Stop. Reflect. Refresh.

(Picture Credit: Pinterest)

Recently I was fortunate enough to travel overseas - first time as an adult - and finally visit some of the places I had been dreaming of visiting for so long! Places like New Zealand, French Polynesia and Hawaii. To say it was 'memorable', is an understatement...

In just a few short weeks, I discovered the truth of what Danny Kaye said above and my perspective on life was refined. As we visited place after place, tasted one culture after another, spent quality time with my family, met new people, made new friends, did new things - I had the chance to stop and reflect:

Was my life, my work, my relationships, really heading in the right direction, or could things be better? Did I really have the life I wanted? 

When we finally arrived home again, I felt renewed. I knew the answer to those questions and was inspired to jump in and do something about it. I knew there were quite a few things that needed adjusting, but wasn't daunted by the task ahead. I was pumped and ready to go!

So, in a nutshell, that's what I've been up to these past few months - busily working away in the background, making things happen, getting things done. But it hasn't just been all about personal stuff either...

I've been working on plans - big, exciting plans for Minky Minx - but, as with many things in life, I've realised they're going take a little time to make happen...

So, after much deliberation, I've decided that I need to shut-up shop for a while to help me reorganise, revamp and refresh.

But before I do so, I've got a little sale planned for this coming week. So, if your wanting to make a purchase, this may be your last chance for a while. Further details about the sale will be announced on our Facebook page over the coming days - including how you can get a further 10% off + FREE postage - so stay tuned!

Till then! x

♥

So, have you ever had an experience that changed your perspective on life? If so, what was the result? 

Finding Balance

Balance. 

Isn't that a word we all struggle with at some point in our lives? In whatever area of life it might be in, I think it is for most of us. Finding the perfect work/life balance is getting increasingly hard, and that's even without having to deal with major problems! So I know I'm not at all alone in finding it hard to get the balance right...

As I mentioned in my last post, I recently decided to take a step back from my creative work for family reasons - and I've found that to be immensely beneficial. It's helped me to care for my family's needs without additional stress, while giving me time to reflect. Time I really did need!

Perhaps it was just withdrawal symptoms, but it was during this time that I realised how much I missed my 'creative outlet', my work. At the same time a big opportunity came my way. What to do?!

At first I felt guilty to even consider it. I had made my decision to take a break, and this would just complicate things again. But the more I thought about it and discussed it with my family, I realised that this was where finding the right balance and being reasonable was important. This opportunity was a once off, not a long term commitment. I basically had everything already ready to go, so I wasn't going to have to spend a lot of time preparing for it. And it might actually help, rather then hinder. Yes, I had been feeling down and finding it hard going. Could this be just what I needed to get back into the swing of things again?? Maybe...

The more I carefully considered it and discussed it with my family, I realised that, Yes! it just might be. And you know what??s Strangely enough it already has helped! Although I haven't really done anything for the event (which, mind you, is in a little more then a weeks time!) besides write this blog post, I already feel more energised and focused.

So the decision is made. We're off to Ripponlea's Teddy Bears Picnic again on the 24th of February!! And as it's likely to be a while before we do another market or event, we so hope you can join us there. If you'd like to come and say hello, please head over to their website for further details on the event and how get there.

See you there!! 

♥

P.S. Here's a helpful map to find us... We'll be at stall number 13 & 14. Oh, and don't forget your teddies!!

Making Sure of the More Important Things...

'God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change,
The courage to change the things I can,
And wisdom to know the difference.'

♥

I remember reading those words almost daily as a child as they hung on my parents kitchen wall. Never would I imagine how many times I would be reminded of them as I faced challenges growing up. And as a adult...

Once again, those same sentiments come to mind as another year begins. Why? Simply because they remind me that when life gets tough, that's when I especially need to realise what I can and can't deal with on my own, and that often a Higher source of wisdom is key in understanding this. And yes, my life has been tough lately...

Sadly, two cherished members of my family are facing serious life-threatening illnesses. One has terminal cancer. The other a rare brain disorder called Progressive Supranuclear Palsy (PSP). And both are progressively getting worse.

Although I've had some time to get my head around what that really means, it still hasn't been easy to accept these diagnoses... 

