My Life As A Magazine

B-Day

2012-01-29T11:54:00.000+11:00

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

2012-01-20T20:44:00.000+11:00

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

2012-01-14T11:27:00.000+11:00

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

2012-01-08T11:37:00.000+11:00

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?

New Year

2011-12-31T13:24:00.000+11:00

Happy New Year! Hope you all have an amazing 2012 and had many great adventures this year. I spent yesterday making and styling this New Year banner using crafty materials in my little home.

Looking back on last years New Year resolutions...I actually accomplished them all and more! Like last year I am giving myself new obtainable resolutions like;

Learn to sew (using my new sewing machine!! Eeep!)

Work on sewing related craft projects like embroidery (already started a pillow) and patchwork, pattern making etc.

Write and design a new publication (BIG dream is a book deal!)

Decorate my little house with all things handmade.

It really has been one big fun, crazy and crafty year made better because of all of you - both lovely and inspiring in your own special way - Thank you.

2 0 1 1 F A V E S

Making Kawaii craft videos

Exhibiting designs in Edition Paumes 'Pray For Japan' in Tokyo to help a country close to my heart.

Publishing 'Little book of mt washi tape' and 'Japan in a Collection' zines

Making 'Snap Tokyo Girls bunting DIY Kit' and selling my wares at the A4 Paper Festival, Lark and Little Paper Lane.

Finally meeting the beautiful crafty Kit and attending many craft parties!

Getting crafty making; Stamp, DIY Kits and gift wrapping

Self-made envelopes, Xmas decorations.

Being interviewed by Paper Runway Magazine and Nenz.

Having a gallery/shop space in Kit's Mini Mart at the Rocks, Sydney and selling my handmade creations like; fairy bread cards and displaying Kawaii pop decor as well as hosting a kawaii pop Rosette making workshop!!

Paper Peko and Friends

Learning how to crochet and knit

Scoring a job in my dream industry!

Giftmas

2011-12-30T14:18:00.001+11:00

Hope everyone had an amazing Christmas! I very much enjoyed giving all my colourful wrapped gifts to family and friends and going through my new collection of Japanese books (gifts from hubby and family). Ate a yummy roast for lunch and knitted bows while watching classic Rankin Bass Christmas movies.

Now I am doing a little New Year clean-up around the house with She & Him albums (xmas gifts) on high rotation while I think about my New Year Resolutions.

Colour-pop Xmas Wrap: Part 2

2011-12-24T11:30:00.000+11:00

Hope you all have a Merry Christmas! Thank you for all your lovely support and comments this year.

Here is part 2: of my colour-pop Xmas wrap.

For these ones I used lots of bobble ribbons, mt tape, polka dot cello and made flowers out of cupcake patties,bows out of washi tape and pom poms from scratch. I also used mini versions of my cute-pop decorations to use as gift tags. I just love seeing all the pretty colour, paper gifts under my white Christmas tree.

Have a special and wonderful day x

These last few are actually Birthday presents for my sister, she loves Ryan Reynolds, so that's why the B'day card has him on it :)

Knitted Bows

2011-12-19T20:20:00.000+11:00

I taught myself how to knit using You tube videos.

For my first knitted project I made these knitted bows. There are so many things I want to do with them; use as present toppers, make a headband and even put them on my shoes!

Colour-Pop Xmas Wrap: Part 1

2011-12-16T21:13:00.000+11:00

My lounge room was a colour blast of paper, tape, ribbon, tissue and stickers when I spent last weekend doing my Christmas gift wrapping. I find myself buying extra gifts for loved ones just so I can have fun wrapping them up! Like my tree and decorations, this year I have gone non-traditional and using all colours to decorate and wrap my gifts in. I will be able to use my left over paper all year round too!

HOW TO COLOUR-POP XMAS WRAP

1. Japanese craft book fans are probably already familiar with this cute triangle present (looks like an Onigiri) style and rosette bow fans seen in most craft magazines as of late. 2. This was actually a B'day present for Kit, like me she loves polka dots and made a ruffled rainbow bow topper with multi-coloured tissue paper 3. Love gingham! So was excited to find red gingham paper, added a gold doily and bobble green ribbon to frame the top 4. Colourful Christmas tree paper topped with a rainbow tissue paper flower 5. A gift wrapped in gold paper, covered in pink sticky dots and polka dot rosette fan 6. Pretty green wrap has been sealed with white paper and covered with pink polka-dot cellophane and yellow bobble ribbon 7.Plain white paper is decorated with sticky dots with and flower made from cupcake patties and pom pom 8.Pink stripe paper seal topped with white polka-dot cellophane another cupcake pattie flower finishes it off 9.Had a little genius idea to make my own colourful paper shaving to add to boxed baked treats or gift packs. All you need is paper in different colours....and a paper shredder!

Coming up...My first knitted project and more colour-pop Xmas wrap!

trinkets, seam and confetti fingers

2011-12-10T11:40:00.000+11:00

My little hoard from Sydney's Finders Keepers, that I went to last Friday night. Faves of the night included meeting Dawn Tan and seeing her Handmade Love watercolour prints and products, Emily Green's colourful geometric jewellery, Etsy Australia, lomo camera's and zines, zakka from Storybook Rabbit (I got this little trinket box for my work Kris Kringle) and meeting and chatting to the lovely Linsey the creator of Seam magazine.

I have been rocking confetti fingers these past few weeks.

Rainbow Connection which is part of OPI's Muppet range!

White Christmas

2011-12-08T20:15:00.000+11:00

Here it is! My White Christmas tree decorated with my self-made and designed cute-pop Xmas decorations. I have been making a pom pom and mt tape bunting to wrap around it and have yet to add my xmas gifts under the tree.

I decorated the bottom of the tree using shredded pink tissue and colourful streamers.

Cute-pop Xmas Decorations

2011-12-03T09:04:00.000+11:00

Having been one who usually likes to keep to the xmas colour tradition of green and red, this year I wanted to do something a bit different and more -fun! For my Christmas tree this year it's all about colour and cheer - so I hand and digitally made my own cute-pop character and collage xmas decorations out of paper.

