The Janelle Wind Collection

More surprises...

When I collected my mail from the Post Office this morning I was very surprised to be handed a large cylinder. I couldn't recall ordering anything that would require being posted in a cylinder. I had my boy with me and he had a look of excitement on his face, which intrigued me even more.

We headed home and the kids excitedly handed the cylinder to me, saying Happy Christmas with big smiles on their faces. I couldn't believe that the Christmas surprises were still happening. I couldn't believe my eyes when I opened this present at what was inside.

My beautiful children had secretly accessed my Instagram from my iphone and had a LARGE poster printed with a huge selection of Instagram photos taken throughout last year. I couldn't believe it. Emily had even spent her own money to have this printed as a present for her father and I - we were so very touched. I absolutely LOVED it and quickly found somewhere to display it in our home.

I decided to hang it in our hallway so that each time we walk past we can stop, look and remember some special times from 2011. It hangs opposite my canvases etc that were gifted to me from Mardi. You can read more about the other side of our hallway HERE. Our hallway is quickly becoming a favourite part of our home.

Here is a close up of the poster that has almost 300 photos on it - each of them holding a memory and a special place in our hearts. We all love it and I still can't believe that my kiddies organised this all by themselves. I feel very blessed.

So that I can share more details about this poster with you, I asked Emily where she had it printed and she was happy to share the details. If you have Instagram and would like to get a poster, some prints or even mini books printed, take a look HERE at Prinstagram for all the details. Our poster came beautifully packaged and arrived safe and sound, so I can highly recommend Prinstagram for sure. I love that they will ship worldwide as well.

I just love my poster and know that I will spend many hours standing and looking at it, filling my heart with lots and lots of memories. Thank you Emily and Jasper for spoiling me once again. xx

For additional ideas on how to display Instagram photos in your home, take a look at this blog post by Elsie Larson. She has so many wonderful ideas, it is well worth a read.

NOTE: I am not paid to promote anything on my blog so please know that anything I recommend is something I genuinely want to share with you or believe is worth telling you about.

What WE Wore Wednesday...

I have a very special 'What I wore Wednesday' today. This story starts a few weeks ago when I received a lovely email from one of my blog readers, Kathleen, telling me how much she loves to Op shop too and that she had found something whilst Op shopping that she thought I might like and could she send it to me. I was so honoured that she had thought of me and pretty excited too.

Fast forward to last week when this BIG parcel arrived at my PO Box. Upon opening it, I found three beautifully wrapped presents - one for me and one each for the kids. How exciting!!!!

I excitedly opened my package and was so very thrilled to see what Kathleen had chosen and sent to me. A gorgeous denim vest - that fits me perfectly and that I proudly wore yesterday with one of my favourite dresses.

This is what I wore yesterday...

Dress - Garage sale find (vintage target)

Vest - Op shop gift from Kathleen

Belt - Temt

Boots - ebay

Necklace - gift from a friend

Also in my package was a super comfy and soft brown sleeveless sweater (vest). I had so much fun putting it together with my clothes to make a new outfit too. And again, Kathleen had chosen perfectly, it fit just right and I LOVE it.

This is what I am wearing today...

Cream top - Cotton On (this season)

Brown sweater/vest - Op shop gift from Kathleen

Jeans - Target

Boots - ebay

Necklace - purchased when in South Australia earlier this year

Flower Brooch - gift from Kate

Now, this spoiling was just so amazing that I was floating on a cloud all day - and excitedly waiting for the kids to come home from school so they could open their packages too.

When Emily opened her package she literally gasped - the first thing she pulled out was a vest, that she ADORES and it perfectly her. Then as she pulled more things from her package, her smile was SUPER wide. She loved EVERYTHING and happily did a little photo shoot for me so that I could share the photos with you too.

Vest - Dotti (Op shop gift from Kathleen)

Stripey Top - Pumpkin Patch (Op shop gift from Kathleen)

Skirt - Urban Angel - (Op shop gift from Kathleen)

Tights - Witchery Kids (this season)

Brown Boots - $2 Op shop purchase

Smile - free!

Doesn't she look gorgeous!! We just felt MORE and more spoiled by Kathleen. It was like she stepped into our brains and knew exactly what we love - everything was perfect!! And if the above outfit wasn't enough, she also sent Emily this top as well. Again, it fits perfectly - and the smile says it all.

