Happy Hinamatsuri!

Today in Japan is "Hinamatsuri", the "Doll's Festival" or "Girl's Day". Families blessed with a girl display dolls that represent the Emperor and Empress with the thought of giving thanks for the daughter's good health.

While I didn't get my act together to celebrate with our little one this year, next year I plan to make these gorgeous little sweets as taught by La Fuji Mama. I might make this paper display found through Zakka Life. I adore, but probably wouldn't have the patience to make a bento like this. And the Girl's Day Origami from here would make a delightful card for my little one and her little girl friends.

So until next year, I'm wishing my little one a world of happiness and good health. And to a very special "girl", another so dear to my heart, who shares this festival with her birthday, I wish my grandma a very happy 90th birthday.

Bookcase Tour Tuesday - Mixed Media Jewellery

Mixed Media Jewellery was a Christmas present last year from the Man. It's another piece that I love for the images as well as the technical advice it offers.

Before it leaps into projects, this book starts off with chapters on materials, some basic jewellery techniques and of the design process. While I'm not a follow-a-project type of gal, I do really appreciate the very clear and beautifully photographed instructions that each project chapter gives. The projects cover a wide range of materials, many recycled, as well as techniques. It's then followed by an eye-candy filled, "Gallery" double page spread. The book ends with interviews with all the artist contributors, an interesting read. It's an enjoyable book that makes the mind tick and helps ideas flow.

1. Gallery, 2. Materials, 3. Journals, 4. Gallery, 5. Instructions, 6. Instructions, 7. Image Transfer Brooch, 8. Blue Bird Brooch, 9. Gallery

And finally for today, the winner of the papercuts book is Megan who flipped through the pages of a stunning Japanese Maple book for us.

**Update... Oops, I forgot to add Mr Linky so that you can either add your own post, or check out other tours. Here it is...

Cameo Appearance

A sneak peek at a little range I'm working on for the BIDM this weekend....

Back Soon

without words..., originally uploaded by dottie angel.

I've been a bit of an absent blogger of late, and a terrible meme hostess. Apologies! The Man has been feeling poorly so my focus has been on my little family of late. The good news is that my mum arrives in a couple of days to give me a hand. So I'll be back soon with a book winner to announce and new pieces to show for the BIDM market on March 6th.

Shadow Shot Sunday

One from the files today.

Hiding in the Shadows.

For more shadowy images, visit Hey Harriet.

Baby Cuddles

Little feet, originally uploaded by ChristineRP.

"A baby will make love stronger, days shorter, nights longer, bankroll smaller, home happier, clothes shabbier, the past forgotten, and the future worth living for." Anon

It's been a tough couple of days with hubby back in hospital until tomorrow, so the little one and I have been catching up on lots of cuddles, kisses and her new favourite - blowing raspberries on any bare skin of mine she can find.

Bookcase Tour Tuesday - Monkiri Asobi

"Kirigami" is to cutting as "Origami" is to folding, well except that in kirigami there is usually a little folding involved as well.

The title of this book, I believe, translates to "Cutting Family Crest Fun", something like that, my Japanese isn't great. The book, in the usual scrumptious zakka style, is filled with not only cutting patterns, but also some beautifully photographed inspirations of how to use your paper cuts. It has other sections that appear to possibly be on historial and cultural relevance of the designs, but again, without being able to read Japanese more than a little, I'm just kind of guessing here.

1. Kirigami Boxes, 2. Kirigami Ornaments, 3. Kirigami Dusting, 4. Kirigami Pop-Outs, 5. Kirigami Dandelion Pattern, 6. Kirigami Fans, 7. Kirigami Wave Pattern, 8. Kirigami Butterfly Pattern, 9. Kirigami Monochrome, 10. Kirigami Coasters, 11. Kirigami Pattern, 12. Kirigami Chopstick Covers

And this week, I'm going to begin to clear some of my collection of books, a few pieces that are gathering dust and really need someone to bring them out to play. The book I'm giving away this week is also all about paper cutting, Japanese designs, but more-so in the Chinese paper cutting style.

To enter, simply tour us through a book from your shelf and add the link to that particular post (not just your blog link please) to Mr Linky below, anytime before Monday night (Australian time) next week. Anyone is welcome. Extra entries are going to those who have previously joined in as well.

Given a Yard....

One-Yard Wonder Cover, originally uploaded by One Yard Wonders.

Given a yard, a yard of fabric, what would you make? Something original, something you'd like to share? One-Yard Wonders is publishing a sequel and it's calling for submissions. For more information, go here.

Shhhhh.....

Be very, very quiet... don't spook them, they are a little shy... It's been quite a while, but I'm trying to once again listen to my fabrics, let them tell me what they want to become...

These fabrics wanted to once again, become a wave...

Shhhh... I think, maybe, just maybe I might be hearing a few more whispers in the room.

Shadow Shot Sunday

Sitting on my sewing table by the window.

For more shadowy images, drop by Hey Harriet.

Joy

A piece finished last weekend, for a friend's bub-to be.

Dear little girl, may you always have joy.

