LotusHaus

iTabi } Kimono Cloth iPhone Case

iTabi is a really cute iPhone case that comes in various Kimono patterns and includes two different strap lengths and a pocket on the front for earbuds or a headset. Pretty affordable too! Buy one here for $19.99. Oh and it's actually Made in Japan.

Too Cool for School kids use a Flower Ruler!

 

 
Wow! This is a really innovative ruler that I discovered via Spoon and Tamago.  f,l,o,w,e,r,s by Norihiko Terayama of Studio Note is an acrylic ruler with embedded real flowers that are “blossoming” at exactly 1cm intervals. Each flower was hand-picked and dried by the designer, therefore making each ruler unique. To get one, click here. (It costs as much as a wooden ruler...psyche!)

Sushibird Tiles

 
  
These Sushibird Tiles from The Red Thread are simply gorgeous!!! Vibrant graphic birds cut from Japanese papers nest on simple illustrations inspired by nature. The white line work illustrations are hand painted on solid natural timber finished in a semi-gloss varnish.

Silver Lotus Candle Holders and Platters by Namo Design

 
Via And Another blog, I discovered these beautiful silver lotus candle holders and platters by Namo Design. I just love the lotus shapes and multi-purpose use for these lovely home items!

Origami Teabag prototype concept

 
This amazing origami bird tea bag is a prototype by Russian designer Natalia Ponomareva! I hope it makes it to the shelf! What a perfect way to celebrate the day with a whimisical bird, a nod to arts & craft and and a cup of rejuvenating green tea! Via At Home with Kim Vallee.

Pagoda Box by Jett Modern

Check out this cool spread on surprise storage by Real Simple Magazine! I simply love this Pagoda Box for holding jewelry and making a statement on your vanity or dresser. Email for call Jett Modern to score one of your own.

Kokeshi Doll Cake Toppers

I've been to quite a few weddings where the cake toppers were customized wooden dolls of the bride & groom... However, today I found these Kokeshi wedding dolls at Etsy to be the cutest I have seen so far! What a precious wedding topper and keepsake!

Fruit inspired party favors! Fruit Shaped Stickies

OMG! These fruity stickies are too cute! If you are having a fruit inspired party or wedding, these Japanese designed stick-its are Perfect! So charming and practical at the same time! Via Twig and Thistle.

Bloom a Day Book } A Fortune Telling Birthday Book!

A Bloom A Day looks like a wonderfully inspiring birthday gift for the floral enthusiast! It has 365 gorgeous flower photographs for every day of the year, each with a corresponding birthday fortune and the meaning of the flower.I found this via Snippet and Ink.

Ryan Takaba's Porcelain Wall Bud Vases

These porcelain wall bud vases by Etsy seller Ryan Takaba are way too cool! I saw these over at Jenn Ski's mid century modern design blog.

Flower & Gift Project for Teens } Project No. 8

No flowers in the budget for this class, so instead, we made fabric/wood beaded bracelets for my St. Luke's class. It's so easy!

Materials:

• 7-10 pcs of 1/2" diameter wooden beads
• strip of fabric approx. 3 1/2" w x 36" l
• glue stick
  

Instructions:

1) Start
Place glue along the long edge about 6" down. Fold the strip into thirds and tie a knot. This creates a finished "tie" for your bracelet. You will do the same step when you get to the end of your bracelet for the other tie.
2) Insert beads, apply glue, and knot.
Just past the knot, dab some glue on the long edges of the fabric and roll the wooden bead so that the fabric covers it. Twist the fabric after the bead and tie a knot. Make the knot as close to the bead as you can. Repeat until the length fits around the largest part of your hand.
3) Tie off and finish.
Once you have the right length of beads, tie a knot and repeat step 1). You can make a matching necklace by using a longer strip of fabric and more beads.
4) Enjoy!

 

Flower & Gift Projects for Teens } Project No. 7

This Floral Ice Cream Sundae arrangement for my St. Luke's class was a huge hit with the gals! They all said that this was their favorite project yet!

Materials:

• Sundae glass
• 5 pink carnations
  
• 1 white carnation
• 1 red rose
• bendable straw
• white gravel rocks
• small piece of floral foam

Instructions: (also good instructions here)

1) Insert gravel and floral foam.
Place a small handful of gravel in the base of the glass. Then insert a cylindrical piece of soaked floral foam and add enough gravel around the foam to hide it.
2) Insert pink carnations.
Cut stems to about 1" and insert the pink carnations evenly in a circle just above the rim of the glass.
3) Insert the white carnation.
Cut stem to about 2" and insert the white carnation in the center of the arrangement.
4) Insert straw and rose.
Cut rose stem to about 2" and insert an angle. Align the straw behind the rose.
5) Enjoy!

