LotusHaus

Nouveau Decor } Inspiration from Indonesia

I'm super excited to be a contributing writer for the amazing magazine and website Wedding Nouveau! Check out my first post about adding decor elements from Indonesia to your home environment!

{CREDITS: (Top Left) West Elm catalog Spring 2006, (Top Right) Balam Bali Villa, (Bottom Left) Indonesian batik baskets, (Bottom Middle) Pan Pacific Bali, (Bottom Right) Crate and Barrel catalog, (Bottom Row L to R), Reclaimed Teak Dip Dyed Stool, Batik Pillows found on Etsy, Ceremic Balinese female statue,  Ikat bean bag/pouf, Indonesian parasols}

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Above is a photo from our recent vacation in Sedona, Arizona. There is a place called Buddha Beach where you can witness in awe thousands of stacked rock sculptures near a Vortex site at the Red Rock Crossing in Sedona. It was amazing! I love Sedona!

Chinoiserie Style Paintings by Kathe Fraga

I really like these vintage looking, Chinoiserie style paintings by Kathe Fraga. You can check out her artist statment here and purchase art prints here!

Unearth Malee } Asian Inspired Body Care

Thai Spiced Tea. Ginger Lemongrass. Kaffir Lime Rosemary. Lavendar Lotus Blossom. Cilantro Mint. Papaya Ginger. Mangosteen White Tea Bergamot. So many glorious scents, how does one choose? I recently had the honor of trying several of these luxurious Asian inspired organic soaps by Unearth Malee. Made with all Organic Olive Oil, Coconut Oil and Shea Butter, let's just say that I didn't want to get out of the bath tub - the scents and suds were divine!

Marie Pechkam is the founder of Unearth Malee and her Thai American background sets the tone for an amazing variety of organic soaps, lotion bars, soy candles, bath teas, and essential oil diffusers. The packaging is also eco-friendly, made with flower seeded paper that you can plant later. "Malee” in Thai refers to a jasmine flower.  It is also a name passed down three generations in Marie’s family. We are very fortunate that Marie has created Unearth Malee! Now we can also experience the savory essence of Thai herbs and spices that she grew up with on a daily basis!

Also, if you are having an Asian inspired wedding or event and being organic and eco-friendly is important to you, why not honor your guests with these wonderful soaps that can be customized as favors! Love it!

Anahata } Inspirational Jewelry for your style and your soul

Anahata is an inspiring jewelry line with meaningful sentiments and gemstones - it's the perfect inspirational gift - beautiful and uplifting! The modern style, simplicity and serene quality of these pieces are truly wonderful! Oh check out the packaging! I love them all!

Donna Karan's new tabletop line

I'm a fan of Donna Karan. I especially like her Urban Zen foundation and retail collection. In the March issue of Architectural Digest, Donna Karan debuts a glamorous, organically shaped tabletop line.  In collaboration with American tableware company Lenox, Karan has created dinnerware, vases, flatware, stemware, and serving pieces made from porcelain, stoneware, glass, wood, and metal. The collection ties together Karan’s two sides – the urbanite and the nomad. Check out more photos here. Photos by Martyn Thompson for Architectureal Digest.

Unique Bud Vases by Chive

Found these the other day... Check out Chive for some wonderful options for a simple and modern table scape.

Colorful Cotton Ball String Lights

I saw these colorful cotton ball string lights at Graham and Green and thought these would be great for parties and for Christmas! I like that they have a different look and texture versus plastic or even paper lantern string lighting I ordered some from a Thai ebay shop called LaiThai Lighting!

Lily Pad Felt Bowl

All of you know I simply adore this felt lily pad (lotus flower) by Etsy seller Felt Planet!!! This would make a perfect table favor for a small dinner party or bridal shower!

Beautiful Ceramics by Malu Serra

Malu Serra is a ceramicist from São Paulo, Brazil. Her ceramic work is beautiful, earthy and wabi sabi style! Truly inspiring! Also check out her blog.

Obi Handbags and Kimono Pillows } by Grace Design

I am in love with these gorgous handbags and throw pillows by Alison Gledhill of Grace Design! The designer is from Canada and makes these creations out of vintage obi and kimono fabric. Alison even custom laser cuts the wooden handles herself! Gorgeous. I will take one of each please! Oh, and did I mention these pieces are actually affordable! Score!

Tatcha Japanese Blotting Papers

A must for the global bride and her bridesmaids! These Tatcha Japanese Blotting papers are made with abaca leaf fiber and contain no powder or fragrance. So beautifully packaged, these would make great bridal party gifts too!

Eat Pray Love inspiration

Photo by Amy Barry

I'm trying to finish reading Eat, Pray, Love before the movie comes out and have noticed a hailstorm of merchandising that is coming out along with it. I think it's hilarious. I'm a marketing advocate (sucker), so I am aware of it and still appreciate it! Although, the initial premise of the book was that she gave up all her worldly goods due to a bad divorce that left her with nothing. But with Julia Roberts as your moral compass, instead of popcorn, you can enjoy these with your movie... ha ha, sorry for the sarcasm, lol!

The Eat Pray Love collection by Fresh... (I'm sure these smell yummy)

by Dogeared... (these jewelry pieces are simple and sentimental)

by Republic of Tea... (haven't tried it but I'm sure it tastes lovely)

All hail marketing strategies, lol.

On another note here are some posts that may help you find balance:

Reflection

 

Chinoiserie Flatware Box

What a great wedding gift idea! Check out this black laquer Chinese inspired flatware storage box!

Japon Jewelry Box

Oh wow! I want a whole bunch of these Japon Jewelry boxes in different colors! So useful, portable and collectable!

Related Post: Pagoda Boxes

Terrain by Anthropologie

Check out Terrain the home and garden brand by the folks at Anthropologie and Urban Outfitters! I saw these lovelies (Pillow, Terrarium and Toiletry Bag) and thought, wow, spring is upon us... After checking out shopTerrain.com, I'm now getting some ideas for a very gardenesque and refreshing Easter decor palette... 

Serax Floral Accessories and Design from Belgium

 

 

Wow, check out Serax from Belgium! They create designer accessories for florists as well as create stunning floral design work.

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