings by Petals and Metals

5- Plush log baby rattle by ChunkyChooky

6- Other view of Chunky chookie's plush baby rattle.

7- Motivating messages magnets by Amnesty International

8- Gorgeous Fabric storage bins by Sewing Momma

9- Plush Penelope Perriwinkle by Chunky Chooky

10- Moss and Ivy Aromatherapy oil/perfume by ForStrangeWomen

..... Lovely things by lovely shops - We hope you have fun browsing .....

Day 7 - Moss Teraniums @ Etsy.com.......

2009-10-05T18:27:00.014+11:00

The first time i saw one of these moss teraniums on Etsy.com i was so fascinated as i have always loved moss. I like to grow it around the base of my bonsai plants. This idea seems to have really grabbed a hold of fellow etsians, as Etsy now has a huge range to choose from. A great gift idea for someone that loves the quirky and unusual. Checkout other Moss Teraniums on Etsy - click here.........

Day 6 - How does this image make you feel?

2009-10-05T16:51:00.012+11:00

Mandi and Maddi are members of 'The Wilderness Society' which means we are kept up to date with their current actions and hard work through email newsletters. Today's email put this shocking image into my conscious. What a travesty to see old growth murder like this, and right in our backyard, Victoria Mount Brown. What i wonder when i look at that stump is, what has it now produced? Is it furniture? paper? Nothing that could be as beautiful or more useful than the magnificent old life giving tree that it once was for many many years.........

To read more about this..........

To help visit The Wilderness Society.........

Read 100 ways you can help save the planet.........

Day 5 of Blogtoberfest!!!

2009-10-05T14:30:00.008+11:00

So i joined in with a collective of bloggers yesterday who are all taking part in Blogtoberfest The general idea (from what i can gather, please correct me if i'm wrong) is to blog everyday of October. As we all do get a little slack and complacent at times. I love the idea of connecting with other Aussie bloggers in a fun /cooperative way like this.

Well here goes then, today (day 5 i'm a little late) i will blog about how i am going to visit my sister in Nowra with my two children Madeleine and Billy. We are catching the train for a different experience (for the kids, personally i don't love the train too much). So we arrive in Sydney swap trains and head to Bomaderry. Then big sis will pick us up. From there it will be 10 days of fun for the kids.

Big sis Jane has a swimming pool, a half pipe in the downstairs rumpus room, and heaps of all the other mod cons kids love PS3/computers/ipods. Then their will be adventurous days out, and they are always adventurous where Jane is concerned.

Here are a couple of the things my sister has had me do - Walk Mount Warning - Seven hour canoe trip that ended in the dark hours, cold, no lights, where is the bridge! the end agghhh! a bed!

So you get the idea, i can only guess what we will be doing. But i do know the darling has booked me in for a foot spa aren't i the lucky duck.

I will still be posting from her place, so you will be hearing from me this month, alot.

Madeit.com........

2009-10-02T13:02:00.008+10:00

This great online handmade market is my new favourite website.
I will remain loyal to etsy but this is better for my Aussie shoppers.

So from today you will be able to buy Mandi and Maddi @ Madeit.com

An all Australian site to promote handmade artisans in our country.

The 'Feed' Campaign.......

2009-10-01T08:23:00.017+10:00

Each FEED 2 bag sold - feeds 2 children in school for a year through the UN World Food Program.

I just love ideas and projects like this one, I am buying a couple bags for Christmas presents and one for our family. The FEED website is very interesting and informative, here is a quick run down on the project......

FEED Projects was started in 2006 when acclaimed model and activist Lauren Bush designed a bag to benefit the United Nations World Food Program's (WFP) School Feeding operations. Lauren, a WFP Honorary Spokesperson who has visited eight WFP food aid operations around the world, was inspired by the plight of the people she met on her travels. She took a special interest in WFP's School Feeding program, which feeds and educates hungry children.

The goal of FEED Projects is to market and sell as many FEED bags as possible and to FEED and educate the world's 400 million hungry children.

They have more styles of FEED bags so go take a look and read all about it......

Also see the story on You Tube Click here........

See us at Frankie.com today.....

2009-09-29T14:02:00.003+10:00

Thankyou to Louise Bannister at http://www.frankie.com.au/ for mentioning Mandi and Maddi on the Frankie web page today, all exposure is greatly appreciated. We love being involved in all things Frankie, we can't wait for next months magazine.

Treasury feature.....