Flickr Faves on a Friday

Recently I've been watching Ninadinoff's pieces in a Ring a Day challenge. I love watching the fun, quirky and creative pieces she comes up with (hers is the shooting gallery, in the bottom left corner).

There are many other fabulous pieces to be seen on Flickr, great inspiration, especially for one who is currently nutting her way around some changes in her own work...

1. TALLY LACMA ring, 2. Cloud Ring # 7, 3. What to do with an old button, 4. Rachelle-010710, 5. Miniature Sushi Ring, 6. Floating Rings, 7. Roaming Antelope Ring, 8. GIRASOLE ECO_RING pink-red-orange, 9. Good Bird Bad Bird, 10. Sharp!, 11. Orchid crochet ring, 12. bubble ring, 13. Anillo plata, acrilico y 3 circones Xperimenta Fran Duarte, 14. Public Treasure Poison Ring (2008, IT) Ring 70.4, 15. Good Time Ring Silver Edition, 16. Positive Ring, 17. Ring a Day, 40/365, 02.09.10, 18. Platinum piece 2, 19. Barbarella crochet ring, 20. Ring-a-Day 40/365 2.9.10

Well, I'm off now to play with a new medium... hope to have some results to show soon.

My Creative Space - Have Box Will Craft

I have a coffee table, one that I love. I bought it in Japan and shipped it back with me. It's wooden with a glass top insert. Under the glass are two drawers, one divided into nine sections, one not. It was the perfect little creative space, I could keep fabric and felts all flat and then needles, threads and other little bits all in their own little space. As I said, it was the perfect space, until the first bruise....

The little one, now pulling herself to stand, lost her balance and came down on the edge of the sharp leg. The bruise was instantaneous and she sported an egg on her head for days. The coffee table had to go. But I've missed my little space in the living room.

Until now.

I present to you, my new crafting space in a box.

And when I'm all done, it latches up to keep curious hands away.

While crafting away, I've finished another Three Way Kanzashi Necklace/Brooch.

And Operation Make this House a Home continues (at a snail's pace). I've started a photo wall.

For more creative spaces, visit Kootoyoo, who I see is also playing with petals this week.

Bookcase Tour Tuesday (on a Wednesday) - Child Kimono and the Colors of Japan

"Spring is when the trees and grasses start to wake, even before the snow melts. The light green of fresh, downy young leaves, as well as the soft colors of the flowers that bloom before the leaves bud, are the typical tones of early spring. The yellow, red and purple hues of the flowers then thicken, as the leaves turn to a glossy green. The colors of spring convey all the abundant energy of life."

I had trouble photographing this book for the blog. Trouble because I love each and every page and wanted to take a shot of the whole publication. I bought it for as much of a reference book as for the eye candy. Each kimono pictured is from a single person's collection. Ahhh... how I covet that collection...

Child Kimono and the Colors of Japan is written in both Japanese and English and is part of a series. As with so much in Japanese life, it's broken into the four seasons. For each season the colours worn during those times are pictured, and their origin (often the plant/flower that produces the dye) and significance explained. It also tells of the main children's festivals of the year, the different types of kimono and common motifs.

It's so beautifully laid out and I could happily sit and just flick through its pages for hours.

And for next week, dust off your shelves... I'm giving away a book from my collection - a Japanese paper cuts pattern book. To enter, just join in Bookcase Tour Tuesday next week, and extra entries for those who have already contributed this week and last.

If you'd like to join in, please do at any time (any day as well). Add your link to your actual BTT post for that week (wait until you've posted it) on Mister Linky below. I have a button made, if you'd like to add it to your blog, drop me a line and I'll send the code to you.

Wednesday will be the new Tuesday

I've been reading here in blogland that "February is the new January" (sorry, I can't seem to remember who to credit that with..), and such a relief it is, I feel like I'm running so behind on everything.

Well this week, Wednesday is going to be the new Tuesday... the Bookcase Tour Tuesday. It's been a big day, another big one tomorrow so for now, here's a sneak peek at the book I'm showing this week.

Playing with Backgrounds

Another Photoshop night. Playing with ideas for a new blog background. At the same time, I'm playing with my new Bamboo. It's taking a while to get used to, but I think I'm really going to enjoy ditching the mouse for a while.

Shadow Shot Sunday

As I was tidying up my little one's room yesterday, I hung one of her mobiles. It has lots of sweet little fish, all handmade from silk, a piece we picked up on our travels in Cambodia.

Watching the shadows swim along the wall was quite relaxing.

For more shadowy images, drop by Hey Harriet.

Retro Rabbits

I was feeling a bit off colour this morning. My body ached, head ached and I found myself slurring when I tried to speak. Everything was in slow motion. I don't think that I'm coming down with anything, just that the last few months have caught up with me. Luckily, today was one of DH's good days, so he swept in and took over so that I could have some time to relax. I slept all morning until I was gently woken with a cooked lunch.

Still needing some time to myself this morning and with a crafting mojo continuing to be MIA, I decided it was a good time to tidy up the little one's room. We don't really use it for her yet as she sleeps in our room, so it had become a dumping ground of late.

While sorting through her clothes (and getting quite teary putting away some of the gorgeous clothes she no longer fits into), I came across some of her kimono collection. They are way too cute to stay folded away, so some of them now help brighten up her space.

