The Ivory Social

Operation Bedroom....

2011-01-09T14:13:00.000-08:00

Image above is from Table Tonic

Moroccan wedding blanket from Table Tonic (I am already married and i have children) but that does not mean that this stunning little number would not look BEAUTIFUL draped across the chaise in my boudoir...

Next on my "to do" list is to make the foot stool at the end of my bed really really pretty! So I have bought a sander (to strip the paint) and I am waiting on this fabric to arrive.. although I will need to see it in the flesh to know what shade of pink the footstool will be painted

This is the fabric of choice that my headboard is being upholstered in...thanks to my husband...

This is the fabric that my bedside lamps will be- keeping with the chevron theme

On these TheodoreMade lamp bases

and finally this is my bedlinen- with LOTS OF CUSHIONS!! (also available at TheodoreMade)

Oh and this cushion from etsy is also making an appearance...

lastly with this picture

my backyard every other day...I wish!

2011-01-05T21:00:00.000-08:00

Images courtesy of Hostess with the Mostess of a lovely "backyard wedding"...sigh..it is heaven!

The ruffle back chairs are gorgeous (I am very partial to them) and whilst I have swooned over them for a LONG time and have many a picture saved of them, I never knew who they were made by (my sister in law recently gave me the heads up on who makes them) and low and behold here they are again Wildflower Linens.

Swoon

2010-12-15T02:10:00.000-08:00

I am trying to secure these lamps for TheodoreMade. Rachel Zoe has them, they are so eyecatching and swoonworthy- too much beautiful products out there...one for me, one for the store...

TheodoreMade

2010-12-13T21:05:00.000-08:00

This photo is the inspiration behind my website TheodoreMade. Adore it!!

An oldie but a goodie...

2010-12-13T20:59:00.001-08:00

I am gathering inspirational photos for a photoshoot and remembered this one and still love it SO much...

Neighbours Christmas Cookies

2010-12-07T19:49:00.000-08:00

This year I thought I would do the DIY cookie in a jar idea- you pack all of the ingredients into the jar and let the receiver cook it themselves- an excellent thought...However I am a touch controlling and decided I would bake the cookies, then ended up decorating them too and voila packaged them up and Christmas cookies were complete.
The recipe I used was from Cake Journal it is fool proof....

VANILLA SUGAR COOKIES

Makes around 25-30 medium sized cookies.

(200 grams) of sugar
(OR 100 grams sugar and 100 grams of confectioners sugar)
2 large eggs.
1 tsp of vanilla.
(450 grams) of all-purpose flour, sifted
(200 grams) of unsalted butter, diced.

Extra flour for kneading and rolling.

Step 1:
In a bowl or in the kitchen mixer with paddle attachment, mix the two types of sugar, vanilla and the egg. Add the flour and the butter and keep mixing just until the dough comes together.

Step 2:
Knead the dough lightly by hand on your flour dusted kitchen counter and wrap it well in cling film and put it in a plastic bag. Chill the dough for 2 hours.

I always roll out my dough on a sheet of parchment paper lightly dusted with flour and I set my oven to 325F (170C) when I bake cookies and place the baking tray in the middle of the oven. Depending on size I bake them from 15-20 mins. You want them to be light golden brown without being raw in the middle.

Just waiting on their arms...To get the little snowman circles I used my piping tips (the different sized circles were perfect for the job)

Next up I had to quickly make some cupcakes for a Christmas Party and decided some quick trees were in order. I got the Wilton Ruffled cupcake patty cases from Little Betsy Baker and used a buttercream icing from Sharnel Dollar (it NEVER fails)
BUTTERCREAM ICING

250 grams unsalted butter, at room temperature

400 grams icing sugar

1 tbs milk (optional)

2 tbs vanilla extract

Place the butter in a large mixing bowl and cream for 5 minutes. Scrape down sides of bowl occasionally. Add sifted icing sugar, milk and vanilla. Beat for a minute further. Add food coloring as desired.
Buttercream can be stored to up to three days in an airtight container in a cool place. Do not refrigerate.

The fondant stars were just Orchard fondant from the supermarket in the pink box- nicest taste I think. Ordinarily these would have been placed on a toothpick, but I had kids helping me do this (playdate at my house) and my kitchen was a MESS!!!!

Art and whatnot....

2010-12-06T18:37:00.000-08:00

As an avid liker of all things pretty- it comes as no surprise that I should be headover heels in love with this Narate Kathong painting titled The Season of Love- Red Forest. It is a whopping 200 x 200 and I absolutely adore it. It is available in Melbourne at a lovely little price of $9K- I would call it a beautiful investment piece (husband are you reading this??), maybe next time you are in Singapore, just plop this baby under your arm as I hear they are cheaper there :-)

At the complete polar opposite is this magnificent piece- Natural Curiosities- Lord Bodner's Octopus Study Triptych which my husband will pick up for me next time he is in the states. I adore it, and as I am decorating in greys, duckegg, pink and mirror it will fit in beautifully with our decor. He is my "pet".

Eye Candy...Sugar High

2010-12-03T16:06:00.001-08:00

Beware..you will be on a sugar high after viewing what The Candy Buffet Company has for our viewing pleasure- more pictures available on their facebook page.
Beautiful chocolate showpieces from Sisko. Divine work for some very prestigious clients!

Inspired

2010-12-02T14:36:00.000-08:00

Inspiration comes in many forms, I like many a good woman, ADORE flowers. Have them in my house always. ALWAYS.
These are just a couple of the arrangements that I have had in my home that I have slapped together..bahahahaha I kid I kid! (these are the pets I like too)!