2009-09-26T11:24:00.002+10:00

Thankyou to SuziesAmoire of the Handmade Artists Forum Team for including me in this peachy treasury list Take a peek!!! Lot's has happened this week on the business side of things. A few more stockists and leads for promotions. Also lot's of lovely new creations, i will post some images on Monday. It is a lovely summer day here in Emerald Beach the kids and i are off out into it.

We have a winner and are looking for another one......

2009-09-16T08:28:00.014+10:00

Gloria @ Gloria's Jewellery Box is our first 'product giveaway' winner!!!

Gloria won a very sweet hairclip from Mandi and Maddi.

Enter now to win one of two Fabric Magnetic Bookmarks!!!

Subscribe to our posts to be informed of future promotions and prizes. This giveaway will be drawn on the 30th of October and starts today. Each winner can choose one of our amazing magnetic bookmarks (above).

To enter complete at least one of these action -

Subscribe to our posts + tell me about it = 2 entries

Leave 2 comments on previous posts = 3 entries

Post about us on your blog + send me the link = 4 entries

Get 2 people to join our blog + tell me about it = 5 entries

What do you see first in this picture?

2009-09-13T17:47:00.002+10:00

The birds? Or the woman's face?

Art at it's cleverest.

Etsy treasury feature......

2009-09-11T11:53:00.005+10:00

Thankyou again to JemmDee creations for including Mandi and Maddi in her latest treasury selection on www.etsy.com we appreciate the support.
Click here to see!!!!

Bookmark Release.....

2009-09-08T17:06:00.006+10:00

I have finally listed the new bookmark's on Etsy by popular demand. Visit this Etsy listing below to see it first. Naturally their will be many more bookmark choices in the coming weeks.

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=30576506

Added two days later - I made alot of new bookmarks today. Here are two, not quite enough light for today's photoshoot though. I will add new images tommorow 'Let their be light'.

Enjoying the business.......

2009-09-01T12:04:00.017+10:00

Mandi and Maddi are being featured @getsavvylinked, checkout their widget to the right? It's a new site and we are very happy to be a part of it's exciting launch we couldn't be more thrilled, so thank you to everyone @getsavvylinked for your support of our new business.

We are having so much fun with our hair accessories range, mainly because our options and mediums are many. Also for me it involves creating something on a daily basis in the comfort of my workspace, plenty of work on the computer, photography, searching for supplies, and ultimately reaping the rewards which are many.

Seeing the growth of our business, seeing someone around town wearing one of our pieces, being asked to exhibit in different places. We were recently approached by a Retail Gallery in Melbourne, we will begin exhibiting there in the coming months just in time for the early Christmas shoppers.

I'm on my way out west tomorrow, towards Armidale, my Grandparents live their so i will be visiting with them, but also scouting for more retail outlets for our range. Wish me luck.

I will leave you with a few images of some new work. Enjoy! I will be back Saturday unless i can get access to a computer, really need a new laptop sometimes.

Quirky Tshirts at Busted Tees....

2009-08-27T15:14:00.006+10:00

Okay everyone the guys at Busted Tees have some very cool T. Shirts! They are not made here in Australia (unfortunately) so they are quite original to any i have seen people wearing.

A great pressie idea this Christmas for a 'hard to buy for' male or female. Favourite T. shirts nearly always get worn until their death, well let's face it they often look better quite worn in. So if you buy one as a gift, that person will be reminded of you every time they wear it.

I know the mention of Christmas may sound frightening to some, but if you plan ahead and take joy out of finding interesting gifts online, you will experience the joy of shopping for pressies a whole lot more, never leave it to the last minute as the shops are busiest then and of course it will be stressful, and you can never find the right things for the right people when you are stressed.

So remember Relax, Browse/purchase early........

Living on the East Coast......

2009-08-27T14:36:00.008+10:00

Living on the coast our family finds alot of interesting things washed up on the beach, and in the surrounding rock pools of our local beaches. Having a love of photography i always carry our camera with us on our little journeys, and i was thankful i remembered it the day we found all the starfish washed up into the rock pools from a king tide the evening before.

The problem with the starfish was that the high tide had washed them up too far into the rock pools and they were going to dry up before they made it back to water (we presumed anyway) So we rounded up the stray starfish and put them all into the closer rock pools.

We had a wonderful day finding them all and returning them to safety. It also reminded us of the magical place we live. Did i mention the kangaroos that live on the headland? And out in our back paddock!

So i might make this a regular feature on our blog called 'Living on the East Coast' with images of our finds at different places in nature. The weather has definately been warming up early this year so plenty of days out exploring to come over the next 6months. I love summer i feel like everything including myself, really comes to life.