Crochet headband - gift from neighbour

Purple top - wardrobe piece

New top - Lili Girl - (OP shop gift from Kathleen)

Tights - Witchery Kids (this season)

Shoes - Target (I think)

Black glasses - 3D glasses with lenses removed!

Black cat - Bella Boy

Grey and white cat - Molly

And after ALL this excitement, my gorgeous boy opened his gift as well. His HUGE smile said it all as well - he was beyond thrilled with the TWO tops that Kathleen chose for him. In all honesty, they couldn't have been more perfect. They are exactly his style and size! He happily agreed to a photo shoot too, so long as I took photos of him on his scooter!

Grey striped top - Pumpkin Patch - (Op Shop gift from Kathleen)

Black jeans - Target

Smile - free!!

Striped top - Pumpkin Patch (Op shop gift from Kathleen)

Black jeans - Target

Thongs (flip flops) - Target

So as you can see, Kathleen totally spoiled us with the most amazing Op Shop finds that are perfect for us all. I still can't believe how spoiled we were and feel so honoured to have been spoiled by Kathleen. From the bottom of my heart, thank you Kathleen for taking time out of your busy life (with 4 little kiddies) to think of each of us and totally spoil us. HUGE cyber hugs to you. xxxx

Don't forget to pop over and see the gorgeous outfits Mardi  is wearing this week. She has a list of the lovely girls joining in as well... I have to dash off to work. Back tomorrow with some MORE thriftiness.. xx Janelle

My clever friend...

A few weeks ago this gorgeous parcel arrived in the mail for me. Isn't it just beautiful!!

This is what was inside. A gorgeous pile of knitted goodness for my Blythe dolls.

All of this beautiful knitted goodness was from my lovely friend Sheree Forcier. To say I felt spoiled was an understatement. I couldn't wipe the smile off my face!

It didn't take me long at all to grab my girls for a little try on of these gorgeous clothes. It was a rainy dark day but I managed to snap a few shots.

Bluebird just adores this gorgeous yellow top with matching headband.

Here is Kitty wearing the most gorgeous little green cardigan and matching berret.

Here is a shot of the girls all wearing Sheree's knittied goodness. I just ADORE everything and am so grateful to Sheree for being so generous with me, thank you Sheree. xx

My new girl August wanted to try on some of the knitted goodies when she arrived too, so she had a lovely time wearing the knitted cardigan and berret as well.

A HUGE thank you to Sheree for being SO very generous and kind, I adore everything she spoiled me with. If you would like to see some more of Sheree's clever knitted Blythe goodies, take a look HERE and to see more of Sheree's cleverness too, take a look HERE. She is currently stitching the most stunning version of my 'Orange Blossom' runner too. I can't WAIT to see it... xx Janelle

Last Monday...

was a special day for our little family. It was mine and my husbands birthdays. That's right, we share the same day for our birthday, but not the same year. It is often a little hard for the kids having to spoil Mum and Dad on the same day but this year we did things a little differently.

This year we shopped as a family for hubby and the kids shopped online for me - I gave them a budget and paid for what they chose without asking too many questions. It saved lots of Daddy stressing too might add!

We woke bright and early on the morning of our birthday to 2 excited kiddies. They were SO very excited about the present they had chosen for me. Emily had worked very hard and thanks to the help of some lovely ladies she chose and purchased a new blythe doll for me. Here she is, isn't she pretty...

For those interested in Blythe dolls, she is a Prima Dolly Saffy and was adopted from a lovely collector in Victoria (I love adopting second hand girls). After much thought, we decided to call her August. I think it is perfect since that is when she was given to me and it suits her too. I am so proud of my kids for being so thoughtful and thinking of me. I adore my new girl too. Now my little blythe family has grown to four.

I was also spoiled with some other lovely gifts from family and friends. The lovely Hailey (Mum to my favourite artist Zali) sent this beautifully packaged gift to me when the family recently visited us.

Inside was the most beautiful card and brooch, handmade in Peru. I just LOVE it and have worn it many times since my birthday too. HUGE thank you's to Hailey and her family for spoiling me.

