Product Reviews & Giveaways!

Handmade in Oz, Reviewed for all!

2009-07-30T19:30:00.001-07:00

I have to be honest with you... before I had kids I had always gone with the theory - A bib is a bib - as long as it stops your little ones top getting wet and/or grubby it's all good right? then I had kids and learnt that bibs are oh so very different! Do they sit right? are they absorbent? are they easy but not too easy to undo? will they come out of the wash the same? are they big enough for the mess of solid foods but not to big that bub gets in a tangle? are they cute but not covered in 'licensed' characters?.... who knew bibs could be so complex?!!
So when I was asked to test run and review "a fun and functional bib" from Oli B Designs I jumped at the chance to see if it would tick all the right boxes and I'm glad to say it absolutely did!!

Handmade by Perth businesswoman and mum Justine who was frustrated with finding cute bibs, absorbent bibs or bibs that can’t be pulled off by bub easily, but couldn't find a bib that has all these features. Justine knew there was a better solution than boring bibs that didn’t do the job and has a gorgeous selection of these Funky Bibs to choose from.

Now I have two little people in my home who are at different stages of 'bib use' so believe me this Funky Bib got a good work out. My 20 month old is proudly feeding herself all meals so some meals are spotless and spill free then other meals are a bib (and floor mop) must. I then have a 5 month old who has only recently started solid feeds but has always been a bib bub from his love of a good drool. Oli B Designs Funky Bib has passed the test of both my kids -
Absorbent: Check
Sit right: Check
Bounce back after a wash (or several): Check
Good size: Check
Cute: Check
I'm sold on these bibs - truly! The soft cotton and toweling are perfect for little drools and big spills. The best feature I found is the way the bibs are secured, no Velcro, no press studs just a simple knot that threads through a buttonhole. Awesome for using when you have two different size necks as you can just adjust where the knot sits. Another bonus of the knot and button hole for any parent is the lack of snagging from a Velcro patch when washing - a HUGE plus in my book!

Take a wander through the selection of Oli B Designs 'Best Seller' Funky Bibs made from limited edition fabric to pick a favorite or two hey and to save on postage why not grab three or more and have a few ready as the perfect gift for a new mum?

You will also find a selection of kids bloomers, chenille pants, little sets, tops & singlets as well as custom made chenille caftans over at Oli B Designs web site.

Who's behind the product

2009-07-19T23:19:00.000-07:00

What a perfect time of year to get to know this weeks "Who's Behind The Product" shop Blanky4me.com. At Blanky4me.com you'll find gorgeous and unique personalized blankets from ultra-soft waffle fleece and polar fleece - don't they just look yummy!! There are blankys for babies, kids and even adult size blankys as well as a few other great gifts such as scarves, cushions and teddies!
Be sure to see the end of this post for some GREAT deals for our Kookie readers at Blanky4me.com

1. Kids Blankys 2. Photo Gallery 3. Deluxe Gift Sets

Tell us all about yourself and your craft?
I'm happily married and mum to three gorgeous kids, and one on the way. I make personalised waffle fleece and polar fleece blankets and accessories for babies, kids and adults.

How long have you been creating your craft?
I have been sewing and designing for more than 26 years. I've been sewing the personalised blankys to sell for the last nine months.

What is one of the biggest lesson you have learnt about your craft & selling it?
At the beginning you have to be very patient with sales numbers, but once your product is out there, it sells itself.

Which of your items did you have the most fun creating & why?
This is a hard one to answer - each new product we introduce, first goes through a prototype stage, where I design and make one and alter it to what we want, then our kids play with it or use it to get their opinion, so each new product creates fun in our home. Each new product has to get a 'love thumbs up' from everyone before it's put in store.

Is there a basic ‘household’ item you use when creating that seems to work just as good if not better than the actual ‘tool’?
No

What is your favourite candy bar & why?
Cadbury Fruit & Nut, it just tastes rich and satisfying, I always loved them.

If money, responsibilities, and time were no issues where in the great wide world would you go & why?
I've many destinations I'd like to visit, mostly in Europe and USA. I believe the world is too beautiful and large, not discover new things. To me, to live your life and not experience different cultures would be a waste.

