I had no idea you were so creative! I can't tell you how many times I have heard this over the past few years from my dearest friends. I still remember the sting from a comment my husband made about my lack of creativity. It seems to come as a surprise to my loved ones that I spend my days sewing and talking about our craft-inspired life on my blog. It's true I am not a … [Read more...] about Do what you love
Ringing in the New Year Japanese-style
After the craziness of Christmas we look forward to the slow pace of New Year's here in Japan. It's a lovely peaceful celebration for us - just our family of four and lots of food. As usual I left everything to the last minute. By the time I made it to the store to get some flowers they had sold out of everything. Time to improvise! My garden is in a sorry state after a very … [Read more...] about Ringing in the New Year Japanese-style
Almost handmade: Dressing Up Store Bought Gifts
Every year I have lofty dreams of making beautiful lovingly hand-crafted gifts for my nearest and dearest. Then reality sets in. Quite simply I run out of time. This year I am not going to beat myself up over it. I've bought most of my family presents, things they want and need. But I've added some wonderful personal touches which make my gifts just a little bit special. My … [Read more...] about Almost handmade: Dressing Up Store Bought Gifts
Taking your business global for the holiday season
Have you ever stumbled upon a truly amazing online shop, oohed and ahhed over something wonderful, decided on the spur of the moment to buy it ... only to find it's not shipped to your country? This happens to me all the time. It's so frustrating! If you are not offering international shipping, may I ask why not? I'm sure you have your reasons but with the holiday season fast … [Read more...] about Taking your business global for the holiday season
Creative Inspiration from a Foreign Land
A trip to the newsstand is one of the best creative pick-me-ups. Here in Japan I am absolutely spoiled for choice when it comes to magazines about living a creative life. My favorite go-to magazine is actually a craft kit mail-order catalog. Unfortunately delivery is not available outside Japan but if you have a foreign-language enabled computer then the website is a real … [Read more...] about Creative Inspiration from a Foreign Land
