More birthday shenanigans 2012-05-25

So I promised you a look at the inside of my attempted ombre birthday cake in Wednesday's birthday post, and here it is!  As I mentioned, it's not going to win any prizes (except for maybe "craziest thing Deb's done at the last minute"), but everybody loved eating it.  The cake is a simple vanilla butter cake which I attempted to colour purple with run-of-the-mill food dye.  I think that next time I try something like this, I will make a whiter cake (any suggestions anyone?) and use the specialist cake maker food dyes.  The dark chocolate ganache worked well at sticking the cake layers together, but I think I might have to play with the chocolate to cream ratio next time to get a slightly thicker consistency.


As my rather hectic week of birthday celebrations draws to a close, let me remind everyone that my Sew Mama Sew vintage button and fabric giveaway is ending tomorrow and will be drawn some time this weekend.  If you haven't already entered, you can do so here. (more...)

My Creative Space and a Special Birthday Discount 2012-05-22

Yes, the day has finally come when I have to admit, grudgingly or otherwise, that I am very much in my mid-30s and that FORTY is getting closer and closer!  Today I turn 35, which feels sooooo oooold to me, but I know it's not really, especially when you think about my husband's gran who just turned 95.  Anyway, since it's my birthday, my creative space this week has been filled with my attempts at making myself a purple ombre birthday cake.  My first attempt failed since I did the lazy woman's option of making layers and ended up with a marbled cake, LOL.  My second attempt has worked better, although my cake is not going to win "best in show" for the prettiest cake!  I am teasing you with the outside of the cake (yes, that's a dark chocolate ganache, so I will be going for a run this morning!) and hope to show off the inside layers in another post this week.
Two Cheeky Monkeys
And just so you don't miss out on the gift-receiving fun (and I have gotten some great gifts already), I'm offering a special discount in both of my Etsy stores to my faithful readers and fans.  For the next 24 hours only, receive a 20% discount at Two Cheeky Monkeys when you use the coupon code BIRTHDAY at checkout (excludes shipping).
Domum Vindemia
For those of you who prefer my vintage upcycled homewares and decor, I'm offering a 15% discount at Domum Vindemia for the next 24 hours too.  Get your discount by using the coupon code BIRTHDAY at checkout to receive your discount (excluding shipping).  If there's anything in my Madeit stores which you have been eyeing that aren't in my Etsy stores, just send me an email and I'll be happy to reserve the item(s) for you with the discount already included. (more...)

My Birthday and Sew Mama Sew May Giveaway! 2012-05-21

I am excited to announce that I am once again participating in the annual Sew Mama Sew May giveaway day!  I love the May giveaway day event as it usually coincides with my birthday week and hosting a blog giveaway in the midst of my birthday celebrations is always lots of fun.


This year I have decided to give away TWO prizes.  The first prize is a package of some of my vintage button stash and a fat quarter in a turquoise/blue floral design.  The second prize will be one package of vintage buttons.  That's right, TWO WINNERS!  Each packet contains about 40 buttons, and although the packets are not identical, they are very similar.  To enter the giveaway, simply follow the instructions in the Rafflecopter form below.  I'll be running the giveaway from the 21st of May until the 26th of May (AEST) and it is open to worldwide entries - enjoy!

Edit: I realised that I've asked you to answer a question as a giveaway entry but I haven't told you my answer!  I live in Melbourne, Australia where it is almost winter and getting very cold every day.  I loooove buttons, especially vintage ones, and mainly use them in jewellery, hair accessories and as embellishments for fabric flowers or bags.   :)
a Rafflecopter giveaway (more...)

My Creative Space 2012-05-18

Lulu, Amelia and Jemima buntings.
Well, it's been another week of craziness here at house of Two Cheeky Monkeys, but I have still managed to get some creating done in my "free" moments.  This week I've been working on new buntings for Domum Vindemia.  I just love putting together each bunting, although I always seem to hesitate when I have to start cutting up the gorgeous vintage doilies and napkins.  Here are three of the buntings I've sewn up this week (pink and yellow seem to be the most popular bias colours at the moment), with some more in the works using aqua, green and patterned bias tapes.  I have been sourcing vintage bias tapes and sewing trims for my buntings, and plan to start adding ric rac and lace to them soon.  What do you think?  Would you like to see other colours and embellishments on the buntings? (more...)

A DUSTy Craft Swap 2012-05-16

This is a long overdue post about some of the beautiful items I received in the March/April DUST team craft swap!  I was partnered with the talented Chrisy of Artdecadence who sent me a variety of beautiful creations, including a framed version of the Take Flight print (see above) and an assortment of funky postcards (see below for an example).  I think I'm going to put the framed print up in my study/craft room/computer room and I'm looking forward to using the postcards to send people colourful surprises in their mail!
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