Under the Shade of a Bonsai Tree

Tuesday Tunesday .:. Owl Eyes - Pumped Up Kicks

2012-01-30T05:30:00.000-08:00

This Month..

2012-01-24T15:57:00.001-08:00

Doing:

Busy Busy Busy - jewellery has taken a bit of a back seat this month (still doing shop orders/online orders but no markets)
The weather has been great so we've spent a lot of time in our swimming pool and at the beach.
Also spent a few days last week at our amazing Mona Foma festival (Dresden Dolls, PJ Harvey etc)

Reading:

I just read The Ice Princess by Camilla Lackberg - a great murder mystery set in Sweden. Highly engrossing

Listening to:

Dresden Dolls, PJ Harvey, Violent Femmes, Owl Eyes, Kimbra

Watching:

The Troll Hunter - really quite liked it - far fetched but well made and fun.
The Kid With A Bike - alright, a bit boring
Absolutely Fabulous :o)
The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo - I went with huz after a nice Thai dinner for our wedding anniversary. I couldn't say if I preferred this over the Swedish original. This is more glossy but quite comparable. I love the intro song by Trent Reznor (Nine Inch Nails) and Karen O (the Yeah Yeah Yeahs).

Buying:

I recently bought the Teacher's Pet Blouse from The Red Velvet online boutique. I l o v e it!

Tuesday Tunesday .:. Mona Foma

2012-01-24T00:25:00.000-08:00

Last week I spent 3 nights at Mona Foma. Mona Foma is an amazing music and arts festival put on by the owner of Mona (incredible museum/gallery in Hobart) and is curated by Brian Ritchie (bassist of the Violent Femmes now residing in Hobart).

On Thursday night I saw the Dresden Dolls. They're incredible. Massive fan here.

On Friday night a "super-group" was formed for a one off performance: The Dresden Dolls, Brian Ritchie (Violent Femmes bassist), Mick Harvey and John Parish playing the first Violent Femmes album.

On Saturday night I saw PJ Harvey. Whilst more sedate than the first 2 nights and she hardly played any old songs, she was beautiful and her voice is stunning.

And the winners are...

2012-01-19T17:41:00.000-08:00

Thanks so much to everyone for entering the giveaway!!

I was really overwhelmed by the amount of entries received. A truly amazing response. I wish I could give out prizes to all of you. You may not be leaving empty handed though.

I have a little surprise which I'll reveal after the announcement!

The giveaway was drawn (with coverage by laphotocabine.com!) this morning

and the winners are:

the grand prize - DEB DAVEY

and the cherry blossom brooch runners up are

ERIN and I'M A SUPERGIRL

As a little thank you I am offering you all a coupon code which can be used at my Etsy store

- a big 20% off all purchases - just enter the code "hello2012" at checkout.

Giveaway : Under the Shade of a Bonsai Tree, Glasshouse, Lilly Piri, Matou en Peluche, Deborah Conroy Art and Liesl Made and more!

2012-01-18T18:29:00.000-08:00

Hello! Hello! Are you as excited as I am?!

This is a big one!

I had an amazing 2011 year and Under the Shade of a Bonsai Tree really has blossomed into something bigger than I had ever hoped.

I wanted to thank you all for supporting my biz because without the sales, feedback, word-of-mouth and online promotion the biz wouldn't be where it is now.

I have compiled some amazing prizes for this comp - some Under the Shade of a Bonsai Tree jewellery (a whole collection!) and some items from some of my favourite peeps.

I also have a super special offer happening in my online stores at the moment

(just for you guys!) - scroll down for more info!

So lets kick off the giveaway with some info about the amazing prizes up for grabs!

There will be one main prize pack and 2 runner-up prizes.

(over $300 worth of prizes. Woah!)

Main prize will include:

One of my favourite stockists of Under the Shade of a Bonsai Tree is TUSK

- located at 319 Elizabeth St, North Hobart Tasmania

They have very kindly donated a

Glasshouse Diffuser - No8 Wild Mint and Fennel - 500ml

(triple strength fragrance diffuser & reeds) valued at $54.95

I'm a big fan of the Glasshouse candles as the guys at TUSK would know! I haven't a diffuser for the house yet but I think that will soon change.

I'll be very envious of this prize winner!

(TUSK have been selling lots and lots of my jewellery.

The last couple of months have been particularly crazy!

This week I delivered a whole lot more

so they should still have much to choose from right now if you pop in to their store.)

Next on the giveaway line-up is these adorable potholders made by Liesl from LieslMade which she has generously donated. I have quite a few of her pieces including a makeup bag, apron and tote bag made from beautiful vintage fabrics. All her work is gorgeous and so affordable. She also has a couple of lovely blogs - Liesl Made and her new style blog Girl of Slender Means. She has also modelled some Under the Shade of a Bonsai Tree jewellery on her outfit posts on her blog.

You can see her on this page on my blog - As Worn By...

Her facebook page can be found - here.

The fabric on these potholders is so sweet. They look even more fabulous in real life.

Whoever wins this giveaway will be so lucky!

A 4" x 6" print by Samantha Battersby aka Matou en Peluche - The Girl Who Loved Birds

(I have many of her prints and some of which I framed together - see my blog post!)

I also have a "The Girl Who Loved Birds" pocket mirror.

I think this illustration is my favourite.

I got this print as a freebie recently when purchasing some other of her prints

- and she has the 4 for 3 SALE at her shop still

I also have a selection of cards, stickers and print

by another of my favourite Australian artist Lilly Piri for the giveaway.

I purchased some of these items and made her 100th sale and for doing so

she drew me a special little drawing of a girl with my initials on her collar - so cute! (I wish I had time to take a photo of it)

I'm also including a bar of my favourite soap by

Natural Infusion which is a Tasmanian company.

This one is Mother Earth

(the delicate scents of PATCHOULI + YLANG YLANG essential oils with Red Clay.)

Also included in the main prize pack is 10 mixed postcards of paintings

by mother Deborah Conroy.

I'm also giving the winner a $25 Kiva gift card. You will be able to loan it to someone in a poverty stricken country to enable them to start or build their own small business.

I do this as much as I can with some of my business profits.

It's an amazing organisation which

I'd love to give someone the opportunity to experience.

Next on the list is a whole collection of

Under the Shade of a Bonsai Tree jewellery valued at $120

including a Blue and Hearts Doily Necklace

a pair of Blue Raindrop Hexagon Earrings

a Tasmanian Oak Cherry Blossom Brooch

a Tasmanian Myrtle Origami Crane Brooch

And your choice of Peony Ring in Charming Grey, Bonny Blue or Classic White

There will also be TWO runner-up prizes of a

Tasmanian Oak Cherry Blossom Brooch valued at $30 each

Overseas entrants are welcome to enter too. 

