Just Dreamy!
New to the shop this week, KOBO soy fragranced candles from the US.
Beautifully boxed, includes pack of long candle matches.
72 hour Burn time, all natural, clean burning.

Purchase any KOBO candle & you get a "juniper pack"!
FREE
A cute plastic flower pot, sample of Sarah Priddy hand wash, 3 assorted lavender farm bar soaps, amybutler fabric badge.
These candles make gorgeous gifts for housewarming, engagement, birthday, or just spoiling oneself.
$88 each

New Lovely additions to the shop this week. Brooches and pendants by Davina Ewing.
I love the charming mix of hand stamped vintage papers and the most perfect resin work you'll find. Made in Island Bay, affordable too. pendants only $40

Sometimes a parcel arrives and once opened I really have to stop and think "can I part with these?" I pose that question every time I get a piece of Georgina Baker's lovely jewelery in. This last lot is no exception. I want everything! Just when I think "wow she really topped the last lot" She turns in on it's head and floors me with new designs and re vamped versions of her stunning work. They are always one-offs. I appreciate her hard work and attention to detail but more than anything it's the little stories she tells with each piece. Affordably priced too. The antique clusters (pictured in middle) will only set you back $80 NZD.
Amazing value for a Silver piece with so much work.

two wheels FOR SALE...
So so sad to announce the sale of my beloved bike. It's not even a year old. sniff sniff. Trouble is with the kids bikes, our car and the tiniest garage in the world We have agreed that there is no room for my "Cherry Baby" as I call her. If anyone would like to give her a good home. I am asking $300 they sell for over $700nzd so it's a good deal. It's a red Deluxe by Electra of California. If you can give her a good home please call me during shop hours 04 389 4058. I will be all to happy to arrange a test drive.

Lovely day we had today. (here in wellywood) Warmer weather than the 3 degree days of before. I think it was like 12 or 14c today. I had a wee shift around in the shop, nothing major just creating a more definite office area for the shop so that there is a clear idea of where the shop ends and the creative space begins, Like I'm Willy Wonka or something. I wish! I found things I'd totally forgot where they were and I found things i never knew I had so it's been pretty cool. I highly recommend a winter clean. Still a bit to go but all is well. I had an idea!!!
This Saturday I'm having a TAG sale. I will have heaps of craft supplies for sale. there will be material, felt, paints, brushes, old books, you name it. Pass it on to anyone you think might care. I am also marking down all remaining Amy Butler fabric to make way for the masses I'm buying and bringing back from the states!!! So tell a few of your mates. We'll have Complimentary cups of Shott CHAI. See you there my lovelies.

Dear Friends,

I am writing you in regards to the proposed Funding cut to the Adult Education (aka Night Classes) at Wellington High School or ACE.

This much needed & respected organization needs little or no introduction as they (ACE) have been an integral staple in Wellington's educational diet for many years.

John Key and the National government sadly have misinformed and misguided plans to cut Adult Education completely from the budget. I was alarmed at the news, as are you I'm sure. This has huge implications for our community. What they do not see is what these workshops bring to our community. What they foster. What they ignite in those who take them. I understand it can be a simple decision to axe a program when you THINK it's only "HOBBY" classes effected, but we need to inform our government what these night classes mean to us .

You and I know that night classes are a low cost, highly accessible form of additional education for all New Zealanders and New Zealand Residents. It is also a SOURCE of great inspiration for private industry and small business. A person can work a full time job, provide for a family AND try their hand at a creative course that inspires them to go onto higher education and excel in an area they never knew they could.

Many of us know someone who has been empowered by these courses. Some of you, if not all of you have taken a class over the years that has changed you, inspired you or even is the reason you went onto further your education or just simply help you gain confidence. Here at Juniper I can tell you that over the three years in business I can attribute thousands if not tens of thousands of dollars from goods that we have sold in our store made by attendees of night classes. It is OUR local economy directly effected when these programs get cut. Not to mention the approx 2000 jobs that will be effected by this decision nationwide.