Flower & Gift Projects for Teens } Project No. 6

When fresh peonies are not readily available you can always make paper peonies! For this class we used colored gift wrap tissue to make these lovely ruffly peonies! If you make enough you can tie them together and create a peony pomander!

Materials:

• Colored tissue paper
• Green chenille stems (craft pipe cleaners)
  
• -or craft raffia wire/twist tie

Instructions: (also good instructions here)

1) Cut tissue paper.
Cut 4 or more sheets of tissue paper to approximately 6"x10" sheets
2) Accordion fold.
Layer the sheets and accordion fold about 1"w folds. (fold up 1", then turn stack over and fold up again, repeat)
3) Scallop the edges.
Take sharp scissors and shape the peony petals by cutting the short edges like the top of a heart (that is, two scallops... or you can simply round of the edges)
4) Wrap and Ruffle.
Tie the center of the accordion with the pipe cleaner or twist tie. Fan out the piece on both sides of the pipe cleaner. Remember there are 4 layers. Begin pulling up the petals. Start with the top tissue being careful not to tear it. After you have done the top layer, go on to the second layer, then the third and the fourth. Straighten out the flower to your liking.
5) Enjoy!
Make a bouquet, pomander, garland or simply place a bundle of them in a basket or a bowl.

Flower & Gift Projects for Teens } Project No. 5

For this class we made wire wristlet corsages using faux orchids! The look is modern and the technique is soooo easy!

Materials:

• Craft wire (bendable and less than 1/8th inch thickness)
• Faux orchid blooms
  
• Faux grass blades
• Glue dots or hot glue

Instructions:

1) Create the wristlet.
Cut wire long enough to wrap 3 1/2 times around your wrist, loosely. Coil both ends of the wire. Place your finger at the center of the wire and cross over the ends around your finger. This will make a loop that you will affix your orchid to.
2) Attached flower and grass stems.
Apply glue dots or hot glue to the loop you created at the center of the wire. Fold a grass blad in half and attach to loop. Next press on the orchid. Let glue dry.
3) Wear it!
Place the orchid with wire on your wrist. Wrap the straight ends around your wrist and enjoy your floral wristlet!

Flower & Gift Projects for Teens } Project No. 1

My friend works at St. Luke's Catholic School in Shoreline, and since my husband and I both have our own businesses, she asked us to share our talents by teaching some elective classes to the 7th & 8th graders this trimester. My husband is teaching a class on the Art of DJ-ing and I decided to do some floral & gift projects for my class.

Here is a photo of the first project we made on Monday! This gift package would make a nice shower souvenir or parting gift and includes a set of bamboo chopsticks and a paper fortune cookie. The girls loved that they got to make one for themselves and they all said they felt like Martha Stewart, lol! I will share all of my projects with you... I'm doing this twice a week until June, whew!

This project is super easy. Here are the details so you can make one yourself...

Materials:

• Origami, Scrapbook, or Colored Paper for fortune cookie and tab top
• White Paper for fortune saying - 3/4"W x 4"L
• Chopsticks (I got mine at Daiso... 12 sets for a $1.50... or try the dollar store)
• Faux Floral sprigs
• Ribbon
• Glue Dots
• Green floral tape
• Biodegradable Clear Bag - approx size 4.25"W x 9.75"H

Instructions:

1) Make paper fortune cookie.
Great instructions here. I used a CD spindle to trace a circle, and glue dots to keep the cookie closed. Insert fortune saying.
2) Assemble chopsticks.
Take a floral sprig and center it over the pair of chopsticks. Wrap floral tape snuggly around both. Finish with a nice ribbon bow.
3) Insert into clear bag.
Slide in the fortune cookie first. Use chopsticks to push into place.  Slide in the chopsticks at an angle. Cut a folded rectangle to fit over the bag opening like a clamshell. Staple to seal bag. You can write "Thank You" or a Name/Note on the tab.
4) Give to someone special!

Fract } Engineered Flower packaging concept - Israel

I'm lovin' this futuristic floral packaging by Nimrod Gavish, a graphic design student in Israel! Read about it at Twig & Thistle and the Dieline.

