tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-307740162024-03-13T19:29:06.877-07:00felt cafenotes from a felt, fiber, and craft enthusiast. 2006-08 in japan, 2008+ in seattle.lizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04176105999162580851noreply@blogger.comBlogger445125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30774016.post-64568451977611873412011-01-01T09:39:00.000-08:002011-01-01T09:55:52.740-08:00a new year and a move<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_MX-f62mdxEY/TR9nDAqf_hI/AAAAAAAADvM/07FAxD5E7EE/s1600/5053757917_fa39f7c627.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_MX-f62mdxEY/TR9nDAqf_hI/AAAAAAAADvM/07FAxD5E7EE/s400/5053757917_fa39f7c627.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5557273766614007314" border="0" /></a>the lovely eco-friendly moving announcement is from<a href="http://www.spottedsparrow.com/"> spotted sparrow</a>.<br /><br />happy new year! i hope you are excited to start 2011. i know i am. and...i'm moving! actually, i'm just moving my blog, over to feltcafejapan.com<a href="www.feltcafejapan.com"></a> where it will be here: <a href="http://www.feltcafejapan.com/blog/">http://www.feltcafejapan.com/blog/</a>. i will keep blogging over there, as well as hopefully make some progress on my other other little plans and dreams for that site. i'll leave this blog here as an archive.<br /><br />but i feel a little sad to be moving on from blogger. it's like that final step in the moving process where your friends have alreay helped you carry all your boxes, and you are left in an echo-y empty apartment with just a broom to clean up the last dust bunnies.<br /><br />thank you so much for reading what i've written here, and your comments. and i really do hope that you will come join me over in my new blogging home, stop by anytime!lizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04176105999162580851noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30774016.post-60482024978306864282010-12-30T21:10:00.002-08:002010-12-30T21:38:25.878-08:00sayonara 2010<p class="mobile-photo"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_MX-f62mdxEY/TR1lykzNqaI/AAAAAAAADu8/896rj4RCEas/s1600/photo-733556.JPG"><img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_MX-f62mdxEY/TR1lykzNqaI/AAAAAAAADu8/896rj4RCEas/s320/photo-733556.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5556709434791405986" border="0" /></a></p><p class="mobile-photo">new years in japan is a big deal. it's a family holiday, where traditionally everyone returns to their hometown, and gathers with their extended family for 3 days to eat, relax, visit the shrine. there are many customs and traditions, including especially food, but also new years cards, a big house cleaning, and these days bargain sales after new years. it's also 3 days of quiet, although also 3 days where every shrine is crowded! japanese new years is not a part of my own culture, although i am drawn to the idea of starting the new year fresh, which i feel is the basis for much of the japanese traditions. for example, you should clean your entire house from top to bottom to welcome the new year. i started a big cleaning, but am realizing that it's unlikely that i will be able to finish it.<br /></p><p class="mobile-photo">so i am cutting myself some slack. i am not going to feel guilty about things that i can't quite finish when i wanted to. and, i am going to think about the month of january as a whole month of beginnings, for getting organized, accomplishing projects. for example my new years cards, which are also not ready in time for new years day! ahhh, honesty.<br /></p><p class="mobile-photo">in 2010, i made some resolutions that i followed through on: joining a yoga class, a pottery class, and a hiking circle. these are all great, and i want to keep up with them somehow in 2011. and there are lots and lots of other things i want to do! about a million, perhaps. and i want to focus on being positive, and compassionate, and remembering to breath deeply. but as far as resolutions go, i want to start with getting a good night's rest every night. i think that, plus a little yoga, will make a huge impact on 2011.<br /></p><p class="mobile-photo"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_MX-f62mdxEY/TR1l523pTWI/AAAAAAAADvE/Y4WE49qwmJE/s1600/photo-763027.JPG"><img src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_MX-f62mdxEY/TR1l523pTWI/AAAAAAAADvE/Y4WE49qwmJE/s320/photo-763027.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5556709559900917090" border="0" /></a></p><p class="mobile-photo">both the photos in this post are from an amazing little cafe/bar that is part of a new design in a traditional sake brewery on shodoshima island, unfortunatly i can't remember the name!</p><p class="mobile-photo">what about you? any resolutions? or anti-resolutions?</p><p class="mobile-photo">happy new year's eve from snowy kyoto!<br /></p>lizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04176105999162580851noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30774016.post-110426598505923132010-12-30T07:38:00.001-08:002010-12-30T07:40:39.611-08:00magical dutch windmill on shodoshima<p class="mobile-photo"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_MX-f62mdxEY/TRynhA3WjeI/AAAAAAAADu0/aP67iIii1vk/s1600/photo-723328.JPG"><img src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_MX-f62mdxEY/TRynhA3WjeI/AAAAAAAADu0/aP67iIii1vk/s320/photo-723328.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5556500225878035938" border="0" /></a></p>ok, the magical part was how we found it finally, after wandering through olive trees on a mountain overlooking the sea, and it snowed fat snowflakes, and we were pretty sure it would be closed or at least pancake service would be over...and there it was! the handmade windmill of <a href="http://ww8.tiki.ne.jp/%7Edpc-/Engframe.htm">dutch pancake camping</a> on shodoshima. and we had pancakes inside, in a restaurant a hobbit (and me!) would love.lizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04176105999162580851noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30774016.post-33600058451700323942010-12-28T05:58:00.000-08:002010-12-28T06:08:12.510-08:00louise bourgeios fabric exhibit<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_MX-f62mdxEY/TRntKAObPgI/AAAAAAAADuk/-zca1iNcNao/s1600/bourg41740-cb-KFn9jM.