Be sure to take a look through Blank4me.com store to choose your favorite because for all our wonderful Kookie readers there is a special deal! Just type the discount code 'kookie10' at checkout to get a 10% discount. (discount is valid until 31 December 2009) and for the month of July when you make a purchase you go in the draw to win a Baby Sling!!

Handmade in Oz, Reviewed for all!

2009-07-12T04:30:00.000-07:00

MMMMMM I adore winter. I have always preferred winter over summer personally. I love how in winter you can find something to warm you up: thick cozy socks, warm scarves and coats, knitted hats and beanies, heavy fluffy blankets and delicious hot chocolates, unlike in summer when it's a stinking hot day and it seems nothing, not even sticking your head in the freezer, will cool you down! Any parent knows all those coats, blankets, socks, slippers and scarves are fine for us adults who can keep track of them but what about our little bubs who seem to get lost in all these layers?? or manage to drop gloves and socks in puddles?? or get frustrated with pinching zippers under their chins??
From Tida Bella Monkey is just the solution; perfect for the chilly time of year. Handmade by the very talented mum of 3, Victoria, the 'Super Cute, Spunky and Practical' Monkey Wrap is just divine!

Made with anti-pill, no fluffs, easy to care high quality fleece this wrap is perfect for an on the go mum who needs to keep bubby warm. Victoria has specially designed the Monkey Wraps to cover ears, neck and delicate chest area as well as hands and toes without fuss of losing mittens and booties when out and about and I can testify to that!
My little man was born in March of this year so is still just a 'small fry' and obviously isn't up and moving just yet, meaning when we head into the great outdoors to take his big sisters to the park or for a wander to the shops he needs to be bundled up nice and warm - EASY with his groovy purple and red Monkey Wrap! With the ease of the 'relaxed fit' the wrap fits perfectly over whatever outfit I have my little guy in with just a small velco patch on the front - no buttons, no ties, no zips - YAY!!
We even had a day out in the NSW Blue Mountains only a few weeks ago where the Monkey Wrap was the perfect thing for moving bub from car seat to baby carrier to pram and back to the car seat without having to take him in and out of a million blankets and other layers and believe me he stayed toasty warm while we went looking for that hot chocolate....

We are only a quarter of the way through winter and we have already used this Monkey Wrap so much with several turns through the wash, each time coming out looking exactly as it did the day it arrived, so soft and comfy!

Tida Bella Monkey has all kinds of yummy, cosie items for your little ones including both the 'Splat' and 'Base' range blanket wraps, Hoodie Scarves, the 'Splat' and 'Base' Monkey Wrap that I've just been telling you about as well as some fun toys and hand knitted goodies!!

Be sure to pop into Victoria's etsy shop HERE to pick your favorite items for this winter.... and to sweeten the deal Victoria is offering FREE SHIPPING AUSTRALIA WIDE from now until Sunday (19th of July) - I can promise you won't be disappointed with your purchase and it's not just me who thinks so... I have had oh so many comments when using the Monkey Wrap, from other parents and random strangers telling me how very cute and practical it is!

WEB SITE: www.tidabellamonkey.com
ETSY SHOP: www.tidabellamonkey.etsy.com
BLOG: www.tidabellamonkey.blogspot.com

Kookie Giveaway Winner!

2009-07-12T04:10:00.000-07:00

Another Kookie giveaway means yet another Kookie WINNER!Thanks to Ollie Rose for this weeks fun and fabulous giveaway. The random winner, chosen by Random.org,get to choose one of the four cute Monster Baby Rattles. Your choice is between 1. Superboy 2. Cowboy 3. Pirate and 4. Robot!! I love this bit....

The lucky winner is: Linda from JaEmArt
jaemart said...
I love the little rattles...especially the little pirate.

Congratulations and happy ratteling!!
Stay tuned for a brand new giveaway starting tonight!

Who's behind the product and GIVEAWAY!

