Valentine's Day with koolaman designs

I’m of the opinion you either love or hate Valentine’s Day and I think I’m the latter.  I'm certainly a fan of romance and nice gestures, but really I don’t know about all  of the commercial and gimmicky heart shaped bits and pieces.  I like the sound of Saint Valentine, he seemed like a very likable genuine character, according to Wikipedia anyway.  If you can trust Wikipedia it explains that “The most popular martyrology associated with Saint Valentine was that he was imprisoned for performing weddings for soldiers who were forbidden to marry and for ministering to Christians, who were persecuted under the Roman Empire; during his imprisonment, he is said to have healed the daughter of his jailer Asterius. Legend states that before his execution he wrote "from your Valentine" as a farewell to her”.  Sounds to me like a very kind hearted bloke and I can appreciate the need to celebrate his efforts.  But when you look at what it has transpired into today, I’m just not convinced.

Emma koolaman designs sterling silver hand stamped pendant and large ball chain

Maybe I’m just a bit jaded because I have never really been spoilt and romantically doted on by my Valentine, on February 14^th , any year.  One year I hit the jackpot with a fishing rod which was very practical, I admit,  but not convinced it counts as romantic though.  Anyway, I have to acknowledge, he’d be dammed if he did and dammed if he didn’t.  If I received some sort of frilly lacy red love heart matching set of lingerie, I think I’d cringe.  I would probably be more red with embarrassment, than my new ensemble itself, at thought of him going to a shop and asking for assistance to buy me this type of gift.  I can picture an over enthusiastic shop assistant trying really hard to paint a picture of me, in order to choose the right outfit, by bombarding him with questions about my favourite colour, style, padding, lace, skimpiness etc etc.  My Valentine would be stumbling his way through and eventually come up with an answer about me which I would not even know.  I can only imagine too, just how hideously itchy some of those lacy pieces must be anyway, hence my distinct lack of colour and briefness in my boring black and white underwear selection.  

Millie Sterling Silver hand stamped pendant and chain

If he doesn’t get me a gift, I’d probably casually mention in a conversation that one of my friends had received a Valentine’s Day gift.  I’d then wait for the reply, which is true to an extent and a thought echoed by me in the first place “but you told me you don’t believe in these type of things anyway”.  It's complicated isn't it!.  But nice words and to be appreciated is all I need.  

But it leads me to thinking, surely I’m not the only one who could be so complicated,  am I?  There must be hundreds of you out there who have been excited about a pending romantic Valentine’s Day only to stumble at the final hurdle.  I’m not suggesting for a minute that any of us are ungrateful and it is the thought that counts, but everybody must have a romantic experience that is tinged with such badness it is actually hilarious.  Think of romantic experiences that you can look back on now, which still gives you a shiver, but you are thankful it did go bad and you didn’t end up dating that person again.  Perhaps you realised at that moment if this is the worst it can be, it can only get better from here­­­­­ so you persevered and ending up marrying that person.  


Whatever the scenario, whether it be a romantic date or better still related to an outing on Valentine’s Day, we want to hear your stories on the Most Unromantic Dates or Gifts you have ever Received.  You can be rewarded for your efforts with a set of Sterling Silver personalised TESS EARRINGS (valued at $59) and in true Valentine Spirit, a heart shaped sterling silver personalised EMMA PENDANT  and large ball 45cm chain (valued at $155).  You need to be quick though, this competition is short and sweet, with Valentine’s Day nearing you will need to get active with your responses and head to our Facebook Page to share your story.  The most romantic panel of Judges from the koolaman designs team will be keen to read all your entries and the most hideous hilarious entry will take home the reward.

Until then, happy Valentine’s Day and don’t forget for all things koolaman designs keep in touch via our Website, Facebook, Blog, Twitter and Pintrest Pages.  We’d hate for you to miss out on our latest news.