On a gloomy day in Melbourne...

2010-12-01T15:28:00.000-08:00

Here is a little sunshine to warm the cockles of your heart. Here is hoping the sun starts shining today in time for my son's Christmas party...

A touch of whimsy...

2010-12-01T01:36:00.000-08:00

I never thought I would re-live my eight year old self 23 years later in 2010 by having a may-jah crush on the colour lavender.. Perhaps it is pictures like this...
P.S I hope this post works as I am testing the limits of my iPhone right now :-)

Loving

2010-11-29T18:08:00.001-08:00

(apologies for dodgy photography)
Head over heels for this Kate Spade vase, if only she were still producing them (they can be found on ebay I believe..) It would look gorgeous next to my TheodoreMade blush pink lamp base with gold spots...

This explains my day....

2010-11-28T21:02:00.000-08:00

A little bit of pretty

2010-11-28T04:26:00.000-08:00

To wish you sweet dreams of this perfect place...thank you to Luxe Fête Event Planning and Design Studio for the beautiful venetian mirrors, ghost stools, blush pink arrangements and Fleather (faux leather?)- bliss!

Hello Christmas...

2010-11-28T02:38:00.001-08:00

Images from Style Me Pretty

I spotted these over at Sweet Little Birdy milk royals, white chocolate (?) and some red and green jube style lollies- HELLO CREATIVE GENIUS TARA!!

plus these jars which I adore- and do not even get me started on the spoons!

Now the thing about these jars is that I spotted them at this party and Tracey Lau released this little bit of information tonight....So now I am off to explain to my husband why in addition to the 45 thousand nectar bottles I bought- I now need these gorgeous little pots of lovely.

Do you think I could push my luck with these little babies...

Mad for these...

2010-11-09T16:23:00.000-08:00

I absolutely am in love with this interior by Brad Ford and in particular the artwork. I am not too sure who it is by, but I think it is heavenly!

I am also loving these horses. So beautiful and powerful but soothing too. An animal lover I am not, I don't like the mess, but these pictures are definitely the sort of "pets" I like- no mess, no fuss....

10 things you did not know about me....

2010-10-14T19:16:00.000-07:00

Well, I do feel kind of special that Suzanna from MonTresor tagged me to do the 10 things you did not know about me...so here goes...

1. When I get excited, I squeal like a girl (picture high octive wiiieeeewwww) and I tend to tap, use my hands a lot, possibly hit (my husband), hug and/ or jump up and down when I am super excited about something. It is the little things, like a macaron turning out perfectly, finding an amazing bag or my son Samuel standing up or my other son Tyler reading all of the letters at the doctors. Does not matter where I am- these actions usually follow regardless of whom is around.

2. I CANNOT do sales. I find them so messy and chaotic that it really does my control freak mind in. Also when I enter a shop I HAVE to go around to the left and do the circle that way (please I am not Adrian Monk- I can step on cracks).

3. My pet hate is people who spell the word DEFINITELY wrong (I am sorry, please do not hate me).

4. I own approximately 200 pairs of shoes, which live in our garage colour co-ordinated, 60 handbags which live under our stairs in colour co-ordinated fashion, and I have not dared count the number of cakestands or apothecary jars...a few of my favourite things that I go weak at the knees over...I know there are a lot of you girls who share my passion.

5. My husband does my waxing and hair colour (blush)- HE IS SO GOOD AT IT, why would I go anywhere else!

6. Up until recently, I was the mama behind Pink Theodore- little girlie accessories. When I started it 5 years ago, there was only a handful of us girls and my goodness- as Suzanna knows, the looooonnngggg nights of orders, plus a 1 year old who still wakes at least 4 times a night- not a good combination. But I have now taught a few ladies how to make the accessories and they are doing so well, and I LOVE their work!

7. The colour black and I are not in love- AT ALL....

8. I was my high school house captain at high school every year, very sporty, competing at national levels...but now I can barely run to my letterbox without getting lactic acid build up (please note my letterbox is approximately 5 metres from my front door!)

9. I never get sick (knock on wood)- not even a cold when these things go around. Bless the men in my life, they catch everything!

10. I played the flute in high school and sat my AMEB tests, and always did horribly because I did not like to practice...

So, I hope you have not fallen asleep, what a lovely way to spend a quiet afternoon (baby asleep), I will tag some lovlies a little later on and post some of the parties and some DIY's I have been working on.

xx

Run...Don't Walk....

2010-09-23T21:22:00.000-07:00

A little while ago I spied a "gem of a find" at Spotlight of all stores. I pulled it off the top shelf (keep in mind I am only 157cm tall- determined I know), pulled this "gem of a find" out of the box- DISMAY....no lid and no spigot on the, "gem of a find"...CRAP!
So out of site, out of mind. Then I got a message from Suzanna at Mon Tresor...she had purchased the "gem of a find" via mail order. Now what is it??? The very much desired thing of the moment in the party world, apart from Sharnel Dollar...- BEVERAGE DISPENSERS!!!! Now it is such a gem, because it is only $49.95 (I know, I hyperventilated too) and it is SPOTLIGHT, who would have thought, and it is only $6.95 postage (that is amazing these days, considering I was recently quoted $248 shipping for one from USA). Now it is only carried at a certain number of Spotlight stores, so you can call head office and RUN DON'T WALK as I feel they will be snapped up quite quickly.
If you happen to miss out, Sharnel Dollar Designs will be stocking the most amazing collection of drink dispensers, patisserie stands (cannot wait), unique cake stands, signature table skirts and all sorts of beautiful items that you WILL NOT see anywhere else. Sharnel's online store is officially open for business (insert squuueeeeeaaalllll of excitement here)
Please excuse my poor excuse of "photography"...

