Archive for 2012

Happy Holidays!

Monday, December 17, 2012 8 Comments A+ a-


Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year lovelies!
I hope you all have an amazing fun and festive time! A great opportunity to get together with family and have a crafternoon with good friends.

I'm super excited as I will be having a white Christmas this year in New York! My bags are packed, house-sitter, - check! - and I have a huge list of places to visit thanks to my Japanese travel books and some NY friends.

All wrapped up: Part two: Bauble bling & Pinwheels

Saturday, December 08, 2012 8 Comments A+ a-

Hope you all enjoyed part one of my Christmas wrapping! Thanks to all those who left lovely comments, they always make me smile.
Part two of my Xmas gift wrap includes; handmade pinwheels, bauble bling, pipe cleaner strawberrys, polka dot doilies, collage and splosh paint handmade paper wrap, oh plus lots of washi tape off course! Tick tok, tick, tok..not long until Santa arrives!

It's a wrap with ice-creams & feathers!!

Sunday, December 02, 2012 8 Comments A+ a-

Yay! It's December! The Xmas craft season has well and truly begun now. Here is part one of my Christmas gift wrapping posts.
If you follow my instagram you would have seen a sneak peek of my watercolour Xmas crafternoon prep a few weeks ago. I had so much fun making this neon watercolour wrapping paper and gift tags. 

This year again I have gone for a fun kawaii pop theme and used lots of rainbow feathers, baubles and handmade ice-creams for my present toppers.

It's beginning to look a lot like...

Sunday, November 18, 2012 2 Comments A+ a-

The most exciting time of the year is already fast approaching - Christmas! I love this season so much I have already started to decorate, perhaps a wee bit early but not when the shops already started preparing for the holiday season in October!!

Each year I love to make my own decorations and embellish presents with handmade gift tags and toppers.

Making Marimekko

Sunday, November 11, 2012 12 Comments A+ a-

Finnish brand Marimekkoo launched a new store in Sydney a week ago! I paid a little visit on my lunch break and enjoyed browsing their kaleidoscope of floral print textiles,apparel and homewares. I wanted to take everything home in the store but given that their iconic pieces are quite exxy in price I settled for these napkins in my fave print.

I was also in awe of their store front fabric installations that included bicycles, trees, cars and poles wrapped in their stunning linen collection as well as giant Marimekko pillows!!

These pillows (seen in my below instagram snaps) inspired me to make my own 'paper' pillow version using their napkins.
Now I have my own little piece of Marimekko!

Book Drools

Sunday, November 04, 2012 9 Comments A+ a-

October/November has been exciting months for new book releases. I have been taking it easy this weekend with some couch time reading my latest book buys from some of my fave creatives.
Here are some sneaky snaps of the titles on my coffee table; Supermarket Sarah: Wonder Walls by Sarah Bagner.

Crafty Bits & Bobs

Sunday, October 28, 2012 12 Comments A+ a-

Hello, hello! I've collected together some snaps of the past couple of months of my crafty days, makes, trinkets and purchases. Hope they put a smile to your dial! hehe!

I Collect....

Sunday, October 21, 2012 8 Comments A+ a-

Oh wow! Is a phrase that springs to mind every time I see pretty kawaii Japanese food and product packaging. They often come in bright colours with a cute critter or mascot as well as bubble kanji and Kana typography splashed across them. They always bring lots of inspiration to my work and I enjoy collecting them and pinning them to my inspiration board.

Studio Stories: Books & Nooks

Sunday, October 14, 2012 11 Comments A+ a-

I love getting a glimpse of peoples creative studios, rooms and workshops. This week I thought I would share some snaps of my studio shelves filled with books, magazines and a few other nooks.

Studio Stories: The Washi Tape Journal

Friday, September 28, 2012 13 Comments A+ a-


One of the first things I do when I buy new washi tape is stick some in this washi tape journal - a little collection in a form of a book to inspire crafty projects...and remind me which ones I have. A collage of pattern and colour swatches in the form of pretty tapes - obsessed much? Oh my yes!
Here is a peek of some of its pages.

