Park Eden ♥ Magnet Boards and More!

Pretty Packaging

2011-12-19T12:17:00.000+11:00

Lucky for me this year I managed to get MOST of my Christmas shopping before December! And even better I've already wrapped most of the pressies! I'm usually quite lazy and do everything last minute so it's good not to have to worry this year.

After looking for some inspiration on Pinterest I decided to wrap all my presents in Kraft Paper and added a Paper doily finished off with a hand stamped Tag and Red and white Twine.

What's great about Kraft paper is that it is very forgiving - it doesn't need to look perfect!

Below is a suppliers list if you want to re-create this look yourself.

Stamp It Pad

AUD $4.95
Also available in Black, Silver & Pink

Twist String in a Box

AUD $7.95

Kraft Paper Roll 375mm x 15m

$4.17
Also available in larger sizes

Letters And Numbers Stamp Set

AUD $19.95

Doiley delight small pk12

AUD $4.95
Also available in black

Tag Dags Set 10

AUD $4.95
Also available in Black, Kraft, Pink & Light Blue

For other occasions throughout the year (Not just Christmas) you can use different coloured Twine.

My puppy Pani sneaking into the shot!

I have been MIA this year and only making Magnet boards on an ad-hoc basis.

For you who don't know I am planning my wedding for next year and within the last few months I have left full-time employment to focus on my new business venture next year. I would love to say I will be blogging more regularly beginning next year but that would be a lie!

I am hoping by the the last quarter next year after I come back from our honeymoon my new business will be in full swing and I will be here more often and hopefully guest posting as well. Hopefully though if time permits my new business will launch sooner then later! I have been very secretive of what I will be doing but all I will say is if you love parties then you will love us!

I hope you all have a very Merry Christmas and would love to make this an opporutnity to also thank my partner Joel who has made sacrifices so I can focus on my business this year especially since I have taken the risk of going from full time to working for myself + working part time.

Have a safe and happy new year!

New Beginnings

2011-04-24T17:11:00.002+10:00

{Aqua Bunny Damask Magnet Board}

Today is a fitting day for me to write this post, being Easter - celebrating new life. First of all a massive thank you to Tamara from Tamara Sirl Designs for my gorgeous new blog! The new blog has the new look logo created by my lovely designer Bec from Ruby Ruby designs. Thanks ladies!

You may of noticed I have been a bit quiet lately with Park Eden. This year I've had to take time to assess my life, late last year I became engaged to my long term partner of 9 years (we have been together since we were 15!) and the wedding planning has become a focus for this year.

Working full time has also taken a toll and I've scaled down doing markets completely which was extremely successful for me yet very stressful! I'm a very last minute person and would stay up all night making last minute products for the next morning then having to go to my full time job the next day.

So now I've taken the opportunity to make some goals in my life which include taking Park Eden in a new direction. Park Eden represents me and my family and is inspired by my late Nanna who I think about every day. This blog will remain somewhere where I'll share stories about my life and business insights which will become a main focus of Park Eden but it will also be a stepping stone for launching my new business next year which I am extremely excited and optimistic about.

Given what's been happening in the handmade industry - copy catting I won't be revealing my new business plans but will be sharing my experiences as I learn about small business through my certificate course (as if I need to take on more things!) and hope you will follow me on my journey.

Until next time!

Dear T

2011-02-08T08:04:00.002+11:00

Your brother was amazing Sunday but I bet you knew that! He had a lot of strength to say all those things none of us could say. He reminded me of you.

I wish that I made more of an effort to visit you, you would have shown me around Canberra and that would have taken a whole 2 seconds lol! And I missed you in QLD but you spent that extra time with your Mum so I'm grateful for that.

I always looked up to you, admired you. You ARE exceptionally special. There is something about you I could never place. You made sure everyone felt special, everyone wanted to be friends with you. You went out of your way to be so nice to me when you didn't have to.

I'm happy for you really, love is all you wanted to feel and you would be overwhelmed with the love that's been sent your way.

As painful as this is it's better to have known you. People like you actually exist. And knowing what I do now I'd go through it all again if I had my chance.

See you on the other side gorgeous and I promise to visit you this time.

Will never forget you.

A xox

Speak Now or Forever Hold your Peace

2011-02-06T11:00:00.004+11:00

I wish I didn't have to write this but somehow I feel like it would help. I need to make a conscious decision whether or not to leave out any swearing but shit isn't a swear word right, RIGHT?

Tuesday

As I right this I feel like I am going to throw up, on monday I found out a friend of mine who I worked with (up until last year) passed away. I was in shock, still am I guess but there was a level of mystery around what happened how? Did she have an accident? Was she sick? A million things went through my head but not THIS. The whole day back and forth "Have you heard anything yet?" It wasn't REAL it was but wasn't …I don't know why but unless I knew how it wasn't real. I felt sick all day though but held it together after all it was mum's birthday and I didn't want to upset her especially after what we'd been through last year ( I'll leave that to another time). I even told my manager what had happened but I still didn't KNOW. We talked about how cruel it was someone that had the world ahead of her so vibrant so young (not much older than me..I'm 24) and AMAZING. Staying on topic of depressing things I mentioned how I was reading a fascinating blog by a lady named Lori who's husband recently committed suicide. How ironic.

