Spring and Smart Snappers

Spring has well and truly arrived in Christchurch. I work quite close to the Botanic Gardens, which is a great place for a leisurely stroll in my lunch break. The daffodils are just starting to come out, along with the fragrant daphne by the river. The magnolias are out as well, so I took some photos to use as inspiration in my next painting for my art class's upcoming exhibition.

I also entered my recycled cassette card purse into the smarten your snapper competition. I road tested it with my metro card, the local equivalent, and it did a great job! It's also fantastic for keeping all those extra cards you seem to acquire, like loyalty and membership cards. It makes a great business card holder too!

We have a winner!

After a successful response to my survey, I held my first prize draw. The winner of three mini-teardrops and a plate is Prue McStay aka Citrus Daisy. Thanks to everyone who participated.

The most popular fragrance was Vanilla, with a clear margin. Second equal were Frangipani and Orange, which puts Orange first on the list as the next fragrance I'll introduce to my mini-teardrops range. Third equal were Chocolate, Christmas Spice and Ylang Ylang. There's christmas sorted!

I have also just got a shiny new facebook fanpage. When I reach 100 fans I get my own url, so encourage your friends to become fans as well.

This week I have also been featured in the Felt newsletter (thanks Lucy!) My mini-teardrop candles are in the winter warmers with a touch of spring section. Stuck for gift ideas for fathers day? Why not get him something handmade, have a look at felt's Fathers Day showcase for some ideas.

Twice the cute

After re-learning the art of crochet, collecting my old stash of yarn from mums, and discovering a large selection of blue yarn within it, I knew exactly what to do. Find a pattern for some cute baby item, expand my repertoire, and make something for my friend Maria who is expecting twin boys. My crochet book only had one baby item in it – this very cute 'who' inspired hat! The stripy design made it perfect for using up my oddments of yarn. I made the light blue one first which was an exercise in what not to do. After I learnt from those mistakes, and produced a much less lumpy looking second one, I unpicked the first one and did it again. It looks a lot better second time around!

Felt sale now on

For a limited time, selected items have been reduced in my felt store. Some are ends of lines, so get in quick so you don't miss out. Shown above: pair of tapered red and white candles; reduced from $24 to $20, tall ice candle; reduced from $36 to $30, green and white diagonal striped candle; reduced from $12 to $10, large blocked striped candle; reduced from $36 to $30. Offer ends 24 Aug 2009.

Candles, Cake and Tupperware

This Saturday I will be hosting a Tupperware party, and featuring rose among thorns candles as well. It will be an opportunity to learn some new tricks and discover new kitchen gadgets, as well as some old favourites. You'll also be able to see the entire rose among thorns candle range up close and personal. You'll be able to smell all the scents, and see how they look lit up in all their glory. I will also have a prize draw on the day, of three mini-scented teardrops and a candle plate.

I will also have my candle recycling promotion – bring any old candles, and get a 10% discount coupon. This can include: candle stubs, dripped wax, used tealights and any other candle you simply don't want any more, but would like to recycle.

It will be from 2-5 Sat 1 August at my place. For more information email me on rose (at) roseamongthorns.co.nz, or use the contact me option on my profile page. Feel free to bring a friend.

For when inspiration strikes...

On the weekend I popped out to see if I could track down the magazine that Emma from freedom creative had featured in a blog post. As a side note she has featured one of my candles in a recent post on her fave felt items. Thanks Emma! I got sidetracked checking out the new shops at Westfield, and was browsing in gorgeous organising mecca kikki-k when I saw these inspired little notes. Just perfect for when you're flicking through a mag, such as frankie, and you see something you just love... or want to buy... or that triggers an idea for a new creation. Indispensable for any creative person!

Craft 2.0 roundup and Knitting in Public

After a mad few weeks, Craft 2.0 finally arrived. It was great to finally give my wares an outing for the world to see. I got a great response, the crochet mix-tape purses were a hit (pun intended!) It's inspiring to be surrounded by so many talented crafters, and a rather delectable looking cupcake display. Thanks to Lucy and Sue for organising another fantastic Craft 2.0.

The candle recycling also went down a treat. I am now the proud owner of a large quantity of boxes of candle ends from the local convent, all ready and waiting to be recycled into lots of new candles. If you have any old candle drips, ends, ugly or broken candles or tealights, trade them for a 10% rose among thorns discount coupon. Trade any used rose among thorns candles for a 20% discount.

On Saturday I joined the hordes at the Dux for the annual Worldwide Knit in Public Day. I re-acquainted myself with the art I learnt a very long time ago, and knitted what looked the beginnings of a very small scarf. Definitely a skill I must use more, I'm sure it won't be hard finding some nice things to make.