Thoughtfully handmade items by Miss Bojambo

Spring is here and with it comes the insane urge to tidy and organize. I've noticed many of my fellow Etsians are re-doing their studios and trying to get their space organized. I, of course, am doing this as well, however, I'll save that update for another time. Today I want to share with you some of the treasures I unearthed while sifting through the thousands of listings on Etsy looking specifically for items perfect for a home office & studio. Ready, set, go:

(From left to right)

A vinyl wall calendar sticker by SimpleShapes: You can write on this vinyl wall sticker with a dry erase marker. I think this is a unique item because it cuts down on the bulk of the typical dry erase board and you don't have to punch holes in your wall. Any they can make it any size that your heart desires.

A white metal vintage numbered drawer from Hindsvik: This drawer is perfect for organizing/indexing receipts, recipes, or tools. It would also add more character to your space than your average plain plastic bin.
 
A set of 4 vintage coffee/tea mugs from TastyVintage: Everybody needs a special work mug! These unique cups could double as a votive since the brass handle is removable. I thought these mugs had a lot of style and they may be especially attractive to painters because they are clear.  I thought if you could see that there is coffee in your cup then you wouldn't mistake it for your dirty painting water, as I all too often do! They are monogrammed with the letter "B," but that could easily stand for Boss, Busy, Bojambo?

A vintage Russian mechanical alarm clock from ClockworkUniverse: How could you miss a deadline with this handsome clock keeping track of time for you. I love the aqua/seafoam green color. This clock will serve you both functionally and decoratively - it's a win, win.

A vintage map pencil cup holder by CarolinaCottage: This quart paint can has been decoupaged in a vintage map of New York City. If a pencil cup isn't your shtick, this fine container could also serve as a supply holder or vase, the lid has even been decked out and could be a coaster for your drink of choice!

A vintage American Family Scale from vintageavacado: In this day and age, I think it's fair to say that nearly everyone has done a bit of mailing. That said, why wait in the possible long lines at the post office. With your own scale at home, not only are you enhancing your home environment with the added character of your vintage scale, but you can prepare your mail at home ensuring that your trip to the post office will be super quick!

A giant succulent terrarium kit by monkeysalwayslook: If you can't be outside while your working, why not bring a touch of the great outdoors inside. A terrarium is an easy way to add color and freshness to your space. You don't need a green thumb to take care of these plants because terrariums are pretty low maintenance, but just in case you are worried detailed instructions are included.

A vintage book bundle from lostandfawnedhome: The topics of these books may not pertain to your line of work, but I think people overlook the simple pleasure of enjoying a beautiful book cover. It's nice to mix books with attractive covers with the other books on your shelves to enhance the visual appeal. This vintage set is great example of the style and personality you could add to your collection of books.

A vintage Mirro Lux timer from blackscottietreasure: This little 60 minute will look excellent on your desk or on a shelf because of its minimal design. It will also ensure that you don't spend too much on one any one project with it's loud "ding!"

♥ Miss Bojambo

With Mother's Day around the corner, it's about time to start brainstorming new and special ways to say, "I love you" and "Thank you for being awesome, Mom."

Lucky for you, I've already been brainstorming and boy do I have something special for you! I am offering one of a kind, custom pendants that are a wonderful way to express yourself as the pendant lends itself as a host to your creativity. With both gold and silver frames to choose from, your mama will be stylishly wearing wonderful photographic memories for years to come! This truly is a custom pendant.

For more information about having a custom pendant made please contact me or visit me on Etsy!

♥ Miss Bojambo

I was able to take some photographs of my new prints today, just at the end of the good afternoon light. Although my time was cut short, I am looking forward to creating more arrangements tomorrow. I am having so much fun with the versatility of these little prints! They are so easy to mix and match, look amazing hanging together, and are in search of a new home! Don't try to resist their charm!

You too can create this look - these prints, and others, are available in my Etsy store. 

♥ Miss Bojambo

Happy Thursday! I am so looking forward to the weekend, as the bf and I are going to see Alice in Wonderland in 3D! For those of you planning Mad Hatter tea parties, I've got the perfect fruit tart recipe. And if you are not in to Alice and her mad tea parties then, this recipe is sure to get you excited for spring, as if you weren't hungry for it already! 

Serves: 8
Active Time: 30min 
Start to Finish: 2hr 30min
(includes cooling)

For Tart Shell
1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
3 Tbsp granulated sugar
Rounded 1/4 tsp salt
7 Tbsp unsalted butter, cut into 1/2" pieces
1 large egg yolk
1/2 tsp pure vanilla extract
1/2 tsp fresh lemon juice
3 Tbsp cold water

For Filling
1 1/2 lb strawberries (about 1 1/2 qt), trimmed and halved lengthwise 
1/3 cup granulated sugar
3/4 cup ruby Port
1 lb mascarpone (about 2 cups)
1/4 cup confectioners sugar
1 tsp fresh lemon juice
1/2 tsp grated lemon zest
3/4 tsp pure vanilla extract
 
Equipment: a 10-inch fluted tart pan with removable bottom; pie weights or dried beans. (I used a cake pan, as I am fresh out of tart pans and I used plain rice instead of pie weights)

Make Tart Shell: Blend together flour, sugar, salt, and butter in a bowl with your fingertips or a pastry blender (or pulse in a food processor) just until mixture resembles coarse meal with some roughly pea-sized butter lumps. Beat together yolk, vanilla, lemon juice, and water with a fork (or pulse) until mixture comes together. 