If anyone would particularly like to see more starfish photos, just ask in a comment, as i took about a hundred shots that day of many different sorts/colours. I'd be happy to post some more if the fans demand it!!!

Vote EARTH!!!!

2009-08-21T20:05:00.011+10:00

WWF sent me an email about the 'VOTE EARTH' campaign today, we support WWF with small monthly donations, and in return we are kept very up to date with current environmental issues in Australia. I like to educate the children through this media on what is happening in their country. They are so often shocked at the 'Dinosaur Attitude' of our politicians.

A national multi-media campaign calling on "dinosaurs" in politics and business to stop blocking urgent climate action in Australia has launched, highlighting that they are holding up the creation of hundreds of thousands of new clean energy jobs.

Along with WWF-Australia, the campaign is backed by The Climate Institute, the ACTU, Australian Council Of Social Service, and the Australian Conservation Foundation, coincides with the Parliamentary debate on the Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme and Renewable Energy Target.

These dinosaurs risk leaving our economy firmly stuck in the past. Help them to ‘evolve’ and to support strong action on climate change.

Mod Cloth Fashions

2009-08-19T20:00:00.018+10:00

Mod cloth.com is one of my favourite online fashion stores, i can always find something unique. I advertise for their site on this blog with ad buttons, but i enjoy making a selection of images from their collection just for my readers. Visit their site to explore for yourself you will be surprised!!!

Oh and subscribe to their newsletters!!! They sent this one to me today, Go Green Products!!!

http://www.modcloth.com/store/ModCloth/Newsletter/Eco%20Friendly?utm_source=NL_green-scene_8-20-09&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=green-scene

http://www.modcloth.com/

Affordable fashion....

2009-08-15T14:34:00.020+10:00

I will try to post about more than just fashion, but i really seem to enjoy selecting and laying out the images of these affordable and fabulous clothes from Forever 21, you can even shop by outfits, for men and women, yay! all your shopping in one place, here is the direct link to the outfits page, have fun ladies and gentleman. http://www.forever21.com/looks/looks_main.asp

Say no to GM foods......

2009-08-13T12:45:00.025+10:00

How do you feel about genetically modified food? GM foods were first put on the market in the early 1990s. I am against it and have been for many years. With my first shopping guide from Greenpeace in hand, around the supermarket i shopped looking for brands without genetic modification, it took a while at first to familiarize myself with alternative brands, but now i am confident in my purchases. Simple things like changing from Fountain tomato sauce to Rosella tomato sauce due to the genetic modification of the tomato. As of 2008 The Australian government is allowing these farming methods. Please visit Greenpeace Australia for more information about genetic modification of Aussie food and our farming methods. Click the link below to read more today.

http://www.greenpeace.org/raw/content/australia/resources/fact-sheets/GE/our-food-under-threat.pdf

This link will download a true food guide for shopping at your supermarket.
http://www.truefood.org.au/truefoodguide/

It's sad we haven't learnt from previous and still current disastrous farming methods. A new film coming out will open eyes to how and what we eat. Like any good documentary, Food Inc. has stirred up its fair share of controversy. The film examines the industrial production of meat, calling it inhumane, and looks at the industrial production of grains and vegetables - labeling these common mass production practices as economically and environmentally unsustainable. I mean we have been farming animals badly forever and now we are going to farm fruit and vegetables equally as bad. I'm a vegetarian due to grouse farming methods please don't ruin the veggies too there won't be anything left to eat!!!!

Flossy Particles.....

2009-08-11T20:43:00.011+10:00

Our Favourite Female Australian Illustrative Artist Flossy!!! Wow that is a mouthful!!! We adore her work, I fell in love with 'The Bluewhales', i was lucky enough last Christmas to receive an excellent quality limited edition print. Flossy also does the most amazing commission work for clients eg.wedding invitations, engagement and birth announcements, above is her most recent commission, for a lovely local family pets included. Take a look at her pristine and beautiful website and explore her beautiful work.

http://www.flossyparticles.com/

Do you love Fashion???

2009-08-08T14:56:00.013+10:00

So i haven't really bought many clothes online, have you? I recently joined Twitter and have checked out alot of people's blogs and business sites and came across a few fashion sites with very affordable clothing. Keep an eye on our blog by subscribing to our feed (in the top right column) as we post nearly everyday with something new and unexpected. Here are some fashion links have fun browsing.

http://www.forever21.com/f21_main.asp

http://www.zestypink.com/

Fused plastic bag!!!