Ruffle Cake Tutorial

2010-09-18T14:22:00.000-07:00

Just a quick post (because my boys like to be up before the sun!!) to post a quick link for a stunning ruffle cake..like the one in these photo shoots.
I have made one before, it is quite easy but OH SO EFFECTIVE!!!

Image courtesy of Amy Atlas

Images courtesy of Style Me Pretty
And here is the youtube link to the Ruffle Cake tutorial

Pretty Overload...

2010-09-18T03:50:00.001-07:00

WARNING: WHAT YOU ARE ABOUT TO VIEW MAY SEND YOUR SENSES INTO PRETTY OVERLOAD!!!

Sidenote: you may notice your eyes watering- fear not, they are not weeping- they are simply drooling!!

I am head over heals, weak at the knees, giddy in bliss for this romantic shoot that I spyed over at my favourite site Style Me Pretty. The horse, the cascading ruffle bottom chairs, the meringue towers, the macarons (one "O" people)and that champagne tower makes me so happy (Glee Happy- think Kurt's dad defending him to Finn in that episode that I am sure made you all smile and not even realise you were smiling)...yes that warm fuzzy happy.

I leave you with pretty overload...

Pardon Me....

2010-09-12T18:55:00.000-07:00

A quick post because I am hyperventilating over a mish mash of images, that inspire me, and overwhelm me because I WANT ALL of these in my home!!!
This office!!

And This...

This Ottoman

This Kitchen

and this...

This bedroom

too much beauty in the world!!

More Photos

2010-08-18T14:48:00.001-07:00

Birthday High Tea

2010-08-18T14:19:00.000-07:00

A soiree was held at my house yesterday, hence my lack of posts. The occasion was my birthday (yaaaaaaaaaaayyyyyyyyy). I had a very sweet High Tea with a few of my girlfriends, and enjoyed the relaxed day that it was. The few days leading up to it was manic, but calm was restored with the beauty of the food, the guests and the table.
Inspired by the wonderful Tracey Lau. The background doily print was by the wonderful Nathalie at Imprintables, and the Flowers were by The Bouquets of Ascha Jolie (my sister in law- I know, lucky- best of the best).
Here is a small collection of the photos- I managed to snap quite a few of the same thing- excuse the shoddy photography- my husband will tell you- I AM HOPELESS WITH PHOTOS!

Imagination...

2010-07-31T06:09:00.000-07:00

beautiful innocence and an amazing mum, these photos from Mila's Daydreams

Has it really been that long....

2010-07-22T17:56:00.000-07:00

Not too sure where I pulled these from, but if you know, please let me know and I will credit...

Two things I love- One: New England Homes and Two: Transom Windows (this in addition to many other things I love, but these really really really make me weak at the knees, squeal with delight, back of hand to forehead, Love like no other Leo could LOVE!)

It would be my dream to build one of these homes in the area I live in- HOWEVER, I live in an area where the colour of your chipbark (no I am not a fan, but this just shows you how much they govern what you build/ use) has to be approved by the board. The houses are very "Grolloesqe", you will NOT find a flower unless it is at the florist, and it is such a shame that there are no homes with character. Lots of big beautiful homes, but no character (except for the people in them!). So for now, because I LOVE my neighbours I will live in Grollo town and dream of the New England home that awaits me.

Oui Oui Oui

2010-07-18T21:32:00.000-07:00

Sipper Cups

Eiffel Tower Centrepiece
I seen these a while ago and think they are fantastic for a children's French Poodle theme party!
Although based in the US, they still ship here, great time, reasonable price postage, ADORABLE products!

Pick On Us...

2010-07-15T14:37:00.000-07:00

Let's talk parties again, well why not it is my favourite thing! Today I thought I would talk about "picks" as in things to poke through your food and make it look reaaaalll pretty.

I cam across this US company- such decorative picks- you could do some amazingly creative things with these babies.

I, like many others also love the rock candy sticks, if you are interested in stocking them (just the sticks- no candy), please let me know.

Look at how Amy Atlas has used her swizzle sticks- take two marshmallows, dip them in chocolate and white (or colour of your choice) sprinkles (technical term), and voila!

Locally you can try The Party Studio- she has a collection of bamboo picks and products that are just adorable.

I love the little details, picks and all...

Peg head cake toppers...

2010-07-14T14:33:00.000-07:00

I absolutely adore anything cake related, and when I saw these from Lollipop Workshop (Be Cheery on Flickr)a while ago I thought, "I do not have a daughter, but I definitely want one!!!", then the price hit me- US$125+, a bit rich for my fictional daughter.
So I embarked on a how to frenzy. I came across this tutorial from Ohdeedoh (love it)! Next was to purchase supplies, I found some at Spotlight, but not the right shape balls for the heads etc. I came across an Aussie company called, Country Craft Cottage. I bought ALL the supplies for $20- this would make 10 dolls in total, and it arrived the day after I purchased them on line- excellent service!
So here is my first time at making a cake topper peg doll thingi. I didnt have any spray gloss, so I used nail polish varnish...very pleased with the first try..

FYI- the girl is perched on a square plate, jazzed up with paper and ribbon on some genius hot pink candle stands- note to everyone, our cat was in the bad books that day as he managed to smash one of them!!

Suitcase Inside Info...

2010-07-10T18:39:00.000-07:00

For those of you who adore these suitcases as much as me then you are going to love this! When I was doing bows, I would make little gifts and pack them into these suitcases. I hunted HIGH & LOW for these babies so as I could purchase them wholesale.