Related post: Modern Flower Gift Box

Calendar and Flower Vase

So cool! This is a cleverly designed flower pot/vase AND calendar by Korea-based nothing design group. I found this via Spoon & Tamago.

Monogrammed Leaves for Tags or Place cards! More floral fun with paper punchers!

Saw this at Laurie Cinotto's awesome floral, craft and lifestyle blog!  You can use paper punchers for lots of things! Check out my version...

Favor Tins with Origami flair

Check out these gorgeous favor tins by Etsy Seller Gamiworks. Found via Kenzie Kate.

Valentine's Day Must Gives } Organic Chocolate Bento Box and Bon Bons

This just in! Sweeten you tooth and your wallet with these fantastic organic chocolates on sale at Viva Terra!  Bento Goodie Box (this is a real Japanese Bento Box...reuse it for food, jewelry storage, or whatever!) and Organic Chocolate Bon Bons (set of 6pcs for only $5 a box!!! I'm getting these for my gal pals!)

Blissliving } Spring 09 Preview

Pretty things await you at the Blissliving Home website with their new Spring 2009 collection... I love the Chrysanthemum Wall Vase, Harajuku Duvet Set, Chrysanthemum Side Table and Bonsai Pillar Candles.

New Ikebana Creations by Baiko of Zen Images

Aren't these images wonderfully pleasing! Capture the essence of these works of art by purchasing a glicee print from Zen Images and learn more about the artist Baiko, a Sogestu Ikebana master from the South of France.

Spirit Candle } Reveal Your Inner Light

These amazing candles burn down to reveal enlightening bronze sculptures that express Strength, Self Expression and Companionship! Find them at Wrapables. The bronze sculpture hidden inside this pristine white wax candle was formed by a lost-wax casting process. As you burn the candle, the statue will emerge from its surroundings. Whether you’re overcoming one of life’s struggles or celebrating a joyous milestone, let the Spirit Candle be a source of inspiration and ever-present hope.

Amenity Home } Hemp/Organic Cotton Christmas Decor

This Amenity Home collection of Christmas decor made from a blend of eco-friendly hemp and organic cotton is simply fantastic! Check it out here. Via re-nest.

Awagami +1 } Awagami Factory and Designer Craig Anczelowitz

The Awagami Factory is a historic Washi Paper mill in Japan. Just recently, I've just discovered Awagami +1, a beautiful new washi collection in collaboration with Craig Anczelowitz, a multi-faceted American designer based in Chiang Mai, Thailand.

The Awagami +1 line is made with traditional stencil dyed yuzen papers and syuro or rice straw papers. The collection consists of journals, albums, and desk accessories which "harmoniously fuse traditional Japanese craftsmanship with elements of simplified Western design." These beautiful items are available in the U.S through Hiromi Paper in Los Angeles and Kate's Paperie in NY.

In addition, Craig's experience includes many years of product development and buying for design oriented retailers like ABC Carpet & Home, Urban Outfitters, Pottery Barn, and Habitat. His work includes pottery, ceramics, wood, paper, and textile home accessories. Below are some of Craig's other works that I simply adore:

 
Craig Anczelowitz Business Card

Eclectic Bottle Collection


Geo Print Silk Pillows

Hexagonal Vases

Lotus Teapot and Infuser Mug for body, mind and world awareness!

These precious tea items by Namu Baru are going on my Christmas wishlist! Namu Baru is a socially responsible and eco-friendly wholesaler of teaware and ceramics. You can read more about their sustainable and fair trade efforts here and purchase these lovely Lotus teapots and infuser mugs at Jenny K.

Kimono Cookies for Christmas!

Do you like cookies? Do you like kimono fabric? Do you like graphic patterned textiles? Do you love these photos as much as I do? I saw these beautiful cookie photos and recipes in the latest Gourmet magazine! Oh how I wish I were ambitious enough to make these and wrap them up in a pretty box with kimono or ikat pattern paper or fabric...or maybe use a furoshiki. The recipes are below...but if you make them you have to send me some! Wink, wink! Yum!

Row 1
Glittering Lemon Sandwich Cookies
Moravian Crisp Cookies with Royal Icing

Row 2
Chocolate Hazelnut Cookies
Glittering Lemon Sandwich Cookies (same as row 1)

Row 3
Orange Pistachio Cookies
Dulce de Leche Half Moons

Organic Cotton teddy bear for grown folks! Kuma Bear by Fauna

The Kuma Bear is a hip, modernist and organic cotton bear that features movable joints and hand screenprinted patterns! Created by New York designer Ross Menuez for his line Fauna, you can get your own bear at Design Public. I love that the joints can be positioned to express your every whim! Take one along with you on location and make postcard pics ala the Travelocity Gnome or Amelie's Gnome!