2009-06-28T18:57:00.001-07:00

Oh how I adore everything from this weeks 'Who's Behind The Product' - Ollie Rose! The gorgeous clothing for both boys and girls to the soft and yummy burp cloths, bibs and blankets and of course the ever popular soft toy rattles are just a few of the many, many handmade items available ! My little man was lucky enough to be given his very own Ollie Rose Giraffe Rattle at birth from one of his Aunties. He loves it - the pattern, the colours, the ribbons all catch his attention and it's just the perfect size for his little hands to hold (check out the 30 second clip I managed to grab of him playing with it below).
Thanks Ollie Rose for letting us go behind the scene with you and a HUGE thanks for offering one of the brand new Monster Baby Rattles as the latest Kookie giveaway!

1. Sock Monkey Value Pack 2. 'Happy Apple' Giraffe Rattle 3. 1st Birthday Shirt 4. Red Bird Denim Pinafore 5. Tutti Fruitti Dachshund 6. Brown Bird Mobile

Tell us all about yourself and your craft?
I am mum who has a love for beautiful fabrics and creating fun, fresh and unique baby and children’s clothing as well as accessories.
Ollie Rose is run with my sister who maintains the website and other bits and bobs. We have a great partnership and it is really good to be able to share the business with someone who loves it as well.

How long have you been creating your craft?
I have been doing all sorts of craft for as long as I can remember. Ollie Rose has been in operation for about 2 ½ years.

What is one of the biggest lesson you have learnt about your craft & selling it?
That sticking with what I like to make is what keeps me truly happy, even if it isn’t what everyone else likes. So I try not to make too many of the same thing, I like to constantly change things and this helps me to always enjoy it.
Also not to over promise anything. When working from home little things can come up and my family always comes first so I make sure I always allow myself plenty of time.

Which of your items did you have the most fun creating & why?
Our Giraffe Rattle. He always looks good no matter what fabric I experiment and put him in and watching how much he has evolved over the years. It is funny to get out some of my earliest ones and compare him to how he looks now.

Is there a basic ‘household’ item you use when creating that seems to work just as good if not better than the actual ‘tool’?
Chopsticks are essential for getting stuffing into our rattles, without one I would have very sore fingers. As well as ziplock sandwich bags which have endless uses. I cut out a stash of rattles and have each design filed in these little bags, along with patterns, ribbons and just about everything!

What is your favourite candy bar & why?
Any chocolate with nuts in it, but I have a real sweet tooth for lollies.

If money, responsibilities, and time were no issues where in the great wide world would you go & why?
On a whirlwind tour to see a little bit of everywhere……..maybe I should go on the Amazing Race!

WIN! WIN! WIN!
The winner of this awesome giveaway from Ollie Rose gets to choose their prize!! After the great success of the Babushka Doll Rattles Ollie Rose has just released these new Monster Baby Rattles in four super cool styles; 1. Superboy 2. Cowboy 3. Pirate and 4. Robot and you will get to choose which one you would like if you are the winner - too fun!!

TO ENTER (MANDATORY, FIRST ENTRY):
Visit Ollie Rose website. Then come back here and leave a comment about your favorite item and why.

EXTRA ENTRIES:
To receive these extra opportunities for entries, you must fulfill the first REQUIRED entry. But for extra entries, you can either:

* Become a Follower of Kookie blog by clicking 'Follow this blog' located on the sidebar (if you follow us already just comment to let us know and Thank You); or

* Blog about the contest with a link back to Kookie the blog and be sure to leave a link to your post so we can check it out; or

* Place the Kookie button on your blogs sidebar. (The HTML code is located under the badge in the Kookie blog sidebar) be sure to leave a link so we can check it out.

* Tweet about the giveaway with a link back to this post (be sure to leave us a link so we can check it out)

Be sure to leave a separate comment for every extra entry to claim them with a way to contact you eg: email address and GOOD LUCK!! Entries are open to Australian and international residents and closes at midnight Sunday the 12th of July.

Kookie Giveaway WINNER!!

2009-06-28T04:53:00.000-07:00

Hooray, Kookie blog has another winner!! Thanks to the many entrants for the latest giveaway from Your Cheeky Monkey. I am sure the colourful and fun My Little Monster that is todays prize is headed to a wonderful home.... but "who's home?" I hear you say. The lucky randomly chosen winner is Nicole - Congratulations!!

