Empress Bat's Journal: review

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Beaded Webs: revisited review

Hello Batlings! I hope everyone's 2015 is being absolutely splendid, and if it isn't I hope things will get better soon.

Almost a year ago, I did a review on a small home run business called Beaded Webs, you can read that review here. <<<<< click the linky!!

Since then Beaded Webs has added some amazing new designs to the creations for sale, and I wanted to share these amazing finds with you all!

This talented artist has started to design and create 3-d bead and wire sculptures!!! I am honoured to own a gorgeous purple and black spider made by Beaded Webs.

3-d bat

3-d spider

All of the creations from Beaded Webs are hand crafted, using wire work techniques and meticulously threaded beads. This artist is going from strength to strength and every week there is something new to marvel at, and to buy!

Beaded Webs sells via a Facebook page , grab yourself an intricately designed 3-d bead and wire creation today, make sure you check the page out!

[Pictures used are copy-write Beaded Webs 2015]

............................................................................................................... Please visit me on etsy! www.etsy.com/shop/empressbat handcrafted gothic goodies at bargain prices. see me on etsy! www.etsy.com/shop/empressbat ...Please visit me on etsy! www.etsy.com/shop/empressbat handcrafted gothic goodies at bargain prices. see me on etsy! www.etsy.com/shop/empressbat

Blogs to follow

Hi Batlings!

It is raining and storming here, the power is flakey, there is odiferous slimey mud outside and the house smells like mould.. ewwwww.

What better way to spend the wet, muddy day than to read some blogs!

Blogs are like: magazines, snippets of an autobiography, a way to learn, a virtual chat with friends. I enjoy blogging and I enjoy reading the blogs of others.

So today I will share with you some blogs that I enjoy reading.

Find of the Day

Firstly I would like you to know about a BRAND NEW blog from a lady I 'e-met' in a Facebook group, her blog is called Meet me at the Watershed. This will be a blog to follow in 2015 as it chronicles her mature age uni studies (well done!!) her love of filofaxes and planners, and all sorts of things to chat about over a virtual cuppa.

The photos, she has included on the site, of her Greyhound are gorgeous and also worth a look! Book mark Meet me at the Watershed and follow her journey!

Planners and Craft Blogs

Another Goldfish is authored by a lady originally from Canada who lives in the UK, she shares her planners/filofax ideas and fit outs, craft creations , and chats about her life.

Philofaxy is a well known planners blog, and has a huge following, goto place if you want to know about filofaxes and how to use them, also has printables for your planner pages.

Goths

I am of the Gothic persuasion and I enjoy reading about others who like me are a wee bit different than main stream, This is Corp Goth is a blog I enjoy, this lady works and incorporates her unique style into her day to day working life. Funky and Funblog!

Cosmetics

More Nail Polish has nail polish reviews and how tos, with some very creative nail art!

Humour

Texts from Mittens a humourous blog about texts a tuxedo cat sends to his human 'Mum' and his animal and human friends

SHARE YOUR BLOGS IN THE COMMENTS SECTION

Please share your blog links in the comments section I would love to read your blogs too!

Review: typo Taylor Satchel

I recently purchased a Taylor satchel from Typo, and I am very pleased with it. So that all of my lovely batling readers can have a look at this lovely bag, I thought I'd review it!

The Taylor satchel comes in six different colours/designs, and costs $39.95 AUD. It comes with a detachable shoulder strap and the bag is 28 cm * 35cm * 8cm.

On to my purchase!

I decided on the vinyl tooled/engraved style brown Taylor satchel, a nice mix between professional looking briefcase, and gothic goodness!

I ordered online from Typo (also known as Cotton On), and it arrived within a week of purchase. I found the customer service and reliability of ordering fro Typo online great! Typo has many stores in the 'real world' but I do not like crowds and too much noise so I try to avoid shopping in 'bricks n mortar' stores!

My order arrived, nicely packaged in a box, and everything perfect!

The satchel!

The Taylor Satchel does not disappoint, strongly made, and quality product, the 'engraving' look of the scroll work on the surface is beautiful.

There is a handle attached to the top of the bag, as well as the adjustable and detachable shoulder strap. (gratuitous shot of my funky nail polish as well...)

The bag is lined in matching fabric, and contains an internal zipped pocket.

There are two pockets on the front big enough for a phone and a 7" tablet, or a small diary. (Another gratuitous shot of my funky nails!)

