NEW BLOG, NEW WEBSITE, NEW LOCATION AND NEW CONTENT

Join us on our new page www.redelephantcreative.com, and check out our new blog where we will meet the stylists, mix with the suppliers, learn new recipes and tricks of creating the perfect and most memorable event! Look forward to seeing you there!! Nicole

Top Wedding Trends of 2013 - Mint

We have recently had a lot of custom requests for mint flavoured paperware...including garlands, notelets and tags...and why not? According to colourwheelpro.com, the colour green symbolizes growth, harmony, freshness, and fertility: perfect ingredients for a wedding or baby shower.
As such, we recently made and listed in store our mint ombre sweetheart garland and it took off like a rocket, with a treasury within 12 hours on etsy and then this lovely inclusion on the 3D-Memoirs oh so sexy blog...

"10 hot wedding trends for 2013: #1 Mint"

Look to 3D Memoirs as a source of inspiration and ideas related to beautiful and creative event decor for a variety of events, especially DIY events...and for lots of event styling eye candy...

A touch of class in event decor in a place where you would least expect it!

So where is the place that almost always gets overlooked for event decor, but is one place 99% of your guests are certain to visit?
In my former life as a Sydney Event Manager, we came across clever girl Helen who had set up Oh de toilette, stylists for the, well....the washroom....providing a touch of luxury where guests least expect it.  It was my favourite gigs that we used the services of Oh de toilette - for the finer detail enriching the whole experience of attending a very special event...beautiful soaps, towels, perfume and for the very special touch, an attendant, to ensure the nature of the washroom remains equally as luxurious as the party venue itself throughout the entire event.
If you don't have the six star event budget, styling the loo is as simple as some flowers, nice fluffy towels and good quality loo paper....for a unique touch to the tail end, I love this Renova Loo paper - the ultimate in stretching your event decor to the finer detail.

And finally, I can't finish without a plug for our little creations....stylise the bathroom mirror with one of our garlands, the mirrors reflection will love it, as will your guests (and your client) for its the finer detail in the least expected places which gives the most enriching experience...be sure to check out our range in our online stores.

Neon is BACK! A week painted with a touch of Neon..

This week was painted with a little touch of Neon as we worked together with the fun and fabulous Ms Vanessa of Little Pear Events....

Whilst we are not ones to kiss and tell...we will have to share the pics AFTER the birthday party of course....in the meantime I have been all inspired by the palette which decorated the 80s ever since and thought I would share these with you!

The above pictures have been shared from other fabulous sites, if it belongs to you and you want it removed...just ask :)

Big things come in small packages - applauding bespoke, indie, hand-made

This week has been a roller-coaster professionally and personally....hang on...every week seems to be a roller coaster at the moment....and I guess what I am about to say illustrates my point nicely!
A huge step forward for red elephant creative with lots of custom orders, A huge reality check in how exposed my online business really is and two teething children has had me thinking about what goes into a Bespoke enterprise from scratch....
Most of us are building a new creative business from nothing on a 'part time' basis, amongst other professional careers, and some of us also juggling an already deemed 'full-time jobs' as Mums.
The time and dedication which goes (often single handedly) into developing our designs, building our brands, creating, listing on websites and booking and appearing at markets, blogging, tweeting, face booking and networking in general...not to mention the steep learning curve with 'learning the ropes' in many of the areas of marketing, finance and running a business in general,  the hourly investment in chasing our dream is far beyond the reality of a full-time income....
The about turn on the investment is a beautiful sense of support, from people who you have never met in person, who love your creations for their true representation of passion in construction and travel a journey in sisterhood (and brotherhood) with you, shouting from the sidelines a sense of love and support...something I doubt possible without the tool of social media...nothing I have ever experienced in a career in the crazy events world in 15 years.
It has been 9 months red elephant creative since has been established and we have a long way to go before we will be satisfied with what we offer to the world.........its a continual effort in refining the branding, the designs and our message to this beautiful industry. We felt a cold slap this week in the face of Listing Piracy - but the hearts and heads of the industry over-ruled, giving us the strength to continue with our passion in making designs....to make you smile.
So I take this opportunity, by way of this blog to pause and to hold out my hand and congratulate every person who has attempted a journey in this industry...who has shed blood sweat and tears (figuratively speaking) in building a business in Bespoke, Indie, Handmade....because its bloody hard work, and you all deserve a big around of applause.
Thank you for giving me the inspiration.
Nicole xx

Show us your party with our decor and get a discount on your next order....just like this lovely couple did!