When asked to choose her favorite item from Your Cheeky Monkey Nicole said...
"The TagNcuddles! So cute :)"

Keep a watch out for the friendly My Little Monster coming soon Nicole..... and be sure to pop back in soon as we have a new giveaway starting tonight - Yay!

Handmade in Oz, Reviewed for all! and GIVEAWAY!

2009-06-15T05:56:00.000-07:00

Monsters: they are made out to be scary, horrible and mean creatures that you don't want to know about and especially wouldn't want one in your home..... Well, let me tell you that is wrong for this Little Monster.... he is just so gorgeous!

Handmade by Monique this My Little Monster softie is perfect for your little monster. Monique is the owner of Your Cheeky Monkey and makes a range of baby/kids products including Burping cloths, crochet flanelette wraps, edged face-cloths, beanies, soft toys, TagNCuddles (taggie blankets) and swimming caps. As well as things for Mum – Soap Socks, and Tote Bags from recycled jeans and upholstery fabrics. Monique is one busy woman who tells us "I am working on some other products at the moment too such as fabric covered notebooks".

This little monster arrived on my doorstep a little while ago and has been 'put through the ringers' as they say by my kids. Between my 19 month old an my 4 month old there has been pulling, squeezing, drooling, chewing, poking.... who knows what else and yet this great softie has bounced back every time!
My Little Monster stands about 24 cm high (from toes to top of ribbon horn), and is constructed from pure wool felt backing and eyes, 100% cotton quilting fabric front panel (this print in orange with cute bugs and butterflies in green and blue), ribbon hands and horns, buttons for eyes and as always with all Monique's soft toys stuffed with pure wool stuffing, gentle and natural for your little one.
You can tell he has been made by a mum who know what kids like as he is made from beautiful and unisex fabrics that not only feel lovely and soft to touch but are also printed with fun and bright creepy crawly bugs that catch little one's visual attention. You can't mistake the sewing that keeps this guy firmly together and holds the fun ribbon arms and horns and button eyes in place with an old trick - sewn on using dental floss!! Monique tell us "floss never breaks". I just love the ribbon loops on this little monster with the quick addition of a plastic clip ring I had him hanging from our family stroller for my little guy to play with while out and about - Perfect!

Monique has been sewing since she was a very young girl "I have always done sewing – cross-stitch, knitting, sewing, you name it!! Both my Mum and Grandmother are wonderful sewers and I just grew up with it being a big part of my life".
Monique goes on to tell me that through selling her handmade items she has learnt many things but the big one is "That something I might absolutely love, other people might not, and vice versa something I’m not too sure about might turn out to be popular. Also not to take things too personally, when you turn your passion for sewing into a business you need to treat it that way – if somebody doesn’t like something and tells you so just accept that everyone is different... Just to concentrate on the positive feedback from the majority of people and get on with it" - Great advice!!

When I asked Monique to share with us the item she has the most fun creating and why she said "This is a hard one!! I think any new project I am working on seems to be the most fun! Overall, I think the crochet flannelette baby wraps I make are my favourite (these are in my “Luxury Baby Gift Packs”) - even though they take me hours and hours to make, I get the most pleasure out of seeing them all finished and pressed beautifully waiting for a new owner. I also have always loved making my soft little baby beanies."

Be sure to check out all the stunning handmade items available at Your Cheeky Monkey and you can also keep up with Monique at her blog HERE

WIN! WIN! WIN!
One of Monique's fun My Little Monsters can be yours! With just a few clicks and comments you can be in the draw to win one of these guys to call your very own....

TO ENTER (MANDATORY, FIRST ENTRY):
Visit Your Cheeky Monkey. Then come back here and leave a comment about your favorite item and why.

EXTRA ENTRIES:
To receive these extra opportunities for entries, you must fulfill the first REQUIRED entry. But for extra entries, you can either:

* Become a Follower of Kookie blog by clicking 'Follow this blog' located on the sidebar (if you follow us already just comment to let us know and Thank You); or

* Blog about the contest with a link back to Kookie the blog and be sure to leave a link to your post so we can check it out; or

* Place the Kookie button on your blogs sidebar. (The HTML code is located under the badge in the Kookie blog sidebar) be sure to leave a link so we can check it out.