The front pockets have the same engrave/tooled leather look on the vinyl as the satchel flap does.

The bag has enough depth to carry files, a sandwich, wallet, small camera, phone, tablet device, small laptop computer, planner or diary, and whatever else you want to stash in it!

I am very happy with this purchase! Thanks Typo!

Please share your bag purchases!

Have you bought yourself a groovy bag? please share the info in the comments section below the post!

REVIEW: Dylusions Dyan Reaverley's Creative Journal-LARGE

I recently purchased a new art journal to use in the 2015 Documented life Project; I chose to use the one the admin of this amazing art project suggested which is the Dylusions Dyan Reaverley's Creative Art Journal in Large. I had never used any journals from this range before, so I was curious if it would be worth the $33.50 AUD plus $11.70 AUD postage I paid for it on ebay!

I was so excited when it arrived in my letter box! Who doesn't love a new art journal?

Okay ... I know, I know, not every one is into stationery.. but i am!!

I have not used the art journal yet, but I would like to share with you all what it looks like, so if you are deciding whether or not to buy one for yourself, you get some idea of what an end user thinks of it!

The front cover

The front and back covers are made of very thick cardboard (referred to in the official description of the journal as 'chipboard', to me chipboard is a type of particle board made of wood slivers glued together and forming a type of simulated wood board, this is definitely thick cardboard so I am unsure why it is called 'chip board')

There is an elasticised cord attached to the cover to hold it closed.

The journal has a piece of removable paper over it giving some information of what the pages can be used for.

front cover

back cover

Inside the journal

Inside the front cover, on the left page is a large cardboard envelope with one of those cool retro style loopy closure thingos!

I think this is so handy! a place to stash scrap book type pictures, ideas ripped out form magazines, stickers, all sorts of cool things!

envelope inside front cover of book

The pages are thick and creamy, and have a light texture. I do not know how they will go with watercolour paint or highly pigmented indian ink pens yet, but they are gorgeously creamily thick, and I can't wait to try!!

the creamy pages

There are 64 pages inside this book, they are unlined and just begging for some creative energy!

More Information

The information about the journal from the official website is below:

The journal cover is made from sturdy chipboard and filled with 64 unlined pages for endless paper crafting creativity.• Ideal with Dylusions Ink Sprays, Stencils and Stamps• Sturdy cover, elastic closing and string-tie envelope included• 64 pages of unlined white matte cardstock• Sturdy cover, elastic closing and string-tie envelope included• Cover measures 11 13/16" x 9"; book pages measure 11 3/8" x 8 1/4"

Summation

I really like the sturdy feel of this journal and the good quality card stock pages and cannot wait to use it! I think I may start using this one before the Documented Life Project 2015 starts for my jewellery designs and maybe get myself another one to use in the DLP 2015!

I will post again another time on decorating the cover and what the pages are like to draw and paint in.

Have you used this journal before?

What do you think?

Please let me know in the comments section below!

REVIEW: Kikki K 2015 TIME PLANNER LARGE: LILAC

Hello everyone! I thought it was about time I did another review! The last review I did was about washi tape from Chiyogami Designs, back in March this year!

Last week I ordered some goodies from Kikki.K, and I have been (im)patiently waiting for them to arrive. I placed the order on Thursday evening 23.10.14, and it arrived today, Friday 31.10.14. They sent my order on the Friday 24.10.14, so it took five working days to reach me. Melbourne to the outskirts of Brisbane Qld delivery of 5 working days isn't too bad, and this is an Australia Post thing anyway, nothing to do with Kikki.k!

WARNING: this post has heaps of photos... I wanted to show you all what the planner looks like inside so please bear with me!

So, what did I order?

2015 Time Planner in Lilac with Gold specs
PERSONAL PLANNER REFILL: UPPSALA
Adhesive dots

Opening the box

The excitement that welled up in me when I caught sight of this box on the door step had me almost jumping up and down in glee. Only other stationery aficionados could ever relate!

Hooray the delivery from Kikki.K has arrived

An Aladdin's cave inside the box!

I opened the box, and the first thing I removed was the large plastic bag air cushions that Kikki.K use to protect packages. It would be great if they could maybe use recyclable/more environmentally friendly inserts to protect the package, but I am a wee bit too excited about getting to my order in the box to think too long about the future of our planet.