Cute-pop decorations are of 'dolly wolly' (little green rabbit thing) a little character I created, j-mag clippings on tissue paper balls, my cat (neko) Salem on a polka dot ball with bow, Rudolph girl wreath, bon bon, lama in stripes, some of my rosettes and gift wrapping have also been turned into decorations along with tissue paper bows, Peko, Omurice, star biscuit and my fave, Peko sweets and squiggles that has been made to look like a purse!

I can't wait to share with you my Christmas tree! Here's a sneak peek, yes! it's WHITE!

Pop and things...

2011-11-26T14:29:00.000+11:00

Via

Kate Spade's 'Give colourfully' is my motto this Christmas!

I can't wait to share with you my own Christmas gift wrapping and tree!

I just love reading Tavi Gevinson's blog Style Rookie and online Rookie Magazine that features lots of pop-culture nostalgia features and cool DIY projects like this one that even includes cats! I will have to get my Japanese erasers together to make one of these. I have also now fallen in love with the band 'Stealing Sheep' after watching this!

Going dotty over Jennifer Loiselle's big beaded jewellery.

Can't stop watching comedy show 'New Girl' Zooey Deschanel's character Jess is so quirky and fun! I love how she sings little made up songs between the shows witty humor.

Reading some back issues of Nylon magazine after finding some copies in a thrift store! One of them features Kat Dennings - love her and her sitcom '2 Broke Girls' too.

This issue of indie magazine Stella is dedicated to pop art!

It's ok to still play with lego at 27 right? It is Hello Kitty after all!

Eating yummy Koala cookies of my polka dot plate.

Mark's Stationery Mook

2011-11-22T21:50:00.000+11:00

I love Japanese stationery brand Mark's, so you can imagine my delight when I saw they had a stationery mook! Its full of yummy and kawaii stationery goodies like; biscuit and polka dot notepads, Paris inspired stamp range, ice-cream and donut puzzles, a tour of Japan's top stationery stores, Christmas mt wrapping projects and how about those cool Mickey and Minnie mouse scissors? The mook also comes with four sweet polka dot clips! I always enjoy gazing at their beautifully styled product layouts.

Mail Wall

2011-11-19T10:14:00.000+11:00

Some wonderful things have arrived in the post this year!

Every time I get something special I like to add it to my 'mail wall'. Since I rent I use pretty mt tapes to stick my mail packaging, business cards, letters, and souvenirs on with as it doesn't leave a mark. Below is a little package I received from Margaret, a cute bunting stamp, stickers and mini paper bags from her Paper Pastries store.

I always like to put some Rilakkuma notepaper into my zine order packages. I decorated some of my latest packages using my new bunting stamp and mt slim tapes.

Coming up on the blog is some; 'pop & things' and I will share some Christmas projects I have been working on. Yay!'

Zines, Zines, Zines!

2011-11-13T13:18:00.000+11:00

Wonderful zines that I have received in the mail over the past couple of months.

1. Sewon's beautiful photobook 'Floating Island' that came packaged with a illustrated notepaper with a written message and envelope sealed with a cute bow sticker, postcard and cat sticker. Sewon is a very talented photographer, check out her blog Maps and Fragments for her amazing photographic adventures around China.

3. One of my fave zines is Vanessa Berry's thrift shopping zine 'Vinnies' so I was thrilled to hear No.16 of her I am a Camera series was dedicated to her trip to Japan. A great account of observations from Vanessa's trip to Japan's Kyoto and Okunshima 'rabbit' island!

4. You might remember me mentioning the cool blog Bonjour Johanna in a past post? Her latest project is a colouring in zine titled; Dessine Moi Un Copain'. Copain means friend in french and I know this because the zine came with some sweet french phrases. I can't wait to get started on colouring in Johanna's cute polka dot pant Copains!

5. Kelly Zarb's 'Crafty Collage' zine is packed with super cute collage projects. Learn how to make collage; gift tags, cards and tote bags etc. My Life As A Magazine blog also got a mention in the resources section - Thanks Kel! Being a big fan of collage I just had to get this. It also came with a beautiful collage card, gift tag and collage kit!

Happy Things: Nenz

2011-11-12T14:25:00.000+11:00

I got the wonderful opportunity this week to be interviewed

on the pretty and all things happy Dutch blog - Nenz!

Nancy's Nenz blog is dedicated to posting about things that make her happy, so I was touched when she asked me to do an interview for her uplifting and colourful blog. I also designed a little 'Happy Things layout' to go along with the interview. You can read it here- so cool it's in Dutch! For those who don't speak Dutch I have translated it below.

You are a very crafty girl! When did you know you had the talent to make things?

Thanks! From a young age I have always enjoyed making my own things; little books, cards, pretty gift wrapped presents for family & friends. I really enjoy it. I guess I started creating things as I wanted something unique and special to give to people.

How did you come up with the idea to publish your own magazines? It’s so cool!

It’s always been a dream of mine to work in magazines (a dream that just recently came true!). I love everything about them; the smell, photography, product styling, layout design, typography. I especially love Japanese magazines for their bright colours, Kawaii shoots and mixed typography. So it was a natural progression to self-publish my own mini magazines (zines) my ‘Little book of mt masking tape’ includes ideas, collages, designs, gift wrapping and other crafty DIY projects all made using my most loved craft tool - Japanese mt (washi) tape, ‘Japan in a Collection’ a travel guide with a twist that reviews shops through mementos.

What do you love most about what you do?

Freedom to create and be creative. Sharing fun projects with others that might in return inspire them and make them happy. I blog about my creative adventures at 'My Life As A Magazine' I also love how blogging can bring like-minded people together, I have made many friends and been given lots of wonderful opportunities through blogging.

You live in Sydney, Australia. What’s your connection with Japan?

I travelled to Japan a couple of years ago, the experience had a huge effect on me and I think about it and miss it everyday! I was amazed and fell in love with their innovative craft, art and design culture which ignited a new creative view in me that influences a lot of my work.

What always puts a smile on your face?

Kawaii stationery, polka dots, hugs & kisses, washi tape, crafternoons, cups of tea, Disney movies, patisserie treats, cats, mail, pretty packaging, gifts from the heart, family & friends, reading a good magazine, shopping in Tokyo…I could go on.

I find myself wanting to make something crafty very often, but I often don’t know where to start. Do you have a tip for people like me about how we can get our craftiness on?