Ceci Kimono Stationary Collection

I adore these kimono-inspired card collections by stationary design company Ceci New York! Via Style Me Pretty.

Ornamental Art by Karen Kimmel

Karen Kimmel is an awe-inspiring artist that I've gushed about before! This holiday season, Karen has created a collection of beautiful ornaments available at A+R. Each ornament is die cut from colored acrylic or veneer and packaged in it's own muslin bag with ultrasuede tie. They are so modern and organic looking displayed on a Manzanita branch...you can display these all year round! See more of her work here. Via Kim Vallee.

VerTerra } Modern, Natural, Compostable Tableware Made from Palm Leaves

Check out VerTerra, a modern and sustainable single-use tableware collection...Inspired by plates used at roadside stands in India, these unique plates, platters and bowls are made using only fallen palm leaves and water. Each piece is 100% compostable, can be used in the microwave or freezer and are perfect for sending leftovers and treats home with guests. Plates that don't find a home can be rinsed and tossed in the yard. After about 60 days the plates will completely compost! I'm loving the hexagonal plates and have a great post-meal idea that involves paint (or decoupage) and mounting the plates as wall decor like this.

Greenheart } Fair Trade, Earth Friendly Finds

I really like these bamboo containers from Vietnam and handpainted coasters from Indonesia for possible gift ideas! I found them at Greenheart, a Fair Trade and Eco-Friendly online shop.

If only my crafting were this magical! Be inspired by Little Brown Pen

Lovin' this! Thousand Fires Tableware by Fabienne Jouvin

I saw this set in a magazine and my jaw dropped! The design is called Thousand Fires by Fabienne Jouvin and I simply adore the pattern with it's lotus-like petal shapes, chakra colors and mandala framework. Ahem, if you look at my logo you will see a similar shape. The elements of my logo represent a leaf, a petal and a bud intertwined together =)

Abahna } The Ceremony of Bathing

"A daily bathing ceremony is one of life's simplest luxuries. It is a chance to prepare yourself for the day ahead or reflect on the day just gone."

Experience the beauty and calm of Abahna, a most splendid bath, body and fragrance line from the UK. Abahna borrows its name from "nahana," Urdu for "to take a bath," as well as the Russion "banya," and Portuguese, "banho." If only we could smell through the internet! The packaging and gift sets are simply gorgeous!

Good Earth Retail Store in New Delhi

I'm savoring these images of Good Earth's flagship store in New Delhi! Big hugs go out to ArtnLight and India by Design for sharing this loveliness with us!

Castebel "After Dinner" Soaps at World Market

I was cruising the global gift scene today at World Market and came across these beautifully packaged "After Dinner" soaps made in Portugal by Castebel. They smelled lovely and would be great stocking stuffers! I really adore the poached pear, cranberry and gingerbread color & scent combos. *Tip for Event Designers - I just discovered that there is a "Decorator Discount" at World Market! Present your business license or "decorator" business card and receive 10% off!

Takashimaya NY - floral boutique

Takashimaya is a delectable Japanese department store with only one store in the US... it's in New York of course! I have been dreaming about New York lately (I need some inspiration and a change of scenery so badly...) and this store is definitely on the hit list. The photos above are of the floral boutique. Ahhh, so beautiful and serene... after you buy some flowers you can have Japanese tea and artfully displayed snacks in the Tea Box cafe.

Shanghai Passementerie } Elegant Asian Style Place Setting

Shanghai Passementerie is a lovely place setting featuring sophisticated Chinese knot work. The placemat and napkin ring are available at Algabar Home & Life and would be absolutely stunning at a dinner party or rehearsal dinner or as a wedding gift.

Modern flower gift box! Ridiculously cool!

I'm jonesing on this architecturally inspired flower gift box...not to mention the fab combo of purple, lime and black! If I could read Japanese I would tell you the source for this origami like mystery packaging...but I can't - so I won't. I just had to share!!! (from Hanajikan Magazine)

Hands Giving } Thankful Gestures at the Table

“Gratitude makes sense of our past, brings peace for today, and creates a vision for tomorrow.“ ~Melody Beattie

Subtle, caring and functional is how I would describe these lovely ceramic "hand" bowls by Japanese design firm Tonerico. I wish I could find these stateside as they are inspiring my Thanksgiving decor...which is beginning to look like white tablescapes, with lots of organic materials like branches and dried foliage and pops of persimmon, plum, lemon and sage green... See last year's Thanksgiving Decor which shared a similar palette but with more of a retro modern feel.