First glimpse of contents

I really love this little canvas drawstring bag my goodies arrived in!

Here you can see my planner, the Uppsala refills and the sticky dots I ordered! Sitting on the canvas drawstring bag, and on top of the Kikki.K wrapping paper!

2015 TIME PLANNER LARGE: LILAC

I will review the Uppsala planner refills in another post, today I would like you all to see the wonderful lilac and gold Time Planner. (If you have been trying to decide whether you want to buy one or not, hopefully the pictures and my comments will help you make your decision either way!)

Still in its plastic bag, 'Arabella' my new planner is waiting to be unpacked! Yes I have named her Arabella...any objections???

The folder of the Large Time Planner is slightly larger than my Filofax Metropol A5 (blogged about here, here, and here), and it takes the same refill size as an A5 Filofax. The cover is softer than my Metropol, but this does not mean it is in any way flimsy. The lilac is a lovely pastel lavenderish colour and the gold specs make it look fun as well as being useful!!

There is an elasticised strap to hold the planner together which I prefer to a snap closure, as when i have a heap of documents in a planner I would prefer knowing they will stay there and not break the fastener!

Inside the Planner

Firstly I will share my not so happy thoughts of the inside of the planner. The we can speak at length of all the good parts of it!

The dividers are pink.. this for me is not a good thing, I dislike pink, and personally in a lilac planner I would have preferred purple dividers, or gold like the dots on the cover. This is not a deal breaker for me, as I can decorate the dividers or make new ones anyway. But be warned if you don't like pink, you won't like these dividers!

There is a section for restaurants and shopping. This really isn't me.. but again this is not a deal breaker, i can rename the divider and i can give the restaurant and shopping pages (there aren't many) to someone who will use them!

What I love about this planner:

Firstly the ring mechanism is large and can hold heaps of paper! It is also well constructed and has no closure issues (the first thing I check with planner binders)

The cover of the planner is stylish, fun, and strong; I love the elasticised closure to hold all my papers in!

There is a zipped pocket, and flaps to put notes, stickers, receipts, tickets and whatever else you can think of in, on the inside of the front cover. All very handy!

Inside the back cover is a slot where an A5 sized notepad sits, and there is a pen loop as well, which JUST fits my Parker pen.

The paper the planner comes with is slightly cream coloured (off white) and has a satin finish. It is quite strong and smooth to write on, but my Stabilo fine point felt pens do leech through the pages a bit, this is not an issue, I have other pens and pencils I can use.

VERDICT

I bought this particular planner to use as a project planner, I have a specific use in mind for it. I believe that its size, additional pockets and the fact it has an elasticised closure is ideal for the purpose.

I am very happy with this planner and personally recommend it. You can find it in Kikki.K stores and also from their online shop. Like all their planners I believe it may be a limited edition so if you are wanting one, maybe buy one soon!

Snow Gum Bounty Farm: a family business

Supporting cottage industry, hobby businesses and small family enterprises is important. I firmly believe that we all need to support cottage industry so that we will always have the choice to purchase and own quality products. Large enterprises are pushing out small family run business and if we do not support these small hobby or home businesses, in the end all we will have left is mass produced, factory, plastic, tasteless, nasty, soulless items!

I have in the past blogged about products and businesses involved in jewellery making, home decoration, and aromatherapy, and today I am introducing you to a family farm business.

Snow Gum Bounty is a family farm/small business in Yass, New South Wales, Australia. They describe themselves as a family operated farm that provides grass fed sheep and beef to the Canberra and surrounding regions.

photo (c) Snow gum Bounty: see the kangaroos peaking over the fence?

They sell lamb, beef and hogett (a hogett is a sheep over a year old and less than two years) meat directly to the public, how cool is that? Their business is registered as an Australian Business and they maintain a Food Standards licensed mobile cool room.

This farm is run by a young couple and their little boy; a hard working family with honest, ethical, and quality values. They have some amazing plans for their farm and really care about their environment.

Snow Gum Bounty Farm is looking to future improvements of the pastures by using livestock and not chemical fertilisers and are continually work towards improving the land and improving the quality of the fields that grow the grass that feeds their animals.

Can you see the two alpacas? I LOVE alpacas! photo (c) Snow Gum Bounty

If you want to know more about their farm or wish to join their mailing list please contact them via email

snowgumbounty@gmail.com or via their facebook page.