You could start by making a little box containing ‘potential’ crafty items! Fill it with things that will inspire you to make things; pretty papers, washi tape, magazine clippings, fabrics, scrap paper bits, kawaii stationery, confetti or anything visual that makes you happy. You could even make an inspiration board! My projects are inspired by all aspects of my life, travel adventures/ mementos, Japan, stores, books and magazines, colours, my journals and scrapbooks, pretty product packaging, gift wrap, 80’s cartoons and toys, kawaii stationery, Japanese magazines and books.

Do you have a tip for what you can do to make someone’s day a little happier?

Each week I try and allow myself some ‘me’ time, doing something I love, be it; baking, working on a creative project, relaxing with a cup of tea and a good book or magazine. It’s nice to sometimes, turn away from technology that can become a distraction, and really live and use the day.

One of the things I love about Nancy's blog is her obsessions and happy things layouts, like this one.

Injecting a bit of colour

2011-11-05T14:30:00.000+11:00

It's been a busy, but great week in my new job so I thought I would celebrate with some retail therapy in one of my fave Aussie fashion stores - Sportsgirl. Like me, it seems they are crazy about all things in neons, polka dots and crafts at the moment.

Every visit I head straight to their special gift tables covered in unique and quirky goodies.

I picked up this sweet DIY friendship bracelet kit as well as a drink bottle designed by Beci Orpin!!

I can always rely on Sportsgirl to inject a bit of colour and cool into my life!

Magazines in REAL time

2011-11-01T15:38:00.001+11:00

Today I want to share with you something a bit more personal. For the past three years (or more!) I have been working towards getting a job in my dream industry - magazines. Well the other day I achieved such dream and am now a full time PAID worker at an amazing Aussie women's magazine working with the loveliest team!!!

I must admit the journey has not been easy. To get here I had to do many unpaid jobs, attend lots and lots of job interviews, take risks and fail and at the same time, try to remain strong in my belief that I could do it even after getting bucket loads of rejection.

In the end I think it was my persistence, willingness to work hard for nothing, dedication, positive outlook (even after the knock backs) and my passion for magazines that really got me through....oh and luck!

Magazines is a hard industry to crack into, but if you work hard enough and have a deep love for it - you can get there.....eventually!

I think I am proof of that. I started out with no contacts whatsoever. I began by doing volunteer work at an online magazine for free, building up my published portfolio pitching to online and print magazines, networking through social media, doing lots of work experience and an internship, remaining current in the media (starting my blog), using all work experience and job interviews as a spring board soaking up every bit of opportunity I could get out of them and finding some great mentors. Phew! I think I could write a book about it!

I hope that all of you don't give up on your dream jobs and remember to believe in yourselves and know that you are worthy and if you have the passion to live doing something you love....Go get it!!

Paper Peko + Friends

2011-10-28T16:25:00.000+11:00

It's no surprise that I just love paper and Kawaii Japan characters! These are my latest paper creations for a little upcoming project - Japan Patisserie and confectionery Fujiya mascot Peko-chan, a ketchup smiley face 'Omu-raisu' aka Omurice a Japanese omelette filled with rice and meat and decorated with cute ketchup faces served with lettuce! They are famous at

maid-cafes!

The last one is an 'alphebet soup spoon' decorated in yes - washi tape! Ah paper fun!

We Love Mail

2011-10-23T10:23:00.000+11:00

Yes I love mail, receiving it or making pretty packages to send.

That's why I was happy and inspired when I heard about Newspaper Taxi's 'We Love Mail' project! All you have to do is send a letter to them with a little loved stationery treat inside. All the mail will be displayed in their shop window and you also go in the draw to win the WHOLE stationery loot at the end of the project! Oh my!

I really wanted to make something special so I designed a little 'Kawaii stationery' themed pack that includes some of my fave Japanese and Korean stationery; note paper,stickers, Marks polka dot clip, duck D-clips etc. I also put some washi strips in there and designed my own polka dot cat note paper and mini envelope.

Hope the lucky winner will enjoy it!

Learn more about the project and see submissions here and here.

What's the best thing you have ever received in the mail?

Queen Of Crafts

2011-10-20T18:48:00.000+11:00

I first heard about Jazz Domino Holly's 'Queen of Crafts: Modern girl's guide to knitting, sewing, quilting, baking, preserving and kitchen gardening' from her monthly DIY column in one of my fave UK magazines' Company. I must say it is the BEST craft book I have read (in English) for a long time. It really is a great read and Jazz puts a 'new generation' spin on each crafting genre. The book design alone is oh so wonderful with cute squiggles, illustrations and chic, arty typography. Fave projects include; knitted bows, pincushion cakes, Thunderbird quilt, button biscuits and 'Make Tea Not War' tablecloth. It also covers all the basics on knitting, sewing etc. and includes how to's on organizing your own craft clubs, crafternoons and quilting bees. Jazz will you be my new craft BFF?

I will let Jazz tell you a bit about her wonderful book..

CRAFT ON!

Things

2011-10-18T21:58:00.000+11:00

I really enjoy arranging and styling things. Here is a little collection of some of the wonderful things Kit has in her Mini Mart craft corner; pattern paper, polka dot bows, coloured straws, self-made pom poms, felt shapes, party toy trinkets, neon thread and lolly containers. I like how some of the things remind me of the crafty times that Kit and I have shared together.

Workshop

2011-10-16T11:25:00.000+11:00

There was lots of crafty Kawaii fun going on yesterday at the Mini Mart for my Kawaii Pop Rosette Workshop! Thank you to the talented lovelies who attended - big hugs.

The workshop began with a little introduction to their DIY Kits that included some self-made confetti paper (more on this soon), Kawaii Pop collage sticker set, How to DIY and some pattern masking tape that I made. Off course I also talked a bit about my fave craft tool - washi tape.

As you can see workshop peeps Mira (love her Miffy shirt!) and Kit made some pretty things, our creations seemed to be themed around polka dots and Neko's (cat's). After we made some rosettes we also got crafty making self-made envelopes, gift tags and decorations, while we ate Peko milky sweets and french lavender mints.

A little video of the day, music by Lullatone, the song is also called polka dots!