Dreamie Jeanie Tea Set

I love this tea set by Judith Weber available at Teavana! Definitely a stylish option for a wedding gift!

Inspiration from Vera Wang } New Jewelry Packaging

I'm taken by the modern simplicity of the all black packaging of Vera Wang's new ready to wear jewelry packaging designed by Monahan & Rhee. The colors of the silver, gold and bold gemstones really stand out against the black backdrop. Via The Dieline.

Wedding Favors from Japan } Hanakobo.net

Take inspiration for your wedding from these Japanese wedding favors from Hanakobo! Most of them are filled with candies or cookies but the last one that looks like a chocolate cake is actually a folded hand towel with a magnet strawberry! Hand towels are the latest trend...with pastry shapes like cupcakes, muffins, and even sushi! *Update 10/13 - Buy towel cakes online at the Morikami Museum Store or at the spectacular Le Viette.

Meet the Joobles! } Fair Trade and Organic BFF's for kids!

The Joobles are the softest, most adorable, squishiest, organic-iest animals around! They are guaranteed to be your new Best Friend Forever (BFF)! These fabulous knit toys are made from pure organic cotton and eco-friendly dyes! The Joobles are made fairly in Lima, Peru at a family-run facility where dad grows the cotton and moms runs the sewing operation. See the whole collection here at Fair Indigo! Oh and check out the matching sweater sets too! I love the Mel the Monkey and Buzzy Bug.

Love & Coasters } Charming Wedding Favors

For a wedding with a cherry blossom theme, make sure to score these lovely, practical AND affordable glass coaster sets from Bliss Weddings Market. Each favor includes a set of two heavy tempered glass coasters, complete with padded feet, a clear box and satin bow AND a "Thank You" tag for under $2/set.

Modern Goods by Yuki Murata } at Kobo Seattle

I'm loving this collection of beautiful global style tableware from Modern Goods by Yuki Murata! My favorite is the Asian cloud design! These would be enchanting for the upcoming holiday dinners! See the collection and meet the artist at Kobo, one of my favorite Seattle shops!

Yuki Murata will be at KOBO Gallery alongside her handpainted bone china tableware designs on Thursday evening, September 18th, 6-8pm.
 
Her experience spans multiple cultures and disciplines from her identity as a half-Japanese woman to her product design company working with artisans in Tangshan, China.  From fine arts to architecture to tableware to textiles, Yuki has been exploring the significance and intersection of globalism and modernity.

The origins of her designs are grounded in her Asian heritage, her love for the natural world and her passion for authentic joyful living. 

Please join us at KOBO to meet the artist and see her new work.  Samples of her latest fall collection will be on view and to launch her new designs we are running a KOBO special promotion through the end of September 2008 on all Modern Goods tableware*.   Pre-order any of Yuki's designs and enjoy 20% off if you buy 3 or more pieces of any style or design.  Delivery in November. 
 
Buy early for the holidays or for that special occasion gift.
 
*Purchases must be made through KOBO to receive the special promotional pricing.  You can place orders by email at info@koboseattle.com or by calling us at (206) 381-3000. 

 

Be Earth Friendly at BabyEarth.com

Hey eco-chic moms! Check out babyearth.com a beautiful, modern and easy to navigate online retailer for healthy, safe and earth friendly baby items and accessories. gDiapers flushable diaper kit, Zolo Wear Hemp/Organic Cotton Ring Sling, and Q Collection Organic Cotton Bedding.

Jade Chocolates

Via the inspiring Algabar Tea & Lifestyle boutique in LA, I happily discovered Jade Chocolates, an Asian inspired gourmet chocolate collection with a wonderful story. Mindy Fong, the owner and self taught chocolatier started her business as a result of insatiable chocolate cravings during pregnancy and her inspirational entrepreneur grandfather. I love the packaging and unique chocolate designs, like the mango orchid bouquet and chocolate fan! Beautiful ideas for Asian inspired wedding and party favors!

Cupcake Onesies } by The Baby Bunch

You've seen the Baby Bunch Flower Bouquet, but now you can score these super cute onesie packs rolled up and presented as cupcakes for your next baby shower! I'm hoping they will launch an organic cotton version soon, but in the meantime, aren't they just adorable!