Kimono cutie

Here's another kimono cutie I've just added to my Etsy shop. It's a decorative kimono scarf made from vintage Japanese kimono fabrics that I've pieced together. I love using a variety of fabrics within one scarf and often like to add a decorative border to the ends of the scarf in a contrasting coloured fabric.

The main body of the scarf is made from a gorgeously soft silk fabric in shades of red, yellow and white on a deep blue background. There is a floral pattern that includes stylised chrysanthemums, maple leaves and blossom.

The scarf can be worn in many different ways. I like to drape it loosely around my neck.

The border design is made from a vibrant red and white geometric design, made up of circles and dots. It also includes floral elements.

This scarf can be worn in many different ways and is a great way of adding colour to an outfit.

All my scarves are wrapped in pink tissue paper and sent with a Cheeky Leopard postcard. They make a great gift for someone special and can be sent straight to their recipient with an optional gift message included.

 

Japanese tea towel

The Japanese icons print I designed for my Spoonflower shop has now been made into tea towels that can be bought in my Etsy shop.

The icons include kimonos, kokeshi dolls, luck cats, origami birds and pink blossom.

This tea towel is made form a lovely thick linen cotton canvas fabric

The perfect gift for a Japanophile.

Handbag charms

 Say thank you to someone special with these lovely little gems! Each of these heart-shaped handbag charms is made from a vintage Japanese kimono fabric and has a suede tassel detail. I love the vibrancy of the red and gold. One side of the heart uses a stylised blossom design and the other side uses a butterfly motif. Use it as a keyring or handbag charm on your favourite bag.

Shop Bag Charms

Key fob wristlets

 I'm always looking for new product ideas for my store and the latest additions are these fabric key fob wristlets. They are made from Japanese-inspired cottons and come in bright colours that make them easy to find.

The interior of each wristlet uses an iron-on interfacing which means that they keep their shape and fit easily around the wrist.

Perfect for carrying around your wrist or could easily fit in your pocket. Their bright colours also mean that they are easy to find in your handbag.

This makes a great birthday present for a friend. Team it with other Cheeky Leopard items in similar fabrics. These key fobs have matching face masks.

Each wristlet has been top stitched and uses a good quality silver D-ring and key ring loop.

You'll never lose your keys with his bright accessory!

Each wristlet uses a Japanese motif, such as a pretty blossom print or maple leaves and bamboo.

This turquoise background has a lovely fresh feel to it.

Japanese icons

 Whilst living in Japan I grew a great appreciation for all things Japanese. This inspired me to design an art print which encompassed all may favourite things from kimonos and geta to sushi and sake, and many more. This illustration is printed onto a lovely thick watercolour paper which you can buy through my Etsy store.

 Alternatively you can buy this as a print in my Spoonflower shop. It can be bought by the yard on a variety of fabrics or you can choose from a selection of ready-made items such as cushions and bedding to tableware and throws.

I also decided to create some offshoot prints, using images from the main design. Mount Fuji is a stunning sight and a great place to visit if you get the chance. I designed this simple icon on a blue background and gave it a big red sun.

In the past, Japanese fans often showed your social standing and were made out of washi paper and painted with traditional images from nature. I chose to decorate these fans with iconic Japanese icons such as blossom, maple leaves and birds.

Japanese origami is the art of paper folding and you can create some pretty intricate pieces. The crane is one of the most popular forms to create and a thousand cranes are thought to bring good luck. I didn't quite create a thousand but I did create a pleasing multi colour palette of cranes on a navy blue background.

The iconic torii gates are found at the entrance to shinto shrines and mark the passing from the every day to the sacred. Their fabulous red/orange colour is said to ward off evil spirits and bad luck.

Japanese lucky cats are often found near the entrance to businesses such as shops and restaurants and invite custom and prosperity. The left paw raised brings custom, the right paw raised brings wealth. A gold cat attracts wealth and prosperity whilst a pink cat attracts love and romance.

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Spring has sprung!

Spring has well and truly sprung! We spent a lovely Easter weekend pootling about, having dinner with family and going for some nice walks. I couldn't believe the overwhelming sense of renewal in the air as all the season's foliage was springing into bloom. I love a bit of colour and homed in on the purples and pinks, as well as the magnolia and blossom that looked so stunning against the blue sky.

Roll on long summer evenings!

On our walk through Bushy Park yesterday we passed a crowd of stags relaxing under a tree. Even they had a sense of renewal, with their new horns growing through. This one was the proudest!

Kimono handbag

Last Sunday afternoon was a typical English rainy afternoon and perfect for staying at home and playing with fabric, which is exactly what I did! I managed to rustle up this little kimono handbag to go with the one I made last week. I love piecing together different kimono fabrics to create a mix of prints and colours that work together. I felt the bag needed a bright lining so gave it a vibrant yellow cotton inside and I used a pink and red obijime for the strap. The bag has a hidden magnetic snap closure to keep everything safe.

You can see both handbags on my Etsy store here.

Getting busy

I'm starting to gear up for my trip to Tokyo in November! I'm a tad excited about it as I'll be revisiting a fab city, meeting up with old friends and, of course, doing a bit of shopping! The main reason I'm going is to sell my bags at the International Bazaar at the Tokyo American Club, something I've been doing for the past four years. 

This is a selection of new coin purses that are cut out and ready to sew.

Fave fabric Friday

This Friday's fabric is a very vibrant one! It's actually a piece that I have hanging on my wall, just outside my studio. It brightens my day whenever I see it. I love the bright red colour and touches of gold, but also the simple graphic style of the blossom.

Spring is in the air?

There's a general feeling that spring may be vaguely in the air - oh yeah! This 'Blossoming Feeling' Etsy treasury by Piccolina Boutique sums up that air with some beautiful items, including my bamboo handbag!

You can find it in my store here.

Soft Pink Flower Ring - Resi... SpotLightJewel... $19.95	Flower Photography Pink Spri... LawsonImages $15	Vintage womens accordion ple... plot $43.25	Fabric Covered Button Hair C... SmallTalkShop $7.9
Italian Travel Photography E... DegnodiNota $18	Dusty Rose , Party Dress , B... BLUSHFASHION $129	Soft pink post earrings, pas... ThePurpleBallo... $14.5	Soft pink tote bag in tapest... SomeChicStuff $32
Pastel Photography - Sweet D... JessaMaePhoto $12	Unicorn Print. Unicorn Wall ... OrlyPea $14	Soft Pink Spider Mum, Fine A... NelsonRietzke $40	Wooden brooch, set of 3 piec... TheTwentyFinge... $11
4 Vintage CUP and SAUCERS, S... FrenchKlimBim $26	Soft Pink, Cream and Green B... cheekyleopard $44	Baby/Toddler Crocheted Soft ... thewhimsicalel... $32	Set of Three 8x10 Soft Pink ... RedEggBoutique $59

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