I'll cover worldwide postage!

To enter this competition simply leave 

a comment with your email address.

There are many ways in which you could gain bonus entries too!

Bonus Entries if you:

 Like TUSK on Facebook

Like Liesl Made on Facebook

"Follow" my blog

Mention this giveaway on your blog 

"Follow" me on Twitter 

Like Under the Shade of a Bonsai Tree on Facebook 

Share this giveaway post or my page on your Facebook profile

Tweet about this giveaway (include @shadeofabonsai so I can track it)

Sign up for the Under the Shade of a Bonsai tree  newsletter

Like my Tasmanian Art, Craft and Design page on Facebook

Buy something from my online stores here & here

For bonus entries just comment telling me what you have done (with links if applicable as I'll be checking!) either in separate comments or bunch them all in the one comment.

Please remember to include your email address.

If you don't have a blogger profile and you will be posting as anonymous

- please also leave me your name.

Oh and guess what?!

As a special treat I will be including a special free gift

(valued at between $15-$30)

with all online orders on MadeIt and Etsy.

You will need to send me a message at checkout with the code "FREE GIFT PLEASE!"

Free gift offer will end when the giveaway is drawn.

This giveaway is now closed and winners have been drawn.

Have you entered the giveaway yet?

2012-01-17T17:17:00.000-08:00

The giveaway will be drawn on Friday.
Here is just a sample of the prizes you could win.
Click here to enter <------

Tuesday Tunesday :: Walk Off The Earth - Somebody that I Used To Know (Gotye cover)

2012-01-09T05:22:00.000-08:00

I can't stop watching this clip. I think I've seen it at least 20 times now. Awesome cover and so mesmerising!

Have you entered the big giveaway yet (Under the Shade of a Bonsai Tree jewellery collection, Glasshouse Diffuser, Matou en Peluche print, Lilly Piri art, Deborah Conroy art, Liesl Made potholders, Kiva giftcard, Natural Infusion soap - over $300 worth!)

2012

2012-01-02T17:26:00.001-08:00

And here is a list of my fab stockists!

Stay tuned to the blog for lots of

exciting things coming up in 2012!

Tuesday Tunesday .:. Kimbra - Settle Down

2012-01-02T17:21:00.000-08:00

I've been listening to a bit of Kimbra this week. This one is particularly catchy!

Happy New Year!

2011-12-31T19:47:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year!

We had a lovely NYE BBQ with friends on our deck

and then went to a great spot in the bush

which overlooks the city to watch the fireworks at midnight.

What Are You Doing New Years Eve?

2011-12-29T16:21:00.000-08:00

Me? I still haven't decided!

Some Random Christmas Shots

2011-12-29T16:17:00.000-08:00

What They Wore

2011-12-22T16:31:00.000-08:00

Catching up with a few outfit posts in which some of my jewellery has been modelled.

Kaelah is from Nashville and has a gorgeous blog called Little Chief Honeybee. Here she is wearing the Tasmanian Oak Cuckoo Clock Brooch. (Look at her gorgeous red curls!)

and in this outfit she is wearing the Gingerbread Heart Brooch.

I love the combination of colours and patterns.

Jo from Lost in the Haze wore my Red and Blue Patchwork Doily Brooch again in this outfit. She looks stunning as always!

They have been added to the As Worn By... page.

This Week at Under the Shade of a Bonsai Tree

2011-12-21T02:59:00.000-08:00

Wow! What a past month - actually the last couple of months have been a bit crazy.
My little biz has had quite a bit of exposure - primarily via the newspaper article and that has bought in lots of online orders, customer visits and shop orders. It's been fantastic but along with the normal Xmas orders and markets, it's been exhausting. I think I'm pretty much up to date with things now. Phew! I'm looking forward to things settling down and having the time to create some new designs.

Watching: Melancholia - (which I found really tedious)

Buying: some gorgeous old framed cottage tapestries,
some Lily Piri prints and stickers (my purchase was her 100th sale and she drew me a beautiful little picture),

Matou en Peluche prints

Reading: Japan Lonely Planet

Jewellery Biz: I've been featured in a few xmas lovely gift guides.
On Liesl Made , Matou en Peluche and Scathingly Brilliant.

I'm planning to have a big giveaway on my blog at the start of 2012. I already have collected and been given some gorgeous things. If anyone has a biz and would like to donate something for the giveaway, please get in touch (= a bit of promotion) - contact@shadeofabonsai.com

Wishing you all a wonderful Christmas

and an amazing 2012!!!

(my boys: Liam, Alex and Lukas)

Nice Tunes!

2011-12-13T15:36:00.000-08:00

I have so many things to blog about but no time.

Life has been crraaaazy lately. All GO GO GO!

I think it's starting to slowly settle though.

Thought I'd quickly share my playlist of current fave songs with you.

Perhaps you'd like to listen whilst you do your online stuff today.

Let me know what you think :o)

Under the Shade of a Bonsai Tree by jacquie rodemann on Grooveshark

The Market

2011-12-06T17:25:00.001-08:00

The biggest market of the year is coming up this weekend.

The Market is on this Saturday and Sunday

with different stallholders at each one.

I'll be at the SUNDAY market.

Tuesday Tunesday :: Sarah Blasko - Bird on a Wire

2011-12-05T15:57:00.001-08:00

Not a new song but one I love. I went to see Seeker Lover Keeper last week - (Sarah Blasko, Holly Throsby and Sarah Seltman). The concert was in the cathedral and it was really beautiful - all three ladies have truly amazing voices. They mainly sang songs from the Seeker Lover Keeper album but they all performed one of their own songs as well - this was the one Sarah Blasko performed.

p.s I've neglected the 'ol blog over the past few weeks. Crazy busy. Hopefully I'll find time next week..

Press!

2011-12-02T14:43:00.001-08:00

I was interviewed for the local newspaper - The Mercury. The article was in yesterdays paper. It got such a great response. Messages and orders galore. It was a rather exciting day :o)
Here is a link to the article online.

Facebook page for more news, offers and giveaways!

2011-12-01T12:25:00.001-08:00

Barn Market Pictures - 26/11

2011-12-01T01:53:00.001-08:00

Tuesday Tunesday :: Matt Corby - Brother

2011-11-28T15:28:00.001-08:00

This is my current favourite song which is on repeat at the moment! This is a live version.

The Christmas Barn Market

2011-11-25T12:20:00.001-08:00

I'll be at The Christmas Barn Market today!

This will be the biggest and best one yet!

Hope to see you there!