Fairy Bread Cards

2011-10-12T10:44:00.000+11:00

These are my Fairy Bread Cards! I made these last month and they have been on sale in the Mini Mart Pop-Up Shop. They are all individually handmade out of cardboard and paper and say 'Happy Birthday With Sprinkles On Top' inside the card. I also designed and printed my very own sprinkle pattern envelopes, they are see through as I wanted the Fairy Bread card to look like it was wrapped in sandwich wrap. I had lots of fun making and designing these and hope they make a very special birthday gift.

I am looking to sell them in my online store after Mini Mart.

I have a little guest post on the Paper Runway blog too, this week - Yay!

Mini Mart Launch

2011-10-07T16:19:00.001+11:00

We had an overwhelming response from the crafty and creative community for the launch of the Mini-Mart Pop-Up shop on Wednesday night. For those who attend a big thank you for coming and supporting us, it was a great night and so lovely to meet and chat with some of you about Japan and crafty things!

Thanks must also go to Fbi Radio and the Rocks Pop-Up Project team for hosting the event!

Our Workshops kick of from Saturday 15th, so not long left to book a place for my KAWAII POP ROSETTE WORKSHOP, that comes with an exclusive specially designed DIY Kit for workshop participants - Yay!

My little Kawaii-Pop themed gallery/ shop space!

Kit's Cat-tastic zines and felt creations

Kit's friend Claire makes these sweet crochet mushroom, heart necklaces, bow ties and knitted rings.

The nights 'Make Something' craft table.

Kawaii Pop Roesette Workshop!

2011-10-04T11:00:00.004+11:00

Exciting news!! Next week (Saturday 15th October) I will be hosting a Kawaii Pop Rosette making workshop at the Mini Mart Pop-up shop! Eeeep! It would be lovely if some of you could attend. Each workshop participant will get one of these specially designed for the day Kawaii Pop DIY Kits, which includes all the materials need to make your very own Kawaii-Pop themed rosettes!

Spots are limited, so get in quick if you want to attend this crafty celebration xo

BOOK KAWAII POP ROSETTE WORKSHOP HERE

Mini Mart Pop-Up Shop

2011-10-03T16:36:00.001+11:00

The day has finally come! Eeeep! The official launch for the Mini Mart Pop-up shop! Hosted by The Rocks Pop-up Project and FBi.94.5FM. The launch kicks of on Wednesday 5th of October (this week!) at 6pm. So please if you can, do come say hi, have a drink and check out some of the self-made stationery, party goods and zines we have on sale. I also made some little goodie bags that come with a free Japanese gift for the lovely peeps who purchase our handmade wares!

For my little space within Kit's Mini Mart I have a Kawaii Pop gallery wall that includes my; Snap Tokyo Girls Bunting, self-made paper food in gift packaging, collage envelopes and bags, polka pop themed jewellery and Kawaii Pop rosettes, washi tape words and my Kawaii decor; dreamcatcher and Polish chandelier.

I will also be selling copies of my zines; Little book of mt masking tape, Japan in a collection as well as illustrated biscuit/tea gift tags and fairy bread cards!! (eep! more on these soon).

In my next post I will let you all know about the craft workshop I will be hosting - so excited!!

Kit has turned the Pop-up shop Mini Mart into a little home away from home. Paper fruit and shapes line the walls, pinatas hang from the roofs, surprise balls and confetti bon bons in baskets, ceramic cats and jungle plants, sit down and read a vintage craft book, check out Kit's Party Craft Zine, felt skull and cat decorations, jewellery and colour block fabric bags!

RSVP for launch is essential!

Book here
Mini Mart Pop-Up Shop
23 Nurses Walk,
The Rocks, Sydney

Kawaii Polka Pop Dreamcatcher

2011-09-30T12:55:00.000+10:00

I have been super busy for the past couple of weeks making products and 'Kawaii-Pop decor' for my space in the 'mini mart' pop-up shop in Sydney.

I call this my 'Polka Pop Dreamcatcher'! It is now hanging in the shop along with some of my other creations. I will post a couple of pictures of the space in a few days.

Japan In A Collection VS Surprise Ball

2011-09-27T15:57:00.000+10:00

A little video of a special surprise ball I made using some of the Japan memento's featured in my new zine 'Japan In A Collection'. Below, some sold zines that I packaged up with

self-made polka dot paper decorated with washi tape.

Hope they enjoy it on the other side of the mailbox!

Wonderful Magazine Of OZ

2011-09-26T16:55:00.000+10:00

So I screamed when I saw what was on the cover of the October issue of my fave Japan travel magazine Oz! Koenji's cute treehouse cafe Hattifant! The whole issue is dedicated to Kichijoji, Koenji, Mitaka and Asagaya's cosy book, craft, zakka shops and cafes. I love the Amelie movie style photo story pages. I went to the Ghibli Museum in Mitaka when I travelled to Japan, which I mention in my new zine.

New Zine: Japan In A Collection

2011-09-23T18:13:00.000+10:00

Yay! Its finally here my new zine 'Japan In A Collection' is now available to buy in my online store!

If you love Studio Ghibli, Blythe, Sanrio, Disney and Japan mascots you may love this! A travel guide, with a twist on the best places to shop within a collection of my own trip mementos.

More exciting news! I will be launching my zine tomorrow within Kit's Mini Mart which is part of the Sydney Rocks Pop-Up Project,

which Kit has kindly offered to give me space within her shop! Here we will be selling our handmade goods and hosting craft workshops along with some other lovely peeps.

Eeep! I am so excited! Been so busy making a 'Kawaii Pop' gallery wall of all my latest creations and handmade goods to sell.

So please do pop in and say hi!

I will keep you up to date with new products and workshop information in future posts.

Polka Kawaii Rosettes

2011-09-19T10:04:00.000+10:00

A few pictures of an exciting upcoming project I have been working on! My 'Polka Kawaii Rosettes' have left me and my workspace covered in glue, bits of washi tape, paper and fabric scraps - but it's been a colour blast of crafting fun!

Sneak Peek: Japan in Collection

2011-09-16T14:16:00.000+10:00

A little sneak peek of the cover of my new zine

'Japan in a Collection'!

Travel Japan with me in 62 mementos! ‘Japan in a collection’ is a little travel guide with a twist!

Discover the best shops for buying; character goods, stationery, books, magazines, gadgets, kawaii collectables, anime, fashion and yummy treats. Japan locations include; Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, Nagano, Yudanaka, and Hiroshima.

Eeep! I am so excited to share with you some of my favourite places discovered on my trip to Japan.

