SALE this weekend!

Jacaranda Designs is having a sale Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

Buy any one item and received 50% off another item of equal or lesser value.

Valentine's Ideas

I've come across some wonderful Valentine's gift ideas on Etsy recently. Here's a few of my favorites.

New Hair Posy Colors

This weekend I added four new styles of hair posies in lovely vibrant colors! Great for tying back your hair in a stylish way.

Yearning for my garden!

I not a huge fan of the winter months. That being said, I also don't mope around. I like to get out and walk and snow shoe and do some cross country skiing when there's enough snow.

However, today when I went walking it was bitterly cold and as I walked back to my house and looked at my brown empty flower beds, I suddenly yearned for the spring and the blooming of my favorite peony.

Well, it's a while until then so I will just have to make do with looking at some of the photos I took last spring!

Gadget Pouches

I've been looking on Etsy for some fun gadget pouches. You know, those snappy little covers for cell phone, blackberrys, ipods etc. and these are a few of my faves. Great designs and good prices too.

Sweetheart Locket Necklaces

With Valentine's Day just around the corner, I've added a new Sweetheart locket necklace to my shop. It's available in a few different colors. However, if you'd like a color that isn't currently available, just contact me to arrange a custom order.

What's in a name?

I often have people ask me why I called my business "Jacaranda Designs". Well, here's a little background. Although I was born in England, I spent my formative years in Johannesburg, South Africa. I used to cycle daily to school (yes, I was in great shape back then!). One of the streets we used to cycle up was lined on both sides with Jacaranda trees. The Jacaranda is a large tree that when in bloom, is absolutely covered in little blue to lilac five lobed flowers. They are spectacular! I've never forgotten the sight of these trees in bloom.

When I decided to start a business, I wanted to name it after a flower or tree as I love gardening. I chose the Jacaranda because I wanted my creations to be as beautiful and memorable as the tree has been to me.

Just to prove how lovely it is, here's a few shots.

I'd love to know how YOU decided on the name of your business. Feel free to share your stories.

Snowshoeing Season

Last winter I bought myself a pair of new snowshoes. Not the old cane style ones but the type you see everywhere now: aluminium and easy to put on! I used to love cross country skiing but due to muscle and joint issues I've had to cut out downhill skiing and curtail the cross country somewhat. My in-laws love snowshoeing and convinced me to try it.

Well I was surprised. It is quite the workout. You really use those quad and glute muscles more than I had imagined. I was supposed to go with the family yesterday but because my back flared up, I was unable to. So now I'm planning on next weekend.

Here are some snowshoe finds from Etsy, especially for a cold, winter day like today!

Bird Nest Earrings

I've finally added some new bird nest earrings with pink and green swarovski pearl eggs. Of course, I still have my original blue egg bird nest earrings in stock too!

THINK PINK ! Jacaranda Designs - First Giveaway of the Year!

Time for my giveaway of the month for January...the first giveaway of the year. This month's piece of jewelry for one lucky person is a pair of Pink Blossom Earrings



These fun and lightweight earrings are made from antique brass plated lead and nickel free metal and milky pink glass beads. Simple but eye-catching!

To enter....

Please leave a comment on this post telling us what your favorite item is from Jacaranda Designs

You can enter once per day and you must include your first name -and- etsy username or email address with every entry. If you are worried about email spam, you can spell out the 'at' and 'dot' rather than using the standard email format.

Receive additional entries:
- if you follow or subscribe to my blog
- twitter about the giveaway and/or blog about the giveaway
- become a fan of my facebook page
- feature any of my items on your blog
- purchase any item from Jacaranda Designs (5 additional entries!)

Just leave a comment/link letting me know!

To go ahead, have fun and maybe you'll be the lucky winner.

As usual, I'll be using random.org to select the winner.

Giveaway ends Jan 31st at 5pm.

First New Jewlery Designs of The Year

Christmas was fun, the break was lovely but now I'm back at work coming up with some new jewelry designs. I've just added three new earring designs. They're lovely for a classic look and perfect for a wedding...yes, brides are starting to plan for their spring and summer weddings. Anyway, hope you like the new additions.

Evergreen Amaryllis

I was browsing a local garden store in November when I came across this gorgeous amaryllis. The vibrant lime green of the flower on the label was so different from any amaryllis I've ever bought that I snapped it up immediately.

I couldn't wait to see it bloom and it certainly did not disappoint me. It's quite stunning. I'll definitely be on the prowl for more of these bulbs again next November.

Happy New Year 2010!

Happy new year everyone! I hope this year brings you health and happiness.

I'm currently offering free shipping on all purchases over $20. Please see my shop for details.



Once the boys are back at school, I shall be resuming regular blog updates again.