Tuesday Tunesday :: Feist - How Come You Never Go There

2011-11-21T21:35:00.001-08:00

Tuesday Tunesday

2011-11-14T05:21:00.001-08:00

I couldn't decide which clip to post today so am posting both.
Complete extremes. My music taste is reaaally diverse!
Any other Rammstein fans out there? What do you think of the new song?

Rammstein - Mein Land from Rammstein on Vimeo.

What They Wore

2011-11-12T17:09:00.001-08:00

A couple of my favourite bloggers wore my jewellery in their outfit posts a couple of weeks ago. (taken me a while to blog the pics properly- oops)
Kaylah from The Dainty Squid has worn my brooches before - here and here. Always accessorising them with her amazing vibrant and funky clothing.
Here she posted an outfit post - wearing the new cuckoo clock brooch at a trip to the beach. I love the blue and marroon cardigan together.

I've been following Kristine's blog for a little while. She is working and living in Japan and find her posts about Japan fascinating - (especially as I have a trip to Japan booked!). Here she is wearing the Tasmanian Myrtle Origami Crane Brooch!

These pics have been added to this gallery.

This Week at Under the Shade of a Bonsai Tree

2011-11-10T19:01:00.001-08:00

Doing:

Lots and lots of work - jewellery orders.

Momo - dumpling Laksa and bubble tea

Boutique Market and Sustainable Living Expo

Organising parties. My twins Alex and Lukas had a birthday party on the weekend. Exhausting but fun!

Reading: The Brotherhood by Yvette Erskine

Listening to: The Cure, Holly Throsby, Feist, Rammstein

Watching: The Slap - I found the book engrossing but couldn't warm to any of the characters but am loving the tv series.

Buying: I couldn't help myself when I went into Spacebar Gallery this week - I finally bought a My Mother Mabel ring.

Jewellery Biz:

I have 2 new stockists.

Buy Hand in Townsville
and
Spacebar Gallery down at Salamanca in Hobart.
Spacebar was featured on the Finders Keepers blog this week.

One of my favourite artists is Samantha Battersby aka Matou en Peluche. I have so many of her gorgeous prints adorning my walls. She feautured ME as one of her favourite artists on the Epheriell blog. So honoured.
This is one of her prints which is next on my wish list.

My cuckoo clock brooches are featured on the Drawing Dreaming blog (in Portugal!)

Tomorrow I'll be at SALAMANCA MARKET!

Top end near the park.
Christmas Shopping?
If there is something specific you are after, send me an email and I can try to make sure I have it at the stall. contact@shadeofabonsai.com

There's a chance I'll be selling my jewellery at a store in the USA. Does anyone know much about the tax that is charged on parcels to the U.S? I've never had to worry about it before as my packages have always been small and lightweight but I may need to look into it for this. I googled but couldn't find anything? Anyone know?

How are you all today? How did you come across this post?

My stats show that loads of people pop by from all corners of the Earth - it's so intriguing and I'd really really LOVE you to say HI and introduce yourself. That would make my day :o)

Tuesday Tunesday :: Sophie Koh - Lo-Fi

2011-11-07T12:31:00.001-08:00

This Week at Under the Shade of a Bonsai Tree

2011-11-02T16:41:00.000-07:00

Doing: Dinner and movie out with hubby, getting ready for my twin boys' birthday party, staying at home with one sick boy

My brother has entered some photos in a competition. Perhaps you could vote for this one?

Listening to: The Tea Party, Feist, Clare Bowditch, The Paradise Motel, Holly Throsby, Nick Cave, Head Like a Hole

Watching: We went to see The Hunter which I loved. Set in the beautiful wild Tasmanian wilderness. Highly recommend it!

Reading: The Brotherhood by Yvette Erskine (I actually haven't had a lot of spare time for reading lately hence why this seems to be taking a while to read!)

Jewellery Biz:

Lots of online orders and trying to keep stock levels up as there are a few big markets coming up

Took in an order to TUSK.

I was asked to curate a Christmas gift guide on the Made It blog.

I used some biz profits to make another KIVA loan. Loan no. 23.

One of my products was included in a groovy Etsy Australia display at the Bowerbird Bazaar Market in Adelaide. (It's on one of the flags stuck to this Australian map.
There's a code on the back of the flag which can be scanned by your mobile phone and will take you to the product on Etsy - how cool and high tech!)

Tuesday Tunesday .:. Boy - Little Numbers

2011-10-31T17:43:00.000-07:00

Gosh. I love this song so much. The clip is gorgeous too - filmed in Barcelona - my favourite city. Make me want to go back (for the 4th time!) in the Summer time. Reaaally yearning to go back right now.

Scathingly Brilliant

2011-10-29T23:30:00.000-07:00

Do you recognise Kate from Scathingly Brilliant?

She's pretty recognisable with her gorgeous signature pink beehive!
This week she blogged an outfit post which features
Under the Shade of a Bonsai Tree.

Here she is wearing the Green and Hearts Doily Brooch.

I love how her tights are the same gorgeous kelly green as the brooch.

I've added the pics to this page - lots of stunning outfit photos featuring my jewellery.

Making ch-ch-Chai!

2011-10-29T02:50:00.000-07:00

I love chai. Real chai. I don't drink these sickly sweet chai lattes at cafes but instead love to make my own chai. I make big batches which keep me going for quite some time and sometimes I package it up for gifts.

This is my recipe - found here - with a few of my own adjustments.
Let me know if you try it too!

FREE SHIPPING offer ends tonight

2011-10-26T13:38:00.000-07:00

Go to the shop here.

This Week at Under the Shade of a Bonsai Tree

2011-10-26T00:29:00.000-07:00

Doing: Last Thursday I went out with some friends to see Jeff Martin again - his performance was amazing as ever. We went to stay with my family in the north of the state over the weekend and spent one glorious day at Cradle Mountain. My husband took this photo during a long hike he did up the mountain. My mother and I did the less strenuous walk around the lake. Such a stunning place.

Listening to: Jeff Martin/Tea Party, The Paradise Motel

Watching: Midnight in Paris for the 2nd time, The Slap

Reading: The Brotherhood by Yvette Erskine (an old school friend) and Frankie and Peppermint.

Jewellery Biz: The ad in Frankie magazine is bringing in more online sales which is fab but am busy trying to keep my stock levels up. Busy busy times ahead - markets/shop orders/Xmas frenzy.

Frankie Magazine

2011-10-24T15:02:00.000-07:00

Have you seen the latest Frankie mag?
Check out Page 49.
My Cherry Blossom Necklace has a spot in the MadeIt ad.
Since the mag has hit stores,
I've been getting lots more lovely sales.
You can check out the full-size advertisement ---> here.

Tuesday Tunesday : The Tea Party - Sister Awake

2011-10-24T14:21:00.000-07:00

Last week I went to see Jeff Martin again. I've seen him maaany times before and he always puts on an amazing show. He will be soon reforming with The Tea Party and he said they will return to play in March or April. Yes! This is one of my favourite songs - one he always plays solo too.