As I hung them I noticed, that I have quite a thing for the 1960s retro rabbits.

I'm hoping that as she grows up, she will too.

Flickr Faves on a Friday

balance, originally uploaded by Simutis [nancy].

Balance. How I'd dearly love to find some.

Ninjas in the Night

Every night, while we slumber, we do so in peace knowing that these guys are watching out for us.

A Rut

rut ⁿ

1. a groove or furrow in a soft road, caused by wheels

2. any deep mark, hole, or groove

3. a narrow or predictable way of life, set of attitudes, etc.; dreary or undeviating routine (esp in the phrase in a rut)

I'm thinking that people are going to start to notice. Going to notice that I write a so-called crafty blog, but that for quite a while now, I haven't crafted. I'm good at making excuses; "I need a more organised space", "It's too hot", "I'm too tired", "I don't have enough time". But I don't think any of those are it. I think it's simply that I'm in a rut.

Don't get me wrong, I'm not short of inspiration. I'm not short of ideas. It just seems that every time I go to start to make something lately, something stops me.

So last night, I go out one of my neglected sketch pads and started to write, started to doodle, started to journal in a sense. It's time to claw my way out of this deep furrow I find myself in and start to bring my ideas to life.

Have you ever found yourself in a rut? Found anything that helped?

Bookcase Tour Tuesday - Organizing Your Craft Space

Before I begin, I should be honest, this book doesn't actually belong on my bookcase. It doesn't actually belong to me. It was very kindly lent to me a while back by the ever-so-generous TinnieGirl. It's high time that I return it.

While this book has quite a bit of text, I must say I didn't read much of it. For me, I enjoyed the book for the visuals, the peeks inside other people's creative spaces and how they keep it all ordered.

The book is arranged in chapters of types of crafting and suggests how to arrange your space best for each. Included are; Stained Glass and Mosaics, Rubber Stamping and Stenciling, Scrapbooking, Paper Crafts, Beading, Yarn Crafts and Needlework and Quilting.

Unfortunately, it didn't have a chapter on what I need most, a person who suffers from a serious case of crafting schizophrenia and needs to organise supplies and areas to make bags, jewellery, cards, do some digital design work, as well as arranging stock for two online stores and markets with preferably an area for a playpen for the little one as well. When someone publishes that book - I'll be first in line to buy it!

Other than that, I have really enjoyed the book, revisiting its pages many times to pick out some of the little ideas. While not necessarily original, I love the look of magnetic tins on a metal plate, jars filled with colourful notions and a ladder to display some of my favourite magazines. Mmmm.. now if I can just finish organising my space, maybe I'll get some crafting done...

1. A Good Reminder, 2. Yummy Jars and Buttons, 3. Another Good Reminder, 4. Love the Collage with the Stamp on the Jar, 5. More Yummy Button-Filled Jars, 6. Closet Organizers, 7. I've Been Meaning to Do Some Tins Like This, 8. Things to Consider, 9. I Want a Magazine Ladder!

For more peeks into other people's spaces, Etsy Open Studios is a good start.

If you'd like to join in, please do at any time. Add your link to your actual BTT post on Mister Linky below. I have a button made, if you'd like to add it to your blog, drop me a line and I'll send the code to you.

Operation Tidy Up the Creative Space - Stage One Complete(ish)

The messy brown cupboard (as opposed to the messy built-in) looked like this....

Now, replaced, looks like this...

Thanks to an Ikea bookshelf with glass doors, a dad who went with me to pick it up and bring it home and a hubby, who despite being sick, did a little each day to put it together for me.

The top houses some of my craft books, organised into type and a few little nick-nacks...

Some antique wooden Japanese language tiles... some mini geisha getta, some shadow box pieces of mine...

Some very large Japanese antique cotton reels, that I plan to do something with one day...

And then, behind patterned, frosted glass....

...my Japanese cotton fabric stash as well as a few kimono pieces that I'm using at the moment...

While they were neatly folded, I couldn't resist taking a few photos... I know they won't stay like this for long...

... now, the rest of the room to do...

My Place and Yours - Shoes (at my front door)

Shoes, glorious shoes.

Shoes jumbled in the wardrobe,

Shoes near the car.

Shoes by the door,

The ones loved best.

Thank you to Punky & Me for My Place and Yours.

If you'd like to check out more shoe collections drop by here.

Ageing

I'm playing with Photoshop tonight.

This image...

... now looks like this...

What do you think? More beauty with age?

Flickr Faves on a Friday

"Red is the ultimate cure for sadness." Bill Blass

1. Little Red, 2. Red Bench Monday, 3. Partridge in a pear tree papercut ornaments, 4. Bubbles of Questions Details 01, 5. fido_fox04, 6. ♥, 7. time for tea, 8. Bench Monday~The Dr. Seuss Edition, 9. My heart is yours (365/280)

Slowly...

I assure you that Operations Tidy-Up-The-Creative-Space and Make-This-House-A-Home are still happening... just both at a snail's pace. Here's a sneak peek at one thing I hope to have finished and filled in the next couple of days...