LotusHaus

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. 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.

Kuga Designs } Wearable Floral Design!

I don't know how she did it, but Bree from Kuga Designs created this absolutely stunning "Retro Glam" wearable floral dress (including shoes!) and other fabulous couture with her design partners for the Bouquets to Art event in San Francisco! I want one!!!! Girl, you rock!

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!

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

Tang Dynasty Beauty } Yang Gui Fei

Figurines of beauties and goddesses always inspire me and this one is no exception. I would love to have this incredibly gorgeous doll! "This doll was inspired by the image of Yang Gui Fei from the Tang Dynasty, one of the renowned four beauties of ancient China. It reveals the elaborate craft of dress making in the Tang Dynasty." I want to do my hair like that one day! You can collect this doll at China Sprout. They also have many other beautiful fashion dolls and figurines. For an Indian inspired doll check out Jewel of Bollywood by Devout Dolls.

Deloss Webber } Incredible Rattan Weaver from Seattle

Absolutely incredible! I am blown away by the work of Seattle artist Deloss Webber, a second generation rattan weaver influenced by traditional Japanese and Native American basketry, wicker furniture, loom weaving, fly-tying, and nautical knotting. I am so in awe of of his stone and basketry work... Each stone is selected and wrapped with a unique design made of various materials including bamboo, cane, rattan, and reed. The smaller stone pieces are called "Small Blessings" and I would be so blessed to have one of these treasures in my little family. You can purchase them in Seattle for $185 at Kagedo Japanese Art Gallery.

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. 

 

Fair Trade African Fabrics } Ananse Village

Look at these beautiful Fair Trade African Wax Prints from Ananse Village. These textiles support many people in West Africa who are involved in producing tie dye and batik. I love the bold patterns and color combinations!

As a Boy Thinketh } Isaiah at 6 months!

Here's my little godson Isaiah! Isn't he just so adorable at 6 months! To commemorate this little milestone, Isaiah's creative mama came up with a wonderful way to capture growing hands and feet by using fingerpaint.

Grab some non-toxic, baby safe paint, tickle some little feet and fingers with a paintbrush and make footprints and handprints onto poster board. I guarantee this will be a fun project! Isaiah giggled and wiggled the whole time. Frame the best prints and use the leftover prints to make little cards for your loved ones! I love how the prints look in the nursery!

Lucky Koi Wall Mural } Inspiration for your Nursery and Baby Shower!

One of my creative visions for an upcoming baby shower was the use of temporary or removable wall murals and artwork... Here's an awesome example of this idea by Anika, using Blik Wall Decals by Mel Lim and incorporating nursery decor with the baby shower. The amazing cake design was done by A Little Bit of Heaven. Luckily, I discovered all of this joyfulness by subscribing to BACE, the new Business and Creative Exchange blog by Mel Lim and her husband...check it out if you are an entrepreneur and looking for tips to make your creative business more joyful and more prosperous! Speaking of prosperous, I'd better feed my Koi fish! You can help me feed them too (see my Koi Pond in the left sidebar)

Devout Dolls } Jewel of Bollywood

I recently saw the Bollywood exhibit by the Center on Contemporary Art (COCA) and was amazed by this absolutely gorgeous handmade doll by Sara Lanzilotta of Devout Dolls! I saw this doll in person and every detail was divine including the matching silk covered shelf that it was on!

Wooden World of Color } Globalesque Toys at Romp in Brooklyn

Via the delightful blog Oh Joy!, I discovered these wonderful works of art (dare I say toys) at Romp in Brooklyn, NY. I love the giraffe and elephants with origami paper designs and motifs!

Global Tableware } The Mondo Collection by Rosanna

This Mondo Collection by Rosanna (Seattle) would have been perfect for my Green 4th of July party...but that's ok, these would work for any day of the year! These lovely dessert plates and mugs are part Taj Majal, part Bali, part Mediterranean and totally beautiful. The Mondo glassware is also global, modern and green - each set is hand made and decorated by Mexican artisans from completely recycled materials! Enter to win a Rosanna Shopping Spree via The Hostess Blog.