Studio Stories: Mt/Washi Tape Collection

Sunday, September 23, 2012 18 Comments A+ a-

Hiya!I think it's fair to say I talk about and buy washi tape a lot...I even wrote a zine about it. But what I haven't done - Gasp! Which surprises even me, is that I have not shared with you my (growing) collection of washi tapes! So here it is. I have also included a snaps of some of my mt merch such as; mt wrap, shirts, brochures, packaging and books.

Studio Stories: The Tassel Garland

Sunday, September 16, 2012 6 Comments A+ a-

For the past few weeks I have been a busy bee decorating and re-organising my little home studio. I always enjoy giving it a fresh makeover (spring clean) ever so often. One of the things that has been on my 'to-do' list is to make a tissue paper tassel garland!
Here are some snaps of the finished product.

It A Sweet Bow!

Sunday, September 09, 2012 6 Comments A+ a-

Hello! Thanks you for all your lovely comments about my limited edition 'Pop Goes Your Mail' Letter Art Kits. One of the seal stickers included in the kit is of this little 'sweet bow'. I came up with the idea while experimenting with gift wrapping. This one in particular includes Japanese candy! I plan to make many more of these to treat family and friends.

Pop Goes Your Mail: Letter Art Kits

Saturday, August 18, 2012 12 Comments A+ a-




The day has finally come! The My Life As A magazine 'Pop Goes your Mail' letter art kits are now available from my online store! Each pack that has been lovingly designed and handmade includes; A Kawaii pop collage envelope, double-sided A3 gift wrap (with polka dots and neon coloured squiggles), A5 scallop-cut 'Hello' notepaper and 14 Kawaii pop themed seal stickers.

It's A Party Craft Book Celebration!

Sunday, August 05, 2012 17 Comments A+ a-

Team ladies are known for their multi-tasking talents (sorry gent readers!So while I have been watching the Olympics I have also been tucking into some new Japanese books. It appears that all the latest releases have a similar theme - Party craft!- and I couldn't be more happier. Let your eyes be entertained by these colourful creations!

Happy Letter Dayz

Sunday, July 29, 2012 9 Comments A+ a-

While I spend all my weekends putting the finishing touches on my 'Mail Art kits'. I thought I would keep to a theme and share with you some of the delightful things that I have received in my letterbox over the past few weeks. I love how each one reflects the unique personality and style of its sender.

POP! Goes Your Mail

Saturday, July 21, 2012 4 Comments A+ a-

Konichiwa! For a couple of months now I have been busy working on some themed kits for my online shop. I have recieved some lovely emails and comments about my zine mail and gift packages over the year, which in turn has inspired me to create a'My Life As A Magazine' themed Mail Art Kit.

Make mail cute, colourful and fun with seals, polka dot envelopes, kawaii pop collage paper and confetti.
Here is a little sneak peek.

Peek-a-do

Saturday, July 14, 2012 14 Comments A+ a-


Winter weekend days have been spent working on new paper projects (above), sending out little thank you packages and zines, buying more washi tape (I think I have a teenie tiny tape shopping addiction....perhaps!)and organising all my craft supplies in my mini studio. I'm also working on a few new goodies that will be available in my online shop soon!

Fairy Bread Coin Purse

Saturday, June 30, 2012 14 Comments A+ a-

Remember my fairy bread cards? I decided to go from paper to fabric and made this little fairy bread coin purse. It took me a couple of weekends of hand sewing and it was my first time working with a zipper. Once I get quicker at sewing I would love to make these for my shop or even include the pattern in my next zine.

Tissue, Paper, Sneeze!

Saturday, June 23, 2012 11 Comments A+ a-

Happy crafternoon lovelies! Its time for me to share with you my paper tissue pocket DIY. With the winter upon us here in OZ, I just had to make my sniffles cheerful some how. They are great for cheering up sick friends and make cute present toppers.Hope you all have fun making your own versions! I would love to see them if you do.