I found a company based in Melbourne called Knox & Floyd- they stock a large selection of products and the prices are incredible. If you are a business owner or have an ABN, then I would highly recommend them. Minimum order is $300.00 (from memory) BUT these suitcases sell themselves!

FYI- these polkadot suitcases come in sets of 4 and are $28.60 (inc GST) for the lot, the little plain sets are $25.30 (inc GST) for 3.

Black and I don't love each other...

2010-07-09T04:39:00.001-07:00

Black and I do not love each other, but today I will make an exception. I am currently in table mode and doing my mock set up. The client chose black, silver and white as her colour theme. So today I have been in conversion mode, my fingers are black (I dont think graffiti artist will be making my resume), there have been quite a few teatowels lost to the 'art' also. There will be a white ruffle tableskirt, black vessels, white food, silver accents....just to set the scene. Cannot give away anymore...........

These cake stands are actually candlesticks, with glass plate that I have spray painted semi gloss black. (they are still waiting on their top coat to make them food safe..). Perched on top are the cupcake wrappers I made using my fandangle cutting machine- I LOVER IT!
These ruffled "whatsies" (thanks Faux Fuschia for the technical term)are two little bowls that I have painted, turned on top of each other and gussied up with a ribbon.
Another semi matt bowl that has been painted and is waiting on it's last coat- these bowls were a grand total of $7.95!
And this is my lesson learnt. I started off on the bottom and primed it, not thinking that I needed to see black through the bottom of the glass plate, not silver primer- so now the whole thing has been painted, super gloss and very pretty. It has a lovely bottom so I can use it either way...

Ruffle Me Happy...

2010-07-08T14:39:00.001-07:00

View all the prettiness over at Style Me Pretty. I adore the rosette details, the ruffle table skirt, the flowers- everything! Oh and notice the Rosanna Inc cake stand- heaven! Abbie Larson has also just completed a fantastic DIY for the 'from inspiration to wedding' they held. Some excellent ideas in there for the budget conscious!

Hank + Hunt

2010-07-08T05:11:00.000-07:00

Such a simple idea, but so pretty and effective. These ruffled garlands are also making my eyes drool.

The Caketress

2010-07-07T14:19:00.001-07:00

I know I have posted about The Caketress before, but she is one of the most amazing women, I adore her cakes- what is not to love about ruffles!! Check out her blog. Your eyes may water- but never fear, it will simply be them drooling over the prettiness!

The verdict is in.....

2010-07-02T14:25:00.000-07:00

Having seen Sex & The City 2 quite a number of times (thank you ladies..) I can honestly say I adore everything about it, especially the set designs. Do not get me wrong I am not "cheating on fashion with furniture", but oh my goodness, I went weak at the knees over quite a few of the design elements!

The 'Lola' ottomon by Anne Kyro Quinn makes me so very happy! Glee happy!

Here you can see Thomas O’Brien's Hallings Secretary from Hickory Chair. The wallpaper by Cole & Son, the Rococo Damask pattern, and Damask has never looked so good!

The headboard fabric is Velvet Gate Tuxedo fabric from Kravet, I think it is beautiful, and has me questioning my simple coloured headboard.

Whilst this handblown glass and gold lighting fixture is stunning, dont go heading down to Beacon lighting yet! It is $15,360! (for sale at Lindsey Adelman's Web site). The wallpaper you see in the entry foyer is Oiseau in Chocolate by Katie Ridder available through Holland & Sherry in New York. I love wallpaper, I would do an Anna Spiro and wallpaper the toilet if I could!

Another of my favourites, these chairs make me hyperventilate! The fabric is Belgravia from Lee Jofa which also comes in a wallpaper, Belgravia wallpaper from Cole & Son. The tiles are three-dimensional and are custom made. They had a carbon glaze with a silvery sheen. They are from Heath Tile in Sausalito, California- sorry Aussie folks.

So there you have it, I am off to dream up my future furniture, sigh!

has it really been that long?........

2010-06-30T15:51:00.001-07:00

I am busy planning events at the moment. So many things to organise and I keep getting sidetracked by the beautiful creations out there in blog land.

Here is what is inspiring me at the moment...

I cannot remember where these images were pulled from, so if anyone knows please let me know so I can credit...

oh My....

2010-06-21T16:08:00.000-07:00

Tracey Lau- same creator of that fabulous 40th tea party, has five children, a beautiful inspirational blog and is clearly one of those amazing women! Adore this kite party!

This is breathtaking. Something very similar to what I have planned for Master Nearly One! This has given me lots to think about. It is gorgeous!

Bridal Shower/ Kitchen Tea

2010-06-20T00:18:00.001-07:00

Absolutely adore this collection!

Busy Buzzy Bee

2010-06-17T17:16:00.001-07:00

New Invitation available now. Gender neutral too!
Buntings and flags coming soon...

A little something pretty..

2010-06-14T21:26:00.001-07:00

All images courtesy of Style Me Pretty

Oh how I love....

2010-06-14T21:07:00.000-07:00

faux bamboo Chippendale chairs
Pagoda Chandelier

I am sourcing furniture for our formal dining area and am completely head over heals in love with the faux bamboo movement! Granted, not a new one, but still a timeless classic in my eyes! Although I am not brave enough to do a Jonathan Adler/ Kelly Wearstler colour scheme, my heart skips a beat non-the-less over their choices anyway.
I told my husband that a pagoda chandelier was on the shopping list, his response was "aaaahhhhh whaaaaaa" (he was watching the NBA playoffs- so I guess discussing furniture or lighting was not in his comprehension realm).
How did we shop before the internet??