Last week we had a lovely email from Eva in Portland, Oregon, who liked our cupcake picks so much, she just HAD to share the photos!!

We think they look great, particularly with the chosen cupcake stand and too good to eat cupcakes!! Eva did an absolutely beautiful job styling this lovely affair....

SO thrilled are we to see our little creations in all their glory, we invite you to share your party piccies including your chosen red elephant creations with us for a 10% discount off your next order!

Loving IndieSpotting....and being in their spotlight this week.

Filled with Handmade inspiration from around the globe, we LOVE IndieSpottings knack for bringing beautiful handmade creations to one place. So you can imagine that when I saw lil' ol' red elephant as a feature piece I was Squeeling with delight and grinning from ear to ear! I KNOW!!!! So exciting....

... check out what all the fuss is about, some clever wordsmithing for the face of red elephant...

http://www.indiespotting.com/shop-showcase/meet-red-elephant-creative/

whilst you are there...make sure you subscribe to the IndieSpotting feed...their selections are always inspirational and certainly make quality window shopping....

My hero in the form of a 2 year old toddler!

The easter bunny took his dummy....it was a scary time - for O was a true devotee to his 'mumma' - addicted one would almost say.
Prepped with lots of counselling prior to the event (and I confess, not a whole lot of practice- his choice) we took the plunge and fished it out of his room in the early hours of Easter Morn.....distracted by Easter eggs....of course!
And so....fuelled by chocolate hangover, the first few hours were tough...tantrums every time he asked, and we reminded him, that the dummy was gone....taken by the bunny in favour of eggs and no back up dummy existed anymore...for he was a big boy now.
The daytime nap came and went (truthfully he wasn't really that good at taking them anymore, the big boy status came with a new routine which didn't need a sleep anymore - much to my disappointment)...so we let it go.
Then the night time routine commenced. We let him have his night bottle in bed, whisking it away before he went to sleep and without a peep, he popped his head down and drifted off to dream land.
We waited, wondering at which point we would hear the familiar cry 'mumma' as he fished around for his dummy in the middle of the night....but he didn't....and before we knew it, it was morning and O was crawling into my bed for morning cuddles, fist full of easter chocolate which he managed to raid from the fridge....it WAS after-all cause for celebration...so for the moment I let it ride, whilst we cheered on the little champ who never ceases to surprise me.....and once again became my hero.

Chandelier Glamour : Get the look, Inspired Decor from real events.

photo: Marco Del Grande 

The theatre is a fabulous place for inspiring theming...in fact, many industry professionals have made the journey from theatre, to event production...and so bring forth LaTraviata, which recently opened on Sydney Harbour....sporting the most amazing and huge chandelier....

photo courtesy of news.com.au

Who doesn't love a glam event?

SO ... Looking to getting the look at your black tie, glamour affair can be as cheap

as Ikea, as easy as your local event hire place and as fun and fabulous as etsy....

buy it...

Kristaller Chandelier by Ikea (requires hard wire electrician)

www.ikea.com.au

Pink Collection Romantic Cottage Pink Chandelier, Shabulous Chandeliers

                        www.shabulouschandeliers.etsy.com

hire it...

Silver Moroccan Chandelier (takes candles), Chair Covers and Candelabra (Sydney)

www.cc-c.com.au

hire it...

Crystal Candelabra, Adelaide Wedding Decor (Adelaide)

http://adelaideweddingdecor.com/

 hire it...

Vintage Candelabra, Wedding World (Perth)

www.weddingworld.com.au

add the detail

scatter your table with crystals...