Girligami } Fashionable Folds

Coming in October, Girligami is a fashionably hip book on stylish origami by Cindy Ng, the creator of Origami Bijoux jewelry. Also check out Cindy's origami blog, my new favorite daily read!

Ornamental Things of Beauty

 

I'm drooling over of these gorgeous handcrafted charm necklaces by Ornamental Things. Courtesy of Earth Friendly Weddings (30% off with code FOURYEARS)

Japanese Textile Hairpins } Tsumami-kanzashi by Yonuko

These beautiful hairpins are called Tsumami-kanzashi (tsumami means the act of pinching) and they are handmade from tiny squares of thin silk called 'habutae.'  These hairpin designs usually resemble filigree flowers or butterflies and the history of this craftwork dates back to the Edo Period (1603-1867). Today they are only worn in Japan on special occasions however, artist Yonuko is reviving the craft with her modern style tsumami-kanzashi made from old kimono fabrics. Read more about this artist and her beautiful creations here! Watch some demos on YouTube here! Buy some similar hairpins here!

Aid to Artisans } Colorful Handcrafted Gifts

Aid to Artisans (ATA) is a non-profit organization that helps artisan communities enhance their cultural vitality and well being through their crafts. The organization helps craftspeople develop products, learn business skills and sustain themselves in an environmentally sensitive and culturally respectful manner. ATA has also sourced artisan production for Jonathan Adler's pottery. Shown above are some of my favorite finds at the ATA online shop.

Bison Homewares } Handcrafted Ceramics from Australia

I'm gettin' love and color therapy from these beautiful handcrafted ceramics from Bison Homewares in Australia! Via Style Files.

Starfire Studio } Fused Glass Art Panels on Etsy

Peep these super funky glass panels by Etsy seller Starfire Studios! Via retro modern designer Jenn Ski.

Aviva Stanoff } Nature and Design - An Everyday Celebration

I have long been inspired by Aviva Stanoff and her amazing body of work since I discovered her Brooklyn design studio many years ago. (Check out my eco-luxe color & trend board). Aviva embodies the union of her Japanese heritage and the modern metropolis lifestyle.

"From her North Hollywood roots in 1970’s bohemian California to tending to the flowers surrounding her grandfather’s Buddhist temple in Okayama, Japan, Aviva Stanoff represents a cultural tapestry...She finds inspiration in the subtle palette of nature, the deliberate minimalism of tradition, and the city sunset seen every night from her design studio window. She translates these inspirations into pattern, color, and beautiful environments."

With roots in the fashion textiles industry, the Aviva Stanoff collection is known for its high end, heirloom quality pillows and soft goods that are hand-dyed, etched, and painted one at a time in her Brooklyn studio by skilled artisans. Real foliage is used to create the prints you see and with a special technique these elements are embossed into plush velvet leaving the texture and essence of nature for you to enjoy. For more inspiration, check out this video and watch Aviva explain how she creates her work. I guarantee it will awe and inspire!

Lil' Bro Birthday } Lucky Year of the Rat

It was my lil' bro's 24th birthday and I just had to make him something special! He was born in 1984 a Rat Year in the Chinese Calendar which makes 2008 a very lucky year for him. I mocked up a GQ cover making him the Man of the Year and included lots of fun & inspirational headlines. He's in a CAD Drafting program so I also included some of his project renderings. To go with the Year of the Rat theme, I designed a card with horoscope information and gave him a little catnip mouse as a momento. You can make your own magazine cover by uploading your photo here.

