All by paper artist Jo Lynn Alcorn
An installation in the Kips Bay Decorator Show House in NYC
Macy's Flower Show flowers above and below.
Tokyo edition
Detail from a Suede Magazine spread called Mumbai Dreams
Store in Bejing
Audobon Society
More magazine fashion spread
These dolls by Quinn 68 are WIP - you can see the one on the right is missing a face, but notice the *very* nice hats with pom poms!
And here are pom poms as trim on a lampshade (it's in my bedroom)
Beautiful earrings by Kjoo.
Just pretty handmade pom poms by O!Rachew!
A Japanese craft book for making pom pom animals.
Starting with this post, I'm going to include zakka pieces in a post or two each week. Softies will continue to make appearances too, but I'm just as interested in handmade items for your home and after spending so much time making the Zakka Sewing book, I thought it was time to combine my two loves into this blog.
So today we're starting with lunch boxes. There is a wonderful Japanese bento box in Zakka Sewing - very simple to make and gives you a great platform for embroidery.
Bento Lunchboxes are a great idea for these slow economic times. And don't forget about the Slow Food movement that wants you to enjoy your food more. Let's say NO to scarfing down a sandwich at your desk any more!!! :-)
Here's also some info about vintage USA lunchboxes.
And here's an inspiring look at real bento boxes stuffed with food from a flickr search.
And finally, a vintage book caled The Lunchbox Cookbook from Doe-c-doe's blog.
Bento lunchbox from my Zakka Sewing book
Felted lunchbox with cupcake by Odd & Woolly
Apple bag for lunches and snacks by evelynfield
Lunchbox for kids with thermos by Coozyco
Hey all you zakka lovers! One of my favorite projects from Zakka Sewing is featured on The Storque on Etsy. It's the flower wrist pincushion - isn't it adorable?! I love the raw edges of the linen.
There's a nice little write-up on The Purl Bee about my Zakka Sewing book as a nice Christmas gift - I couldn't agree more! :-) Plus they have some great ideas about what to include in a nice gift package with the book.
I am a huge fan of Purl Soho - when I lived in New York it was my favorite knitting store - you will want to buy all their yarns, magazines and knitting things if you go there.
Thanks Purl Bee!
Today CRAFT has a pattern podcast up for one of the cutest projects in our Zakka Sewing book - the Bunny Pencil Case! In Japan, people like to keep their things neat and tidy and a pencil case is perfect for your desk at home or to tote things around. I also like it for keeping small jewelry in one place. So get the pattern and instructions free and also be entered to win a free copy of the book.
My new book is finally here! SO excited to let you know about Zakka Sewing! It's a book of the cutest and most sophisticated, authentic zakka projects -- all made by Japanese designers and translated by my book partner, Chika Mori.
The projects are great - see more pix below - but what I like best about the book is the Zakka Facts we uncovered for each project - little bits of information about Japanese culture that explain, enhance and enliven the objects and give you a little window into the fascinating world of Japanese life and crafts.
The photographer for the book is Yoko Inoue - she's Japanese and living in NYC. And the photo stylist is Yuki Matsuo - also Japanese and in NY. Yuki has also been the photo stylist on several books in Japan, so you'll see how closely the images compare to actual Japanese craft books that we all love.
I started this book to bring real Jcrafts in English to the millions of people who love them - I hope you like the book. I'd love to hear your thoughts and see what you make from the book. You can find the book at Barnes & Noble, Amazon, Borders and at Booksense member stores.
Leave a comment below about why you love Japanese crafts between now and Friday 9/5 midnight PT, and I'll pick a random winner and give away a free book!
