Chishaku-in temple, Kyoto

Amazing garden!
Chishaku-in is not one of the major temples for tourists, but if you go to famous Sanjusangendo, then maybe you can visit this temple on the way back. Apart from early April and late November, it is usually quiet. Watching this garden is almost meditative.

This temple has a collection of "Tohaku Hasegawa" screen paintings as well, which is also worth watching.

Felissimo: Old Kutani reproduction plates selected by Alex Kerr

All photos are from Felissimo

It was just yesterday that I found these beautiful mamezara (very small plate dia. 6-10cm) at Felissimo online shopping site.  I thought these patterns were absolutely beautiful. The site said that Alex Kerr had selected Old Kutani designs to be reproduced. I wondered who he was but didn't gooogle him.

Then, today at book sharing club, my friend was introducing his book(日本ブランド」で行こう　Let's go with Japan Brand) to me. What a coincidence!

He is one of the western people who know and care about Japan more than Japanese people.

His other books sound interesting,too: Lost Japan  美しき日本の残像,　Dogs & Demons　「犬と鬼」知られざる日本の肖像 

New meisen kimono corsage necklace- handmade in Brisbane

I have just created these three kimono corsage necklaces. Which one do you like?
Please visit my Etsy site  for details.

Inspiration: Mina Perhonen

Photos from Mina Perhonen official website

I just happened to find   "Mina Perhonen " new book (written in Japanese) at Avid Reader bookshop, West End, in Brisbane.

It's a great book for someone studying textile, fashion, graphic and interior design. Especially thumbnail photos of textiles and patterns at the back are great.

Everything designer Akira Minagawa produces is totally unique. 15 years of his works are packed in one book. Lots of photos and ideas, full of inspiration. Higly recommended.

Vintage meisen kimono silk metal frame bag- handmade in Brisbane

Finally I managed to list some of new bags.
The top two bags are uniquely patched and colour coorinated.
The bottom two are slightly bigger. One is patched vertically.
The other is not patched. The pattern is so unique, I kept it simple.
More details, please visit my Etsy shop.

Japanese film "Norwegian wood" @ Palace Barracks

Norwegian wood is finally on air in Brisbane at Palace Barracks.

As I am a fun of Tran Anh Hung (director of The Vertical Ray of the Sun, The Scent of Green Papaya), I was very curious how he directed Haruki Murakami's novel.

I liked bits and pieces of the scenes but the world he depicted in the film was a lot more dramatic and emotional than the one I had sensed from the book. I wanted the film to be quiet and serene one.
What is your opinion??  

Kyoto characteristic restaurants & cafes

 Kyogoku Kaneyo (unagi, eel restaurant)

Mishima-tei (Sukiyaki restaurant)

  Saikontan (Kyoto style Chinese restaurant) 

Sagano-yu (Bathhouse cafe)

I picked up some restaurants and cafes in Kyoto. All of these places are very unique in architecural point of views. Probably it is hard to find these kind of places anywhere else in Japan.

SPACES by frankie magazine

It's unusal to be able to buy full colour picture book like this for only $23AUD.
I haven't bought it (yet). I borrowed it from the local library.
But here is the link of frankie magazine to check details →　 http://www.frankie.com.au/

Lots of inspirational photos. I especially liked the photos of studio spaces.
I need to make my studio space more creative!

Vintage kimono metal frame clutch bag- Handmade in Brisbane

These half round metal handles are lovely, aren't they?
I have listed 6 of these half round metal frame kimono bags on my Etsy shop.
I am planning to make more in near future.

Suitcase Rummage at Ipswich Environmental Festival

Suitcase Rummage last Sunday was very tough one because of the strong wind.
Thank you for everyone stopping by regardless of the weather.
It's bit too late to notice but my shop was featured at Suitcase Rummage blog site.
I am very happy about it.

There will be Suitcase Rummage on Saturday 22 October as a part of Ipswich Environmental Festival
and I will have my stall there, too. This will be different from usual Suitcase Rummage and I am looking forward to it. I just hope that weather is favourable for the event.