Melbourne Mini-Break

Monday, June 18, 2012 14 Comments A+ a-

Did you all have a fabulous weekend? I headed to Melbourne for a shopping mini break. Can you see a recurring theme in my purchases? Picked up some polka dot tapes, happy socks, stickers, picnic mat and a Baggu bag - such a cute little invention. Finally bought an Emily Green necklace (been wanting one for yonks) and a little notebook for jotting down ideas found at sweet Japanese stationery shop Kami in Fitzroy. Must stores to check out if your in the city also includes Yen store Tokuya, Vincent 2, Craft Victoria, Wilkins and Kent, Little Salon and Ganim's - who stock the original surprise balls by Gina Namkung!Check out some other cool stores from my little trip in the snaps below.

mt shirts!!

Wednesday, June 13, 2012 10 Comments A+ a-


The internet can be a really amazing place. One afternoon while getting a photographic feast on Instagram I met Imogen. After commenting on her amazing Uniqlo mt shirts she offered to buy me some and post them over!! They arrived today and I have been jumping up with joy ever since!! Thanks Imogen!! They also came with limited edition mt tapes and Imogen was also kind enough to give me some of her doubles. This has made my year!

Sending & Receiving

Saturday, June 09, 2012 20 Comments A+ a-


SENDING:Last hard copies of my 'Little book of mt masking tape' zine out to lovely customers. You can now download digital copies from my online store and hard copies of my 'Japan in a collection' zine will be available again shortly along with some new goodies.

Sloth & Read

Sunday, June 03, 2012 7 Comments A+ a-

While the start of my week started out rather dreary because of a very bad cold, it did end rather rosy thanks to a wonderful Friday night shopping at Sydney's winter Finders Keepers market.
This is where I found this amazing sloth plate made by Gretel Girl. How cute is it?? If you follow me on instagram (Username: Jenna Templeton) you would of seen some snaps of the night.

MCA Zine Fair 2012

Sunday, May 20, 2012 25 Comments A+ a-

It was one of my favourite days of the year today - the Sydney MCA 2012 zine fair! Here are some of my favourites from the day.

Muma & Neko Wrap + Paper Tissue Pocket

Saturday, May 12, 2012 8 Comments A+ a-


Birthdays and special occasions are a great time to experiment and get creative with gift wrapping.
 
The process always starts with me raiding my hoard of newly purchased craft materials. The above is a Neko (cat) and gingham themed wrapped gifts for a family birthday. Pink stripes and Hawaii was the inspiration behind the above Mother's Day wrapped present. I also made a 'Paper tissue pocket'and attached it to a card.

I Have Candy!

Saturday, May 05, 2012 14 Comments A+ a-

Hope everyone is having a wonderful weekend! I'm in sweet happiness with these yummy finds. The top picture is an ice cream lamp that I found while thrift shopping in my local area! I really want to sit it outside the door of my house like they do on the doorsteps of convenience stores in Japan!

Mr Omuraisu Plushie

Sunday, April 29, 2012 22 Comments A+ a-

Let me introduce you to my first sewing project and plushie character - Mr Omuraisu!! You might remember seeing him in paper form in my 'Paper Peko and friends' post. A little character I created inspired by the Japanese food Omurice - a omelette filled with rice and meat and decorated with cute ketchup faces served with lettuce! I always envisioned him in plushie form so I just had to make him my first sewing project!

Easter Treat Gift Bag Making

Sunday, April 22, 2012 14 Comments A+ a-

I enjoyed making treat gift bags for family and friends during the Easter break. Hope you all enjoy these little snaps. Using pretty papers, J-book digital pix and magazine cut-outs I made collage bunny themed gift tags. The multi coloured pom poms were also handmade. I also had fun experimenting with some new mt tapes making some paper ribbon gift bag ties.

Daiso - The shop of cute!!

Sunday, April 15, 2012 25 Comments A+ a-

It felt like I was back in Japan today! I went shopping at Chatswood (a town in NSW, Australia) which is just like a mini Tokyo. They have many Asian supermarkets, restaurants, bakeries (Breadtop and 85%) and a Mother crepes store (like theone in Ikebukuro, Tokyo) and Yen store Daiso! Eeep!