Cradle Mountain

2011-10-22T16:30:00.000-07:00

I spent a glorious day walking at Cradle Mt with my mum yesterday.

New Range - now for sale!

2011-10-18T03:33:00.000-07:00

All the new products have been listed in my 2 online stores:
MADEIT
and
ETSY

I'm selling them all at a special introductory price for a limited time!

Tuesday Tunesday .:. Seeker Lover Keeper - Even Though I'm A Woman

2011-10-17T13:11:00.000-07:00

This Week at Under the Shade of a Bonsai Tree

2011-10-16T20:15:00.000-07:00

Doing: Coffees with friends, dumpling laksa and bubble teas at Momo, having a stall at Salamanca, party preparation, German schnapps and Absinthe

Watching: The Slap, Incendies

Listening to: Feist, Seeker Lover Keeper

Reading: How Now Brown Frau by Merridy Eastman. An awesomely funny book about how she married a German and lived in Munich. Making fun of a lot of the German culture. So many things I can relate to!

Jewellery Biz: Have you seen a pic of my latest jewellery range - inspired by my recent trip to Germany? Here's another little peek. I'll hopefully find time this week to take pics and list them online as well as getting some out to my fab stockists.

I have a new stockist in NSW called Little Finch. A parcel of goodies will be posted up this week.

Unfortunately my stockist in Adelaide, Artisan Boutique is closing down. If you live there you could take advantage of the 20% off sale on Under the Shade of a Bonsai Tree.

Lotssss of jewellery delivered to Inside Home & Gifts this week.

Don't forget about my FREE SHIPPING code! Save some $ on your next purchase!

Do you like UNDER THE SHADE OF A BONSAI TREE on Facebook?

Subscribe to our mailing list

The New Range is out! Ja! Ja! Wunderbar!

2011-10-15T22:15:00.000-07:00

The process behind getting this new range finalised took quite a while - from coming up with the ideas, sketching these ideas, creating them on the computer, working out which materials and colours to use, and getting them laser cut, then making some adjustments, to assembling all the pieces and taking these photos. I'm yet to list them in my online stores or letting my lovely stockists know about the new products but hopefully this week! I'll need to get some better photos taken first - these are quite bad indeed.

The concept for this range came about from my recent trip to Bavaria, Germany. Whilst spending time in the alps and seeing all these German icons, I was already able to sketch a few ideas which I thought would work well on my laser cut jewellery.
(I decided to use Tasmanian Myrtle, Tasmanian Oak and a mix of coloured acrylic)

They're a little bit quirkier than my other designs but I couldn't help myself!

If you're keen for something before they're officially available, please email me and we can work something out - contact@shadeofabonsai.com

Keep Calm and Buy Tasmanian

2011-10-11T17:39:00.001-07:00

Are you a Tasmanian artist/crafter or one who appreciates Tasmanian art?

Do you like Tasmanian Art, Craft & Design on Facebook?

It's a page I set up a while ago to help spread news
about Tasmanian artists work and upcoming events.

Here is a banner I've made to spread the message too.
Perhaps you'd like to share the image as well.
Christmas is approaching - time to start shopping handmade.

Tuesday Tunesday - Red Hot Chili Peppers - The Adventures of Rain Dance Maggie

2011-10-10T17:55:00.000-07:00

FREE SHIPPING - now!

2011-10-10T17:25:00.000-07:00

Under the Shade of a Bonsai Tree on the WWW

2011-10-08T22:28:00.000-07:00

Liesl is wearing my earrings in this outfit post. I love this pic with her plaited hair and these deep blue chrysanthemum earrings. Have a look at her whole outfit here.

Have you visited the Oh Hello Friend blog? Danni is so sweet and her blog is really the cutest. If you go to this page, you can spot a super special discount code for my etsy store.

Do you know Nubby from Nubbytwiglet.com? She posted this pic of my Black Origami Crane Brooch.

Donna was the lucky winner of my Facebook giveaway. She won floral earrings, ring and a Bluebird and Blossoms Brooch. She posted some great photos in which she is wearing her prizes. Cute, huh?! Check out her blog entry here.

sign up! sign up!

2011-10-08T21:07:00.000-07:00

Gift Wrapped Always

2011-10-08T19:02:00.000-07:00

I love to wrap all purchases from my online stores to make them look pretty (and at no extra charge!) Here are a few pics that some lovely peeps have taken at the arrival of some Under the Shade of a Bonsai Tree jewellery. I can even enclose a personalised card if you're buying as a gift.

Online stores:
http://www.ShadeOfABonsai.etsy.com
http://www.madeit.com.au/ShadeOfABonsaiTree

Tuesday Tunesday * Lana Del Rey - Video Games

2011-10-03T16:40:00.000-07:00

Brooch Stylin'

2011-09-30T19:15:00.000-07:00

Recently my brooches were included in a couple more gorgeous outfit posts.

First, Chantilly from My Girl Thursday is rocking my Red Heart Patchwork Doily Brooch.

And Jess from Epheriell Designs and Bespoke Zine wore my Cherry Blossom Brooch.

So stylin'

I've added them to this page.

This Month at Under the Shade of a Bonsai Tree: EUROPE!

2011-09-27T04:50:00.000-07:00

We had a super fab fun-filled 5 weeks in Europe. We went over for my husband's sister's wedding which was towards the end of our stay. The wedding was gorgeous. The German's really know how to celebrate! The rest of our time was spent catching up with a lot of family and friends, dining and drinking, visiting old German towns, parks, castles, Movie Park (big theme park), Legoland, walks in the alps, boat trips, visits to Strasbourg, France and Salzburg, Austria, train & cable car up the highest mountain in Germany (Zugspitze).
Here are a few snaps of the trip:

Reading: The Brotherhood by Yvette Erskine. I took it to Germany with me but didn't get a chance to start it. Yvette is an old school friend and the novel is set in Hobart so am very keen to read.

Watching: I watched quite a few films on the plane. Beautiful Lies, Crime d'amour, Kokowääh, Hanna, Midnight in Paris - all were really good.

Eating: gingerbread, bretzels, German tortes, knoedel, dampfnudel, spaeztle

Drinking: radler (beer and lemonade), aperol spritz

Buying: This bag - typically German and kitschy. I love it so!

Listening to: new cds by The Jezabels, Katzenjammer, Jeff Martin 777, Red Hot Chili Peppers

Biz happenings: The online stores are now open. I'm busy making new stock for orders. I've come up with a few new designs for brooches - inspired by German kitschy goodness. Something a bit different to my other products, a bit quirky and cute. I've sent them off to my laser cutter and fingers crossed they'll turn out as awesome as they are in my head.