Swarovski Crystal clear beads

Mrs Pickles Sewing Emporium on etsy

http://www.etsy.com/shop/MrsPicklesSewingEmpo

DIY....Loop strings of crystal beads around a plain votif....
lace it through a tree...
...drape it around a table

Czech seed beads, Enchanting Beads on etsy

http://www.etsy.com/people/EnchantingBeads

Mothers Day - THINK PINK HEARTS for a special cause - Proceeds to Breast cancer research....from red elephant

Okay....blogs are personal right? Well, its about to get very personal....I lost my Mum to breast cancer 10 years ago....I am not here to cry on your shoulder, it was a long time ago now and whilst there is never a day that I don't think of her...we all have a story to tell...this just happens to be one of mine.
SO! In years gone by, I have always used Mothers Day as a day to do something positive for the community...previously we have planted trees (see treesformum.com for further info), this year it will be red elephant creative helping me make the difference.
Heres' the drill...
I have JUST released a new garland - pink sweet hearts, for every one sold prior to Mothers Day (Sun 8th may) I will donate $2 to breast cancer research. The garland can be used to decorate your Mothers Day table, wrap around your mums gift....drape it on her dressing table mirror, or across her bed - remind her your heart belongs to her, on Mothers Day!
In addition, I will be adding the pink and red plad cupcake toppers - and pink and white striped toppers - where $1.50 of each packet sold will be donated. Make mum cupcakes, or perfect for your Mothers Day lunch table...use them as fruit platter picks, atop chocolates and petit four or sweets for high tea or even tie one to her gift as decoration.
As I release more PINK SWEET HEART creations, they will be included in this little fundraiser...Help the red elephant make a contribution to breast cancer research (see http://www.nbcf.org.au/)
red elephant creations can be bought online:
Australia - www.madeit.com.au/redelephantcreative
Worldwide - www.redelephantcreative.etsy.com

Coffee = Therapy....I have a place to fix that!

Once upon a time, to release the weeks stresses of life in the events world I would cruise to a cool bar for a drink....or dance my worries away at some fabulous place decorating Sydneys nightclub circuit....once upon a time...that was what you did when you were free as a bird...with a semi-disposable income....

Those days have changed.

These days my therapy is coffee....whilst I do like to brew my own at home, for that intrevenous lifeline...holding the moment to breathe...in the aroma of freshly grounded beans and sit and breathe out the moment to survive the next minute....but sometimes home isn't enough, and I have to get out....

So those days of desperation, I have a place where the Barista brews a latte "true to the bean" ...and named appropriately so. A neat little establishment with a bar where I drape my sorry self, to talk away my worries...and drown my sorrows in a perfect brew. Lisa and Craig, the owners are friends of ours...as are all her family and so, this has become an institution where my children are welcome and we have found recluse since the first week they were born (sometimes I am lucky enough to have my hands freed, whilst the children are nursed by one of the family who dwell there). The place is True to the bean Katoomba...you must visit when your in town.

I also have a place...which takes me back...to those days of a Darlinghurst cafe strip culture...where I used to tap up the sidewalk in my heels and buy a minutes peace from the desk of the corporate event queen. A place which I dare not visit with the children....and probably will not frequent even with friends. Its a place where usually its only the owner who knows me, so I am left bliss out with a nice strong espresso, listen to the beats and remember a day when it was only me. The place is Nikita Bar, Leura....you must visit....but only if you promise to pretend not to know me.

And then there is the place...where we go for a bite and let the children run crazy in the gardens, around the ponds. Its a place where I visit with our favourite play date mates. Where theres lots on offer for my non-wheat eating days....where we sit outdoors, even when the sun is shining....a place where the children feel at home. The place is Lilys Pad Cafe Leura....Take the kids when you visit....They will love it...and so will you.

So! When your visiting the Blue Mountains...these are the haunts....make sure you say hi...enjoy the warmth of those who own these fabulous establishments for they are all very special people in my life - they provide me with sanity and a home away from home....I like to call them Therapy...in more ways than one!

Elephant hearts....Colour your table in tangerine tango....

Decor for an event doesn't just mean pretty flowers, centrepieces and napkins

...colour your event with what you serve!

Tangerine cocktail ring sugar by dell cove spices

Chocolate Blood Orange Cupcakes super scrummy via and recipe on baked on 

Tangerine Mousse by 6 bittersweet's, recipe available on pure joy events blog

Red elephant digs....Design elements in stripes!

I am a stripes and polkadot girl through and through....I really think you can be both...recently whilst working on new designs I have asked myself....are stripes still the element of the moment? But on pondering a moment further I have concluded...unlike chevron which might come and go, the lineal stripe is a classic....welcome any time in the design movement, its just how you make them work....

