Hasta La Ideas

A few weeks back, we received a (very generous) package from SCAAPI, full of their christmas ornaments. They come in a range of colored wool that you thread through a wooden base. Simple, no too over the top and gives a really natural feel! It also comes in a few different designs, some of the wooden bases are circular and there are others which look like a leaf, or a star.

Like kids in a candy store, we laid out all the colors and started to pick out the few that we each loved the most. This was our first shoot in the studio with Sheng, a photographer, and also a friend of mine (= Zara), and he had a very strong bias for the blue wool which explains its appearance in 2 of the 3 photos. 

With so many colors to choose from it's really up to your own style and preference as to how you would decorate with them. My favorite though, are the soft pink, brown and white ones. A soft and delicate palette that somehow reminds me of snow and the coldness we lack here in Singapore. Thank you SCAAPI for the gorgeous ornaments, not only were they a breeze to photograph, taking the photos also really got us in the mood for Christmas! (I mean if we could arrange for more Christmas-y weather here, that would be the ideal)

Images by Sheng Yang and Bloesem

.. SCAAPI

Just like last year, we have teamed up with our friend and graphic designer Jessica Nielsen from the Netherlands once again, to create a range of downloadable Christmas wrapping paper to spread the Christmas cheer! 

We love the modern twist on Christmas wrapping, with her choice of brown and red instead of the usual red and green. But still keeping the iconic Christmas trees and other Christmas-y graphics to not stray too far from tradition. I mean Christmas is one of those times of the year that tradition really comes into play.

A gentle reminder to everyone to get all their shopping done as soon as possible, so you can avoid the mad rush on the last few days before Christmas. Also, if you like the wrapping paper, do download it and wrap you presents in it! It's almost like a Christmas present from Jessica and Bloesem to you… download pdf's after the break …

Download BROWN free Christmas Wrapping Paper by Jessica Nielsen for Bloesem

Download RED free Christmas Wrapping Paper by Jessica Nielsen for Bloesem

Jessica created one more pattern specifically for Bloesem Kids! We had a blast setting up the shoot with all the little toys. It really brought out the big kid in us. 

Sheng Yang a super talented photographer from Singapore was kind enough to help us with the shoot … hopefully we will share you many more images by him in the future for Bloesem but in the meantime have a look at his online portfolio … or have a look at his instagram blog … very entertaining!

Other images by Zara.S

.. Jessica Nielsen
.. Jessica's Etsy shop

How quickly this year flew by! It's already December and before we know it, it's going to be Christmas and then New Years. Wow, 2014. 

Okay now that we are over the shock of how our time is secretly being stolen from us… let's move on to Christmas, more specifically decorations!

I know some of you who are super excited about this time of year, must have already gotten all the decorations up by now, but for those who haven't we are here to share some of the decorations which have caught our eye recently. Maybe you can get inspired as well!

This year, we've been bitten by the plywood bug. We are loving everything plywood, including christmas decorations!

Nice little wooden ornaments around the house, or even an entire wooden tree, a great re-usable piece.

Love the neutral quality of the wood, you can add whatever accent color you would like, whether it's the traditional green and red or just some gold sparkle for some Christmas magic!  What decorations are you loving this year? I know many families have a new theme every year, do you?

Image credit : 1. bedroom tree 2. DIY magnet fridge 3. Scaapi DIY Leaf ornaments 4. Triangle for your christmas cards 4. stacked tree  5. snug trio ornaments

Don't forget food! Food can be great decoration too, especially if look as good as this fudge cake in mason jars!

{1. Cookie Stars  2. Paper Stars 3. Paper Ornament 4. Magnet Stars 5. White Ceramic  6. Star Ornament}

We love holiday stars! And we are overloading you with Christmas Christmas and Chrismas before the week ends. I hope it will look as good when I try making them myself especially those cookie stars. Did you get to see our food post on Bkids. You must! Most of them are DIY projects so click on their links and see how easy to create beautiful stars like these. We can try them together.

..Bloesem Pinterest

{1. Linen cushion covers by HelloMilky; 2. Zip pouch in coral by SlideSideways; 3. Whales canvas poster by ARMINHO; 4. Cardboard cuckoo clock by seequin; 5. Twiggy hooks by StudioLiscious.}

Last week Bloesem was invited by Etsy to do a Gift Guide for some Christmas shopping inspiration. Thank you Etsy we had a lot of fun putting them together. If you missed their post, you can still find it in thier blog here. Not to worry we will be updating them too here on Bloesem.

You only get one chance to make a first impression, so make the most out of your entrance; guests will feel more comfortable walking into a home that welcomes them. Little details here and there make all the difference, like twiggy hooks by the door to hang jackets and coats.~Irene