I have a giveaway on my Facebook page at the moment. You could win earrings, ring and brooch - value $60. Finishing on Sunday. Enter here. Scroll down until you see the giveaway wall post

Tuesday Tunesday - Katzenjammer

2011-09-26T17:33:00.000-07:00

Giveaway!

2011-09-24T05:17:00.000-07:00

Facebook link: http://www.facebook.com/ShadeOfABonsai

Under the Shade Of A Bonsai Tree

Back in biz!

2011-09-23T22:00:00.000-07:00

Links to shops!
http://www.ShadeOfABonsai.etsy.com
http://www.madeit.com.au/ShadeOfABonsaiTree

Under the Shade Of A Bonsai Tree

Europe

2011-08-31T13:35:00.000-07:00

On Monday we spent the day in Strasbourg, France where we spent the day exploring the city, eating (croissants, cheese fondue, wine, crepes), boat cruise, climbing the cathedral tower..Such a gorgeous city.

Guten Tag aus Deutschland!

2011-08-24T05:58:00.000-07:00

I just wanted to drop in and say that we arrived safely in Germany.
The weather is great (30C).
We've been catching up with family and friends.
Eating lots and drinking lots.
Ja! Ja! Wunderbar!

This week at "Under the Shade of a Bonsai Tree"

2011-08-15T18:17:00.001-07:00

What a busy week it's been!

Lots and lots of organising and getting things done as we are leaving for Germany on Saturday for over a month.

We went to see the Redcoats and Calling All Cars play. Redcoats are amazing and they've only just brought out their first EP but I'm sure they are going to be HUGE. Definitely look out for them if you like bands such as Kyuss, Wolfmother, Led Zeppelin. The Cure. Their sound is a real mix - beautiful atmospheric music with a real edge.

I was called on Saturday night to see if I could fill in for someone at The Market on Sunday. I was a bit frantic trying to get things organised but am glad I did. Always fun there and it was very busy and I got to catch up with lots of people I know. So many sales too. Bumper day for the biz.

Ok so both of my online stores have now closed. If you are after something and you live in Australia, you can check out my stockists as most are newly restocked.

I have such a long To-Do list; it's a tad unnerving but I'm gradually getting through it and hopefully will be all organised by Saturday.
This will probably be my last blog entry until I go but I'll be posting sporadically whilst away.

Bis Bald,
Jacquie xxx

Tuesday Tunesday

2011-08-15T18:17:00.000-07:00

This clip is amazing. How many artworks did you recognise?

70 Million by Hold Your Horses ! from L'Ogre on Vimeo.

2011-08-14T14:41:00.000-07:00

Just a quick note to say that I'll be closing my
online stores tomorrow
until the end of September as I will be
away on a trip to Germany.

The Market - Today!

2011-08-13T14:56:00.000-07:00

Last night I was called by the market organisers to say someone had dropped out and would I like to have a stall. The answer was YES! So I went about madly getting things made and organised. The Market is always a fun day. Perhaps I'll see you there!

Frances Bean

2011-08-11T17:48:00.000-07:00

Have you all seen this recent photoshoot of Frances Bean Cobain?
She's so stunning. I can't believe how much she looks like her parents.

How to Heidi

2011-08-09T21:18:00.000-07:00

The beautiful Jo from Lost in the Haze has created a wonderful video showing how she makes her gorgeous Heidi Braids. She makes it look so simple. If you look closely you may notice she is using my floral hairpins. Her original post about the video is ---> here.

How to Heidi from Lost in the Haze on Vimeo.

Cherry Blossom Jewellery Range

2011-08-09T19:49:00.001-07:00

I've had the cherry blossom range out for a while but finally got around to organising a photoshoot. Again Erica looks absolutely stunning and Luke has done a fantastic job of the photography. I'm really happy with the photos. I love the use of the beautiful real blossoms which are blooming everywhere in Hobart at the moment.

The brooch and necklace is for sale in my Etsy and MadeIt stores and don't forget about the worldwide free shipping offered for the next few days.

There's a few more photos from the shoot on Facebook.

Wednesday Wishlist

2011-08-09T16:03:00.000-07:00

Spring Green Zigzag Legwarmers by Deleriumkredens

Green Linen Blouse by Pamela Tang

Cute Red Shoes by Ecoseed

Red and Pink Bud Vase by Cynthia Varhan

2011-08-08T22:55:00.001-07:00

Follow my blog with Bloglovin

Tuesday Tunesday - Redcoats

2011-08-08T17:17:00.000-07:00

I'm going to see them on Friday night!

This week at "Under the Shade of a Bonsai Tree"

2011-08-06T19:07:00.000-07:00

Doing:

Getting ready for the big trip, getting some shop orders done, going to the opera - yes the opera! My friend had a spare ticket to see Mozart's Magic Flute so I thought I'd give it a go as it's been ages since I last went to an opera (it was in Germany a long time ago) and couldn't remember if I liked it. It was ok - not really my cup of tea but "an experience".

Listening to:

The Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Redcoats, Calling All Cars

Reading:

Only Ever Always written by my friend Penni Russon

Buying:

I've actually had this for a couple of weeks now. A new phone cover designed by one of my favourite artists - Catalina Estrada

Pretty Fingernails

2011-08-04T20:43:00.000-07:00

I've lately been in awe of Kaylah and Elycia's pretty fingernails! I rarely get around to painting my nails but I think I really must experiment and try some of their tricks sometime. I'm totally inspired; they're so, cute!

I totally love the shades of green Elycia has used here.

Check out Kaylah's nailpolish collection here!

And check out her snazzy DIY nailpolish tutorial here.

Here and here she shows off some of her lovely nails using nail strips!

Kiva Loans

2011-08-04T19:22:00.001-07:00

Did you know that some of my business profits go towards donating towards Kiva micro loans?

These loans enable people in poverty stricken countries the chance to start up and build on their own small business. It ultimately helps provide their family with funds for basic necessities which we take for granted and it also helps enrichen their whole community. I feel so fortunate to be able to have established a jewellery business which began as a little hobby - it's not really something I need to be doing for financial reasons necessarily but because I enjoy my work. It makes me feel for those who are suffering because they are unable to work because they haven't the means to finance the establishment of a little business which could make a massive change to their circumstances. Anyway, I love the idea of the Kiva loans and love being able to help these people out. I find their stories fascinating and I love reading the updates about their business ventures.

Today I loaned to Hawa from Sierra Leone who sells clothing. Good Luck Hawa!

If you look at my blog's sidebar, there is a neat Kiva badge which shows the loans I have been making.

