Birthday Cards

 I made a batch of birthday cards last night, using some beuatiful Japanese stickers and papers.

 These ones are for the little boys in my family - I have lots of nephews.

 I think Pankunchi is so adorable, especially as he concerned with white carbohydrates!

I used to make really elaborate cards, but now I keep them fairly simple.  Everyone seems to love a handmade card.

Anpanman Bento

 Here's my next attempt at a character bento.

Bento is a great way to get your kids to eat nutritious food for lunch. There are lots of ideas on the net or in Japanese women's magazines.  I think I'll buy some bento moulds when I am in Japan next.

Does This Look Like Mameshiba???

 My son has a Japanese friend at school, whose mum makes him delicious bento boxes for lunch each day.  My son thought his dry ham and cheese sandwich he was given every day was not satisfactory, thus I was instructed to make a Japanese lunch instead.  This is a little more time consuming than the old sandwich, but my kids devour their lunch now (as opposed to bringing home half their lunch).

 Well I guess this resembles Mameshiba somewhat.

And here is the first bento I made - nice and simple.  I must say, it is fun creating cute characters from rice.  I don't know how the bento will go sitting in the school bag when the hot Queensland summer arrives.

Tote Bag

 Each time I make a bag, I like to try a new pattern.  I must have literally hundreds of patterns for bags. This one is nice and roomy with side pockets.

 My sister was eyeing off this fabric from my stash bought in Tokyo, so I decided to donate it to her in the form of a bag.

I really love the fabric too, so if I'm lucky I'll be able to find some more on my next trip to Japan so I can make myself a bag.  Not long to go now before we depart.  Very excited.

Shades of Green

BIRTHDAY CARD

Tangerine Dream

 All components are from Arab Street, Singapore.



Tote Bag

Swarovski ring

 I love the cut of these diamonds, I mean crystals.

By the way, I get most of my ideas from "Bead Friend" which is a Japanese beading magazine. You can buy it from Kinokuniya in Sydney or online at Amazon Japan.