So here is how you can help. You can, even if it's one sentence, email me and tell me how you or someone you know has been changed or helped by Wellington Adult education night classes. I will forward them onto ACE so that they may compile our reactions to help them with their cause.

I have promised to help anyway I could, I so hope you will too. I know you are busy and I know times are hard but we have to stand up and say "you can't take this away from us!"

It's our kids, our mums, our Dads, our Gran's and Grandad's effected by this.

If we sit and do nothing we and our community will suffer and once it's gone, it's gone and we will not be able to get this back.

Please pass this on to anyone you know who has ever taken a class or who you think can help.

Please note, I am not politically motivated. I actually would like to see this government make a sound and right decision I as a NZ'r can be really proud of, I just think they DON'T have the all the facts on this issue. Let's give them the facts, maybe we can change their minds. I hope so.

Thank you so much.

Your Friend,

Mindy Dalzell
you can email me at: m s g d a l z e l l @ x t r a . c o . n z

(this is a recent email I sent to all my friends I hope that you will copy paste it and send it to ANYONE who may need to know. We need your help.)

WOW update. I finished it! I sent it away! They have it! I won't hear if I got in the show till end of July. But I kind of feel like I accomplished a big thing by getting it turned in. Ahhhhh what a relief. Even if it dosn't make through judging it was a huge learning and growth experience as an artist. I am just so proud to have against all odds got this done. I cant show a picture noooooo...it's against the rules to show it off before judging BUT here is a teaser...

This week I will...


Eat a balanced meal.
Hug my kids 10 seconds longer, each.
Breath deep.
Drink water.

Working on my garment 13 hours a day for the last week has taken it's toll. So next week I will try to take it a bit easy on myself.

Recently I did a wedding flowers for a lovely couple whom got married up at the very amazing old property/manor called Erskin in Island Bay. The colour palette was rust and red with hints of gold and woodland was the feel we were going for because the big hall overlooked a wooded area. The couple were so lovely and a pleasure to work with. I look forward to seeing the proper photos when they come out. Until then have a look at my pics, sorry for the bad light.

Lucky Dip Craft Night !!! Here's what we made this month! *hot water bottle monster
*tin can pin cushions these are inspired by smaller cat food size ones from a great blog called design sponge. *gilded paper weights with quick dry, rub on silver wax.
Thank you to everyone who came this month and had a blast. This month we did a little differently as we are trying not only keep the cost down but we are trying to be eco friendly so we no longer wrap the materials in parcels. Your directions are given to you in a wee envelope and then you go to that station. We had some good feed back too, some people would like to do the eco friendly way but try to use the same materials so it's one big station that everyone uses and you can still sit with your group or friend you came with. I think that sounds great and we will certainly try to make june's projects from the same materials. Keep that feedback coming as we always would like to improve. Have a great weekend!

7 years ago I found a beautiful greeting card company Egg Press. They were then featured in a Martha Stewart Baby magazine for their lovely baby announcements. It was the color pallet, the thick pressed paper, simple tasteful illustrations that made me notice them and remember them. I knew when I started my shop I'd carry their work. Egg Press of Seattle is celebrating their 10th anniversary. You must see this video made to show the process. It's enough to make you want to buy a print press tomorrow! Everyone at the company is dedicated and puts huge effort in every little card. I am so proud to sell them here in New Zealand. Thanks Egg Press you continue to suprise and inspire us here at juniper. So raise your cups. To Egg Press! Happy 10th guys!

Voi leather handbags of Germany. everything from laptop bags to wallets. this is robust leather that has all the quality you expect of European design. definately worth coming in to see. Katie is in LOVE with the chocolate A4 satchel. The olive and aubergine laptop bag is to die for but my Favorite is the "Weekender" Soild leather carry on that is so so beautiful.