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 350px; height: 295px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_MX-f62mdxEY/TRntKAObPgI/AAAAAAAADuk/-zca1iNcNao/s400/bourg41740-cb-KFn9jM.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5555732371453197826" border="0" /></a>this month there was an exhibit of louise bourgeios at <a href="http://www.hauserwirth.com/exhibitions/743/louise-bourgeois-the-fabric-works/view/">hauser and wirth</a> in london, called 'the fabric works.' i heard about it on <a href="http://blog.craftzine.com/archive/2010/12/louise_bourgeois_the_fabric_wo.html">CRAFT</a>, via the wonderful magazine about textiles, <a href="http://www.selvedge.org/">selvedge</a>.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_MX-f62mdxEY/TRntKby1fSI/AAAAAAAADus/OLuiEmhkUGc/s1600/bourg44844-vIMzZ7.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 313px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_MX-f62mdxEY/TRntKby1fSI/AAAAAAAADus/OLuiEmhkUGc/s400/bourg44844-vIMzZ7.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5555732378853670178" border="0" /></a>from the show's description:<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Fabric played an important role in Bourgeois’s life. She grew up surrounded by the textiles of her parents’ tapestry restoration workshop, and from the age of twelve helped the business by drawing in the sections of the missing parts that were to be repaired. A life-long hoarder of clothes and household items such as tablecloths, napkins and bed linen, from the mid-nineties Bourgeois cut up and re-stitched these, transforming her lived materials into art. Through sewing she attempted to effect psychological repair: ‘I always had the fear of being separated and abandoned. The sewing is my attempt to keep things together and make things whole’.<br /></span><br />love it<span style="font-style: italic;">.<br /></span>lizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04176105999162580851noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30774016.post-56299058148678273192010-12-25T00:38:00.000-08:002010-12-25T01:00:29.784-08:00merry (portable) christmas<p class="mobile-photo"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_MX-f62mdxEY/TRWwqyvczWI/AAAAAAAADuU/5WhSfVx7vuQ/s1600/photo-714384.JPG"><img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_MX-f62mdxEY/TRWwqyvczWI/AAAAAAAADuU/5WhSfVx7vuQ/s320/photo-714384.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5554539964653161826" /></a></p>here's our little portable christmas set-up. it was a lovely day on a beautiful island, seeing new art in old houses, eating yummy healthy food. peaceful and slow. I hope your christmas day was lovely as well!lizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04176105999162580851noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30774016.post-74916156258181518492010-12-23T15:21:00.001-08:002010-12-26T03:13:42.978-08:00handmade socks<p class="mobile-photo"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_MX-f62mdxEY/TRPZdYCnz8I/AAAAAAAADuM/msRM_k9NG1E/s1600/photo-784199.JPG"><img src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_MX-f62mdxEY/TRPZdYCnz8I/AAAAAAAADuM/msRM_k9NG1E/s320/photo-784199.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5554021864170835906" /></a></p>my mom knit me these socks! love them. thanks mom!lizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04176105999162580851noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30774016.post-81442401448613405712010-12-23T06:42:00.000-08:002010-12-24T06:05:22.108-08:00amigurumi santas and snowmen<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_MX-f62mdxEY/TRNf6XDWslI/AAAAAAAADuE/gYel0B616uo/s1600/ucutable2.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_MX-f62mdxEY/TRNf6XDWslI/AAAAAAAADuE/gYel0B616uo/s400/ucutable2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5553888221703090770" border="0" /></a>from <a href="http://mochimochiland.com/shop/teeny-tiny-mochimochi-santas-pattern/">mochimochi land</a>, the pattern for these are free with purchase until jan 2!lizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04176105999162580851noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30774016.post-72906375238537077292010-12-23T06:37:00.000-08:002010-12-23T06:41:03.095-08:00moomin gingerbread house<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_MX-f62mdxEY/TRNexgcP5uI/AAAAAAAADt8/a9LbuirutRI/s1600/moomin-gingerbread-house.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_MX-f62mdxEY/TRNexgcP5uI/AAAAAAAADt8/a9LbuirutRI/s400/moomin-gingerbread-house.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5553886970092971746" border="0" /></a>by <a href="http://www.axis-of-aevil.net/archives/2005/12/eating_moomins.html">axis of aevil</a>, including a construction guide, via <a href="http://whipup.net/2010/12/19/moomin-gingerbread-house/">whip up</a>.<br /><br />happy christmas eve eve!lizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04176105999162580851noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30774016.post-10201770547531223902010-12-21T08:54:00.001-08:002010-12-21T09:01:41.921-08:00make your own cornstarch ornaments<div style="padding: 3px; text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jek-a-go-go/5279665156/" title="photo sharing"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5042/5279665156_eb93ab83c2.jpg" style="border: 0px solid rgb(0, 0, 0);" alt="" /></a><br /><span style="margin-top: 0px;font-size:0;" ><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jek-a-go-go/5279665156/">make cornstarch ornaments</a>, originally uploaded by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/people/jek-a-go-go/">jek in the box</a>.