The Ivory Social Party Collection

2010-06-13T05:50:00.001-07:00

Colours inspired by Kelly Wearstler

Colours inspired by the Amy Atlas magenta & Aqua table

Inspired by a party from a couple of weeks ago, this is a French Vintage Circus theme

A few little pieces I have been working on. The collection includes invitations and cupcake toppers. The toppers could also be printed off and used as tags for your jars or lolly bags. I will be back to share more at a later stage...

Pretty In Pink....of course!

2010-06-08T17:01:00.000-07:00

Images courtesy of Amy Atlas Events

A quick post because I could not resist this absolutely divine baby shower event that Amy Atlas Events put together.

I love the cake stands (I have these in the pink, but would love the white and jadeite also..), love the peonies (my favourite), love the pink and lemon colours!

What is not to love about Amy Atlas!!

Vintage Circus

2010-06-07T17:57:00.000-07:00

Images courtesy of A Lifestyle Thing

I have been searching high and wide for amazing little details for my sons 4th birthday- its going to be a Circus Bizircus Spectacular! I dont want it to be your steriotypical circus party- because like most mums I dont think Master T is your steriotypical child, he is amazing and deserves AMAZING parties, and it is just lucky that I love to organise AMAZING parties.

Enough about that, on with the show...I came across this Baby Shower with a Vintage Circus theme a little while ago. Sharon Taylor's Blog A lifestyle Thing is the sort of blog you come across and like a good book- cant put down. I adore the cloche's with the cupcakes and the feather details, love the frog, think it is a very creative and unique take on a Vintage Circus party.

Have your cake...

2010-06-07T17:32:00.000-07:00

Images courtesy of Scissors Paper Cake

I absolutely adore the beautiful colours and simplicity of Scissors Paper Cakes lolly/ candy tables. Such whimsy that evokes a kind of happiness in me that makes me want to squeal with delight (friends, you all know my wiiieeewww squeal!).

Very inspiring ladies indeed!

What is inspiring me at the moment....

2010-06-05T04:13:00.001-07:00

Images courtesy of Eat Drink Pretty

It has been a loooong and very busy week, hence my really poor excuse for a blog lately. However, I feel like I am redeeming myself with this gorgeous little number that Eat Drink Pretty threw herself for her blog anniversary. A marvelous job, I adore every little detail!

Now I must stop procrastinating, I have parties, cakes, and toppers to do as well as shops that need stocking...enjoy your Sunday lovelies xo

Who do I love...

2010-05-31T16:40:00.000-07:00

I adore Kelly Wearstler, her colour palette and style makes my heart skip a beat. Thanks to KWID I am now a lover of bleached walnut- as per her "beach shack", and her books are very inspiring to say the least.

Short and Sweet, love love love! (because my keyboard is flat! otherwise I could go on forever)...

Je t'aime.....

2010-05-24T16:29:00.000-07:00

Yes, it is a hyperventilating moment for me (I have plenty!).

I am in love! This shoot by Jasmine Star (beautiful, amazing, incredible, talented...)
featured on one of my favourite wedding blog sites Style Me Pretty (Hayze- newly engaged friend, take note!) makes my heart skip a beat- or ten. Love the macaron towers, the carnations, the anemones, the colour- love every little detail!

I am wondering if my husband will allow us to get married again- just so I could have a moment like this........

Oh how I love flowers...

2010-05-24T15:26:00.000-07:00

Images courtesy of Bouquet Melbourne

Today I thought I would dedicate this little post to flowers. To say I love flowers is an understatement! To walk into a room and have fresh beautiful blooms makes me SO happy and inspired. One of my favourite Flower Events companies are Bouquet Melbourne (Great Name!). Their creations are amazing and I think in an industry where it is hard to stand out- these guys really do!...Unique in their design aesthetic, Bouquet Melbourne= Amazing!

I could have put their whole gallery on here- too hard to choose from so much lovliness!

Quite possibly my idea of heaven...

2010-05-19T17:21:00.000-07:00

Images courtesty of Lollipop Events

Breathe.....I absolutely cannot take the sheer beauty of this baby shower. It is my idea of heaven and the girls at Lollipop Events have pulled off one of the most spectacular show stopping Baby Showers I have ever seen.

LOVE LOVE LOVE everything about it! Usually I can ramble on and on but this has left me speechless!

Amazing what you can do with paper...

2010-05-19T05:25:00.001-07:00

Master T's 4th birthday is fast approaching and we are doing a "circus bonanza", so I almost hyperventilated when Sharnel Dollar Designs (website coming soon) said she would sell me some of the circus favour boxes I spotted over on her site.

Intrigued, I had to know more and I came across this marvelous site that I could not wait to share with you. Quite possibly the most charming favour boxes I have laid eyes on, Favour Makers and Sharnel have made my party dreams come true...oh wait I mean Master T's dreams come true...

I will be purchasing the circus boxes and using them along the children's tables and I believe I would like a teapot just because I LOVE paper and I LOVE any excuse to shop for a party (even though I have no girls for this teapot)...

So have a browse through Favor Makers site. Whilst the boxes may be viewed on the expensive side, look at the workmanship, thought and precision that goes into these creations. You could add them simply as an accent to your lolly table or party table or go the whole hog and hand them out to the party guest. If you are like me- you will find it hard to part with these little babies and want to keep them all for yourself!

Smooch Bow Tutorial...

2010-05-19T04:31:00.000-07:00

I spent a long time deciding whether or not I would let people in on the many techniques I use at Pink Theodore- obviously I decided I would go ahead and share the inner workings. There is no guarded secret when it comes to bows, there are many wonderful tutorials out there (my photos are clearly horrible, and I think it is definitely time for a mani!!) but it is time to let go of my little business baby that I have spent years building up- and heaven forbid I should keep all of this knowledge and HOURS spent researching and perfecting to myself!