Bison Stoneware Milk bottles of Australia.
Four lovely colours 3 cute sizes. perfect for Mothers Day! wee one is perfect for single servings of tea or porridge milk or caramel sauce pourer. Medium size great for table syrup or shared milk pour. Large is just right for Saki, serving gravy, or vase. these are just ideas...you could use them anyway for anything. We love them!

WOW update...making real progress now. Started the 2nd of 4 stages/parts of the garment. All's well so far. It's so funny how looking at my very ambitious drawings how I have made tiny changes along the way but am still managing to be true to the story of the garment. I don't for a second think it's going to be easy, it hasn't, but I am so happy with my work for my skill level and feel as if at the end of the day even if it's not accepted I tried in the face of everything. Time is so precious. I have tried so far not to give any of the time with which I would spend with the children. Choosing to work on it at night or early in the mornings has suited me and them. My daughter Gretta who is my muse had the first fitting in the weekend and it fits like a glove. she said it was comfortable and she thought it was looking "really cool Mum" I was bit chuffed about that. Sadly she was just shy of the age to be a model for the show or she would tried out. there's always next year.
Have a great week.

Lucky Dip Craft Night

scheduled dates
May 20th fully booked
June 17th fully booked
July (away on holiday)
Aug 19th taking sign ups now

cost is $12 per person all materials provided.
You won't know what you'll be making till you open up your package. So nooooo asking us to give you hints. Our lips are sealed.
We ask that you please call if you can not make your booking. There are always heaps of people on the waiting list so do your fellow crafter a favor and give them your spot. Just think what would Nana do? And it's looking like I'll be away for July so no class for that date. Thanks so much have a great week!

YESSSSSS! doing the happy dance.
NEW FABRICS IN STOCK NOW...Amy Butler craft fabrics are back in stock. these are wonderful for all sewing/craft/interior projects. $36 per meter. We also have a two bolts from the Heather Ross Mendocina range. New fabric mix packs and as always scrap bags. come and get'm!

We are so honoured to have
Joug designer light pendants instore now. Joug light shades are intricate yet simple using mathematical shapes to create a functional form that has aesthetical appeal. Using the material in an intelligent manner, the individual pieces hold adjacent pieces of the light shades together. The Joug designs definitely suit the modern and minimalist home.

We currently have three style of light available by Joug and the offshoot company pookie
the first by pookie are the limited edition exclusive to juniper pendants are $57 and come in all the patterns avaible above. Katie loves the Grey and brown dots while I am in love with the mermaids. these are so lovely you must come in to view. We can do ship worldwide so just email if you MUST have one or two...

*The stunning Frangipani light shade is made from hundreds of small symmetrical elements. It reveals a soft 3D texture of an array of flower patterns that resemble the frangipani flower. two sizes large Size: 500mm x 240mm $ and small 355mm x 195mm $198

The Delightful light shade which is unbelievably lovely was inspired by the beautiful fashion designs Andrea Moore creates each season. Using a fabric handpicked by Andrea the Delightful light shade was developed to have a clean design lines and an impacting bold statement.

Your Delightful light shade comes is a beautifully crafted white with red line art box. This will evoke the feeling of receiving a present knowing that there is something special inside waiting to be taken out. I have already bought one!

See you soon!

Stuart and I celebrated 10 years of marriage this Friday. It was a day like any other. We are actually saving for a trip to the states to visit family. But a dozen roses and dinner at our local favorite eatery Manon with the kids, home in time for American idol (our guilty pleasure) was a pretty terrific day in my book.
I can't say that my life is any better if I'd planned it. Actually I have to laugh because I did plan my life when I was 14 on paper as you do and it was so funny. I was such a "realist". I was going to be living in Paris studying fine art, living in a small apartment with bakery downstairs. No lie! I had planned that I wasn't going to have kids because I thought I'd be a terrible mother. Too grumpy.
Today I am living in New Zealand (Duh) didn't study art like I'd wanted but with two kids, husband and a handcraft gallery & florist across the street from a bakery named "Simply Paris"! sooooo I was very close with my "premonition". well sort of. And the "terrible mum" thing. Well look at those faces in the picture, yah I am such a meanie! I am the bad cop in parenting but most days they can weasel their way with a smile and a hug. so here's to many many more years of NOT living up to my 14 year old potential. I love underachieving, the rewards are pretty cool.