</span></div><p>when i saw these in the flickr stream of jek in the box, they jumped out at me for their clear design and simple message.<br />after a few days looking at the pretty intense aftermath of a volcano (part of my research at the university), i was feeling ready for something just simple and sweet.<br />and the bonus is that these are actually made of cornstarch, and you can make your own with the recipe in the link!</p>lizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04176105999162580851noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30774016.post-54785545132841283982010-12-20T08:07:00.001-08:002010-12-20T08:13:39.797-08:00satay ayam<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_MX-f62mdxEY/TQ9_rp4wWdI/AAAAAAAADt0/VRxmPYtEfvs/s1600/IMG_5922.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_MX-f62mdxEY/TQ9_rp4wWdI/AAAAAAAADt0/VRxmPYtEfvs/s400/IMG_5922.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5552797253526116818" border="0" /></a>well, it seems like my plan to post everyday has fallen apart. my excuse is that i have been in indonesia for a few days, and especially at first didn't have an internet connection. also have been sleeping not very much and getting up very early for the last few days. i'm actually here on a research trip, but it's aways great to be in jogja. and the food is fantastic. this is grilled chicken on skewers with peanut sauce, and rice steamed (?) in a banana leaf. super yummy.lizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04176105999162580851noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30774016.post-90290234974154872010-12-17T09:36:00.000-08:002010-12-17T09:46:22.348-08:00seoul<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_MX-f62mdxEY/TQuf6TQhL6I/AAAAAAAADts/gguyFceseCE/s1600/IMG_5646.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_MX-f62mdxEY/TQuf6TQhL6I/AAAAAAAADts/gguyFceseCE/s400/IMG_5646.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5551706789615054754" border="0" /></a>oh, i am quite behind on posting photos from so many different things...if my life had a little more free time in it, i would so much like to properly post photos right after each event! but for now i have given up on anything like a timely chronicle...and i will just share here somewhat randomly. these are a few pictures from last month's trip to seoul, korea, with my seminar at the university. the colors of the textiles are all so lovely, bright and distinctively korean in the color combinations, gorgeous silks, including these worn ones.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_MX-f62mdxEY/TQuf56-HNBI/AAAAAAAADtk/B4vpD6mDM2Q/s1600/IMG_5621.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_MX-f62mdxEY/TQuf56-HNBI/AAAAAAAADtk/B4vpD6mDM2Q/s400/IMG_5621.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5551706783095403538" border="0" /></a>and the food, super yummy! this is actually just all the little side dishes that accompany the main course, in this case <span style="font-style: italic;">yakiniku</span> in japanese, (grilled meat) not sure what the korean name for it is. but i love the way the table is just covered with white dishes--and this was just one section of a long table.lizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04176105999162580851noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30774016.post-12277048424407429742010-12-16T08:41:00.001-08:002010-12-16T08:46:01.744-08:003D snowflakes<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_MX-f62mdxEY/TQpBVDK2viI/AAAAAAAADtc/r1nCdPMoQMw/s1600/test.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 228px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_MX-f62mdxEY/TQpBVDK2viI/AAAAAAAADtc/r1nCdPMoQMw/s400/test.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5551321320571452962" border="0" /></a>there's a tutorial for how to make these great 3D paper snowflakes <a href="http://weavergirlguz.blogspot.com/2010/12/paper-snowflake-tutorial.html">here</a>, on the blog of weaver girl guz. it's actually the same process as the felt ogee ornaments from betz white that i posted yesterday-just make 6 of them and glue them together!<br />i made these during my english chatting class tonight, i didn't have time to properly prepare english instructions, but i had a great time making them, and i want to make more!lizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04176105999162580851noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30774016.post-49204805936205573292010-12-15T08:35:00.000-08:002010-12-15T08:50:47.237-08:00felt ornaments<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_MX-f62mdxEY/TQjwXNEVEyI/AAAAAAAADtE/_z9aSBDm2aU/s1600/kissingball1_rect540.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 304px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_MX-f62mdxEY/TQjwXNEVEyI/AAAAAAAADtE/_z9aSBDm2aU/s400/kissingball1_rect540.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5550950822169613090" border="0" /></a><a href="http://www.ohdeedoh.com/ohdeedoh/diy-mistletoe-kissing-ballhow-to-134939">felt mistletoe</a> cluster from ohdedoe,<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_MX-f62mdxEY/TQjwXm3N9OI/AAAAAAAADtU/BicV5jVgvfU/s1600/OR-Beauty-2.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 314px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_MX-f62mdxEY/TQjwXm3N9OI/AAAAAAAADtU/BicV5jVgvfU/s400/OR-Beauty-2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5550950829093942498" border="0" /></a>and a few felt ornaments from the <a href="http://whipup.net/2010/12/13/15-felt-ornaments-to-make/">whip up roundup</a>: <a href="http://www.purlbee.com/mollys-star-ornaments/2007/12/5/mollys-star-ornaments.html">stars from the purl bee</a>,<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_MX-f62mdxEY/TQjwXadKaeI/AAAAAAAADtM/b0je6h3j1xQ/s1600/Ogee%252BOrnament.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 270px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_MX-f62mdxEY/TQjwXadKaeI/AAAAAAAADtM/b0je6h3j1xQ/s400/Ogee%252BOrnament.