Be sure to leave a separate comment for every extra entry to claim them with a way to contact you eg: email address and GOOD LUCK!! Entries are open to Australian residents and closes at midnight Sunday the 28th of June.

Kookie Giveaway Winner!!

2009-06-14T17:31:00.000-07:00

We have a winner!! Hooray!! Thanks to Kylie of Tiges and Weince todays winner will receive the gorgeous Lemon Cupcake bib and face washer set! Let me tell you from personal experience you will not be disappointed with this sweet set- What a way to start the week for our lucky randomly chosen winner...... Jemma of Handmade Kids

"handmadekids said...
My fav is the black, white and yellow change mat - fabulous colours :)"

Thanks so much to all the entrants and Jemma be sure to keep a look out for the post man coming with your goodies from Tiges and Weince soon.

Who's behind the product and GIVEAWAY!

2009-06-01T01:41:00.000-07:00

This weeks 'Who's behind the product and giveaway' is from the lovely Kylie of Tiges and Weince. Kylie is the WAHM of one and the driving force behind the gorgeous change mats, burp cloths, bibs, nappy compacts, gift sets, iron on transfers, tee shirts and more available through her fun shop HERE. Be sure to pop into her shop soon as Tiges and Wience currently has a great deal running: Spend $40 (before shipping costs) or more and receive 15% off total order. Offer is not forever so be quick, finishes 5th June!

1. Tee Shirts 2. Nappy Compacts 3. Gift Sets 4. Change Mats 5. Bibs 6. Iron on Transfers

Tell us all about yourself and your craft?
My name is Kylie, I am 33, live in Melbourne Australia, married to my wonderful husband Daniel, and the mother of my angel (well 99% of the time) Hudson who is nearly 10months. I have an extensive back ground in fashion design in both ladies and children's wear, but my passion has always been in children's arena. I am inspired by bright colour, clean design, and anything that makes me smile. Design, sewing and pattern making is what I know how to do well so to venture in making my own baby accessories and other odds and ends felt very natural.

How long have you been creating your craft?
For about 12 months, and the last 3 months I have decided to put all my energy in and take growing this business very seriously.

What is one of the biggest lesson you have learnt about your craft & selling it?
MMMMMMMM this is tricky to answer. Well I have learnt that I have to be to some degree a little unemotional about what I design and make, while I learn what the consumer wants. This is the hardest thing I believe an artist has to accept, not everybody loves what you love. In regards to selling it, well that's a journey I am still on, ask me again in 12 months.

Which of your items did you have the most fun creating & why?
I have always loved my 'Baby To Go' boxes as I couldn't think of a better gift all packed away in a noodle box. Recently I have loved making my nappy compacts as they are just perfect when you have a quick errand to do and don't need a whole nappy bag. I made this for myself before I decided to sell them, as I found them very handy.

Is there a basic 'household' item you use when creating that seems to work just as good if not better than the actual 'tool'?
I use my dining table as a cutting table. It's a great size and height.

What is your favourite candy bar & why?
Asking me for a favourite is a challenge when you are speaking to a chocoholic. I can't narrow it down so I will have to say BIG Kit Kat with Caramel, Boost Bar, and Bounty. However when I was in Canada I fell in love with this bar called "OH HENRY", it's a shame we can't get them in OZ.

If money, responsibilities, and time were no issues where in the great wide world would you go & why?
I have traveled quite a lot so it's hard to pick like the candy bar, but I am still and always will be in love with the beauty of Paris. The language, fashion, architecture, art, Louvre, red wine and of course Nutella Crepes. I love how the streets wind around and nothing is grid like so you always find something new.

WIN! WIN! WIN!
I'm sure you'll all be after this great giveaway from Tiges and Wience - one randomly chosen person will win a Lemon Cupcake bib and face washer set! Gorgeous!!

TO ENTER (MANDATORY, FIRST ENTRY):
Visit Tiges and Wience Etsy Shop. Then come back here and leave a comment about your favorite item and why.