stuart+mindy
4 eva

My WOW work in progress report. Okay after a failed attempt to start on my garment entry for wearable arts for the last two weeks and a tragic brutal death of my sewing machine and $900 for a new one...I finally started this week. after just two days I have made some serious progress and it's so good for my frame of mind and soul. I feel elated about what I have created so far. It's not entirely true to my drawings but it's taken a beautiful turn for the better in texture and shape. I am so inspired and can't wait to get to the shop everyday to work a little bit more everyday.

My perfect day

Now I don't want to scare you all we did not eat the above menu in one go. We spaced it out though out the day. we paced ourselves. We walked our buts off too so make no mistake we earned every calorie. Well almost. It started like this, Ethan woke Stuart and I up saying he wanted porridge with friut. YUM! then at breakie we all got the bad news Dad had to work. Bummer! So I said how's about we go on the Ferry! the kids were stoked. Ethan screamed "I've never been on a boat before" and you know what he hadn't! I couldn't believe I'd never, in his 5 years of life, taken him on a boat. So off we went to packs our back packs suit up. Dad dropped us at the sparkling water front about 11am and we were buzzing. When we arrived the ferry had just left so we bought our tickets for the next one and went to Mojo for a hot chocolate and as the kids pointed out they had breakie a "whole 2 hours ago" and wanted lunch. So pizza was ordered. They ate, we laughed, and told jokes then we went for a walk which ended in a battle of "quick slap". A game of speed and reflex and if you don't move your hads fast enough you get them smacked, I am telling you I though Ethan was going to wet his pants laughing. The kids got so tickled when they thought they'd got me good. I put it on saying "Owwwwweeee!" it was so fun and so not PC. Before we knew it the ferry was ready and we got on board. Now I don't need to tell you if you live in Wellington the weather was bliss Sunday. Sunny Autumn skies no chill just lovely. The boat ride was smooth and so fun. Gretta said to me on the boat ride the wind ripping through our hair "I feel like I'm young again" SHES 8! I laughed so hard. Once we got off in Days Bay it was a 10 min walk from the dock to Eastbourne along the coast. The walk was totally fun. When we got to Eastbourne we wlaked around took a look at few shops, decided we'd earned some hot chips and a play at the Fort playground. so so cool. what looks like an old torture chainber from the medievil times the kids slid and rolled and swung and fell and lughed and ate and did I say swung, swingged, what is it, it was fun? then off we went to catch the ferry home again. We missed it by 10 min so we had to play on the beach for another HOUR geeze talk about "turture". We went to the end of the dock to wait for the ferry after a while and noticed a wee family fishing with bait traps. We peered over the side and there were thousands of wee spotted fish all swimming around the pier. These kids had bread in the traps and when one would swim in the clear tube trap they'd pull it up and take a look at it and throw it back. No one was hurt just a bunch of kids looking and wee fishes. I was cracking up at how excited all these little kids were when one of them would get one. They'd all squeel and say "you did it!" "wow you got one" "thats so cool!" "wow you got four" then the ferry came. we got on. The sun was setting as we pulled into the city dock. The city looked magical. I thought to myself how rare the kids actually get to see the city at night. Always tucked in bed about this time or at least home. They were so excited still. Took a taxi home. they had a bath then off to sleep. I got into the worst mismatch pajamas I could find played around online and then had a ice cream sandwich IN BED because I'm alone in a big bed and that's what I'd be doing if I was single. All up it was a nearly perfect
We didn't have Dad with us as I posted this Stuart came home from work and read this post. he wanted me to write that. he's right we did miss him but the pizza helped the pain:)