Holiday Gift Design - Scented Sachets and Eye Pillows in Sustainable Packaging

I made some sustainable Holiday gifts this year that I would love to share with you! These gifts went out to the dear ladies in my life. Here's the scoop: {1} Sustainable Kiri wood boxes wrapped with colorful scrap paper, ribbon and a mini ornament bauble. (The boxes were an awesome score at Daiso, a Japanese "dollar" store) {2} My signature Lotus TeaBowl™ EcoSoya Candle with the scent of Citrus Basil and a beautiful carved wooden stand {3} Mini Silk sachets made with reclaimed fabric (last year's table runner) or kimono scraps and filled with scented buckwheat hulls. {4} Silk Eye Pillow made with reclaimed silk (last year's Thanksgiving fabric decor) and filled with buckwheat hulls, flax seeds and organic Lavender essential oil. The buckwheat hulls were leftover from my Thanksgiving floral decor this year. For the packaging I wrapped coordinating scrap paper and tied it with raffia. These gifts were all very easy to make and I had a meditative and aromatic time creating them! Click here for more info on how to make your own buckwheat sachets and eye pillows. Enjoy!

Thanksgiving 2007 } Modern Gratitude

Hi there! After a grateful Thanksgiving I am please to have cleared enough mental and spiritual space to continue sharing and celebrating! We have finally sold our condo and in honor of Thanksgiving, I reclaimed two mod-square shower curtains intended for the condo (they were the perfect autumn colors of Ivory, Persimmon, Wheat, Black & Dark Brown), and used them as table runners & pillow covers. The shower curtains were on sale from Target and I was able to make 3 table runners and cover 3 small throw pillows. Good tip: You can make inexpensive table runners out of any available fabric, like sheets, shower curtains, old drapes, thrift store finds and more! Just cut and sew or use iron-on hem tape.

We had 15 people over for dinner! It was fun having everyone at the same table. My hubby roasted an organic turkey and made candied yams and our extended family brought the rest! All I had to do was decorate! Yay!
 

The table centerpieces consisted of rectangle glass containers wrapped with velvet and organza ribbon and filled with organic buckwheat hulls (that I will re-use to make eye and neck pillows later for holiday gifts) and dried grasses/curled bamboo stems from Jo-Ann's.

To decorate the dining room wall and add some pop color, I found inexpensive black wood frames (that luckily had coordinating matt frame colors) at Jo-Ann's and added an orange graphic that said Thanks / Giving / To You in various languages (Filipino, Native American, German, Spanish, French). Along with the party favors below, these were all printed on my Energy Star rated laser printer.

In keeping with the mod geometric square theme, I also created simple Thanksgiving favors with an inspiring quote and ribbon on the outside of a tuck top box and a heartfelt message on the inside lid. The gift was a single Ferrero Rocher truffle nestled in some recycled paper shredding. I also printed address labels with the guest's name and used it as the gift tag as well as a place card. My family had a kick out of finding their place at the table.

Lastly, above you will see some no-sew pillows and the coffee table arrangement with buckwheat hulls, persimmons and curly willow. Everyone had a lovely dinner and we were all grateful to be sharing good times with one another!

Fewti Wristlets } Fire, Earth, Wind, Timber, Iron

Earlier this year, at the Seattle Gift Show, I had the pleasure of meeting the designer behind San Francisco based accessories line, Fewti. With an eastern philosophy that embraces the universal elements of Fire, Earth, Wind, Timber and Iron, Fewti (the acronym for all 5 elements), creates beautiful silk handbags and handmade jewelry. I really love these chic and origami-like wristbags. Visit the Fewti site for more accessories and to find a stockist near you.

Wedlog } Eco-Friendly Wedding Invitations

I'm in awe of these beautiful tree-free, hand printed, plantable, eco chic wedding invites from Thryn at Wedlog! You go girl! Can't wait to see more pictures of the beauty and splendor you have been planning for your big day!

Chimanlals } Handmade Indian Paper Products

Via my new favorite blog, Rang Decor, I came across Chimanlals a company that makes handmade Indian paper and these lovely gift boxes.