Japanese fabric...

Japanese fabric has got to be my absolute favourite. Whilst in Tokyo I had a lovely time in an area called Nippori, famous for its fabric shops.  I found a wonderful kimono shop that also sold smaller pieces of antique and vintage kimono fabric.  

I couldn't resist!

Almost too beautiful to cut up and use... .

Japan sketches...

Well, we're home and adjusting to being back in the UK after a wonderful time in Japan.  I've come back laden with many wonderful craft books and supplies, and while I was there I managed to get a little sketching in:

5 Buddhas at Osorezan on the Shimokita Hantō

A lady having a snooze on the Aoimori train betwen Aomori and Noheji

Looking forward to making something with my new supplies!

私は日本に行くよ...

私は日本に行くよ = I'm going to Japan~!

Getting myself into an appropriate frame of mind in preparation for the trip I had been working on a complex dodecahedral modular origami assembly of 90 units. 

 (these took a long time to fold!!)

But...

...fail!!

Hmmmm.  Hopefully whilst I'm there I will be able to absorb some improved origami skills from the Japanese ether and then will be able to have another more successful attempt on my return!

Also, my Etsy shop is now closed for the duration of the trip.  As I mentioned in this post, I planned to donate the equivalent of 50% of the value of anything I sold in my Etsy shop between the date of the Tohoku earthquake and tsunami and now, to the Red Cross Japan Tsunami Appeal. I'm so grateful to my lovely customers, who between them bought Tangelo, Berenjena, some custom kumihimo bracelets, Verbena, Ianthine, Carduus and Astral, and have enabled me to donate a total of £50.  Thank you so much!

Japan...

I love Japan.  I have been fascinated by its language and culture for years, and have been lucky enough to visit twice.  Some of my happiest memories are of times spent in beautiful, peaceful temples, or being awestruck at vast cityscapes viewed from the top of skyscrapers.

I watched in horror yesterday news coverage of the terrible earthquake and devastating tsunami that have hit north-eastern Honshu.  The terrifying footage of the tsunami eating up everything in its path is haunting me today.

I'm travelling to Japan this May.  We just booked our flights last month.  We had been looking forward to spending some time in Sendai, and on the Miyagi coast.  I can't imagine what people there are going through right now.

You can donate to the International Red Cross here.  Not only are they providing essential aid in Japan, but they provide much-needed help all over the world following natural disasters.  Other suggestions are Oxfam, Shelterbox or MSF. I will also be donating the equivalent of 50% of the sale price of any items sold in my Etsy shop, until the time of our visit to Japan, to the International Red Cross.

My thoughts are with everyone in the world affected by natural disasters and their aftermath.