Terms and Conditions for the koolaman designs Valentine's Day Competition Giveaway:

1. Instructions on how to enter and prizes form part of these Conditions of Entry. Participation in this promotion will be deemed acceptance of these terms and conditions of entry.
2. One entry per person per weekly competition.
3. To enter, simply head to our FACEBOOK PAGE, like us and leave a post telling us your story on the Most Unromantic Date or Gift you have ever Received. 
4. Include your email address or a link to your website/blog where we can comment or find your email address.
5. This competition is open to entrants in NZ and AUS.
6. This competition is hosted by koolaman designs via our online blog http://koolamandesigns.blogspot.com.au
7. The prize consists of a Sterling Silver TESS EARRINGS & EMMA PENDANT with 45cm LARGE BALL CHAIN & Postage ($229). Prize is valued in Australian dollars
8. Prize is not redeemable for cash nor transferable.
9. Competition opens 11am Thursday 14 February 2013 and closes midnight Tuesday February 19 2013 AEST.
10. This competition is a game of skill and the winner will be based on the most interesting comment as judged by the koolaman designs team, chance plays no part in determining the winners. The winner will notified by email and via a post on koolaman designs blog on Thursday February 21 2013.
11. Winners in this competition agree that their identity may be disclosed in winner announcements and promotional material.All entries become the property of the koolaman designs.
12. Entries not completed in accordance with the rules and conditions or received after the closing date will not be considered. Illegible or incomplete entries will be deemed invalid. The judge’s decision in relation to all aspects of this competition is final and binding on every person who enters. No correspondence will be entered into.

4 Weeks of koolaman designs Christmas - Week 3

We want to keep spreading the koolaman designs Christmas cheer .  So here we go again with an amazing opportunity to win yourself some beautiful pieces from the koolaman designs SILVER SEEDS COLLECTION.  Thanks to all who participated and joined in the fun during Week 2.  We want to see how well you know the koolaman designs collections.
In the third week of koolaman Christmas my true love gave to me a CHARLOTTE NECKLACE and hand-stamped RUBY pendant with a matching CHARLOTTE BRACELET  and a hand-stamped RUBY pendant.   My true love is certainly coming up with the goods.  We are sure you will be talk of the Christmas Table, if you were to turn up on Christmas day sporting your matching silverware!


The matching CHARLOTTE NECKLACE and BRACELET are simply stunning and could be yours if you win the promotion this week

 It could be you if you do your homework.  For the 4 Weeks of koolaman designs Christmas - Week 3, we want to test your koolaman designs knowledge with a game of "Guess the koolaman designs piece".  You need to read the two questions below and head to our WEBSITE to browse the different collections to find your answer.  You need to submit your answer in the comments section of this BLOG then visit our FACEBOOK page and post your answer on our page too.

QUESTION 1 - What koolaman designs piece am I? I'm round in shape with a hole in the middle. Made famous by a popular Australian television presenter.  I'm one of koolaman designs signature pieces.

QUESTION 2 - What koolaman designs piece am I?  Some say I was one of the first on earth.  I am small but still a standout, however not everybody can wear me unless they have been through a certain process.  

To be eligible you must answer both questions correctly and post both answers (2)  on the BLOG and FACEBOOK. If there is more than 1 entry with the correct answers, the winning entry will be chosen randomly using random.org

So start researching and head to our WEBSITE to help you answer correctly.  Whilst you are there, don't forget it is still not to late to order for Christmas should any of our sterling silver  pieces take your fancy.  PLEASE NOTE we are no longer taking orders for GOLD or pieces from the HIDE COLLECTION for Christmas delivery.

Happy browsing!

Cheerio

Lisa & Stacey

Terms and Conditions for the 4 Weeks of koolaman designs - Week 3 Christmas Competition Giveaway:


1. Instructions on how to enter and prizes form part of these Conditions of Entry. Participation in this promotion will be deemed acceptance of these terms and conditions of entry.
2. One entry per person per weekly competition.
3. To enter, simply comment on this blog post with your answer to Question 1 and Question 2 (as outlined above in the 4 Weeks of koolaman designs Christmas - Week 3) and then also post the same answers on our FACEBOOK Page.
4. Include your email address or a link to your website/blog where we can comment or find your email address.
5. This competition is open to entrants in NZ and AUS.
6. This competition is hosted by koolaman designs via our online blog http://koolamandesigns.blogspot.com.au
7. The prize consists of a Sterling Silver CHARLOTTE BRACELET & CHARLOTTE NECKLACE and postage ($680). Prize is valued in Australian dollars
8. Prize is not redeemable for cash nor transferable.
9. Competition opens 10:00am Thursday 6 Decemeber 2012 and closes midnight Wednesday December 12 2012 AEST.
10. This competition is a game of skill and the winner must answer both questions correctly to be eligible to win.  If there is more than 1 correct entry the winner will be chosen using random.org. Winners will be notified by email and via a post on koolaman designs blog on Thursday December 13 2012
11. Winners in this competition agree that their identity may be disclosed in winner announcements and promotional material.All entries become the property of the koolaman designs.
12. Entries not completed in accordance with the rules and conditions or received after the closing date will not be considered. Illegible or incomplete entries will be deemed invalid. The judge’s decision in relation to all aspects of this competition is final and binding on every person who enters. No correspondence will be entered into.

