Mini Book with Chiyogami Spine

I was feeling pretty stressed the other day, so I decided to leave my work and make something fun.

The end result is this cute little book make from blank note cards and a tiny scrap of chiyogami.

Let me know what you think about this project -write your comments below!

Second Supporter!

A very big Thank you to Reginald Whibbey for investing in my book!

Your support and the support of Yadid really mean a lot to me, so thank you from the bottom of my heart!

For those of you who have no idea what I’m talking about…. here’s my current project:

Help fund two great projects -and get something in return!

Hi all *^_^*

Been very busy the last couple of months, but decided to take some time to explain what I’ve been up to.

The shop is a constant and of course teaching my little ones (children’s classes) and I’m currently trying to raise funds for two other projects that I have going on at the moment.

The first one is my Tokyo Fashion Guide. So far I have quite a few people helping me out and I’ve found several models willing to be featured. It’s getting very exciting and we’re getting geared up for our photo shoot in September. I’m raising funds to help print the book, since my funds are, well, nowhere near to what is required.

The second project is for a children’s book that I’m working on. This one is a solo job and I would really love to be able to print and distribute this as well. I love making children’s books, but just need the funds (as usual!)

Here are a few sites that I’m part of to generate funds and give something back as a Thank You!

Great gift to print for anyone -especially the little ones!

If you’ve always wanted a pretty kirigami cut out, or give one as a gift!

If you like my Eco DIY projects, and would like ideas for your old items:

Finally…..this is the main Tokyo Fashion Guide fund site. You can get your name in the book, or even receive a free copy!

Hanabi Season 2010 has begun!

Hanabi is the Japanese word for fireworks. The firework festival season is a very fun and special time in Japan.

Millions of people attend the different firework shows around the country, dressed in traditional Yukata and eating traditional foods.

This year, I got to enjoy two shows from the balcony of my new place:

On clear nights, I can even see the Tokyo Disney Land fireworks show -so pretty!

Summer Avocado Tomato Pasta Salad

Lately the weather in Tokyo has been unbelievably hot and humid. Though uncomfortable to stay in the city with this weather, it got me in the mood to make my fun avocado tomato pasta salad (a favorite at home).

It’s a great summer dish that’s quick, very healthy, and just looks like a “happy” dish.

Ingredients:

2 cups pasta

2 ripe avocado

cherry tomatoes (as many as you like)

1-2 tbs white vinegar (balsamic also works well)

2-3 tbs dried basil or dry herb mix

salt and pepper to taste

other options: parmesan cheese or paprika powder

Process:

Cook the pasta to desired tenderness and run under cool water to stop cooking process, then strain well.

In a large bowl, scoop one of the avocado (preferably the softest one) and add vinegar.
Smush it with a fork until creamy (slightly lumpy is good too!).

Cube the second avocado and cut the cherry tomatoes (10-20) in half. Add to the creamy avocado.

Now, add the pasta with the dry herbs, toss well. Finally, add salt and pepper to desired taste.

At this point, you may add more vinegar to add a bit of a sour flavor to compliment the sweet tomatoes and creamy avocado.
You should also try adding other vegetables, like bell peppers or green beans to change the flavors.

Enjoy!

Bunny Ear Fashion Trend

Young girls in Tokyo have the kind of fashion that always makes you wonder. With the fast-changing trends and unusual concepts, there’s always something out there to see and document.

This newest piece was first noticed a few months ago and has now gone into a full-blown fashion trend in Tokyo.

There are a couple of possible reasons for this trend, but I just can’t understand the “bunny ear” bows sticking straight up from your head.

Here is one example, though nowhere near the other bows that litterally stick up like horns -will try to find a snapshot for you soon.

I’d love to hear your take on this trend -is it cute or is it odd?

Simple Envelope Decorations with Fun Tape

I love fun tape because it’s……well….. just so fun to use.

The easiest thing I use it for is creating borders on pretty much anything I want to decorate. Here’s one example of using fun decorative tape to dress up plain envelopes:

In my box filled with plain envelopes, I managed to find two that matched the sakura fun tape that I chose.

All I did was outline parts of the envelope that I wanted and cut off the excess from the sides.

To make it interesting on both sides, I just added a strip to the envelope flap.

You can fold the tape over to create a border both inside and out, but I just taped to the edge and trimmed the ends.

I also made a cute faux stamp with a bit of tape on Japanese weaved tissue paper.

Very simple! Try it next time you have a letter or card for someone.

Sewing Fun

Enjoying my new sewing machine (that I got as a Birthday present!). Going through all of my fabric and old clothing to see what I can make.

Since it’s so hot and humid in Tokyo, I’ve decided to make fun summer dresses…..let’s see how they turn out.

I’ll post pictures of my project -both successful and failed.

Birthday Week Complete

For the last several months, all I have been doing is work, work, work, with not a day off in sight, so I decided to celebrate my Birthday over a week and just have a fun and relaxing time.

A couple days ago, me and my sweetheart decided to check out a large Sea Attraction away from Tokyo, to get out of the city, enjoy a long drive and enjoy nature and animals at the same time.

Here are some pictures to share with you:

Yes…. that’s me lost in my own world…

It was a little sad with this big beluga….she was all alone in one simple tank.

This cute seal was fast asleep sitting up in the tank – but I just loved the sweet little smile.

The silver waves of fish are always beautiful to watch…

….and the playful beluga with its trainer.

Wonderfully fun time. Definitely rejuvenated me for work to come!

Girls with Eye patches

I have been pondering a question asked by a friend a while ago about the young girls in Tokyo who wear eye patches.
There seem to be many young girls who have gauze eye patches and no one knows why….I’m not talking about the ones who wear it as some kind of fashion statement, but what looks to be real medical eye patches.

Someone theorized that it may be from surgery, or infection after putting on makeup that hundreds of others have used from cosmetic shops (sample makeup).
Both theories are quite possible, but of course, if that was the case, most of the girls would require bandages on both eyes…right?

My explanation is this:

Young Tokyo girls are famous for putting on all of their makeup on the trains, cafes, buses, malls -you name it. The ones who choose to apply their makeup on the trains normally don’t pay attention to anything but their face and hair, so in a crowded or shakey train, it’s easy to get pushed or lose your balance (as I have seen far too many times already!) and poke yourself in the eye with a makeup applicator.

If anyone out there knows the real reason, I would love to hear from you! Me and my friends are placing bets!