I spent the rest of my birthday at home on my own working and thoroughly enjoying reading all of the birthday messages that came through facebook and twitter throughout the day. Those messages were a real highlight to me, it was so lovely to be thought of by so many friendson my special day.

We ended our birthday by enjoying a lovely baked dinner and a roast that I cooked especially for hubby as it is his favourite.

The next day I made myself a cake and the kids enjoyed singing happy birthday to me - it is fun to stretch birthday's just that little  bit longer don't you think.

Thanks for letting me share my day with you. It was my last birthday before a BIG one, so I am hoping this last year of my 30's goes VERY slowly... xx Janelle

Edited to Add: I forgot to share a photo of one VERY important gift that was  made for me. For about 3 days leading up to my birthday, Emily set up her sewing machine in her room and wouldn't let me in to see what she was working on.

On my birthday she proudly presented me with a little dolly quilt that she made for me, all by herself. I am bursting with pride that she would spend her spare time making this for me and I just LOVE it. Thank you Emily for spoiling me xx

Feeling very spoiled...

A few days after arriving home from our holiday, a mysterious parcel arrived in the mail. I wasn't expecting anything so turned it over to see who it was from. On the line where the senders name usually is was a smiley face and then a Tasmanian address. I was VERY intrigued and couldn't wait to open it and see what it was.

Inside the box was this beautifully wrapped present.

I quickly turned over the card to see who this beautiful gift was from, and this is what it said.

That beautiful card was gift enough in itself, however I kept going and opened this present to reveal the most beautiful necklace.

As soon as I saw this necklace I knew exactly who it was from. During the Inspired Stitches retreat I had noticed two beautiful girls wearing these necklaces, we chatted about them and they even gave me details where I could get one for me, because I loved it so much. Little did I know that they would spoil me and have one made and sent to me as the most beautiful surprise.

Here are the two beautiful girls who spoiled me - Meredith (left of me) and Georgette (on my right).

If you look closely you can see both girls wearing their necklaces too. Don't they look gorgeous!!

I want to say a HUGE thank you to Georgette and Meredith for being such beautiful friends and spoiling me with such a perfect gift for me. I have already worn my necklace and I just LOVE it. From the bottom of my heart, thank you xx

If you would like to see where this beautiful necklace comes from, take a look at Greentree's Made It store - here.

Thank you girls for making me feel so special xx Janelle

A Special little gift...

Yesterday my girl surprised me with a very special little gift. Can you spot it in the photo below?

She made me my very own mini 'Pieces of Me'. Isn't it just the cutest thing!! My Blythe's took turns in reading it today - they loved it!

It is a must have read for any Blythe doll I think...

Emily is having a giveaway on her blog for some other miniature magazines that she has made for Blythe dolls. If you would like to read all about it, head on over to Emily's blog. If you happen to win and you whisper sweetly in her ear, I am sure Emily would include a mini copy of 'Pieces of Me' for you too.

Do you notice the pretty read haired girl in my photos? I will tell you all about her soon... Hope you have a great weekend, it you are looking for me, I will be busily stitching. SO much to do... x Janelle

Today was a happy mail day...

Today was a VERY happy mail day!! I was very surprised when I went to collect my mail this morning to find that there were three parcels for us. AND two of them were for me - which is rare as more often than not, the parcels are for Emily from her pen friends.

I raced home, super eager to open them - and was wowing ALL day about what was inside. Today I will tell you about one of the parcels. This one came all the way from America.

You see, several months ago I popped my name into a swap that was run through flickr in a group called the Modern Blythe Lovers. Usually the swaps we do are for Emily but this group is designed for grown ups who collect Blythe dolls (and let me tell you there are LOTS of adults who collect), so it was my very first time being in a swap.

As part of the swap, we were asked to make up a mosaic of things we like, so that our swap partner would get an idea of our tastes, colours and things we might like to receive. Here is the mosaic I added to the group.

Once we had all posted our mosaics, the organisers paired people together and sent us the information all about our swap partner. We each sent to someone different so the person I am sending to is not the person who sent to me (hope that isn't too confusing).

Fast forward to today - one of the parcels was from my swap partner who turned out to be Kirsten Ott of Three Dancing Magpies, who was also one of the organisers. My goodness me, words cannot describe how amazed and excited I was at all of the amazing things Kirsten had chosen and sent to me. It was like she popped into my brain and learnt exactly what I like. Honestly, I could not have been any happier if I tried.