Winner of the Father's Day giveaway

Congratulations to A Ballantyne. The koolaman team decided this entry was one of the most interesting. We're sending a pair of William cufflinks and a GUS cuff her way!

Thanks to everyone who participated, we had a huge response. Don't worry if you didn't win this time. There will be more giveaways coming up in the next few months.

Look out for the Spring Giveaway next month!

Have a wonderful Father's Day this weekend!
Lisa & Stacey xx

When I saw your new “hide” collection
Upon opening my email last Friday,
I got so excited and thought to myself
“I’m going to choose an awesome gift for him this Father’s Day!!”

Because year upon year it’s a struggle,
To find the perfect gift to mark special days,
And I would dearly love for my husband to open his gift
And be totally, utterly amazed!!

Just as others have mentioned about their men,
My husband works hard providing for his wife and son;
Leaving early and arriving home late,
Never ceasing until the work’s done.

And despite being sleep deprived,
He always makes time for the important things:
That special time with our son spent reading stories,
Taking walks, playing soccer, and riding the swings.

We are truly lucky if we find our true love,
And must treasure them… through thick and thin!
A beautiful gift that lasts a lifetime,
Is the perfect way to convey those feelings within.

The Gus is casual, yet elegantly refined,
Hence it would suit my husband to a ‘t’;
And as a bonus it would serve as a subtle hint,
Of how dearly I would love an Audrey :).

Mother's Day - Celebrate the special relationships in your life!

We're giving away a koolaman designs Mother's Day gift pack this year to one lucky koolaman blog reader!  You can win a  LIESEL bangle ($250) AUDREY pendant and 45cm large ball chain ($210) and a set of ELLA earrings ($49). To go in the draw all you need to do is browse through our online store, decide on which piece you'd love to receive or to give someone special in your life, write the name of the piece of jewellery and why! It's easy and you could win $509 worth of sterling silver hand stamped personalised jewellery by koolaman designs !

We're really busy hand stamping koolaman designs for Mother's Day. Just a note if you're thinking about giving koolaman designs this Mother's Day pop your order by midnight 30th April. The only exclusions for this are orders taken on the weekend of the 5th and 6th May at Broken Hill AgFair, Mathilda's Market Adelaide, Magnolia Square Malvern and Handmade Canberra will be stamped and sent in time for Mother's Day. 

Terms and Conditions for the koolaman designs Mother's Day Gift pack giveaway:

1. One entry per person allowed.
2. To enter, simply comment on this post with your favourite piece from the koolaman designs online store. Tell us who (you can get it for yourself) you'd like to give it to and why?
3. Include your email address or a link to your website/blog where I can comment or find your email address.
4. This competition is open to entrants in NZ and AUS.
5. This competition is hosted by koolaman designs via our online blog http://koolamandesigns.blogspot.com.au
6. The sterling silver prize consists of a LIESEL bangle ($250) an AUDREY pendant and 45cm large ball chain ($210) and a set of ELLA earrings ($49).
7. Competition opens 8pm Wednesday 25th April 2012 and closes 11:00pm Monday 7th May 2012 AEST.
8. This competition is a game of skill and the winner will be based on the most interesting comment as judged by the koolaman designs team, and notified by email and via a post on koolaman designs blog on Tuesday 8th May 2012.

Christmas is just around the corner!