Pretty Bloggers Wearing "Under the Shade of Bonsai Tree" # 2

2011-08-02T17:22:00.000-07:00

This is Elycia - She's cute. She's fun. She has spunk. Check out her blog - it's awesome.

She has incorporated a couple of my brooches in 2 of her outfit posts.
Here she is wearing the "Green Patchwork Doily Brooch". I totally love the combo of colours and I adore the dress.

And here she is rocking the "Tasmanian Myrtle Origami Crane Brooch"

This is Liesl. She is wearing the "Bluebird and Blossoms Brooch". Sweet outfit. The pictures are making me crave for Summer.

I love all the outfit posts which have featured my jewellery. So many individual styles. Everyone has been accessorising the jewellery in their own unique ways - they've given me ideas on how to mix and match a bit. click ---> here for the link to the first picture post.

Wednesday Wishlist

2011-08-02T15:31:00.000-07:00

Oh Carmen Print by Peggy Wolf Design

Zen Ring by Masaoms - I already have one of her gorgeous chunky amethyst rings which I adore.

Origami Birds Wall Art by NouWall - if you've seen my jewellery, you'll know I'm a big fan of origami cranes.

It's been sometime since I've done a Wednesday Wishlist post. I think I'm slowly getting back into the swing of this bloggin' thang!

p.s did you know I have free world wide shipping at my online shops at the moment? See here for the deets.

Free Worldwide Shipping

2011-08-02T03:37:00.000-07:00

I'm heading off to Germany for a holiday in a couple of weeks time for 5 weeks. This will mean my online stores will be closing for this time. I've decided to offer you all a special deal leading up to my trip away.

F R E E
W O R L D W I D E
S H I P P I N G!!!

Go to my Etsy store and pop in the coupon code "Deutschland" at checkout.

OR

Go to my MadeIt store - make your purchase and email me so I can revise your invoice before you make payment.

Sound good? What are you waiting for?!

Facebook anyone?

2011-08-01T21:30:00.000-07:00

Tuesday Tunesday - Fallulah

2011-08-01T19:40:00.000-07:00

Thanks to Liesl for sharing this gem.

This week at "Under the Shade of a Bonsai Tree"

2011-07-28T19:20:00.000-07:00

Doing: The dreaded tax. I went so hardcore at it on Tuesday that I gave myself a migraine for the rest of the week. This year I vow to keep better records of my business transactions! Also, been getting into some shop orders as it's not long until I head off to Germany and am hoping that my beloved stockists have all that they need whilst I'm away.

Watching: I took Liam to see the final Harry Potter movie. It was an event organised by brother's girlfriend Jess to raise money for an orphange in India. She raised $500 that night. We loved the movie and I'm a tad sad to see the end of Harry whom I had just started becoming fond.

Listening to: A bit of a mix this week: So Frenchy So Chic, Portishead and Rammstein. Speaking of Rammstein, have you seen this amazing acapella version of "Du Hast"?! I'm so impressed.

Buying:
This lovely origami crane art piece

A gorgeous tote by Liesl Made

A pocket mirror and a little print by one of my favourite artists, Sam Battersby - Matou en Peluche

Tuesday Tunesday - The Ship Song Project

2011-07-25T22:24:00.000-07:00

The Ship Song Project - Sydney Opera House reinterprets Nick Cave's iconic song. Performed by Neil Finn, Kev Carmody and The Australian Ballet, Sarah Blasko, John Bell, Angus and Julia Stone, Paul Kelly and Bangarra Dance Theatre, Teddy Tahu Rhodes and Opera Australia, Martha Wainwright, Katie Noonan and The Sydney Symphony, The Temper Trap, Daniel Johns and the Australian Chamber Orchestra.

New Blog and Email

2011-07-23T22:22:00.000-07:00

The Barn Market

2011-07-23T22:16:00.000-07:00

I had another lovely day at The Barn Market yesterday. I was right at the entrance and my stall had gorgeous sunlight all day long. It was lovely to see lots of friendly customers and hang out with some of my favourite market stallholder friends. Helen and Dean do an amazing job organising it all.

Pretty Bloggers Wearing "Under the Shade of Bonsai Tree"

2011-07-23T21:14:00.000-07:00

Lately, I've been so fortunate to have had my jewellery worn by some of my favourite bloggers. These girls are so cute, have the coolest fashion sense and write the most fun blogs which you really must check out.

Let me introduce you to Katie from Skunkboy Creatures. She is wearing 2 of my brooches in this blog entry - the "green and hearts doily brooch" and the "origami crane brooch". I love these pictures so much. I adore her red hair and the pink shirt looks great with the green brooch. Love the shoes and tights too!

Next meet Jo from Lost in a Haze. She has the most amazing hair and it look gorgeous in these Heidi braids. Also, isn't the New Zealand scenery gorgeous? She is wearing the "patchwork doily brooch".

Now, there's lovely Liesl from Liesl Made. She is so clever sewing lots of beautiful things, including the cute dress in these pictures. I own a few of her creations - a cosmetic purse, an apron and have just purchased a tote made with the same gorgeous vintage fabric as my apron. She is wearing the "yellow rose ring".

Here is Bianca, a fellow Tasmanian with a very cool, fun blog called Goodnight Little Spoon. She posted 2 entries of different outfits including my brooches. The first one is here and she is wearing the "red origami crane brooch". I adore her cape.

And here is the next outfit. She is wearing the new "japanese cherry blossom brooch". I love the green and pink colour combo.

This is the very stylish Veronika from Tick Tock Vintage. She is also a clever sewer and made this beautiful top. She is wearing the "white and hearts doily necklace".

I've already posted about the Dainty Squid blog but here is Kaylah again. I love her vibrance and sense of fun. Previously posted here (wearing the "origami crane brooch") and here (wearing the "blue and hearts brooch").

I'm so thrilled and thankful to all these girls for using my jewellery in their outfit posts.
I'm excited to say that there are even more to come and I can't wait to see them and can't wait to show you.

All the jewellery by Under the Shade of a Bonsai Tree used for these pictures can be bought on Etsy or Made It or at one of my Australian stockists.

The Barn Market tomorrow

2011-07-21T19:01:00.000-07:00

This will be my last market until October (going to Germany!). Hope to see you there!

Playlist

2011-07-07T20:49:00.000-07:00

I've just added a few songs to my music play list
- located at the side of my blog page.
Have a listen!

and here is a clip by Clare Bowditch - I love this song!
I went to see her and Lanie Lane a couple of weeks ago
and it was such a wonderfully fun night.

The Dainty Squid & Under the Shade of a Bonsai Tree #2

2011-06-16T20:50:00.000-07:00

Kaylah from The Dainty Squid included another one of my brooches in her fashion shoot. This time it's the "Blue and Hearts Doily Brooch". She's got spunk and is so cute!