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5550950825763432930" border="0" /></a>and the<a href="http://blog.betzwhite.com/2009/12/felt-ogee-ornament-tutorial.html"> felt ogee from betz white</a>.<br /><br />and i'm so flattered that my <a href="http://feltcafe.blogspot.com/2008/11/felt-candy-cane-tutorial.html">felt candy cane tutorial </a>was also included! thanks, whip up.lizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04176105999162580851noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30774016.post-35495468943691719922010-12-14T07:44:00.000-08:002010-12-14T07:53:13.267-08:00creative wrapping<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_MX-f62mdxEY/TQeQ7dVBVCI/AAAAAAAADs4/sUi2KTv3tJk/s1600/fabric%252Bprint%252Bfinished.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 278px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_MX-f62mdxEY/TQeQ7dVBVCI/AAAAAAAADs4/sUi2KTv3tJk/s400/fabric%252Bprint%252Bfinished.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5550564416916902946" border="0" /></a>here's a handmade and reusable cloth wrapping project from arounna of <a href="http://www.bookhou.com/" target="_blank">bookhou</a> on <a href="http://poppytalk.blogspot.com/2010/12/diy-with-bookhou-fabric-gift-wrapping.html">poppyalk (including a printing how-to).</a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_MX-f62mdxEY/TQeQ66fGI2I/AAAAAAAADsw/kmjMvxTOlv4/s1600/Screen%2Bshot%2B2010-12-15%2Bat%2B12.41.46%2BAM.png"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 365px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_MX-f62mdxEY/TQeQ66fGI2I/AAAAAAAADsw/kmjMvxTOlv4/s400/Screen%2Bshot%2B2010-12-15%2Bat%2B12.41.46%2BAM.png" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5550564407563920226" border="0" /></a>and <a href="http://hellosandwich.blogspot.com/">hello sandwich</a> has a <a href="http://hellosandwich.blogspot.com/2010/12/hello-sandwich-gift-wrapping-zine.html">new zine all about wrapping</a>!lizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04176105999162580851noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30774016.post-67291028322355061812010-12-13T06:38:00.000-08:002010-12-13T08:03:23.706-08:00a little shrine and a green roof<p class="mobile-photo"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_MX-f62mdxEY/TQYxGhPD7UI/AAAAAAAADso/0-oD8ytweu0/s1600/photo-717605.JPG"><img src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_MX-f62mdxEY/TQYxGhPD7UI/AAAAAAAADso/0-oD8ytweu0/s320/photo-717605.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5550177578851233090" border="0" /></a></p>no matter how many I've seen, I still love it whenever I find plants growing on a roof! this is a little shrine in kibune, outside of kyoto. yesterday I went on a hike, the last part which was between kibune and kurama, ending at the rotenburo (outdoor onsen) in kurama. it's one of my favorite onsens because of the outdoor bath and the wonderful natural setting. and a loooong soak made every step up and down the mountain worth it! (although my legs are a little tired today...)lizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04176105999162580851noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30774016.post-60027799965088860682010-12-12T06:08:00.001-08:002010-12-12T06:14:42.362-08:00winter tea towel by claudia pearson<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_MX-f62mdxEY/TQTXds7XL1I/AAAAAAAADsg/s-sE7UOKReU/s1600/il_570xN.191002077.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 343px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_MX-f62mdxEY/TQTXds7XL1I/AAAAAAAADsg/s-sE7UOKReU/s400/il_570xN.191002077.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5549797546103615314" border="0" /></a>i'm a huge fan of the work of <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/claudiagpearson">claudia pearson-</a>-maybe in part because it all looks so darn good on tea towels, which i also happen to love.<br /><br />this one is in honor of <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/61261747/winter-towel">winter</a> and its vegetables.<br /><br />lately i've been too busy to cook properly as much as i'd like, but i am scheming about how to cook more veggies for bento lunches i'd like to make for myself. we'll see.lizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04176105999162580851noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30774016.post-48993759793660725342010-12-11T07:34:00.000-08:002010-12-11T07:39:14.708-08:00pick your own jewelry<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_MX-f62mdxEY/TQOa6c6qImI/AAAAAAAADsY/c4XJOHrR5o4/s1600/pickajewel_detail_04.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 278px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_MX-f62mdxEY/TQOa6c6qImI/AAAAAAAADsY/c4XJOHrR5o4/s400/pickajewel_detail_04.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5549449494835896930" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_MX-f62mdxEY/TQOa6HGaKaI/AAAAAAAADsQ/ZOQ6Dj51Ey0/s1600/pickajewel_detail_01.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 278px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_MX-f62mdxEY/TQOa6HGaKaI/AAAAAAAADsQ/ZOQ6Dj51Ey0/s400/pickajewel_detail_01.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5549449488979601826" border="0" /></a>these pieces are from the clever line<a href="http://store.novelax.jp/?pid=24924496"> pick a jewel</a>, by <a href="http://fift.jp/">fift</a>. you can choose any found object from nature (or anywhere, really) and put it in the little clamps attached to earrings or necklace, and have a really one of a kind wearable piece. so simple and so lovely. via <a href="http://www.spoon-tamago.com/2010/12/07/pick-a-jewel-by-fift/">spoon and tamago</a>.lizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04176105999162580851noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30774016.post-81228045934295169112010-12-10T07:42:00.001-08:002010-12-10T07:43:33.102-08:00stocking-coffee vines<div style="padding: 3px; text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/24553035@N04/5248437994/" title="photo sharing"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5287/5248437994_8f7f3c21fd.jpg" style="border: 0px solid rgb(0, 0, 0);" alt="" /></a><br /><span style="margin-top: 0px;font-size:0;" ><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/24553035@N04/5248437994/">stocking-coffee vines</a>, originally uploaded by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/people/24553035@N04/">mayalu</a>.