Have you started Christmas shopping yet? If you're thinking of shopping at koolaman designs for Christmas our advice is to get in now. To ensure you receive your Christmas koolaman designs in time, we ask that you place your orders by midnight 8th December in WA, QLD, NT, New Zealand and  midnight 12th December in VIC, SA, NSW, TAS and ACT. This will give us enough time to create your koolaman personalised jewellery sterling silver and  9ct gold personalised pieces and pop them into the post.

Orders placed after this date, may not reach their recipient in time for Christmas.

Koolaman gift certificates can be purchased up until 3pm on Christmas Eve, we'll email you a copy for you to print off and pop in a card.


We've got gifts for everyone this Christmas;

Maybe there's a baby due  near Christmas or in the New Year. Order a gift certificate and the recipient can choose their own.

hand-stamped sterling silver cuff bracelet personaslised as a special gift!

Sterling silver cufflinks personalised with names, dates or special words.

Cufflinks with initials stamped. koolaman designs is not just for parents!

The Amelia necklace, one of many in our silver seeds range.

The petite Lulu sterling silver personalised dog tags are a great gift for boys or for the Mums in your life.

The Charlie cuff with the Violet pendant. A gorgeous hand stamped sterling silver bangle for girls.

Liesel bangle, one of our all time favourites, perfect for lots of names or special words. This personalised sterling silver bangle is available in four sizes, childrens, petite, standard and large. 

Perfect for growing families and especially for Grandma's and Nanna's. Pop the initials on each koolaman silver pendant.

We're giving a set of William cufflinks to the first person randomly selected and an Amelia bracelet to the second random winner this Christmas!

To win simply
1. Make sure you're following our koolaman blog!
2. Pop over and 'Like' our koolaman page on facebook.
3. Visit the koolaman online store and then leave a comment below with the name of your favourite koolaman piece and who you would give it to for Christmas.

The giveaway finishes at midnight 12th December. Winner drawn at random and announced on our blog on Wednesday 14th December. Prize not transferable or redeemable for cash.

Mother's Day 2011

How are you going to spend Mother's Day 2011?

It's sowing time at Koolaman Station and it's usually a picnic in the paddock while the boys are sowing the wheat crop. This year won't be any different, with a sausage on the bbq,  marshmallows for the kids to toast. Mother's Day is a quiet day, at least I don't have to worry about dishes. Last year the kids made special cupcakes complete with parasols.....

Don't forget to pop your Mother's Day order in by midnight tonight for WA, QLD and NT addresses, Visit our online store to place your order for one of our unique Mother's Day gifts in sterling silver or 9ct gold. Other states, have until midnight tomorrow 27th April to decide on what Mum would like this Mother's Day. If it's for a grandmum, what about the SOPHIE pendants with grandchildren's initials on each tag, a Mum who wears gold the GRACE pendant is perfect and for a Mum who has everything, try  the EDWARD keytag



SOPHIE sterling silver pendants - perfect gift for grandma



We're giving away a Liesel bangle this April for anyone who visits our stands at Magnolia Square or any of the other markets and fairs and pops their name in the giveaway....  The March winner was H Colyer from Joslin SA



LIESEL  bangle



as good as gold!

Stacey and Lisa and the koolaman designs team  are very excited to be launching the gold with character collection. After many requests the gold has finally arrived, and not just any gold, koolaman light gold, a 9ct subtly coloured gold, just like the sunsets at koolaman station.  All ready in time to be the perfect gift for Mother's Day 2011.

VICTORIA - a stunning circular pendant that is sure to be one of our most celebrated pieces and treasured by all who wear it.

CATHERINE

 CATHERINE is both petite and elegant. The gorgeous light gold pendant with fixed jump ring offers the flexibility to be worn with one, two or three pendants, reflecting each individual style.

 The stunning koolaman designs ELIZABETH light gold pendants team beautifully together with sets ranging from one to six pendants. Best described as a combination of city chic and country charm.

GRACE

The name  GRACE was chosen for this koolaman gold pendant to relect its true old world glamou. Known as our heirloom piece, this pendant really does transcend time and passing trends. This round familiar circle is designed for those who appreciate both simplicity and elegance.

 GRETEL

 Classic and contemporary the GRETEL is suitable for both males and females. Wtiht he ability to wear up to five pieces on the one chain, this is the perfect way to celebrate and keep close to your heart all those that are special to you.