Red elephant is totally digging these striped icons of the moment.

In the kitchen: Striped Smeg Fridge, colour me retro...

In the lounge: Classic striped chair by French style chairs

In your glass: Retro striped straws available online at Montresor

Holding your loot: Fabulous treat bags by Sambellina Party

YES PLEASE! I honestly can't give credit to anyone for this pic! 

THOUGH it is posted on lots of image pin style sites, so hopefully 

the person who owns it...wont mind me loving this so much to pop it 

on my blog! ANYONE who spys one and wants to buy it for me....

I will be ETERNALLY yours!! :)

Rabbits on your table??

So beautiful is this card stock with its natural ash fleck that it almost looks like the rabbits fur...so sweet, perfect to team with our flower picks in pastel palate
to create an easter garden table decor for your easter celebration.


Not to be limited to cupcakes though...you can use party picks on canap�s, as fruit picks or chocolate petit four.

Click Here to Visit My Etsy Shop!

Stripe sweetheart cupcake picks...in any colour!

Watch as we grow this range...but don't limit your palate, we can now do these in ANY colour of the rainbow....have a colour theme you need us to suit? Just ask! redelephantcreative[a]iinet.net.au....we'd love to!

The red elephant sees new branding.

This has been brewing for a while...months in fact. Like a good wine some of our designs take a while to get right....and when its the face to your name, its definitely going to take a while....

So here it is, done....I woke this morning and still loved it - clean and fresh, festive, elegant and just the right accent of colour....

Yoga....to reconnect with me

I am Nicole and I am a stress bucket … without a chance to reconnect with myself from time to time….well, it can lead to catastrophe…like Monday. Usually a fresh start to the week with hubby on standby with the children all weekend, Monday is my day at home blissfully playing Mummy doing the chores….usually. After getting the children down for their nap, I tried a yoga stretch, and broke into tears…..Cue husband arriving home for a quick lunch – great! Just what you want…an audience.

The truth was after three weeks of sick family and teething children I had given all I could…to everyone else. I had nothing left in my little red wagon to give to myself or anyone else for that matter. It was that old familiar feeling of too many gigs back to back…once upon a time when I was the career girl in the big smoke.

You need to go back to Yoga, hubby said. Well, sniff, theres a Yoga class on Friday mornings at 7, with my favourite teacher….sniff, can I go? Whilst Friday wasn’t ideal for him, he took the morning shift and I was booked and ready to go.

This morning despite a long night with miss 5 month old, I was up at sunrise, showered, dressed and literally skipping off to studio….I drove down a little lane to find the most beautiful little sanctuary…cold climate gardens, with the leaves just on the verge of turning…and a pretty little studio, big picture windows and a crackling fire….what a way to welcome the day.

Though its been nearly 2 years and a pregnancy since my last class, I did quite well physically, considering…the challenge was in silencing the mind…and finding my balance…but in time this will come and for now just being in this class is the most perfect way to give to me…one hour a week to surrender to my inner self and find my balance….for me…and nobody else…so I can be better at being me, the one that cares for them!

Last minute pressie? Get on your bike!

Fabulous handstamped brown scooter image on yellow and white stripe.



I don't know what it is about this card that says to me viva la France!?



These art cards are perfect for petite gifts or keep on standby

for those last minute pressie purchases.



Hand stamped and hand cut and designed with love on quality

paper and recycled cardstock.



Th...

Click Here to Visit My Etsy Shop!

Sunday stroll

Today there was a break in the weather to take a Sunday stroll with the family into town. The sun was shining on our shoulders and the birds sang to us before we reached our favourite cafe for our latte and baby chino fix....homebound wore the toddler out just enough for a nice long day nap....perfect!

I spy a few little items that I would love to take with me...next time ;)

red elephant hearts - yolk folk and carrot crew in town - easter activity and decor for your kids!

I just HAVE to share this one with you....such a unique idea by Mibo Studio decorate your home (and keep your little ones busy)....these are so very cool! You print and assemble yourself...at home...with all the wet weather, this is definitely one I am saving for the toddler...

Make sure you check out the rest of their store whilst you are there is a jungle crew (right down this red elephants alley), jet set crew and wise old crew...fabulous!!!