I'm aiming to have my new zine in my online store sometime next week.

More details and pictures coming soon :)

Scribbles, Paper, Pastels

2011-09-12T14:40:00.000+10:00

Getting some pastel 'colour-spiration' from washi tapes, nail polish and pretty polka dot paper in beautiful lavender, pink, blue and yellow hues. I found this wonderful book called 気持ちを伝えるちょこっとイラスト in Kinokuniya by Yuzuko. I just love his adorable pencil and pen drawings - these are called 'chokotto' in Japanese. This book teaches you how to draw your own simple chokotto characters and kawaii fonts and using them to make gift tags or for journaling. Loving the character with the odango (hair bun) and the little 'sad, sorry, tear' gift tags - super cute ideas Yuzuko!

Tokyo Journal

2011-09-10T11:04:00.000+10:00

I travelled all over Japan in 2009 during Cherry Blossom season. Everywhere I went I picked up brochures, catalogues, magazines and souvenirs like; napkins, and business cards from shops and restaurants as well as pretty packaging and train/admission tickets to put in my journal when I returned home. Ha! many bags in my suitcase were filled of these things.

Hope you enjoy these pictures of pages from my journal during my time in Tokyo. Please excuse the very messy writing! Eeep!

1.Journal opening pages collage of fave Japan things. 2.Airport and rail passes - oh I miss the Suica Penguin Japan's rail mascot! 3.My little Tokyo rail map made out of washi tape. 4.Odaiba has great shopping complexes like Aqua City and Tokyo Decks, also went to the Anime festival at Tokyo Big Site. 5.I think I visited every Studio Ghibli store I could find - Moe Garden was a fave! 6.Shinjuku opened their 0I0I Marui Curren building when I was there, had a cool Blythe store in it! You can't go into a store without someone yelling out Irasshaimase! which means 'welcome to our store'. 7. Mementos from Harajuku, the Mighty Soxer smiley face is a fave. 8.Kiddyland bento's and more pictures from Harajuku. 9, 10, 11. I just HAD to go to the Studio Ghibli museum in Mitaka. It was amazing!! I went broke buying things from their museum store too!

Zine News: I have almost finished my next zine which ties in with my Japan trip!!

DIY Kit Making

2011-09-07T11:20:00.000+10:00

As well as working on a new zine I have been making some little DIY kits - a 'cut & paste collage' one. This is one I made recently for my mother as she is making Christmas cards at her local craft club. I put it together to match her xmas colour theme; purple, green and gold (she always has a different colour scheme every year). In the pack I included lots of different crafty bits and made some pretty paper buttons, a confetti Christmas tree and added some washi tape strips. I had so much fun making these kits and designing the little packets, so looking forward to making some more.

Photos were taken using android phone apps and dbox adobe effects found via Pugly Pixel.

One for the Dads

2011-09-04T09:29:00.001+10:00

It's Fathers Day here in Oz, so I am sharing with you something I made for my dad. An envelope card decorated with my polka dot and alphabet stamps, a little text square with some new mt slim two tone tape. I also made a cute origami t-shirt to go on it!

Hope your Dad's are having a wonderful day!!

Saying Thanks

2011-09-03T11:09:00.000+10:00

Just wanted to post today a little thanks for the wonderful blog mentions and opportunities I have had this week.

First I am excited to let you know that I had an interview and envelope making DIY over at the amazing Paper Runway Magazine blog yesterday - Thanks Nikki & Maree.

Big thanks also to Margret for doing a lovely post about my blog on Paper Pastries - a must read for stationery lovers!

Hayley for including me in her 'Aussie crafty bloggers' post at Indie thrifter and Katrina from Pugly Pixel for putting me in her 'Links Love List'- such an honour.

Also had some lovely comments from new readers so big HELLO and

W E L C O M E!!

Self-Made Envelope Making

2011-08-31T21:51:00.000+10:00

Here is a little neon coloured, Kawaii-pop themed self-made envelope collection I have been working on.

Materials used include; pretty papers, Tokyo maps, Japanese magazine cut-outs, mt washi tape, self-made/alphabet stamps, paper scraps and used postage stamps.

As usual I wanted to include lots of polka dots and cut & paste collage elements.

More crafty projects are on the way!

Glossy Love: Yen

2011-08-31T13:51:00.000+10:00

Issue 52 of Yen magazine is HOT HOT HOT with technicolour fashion that jumps of the pages, interview with my recent fave actor Emma Stone, pastel watercolour artworks, profile on Melbourne based Japanese zakka/book store Mr Kitly (it's on my 'must visit' list) and a feature on Zine making and distros + much more!

I love picking up Yen for it's fresh fashion page layouts that always give me lots of great colour inspiration and their interesting features on creative peeps.

Crafty Book Goodness

2011-08-28T12:06:00.000+10:00

As requested by some of my lovely readers, some inside pictures of my latest Amazon Japan craft book buys!

1. 女の子の大好きをたくさん集めた乙女なコラージュBOOK (Girl Collage). This has to be my favourite book at the moment as it includes some of my most loved Japanese collage artists; Wool Cube Wool and Bleu Blanche. Learn how to make collage; bookmarks, cards, boxes, envelopes and journal pages using materials such as; mt washi tape, lace, doilies, postage stamps, pretty papers etc. It also has a downloadable collage section containing pictures of macaroons, bunnies, bakery goods and pink and white stripe backgrounds!

As mentioned on my last post I have been experimenting with different ways to use photos, so I just had to get this book.

2. 手づくりおしゃれなフォト雑貨 ―J'adore!photoZAKKA; Learn how to make zakka and gifts using photo's, also includes some collage techniques.

3. As well as Japan craft books I have a bit of a Japanese travel book/mag collection. Yes I can't read it but I love looking at the illustrations and travel mementos on the pages. Some of the shops featured include store names and links in English though.

だれかとどこかへ―東京お散歩案内 (Tokyo strolling Guide)Have a walk together through Ginza, Asakusa and Shinjuku etc.