You're going to love these delicate gold pieces recreated from our favourite sterling silver pendants. Pop on over to the koolaman online store and see what all the fuss is about! koolaman designs handstamp sterling silver pendants and now are hand stamping 9ct gold.

We love the soft 9ct koolaman gold on the sterling silver ball chains... and we know you will too!

The winners of the koolaman designs Valentine's Day Giveaway

Hope you all had a lovely Valentine's Day.  Even if you were like me and it passed like every other day ! From all your comments, I need not feel left out, as it seems though there are many partners out there that aren't drawn into the Valentine's Day hype.

The winners were drawn at random using random.org . The first winner Heather won the silver AUDREY pendant and large ball chain. were #86 Heather with her comment "

With 4 year old Matilda at pre-school today, it's just my 2 year old main man Toby and me this Valentines Day. No pressie or flowers for me today...but plenty of cuddles and kisses!!!"

The second winner, the winner of the WILLIAM silver cufflinks is  Maisy Dee #59 with her comment "My husband doesnt do anything for valentines day either ~ it would be nice but i consider everyday to be a good day. My husband does all my housework - washing, ironing, cleaning etc.. All i have to do is cook! So I am lucky enough to be treated everyday!! :)"



The AUDREY and large ball chain - sterling silver hand stamped pendant



Congratulations to Heather and Maisy Dee !

Thank you to everyone who kindly spent time on the koolaman blog, entering the giveaway. We're also on facebook and will be announcing other giveaways and launching of new products in the coming weeks!

KATE pendants and large ball chain

Roses are red.....

Roses are red, violets are blue, koolaman is special and so are you!

We've been busy stamping away our Valentine's Day orders. There are lots of people who have shopped online to get their partner something special this Valentine's Day. Our sterling silver hand stamped WILLIAM cufflinks have proven to be one of more popular gift for the men and the AUDREY pendant  is a stand out favourite for a gift for the girls.

Now, if you're anything like me, I've never received a Valentine's Day gift and I don't think I've even received a bunch of flowers on the day. It  was bk (before kids) that a bunch of flowers would arrive, but as far as a Valentine's Day gift.... Nope not ever! My husband, is a Valentine's day non-believer!

Anyway, because we know there are people out there who would love a Valentine's Day gift (like myself) The koolaman team have decided to give away a handstamped silver pendant with silver chain and a hand stamped silver set of cufflinks to two very lucky people.

A set of the WILLIAM cufflinks  and an AUDREY pendant and chain and if you're like me, the only way to receive a Valentine's Day gift is to buy it or win it yourself!

Tell us what you're going to do this Valentine's Day,  a special gift you'd like to receive or give or perhaps (just to make the Valentineless people like myself envious) a special Valentine's Day treat or surprise someone's given you! Or even just a few words to describe your Valentine!

Giveaway is open to Aussie residents only and closes at 11pm on Monday 14th February 2011. Winner drawn at random. One entry per person please. If you don't have a Google ID just leave it as anonymous and your contact details.

Just in time for Father's Day

Just in time for Father's Day, we'll be at Magnolia Square, at the Malvern Town Hall, this Thursday 5th, Friday 6th and Saturday 7th of August.

The stunning WILLIAM set of cufflinks have just been launched for Father's Day 2010. Pop on down to Magnolia Square where you can place your order, view the curated wares and drop back to pick up your personalised silver with character gift. Don't worry if you don't have time to wait, we'll stamp your unique piece of hand stamped jewellery and post it out free of charge. And if you can't get to see us before Father's Day, don't worry just make sure you have your order in by the 30th August.

And, the following week you'll find us in Perth, WA at the Claremont Showgrounds for the Pregnancy Babies and Children's expo, visit our website to download free tickets to the expo. 

The simple things in life

I love birthday parties, I love all of the birthday bits and bobs, the themes, the matching paper products from places like the cupcake wrapper co and sambellina party supplies. And I also love the simple things and when we were invited to Lara's birthday the other day I was delighted to see these gorgeous homemade goodie bags... All decorated by the birthday girl and her four year old sister. In between coordinating two year old birthday parties Lara's Mum is busy making delicious olive oils and olive oil products

And, then the not so simple. Talia,  one of the koolaman team members said that she was going to create a Humpty Dumpty cake for her daughters birthday, we imagined one about 10-15cm high, with an egg as humpty dumpty and a piece of cake covered in chocolate icing for the brick wall. We were astounded when we saw this spectacular Humpty Dumpty masterpiece. As I'm sure little Amaya was too! Talia also used the 'reusable' cupcake wrappers from Kathy and Natalie at the Cupcake Wrapper Company.