This tutorial is for my many friends who have asked HOW IS THIS DONE, and who have patiently waited for me to come off "maternity leave"- if you have any questions, please do not hesitate to ask. Whilst it looks fiddly and may take some getting used to- it is actually easy and I have made PLENTY of orders whilst bouncing Baby S in the Bjorn!

As I said questions are more than welcome, hard to make a bow and take GREAT photos- considering even when I am at my most capable- I still manage to take a shocking photo...APOLOGIES!!

Small details- you should just start practicing on cheap ribbon from Spotlight, then try Ebay- best source for printed ribbons- a place called Oh My Gosh Goodies on Ebay, she also sells the alligator clips in bulk. I have plenty of other sources, just email me, I would be happy to help. If you are just doing it for birthdays or little gifts- then definitely try HairHouse Warehouse for the clips- they are called Pincurl Clips. The wire is available through Spotlight in the beading section and the "non-slip" grip is actually felt which comes with a sticky backing. You just cut it to size. To seal the edges, simply run a lighter over the end quickly maybe three times. For businesses, I got my cards made up at Pixo- FANTASTIC prices!!!

More tutorials will be coming soon...stay tuned....

Mobile Love.....

2010-05-17T15:38:00.000-07:00

All images courtesy of Frazier & Wing

A quick post to show you my latest obsession...these amazing touches of whimsy will add the most amazing detail to your room or party and they are made from paper! A simple concept with AMAZING results. Heather's colour combinations make my heart skip a beat and as Veruka Salt would say, "I want them daddy, I want them all!"...
You can see the full collection Frazier & Wing or purchase them in Australia at Tiny People.

Macaron Tower

2010-05-17T06:07:00.000-07:00

Images courtesy of Project Wedding
Image Courtesy of Shauna Younge
Image courtesy of Amy Atlas

I am IN LOVE with macarons- but who isn't right?

Today I thought I would share with you how to make a macaron tower- Laduree style...well maybe not as tall... or if you make a macaron like me- it might not be quite as magnificent (another challenge to be mastered)!

I came across a great little tutorial here. Step by step instructions on how to create these eye catching beauties.

The master of the macaron (and many other talents) is Tartelette. Head on over to her site to view some amazing recipes and photography so beautiful it will make you want to lick your screen!!!
Pictured below is one of Tartelette's Raspberry Mascarpone Macarons (insert Homer Simpson style drool here)...

I will be practicing macarons and towers soon, so watch this space and see if it ends in triumph or tantrums...

Image courtesy of Tartelette

Cookie Love...

2010-05-14T04:45:00.000-07:00

A little friend inspired me to talk about cookies today. She made some amazing sugar cookies for her daughters birthday and they turned out fabulous!

Cookies are a wonderful addition to any afternoon tea or party, they are quick and easy to make and decorate. I intend to have a cookie decorating station at my sons 4th birthday and I think the kids will need to fight the adults for a spot at that table!

There are many ways to decorate your cookies and the absolute best place to go for recipes, cookie pop how to's, decorating tips is Cake Journal. Not only is her site a haven for cookies, but for cakes and fondant and ANYTHING cake or cookie related.

Images Courtesy of Cake Journal

Another excellent source is Sweetopia! What is great about these ladies is that they are willing to share their knowledge and assist with any questions you may have. Their instructions are so clear and easy to follow, and the results are beautiful.

Images courtesy of Sweetopia

If you were wanting to make sugar cookies, you will find a great recipe on Cake Journal's site- it is the recipe I use everytime and it has never failed me. Coles or Safeway sell Orchard fondant (the edible rollable icing stuff that the butterfly and dragonfly cookie are topped with) and it tastes very nice and is super cheap!

These were my Easter cookies which I made and gave to the neighbours for Easter. The cookies are covered in fondant, in a clear bag from Spotlight with a little tag that I made- note to self, start taking better photos instead of relying on camera on phone!!

Have a browse through these inspiring sites, I guarantee you will learn SO much and I bet you will want to bake something tomorrow...

Oh how I love beads...............

2010-05-13T03:57:00.001-07:00

For the longest time I have LOVED Zoe Bonbon- the colours of her resin beads make my heart flutter! Her amazing creations are available in Australia through one of my favourite stores, Brown Button Trading.

Image courtesy of Zoe Bonbon via Brown Button Trading

When I created my necklaces for Pink Theodore I was always on the hunt for the perfect bead, and I found plenty and so I will share with you my sources for amazing beads across the world...

Necklaces designed by Pink Theodore (me...)

For resin and acrylic beads like you see in Zoe Bonbon- I used a company by the name of Dot.E Design. Nicky has an amazing collection and she also stocks bedrock resins, these beads appear very similar to some of the quite well known businesses around that use resins for jewellery and I know that their creations can cost a FORTUNE, so if you are feeling crafty and would like to whip up a marvelous creation similar to these talented people, head on over to Dot.E (if you have an ABN, her prices are even better!!)...

The above beads are available through Dot.E Design

For those of you looking to start a business, I found a little business in Bali, which is another place I ended up getting my beads from, he made them to my specifications and the prices were RIDICULOUS. I think I got 20 strands of resin beads for $3.00. Then I asked him if he would make me some vases and bowls in resin- and he did, for 1 he charged $20.00 for 20 of them all he wanted was $100.00! Can you believe this? If you are looking to go into business and would like his contact details, please let me know...

