Year of the Golden Rabbit

Published on February 12, 2011 in Events. 0 Comments Tags: , , .

Chinese New Year was exceptionally fun this year because 2011 is the Golden Year of the Rabbit, my zodiac sign! This only occurs every 12 years.

The Rabbit is considered a lucky sign. During the Year of the Rabbit, the wish-granting aspect of the Sun and the Moon combined is supposed to be multiplied. Exciting! In Chinese culture the Rabbit is the symbol of the Moon- the Moon is yin and this is the yin of Heaven, signifying magic. On the full moon nights of this year, visualize plenty of Moon dust and Moon glow flowing into you, filling your whole body with bright white light and granting you fearlessness, love and courage.  This will not only strengthen your inner “Chi” energy, it will also bring wisdom into your life. The next full moon is February 18. I will definitely be trying to soak up some of this “magic!”

Every year we have a family celebration and feast at my aunt’s house with an array of traditional dishes. A full belly is the ultimate sign of well-being and affection. One of my favorite dishes is a whole fish wrapped in banana leaves seasoned with green onions, ginger, and cilantro. The fish represent abundance and the green onions wisdom. It’s also important that the fish is served whole, head and tail attached because it symbolizes a good beginning and ending for the coming year.

A celebratory toast with these festive Asian pin-up girl shot glasses. The pretty lady appears when the glass has liquid – Jack Daniels works really well.

For the grand finale, we set off firecrackers to frighten away any evil spirits and make way for a year of good health, prosperity, and happiness. pa, pa-pa-pa pow!

Tourmaline Charged Kitty

Published on January 30, 2011 in News. 0 Comments Tags: , , , , .

I recently discovered that tourmaline, one of my favorite gems to use for the eyes on my kitty necklaces, is the main ingredient in a specialized skin care line by Aveda. Tourmaline is a naturally energizing mineral. It is used to boost the skin’s energy to give it a healthy glow.

I had the opportunity to experience the Aveda Tourmaline Charged Radiance Masque and was very impressed. My skin was softer, smoother, and more radiant! Not only does the masque contain finely powdered tourmaline, it also has antioxidants derived from tomatoes, Murumuru butter to increase skin hydration, and a corn-derived sugar to help shed dull skin cells.

Aveda prides themselves on using naturally derived ingredients, along with protecting and preserving the environment. It feels good to have a great product for my skin and know it came from an eco-friendly company.

I think I’m going to wear my tourmaline kitty necklace more often. Maybe it will also help my skin look more radiant!

Fuzzy Forest Friends

Published on December 29, 2010 in New Work. 0 Comments Tags: , , , .

My holiday gift to family and friends this year were amigurumi bears with needle felted appendages. I thought they would make a festive tree trimming!

I had fun experimenting with a different material to create their fuzzy arms, ears, and legs. That, and I’ve always wanted to try needle felting.

Needle felting is an interesting technique- you take wool fibers and compress them by repeatedly stabbing the fibers with pointed, barbed needles of different gauges.

The fibers interlock and become compacted, holding whatever shape desired. Not only does it produce a finished piece, it’s also a great stress reliever!

I took the bears on a photo shoot to Lands End- the wave and wind carved headlands west of the Golden Gate. It is a breezy place filled with cypress trees, colorful native plants, and scenic overlooks.

I was lucky enough to photograph them on a rare, warm sunny day. I think the bears enjoyed spending a little time seaside before it was time to go into their gift boxes.

Yarn Yumminess

Published on November 27, 2010 in News. 0 Comments Tags: , .

My very talented friend of Yarn Yumminess put together this Etsy Treasury including my Gold Bike earrings.

The best part about the bike earrings is that the wheels actually rotate and spin!

Yarn Yumminess designs beautifully crocheted and knitted pieces that are cozy and fashionable. Her string of cherries necklace is one of my favorite pieces!

Zakka Sewing

Published on November 13, 2010 in Projects. 0 Comments Tags: , , .

I found an inspiring book called Zakka Sewing. In Japanese, zakka means “household goods.” It refers to taking an everyday object and transforming it into something more artistic. They are still functional objects, but possess beauty and are meant to add style and individuality to an environment. It is the art of seeing the savvy in the ordinary and mundane.

The book has different projects that were contributed by some of the best zakka makers in Japan. I especially liked that not only did they have unique design; they had a history of Japanese culture and tradition.

One of the projects I particularly liked was making a set of coasters. They used a flower motif to resemble wagashi, Japanese sweets that appear in stores during the spring. In keeping with my aesthetic and that winter is approaching I used a bear design. I wanted my coasters to be cute, charming, and posses a sense of warmth. I think they will look extra cozy with a hot chocolate resting on them!