</span></div><p>this perfect christmas stocking was made by mayamade from a coffee sack. and there are also <a href="http://mayamade.blogspot.com/2010/12/diy-coffee-sack-stockings.html">instructions</a> for how to make your own!</p>lizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04176105999162580851noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30774016.post-8094465356765273132010-12-09T07:32:00.000-08:002010-12-09T07:35:37.237-08:00ginko<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_MX-f62mdxEY/TQD2jKM-DPI/AAAAAAAADsI/5n_WVDe7vig/s1600/il_570xN.196172058.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_MX-f62mdxEY/TQD2jKM-DPI/AAAAAAAADsI/5n_WVDe7vig/s400/il_570xN.196172058.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5548705824815058162" border="0" /></a>this is the project ginko leaf card, from <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/62802516/project-ginkgo-leaf-blank-architecture">architette on etsy.</a><br />just yesterday i was saying how it's not really that cold yet, although it's december. suddenly that has changed, and it feels like winter has arrived. i spent a bit of today under the heated kotatsu table, and that helped. for the last few weeks, the yellow ginko leaves have been blowing off the trees, and piling up on the sidewalks here and there. i love the shape and color of them so much.lizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04176105999162580851noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30774016.post-51664200204257540732010-12-08T06:53:00.000-08:002010-12-08T06:57:37.558-08:00max and moop bag giveaway on oh joy<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_MX-f62mdxEY/TP-cFOE7nrI/AAAAAAAADsA/xaLDdsn59B8/s1600/6a00d8341c6a0853ef0148c67a5c91970c-800wi.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 336px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_MX-f62mdxEY/TP-cFOE7nrI/AAAAAAAADsA/xaLDdsn59B8/s400/6a00d8341c6a0853ef0148c67a5c91970c-800wi.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5548324879435800242" border="0" /></a>i like birds flying, although i don't think at the moment i own a single thing with birds on it. not one. anyway, there's a giveaway for this bag, from max waxger and moop going over at <a href="http://ohjoy.blogs.com/my_weblog/2010/12/a-max-wanger-moop-giveaway.html">oh joy.</a><br />maybe i like the birds because they seem so light and free.lizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04176105999162580851noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30774016.post-74602608582426478362010-12-07T05:58:00.000-08:002010-12-08T20:24:49.261-08:00new lego and paper sets from muji<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_MX-f62mdxEY/TPJuHTd9GHI/AAAAAAAADqA/8ynitJcoloM/s1600/IMG_5561.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 332px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_MX-f62mdxEY/TPJuHTd9GHI/AAAAAAAADqA/8ynitJcoloM/s400/IMG_5561.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5544615163010553970" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_MX-f62mdxEY/TPJqSmobcuI/AAAAAAAADoI/Ym1qt3TZX78/s1600/IMG_5515.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 254px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_MX-f62mdxEY/TPJqSmobcuI/AAAAAAAADoI/Ym1qt3TZX78/s400/IMG_5515.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5544610959086809826" border="0" /></a>new lego sets from muji are here! the 3 brand new designs are: animals, sea, and circus, plus the christmas set returns!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_MX-f62mdxEY/TPJuG3lV26I/AAAAAAAADpw/iyqaX2-yC88/s1600/IMG_5558.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 221px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_MX-f62mdxEY/TPJuG3lV26I/AAAAAAAADpw/iyqaX2-yC88/s400/IMG_5558.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5544615155525344162" border="0" /></a>animals<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_MX-f62mdxEY/TPJuHhQ67zI/AAAAAAAADqI/oeNRNPOKVNU/s1600/IMG_5567.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 281px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_MX-f62mdxEY/TPJuHhQ67zI/AAAAAAAADqI/oeNRNPOKVNU/s400/IMG_5567.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5544615166713982770" border="0" /></a>which use lego and paper punch technology to make pivoting kangaroo and pelicans parts.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_MX-f62mdxEY/TPJuH88tqPI/AAAAAAAADqQ/Fvc2UPcyXB8/s1600/IMG_5572.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_MX-f62mdxEY/TPJuH88tqPI/AAAAAAAADqQ/Fvc2UPcyXB8/s400/IMG_5572.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5544615174145419506" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_MX-f62mdxEY/TPJtUILR0SI/AAAAAAAADpI/cZaTT48qHH0/s1600/IMG_5530.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 397px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_MX-f62mdxEY/TPJtUILR0SI/AAAAAAAADpI/cZaTT48qHH0/s400/IMG_5530.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5544614283806101794" border="0" /></a>the sea set, complete with diver, submarine, giant squid, and an anchor on a string.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_MX-f62mdxEY/TPJtVGXw9qI/AAAAAAAADpg/VgjKDXEcz4w/s1600/IMG_5534.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 303px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_MX-f62mdxEY/TPJtVGXw9qI/AAAAAAAADpg/VgjKDXEcz4w/s400/IMG_5534.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5544614300501472930" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_MX-f62mdxEY/TPJtUnA_yiI/AAAAAAAADpY/yFdDHzEVRZY/s1600/IMG_5533.