EXTRA ENTRIES:
To receive these extra opportunities for entries, you must fulfill the first REQUIRED entry. But for extra entries, you can either:

* Become a Follower of Kookie blog by clicking 'Follow this blog' located on the sidebar (if you follow us already just comment to let us know and Thank You); or

* Become a follower of the Tiges and Weince blog HERE

* Blog about the contest with a link back to Kookie the blog and be sure to leave a link to your post so we can check it out; or

* Place the Kookie button on your blogs sidebar. (The HTML code is located under the badge in the Kookie blog sidebar) be sure to leave a link so we can check it out.

Be sure to leave a separate comment for every extra entry to claim them with a way to contact you eg: email address and GOOD LUCK!! Entries are open to Australian and international residents and closes at midnight Sunday the 14th of June.

Kookie Giveaway Winner!!

2009-05-31T16:40:00.000-07:00

Yay, it's time to announce our lucky winner of the Vanilla Pixie Giveaway!
We had lots of entrants and all kinds of favorites were picked from the gorgeous range of unique hair accessories available in the Vanilla Pixie shop but we can only have one winner so we won't make you wait any longer.... the winner is Scarlette Rose Fairy

Scarlette Rose Fairy said...
"Don't make me choose!!! hehehe!
I'd have to say these, cause every lil girl needs matching hair accessories to her rockin punk clothes!!....... punx not dead!
Set of Three Punk Skulls and Cherries Classic Non Slip Hair Clips".

Congrats!! You have won a custom made set of 4 clips! That's 2 x ribbon bows & 2 x plain slides made with your choice of any of the available ribbons from Vanilla Pixie's range!

Keep a look out for an email coming your way with details of what to do next to pick your clips...

To all our readers stayed tuned for a new giveaway starting tonight from another fun Kookie Kids team shop!!

Who's behind the product and GIVEAWAY!

2009-05-17T17:57:00.000-07:00

Carley from Vanilla Pixie has let us have a sneak peek behind the scenes and get to know her and her product a little better, at the perfect time too - for the month of May, you can buy 1 set of Vanilla Pixie clips and you will get a second set 1/2 price (offer applies to set of lesser value, not available in conjunction with any other offer)! Have a read through Carley's interview I bet there is something there you didn't know about her in there somewhere..... oh and be sure to check out her fabulous giveaway too!

1. Hot Pink, White and Black Ribbon Bow Clips 2. Three Punk Skulls and Cherries Classic Clips 3. Black and White PolkaDot Buttons Ribbon Bow Clips 4. Two Diversity Rainbow Stripe Classic Clips 5. Pastel Camouflage Infant Ribbon Bow Clips 6. Pastel Pink and Blue Bubbles Ribbon Bow Clips

Tell us all about yourself and your craft?
I am a wife & stay-at-home mum to three blessings - both being jobs that I love!! When I went looking for accessories for my girls I found that there was nothing available that 'grabbed' me, nothing that was different. So, why not create something?? Hence, Vanilla Pixie was born to fill a void for unique & gorgeous hair accessories.

How long have you been creating your craft?
I have only been doing this for a few months, but so far the response has been amazing. I obviously wasn't the only Mum out there who was looking for beautiful accessories!! I have had just as much fun (if not more) sourcing my materials, as I have actually creating the clips.

What is one of the biggest lesson you have learnt about your craft & selling it?
One of the biggest things I've learned is patience. Of course, when we all start out we want to be busy & successful straight away. It doesn't work like that & we have to enjoy the ride on the way to success - learning what works, what doesn't, where we can make changes. But most importantly, what I do must be fun!! The day that this is no longer fun for me, is the day I give it up.

Which of your items did you have the most fun creating & why?
All my clips are variations on a simple design, so it's hard to say, but... probably my first custom order. It was so much fun to create something that was so specific. And having the buyer so happy with the result was an absolute thrill!!

Is there a basic 'household' item you use when creating that seems to work just as good if not better than the actual 'tool'?
My 'tools' are very few but my major problem is having my hot glue gun drip glue everywhere. I've found that an old baking tray/cookie sheet underneath the gun catches the drips perfectly - and is so easy to clean afterwards.