Miniguide Barcelona

Published on October 30, 2010 in News. 0 Comments Tags: , , .

Two of my customized Dunnys were featured on the cover of the October issue of  Miniguide Barcelona. Oh, how I’ve always wanted to travel to Spain- one day!

Miniguide is a cultural magazine and guide to Barcelona that gives you all you need to know to about the best places to eat, nightlife, and latest fashion. It appears the designer toy trend has made its way over there.

Berry Red Autumn Bird

Published on October 11, 2010 in News. 0 Comments Tags: , , , , .

Fall- the season of change is my favorite time of year in San Francisco! The sun actually breaks through the dense layer of fog that usually hovers above the city bringing warmth. The air becomes brisk. I love watching the leaves change color into different hues of red, brown, and amber.

Coinciding with the beginning of fall, my Berry Red Bird Hair Stick was featured in two different Etsy Treasuries. The hairpiece has two wooden chopsticks that I sanded and treated with a walnut stain. A little bird is perched on a found branch with layers of feathers below for a nesting place. I also added scarlet colored trim that sways beneath for movement and whimsy.

The treasury below is called “Woodland.” The name brings images of a forest with furry creatures running around gathering food, while birds build their nest to mind.

This treasury is called “Michaelmas in the Woods.” It refers to Saint Michael the Archangel who is honored for his defeat of Lucifer in the battle for the heavens. He is celebrated on September 29, which is associated with the beginning of autumn.

Metallic Silver Kitty

Published on September 25, 2010 in News. 0 Comments Tags: , , , .

Metallic Silver Kitty was chosen for an Etsy treasury with a clever theme called “Hard and Shiny Bodies.” It contains a random mix of spandex, glitter, and shiny objects.

The cat’s shiny body is made of quilted fabric. I thought the diamond pattern would give it a fun texture. There are buttons for eyes and satin ribbon forms its smile. This kitty likes to wear leg warmers while watching Solid Gold reruns!

Kitty Beauté

Published on September 10, 2010 in Sweet Design. 0 Comments Tags: , , , , .

This is dedicated to all of my readers who take interest in the random things I get excited about and find inspirational. I saw this lipstick from the Paul & Joe Beauté 2010 Autumn Creation collection, “Sparkles” and immediately had to have one. I don’t even wear lipstick, but the design and packaging was irresistible! It has a cat sculpted on the lipstick itself, encased in the most beautiful tube printed with designs from the Paul & Joe clothing line.

The designer of Paul & Joe is Sophi Albou. Her makeup line was inspired by the illumination of the Moon and her favorite animal- cats. There is a legend that cats hold moonlight in their eyes. The lipstick is supposed to give the lips a hint of shimmer to create the look of moonlight. It also contains the ‘Secret D’or’ blend: varieties of champagne gold frost, each possessing a different overtone and sparkle that varies depending on what angle you view it from. Luminous lips, how could I resist?

“Over the Moon” is my favorite. The red paper wrapping with white swans is so pretty and soft. It also has a sweet, romantic charm about it. I love taking the cap off and twisting it to make the cat head appear!

Setu Seating is Supreme

Published on August 10, 2010 in Sweet Design. 0 Comments Tags: , , .

For years I have been dealing with a lower back issue that I acquired while setting a stone in one of my necklaces. It’s true what they say about those chairs with wheels- be careful in how you move with them! Since then, I have been dreaming about owning a Herman Miller Aeron Chair.  The chair is totally ergonomic, designed to work with the body’s biomechanics to support the natural forward tilt of the pelvis. This enables the spine to maintain its alignment for healthier posture and improved lower back comfort. I thought the design was ingenious and my back would especially like the chair. I was determined to purchase one and started putting money aside into a little fund to one day enjoy this supreme seating.

After months of penny pinching I was finally ready to buy the Aeron Chair. As I entered Design Within Reach excited to have my very own Aeron, I discovered the Herman Miller Setu Chair. To my surprise I was instantly enamored and decided that was the chair for me! It was beautiful, sleek, and had all of features I needed for my back.

I was impressed by the simple, clean design that was inspired by the spiral shape of the nautilus shell- the kinematic spine. It follows the shape of our own spine, connecting the back and seat into one continuous support without any manual adjustments or complex lumbar supports. The upholstery used is called Lyris elastomer– an innovative material that distributes weight evenly by stretching in every direction. It is also durable, permits air circulation, and super comfy.

The word “Setu” means bridge in Sanskrit and evokes the Yoga pose Setu Bandhasana, also known as the Bridge Pose. I also liked that my chair is both Greenguard and Cradle-to-Cradle certified, and made from 44% recycled content. My chair is good for my back and environmentally friendly!