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 280px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_MX-f62mdxEY/TPJtUnA_yiI/AAAAAAAADpY/yFdDHzEVRZY/s400/IMG_5533.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5544614292084476450" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_MX-f62mdxEY/TPJtUeJ5ofI/AAAAAAAADpQ/7V7IofJ5Z0o/s1600/IMG_5531.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 322px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_MX-f62mdxEY/TPJtUeJ5ofI/AAAAAAAADpQ/7V7IofJ5Z0o/s400/IMG_5531.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5544614289705902578" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_MX-f62mdxEY/TPJrTF1sm4I/AAAAAAAADpA/LHJr0qf5vhc/s1600/IMG_5529.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 222px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_MX-f62mdxEY/TPJrTF1sm4I/AAAAAAAADpA/LHJr0qf5vhc/s400/IMG_5529.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5544612066975587202" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_MX-f62mdxEY/TPJqTNYQaEI/AAAAAAAADoY/5BPf4S4qnUo/s1600/IMG_5517.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 391px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_MX-f62mdxEY/TPJqTNYQaEI/AAAAAAAADoY/5BPf4S4qnUo/s400/IMG_5517.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5544610969487960130" border="0" /></a>the circus set has a whole handful of characters.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_MX-f62mdxEY/TPJrRoRkV6I/AAAAAAAADow/76gPZZ6rrZY/s1600/IMG_5521.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 287px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_MX-f62mdxEY/TPJrRoRkV6I/AAAAAAAADow/76gPZZ6rrZY/s400/IMG_5521.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5544612041859553186" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_MX-f62mdxEY/TPJrRFUPpxI/AAAAAAAADoo/hJAMPA5HGhw/s1600/IMG_5520.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 303px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_MX-f62mdxEY/TPJrRFUPpxI/AAAAAAAADoo/hJAMPA5HGhw/s400/IMG_5520.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5544612032475539218" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_MX-f62mdxEY/TPJrQ4mi0RI/AAAAAAAADog/UbNo7-KurkE/s1600/IMG_5519.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 316px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_MX-f62mdxEY/TPJrQ4mi0RI/AAAAAAAADog/UbNo7-KurkE/s400/IMG_5519.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5544612029062631698" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_MX-f62mdxEY/TPJqS_yPg3I/AAAAAAAADoQ/KLgwLFWNVzs/s1600/IMG_5516.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 230px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_MX-f62mdxEY/TPJqS_yPg3I/AAAAAAAADoQ/KLgwLFWNVzs/s400/IMG_5516.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5544610965838857074" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_MX-f62mdxEY/TPJoIcc9y1I/AAAAAAAADnY/Gt1eNpltYns/s1600/IMG_5506.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 351px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_MX-f62mdxEY/TPJoIcc9y1I/AAAAAAAADnY/Gt1eNpltYns/s400/IMG_5506.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5544608585532427090" border="0" /></a>and the christmas set is back!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_MX-f62mdxEY/TPJqSaCzF0I/AAAAAAAADoA/DvPoSf8ituI/s1600/IMG_5513.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 307px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_MX-f62mdxEY/TPJqSaCzF0I/AAAAAAAADoA/DvPoSf8ituI/s400/IMG_5513.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5544610955707750210" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_MX-f62mdxEY/TPJqRzCuR0I/AAAAAAAADn4/DWZoLtZb4CA/s1600/IMG_5511.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 312px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_MX-f62mdxEY/TPJqRzCuR0I/AAAAAAAADn4/DWZoLtZb4CA/s400/IMG_5511.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5544610945238452034" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_MX-f62mdxEY/TPJoJaknUII/AAAAAAAADnw/ffzd9FemPHw/s1600/IMG_5510.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 355px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_MX-f62mdxEY/TPJoJaknUII/AAAAAAAADnw/ffzd9FemPHw/s400/IMG_5510.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5544608602207506562" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_MX-f62mdxEY/TPJoI-GhDoI/AAAAAAAADng/P-dGOcdBa1s/s1600/IMG_5507.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 287px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_MX-f62mdxEY/TPJoI-GhDoI/AAAAAAAADng/P-dGOcdBa1s/s400/IMG_5507.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5544608594565074562" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_MX-f62mdxEY/TPJoIJx2acI/AAAAAAAADnQ/PkKDD8QZnmI/s1600/IMG_5505.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 228px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_MX-f62mdxEY/TPJoIJx2acI/AAAAAAAADnQ/PkKDD8QZnmI/s400/IMG_5505.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5544608580519750082" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_MX-f62mdxEY/TPJmEseavDI/AAAAAAAADnI/9uQky7fAPp8/s1600/IMG_1695.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 278px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_MX-f62mdxEY/TPJmEseavDI/AAAAAAAADnI/9uQky7fAPp8/s400/IMG_1695.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5544606322090753074" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_MX-f62mdxEY/TPJmDpRQkhI/AAAAAAAADnA/9OZHkevvbxs/s1600/IMG_1692.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 276px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_MX-f62mdxEY/TPJmDpRQkhI/AAAAAAAADnA/9OZHkevvbxs/s400/IMG_1692.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5544606304050385426" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_MX-f62mdxEY/TPJmDednBdI/AAAAAAAADm4/-Z3xLltdeDA/s1600/IMG_1691.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_MX-f62mdxEY/TPJmDednBdI/AAAAAAAADm4/-Z3xLltdeDA/s400/IMG_1691.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5544606301149398482" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_MX-f62mdxEY/TPJoJNOBZGI/AAAAAAAADno/IE5wk79wYGg/s1600/IMG_5508.