カメラ日和 Life With Camera + Neko Love

2011-08-25T19:53:00.000+10:00

One of the lovely things in this weeks Amazon Japan package included an issue of J-mag カメラ日和 Life with Camera. This issue is dedicated to taking pictures of cats! (Neko in Japanese). The magazine is packed full of kawaii pictures of cats, photographic techniques and photobook making ideas. I've started to make my own photobook of my cat Salem (Yes, named after the cat from 'Sabrina the Teenage witch'- my family's idea). However unlike the cats in the book Salem is a bit more anti-social than the other cats in the mag, so it was hard to get some different posed shots.

My beautiful boy Salem.

Some pictures from カメラ日和 Life with Camera

This last shot is so Salem - always trying to sit in the highest place possible in the house.

Hello Mr Letterbox!

2011-08-23T14:59:00.001+10:00

Incoming Mail - Some of the lovely things in my letterbox from the past two weeks. 1. Amazon Japan! Like it's box I had a big grimace on my face when my new Japanese craft books arrived. Will share some inside pix of them soon! 2. Little tags found in my Japanese books, I think they are used for cataloging books 3. Package from Crafty Japan which included....4. Latest washi tape purchases!!! Eeep! new mixed colour and pattern range! 5. Package from Sandy (Cookie Cutter) her travel zine Run of the Mill was inside 6. When Beebee sent me her latest zine she also included this hoard of kawaii letter pages/envelopes..and wax paper! Thanks Beebee! 7. Obsessed with MMMG stationery, had to by this letter set, love the simple use of shapes in the design. 8. Latest issue of Frankie magazine, jam (pun to come) packed with inspirational creative peeps. This issue comes with 'Jam' sticker labels illustrated by Dawn Tan and Amy Borrell.

Colour Coded

2011-08-21T10:51:00.000+10:00

Here are some of my latest 'colour-coded' buys, makes and eats;

1. Always a sucker for buying pretty wrapping paper, neon green catches my eye, 2. 消しゴムはんこのちょこっとアイデア by Mizutama; A cute Japanese book on stamp carving. Let me know if you want to see inside! 3. Blue/white cross washi tape, 4. My new android smartphone - in white! 5. A little self-made notebook 6. Fujiya Peko Milky chocolate bar. Peko is my favourite mascot in Japan. I love collecting Milky chocolate boxes as the packaging is oh so pretty!

Blog Love: Bonjour Johanna

2011-08-20T11:06:00.001+10:00

Bonjour Johanna is a collection of daily updates about the work & life of french artist Johanna Tagada, who currently resides in ~~Zurich~~ Berlin. Looking at her inspirational blog it is clear we share a love for many of the same things; pretty packaging and incoming mail, Japan, Polka dots, stationery, pink, circle stickers, mt taping trinkets to the walls and mixed typography title headers.

Her latest works and projects include; illustrated pink dot poetry art prints, Pink Kiwi ceramics, We love tote bag workshop, urban street art and a photobooth zine project.

Johanna, you are wonderful!

Here are some images from Bonjour Johanna blog.

A mini-documentary on Johanna's street art; Monstrous friends.
I can really relate to the part where she talks about having 'no money, but ideas'- sums up the life of a creative.

Lazy Oaf

2011-08-17T20:23:00.001+10:00

I love re-discovering past travel mementos! One of my most loved items include these amazing kawaii buys and souvenirs from Lazy Oaf a store I stumbled upon on Carnaby Street in London when I was there in 2007. Hearts, stripes, character typography, polka dots....what's not to love about their cut & paste feel designs.

They also sell little trinkets like milk bottle character toys, felt tape cassette plushies, shape stationery, jewellery and badges with unique and funny slogans. To this day I still use my Twinkie the kid wallet that I got there!

For inspiration I often refer to the Lazy Oaf postcard and fashion brochure, which reminds me of Japanese fashion magazine spreads.

Going Postal For.....

2011-08-14T12:07:00.000+10:00

Postage stamp collecting and collaging!

While doing some 'almost' Spring cleaning I came across my Stamp Gang Collecting kit that was a hobby of mine back in the 90's. It brought back some great memories of stamp collecting and attending stamp month. It has also inspired me now years later, to use postage stamps for my new craft love - collaging.

Below are some of my Stamp Gang Explorer monthly magazines from the 90's and my favourite Japanese collage books that incorporate postage stamps in collages and for making gifts and self-made zakka and stationery.

Party Craft Workshop

2011-08-07T11:29:00.001+10:00

Yesterday I attended Kit's Party Craft Workshop which is part of this years Sydney Design Festival celebrating - 'Is old new again'. As you can see by the pix Kit had set up quite a crafty celebration in her studio! We got to make bunting, party hats, crackers, invites and a SURPRISE BALL. There were so many trinkets to add into our projects that really took me back to my childhood; sherbet in fruit containers, spin tops and mini kaleidoscopes etc. We even got given a goodie bag of lil trinkets at the end of the day!

I also decided to document the process of making a surprise ball while I was at the workshop and turned it into a little video.

My Party Hat - Confetti dipped off course!

Making a Party Cracker!

Some Party Craft made by lovely peeps I met on the day; Leonie and Gal. Love the apple surprise ball!

Goodie Bags!

I Would Like To ...

2011-08-05T21:15:00.000+10:00

Go riding in the summer days on this dream bike

Eat fresh oranges off a Donna Wilson plate

Make collages in my scrapbook

Not eat these chocolates as the packaging is too pretty

Make a Polish Chandelier and pop-up card

Wear this colour wheel necklace

Keep my things in a polka dot drawer

H O W A B O U T Y O U ? ?

Little Paper Lane

2011-08-02T17:09:00.000+10:00

Day = beautiful, Mood = excited and honoured, Sounds = Sarah Bareilles: Kaleidoscope heart.

My hubby and I went on a one day road trip out to Mona Vale located in Sydney's sunny Northern Beaches today to pay a visit to Little Paper Lane.

Little Paper Lane is a family business run by the lovely Jayde and Steve. Contents of the store....stationary heaven!

If you love pretty papers, washi tape, books on all things handmade, unique journals and notebooks from designers from around the world - this is the place for you. They also stock some wonderful zines like; Bespoke, Spoonful, The Hungry girls cookbook, Paper Runway....and now my 'Little book of mt masking tape' zine.

I was so thrilled to receive an email from Jayde requesting my zine for the store, as it makes a perfect home for it amongst all her other paper goodies. Thanks for making me feel special Little Paper Lane!

WARNING STATIONARY LOVERS: You WILL go broke here, but it's worth the risk!