This month at "Under the Shade of a Bonsai Tree"

2011-06-06T17:34:00.000-07:00

Doing: filling jewellery orders, bushwalking, dinners & drinks, planning a Harry Potter party, market stalls.

Watching: I've been watching all the series of Love My Way and Tangled. I also went to the cinema recently to watch Water For Elephants. I really enjoyed it, perhaps more so as I've also read the book.
Reading: Her Fearful Symmetry by Audrey Niffenegger

Listening to: The Jezabels, Clare Bowditch, Bat For Lashes, Katzenjammer

Buying: This awesome bonsai tree. I already have a different bonsai made by the same seller in Spain (Intres Handmade). I couldn't resist when I saw this. They are perfect little props for my markets stalls.

Looking forward to: Big overseas trips! We are travelling to Germany for about 5 weeks in August and I'll be travelling to Japan for a couple of weeks in February. So excited!

Making: This is my Japanese Cherry Blossom brooch (also available as a necklace) - available online as of today. If you buy now you will get it at the special introductory price of $22 (normally $30) I love it and have also had such a great response already.
Buy at Etsy.
Buy at MadeIt.

The Dainty Squid & Under the Shade of a Bonsai Tree

2011-05-26T23:40:00.000-07:00

Kaylah is wearing one of my Tasmanian myrtle origami crane brooches in her latest fashion shoot. Kaylah has a very cool blog called The Dainty Squid and it's full of fun and super-cute things. The fashion shoot is blogged here. I love her outfit; doesn't she look awesome?!

Supporting Live Below the Line

2011-05-07T05:37:00.000-07:00

All profits from online sales for the next week will go towards sponsoring some amazing people I know in Live Below the Line to raise money to help people in extreme poverty. My brother's girlfriend Jess organised a flash mob in Hobart today to help raise awareness for the event.

To help support (and buy something nice), visit Etsy or MadeIt.

Easter!

2011-04-25T05:27:00.000-07:00

Some snaps from our Easter break.
Hope you've been having a wonderful time too xo

Deborah Conroy Art

2011-04-24T00:06:00.000-07:00

I've just set up a Facebook page for my mum's artwork.
Would you like to "like" it?!
Click here m'dears.

Under the Shade of a Bonsai Tree happenings

2011-04-14T05:16:00.000-07:00

During the last week I've made lots more origami crane pieces. I'm also currently making lots more of my japanesey jewellery (clay and chiyogami) - must remember to post some pics before they sell.

It's Georgie Love's 5th birthday and they are celebrating with a special sale. Use the code weare5 for 20% off everything till the end of April. Yay! You can buy Under the Shade of a Bonsai Tree products here.

I'm sponsoring the super-sweet, super-cool blog by the super-gorgeous Laura this month. It's called Violet Bella. She has posted a lovely entry about her sponsors. I think you should check out her blog (and her lovely jewellery and amazing photography) and also have a squiz at the links of all the other fab sponsors. And remember I'm offering a 20% off discount to her readers!

More "happy customer" photos posted here. If you have a pic of yourself wearing Under the Shade of a Bonsai Tree jewellery and would love to share, email me: jrodemann@hotmail.com I will send you a thank you gift!

I have added a little music player at the right of my blog -----> do you want to know what kind of music I'm into? Have a listen. Tell me what you think!

Christina from Down and Out Chic has included my patchwork brooch in one of her gorgeous blog entries.

A bit of Under the Shade of a Bonsai Tree news!

2011-04-03T04:12:00.000-07:00

Gosh, what happened to all my good intentions
to blog more regularly?!

Thought I'd pop in with a few links and updates.

I'm now stocking my jewellery on the fabulous Georgie Love online store. Click here to browse their products!

Tusk in North Hobart are now stocking the entire new jewellery range.

Here's a sweet little feature on the new Hello Hello Handmade blog.

Mel - One Crafty Mumma included my "patchwork" brooch in her Wednesday Hex-along blog entry!

Ebony won the Under the Shade of a Bonsai prize on the madeit.com.au blog and then blogged about receiving her package. Cute pics.

I'm a sponsor of gorgeous Laura's blog - "Violet Bella" this month. It's one of the prettiest blogs I have ever seen and Laura makes such beautiful things and takes the most amazing photos. you should all follow her blog too! I'll also let you in on a little secret...click on the link here and it will take you to a special discount code for my Etsy shop which I am offering her readers at the moment!

March Treasuries #2 (japanese themed)

2011-03-22T19:24:00.000-07:00

These Etsy treasuries have been created with reflection of the suffering of the people in Japan right now. It's been a privilege to have my Japanese inspired works featured. (Click on pic to go to the treasury page)

Patchwork Doily Brooch Giveaway on Made It.

2011-03-17T23:33:00.000-07:00

Made It are currently hosting a giveaway of one of my new brooches.

Enter here lovelies.

Video of the new jewellery range

2011-03-16T04:33:00.000-07:00

The music is by one of my customers - Bianca Chen. Isn't it beautiful?
Here is the original video clip.

All items seen in the clip are now available to order.

The "Patchwork" jewellery range has been launched!

2011-03-15T16:39:00.000-07:00

I'm thrilled with how these new pieces have turned out. Little hexagons of various designs and colours have been laser cut and assembled to form a "patchwork mosaic" in the centre of my Tasmanian Oak doily pieces. I've made them into necklaces and brooches and there are also earrings to match them. I think they're pretty unique and rather cute. I love that they are a bit folksy and I set up the latest photoshoot to go along with that theme. My brother Luke is studying photography at uni and took these wonderful photos of his stunning girlfriend Erica. Isn't she gorgeous? She has become "the Face of Under the Shade of a Bonsai Tree" and has even been stopped in the street by people asking if she is "that jewellery girl"!

The new product range is now available on made it and etsy and will soon be available at my stockists and my future markets. (There are more available than what is pictured here)

I'd love to know what you think of these new products!
It's a bit scary having these ideas form in my head and then finally getting them out there in a tangible form - hoping that other people like them too :o)

Made It Meet

2011-03-12T21:33:00.000-08:00

Last night I went out for dinner/drinks with some lovely Made It peeps. Bec and Jayc who have set up the site are currently travelling around gorgeous Tasmania and decided to include a Made It meet or two. They are lovely, down to earth people and it was wonderful to hear more about the background behind madeit.com.au and a bit more about how it works. Their website has become extremely popular with buyers and sellers all over Australia and the world. There are thousands of people who have set up stores on madeit.com.au and selling their handmade work. It has given people like myself another avenue to reach out to potential buyers and make their businesses grow.

Here is a link to my madeit store.