So if you don't mind me sharing some more photos, I really wanted to show you all of the things Kirsten sent to me. Oh and I wanted to add that the requirements of the swap were to send three things so she has totally spoiled me! Here goes...

Here is a group shot of everything that arrived (not including a few things like my dolls, shoes, dress and polka dot box, they are mine already).

As I opened everything, I was  just so amazed at how much effort Kirsten had gone to in sourcing the things I liked off my mosaic. I never ever dreamed anyone would go to that much trouble for me. Look at this red coat, oh my goodness, I LOVE it. Kirsten wrote in her note that she couldn't find it in yellow as per my mosaic which is totally fine because I LOVE red.

Next in the parcel was the AMAZING blythe deer pixie hat made by Maidensuit - especially for me. Kirsten was a little disappointed to see that I had purchased one of these for myself just recently but I am SUPER excited because now both of my girls can have one each!

Also inside this amazing parcel was a stunning pair of Blythe glasses (glasses were from here) and the most gorgeous little white cardigan. Both things I have really wanted for my girls for ages.

Kirsten also spoiled me with a super cute little red tea set and handmade tablecloth to match - LOVE LOVE LOVE!!

And there were also two pair of gorgeous stripey socks AND a lovely red pair of Mary Jane shoes. Again - I adore them all.

There were also some gorgeous little decorations for when I have my own dolls house and also my first ever Rement - specially made doll accesories. Mine came in a cute little box and was a picnic basket with matching drinking glasses - all featuring woodland animals on them. SUPER cute.

My girls are VERY happy with all of their new goodies too...

Now, after looking at all of these amazing gifts, you must be thinking - what more could there be. Well Kirsten went over and beyond any of my wildest dreams and also sent both Emily and Jasper some gifts each too. I haven't photographed their gifts yet but I am sure Emily will be blogging about them soon too. They are all amazing as well. We do feel truly blessed.

I must confess that I haven't quite got as many amazing goodies for my swap partner but I do hope that my partner (who will remain nameless for now as she hasn't received her goodies yet) loves what I have made for her too.

A HUGE thank you x 1000 goes to Kirsten for being so so generous and totally spoiling me with ALL of these amazing and personal gifts, just for me. Thank you thank you thank you xx Janelle

Feeling very blessed...

This week has been filled with some lovely unexpected blessings. It started with a facebook status update that I posted late last week. I was just sharing with my friends that I was in need of some cute winter clothes and was asking for some suggestions of good shops to visit etc. Well long story short, a few lovely people contacted me and on Monday a beautiful care package arrived from Emma at Ballarat Patchwork. Being the same size as me, Emma had a few pieces she wanted to share with me. To say I was blown away is an understatement.

As I opened the package on Monday, each piece that Emma sent was perfect for me - I just loved them all and was so super excited. All from asking for some suggestions on facebook. Aren't friends just the greatest. Thank you SO much Emma for your kindness and generosity. I am so so grateful.

Emma asked to see some photos of me in my new clothes, so as I wear them I will be sharing them with her. Yesterday I wore a gorgeous dress that she gave me, I just love it so much - and I thought you might like to see it too.

This dress is all lace, so my lovely Mum gave me a vintage petticoat to wear underneath that belonged to a Great Aunty of mine. I felt very vintagy in my new dress and vintage petticoat.

AND then to top off an already fantastic start to my week, I had some great finds at the Op (thrift) shop this week too. I don't have photos of everything but I thought you might like to see a few of the special things I found.

On Monday I found a great jacket from Country Road, a novel to read (for 50c), some cute blue shoes for me, some Mary Jane shoes and tights for Emily (that she LOVES) and a vintage sheet set. Here are some pics.

(Emily took this photo of herself wearing her new shoes and socks she was given by a family friend)

Don't you just ADORE the vintageness of these sheets. I took this photo with my phone of them hanging on my washing line. Oh how I wish this were wallpaper as well!

I was so super excited about my week already that I didn't think it could get any better - but it kinda did. On Wednesday, I headed back to the Op shop, not expecting to find anything and I bumped into the lovely Lisa Pate. She quickly told me of a coat that she saw in the clothing section, that it was gorgeous but too long for her. We hurried to see if it was still there - and it was! Oh my goodness, how excited was I when I tried it on and it fit perfectly.