Crafty Video Love

2011-07-31T13:01:00.001+10:00

You all know I enjoy making crafty videos, but today I thought I would share the love around by sharing with you my recent favourites. On another note I have been busy making new projects that I will share soon and been putting together a few new self-publications.

Via Misako Mimoko I have still yet to tackle a surprise ball, I did make a spider version for my nephew though!

Via Candy Castle made by Marimekko. I love watching the objects move about on their own in a stop-motion fashion.

Via Dottie Angel

Looking forward to the release of Tif's book in September!

Via Poppytalk

Self-made stationery made out of Junk mail from Yellow Owl Workshop. Reminds me some of the self-made stationery in my Japanese craft books.

Marie Claire Idees

2011-07-28T11:56:00.002+10:00

I have a glossy love for the french magazine Marie Claire Idees, by looking at the cover I bet you can guess why! This issue includes a wall tree made from washi tape as well as other decor ideas for like; decorated lamp shades, tables, chairs, windows, plates, journals and pretty birthday cards.

As well as focusing on craft and decor Marie Claire Idees includes features on travel (this issue it's on Kyoto), beauty, cooking, gardening and zakka products.

It also puts the spotlight on artist & designers such as; Lisa's Factory plushie accordions, TVs and camera's and Adeline Klam's Papeir Japonais stationery boutique etc.

This issue is packed full of DIY's on how to make a french garden, crochet/paper robin's, a dog bed out of an old suitcase and kawaii bunny biscuits.

A Creative Gallery

2011-07-24T16:46:00.001+10:00

Over the past few months I have been creating my own little gallery wall in my study, that includes all my creative/ crafty projects, designs, self-made stationery, gift wrapping, pretty packaging, illustrations, washi tape and Japan trinkets.

Kawaii J-pop Ponponpon!

2011-07-21T14:42:00.000+10:00

Warning kawaii overload! I found these wonderful photos and video via one of my fave blogs Tokyo Fashion. It's a new music clip called 'Ponponpon' by Kyary Pamyu Pamyu. The whole clip is themed around what it means to be a Harujuku girl, and that means lots of bright candy kawaii outfits, Popples (had these in the 80's) and products from the ultimate kawaii brand 6% DOKIDOKI!

Having been a long time fan of Japan's Capsule & Lullatones it's always nice to be introduced to new J-pop artists. After seeing this I am looking forward to Kyary's album release at the end of August called 'Moshi Moshi Harajuku' aka 'Hello Harajuku'.

I just love J-pop vids as they are all very colourful, animated in personality and are like works of art. I would like to make my own kawaii pop video one day - it's on the 'to do list'.

Stamp Making

2011-07-17T21:10:00.000+10:00

Those of you lovelies who follow my twitter will know that about a month ago I was working on an exciting craft project. Well here it is! My own handmade stamp idea and I would like to share it with you. In a Japan craft world you can normally by special tools and rubber kits to carve your own stamps, but without these in Oz (that I know of) I came up with the idea of using foam board.

Unfortunately I am unable to carve into it, but I think I produced a number of great shapes to create pretty prints. Foam board acts like a great sponge on the ink and can be washed clean after use.

I am going to have a go at craving into erasers next, but for now I can't stop stamping with my foam board shapes.

Let me know what you think!

Minnk Journal to Picket

2011-07-16T11:51:00.001+10:00

My favourite Japanese e-catalog Minnk Journal is no longer! Oh no! I have blogged about it many times as it has some wonderful craft products and inspiration in it. However the company that makes is Felissimo has now launched it's new venture 'Picket' which is quite similar.

Translated in english Picket is a website for adult girls passionate about zakka and stationery which also includes a kawaii 'old' cinema that will feature crafts and products.

Sad about Minnk Journal, but all is not lost. That's one of the things about Japan, they are always growing and changing.

HAPPY SNAPS

2011-07-14T11:03:00.000+10:00

Some photo's of my day yesterday at some of my favourite places around Sydney as well as my new indoor plant area at home.

Unlike most people I do not have an iPhone to be able to use instagram, but my new smart phone has this wonderful app Vignette that takes just as good photos.

mt wall deco!

2011-07-14T10:24:00.003+10:00

OMG!! Is it so??? Yes! The company sincol and mt have combined forces to bring us mt tape for your walls! Now I won't have to imagine what it would be like to have polka dots and coloured stripes on my walls. Eeeep! What will they think of next!

All mt lovers will be in heaven, I know I am!
Sourced via Poppytalk blog

pictures via Sincol

Crafty Celebrations

2011-07-11T13:14:00.001+10:00

It is both my mum's and hubby's birthday this week, so I have been busy making and baking crafty celebrations!

First I baked some vanilla & chocolate cupcakes with sprinkles and made some mt tape bunting flags. Found some kawaii pink polka dot patty cases to put the cupcakes in too. It went down as a real treat with the family, the confetti on the high tea stand made it that extra bit party special too!

I found some blue gingham paper and rainbow tissue paper and cello to wrap my gifts in. As usual added lots of mt tape collaging with heart stickers. I might make a video or photo tutorial of them in a future post or save for my next craft publication.

To give my gift some 'OOOOOOOOO' factor I made...yes! a

mt tape flower.

'Make and Celebrate'

my new motto!

Workshop Zine

2011-07-09T13:09:00.000+10:00

I met the lovely Beebee through my blog a few months or so ago, since then we have bonded over our same love for kawaii crafts and mt tape. So I was super excited to receive a copy of her new zine Workshop, in the mail. It felt like a celebration un-wrapping it as little glitter stars feel out as I was carefully opening it - not to rip the mt strips.

Beebee also included a lovely message and a 'I Love Mt tape' poster she had made.

Workshop is 16 pages filled with craft inspiration for gift wrapping, washi tape crafts and kawaii craft tools. My fave is her DIY confetti.

A must buy for kawaii craft lovers!

Pinterest Love

2011-07-07T16:07:00.000+10:00

I have a new addiction....Pinterest. Those of you who don't know about it it's a place to 'pin' all your loves in life as well as inspiration. I have spent the past couple of days pinning on my Pinterest account boards which fall under the categories of; creative works, mt tape love, Tokyo, pretty packaging, design inspiration, typography, Zakka and spaces, craft, party ideas, books and fashion. Follow me here.