What is your favourite candy bar & why?
Either a Snickers or a bag of liquorice bullets - hard to go past either...

If money, responsibilities, and time were no issues where in the great wide world would you go & why?
I have three wishes (is that allowed??) - tornado chasing across the US, a flight with the 'Top Guns' in a fighter jet & a trip to Canada/Alaska. One day...

WIN! WIN! WIN!
Check out this awesome giveaway from Vanilla Pixie - one randomly chosen person will win a custom made set of 4 clips! That's 2 x ribbon bows & 2 x plain slides made with your choice of any of the available ribbons - Wow!

TO ENTER (MANDATORY, FIRST ENTRY):
Visit Vanilla Pixie Etsy Shop. Then come back here and leave a comment about your favorite item and why.

EXTRA ENTRIES:
To receive these extra opportunities for entries, you must fulfill the first REQUIRED entry. But for extra entries, you can either:

* Become a Follower of Kookie blog by clicking 'Follow this blog' located on the sidebar (if you follow us already just comment to let us know and Thank You); or

* Blog about the contest with a link back to Kookie the blog and be sure to leave a link to your post so we can check it out; or

* Place the Kookie button on your blogs sidebar. (The HTML code is located under the badge in the Kookie blog sidebar) be sure to leave a link so we can check it out.

Be sure to leave a separate comment for every extra entry to claim them with a way to contact you eg: email address and GOOD LUCK!! Entries are open to Australian and international residents and closes at midnight Sunday the 31st of May.

Kookie Giveaway WINNER!!

2009-05-17T17:22:00.000-07:00

What a responce we had to the cute and fun giveaway from blu'bies! Thanks to everyone who entered, it seemed everyone wanted to take Belinda Bilby home to be part of their family! Belinda Bilby is now the new family member of DELiciousDesignz! Congratulations!!

DELiciousDesignz said...
They are all so adorable it is hard to choose. I think that Ethel the Echidna is perhaps my favourite.

Keep a look out over the next week for your new arrival coming in the post.

2009-05-10T18:58:00.001-07:00

How can you resist the sweet faces of the handmade creatures from Blu'bies? With a wide selection of the gorgeous Australian animals found in the NSW Blue Mountains you would surely find a friend to call your very own!
Be sure to have a read about Sally of Blu'bies and her handmade creations - and don't forget to enter the fun giveaway to win the ever so sweet Belinda Bilby!

1. Billy Boobook 2. Quinny the Spotted Quoll 3. Ethel Echidna 4. Walter Wombat 5. Bonza Bat 6. Max the Mountain Brushtail Possum

Tell us all about yourself and your craft?
Everything in my life seems to revolve around art. I grew up making and creating art of some form. I spend my days teaching art, illustrating for my business Studio Outside and studying Art Therapy, as well as creating Blu'bies in the spare moments I have. This usually means stitching late into the night.

How long have you been creating your craft?
I have had my Blu'bies Etsy shop for about a year now. I started by selling them in a local art cooperative here in the Blue Mountains called The Nook.

What is one of the biggest lesson you have learnt about your craft & selling it?
There are so many amazing softie creations out there, I wanted to create something a little bit different and something that has educational value. I do this through my toys by including information about the animal's habitat and making people aware of the need to care for their environment. I have received some very positive feedback, best of all a teacher bought two to use as a teaching aid. So in the process of making the Blu'bies I have learned a lot about the animals and even more fabulous is that they are teaching others too. Warm and fuzzies all round!

Which of your items did you have the most fun creating & why?
Ethel Echidna, she has such a character and her spines really make her look a bit cheeky.

Is there a basic ‘household’ item you use when creating that seems to work just as good if not better than the actual ‘tool’?
Ha...yes chopsticks are a must for getting the stuffing into the possum tails. For everything else I use my most useful tool- my hands.

What is your favourite candy bar & why?
This is the hardest question you've asked me. I think it would have to be the homemade choccies sold in our local food co-op.

If money, responsibilities, and time were no issues where in the great wide world would you go & why?
I'd go on safari, to see all the amazing animals so I could come back and create animals of the world and not just the Blue Mountains (and yes, this plan is in the works!).