Wednesday

The phone call. I remember I probably didn't react at first all I initially thought was WTF? I stumbled into A's office (thank you) shut the door and broke down. I don't know what I said but probably "--- killed herself." This…….THIS is how it happened this shit was REAL. f---, this is F-----!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! and then the guilt.

Guilt

There is no right or wrong way to feel I suppose but having someone question why you came into work when "….you KNEW" further instills the guilt inside. I mean SERIOUSLY??? The counsellor (FYI) said you can have different reaction times and even after the initial belief, days moths, years later some can trigger it. A smell, their favourite colour, ANYTHING. I was doing the right thing dealing it with it now.

Luckily most people were supportive. A said that I have every right to feel however I feel and it affects people more than others. But if this is how I feel what about the others? Her parents? Siblings, best friends? I feel bad for feeling this was as shitty as this sounds. As stupid as it sounds. What about the people worked closely with her, on her floor? I dealt with her MOSTLY through email, a couple of floors up. And they were at work full functional and me having to go home. F---.

Regret

I have few regrets in my life. Few I can pinpoint anyway. Number 1 would not catching up with her that time. Which would have been the LAST time or maybe not maybe that's why it feels SO…..SO F----! She'd recently moved to Canberra for work and mentioned I should come stay with her. At the time I was thinking Canberra? I had no plans to ever go and to be honest (no offence) hadn't had rave reviews (You see my sister had been twice for school camping trips and described it has the most boring experience of her life). But then I had the perfect opportunity with the launch of Handmade Living and having my products featured on shop I was sure to have a chance and I was excited!

Then she sent me an email letting me know she was moving to QLD and that was ok, I didn't know if I would have enough money to do a fly in and out when I had other commitments and besides I would be going to QLD shortly. In fact the weekend she moved in! Long story short after texts back and forth it didn't happen. Her mum (bless her) missed her flight and she couldn't leave her. And I just WISH we tried a little harder. And maybe I don't bloody know would it made a difference would I have picked up on anything asked the right questions #$^#$%&^($%^($%@(^@$%#(??????????????????????????????????????????????? Oh my god could I have done anything? Am I stupid bitch to think I could have? Realistically no. But at the back of my mind SHIT you know what FUCK IT. FUCK FUCK FUCK FUCK FUCK. I'm making myself sick over it. i am sick. A weird sick, a different sick …I'm sick all the time (not the healthiest, fittest..constant colds blah blah blah) This is in my gut, a constant…reminder I suppose. A dull headache. But I SHOULD be happy on the other hand she spent those extra few hours with her mum and maybe I should find peace with that.

Suicide is NOT selfish

Despite what anyone thinks suicide is not selfish. It can be the most unselfish thing anyone could ever do…not burdening someone with your own problems. When you are in that state of mind NO ONE is worse off then you. And how would I know? I've been there….I go there. Only few people know. That's why I am not surprised that we didn't know about her. I'm sure people ask how didn't her parents know? Her mother? Mine doesn't or does know now…. I don't know. People are very good at hiding things I should have been an actress I am a drama queen sometimes. You don't think logically (what is that anyway) you can be the smartest person in the world, the richest but there is no end. Something that might NOW seem silly in retrospect can plague you. There's no way out. Things can't, they won't get better.

And the other problem it is TABOO no one talks about it, it's embarrassing, shameful and opens you up to judgment " what do you have to be sad about when other people are………………."

I think the definition of selfishness is when you know what you are going to do is going to hurt people and you do it anyway. I think when you are in that state other people either don't come into the equation OR you think people are better off without you. I think that's the difference.

You don't care

If you judge me then you can kindly get the hell out of my life. And if you think that by reading someone's blog about suicide will cause someone to suicide then you are a troll and don't know what you are talking about. Seriously? What she said. If someone were to do that then there is something deeply wrong with that person in the first place.

I know for a fact that it has helped saved at LEAST one life.

If you know no someone that is suicidal or you are a survivor of someone who has then I recommend reading Lori's blog from the beginning , the beginning of the ever after.

Rest in peace

I hope this helps. This isn't from a husband, a wife, a mother, grandparents, daughter or Son's perspective it's a friend. And we weren't even best friends and this is how affected I am.

In respect for Tony, for my friend and anyone who has taken their life speak now. They didn't but at least now they are now at peace.

The views expressed in this blog do not necessarily reflect the views of my employer.

{Giveaway} Handmade living

2010-12-04T09:00:00.055+11:00

It's finally here! Handmade living has arrived and can't tell you how long I've waited for the whole world to see! For those who don't know handmade living. – a designer collective is a stunning collection of projects and inspirational ideas from some of Australia’s most talented handmade artisans, designers and craftspeople. This gorgeous collective features over 70 projects that will have handmade aficionados everywhere firing up their sewing machines and melting chocolate. Featuring seven sections from homewares to children and food, handmade living. is not only a visual delight, its collection of beautiful projects and articles will suit anyone keen to create something whimsically precious and simply wonderful.