Easter-gram

Sunday, April 08, 2012 7 Comments A+ a-


It was announced last week that Instagram had been released for Android phone users! Yay! I downloaded it as soon as I heard and have been addicted to it ever since. I've been snapping away around the house and recording my Easter adventures.
You can find me on Instagram at 'JennaTempleton'. I would love to know who else is on Instagram, so feel free to leave your user names in the comments.
Happy Easter and look forward to seeing your Happy Snaps!

music, pop, mook

Sunday, April 01, 2012 6 Comments A+ a-


Sia's best of album has been on high rotation in my crafting study this week. Even though I own her whole CD collection I couldn't go past getting her best of album as well, which includes new songs and remixes of past hits. I always enjoy her pop craft album cover and lyric book photo shoots. Be inspired by Sia's; felt typography, knitted bunny hats, sequin face art, mini pom pom lips, plastic toy hardware hats, patchwork peacock dress, pipe cleaner headpieces and her ambient and colourful, pop sounds.

Hello Betty!

Monday, March 26, 2012 7 Comments A+ a-

It's always wonderful discovering new magazines. Betty is an independent UK magazine edited by Charlotte Jacklin. A fashion magazine with a retro vibe, which is enjoyable to read with a nice spot of tea and a biscuit.

Pink Things

Saturday, March 24, 2012 8 Comments A+ a-

Here are a few of my favourite pink things, I very much enjoy arranging things in colour themes. A 'pretty in pink' collection.

Little packages + mt bookmark

Tuesday, March 20, 2012 16 Comments A+ a-

I love saying thanks by sending little unexpected packages to people. This weekend I had fun using my new mt tapes and mt wrap to make a 'thanks' gift wrapping pack and a collage bookmark (alpaca included!). Yay!

Crafty tools

Sunday, March 18, 2012 11 Comments A+ a-

Here are some of my crafty tools. I styled this pic up for a  interview on Jodi's Art By Wiley blog - thanks for having me Jodi! A polka dot notebook for jotting down ideas, stickers, stamps (there is a bit of a polka dot theme), paper scraps, washi tape, Stabilo marker pens, fave pair of scissors, glue, whole punches and Japanese packaging (always good for a bit of inspiration). I would of liked to have included my camera in the image...but I was using it to take the picture :)

Curly Collection

Saturday, March 10, 2012 8 Comments A+ a-

I just adore Japanese fashion, fabrics, accessories and zakka label Curly Collection! How can I not love their kawaii polka dot designs! It will be my first place to visit when I am in Japan next, to stock up on fabric! Lots of sewing craft inspiration here; sweet tissue pockets, book covers, bags and pouches.

Patisserie Coin De Rue

Saturday, March 10, 2012 6 Comments A+ a-



I watched the Japanese film 'Patisserie Coin De Rue' last weekend. It follows the journey of Natsumi (Yu Aoi) who heads to Tokyo to find her boyfriend, but instead falls in love with the art of making delicious, mouth watering sweets and desserts. A beautiful tale, filled with scenes, in the quaint back streets of Tokyo and lots of glimpses of yummy treats and cosy cafes.

Terrarium making

Saturday, March 03, 2012 16 Comments A+ a-


It's wonderful when you get an idea out of your head that has been sitting there for ages and see it come into fruitation. This weekend I made sure I took some time out to get crafty again and made this little terrarium with sweet some objects lying around the house.
I am happy now that my little Red Riding Hood Blythe doll figurine, finally has a proper home amongst some mushrooms and a sweet woodland deer!

Things

Sunday, February 19, 2012 25 Comments A+ a-

Now, working full time in a job and industry that I love I am still working on finding a balance between work and my other creative loves;blogging, self-publishing, crafting as well as making time for rest, play and fun adventures with friends and family. Here are a some snaps of a few 'things' from the past couple of weeks.

Patchwork Style

Friday, February 10, 2012 14 Comments A+ a-

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

Saturday, February 04, 2012 28 Comments A+ a-

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

Monday, January 30, 2012 8 Comments A+ a-

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

Sunday, January 29, 2012 28 Comments A+ a-

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.

Treats all round

Friday, January 20, 2012 26 Comments A+ a-

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!

Compendium Of Colour

Saturday, January 14, 2012 7 Comments A+ a-

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.

Sewing Nook

Sunday, January 08, 2012 8 Comments A+ a-

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!
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