Gently knead with floured hands on a  lightly floured surface until a dough forms, then gently knead 4 or 5 times. Press  into a 5-inch disk. Place in center of tart pan and cover with plastic wrap. Using your fingers and bottom of a flat-bottomed measuring cup, spread and push dough to evenly cover bottom and side of pan. Prick bottom of tart shell all over with a fork and freeze until firm, about 10 minutes.

Preheat oven to 375F with rack in middle. Line tart shell with foil and fill with pie weights. Bake until side is set and edge is pale gold, about 20 minutes. Carefully remove foil and weights and continue to back until the shell is deep golden all over, about 20 minutes more. Cool in pan, about 45 minutes. 

Make Filling While Tart Shell Cools: Stir together strawberries and granulated sugar in a bowl and let stand, stirring occasionally, 30 minutes. Strain in a sieve set over a small saucepan, reserving berries. Add port to liquid in saucepan and boil until reduced to about 1/4 cup, 10 to 15 minutes. Transfer to a small bowl to cool slightly.

Meanwhile, whisk together mascarpone, confectioners sugar, lemon juice, zest, vanilla, and a pinch of salt until stiff.

Assemble Tart: Spread mascarpone mixture evenly in cooled tart shell, then top with strawberries. Drizzle Port glaze all over tart.

Cooks' Note: Tart Shell can be baked 1 day ahead and kept at room temperature.

I hope you enjoy the wonderfully refreshing fruit tart as much as I do. I've also added a few Etsy finds to inspire your mad tea parties! The first listing is from thelooseleaf and they are offering a set of four teas (15-20 cups each). There is a great variety of teas to choose from to suit your different needs and ailments. The second item is a beautiful vintage cup and saucer, a silver plated spoon, and a lace mini matte from GloamingDesigns. Tea for one? Absolutely! Treat yourself daily with this charming solo tea set. And lastly, I've added a beautiful hand screen-printed 100% linen tea towel created by FormosaDesigns. The original illustration was inspired by the birds and plants at the Meroo National Park of Australia's east coast. Please enjoy your weekends, my friends!

-Miss Bojambo

After seeing my plain old redish-magenta mailbox day after day, I decided to spruce it up a bit. My bf and I had our house painted just before this winter started and are very happy with the change from red, white, and blue, to a more sophisticated rich navy and warm white. But our mail box was still an eyesore. There is something very nautical about the new blue and it inspired a mailbox makeover! C'est magnifique, non? 

I had a blast painting the little critter on my mailbox and thought that my mail carrier would really appreciate the improvement! I think the Octopus is a great addition because he livens up the box from every angle! The mailbox is now worthy of my crafty snail mail and makes me look forward to collecting the mail! I am still looking for the perfect ship steering wheel to glue on to the magnetized clip that hold the outgoing mail. A work in progress.  

After painting the mailbox, I felt like the house numbers could stand a makeover too. I took them down right away thinking that I would find a replacement at the snap of my finger. Unfortunately since that day, I've been scolded many times by delivery persons who suggest I put my numbers back up... oops. I was waiting for the perfect numbers. 

I led my house number search to Etsy and voila! I give you decorative house numbers by Mooza, an Australian seller, or rather, two creative mama's dedicated to hand making acrylic letters and numbers and matching them with beautiful Japanese papers. Kinda great, isn't it! I really like the blue floral design on the number 21 shown above. I think that this pattern will looks wonderful against the new warm white. I am so happy that my search has finally ended - woo hoo! Have you done anything crafty to your front door area? I'd love to hear about it! Also, have at look at Mooza on Etsy and take care, my friends.

-Miss Bojambo

Valentine's Day draws nearer everyday and I asked my neice (she is soon to be four), if she would be my Valentine, to which she responded, "No." But I think that I can change her mind with a rockin' be my valentine card. 

What do you think about Valentine's Day? Celebrate it, give a simple gesture, anti-v-day, or is everyday Valentine's Day? Hmm. Personally, I think it's a bit cheesy, but it is a good excuse to watch An Affair to Remember, and have a decadent dessert! This is definitely something to look forward to while depressing January comes to a close.

Something else to look forward to is that MissBojambo.Etsy.com is offering free shipping on all orders through the 10th of February 2010 for those of you that would like to order something sweet and thoughtful for yourself or another special someone. 

There are new pieces to choose from, all vintage inspired and wonderfully feminine. I hope they perk up your day,  considering January is turning out to be quite depressing -  it's turning my life into a dark and gritty graphic novel... Yikes. Enjoy the Jewels!