Bovine model courtesy of (c) Snow Gum Bounty

Please support this family run business! Please LIKE them on Facebook!

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About Me: I work full time in a computer security area, I am also studying for a therapist qualification in Advanced Herbalism, subsequent to completing a Diploma in Herbalism, I also have Diplomas in Fraud Investigation and Fraud Control, and i read a lot! I have a small craft 'business', I am co-admin of an auction page on facebook to help other small hobby businesses, i maintain my own 'store' facebook page, I blog at least once a week either here or on apothecary greens, I have a website about herbalism, and I maintain a facebook page created to support small home businesses and hobby sellers

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Book Review: No.1 Ladies Detective Agency

I read a lot.

I started reading when i was 3 years old, and my love of reading has never abated.

A series of novels i have been reading in the last two weeks, and now on to the last of the series so far, is by Alexander McCall Smith, author of many books on a variety of subjects, about a private investigator in Botswana.

Fourteen books so far in the series and i have been averaging reading a book a night (i do not sleep much and i read fast). The fifteenth in the series is due to be published later this year and I am eagerly awaiting it!

They are of course the novels about the No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency, with the private detective Precious Ramotswe and her assistant, Grace Makutsi.

They are about how small crimes/fraud/infidelity have been investigated by these two ladies, and also about their lives in the ever changing world. The sadness of old traditions being lost, and the embracing of the modern world.

I find these books charming, and hard to put down, they have a good juxtaposition of 'feel good' positive themes, tackling real life problems such as domestic violence, and the honour of some traditional ways.

Mma Ramotswe drinks red bush tea, (which i believe is Rooibus tea), and a common thread through the novels is her drinking her tea. It is very English in this respect as tea is made on occasions of celebration, thought, sadness, and any time in between!

I give these books f5 out of 5 bats.

After I have finished the most recently published of this series, I think I shall start on Mr McCall Smith's The Sunday Philosophy Club series!

The series so far!

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About Me: I work full time, I am also studying for a therapist qualification in Naturopathy specialising in Herbalism, I have a small craft 'business', I am co-admin of an auction page on facebook to help other small hobby businesses, i maintain my own 'store' facebook page, I blog at least once a week and I maintain a facebook page created to support small home businesses and hobby sellers

REVIEW: Chiyogami Designs washi tape

My third review for the year! I will only review stores that I have personally used and vouch for, and I prefer to review small home businesses as these are the ones that need the most exposure.To recap on this year's reviews, I posted two in February: one about Galaxy Aromatherapy and the other about Beaded Webs.

Today's review is about a favourite washi tape supplier, one that I purchase from frequently, Chiyogami Designs.

If you have been reading my blog of late Batlings, you will notice my obsession with washi tape. I use it in my filofax, on pegs to decorate them , and even on pendant blanks to create trendy costume jewellery. I love washi tape so much I even have a board about it on Pinterest!

So as washi tape doesnt grow on trees..( actually its usually made from rice paper, so its more likely to be growing in .. er.. rice paddies..??), I needed to find a store that sells a good range of high quality washi tape at affordable prices. I was so happy when I discovered Chiyogami Designs as they are that store!

Chiyogami Designs sells from an ebay store, the store has an amazing range of washi tape that is added to regularly. Each time I visit their ebay store page I find more washi tape delights. They also have a facebook page, if you are a fan of washi tape make sure you like their page, as new items in their ebay store are often featured there, you will get the scoop on their new listings as a fan of their page!

The tape is always reasonably priced, good quality, a wide range to choose from, packaged well, and sent fast. The store owner is friendly and reliable , and is also a DIY crafts person type. What more would you want in a washi tape supplier I ask?

Some of my favourite washi tapes so far from this store are:

You may recognise this cat themed tape
from the pendants I made?

I use this tape in my filofax on all my herbalist notes
for the qualification I am studying!

Purple trio of tape!

If you like washi tape as much as I do, please check out this Australian based store, for affordable, quality, and large variety of washi tape!

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Pages

Find of the Day

Planners and Craft Blogs

Goths

Cosmetics

On to my purchase!

The satchel!

Please share your bag purchases!

The front cover

Inside the journal

More Information

Summation

So, what did I order?

Opening the box

First glimpse of contents

2015 TIME PLANNER LARGE: LILAC

Inside the Planner

VERDICT