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 358px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_MX-f62mdxEY/TPJoJNOBZGI/AAAAAAAADno/IE5wk79wYGg/s400/IMG_5508.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5544608598623085666" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_MX-f62mdxEY/TPJkuxZti9I/AAAAAAAADmQ/y1ZCVuNshlE/s1600/IMG_1662.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 399px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_MX-f62mdxEY/TPJkuxZti9I/AAAAAAAADmQ/y1ZCVuNshlE/s400/IMG_1662.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5544604845944441810" border="0" /></a>joining the original set<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_MX-f62mdxEY/TPJmC0JoXsI/AAAAAAAADmw/n8B4YINy5ZE/s1600/IMG_1678.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_MX-f62mdxEY/TPJmC0JoXsI/AAAAAAAADmw/n8B4YINy5ZE/s400/IMG_1678.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5544606289791311554" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_MX-f62mdxEY/TPJmCpClr2I/AAAAAAAADmo/rtIc5aZByXY/s1600/IMG_1669.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_MX-f62mdxEY/TPJmCpClr2I/AAAAAAAADmo/rtIc5aZByXY/s400/IMG_1669.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5544606286808985442" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_MX-f62mdxEY/TPJkvctIU1I/AAAAAAAADmg/QhDIvEtkYrI/s1600/IMG_1666.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 301px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_MX-f62mdxEY/TPJkvctIU1I/AAAAAAAADmg/QhDIvEtkYrI/s400/IMG_1666.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5544604857568613202" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_MX-f62mdxEY/TPJkvI_RK6I/AAAAAAAADmY/gdRWISGtcVQ/s1600/IMG_1665.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_MX-f62mdxEY/TPJkvI_RK6I/AAAAAAAADmY/gdRWISGtcVQ/s400/IMG_1665.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5544604852275981218" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_MX-f62mdxEY/TPJkusbvz4I/AAAAAAAADmI/4iWJIrrd3b8/s1600/IMG_1750.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 289px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_MX-f62mdxEY/TPJkusbvz4I/AAAAAAAADmI/4iWJIrrd3b8/s400/IMG_1750.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5544604844610801538" border="0" /></a>and the bright colors set<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_MX-f62mdxEY/TPJkuSS6qPI/AAAAAAAADmA/8Mh1tMiQdUg/s1600/IMG_1747.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 285px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_MX-f62mdxEY/TPJkuSS6qPI/AAAAAAAADmA/8Mh1tMiQdUg/s400/IMG_1747.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5544604837594441970" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_MX-f62mdxEY/TPJjGMXBEzI/AAAAAAAADl4/l7vBygRVZP4/s1600/IMG_1745.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 306px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_MX-f62mdxEY/TPJjGMXBEzI/AAAAAAAADl4/l7vBygRVZP4/s400/IMG_1745.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5544603049294631730" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_MX-f62mdxEY/TPJjF9RzMRI/AAAAAAAADlw/V0rXJYGWD5c/s1600/IMG_1740.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 299px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_MX-f62mdxEY/TPJjF9RzMRI/AAAAAAAADlw/V0rXJYGWD5c/s400/IMG_1740.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5544603045246218514" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_MX-f62mdxEY/TPJjFabhO-I/AAAAAAAADlo/7S8CnhgFzyU/s1600/IMG_1736.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 359px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_MX-f62mdxEY/TPJjFabhO-I/AAAAAAAADlo/7S8CnhgFzyU/s400/IMG_1736.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5544603035891743714" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_MX-f62mdxEY/TPJjE_5MBhI/AAAAAAAADlY/LAmx-carfEA/s1600/IMG_1714.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 391px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_MX-f62mdxEY/TPJjE_5MBhI/AAAAAAAADlY/LAmx-carfEA/s400/IMG_1714.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5544603028768425490" border="0" /></a>the special lego punch<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_MX-f62mdxEY/TPJjFMt5rOI/AAAAAAAADlg/5Ty_ihCGLDE/s1600/IMG_1723.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 393px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_MX-f62mdxEY/TPJjFMt5rOI/AAAAAAAADlg/5Ty_ihCGLDE/s400/IMG_1723.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5544603032210746594" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_MX-f62mdxEY/TPJtVinjcbI/AAAAAAAADpo/sBYFB5UkBgY/s1600/IMG_5554.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 274px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_MX-f62mdxEY/TPJtVinjcbI/AAAAAAAADpo/sBYFB5UkBgY/s400/IMG_5554.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5544614308083888562" border="0" /></a>and even special color cardstock that's perfect with the lego projects.<br />they are all in <a href="http://feltcafe.etsy.com">my shop, felt cafe japan on etsy.</a>lizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04176105999162580851noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30774016.post-35667653267368921662010-12-06T07:03:00.000-08:002010-12-06T07:09:37.686-08:00i saw butoh in yokohama!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_MX-f62mdxEY/TPz7bVWJx4I/AAAAAAAADr4/mwaz8tkey1E/s1600/kazuoohno"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 214px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_MX-f62mdxEY/TPz7bVWJx4I/AAAAAAAADr4/mwaz8tkey1E/s400/kazuoohno" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5547585288018708354" border="0" /></a>the title says it all. in honor of<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kazuo_Ohno"> kazuo ohno</a>, one of the founders of japanese <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Butoh">butoh,</a> who passed away this year at the age of 103, the<a href="http://www.kazuoohnodancestudio.com/english/"> kazuo ohno studio</a> put on a dance festival in yokohama, including a live butoh performance last night.