In my never ending hunt for the perfect beads, I got it into my head that I needed a candy striped bead, I hunted high and low for what seemed like an eternity- then I found two sources with EXCELLENT service (shipping was expensive- but worth it!). Panda Hall and Fire Mountain Gems. I mostly used acrylics, as I was designing my necklaces for children, but they have a plethora of beads and findings, so the world is your beading oyster.....

And in the interest of "keeping it real" I leave you with this image...these baskets of lovely used to be housed in beautiful glass containers in colour co-ordination (those who know me, will understand my need for order..), however this is what happens when you bead with children. My son would "help" by tipping them all over the floor and making necklaces too- so I gave up on my need of order and put them away out of site out of mind...for now!

A tissue, A tissue........

2010-05-12T21:24:00.000-07:00

Well it has been a while between posts and I thought I would share with you a few DIY tips with tissue to create some heavenly balls of puff and the numerous ways in which you can decorate with them...

Images courtesy of Alannah Rose, The TomKat Studio, Hello Naomi, Scissors Paper Cake, The Party Studio, PomLove, Martha Stewart, Save the Date for Cupcakes.

Martha Stewart created these tissue pom poms, you can by them in a kit, or you can DIY. Martha Stewart has step by step instructions to create these beautiful creations. They are quite easy to create, you just need to have soft hands and gently pry each layer apart to give it that full effect. Otherwise you can purchase them pre made from PomLove over at Etsy. Whether they are hung from the roof, attached to some Willow, or strung like a bunting, I think they are magnificent.........

Pinwheels & Pearls

2010-05-09T05:24:00.000-07:00

Party created by The City Cradle
Just a little something I am loving right now! A very Kate Spade inspired party titled "Pinwheels & Pearls"- love everything about this party and you too can recreate this look!

If you are not into the details, you can simply purchase some amazing Pinwheels here or even some fabulous little cupcake topper pinwheels here OR DIY here...

Not to forget the little men in our lives, here is a different take on a pinwheel party...

Party by Sharnel Dollar of My Life- My Loves

Around the house....

2010-05-05T15:41:00.000-07:00

Image Courtesy of Amy Atlas

Image Courtesy of The Ivory Social

Image Courtesy of The Ivory Social

Today- please excuse my poor excuse for photography- I thought I would show you how to achieve cake plates and stands using items from around your house and how you do not have to go and buy that $80 apothecary jar to achieve something amazing (although granted I have bought many an apothecary jar!!)

In my display of photos I have mostly used candle stands that I have purchased from $2 shops and homewares shops. The mirrored cake stand would look magnificent with little ruffle cupcakes. This was achieved using table centrepiece mirrors- total cost of $10.00 and two candle sticks which were $3.50each- I seen something similar for approximately $240, which equals BIG SAVINGS and easily achievable results. Similarly the jars would make wonderful lolly jars at children's birthday parties- these were purchased for a grand total of $5.50 (for both of them!!). Again bought at a local homewares, gift shop- you know the sort, the cheap ones!

I have included two dessert tables I made, one for Easter- which is where you will see many a candle stand being used, and the other was a party that a good friend let me run wild with and majorly get my girl on for her daughter Charlie. Boxes were covered in wrapping paper from Details Details- very well priced! If you require larger rolls for bigger jobs- like using it as a 'table cloth' for children's parties- try Wrapco, and my cake plates in the front were cardboard covered in tissue paper- used as a colour accent to the table!

The big bulky black candlesticks (bought from a local homewares store) will look incredible with matt black platters on them- I am still looking for the plates but I may end up spraypainting the bottom of an interesting glass platter in a matt black- it works without chipping the paint- voila custom cake stand! Look closely at the Amy Atlas picture I have included- recognise the cake stands???
She has used compote dishes, bowls, cake plates and the candle sticks that I have now acquired- joy joy joy!

The big black urn was bought on sale at Target- I am going to take the lid off this and put phalenopsis orchids in it to cascade down the urns body- another option for this is to add a platter to the top of it (of course remove the lid) and you have a very amazing looking stand. Add your ribbons, accents and signs to it and you would be amazed at just how crafty you can be...

Rainbow Brite...

2010-05-03T18:43:00.000-07:00

A flurry of rainbow parties have descended upon us. I am in love with the ruffle table skirt that the girls over at Details Details have created, and will definitely try and make a rainbow cake- all details are via their blog- hip hip hooray.

I am also very much in love with the DIY hanging mobile that has been created by Oh Happy Day. She has included a step by step on how to create this masterpiece- another thing I must try.

The little cake topper is divine, I am not too sure who featured this- but if you know, please let me know so I can credit. It does look like the toppers made by Lollipop Workshop over at Etsy.

Onto another day dreaming of the parties and creations I would love to make- oh no wait, I have an order of 50 headbands to make- back to reality xo

On a different note...

2010-05-03T04:49:00.000-07:00

I have many a passions in life- interior design and styling is a huge front runner.

My stand out people in this field are Sarah Richardson,Kelly Wearstler, Jonathan Adler, and a little homegrown Anna Spiro from Black + Spiro.

In this post I will be talking Sarah Richardson- and her design side kick Tommy Smyth (he is absolutely hysterical and equally as amazing). Sarah Richardson designs interiors which make you feel like you are entering a room and it is giving you a big warm hug. I am embarking on having some custom designed furniture made in some delicious Mokum Textiles and Sarah Richardson will be heavily influencing my design aesthetic.

Pictures attached judge for yourself...I am in love!

You don't need to be Masterchef for these ideas...but they may take practice...