 Don't forget we'll be at the GEELONG Piccadilly Market this Sunday 1st August from 10am - 4pm.

A sneak peak of the WILLIAM cufflinks

somewhere OVER THE RAINBOW...

Rainbows never fail to amaze me with their beauty and this week we were treated to a double rainbow  over  Koolaman. You can see the main rainbow and the second one popping out on the right. 

Here is mother nature in all her beauty with a double treat for us at Koolaman.... And to wash away the rainbows five minutes after this image was taken  the skies opened up and it rained and rained and rained..

There are some organised koolaman clients out there who have been placing their fathers day orders for our cufflinks, keyrings and pendants.   Here's a sample of what we've been busy creating. To ensure your Fathers Day order is received in time, please place your order at koolamandesigns.com.au before the 30th August.  And look out for the new cufflinks which will be launched next week, we know you're going to love them!

 

The big sister

You've all heard about Tully the gorgeous cuff bracelet that has been a very popular piece this Mothers Day. For those of you who have seen us at Mathilda's Market in Canberra and Hobart and the more recently successful launch of Magnolia Square in Adelaide you would have spied the stunning MEG piece.

MEG is the older sister and is a stylish cuff bracelet, double the width of TULLY and includes the same the unique clasp and uneven band. The highly polished finish looks even better with wear and tear.Stamped with fourteen characters, this classic piece will be in the koolaman collection for a while yet.

And not that we could ever forget the younger sister, TULLY but here is another photo just in case you missed her last time.

Little CHARLIE the baby of them all is pictured here. Suitable for children 4+

Looking for something different, CHARLIE is the perfect gift for a  naming ceremony, christening, special birthday or just 'cause.

Three reasons why I love Mothers Day

We're busily stamping and packaging getting our orders dispatched. To ensure your order is received by Sunday 9th May, make sure you order is in by midnight Thursday 29th April. All orders placed by this date will have priority.

Here are three reasons why I love Mothers Day. Not for the presents, I'm happy with cold toast and  artwork from pre-school but for these beautiful children who make me smile and teach me something every day.

And, they are all wearing underpants!

We're giving away a set of two MILLIE pendants before Mothers Day valued at $260. We're randomly drawing the winner and all you have to do is write positive words to describe your Mum in the comments section here in our blog or on our facebook page.

Easter bunny has visited..

Images from our Easter egg hunt last weekend. Six children and lots of eggs. The faces were covered in too much chocolate to show you. xx

A busy weekend with koolaman designs - here, there and everywhere!

We had the most wonderful weekend at koolaman designs for different reasons. Stacey was busy flying around the countryside exhibiting the silver with character range at the Mathilda's Market  held in Hobart in the picturesque apple isle and new and exciting Piccadilly Market held in Geelong.

Mathilda's Market in Hobart was full of beautiful things. And, while at Mathilda's Market in Hobart Stacey caught up with delightful Danielle and Monique from B.Box who have a range of  practical and stylish products for parents and her favourite was the nappy wallet. We'll be returning to Tassie on July 17th for the next Mathilda's Market.

The next stop was into Geelong for the new Piccadilly Market held at Deakin Waterfront. The market was held in a stunning spacious venue and there were a large number of retailers with beautiful wares on display. One of Stacey's favourite was Sophie and her husband Justin from Ellani Petite and their gorgeous range of children's accessories. And to the organiser from Piccadilly  Janina Lear for coordinating an impressive event.  We're looking forward to coming back to Geelong again soon.  A list of where and when we'll be exhibiting can be found  here.

While Stacey was jet-setting around the countryside I was having fun at Anthony and Jane's wedding. Jane looked stunning and the groom as handsome as ever. The reception was held on the family farm in a picturesque lakeside setting in southern New South Wales. It was a perfect place to celebrate a wedding of two wonderful people who deserve every happiness together.