Park Eden has been privileged to be featured amongst Australia's most talented designers and to celebrate the launch TODAY I'm having a little Giveaway so to win a copy + a Park Eden DIY magnet board kit head on over to BabbleOn for your chance to win! Competition closes Friday 10 December. HURRY so you don't miss out!

Market Wrap Up - Fairy Floss Markets Launch October 2010

2010-10-05T12:00:00.061+11:00

On Sunday 3 October Park Eden held a stall at the first ever Fairy Floss Markets! I had an AMAZING day, and was so unbelievably successful. Special thanks to my friend Elise who helped me set up early at 7.30am (and it was daylight savings mind you where we lost an hours sleep!), Carly who helped out with sales (such a natural!) and my sister Lauren who literally saved me from having to pack up all by myself!

I will be updating my online store with stock from the market shortly so stay tuned for that and if you made a custom order keep an eye out in your inbox today!

If you missed this market be sure to visit me at the next Doncaster market Saturday 11 December. Looking forward to all the Christmas custom orders!

Fairy Floss Markets Feature: Tuesday Finds

2010-08-03T18:32:00.001+10:00

Park Eden's Little Golden Book Magnet Board is featured today in Fairy Floss Markets 'Tuesday Treasure'! Buy now or view our other gorgeous items in the BRAND NEW Park Eden online shop!

Market Wrap Up - June 2010

2010-06-28T22:32:00.001+10:00

Yesterday I held my second ever stall at the North Melbourne Market. Time just flew by and before I knew it, it was time to pack up again!

I met 2 lovely ladies: my stall neighbour Jane from Two Layers of Cells and Eleanor from Kick and Screen. Both offered so much valuable advice ...so very helpful!

A big thank you to my lovely customers, my sister Lauren who was my little helper for the day and my parents and brother for dropping by :-)

If you picked up my card or flyer feel free to email me at info@ParkEden.net for any queries on customer ordering.

The next North Melbourne Market will be August 22 and I'll be upstairs this time. See how that works out?! I'll have some exciting new products to add to my collection and hope to see you all there if not before!

What a weekend!

2010-06-15T20:33:00.002+10:00

I've been busy busy busy as per usual! Last weekend Park Eden had yet another photo shoot with images taken by Carly Gill Photography and styling by Elise at Surround Yourself Interior Decoration and design, lots of beautiful shots for the online store (coming soon) and for the above flyer which I will be handing out at the next North Melbourne Market.

This long weekend was great to get an extra day and slowly but surely tick everything off my list! I've put in an order for some flashy new Moo Business cards, picked up some new frames and ordered some gorgeous fabric from the Tula Pink - Hushabye Collection.

Will be VERY busy these next coming weeks preparing for the next North Melbourne Market on the 27th June and hope to launch the online store by then!

Better get moving...

Handmade Living

2010-05-17T18:43:00.003+10:00

I am very excited to announce that I have been given the AMAZING opportunity to be apart of Handmade living!

"handmade living. is a gorgeous new concept book that will showcase a collection of designers who specialise in the unique and timeless quality and style of handmade products."

See! I told you I have been busy ;-)

I've also been approved for the gorgeous calendar!! I am truly blessed to be apart of this and in a way it sort of all just fell together. I'm still in disbelief that this could happen to me so quickly. ME!

In the next coming weeks will be busy making products for the book, photographing (with Carly's help of course!) editing and sending the finals off to the lovely ladies in Canberra!

I will be a very busy bee! Better get moving and will update on the progress.

Photo Shoot

2010-05-17T18:10:00.003+10:00

I promised myself when I started this blog I would regularly update! I know I have been slack but I've been busy I promise ;-) A few Sundays ago my photographer friend Carly and myself did a photo shoot for my first range of magnetic memo boards. The photos look amazing too say the least! Carly did an awesome job she is a natural. Will be using these for my soon to be online store shortly.

Market Wrap Up

2010-04-18T23:09:00.003+10:00

What a week it has been! Last Sunday I held my very first stall at the North Melbourne Market. I had a lot of positive feedback and requests for custom orders which I will officially post information on the website in coming weeks. Thanks for everyone who came to support especially my sister Lauren who was my little helper for the day, my good friend and business partner Carly, my other sister Katie who made a purchase :-) and her friend Carla!

Today I had the first Park Eden Product shoot. The images will be used for the online store and also for promotional materials. The photos were beautifully taken by Carly. I can't wait to see the final result!

View my Flickr Photostream for a sneak peak!

North Melbourne Market - Park Eden Launch

2010-04-10T18:15:00.002+10:00

Tomorrow I will be holding a stall at the North Melbourne Market. Tomorrow will also be the official launch of Park Eden!

Park Eden is a company focused on creating affordable and stylish gifts for little ones. Park Eden has been a few months is the making which has involved everything from making products to creating business cards.

I'm very excited for tomorrow and am looking forward to see what tomorrow brings!