From left: Marita from Loopee Designs, Moi, Luisa from Dance in my Garden, Bec from Rebecca Roth Designs, Michelle from Elle, Joy from Rejoyce and Bec from Made It.

Peace Cranes For Japan

2011-03-12T17:03:00.000-08:00

I made this Etsy treasury with thoughts of love and peace to those affected by the earthquake in Japan.

(click on picture to be taken to the site)

This week at "Under the Shade of a Bonsai Tree"

2011-03-11T04:12:00.000-08:00

I've just been chatting to my huz in Osaka via Skype whilst his hotel room was shaking from the earthquake aftershocks. He's fine and safe (hopefully) but it's rather surreal. He is supposed to fly back home tomorrow night so hopefully there will be no delays.

I've been busying myself this week with lots of things - never getting as much done as I'd like to but it's been quite a productive week. I was featured in the madeit.com.au newsletter this week which has bought in quite a few orders.

I made the ginger pumpkin brownies that are in the latest Frankie mag. They are so divine - will make them again and again I think.

My boy Liam had a triathlon for scouts.

I finally hung some artwork in my little "me" nook. Since this photo was taken I hung up another one (Catherine Campbell)

I'll leave you with a little video of the cuckoo clock my husband had posted to me whilst he was in Germany last month (yes, he's a jetsetter this year!). I asked him to buy me something kitschy German. Bingo! Wunderbar :o)

March Treasuries #1

2011-03-11T00:25:00.000-08:00

My jewellery has been in some lovely Etsy treasuries this month.
How nice to be chosen for these gorgeous collections.

(click on pics to go to the treasury pages)

This week at "Under the Shade of a Bonsai Tree"

2011-03-07T21:51:00.000-08:00

I'm getting lots done at the moment. On a productivity high. Yay. it's a nice feeling whilst it's there! (I was so busy creating last night that I had dinner at 1.30am - oops!)
My man is in Japan right now for work. I'm extreeemely envious as I'm so desperate to go there myself but hopefully it will happen soon (it possibly might!).

Last Thursday we went to Melbourne for 3 nights for another rockin' weekend. On Thursday we met up for drinks with my cousin Chris who is English but lives in France and the last time we met was in Bordeaux for his wedding in 2000! It was a great catch-up. We went to Madame Brussels

Thomas and I then went to one of our favourite hang-outs - The Lounge for dinner before heading to Festival Hall. There we saw The Murderdolls, Monster Magnet and Rob Zombie (pictured) (the last 2 being our favourites from waaay back!) It was a truly incredible show. wow!
On Friday morning we visited my grandmother and then headed for Soundwave which was on at the showgrounds. Another amazing festival line-up. My highlights included Primus, Monster Magnet, Queens of the Stone Age, One Day As A Lion (singer from Rage against the Machine's new band) (pictured) and Foxy Shazam (and this may sound really daggy but I saw a bit of Slash's new band play and the Axel Rose doppelganger was really good - I loved Sweet Child Of Mine!) I also saw Slayer and Iron Maiden but meh.
On Saturday morning we went (with my uncle and his partner) to one of new favourite cafes - Bean Counter in Fairfield. Then another visit to my grandmothers before a romp around the city. We bumped into some good friends and had lunch with them, check out some laneway graffiti, had a look around the Greek Festival, had drinks at Cookie and then to Mamasita for dinner. (Mamasita is wonderful contemporary Mexican food - delish!) Then we visited some friends who have recently bought a new house and have a gorgeous 3 mth old baby. (awww - miss my friends)

Whilst we were away, not only did my Mum help my stepdad look after the boys (in our home)(2 of them - the other went to my dads), she also made us curtains for 3 windows in our bedroom, cooked, did a lot of weeding in the garden and cleaned out some cupboards. Oh and she nearly finished an amazing drawing/painting which I'll share when completed.

Since I've been home I've:
Designed some more marketing material,
Made another video for my jewellery (see below),
Packaged and posted off lots of freebies for the lovely people who have submitted photos of themselves wearing my jewellery (in this album) (do you have one too? email it to jrodemann@hotmail.com)
Picked up some work from my laser cutter and assembled some new pieces. (these will become brooches and necklaces and I'll make some matching earrings) - photoshoot in the next few days and then they'll be available online for sale. Sneaky Peek:

This year so far at Under the Shade of a Bonsai Tree

2011-02-17T15:25:00.001-08:00

It's been a while since I've blogged properly but I think from now on you'll see regular posts from me. I had a little break from making jewellery in January. It was a busy month. Also a very fun month. I'm back into making jewellery again and also designing a few new things which I hope will be released soon.

This year so far:

Doing:

A glorious weekend with my family at White Sands Resort on the east coast
Friends from Germany visited us

Mona Foma - Grinderman, Neil Gaiman, Amanda Palmer (2x) - (her video of "Map of Tasmania"!)

School holidays activities with my boys (movies, beaches, bubble tea, parks, icecreams, bushwalks, cafes..)

A few days in Melbourne: spending time with family and friends, revisiting our old suburb and beach, cafes, bars, Big Day Out (Highlight - Rammstein!)

Single parenting for 2 weeks whilst huz was in Germany

Making videos. Did you see this?

Farewelling my boys off to school

Reading:
The House at Riverton by Kate Morton (awesome read)
American Gods by Neil Gaiman

Listening to:
Grinderman, Rammstein, Tool, Amanda Palmer, the Jezabels, Rob Zombie, Kate Bush, Cocoon, the Cruel Sea, Janes Addiction

Watching:
The Runaways (4/5), Desert Flower (4/5), Social Network (3/5)

Buying:

I had the winning bid at an auction (flood relief appeal) on a gorgeous Lilly Piri original drawing. So lucky!

Hairbands from my lovely friend Jo's new Etsy store - DustyPlum

I will be drawing the giveaway on my Facebook page in about 30 minutes. 2 jewellery prize packs to be won in winners' favourite colour! Last chance to enter!
http://www.facebook.com/ShadeOfABonsai

Your Favourite Colour GIVEAWAY!

2011-02-14T02:25:00.000-08:00

There is a new giveaway on my Facebook page!
Have a wee look!
http://www.facebook.com/ShadeOfABonsai
I'm giving away 2 prize packs.
All you need to do is pop over to the Facebook page and comment there with your favourite colour and you might just win some jewellery in that colour!
Drawn on Friday!
Good luck!

Video of Under the Shade of a Bonsai Tree

2011-02-10T05:05:00.000-08:00

All the colours of the rainbow

2011-02-09T03:09:00.000-08:00

I have had so many good intentions to blog and I will soon. Life just hasn't been giving me much of a break lately but soon..very soon; from next week in fact I'm going to have so many more free hours. Woo to the max!

Anyway, I took a few pics of some of my floral jewellery and thought I'd share.