birth announcement

Perfect Gift Baby Announcements

Turn your favorite photo into a birth announcement.

View the entire collection of cards.

Spice Up Your Baby's Room with Indian Decor

If you want to see something different from the traditional girly pink and little boy blue decor, look no further.  There must be options for those of us who crave a little exotic spice!  How about the cheerful colors, playful patterns, and sumptuous fabrics of India?  I did a little research on the web and could not find much of anything for an Indian nursery, but I didn't let that stop me!  I dreamed up some fun kid-friendly paintings with a South-Asian feel, and listed them for sale on Etsy.  Of course, you will want to continue this decor theme with bedding and other accessories so I did a little shopping and created a collage of my recommendations.


I've got a couple of fun paintings inspired by India in my shop right now that you should definitely check out, but here is my inspiration piece for this room-

Available at http://www.etsy.com/listing/33002218/indian-elephant-named-henry-original

What I really love about this painting is the vibrancy and the gender-neutrality.  Why limit girls to pink and boys to blue when there is a rainbow of colors they are just beginning to explore?!

To continue the theme, check out these handmade items from the talented artists on Etsy:

1. Swaddle your little one cheerful color with this Orange and Pink Paisley and Pink Minkie Paisley Blanket and Burp Cloth Set by LaurelWhite.

2. This coconut was skillfully drilled to show a beautiful Mehndi pattern when illuminated.  Nighttime isn't so scary with a pretty light like this!  Lace Paisley - night light (Made to Order) by Ultraviolet Cosmonaut

3. Baby can meet that other baby in the mirror with this cute Tangerine scallop mirror or frame by Uncommon

4. This sweet little doll was made to play with IndiraHanuman-Mumbai, India by Meoneil

5. Show your little one that mommies love their babies with Naani's Lullaby PRINT by Deezden

6. This orange damask fabric can be custom ordered for a darling crib set to compliment your Indian decor.

The Early Bird Custom Baby Bedding Set by Babylovin

7. This tiny elephant is adorned with beads and sequins that twinkle like your baby's eyes.

Vintage Framed Unique Fabric Stuffed Sequin and Beaded Elephant Picture by Paris2nc

8. Available in a variety of colors, these stuffed elephants are too fun to pass up!

Turquoise blue elephant with rhinestones and embroidery by PINKSUGA

9. The sari side is cool to the touch while the minky side is warm and cuddly, and these blankets are machine washable too!   Indie Blankets by BohoHaute

So what do you think? 

Would you spice up your baby's room with Indian decor?
On the topic of global chic, are there other cultures that you'd like to see in nursery decor?
Are there other themes you would like to see for a baby's room?

I can't wait to hear what you have to say!  Leave comments, ideas, suggestions....here and I will try to respond to all.

Creative During Recession

This month's blog entry is about being creative in a different way.  Instead of talking about painting or giving props to other artists, I want to explore the creativity that comes with living during a recession.  I am seriously lacking in funds, and sometimes that gets in the way of having a great time.  If you can relate, then read on!  I have compiled a list of creative ways I've kept myself entertained lately.

1. Check out your local roller rink for specials- mine has dollar skate night on Wednesdays!
2. Go to the library- you won't have to pay unless you forget to return your books on time :)
3. Teach yourself to hula hoop, juggle, or jump rope like a pro
4. Bake something from scratch- it will make your house smell wonderful
5. Go for a walk in a different town for a change of scenery
6. Check your local bowling alley for deals
7. Mail an old-fashioned love letter to your sweetie- even if you live with him :)
8. Visit a museum- look into free days or check your library for city passes (they get you into museums FREE)
9. Go for a walk in your neighborhood and take the camera with you- catch the blooming flowers
10. Plant something and help it grow
11. Keep a sketch journal- try drawing with your eyes closed, or without lifting the pencil from the paper
12. Do your grocery shopping at an ethnic supermarket and try something new for dinner- recipes are so easy to find on the internet
13. Rearrange your furniture so it feels like you redecorated but didn't spend any money
14. Take turns hosting a game night or dinner with a group of friends

What can I add to this list?  I am always on the lookout for great new ideas!

HOT HOT HOT News!

What's new in the Hotjavva Studio?  Lots!!!  I now have a facebook fan page that is exclusive to proud owners of my artwork for one.  Owners of Nicole Javvaji's Art on Facebook   There is a contest happening right now for all you competitive types who love the thrill of winning free stuff.  All you have to do is submit a photo of my artwork in your home, then wait patiently til Sunday.  The winner will be selected randomly.  Have I peaked your interest?  Wondering what you might win?
Well you will have to become a facebook fan to find that out ;)

So what else, what else...  I created a giant (24" x 36") space painting!  I've had this Hubble photo of the Orion Nebula for a while and I finally got the courage to attempt it.  I think I will be adding some sparkle to it ala glitter and crystals, but I am pretty happy with the way it looks.  You cannot imagine how many layers of translucent color I've got here.  I used makeup sponges to blend and I actually wore my fingers down til there was bloodbeneath my nails.  I know- eww!

If you really like my painting click http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=41131454 to go to my Etsy shop where you can see more of it.

If you haven't seen the original Hubble photo, here it is.

Thanks always for taking the time to read my blog, I love being able to share with the world!

Sweeeeit!

 At the start of every year there is a renewed interest in improving our selves.  For women this almost always means dieting and exercise.  I am no different, I made a promise to myself that I will take better care of myself.  Of course, sweets have never looked as appealing as they do right now!
  Here is a collection of great items that will satiate your saccharine cravings without messing with your diet, and a theme-appropriate song to rock out to. All of these items were found on www.etsy.com. To visit the item featured, just click on the image. Enjoy the eye candy!

Here's a little buttercream rose from Hotjavva Studio (that's me!) for your desk to remind you of the sweeter things in life.

Pin on a sweet beaded felt cupcake pin by RitzeeRebel!

Pamper yourself with dark chocolate, cinnamon, vanilla, and coffee with this luxe gift basket from Posh Bijou.

Wrap yourself in this cotton candy short wrap by PinkPolishDesign.







Which item do you think is the most satisfying for a sugar-craving?