To say it's hard to see those you dearly love gradually get older and sicker really is an understatement  The feeling of helplessness, at times, is almost mutual. The question of Why them? almost unanswerable. That's when a veil of sadness begins to overshadow you. It's the realisation of loss, the realisation that one day you will need to say the words most hardest to say and continue your life without them.

This realisation is not new for me. Both have battled bravely for several years now. But something about the last few months have left me feeling sick in the stomach, and made it clear that the end could come sooner then expected - far sooner than I'm ready for. Hence my decision to write this post.

The past few months have helped me realise that for my family and I to be better prepared for that that day, I must make certain changes in how I live my life now.

This is by far not an easy thing to do. However, it's something I simply must do to lessen the possibility of future regrets. (To lose them, will be hard. But to lose them and have the regret of not spending more time with them when I could, would be even harder.)

So in view of this, I've decided that it's necessary for me to especially make some changes to how I run Minky Minx Design Studio. 

But, don't worry. All stores will remain open and I will do my best to add new items as I am able to. I just wish to ask, though, that you please be patient with me. If an item is not ready to ship, it may take a few days longer to make and ship out then it might have done in the past. Also, please note that I will not be able to take on any new custom orders for the time being. As the situation changes I may need to make further noticeable adjustments, but that's all for now.

It's a big step to have just spoken about this (and yes, I've given great thought to it), let alone have to tell you about these unfortunate changes. But it's a step I simply had to take, not just for my family's sake, but for mine. I hope you understand...

♥

P.S. If you're concerned about me, don't be. As I mentioned at the outset, my firm belief in God's assistance helps me to keep going. Although it's still hard at times, He really does give me not only the strength needed to accept the things I cannot change, but also the peace of mind for the future. I am also comforted knowing that that although I may eventually lose these loved ones in death, our goodbyes will not be forever, nor will be our tears of sorrow.  : )

I do love Spring

Yes, I absolutely adore Spring - and I'm not at all afraid to admit it!

I love the fresh green of new leaves, the trees covered with pretty blossoms, the sound of children's laughter as they finally come out to play, the warmth of the sunlight, and so, so much more - really what isn't there to love! Yes, it's definitely my favourite time of year - but not just for these reasons... For the past 6 years I have especially loved Spring because it's the month I married my Man - in fact this weekend we celebrate our 5th wedding anniversary!!

So, to celebrate this milestone and this beautiful month, here's a few of my favourite handmade 'Spring-time Wedding' finds. Enjoy!

Guest Book Fingerprint Tree by Idoityourself

Silk Flower Bridal Bouquet by Flowers by the Vase

Recycled Silver Rose Diamond Engagement Ring by De Lisa Rotta Fine Jewelry 

Floral Woodland Bridal Crown by DeLoop

Lace Bridesmaid Silk Clutches by Leela Purse 

Floral Hummingbird Bridal Shower Invite by Artisacreations

Blush Pink Knitted Bridal Shrug/Cardigan by Crochetbutterfly

Handcrafted Paper Bridal Bouquet by Marrymerosie

Rhinestone & Pearl Necklace/Choker by Stellarlight Jewellery

Spring Woodland Table Decor by Fairyfolk Weddings

♥

When it rains, it pours...

I know, a completely over-used phrase, but it's true - sometimes it really does pour! Here's proof...

It all started about 6 weeks ago. We had just just parked our car innocently on the side of the road, when we heard a loud 'BANG'! A somewhat careless Tradie had just backed his ute into our car, its metal tray ripping a huge gash into its side as if it was made of paper...

If that wasn't enough of a headache to sort out, only about two weeks later, I came home to find someone in our unit. Yes, a man had jumped over our fence and broken in through our sliding door and was upstairs when I came home from walking our dog! Had our little Maltese Terrier, Melita, not sniffed him out and alerted me to his presence, I probably would not have known that someone had broken in, that is, until I noticed the missing kitchen chair he had set up outside beside the fence for his getaway or went upstairs and saw the mess he left going through our personal possessions...

So, yes, sometimes it does pour. The past few weeks are testimony to that! All going well though, we hope to fix the car - despite being written off due to additional damage to the suspension. Thankfully too, I've been able to lend various camera's from my family, so have been able to work around the inconvenience of having mine stolen just when I was in the middle of doing a product photo shoot..

