One of the things I love most about working at an advertising agency is that I am surrounded by creative people. Not only do they kick butt at their day jobs, but almost all of my coworkers also have passion projects outside of work. They are photographers, jewelry makers, wedding invitation designers, musicians and more.
One such coworker is my friend Kelly, the owner of a small business called Toyidermy. It's like taxidermy, but instead of animals, she creates with toys.
All over the office people have Kelly's work on their desks, especially her business card holders.
I had yet to purchase a Toyidermy item for myself until one day last month I saw Kelly tweet that she was offering 40% off all the items in her Etsy shop. Well, you know how I love a bargain.
I immediately clicked over and started browsing. I knew right away when I saw her gold giraffe and zebra place card holders that I had to have them. I don't know what it is, I just can't resist gold!
With my Twitter promo code in hand, I placed the order and anxiously awaited their arrival. The next day Kelly stopped by my desk and offered to refund my shipping costs and she would just bring them to work. Even better!
The following day I was delivered this hot pink pouch, stamped with the Toyidermy logo.
I love that Kelly thinks of every detail, even the patterned tape she uses to seal the gift bag.
Inside, both sets of place card holders were very delicately wrapped in tissue paper and baker's twine.
The first set I opened was the four giraffes. Kelly includes a set of place cards with each order, so you can use them that day if you like.
Each holder is made from a plastic toy animal, cut in half. Then Kelly paints the two pieces and adds a magnet to each side. Those magnets hold the place card.
Next, I lined up my gilded herd of zebras.
I became so enamored with my new toys that I felt compelled to plan a jungle-themed dinner party. I already had the perfect burlap colored runner and a fabulous serving dish, but I still needed just the right napkins and a few more accents.
After a successful trip to Home Goods and Trader Joe's, I was ready for a safari dining room transformation.
I put myself at the head of the table, naturally. My name looks pretty nice poking out of a gold giraffe, no?
Though lacking the regal height of the giraffes, I like the zebras just as much.
The gold color is amplified by the lush green napkins.
At the center of the table I put a serving plate I have been dying to use. I bought this almost two years ago at Fish's Eddy in New York City. If I am ever lucky enough to get engaged, I am registering at Fish's Eddy.
For the finishing touch to my jungle table I picked out these incredible white roses at Trader Joe's. They came with these magnificent palm fronds.
Once I had the dining room table set this way, I didn't want to change it. I wanted to leave it like this all week!
I am psyched to have Kelly's Toyidermy creations as part of my entertaining arsenal. I've acquired quite the collection of gold decor, but these are so different and unique.
Unfortunately, Kelly's Etsy shop is currently on vacation. She is expecting her first child next month and is trying to slow down before baby's arrival. You can however sign up to be notified when the shop is back. Kelly plans to re-open in time for holiday shopping in late November.
What do you think of my new gold party animals?