2009-08-07T15:08:00.012+10:00

I found these cool bags on my internet travels, i love the idea and am going to research plastic fusing methods and attempt to recycle our waste by making some creations. We will let you know how our efforts go and will post piccy's. Of course if anyone of our clever members has info or suggestions please post about it here!!! I just added to this post because i have easily found out how to fuse plastic? At etsylabs.com i can watch video tutorials, on how to make all sorts of cool things, oh! this is going to keep me busy for a while!!! Here is a video on fused plastic enjoy!!!!

Kind people

2009-08-05T15:19:00.004+10:00

These kind people have given attention to one of my hairpins on their blog, how very nice!!! Have a look here!!!
http://topetsyfinds.blogspot.com/2009/08/gorgeous-hairpin.html

A gift for the booklovers.....

2009-08-04T11:26:00.019+10:00

We are always thinking of new things to make with fabric, both of us being avid book readers a bookmark idea was bound to come along sooner or later. The bookmarks are magnetized on either side, so when placed in the book, both sides cling together and the bookmark will never fall out and lose your place in the story. A great gift idea, easy to post with a nice card to a friend that isn't close by, i find people still really love to receive tangible things in the mail, especially sweet pressies.

Product giveaway!!!!

2009-08-03T10:38:00.007+10:00

Hello readers, new still to the blogging world we are very busy trying to generate traffic and work with similar type blogs, whilst keeping busy creating the hair accessories range. So i think it is time we have our first GIVEAWAY a gorgeous hairclip which will go to the very lucky reader who leaves a comment on any one of our posts and also becomes a member at the same time. Goodluck!

Happy Eggs.......

2009-07-31T12:45:00.011+10:00

We love chickens!!! We currently have two chooks Blacki and Larki. They are very sploit they even try to get inside when it's very cold. Nothing beats fresh eggs in the morning, or for lunch. What is nicest about having your own chooks is all the food scraps go to them and you know exactly what they are eating. Eggs are best when the chicken has a varied diet. We do feed them grain, but there main diet is vegetable scraps and what they forage from our native gardens all day. I have seen them squabble over penny lizards. If hand raised they make rewarding pets for children and adults, i do love my chookies. xx

Origami is cool.........

2009-07-31T12:25:00.014+10:00

We love Origami in this house, actually all things japanesey chopsticks, sushi, japanese papers, fabrics, art, bonsai, i could just keep going on but the focus here is origami. Have you ever attempted a difficult fold? There are heaps of printable instructions available online for all different folds and designs. I still love the classic crane, i remember in sixth grade we made one thousand for good luck and hung them all around the classroom as we were learning about japanese traditions. We have been folding masu boxes. If anyone has made any origami lately feel free to post an image we would love to have a look!!! Checkout 'Oriland' a dedicated paper folding site.They also have a blog and many more links to origami folding sites. Have fun everyone! Go on it's easy just a little actually alot of patience. http://www.oriland.com/index.asp

http://www.oriland.com/blog/

Quick Beetroot Dip.......

2009-07-31T10:06:00.009+10:00

This one i love because you can keep the stock in the cupboard for months and pull 2 tins out when you’re ready to whip it all together. Okay so all you need is!!!
Small tin of beetroot (sliced, wedges, whole)
2 medium tins of chickpeas
Garlic
Instructions
Place beetroot (with some of the liquid) in the blender. Blend! Then place one tin of the chickpeas (with some of the liquid) and a little bit of garlic in the blender. Blend!
Check the consistency - you may wish to add the second tin of chickpeas if you want the dip thicker...or more liquid if you want a smoother consistency.
Chill in the fridge before serving
Tip: You could also use butter beans instead of chick peas...or maybe a crazy combination. And any fresh herbs are a bonus.

For the drawing board.....

2009-07-30T21:15:00.010+10:00

We love noticeboards!!! for photo collages, interesting cards and pictures. These little gems on the left are the drawing pins for ones noticeboard, we go fairly ecclectic with fabric choices on our board, but for selling we have made matching sets. We haven't listed these on etsy yet. Our readers will always get to see things first here.

All things LACY....

2009-07-30T13:23:00.003+10:00

Hi, last night i was brainstorming some ideas and decided to make these lace covered buttons, I think they are my favourite yet. I had thought of it previously but assumed it would be too thick with an underlay fabric as well. 'If one only thinks and does not do, one will never know if it can be done or not'. They haven't hit the shops yet, so if anyone would like to get in first just let me know.

In the button business.....

2009-07-29T16:48:00.002+10:00

Hi Everyone

Welcome to the Mandi and Maddi blog!

Subscribers will be the first to see our new products, be able to enter our competitions, and have access to all our delightful posts and news about our growing business.