Stunning creations from Caroline Mitchell

Whilst on my trip to the Reed Gift Fair in Brisbane earlier this month I met Melissa from Caroline Mitchell, a New Zealand company named after the founder and creative spirit who sadly passed away.

Melissa was showcasing the new range of exquisite hanging decorations exclusive to Caroline Mitchell and all were eye catching to say the least. The range includes Australian native flora and fauna as well as some more traditional icons such as the Aussie flag and the Sydney Opera house.

Each handmade animal and flower almost comes to life with intricate detailing consisting of stitches of metal threads and embroidery, sequins and beads and to chose the one I liked the best is impossible.

So what do you use them for? Only lack of imagination will find you short of ideas, but some of the suggestions include the obvious such as using them as decorations on Christmas trees, include them in the wrapping of a gift instead of a bow, hang from doorknobs or dresser drawers, or tie one around the neck of a bottle for a stunning presentation.

According to Melissa they are like "Earrings for the home". Wherever you use them they are sure to be noticed!

This festive season I plan to carry a selection of Caroline Mitchell’s beautiful creations at Hamperific. For more information, drop me a line at Hamperific.

Making broken bones a little less painful...

My philosophy for Hamperific is to sell things that I like and that I have tested personally. There was one gift basket that has been in my planning stages but not yet ready for sale that I didn't really want to test - the Broken Bones pack.

I know I promised a post on the trends for 2009 from the Reed Gift Fair, but unfortunately due to an accident at soccer (last week) I have had to take it easy from work - mainly because it is tiring typing one handed!

So at the moment I am now trialling first hand the products I was planning to include in my Broken Bones pack: a decorative cast cover from Busted Bling and a waterproof cast cover from Limbo!

Both of these products are fantastic and I can highly recommend them. I selected the zebra skin for my decorative cast cover, but there are many different colours available. Busted Bling was the brain child of Peta Ware who is from Townsville and I am happy to be her Mackay stockist.

Limbo is a fantastic company in Cairns run by Gretchen. The waterproof cast covers are an absolute must for showering and, believe it or not, taking a dip in the pool! Manufactured in Great Britain, they are a real lifesaver and great for the environment - no more Gladwrap!

So what is in the Broken Bones package I hear you ask. Well, it has to include a Busted Bling cast cover and a Limbo. Then there will be a gift voucher from Video Ezy (or Blockbuster) and some snacks to get through the movie fest! Cost will vary depending on the break - an arm, leg, wrist etc, but this will surely bring a smile to your recipient's face as a unique gift.

For more information, contact me at Hamperific!

Have a great weekend,

Kirsty

Reed Gift Fair here I come!

Just thought I would let you know that tomorrow I am off to check out the Reed Gift Fair in Brisbane. Ok, truth be know I am as excited as a kitty in a fish market to be checking out all the latest trends in gifts and gift giving!

I am ducking down for the day only, so will be beack late tomorrow evening with a head full of sensational new gifts, ready for Father's Day and of course Christmas.

Watch this space for some of the gorgeous new things soon to be available through Hamperific!

Have a great weekend!