We're also very fortunate that neither incident was worse - especially considering the fact that I was still in the car when our car was hit, and that the thief was still carrying the screw driver he used to get in when he came running down the stairs in front of me... The situation also would likely have been quite different had just a few small details been different - had my husband not got out of the car a few minutes earlier, had he not decided to come home with me instead of stop by the shops on the way, had I not come home when I did - all could have made a big difference in both outcomes. Makes you think, just how amazing things sometimes work out, how one insignificant decision can make such a world of difference sometimes...

Anyway, all said and done, we're all okay, no one got hurt. The car is repairable and I should, hopefully, get a nice new camera soon. So perhaps that's enough to be thankful for. But it certainly makes you realise how quickly life can change...

♥

So, this is Christmas...

Hello all! Welcome to the new year - and the first anniversary for this little blog!

A little late, I know, being already almost the end of January (can you believe it!?), but better late then never, I say....

After all, I do have my reasons. I didn't quite start the new year as I would've liked...

Remember Christmas day 2011? Remember hail as big a golf balls? If you were in Melbourne at the time then you'd had to have been in a coma not to remember...

Well, we were flooded. Bad. The rain flooded our courtyard, so much so that my husband had to go out and push it out through the garage with a broom. Rain also came through our garage roof (little did we know that a tennis ball had somehow found it's way into the down pipe...). For the worst part of two weeks (plus some) I was mopping up, sorting through piles of books, supplies and even photos that I had unfortunately had kept there. No, not the best way to start a new year...

Thankfully I am s-l-o-w-l-y now getting on top of things, but it's been a really rough ride, both emotionally and physically - far more then I ever would have expected!

BUT, on the upside, I have managed to get a little break from the mess, and work on a few new creations. Here's a little sneak peek of something I made for a little girls' first wedding...

(yes, she bought both - her mother couldn't decide which was the cutest of the two... Can't wait to find out which she actually wore on the day...)

Stretch Lace 'Bella' Bow headbands

... more pics coming soon - including some from Kids Style Hub's first official photo shoot!

Featured!

WOW! How exciting! Belinda from Designer Sphere has posted a feature about my work on her blog!!

Thanks, Belinda, it looks great! = )

Hello & Welcome!

Yes, welcome to the Minky Minx blog page, and being our very first blog post, I thought it best to begin at the beginning... 

I'd like to introduce myself. My name is Suzie and I'm a textile, paper and jewellery designer/artist based in Melbourne, Australia.

Although I did study Studio Textiles - Design & Production at RMIT in Bruswick, my creative journey really began long before my attendance there... 

As the unexpectant last of three children born (there's a 17 year gap between my sister and I, and a 15 year gap between my brother and I) to artistically minded German immigrants, I spent much of my childhood making things. From little paper animals to miniature costumed dolls. I even was so determined to draw my favorite animals, horses, that I taught myself - by tracing.

However I really believe my creative jounrey began with the countless stories that my mother told me of my Grandmother. These stories, of her work at a seamstress for the theatre during the 30's and 40's, filled my mind with such wonder that I grew up wishing to one follow in her footsteps.

Later I was fortunate enough to even receive her sketchbook. Full of detail drawings of historical and theatrical costume, it is remarkable how, I too have since developed a deep love for all things vintage and historic and how much our interests resembled each other, as my mother would so often muse! Needless to say, this book remains one of my most treasured possessions from her. 

Although I was sadly only able to actually meet my grandmother in person shortly before her untimely death, she remains very much alive in my mind. As I said to begin with, I believe that though my mother - who not only taught me many of the dressmaking skills my grandmother used, but also helped me to develop a appreciation for all kinds of artistic merit - the story of my grandmother came alive and became, and still remains, one of my main 'creative inspirations'. (thanks mum!!)

Although I was sadly only able to actually meet my grandmother in person shortly before her death, she remains very much alive in my mind. As I said to begin with, I believe that though my mother - who not only taught me many of the dressmaking skills my grandmother used, but also helped me to develop a appreciation for all kinds of artistic merit - the story of my grandmother came alive and became, and still remains, one of my main 'creative inspirations'. (thanks mum!!)

So, in order to continue keep the story of grandmother (or 'Omi,' in German) alive, and possibly help to inspire still others with her story, I thought it a good idea to start this blog.

Thus, it is not purely to promote the minky minx label and associated products, but to explore my creative journey still further. 

I, therefore, in invite to you join me on this journey of self discovery into my inspirations, motivations and roots. Who knows what we might find...! : )