THE COLLECTIVE STORE...WOO HOO!!

Just a quick note to let you all know that Monkey & Mum is now stocked in its first store! Harry and I went out on Tuesday to set up and meet the lovely Leonie.

For anyone who has not had the pleasure to visit Leonie's store, it is gorgeous. One month new, the store is simple, stylish, and very chic - I feel honoured to be a part of it.

You can see some of my pieces available in store here - the ones listed as For Sale At The Collective Store.

Below are some of my newer items which can also be found in the stunningly beautiful and classy The Collective Store... is that enough of a plug?! No seriously, it is lovely.

SOME OF THE NEW PIECES AVAILABLE FOR SALE IN STORE

BLIND FAITH FEELS GOOD

As if looking after Harry was not work enough, I blindly chose to embark on a business venture.

Traipsing off to markets every weekend at the crack of dawn; carting around tables, chairs, and a handmade display head called Fred; constantly trying to better my display, my products, my approach.

Sleepless nights sewing, sleepless days changing nappies. Too many markets. So little progress.

It is no surprise that my optimism and enthusiasm began to wane... until today!

Good luck comes in threes – a cliché thought perhaps, but one that I am happy to entertain.

1. Monkey & Mum were accepted into their first store today – The Collective Store at Wynnum

2. Monkey & Mum were commissioned to make another jewellery piece for one lucky lady

3. Monkey & Mum were accepted as a member of The BrisStyle Team

Thank you The Collective Store, thank you BrisStyle, and thank you lucky lady.

To all those who have supported my venture so far, thank you! I have a sneaking suspicion that this is the beginning of something special.

Tess Xx

www.monkeyandmum.etsy.com

WHAT?! NEW PRODUCT LINE...

The silly season draws near, and so do the markets I eagerly booked in anticipation.

As the markets rear their expectant heads, mine delves deeper into my mountain of new and up-cycled fabrics that would make the fussiest fashion connoisseur squirm with envy.

I have silks and vintage upholsteries, quirky and original cotton prints, and even some pieces of original Missoni!

So busy creating, I have barely had a chance to capture my creations.

Whilst my site may be dry of new photos, please allow me to wet your lips with these tantalising glimpses from my newest product line.

...bunting!

The perfect simple addition to brighten up a child's room or birthday party, my bunting creations are unique and very pretty. They are all hand stitched and made from natural fibres, and each one is a little piece of art - I guarantee that no one else will be hanging flags like yours! I will even be creating some pretty pieces for us mums out there.

Please come and see my new creations at one of my upcoming Monkey & Mum market stalls. For those of you who just want to stick to the jewellery, I promise there will be plenty of new jewellery pieces available too!

My next market stall is:

The Handmade Expo Market

Sat November 20^th

8am – 2pm

Ipswich Turf Club

Monkey & Mum will also be visiting the Valley Laneway Markets in the next month (stay tuned for details) and The Handmade Expo again in December.

Thank you!

Tess Xx www.monkeyandmum.etsy.com

HERE COMES SUMMER, AND SHE IS HOT

The big beautiful blooming flowers of spring have carried over into my jewellery, as I seem drawn of late to making big bold pieces.

But with the summer heat already peaking in at us from around the corner, I find myself leaning towards soft light weight whispy pieces.

Pictured here is one design I played around with, and road tested myself. I found it so comfortable in the heat of the day as I couldn't feel it around my neck, the response from fellow mums was very positive, and Harry gave a big bubs thumbs up to the interesting textures too!

These simple styles are perfect teamed with a plain tee and a pair of shorts this summer. I am planning on getting some designs done this week, so keep an eye out on the website as they become available.

If you have any colour or fabric suggestions for me, please email them to monkeyandmum@live.com.au - there is no pressure or commitment to buy, I would just love your input.

Thank you!
Tess Xx www.monkeyandmum.etsy.com

FIRST MARKET STALL...TOMORROW!
Come one, come all.

Monkey & Mum are having their first market stall tomorrow at the Little Feet Baby Market at Hillcrest, QLD, and have been busy busy busy creating fabulous pieces.

Have a look at some of the available pieces on the facebook page.

Hope to see you all there!!

Tess Xx www.monkeyandmum.etsy.com

TWO WORDS: LISMORE AND JAPAN
Two words: Lismore and Japan.

I have both to thank for all the awesome fabrics and prints that are currently in my possession.

A recent trip to Lismore saw me scavenging through all the local op shops - they always have the best finds; visiting the local knick knack shops - special mention to Judy Mason from Pulling Threads in South Lismore who has the most spectacular collection of unusual and interesting fabrics; and raiding my mum's cupboards... thanks mum!

So that explains Lismore, but what about Japan?

Wish I could say that I had just ducked over there for a holiday, but sadly no. Instead I have a generous friend whose folks recently came for a visit and brought with them a collection of Japanese cottons with traditional prints... thank you Erica's parents!

I am eager to get in and make some magic happen with these fabrics...just need the little guy to permit me :)

Keep your eyes on the website. I am hoping to have a few designs up within the week, and if any of you are particularly taken by any of the fabrics shown, please drop me a line - I'd love to create a personalised piece just for you (most personalised pieces cost between $20 - $30).

Tess Xx www.monkeyandmum.etsy.com

MY FIRST SALE. MY FIRST BLOG.

I recently embarked on the entrepreneurial endeavour of my own business Monkey & Mum, but today marked the magnificent moment when my hard work and dreams procured a tangible result: my first sale!

Although this piece was purchased by my best friend - bless her cotton socks - the $20 figure that flashed up on my account balance today filled me with a sense of pride and success that no paid work has ever given me before.

Monkey & Mum is a line of jewellery which I designed for mothers - an idea that came about around the same time my little Harry did.

After Harry was born, attempts to wear my much loved jewellery often resulted in bead indentations in my chest from an all too snugly bubba, and a floor full of stray beads. I decided something had to be done!

I began creating necklaces and bracelets from new and pre-loved natural materials. The result is soft light weight pieces that entice babies with their interesting textures; washable pieces which are a good perk when your baby drools and dribbles as much as mine; and affordable and fashionable pieces that help add a bit of zing to the traditionally daggy attire of a new mum.

The bracelets are great for remembering which side your little monkey fed off last, and the necklaces help to keep inquisitive babies focused during breast feeds or supermarket trips.

Long story short: Monkey & Mum is jewellery worn by mothers, and enjoyed by their little monkeys.

Please stay tuned for new fabric finds, inspirations, and jewellery creations.

You can check out all the jewellery online at www.monkeyandmum.etsy.com

Tess Xx