Little thanks to marceline, Lillian and Beebee for the Pinterest invites! Would also love to learn and find out about some of my other readers that have a Pinterest, so please feel free to leave a link in the comments.

Happy pinning :)

Pretty Paper Gift Bag Making!

2011-07-05T15:47:00.002+10:00

I have always wanted to make a gift bag from scratch using pretty gift wrap and washi tapes, so after I found this cool retro polka dot print paper I just had to make one! For decoration I made a pom pom tissue paper flower and used a Japan magazine fashion cut-out.

I also turned my photo tutorial into a little craft video.

Enjoy!

Music is by J-pop band Capsule!

ステキ文具 Suteki Stationery Mook

2011-07-02T11:30:00.001+10:00

ステキ文具 Suteki Stationery Mook (a magazine/book) is the ultimate Kawaii catalog of Japanese stationary. Stationery fanatics beware, you won't put this mook down. I have had it for a few weeks now and look at it daily. It also comes with a special edition duo set of Midori D-clips of penguins and ducks!

Pages are filled with still photography layouts of animal, pop, sweets, retro and postal themed stationery products. As well as a page on the latest mt tape products, DIY's on how to make a corsage, ribbons, stamp making, drawing with coloured pens and pencils, travel journaling, self-made stationery envelopes, heart & t-shirt origami, gift wrapping with pretty papers, a 14 page guide on Japan's stationery shops- oh my! Their is even a page on how to use stationery for cooking! Oh boy! ie. metal ruler for cutting, whole puncher for veggies!

This mook really has it all!

Lark

2011-06-30T16:35:00.001+10:00

Nestled in the historic country town of Daylesford, Melbourne is a quaint emporium of delight - a shop called Lark. Lark is run by the wonderful Allison Jones and her family. In the shop decor you can see glimpses of the UK and Japan, it's like a gallery of handmade where Lark stocks some of our most loved international designers like; Cath Kidston, Rice, Belle & Boo, Beci Orpin, Paumes and Rob Ryan etc.

Their focus is to bring us gifts from around the world for you, the home and kids. At Lark you can find books, zines, Japanese Zakka, prints and stationery.

I am also thrilled to let you all know that you can also find my new zine 'Little Book Of Mt Masking tape' at the Lark Shop as well as their online store! Eeep!

In the near future I am hoping to make a trip over to Melbourne to visit Daylesford and the beautiful Lark shop. It will also be a dream to stay at the Lark House too!

images via Lark

Tokyo Potted Plants

2011-06-26T10:50:00.001+10:00

My latest love is Tokyo Potted Plants whether they are sitting outside in front of quaint Tokyo houses or cafes and indoors among zakka. They are potted in colourful and patterned pots, white ceramics, terracotta or used household items like milk bottles and food cans. They can also be seen hanging on walls and used to decorate the usually mundane outside wall pipes - so clever. I am now inspired to make my own indoor plant area at home and am now on the look out for some cute Bonsai, Succulents and cacti for my garden.

These beautiful images were found via; Richelle,Tsuya Tsuya,Hiki and Bamsesayaka.

Supermarket Sarah

2011-06-23T15:07:00.000+10:00

Supermarket Sarah is a visual merchandise feast for the ~~eye~~/wallet and an online wall bazaar in one! It really is one of the most unique online place to shop and features some of the best artist and designers works from around the world. These are some of my fave walls on Supermarket Sarah, with walls dedicated to Annie Larson who makes colourful pop graphic knitwear, character Plush and homewares designer Donna Wilson, Illustrator Sarah Palisi and even one of my fave magazines frankie has a wall dedicated to their cosy vintage wares! Love, Love Love!

Make: Snap Tokyo Girls Bunting

2011-06-17T15:13:00.000+10:00

A few posts ago I mentioned I made these 'Snap Tokyo Girls Bunting' DIY Kits for the A4 Paper Festival.

I now have a couple of these DIY kits available to buy from my Etsy Store. Below is a photo tutorial of me putting the 'Snap Tokyo Girls Bunting' together.

Parcel in the post

2011-06-16T13:58:00.000+10:00

I really enjoy decorating my packages in pretty washi tapes either in strips or collage.These are some of my parcels sent to buyers of my 'Little book of mt masking tape' zine.

Would also like to say thanks to Mel Stringer and Lillian for mentioning my zine on their wonderful blogs.

mt wrap school

2011-06-14T13:20:00.000+10:00

I found these amazing pictures of this mt wrapping school via a BNN books tweet.

It was held in Tokyo a month or so ago, it would of been a dream to attend this being a mt tape lover and crafter!

Love the wall installations of mt bags and hanging bottle flower baskets and the polka dot mt tape store - I would of gone broke here!

Etsy Craft Party Night!

2011-06-13T13:14:00.000+10:00

Had a wonderful night crafting at Kit's Etsy Party at her Eagle Soup studio in Sydney on Friday. Met and chatted to some lovely crafters and made felt brooches and paper bunting while we ate cheese toasties and banana bread. I made a mountain and Japanese onigiri rice ball.

You can find some more wonderful photo's of the night here.

Etsy Blog Tutorial

2011-06-09T12:53:00.000+10:00

I had a wonderful crafting day the other week with the lovely Kit (Candy Castle) she made these sweet Etsy letters out of cardboard and fabric for her upcoming Aussie Etsy Craft Party.Some of Kit's craft projects for a party hat and bunting are currently featured on the Etsy blog I was fortunate enough to be Kit's Etsy tutorial hand model for the day! Ha! So my hands made it to the Etsy blog too!

Some bunting I made & Kit being a foot model!

For 'how to' instructions and more photo's see here. Click here to enter Kit's Party Craft Zine GIVEAWAY!

Confetti Loves

2011-06-07T14:32:00.000+10:00

Confetti makes me smile, it's colourful and fun. No day should be without a little bit of confetti.

Some of my confetti loves...in celebration and decoration.

Summer Day Dreaming with K-Pop

2011-06-07T13:46:00.000+10:00

With the winter cold-snap upon us in OZ I am dreaming of summer days and time with friends wearing a straw hat, gingham and polka dot prints while sipping on cool-a-bar drinks.

This video is K-Pop group TSENT 'Oh Honey'(Secret) found via Oh My Tokyo blog.