This beautiful jacket was from Cue (so would have been super expensive new), in perfect condition, fully lined AND $8. What a bargain. My lovely hubby said it was very 'Kate Middleton', so when I wear it I hope I feel very royal LOL. Here it is, what do you think?

While at the Op shop I also found a few skirts that will be great wardrobe pieces for Winter and a cute cream cardigan.

It really was a great week!! I couldn't be happier with all of the goodies that I found this week, plus my care package from Emma - I really honestly do feel very very blessed. I hope you didn't mind my little show and tell from my week. I hope your week has been touched by a little blessing somehow too. xx Janelle

Dudley and Grace...

Just over a week ago, a parcel arrived in my box. It was a total surprise as I wasn't expecting anything! I turned it over and was even more surprised when I saw it was from my bestie, Mardi.

Inside the package was this gorgeously wrapped present. It isn't even my birthday so I was feeling SUPER spoiled!

Mardi had also made me a beautiful card, I was feeling even MORE spoiled by now and super excited to open it and see what was inside.

I excitedly opened up my beautiful present and gasped when I saw what was inside. My beautiful friend had TOTALLY spoiled me. Inside was a beautifully handmade journal cover - made in Mardi style with a gorgeous blend of vintage and new fabrics in a way that I adore. Anyone who knows me knows that I LOVE journal covers, so this is super special to me.

Also in the package was a GORGEOUS owl, again, handmade by Mardi for me. Isn't she just the cutest!!

Also pictured is a beautiful bracelet that Mardi sent me as well, made with vintage beads etc. I adore it too!!!

I have to tell you that I carried these special goodies with me everywhere for days. It isn't very often that someone makes something for me, and to be made in Mardi style makes them even more special. I showed my ladies in my classes, my family - anyone I could because I love them so much. Thank you thank you thank you Mardi for spoiling me xxxxx

Now, you might be wondering what my blog title has to do with my present from Mardi. This is where it gets even MORE exciting. After a tiny bit of encouragement, Mardi has opened her very own etsy store - YIPEE!!!! Now you all have a chance to own a little piece of Mardi's gorgeous handwork too.

Mardi's store is called 'Dudley and Grace' and is full of gorgeous goodies made by Mardi. You can visit her store and take a look HERE. Be quick as I am sure her goodies will sell super fast too! Everything is made with a gorgeous mix of vintage and new fabrics and stitched in Mardi's style too. I just love them ALL and am sure you will too. x Janelle

More gifts...

I wanted to share another gift that I made for a special friend for Christmas. This one was for the beautiful Mel Goodsell. Our girls are wonderful penpal friends who wish daily that they lived closer together - to quote Anne of Green Gables, they are 'Kindred Spirits'. And through our girls, Mel and I have grown our friendship too.

So I wanted to make something special for Mel for Christmas and decided upon a journal cover. For this one, I chose lots of fabrics that I loved and stitched them together to make an original cover, just for Mel.

I also wanted to continue my 'tree brooch' giving, so made a special one for Mel in autumn colours to match her journal cover and popped it on the front of your journal.

And inside I popped a plain journal, ready for Mel to use for anything she likes.

And here is a little pic of the back, cause I just love these colours.

A VERY big thank you to Mel for your friendship and for your gorgeous girl Bella who has made Emily SUPER happy this year by sharing things that they love. Thank you xx

I wanted to do a little something special for Mel's gorgeous girl Bella for Christmas, so popped a little extra something in my package for Bella too. I designed and made this little outfit for Bella's Blythe dolls.

 

Bella blogged about her outfit HERE - I love that she loves it too. And we feel VERY special that Bella named her new Blythe doll after Emily-Jane (my girl) too.

Mel has blogged some gorgeous photos she took of her journal HERE - and I know Mel has great plans to use her journal in 2011 too. I am so thrilled you love it Mel xx

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I hope you are enjoying your last day of 2010 too. I am SUPER excited that we have a brand new year starting tomorrow - a bit like opening the pages of a brand new journal, feeling the plain white, empty pages and getting excited to fill the pages with LOTS of new and exciting things...