Now is your chance to welcome one of the Blu'bies Blue Mountain Creatures into your family. Belinda Bilby is soft and cuddly and a unique addition to any household. She measures approximately: body w 10cm h 15cm.

TO ENTER (MANDATORY, FIRST ENTRY):
Visit Blu'bies Etsy Shop. Then come back here and leave a comment about your favorite item and why.

EXTRA ENTRIES:
To receive these extra opportunities for entries, you must fulfill the first REQUIRED entry. But for extra entries, you can either:

* Become a Follower of Kookie blog by clicking 'Follow this blog' located on the sidebar (if you follow us already just comment to let us know and Thank You); or

* Blog about the contest with a link back to Kookie the blog and be sure to leave a link to your post so we can check it out; or

* Place the Kookie button on your blogs sidebar. (The HTML code is located under the badge in the Kookie blog sidebar) be sure to leave a link so we can check it out.

Be sure to leave a separate comment for every extra entry to claim them with a way to contact you eg: email address and GOOD LUCK!! Entries are open to Australian and international residents and closes at midnight Sunday the 17th of May.

2009-05-10T18:56:00.001-07:00

Brrrr there has been a sudden cold snap this week here in Sydney. The heater has been turned on for the first time this year and I have found myself digging out the kids winter clothes..... it couldn't be a more perfect time of year for this weeks reviewed product from Sheeps Clothing.
I, well actually my nephew, had the pleasure of 'testing' one of Sheeps Clothing's pure Australian merino wool Cable Knit Beanies

This hand knitted beanie features three cabled panels set on a purl background and is available in a choice of colours including denim blue, soft earthy brown, berry pink, cherry, cream and forest green just like the one we tested.
Sheep's Clothing has this hat available in sizes 1-3 (fits up to approx. 51cm / 20"), 3-6 (fits up to approx. 53cm /21") and 6-teen (fits up to approx. 55cm / 22") and adult sizes are available too.

I was impressed from the minute I opened the post pack the beanie arrived in. From the careful packaging for transit to the custom swing tag and ongoing care instructions, as Stacey puts it, " to protect your investment" you could tell these items are all lovingly made.
One of the great features of this beanie is the way it sits on a child's head - just like it's hugging your ears without cutting in - perfect for little kids on the go who don't want to worry about their hat falling off and also putting mum's mind at rest knowing their little one's are staying warm.
As you can tell, I thought this beanie was fantastic but we should ask the now owner of the beanie what he thinks to be really sure it passes the test. 3 year old Nicolas says..... ”it’s really, really warm and I really like the colour. It matches my Papa’s tractor”. All together now… awwww

Stacey, who is the driving force behind Sheeps Clothing says "When my boys were babies I looked and looked for high quality, stylish knitwear for them. Sure there was some nice looking stuff out there, but some nasty acrylic fabrics. No way was I putting man made fibres on their tiny little heads! So, as I come from a long line of knitters, I experimented with a few different styles and types of beanies and scarves. The kind comments my boys and I received convinced me I was on to something and Sheeps Clothing was born."

Sheeps Clothing doesn't just stop at adult and kids hats, there are also 100% pure Australian wool scarves and scarflettes as well as hair clips, hair ties and brooches using a mix of wool, gorgeous fabrics and vintage buttons - all great accessories to wear with or with out your hat.

You can read more about Sheeps Clothing at their recently launched website, www.sheepsclothing.com.au. Be sure to subscribe to their monthly newsletter (which features special subscriber only discounts and offers) and you will instantly go into the draw to win your favourite item from instore...... I'd pick the Super Soft Wool Scarflette with Mother of Pearl Button for sure - gorgeous!

For our Kookie blog readers Sheeps Clothing has an awesome deal to help you get organised for the coming winter months. Just mention this product review when completing checkout of your chosen item from Sheeps Clothing and you will receive FREE WORLDWIDE SHIPPING! You can take advantage of this great deal until the end of June 2009!
NOTE: If you elect to pay via bank deposit, just wait for the converted US / AU dollar figure which will be exclusive of postage or if paying via Paypal the postage cost will be refunded.