<br /><br />butoh is an intense, dark, and amazing performace, and i am so glad i got a chance to see it.lizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04176105999162580851noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30774016.post-46143200542551503832010-12-03T20:37:00.001-08:002010-12-05T05:17:13.918-08:00felt ball ornaments<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_MX-f62mdxEY/TPnE3kwz_SI/AAAAAAAADrg/17gYm_uxJM4/s1600/felt_ornament_1.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_MX-f62mdxEY/TPnE3kwz_SI/AAAAAAAADrg/17gYm_uxJM4/s400/felt_ornament_1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5546680875123735842" border="0" /></a>these are some felt ball ornaments that i made a few years ago. they were very easy to make, and turned out pretty much exactly the way i imagined them (which does not always happen!).<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_MX-f62mdxEY/TPnE3TqwR4I/AAAAAAAADrY/sWNNs-wznow/s1600/felt_ornament_2.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 372px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_MX-f62mdxEY/TPnE3TqwR4I/AAAAAAAADrY/sWNNs-wznow/s400/felt_ornament_2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5546680870534924162" border="0" /></a>they are solid wool balls, made by hand with the finishing step of throwing them in the dryer, which makes them firm up and become very dense with a uniform surface. sadly, i have no dryer here in japan, so i haven't made these for the last few years. after the wool ball is made (and you can use any wool for the core, a cheaper wool or a color you want to get rid of), i used needle felting to apply the motif. which is super super easy--using a felting needle to needlefelt onto a solid felt ball is a very straightforward technique!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_MX-f62mdxEY/TPnE3OwldCI/AAAAAAAADrQ/E-yzj0Dy7Pg/s1600/felt_ornament_3.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 371px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_MX-f62mdxEY/TPnE3OwldCI/AAAAAAAADrQ/E-yzj0Dy7Pg/s400/felt_ornament_3.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5546680869217203234" border="0" /></a>i don't have a tutoral for these, but there is a good basic video tutorial that i referred to when i first tried making large felt balls is <a href="http://www.youtube.com/user/CrunchyParent#p/a/u/0/-Ycuz2XpGTU">here</a>, from the <a href="http://www.youtube.com/user/CrunchyParent">crunchy parent</a> on youtube.lizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04176105999162580851noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30774016.post-13414255788208107912010-12-03T20:27:00.000-08:002010-12-03T20:55:17.192-08:00felt ornaments with tutorials<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_MX-f62mdxEY/TPnFNu45qyI/AAAAAAAADrw/CR9KR71vlCs/s1600/IMG_7886.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_MX-f62mdxEY/TPnFNu45qyI/AAAAAAAADrw/CR9KR71vlCs/s400/IMG_7886.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5546681255799139106" border="0" /></a>here are a few of my handmade felt ornaments from years back, stockings...<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_MX-f62mdxEY/TPnE4B5FvJI/AAAAAAAADro/t1bQ6RbQvC4/s1600/IMG_7775.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_MX-f62mdxEY/TPnE4B5FvJI/AAAAAAAADro/t1bQ6RbQvC4/s400/IMG_7775.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5546680882943081618" border="0" /></a>and candy canes! the candy canes are an especially easy project for your very first time making felt. they are wrapped around a pipe cleaner and then felted by hand. super fast, great for kids.<br /><br />tutorials for both of these project are in the archives, <a href="http://feltcafe.blogspot.com/2008/11/felt-stocking-ornament-tutorial.html">stockings here</a> and <a href="http://feltcafe.blogspot.com/2008/11/felt-candy-cane-tutorial.html">candy canes here</a>, and they are also linked to over there on the right in the tutorial list!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_MX-f62mdxEY/TPnE3kwz_SI/AAAAAAAADrg/17gYm_uxJM4/s1600/felt_ornament_1.jpg"><br /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_MX-f62mdxEY/TPnE3TqwR4I/AAAAAAAADrY/sWNNs-wznow/s1600/felt_ornament_2.jpg"><br /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_MX-f62mdxEY/TPnE3OwldCI/AAAAAAAADrQ/E-yzj0Dy7Pg/s1600/felt_ornament_3.jpg"><br /></a>lizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04176105999162580851noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30774016.post-8952803378273225082010-12-02T17:11:00.000-08:002010-12-03T06:12:53.381-08:00rubber stamps at the japanese post office<p class="mobile-photo"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_MX-f62mdxEY/TPhD63Bwy0I/AAAAAAAADrI/G1rIibUmdzU/s1600/photo-730802.JPG"><img src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_MX-f62mdxEY/TPhD63Bwy0I/AAAAAAAADrI/G1rIibUmdzU/s320/photo-730802.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5546257619589581634" /></a></p>every year in december, i love seeing the stamps (rubber stamps for stamping, of course the postage stamps are cute too!) at the post office.<p>they are put out for people to use to make their own new years cards (in japan, sending new years cards is a very big deal, christmas cards are not). new years cards are postcards, usually featuring a design that incorporates some version of the coming year's zodiac animal (2011 is the year of the rabbit, or usagi in japanese), and some phrase celebrating the new year.<p>the stamps in the box in this photo include lots of bunnies and also 'happy new year' phrases. what I love is how the post office provides this public (and free) crafting activity! there are black and red stamp pads, rubber mats (dark orange in the photo), tissues and scrap paper for trying out your designs.lizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04176105999162580851noreply@blogger.com3