Patchwork Style

Now that I have a sewing machine, there is a whole new world of Japanese craft books to explore. Patchwork Style by Suzuko Koseki originally came in Japanese but can also be bought in English - it's wonderful to actually be able to read a craft book from Japan for once!I'm just itching to sew my own version of these cute tissue pockets and cup holders. The photography in this book is beautiful and bright and reminds me of my ichiban (favourite) J-mag Spoon.

Cafe Dayz: MSM

I have spent the past rainy lunch breaks sipping hot chocolate and eating macarons at My Sweet Memory. A cosy Japanese dessert and stationery cafe located in Sydney's CDB. I first heard about it via the lovely memtree's blog, and I just had to check it out after reading that they had cheap washi tape! Well they did and so much more like; cute animal and bow pens, alphabet stamps, mt wrap, bags and Tokyo/Paris calenders, diaries and notebooks. I bought a cute set of Korean made Tokyo Polaroid postcard and sticker set as well as one on Anne of Green Gables. They will come in handy when decorating parcels and sending mail to friends. This cafe is a little slice of Japan cafe heaven! 



Cookieboy

Japan's cookie artist rightly called cookieboy has just released his first book titled; リアルでアートなデコクッキーレシピ　クッキーボーイのアイシングクッキー  It contains some of his works from his cookie exhibits seen in Tokyo as well as a 'How to' on making your very own cookieboy creations. Here are some page snaps of my fave cookies! Food art at it's best!!



B-Day

Last Thursday I turned 28! Eeep! My Birthday also falls on Australia Day, so it's a day everyone enjoys as it is a public holiday here in Oz. I had a lovely day relaxing with my hubby and family. I got so many wonderful gifts from amazon jp and Uguisu (my hubby knows me well!) and ate yummy Pavlova off my new Cath Kidston polka dot plates that came all the way from the UK.

The wonderful team at work got me this chocolate sponge and mousse puppy Birthday cake from my fave Asian bakery Breadtop. Woof! Woof! Thanks guys!

Finally got some mt wrap!Flicking through a Sophie Daul cookbook, mt e-mook, Cookieboy's amazing new book (I will show you some inside snaps in the next post) and 'Decorating and storing photographs' collage book.

How cute is this packaging from Uguisu?

One of my fave gifts! It's Tumble Girl! she is sooo cute. I like moving her around the house as she makes me smile and brightens up any room. If you move or bump her she plays sweet music too. Here she is admiring my Japanese book collection.



Treats all round

These treats have kept me smiling all through the busy working week. I'm always a sucker for kawaii pretty packaging!

These Asian treats are from some of my favourite Asian grocery shops in Sydney, Australia. The are all so adorable, I will be saving the packaging for my inspiration board.

Oh sweet Japan! Caramel Corn Reindeer guy, Hello Kitty, Moomin biscuits, Peko Chocolate,Fuji Pan bread oh my! 

Jannese's new photojournal Japan Zine that I received in the mail last week is bringing back lots of wonderful Japan memories.The mini photographs and kawaii stationery that come with it, make you feel extra special!

Compendium Of Colour

You probably already guessed from my little regular blog mentions, that I'm a big fan of Melbourne artist/designer Beci Orpin. Like me she uses lots of bright colours and pretty patterns in her work. Published by Erm Books, 'Conpendium of Me by Beci Orpin' is a time capsule of several different aspects of Beci's life. My favourite page is her grandmas handkerchief collection. It makes me want to sew my own set of pretty handkerchiefs! Have a squiz and be inspired by Beci's use of pattern and colour.

Succulents! Yes!



Sewing Nook

Hope you all had a wonderful and fun Christmas and New Year break. If I had to sum up mine in one word it would be 'cosy'. I bought a sewing machine! (early b'day..present). My days were spent catching up with family and friends and setting up a little sewing nook at home. My sewing nook is filled with the must need sewing items as well as pretty fabrics, bright neon felt and my favourite sewing and knitting craft books. There have been many relaxing hours embroidering (I'm addicted) a DIY Beci Orpin pillow while I watch my fave UK shows 'Kristie's Homemade Home' and 'The Delicious Miss Dahl' - Sophie Dahl is my new favourite cook, she makes lots of yummy British inspired comfort food that leaves me drooling and craving mash potato and pea concoctions!

The sad part of the break was taking down the Christmas tree - it just goes too quick! Not wanting to part with my hand made cute-pop decorations until next year, I decided to make a garland with them and have hanged them in my sewing nook.

What lovely adventures did you get up to this break?