2010-05-02T20:51:00.000-07:00

Image courtesy of Bakerella

Image courtesy of Bakerella

Image courtesy of unknown

Image courtesy of Amy Atlas

Sometimes you have an aahhh haaaa moment where you think- why did I not think of that- so simple! Cakeballs and Cake Pops are just that and the queen of cakeballs and cakepops is Bakerella!

Cakeballs are very easy to make- I ALWAYS make them for parties- you don't have to put them on a pop- you can put them into pretty wrappers, cupcake cups- whatever takes your fancy and suits your theme. Soon I will show you all how to make cupcake wrappers- it is so very easy and you can then theme your party yourself without paying a fortune for it. But for now, back to the balls- I have found that trial and error is the only way you learn- to make the ball, you really only need a binding agent- so creme cheese (like Philadelphia) or even the Betty Crocker frosting is great- if any of it makes it into the mix. Roll the balls- I insert the sticks here and put them in a tray into the freezer. After about 15 minutes I pull them out and melt the chocolate- the best way to melt chocolate is to use the double boiler method- get the water boiling, turn off the stove and then put the chocolate in- if you are using white chocolate and are going to colour it, you need to use a powder colour- again available through Spotlight. If you find your chocolate a little too thick, add some copha to it, you may need to dip twice and then decorate and voila- a delicious cake on a pop.

Image courtesy of Amy Atlas

Another super way of personalising your party is to create your own lollybags- you simply purchase clear cellophane bags from Spotlight, then get some pretty paper and you can use double sided tape or stapler- the control freak in me is screaming at you all to use the tape...

There are many other cost effective ways of upping the ante in party stakes- purchase a pack of furry friends (this is a chocolate bar available in Australia to all of my non-Aussie friends), wrap them in foil and some beautiful paper and you have personalised chocolates- another favourite party favour of mine, or marshmallows dipped in chocolate with sprinkles- like the bottom picture- these marshmallows are on rockcandy sticks (I will tell you where to get those at a later stage), two up, dipped in white chocolate with white sprinkles and look how expensive it looks.

Image courtesy of Amy Atlas

Image courtesy of Amy Atlas

Anyway, enough for now as I could go on forever about all of this..my posts are very long!

Have a great day and thank you to the people who are supporting this blog, and for all of your positive feedback- I LOVE RECEIVING IT (Big cheesy grin)...

Birthday Planning....

2010-05-02T04:02:00.000-07:00

I am in party planning mode and August is a HUGE month for our household. I am helping a dear friend co-ordinate her birthday, plus there is my birthday, and it will be my sons 4th birthday also (the details of his party will follow on another post).

Whilst I will not reveal my friends birthday details- until after the fact, I am more than happy to divulge the details of what will be waiting for my very dear friends for my birthday.

We will be having a wonderful "Beauty Bar"- head on over to Nonpareil Magazine to see the details and FREE downloadable templates and recipes for the products. Now if you dont have time to mix the lotions and potions- my go to place is New Directions. It is where you will find the bases for lotions, lipglosses, mineral powders, sunscreen, shampoos- pretty much any beauty necessity you can think of is here and they also have the recipe mixes too. They also have the packaging which you can dazzle up either with your own design or Nonpareil Magazines downloadable templates.

The second part of my soiree will be a little tea party- if only the fabulous Jessica Claire could put something together for me- like she does for her students.
Don't you absolutely love the "hot air balloons"- images via Jessica Claire for Style Me Pretty.

So these images will go towards creating my mood board- are you getting a feel for what the party will be like- VERY GIRLY! Head on over to nonpareil magazine- it is a wonderful read- so inspiring and the downloadable templates are heaven!

Am I inspiring you to have a party? Has the obsession caught on yet?

Now where are my chandeliers....

The Devine Miss A...

2010-05-01T15:01:00.000-07:00

Second post and I thought it should be about one of my all time favourite people, Amy Atlas. Amy Atlas has revolutionised the dessert world- her displays are a work of art which has started a worldwide phenomenon.
Everyone is doing dessert/ candy/ lolly buffets- be it weddings, birthdays or just because (I fall into the just because category- because I just love to throw or host anything of any occasion)!
Over the next few days I will be showing you how ANYTHING can be turned into a vessel or cake plate (another obsession my poor husband) and where to get apothecary jars and many of the other items required for a lolly buffet...stay tuned

Note- in the aqua picture the vessels used are by Rosanna Inc- they are available in Australia through Villa Mondo.

Here goes nothing...

2010-04-29T21:09:00.001-07:00

Where to start....

I have thought about doing a blog for quite some time, it is a whole new world!!
The Ivory Social will be a place for my loves (pretty much anything beautiful), my inspirations (again pretty much anything beautiful) and my obsessions (PRETTY MUCH EVERYTHING)...

I am still learning how to use this blog, so as time goes on it will become more "prettier"-however in the mean time- BEAR WITH ME PLEASE...

A little bit about me- I had my first son Tyler 3 years and 8 months ago and went from the very full on corporate world to nappies, feeding, and changing- oh and the delightful reflux he suffered from. It was around this time that I created Pink Theodore- a very girly place, never in my wildest dreams did I think the need for bows was so great. I thought it would be a nice little hobby- SO WRONG- fast forward 3 years and 2 months and I was due to give birth to my second child- Samuel, and was up until 2 most mornings doing bow orders. Now here we are six months later and I have temporarily closed the on line store so as I could concentrate on being a mum and seing if anything else sparked my interest. Well true to my style- EVERYTHING has sparked my interest and so here we are today, commencing a blog- a place where I will share with you all of my Pink Theodore know how, where to get the products from at the best price and anything else that comes along...

I hope you enjoy The Ivory Social journey....