Saturday, February 2, 2013

Maneki Ornament

I know, Christmas is over, but I just had to share this with you!  My sister showed me this on one of our Skype sessions and I loved it!  She painted the Maneki Neko image on the computer and blew it up so that it would fit in the ornament.  The ornament is a paper mache disc looking shape that she found at Michaels.  My sister is also a beader, so you will notice the beading underneath the base of the ornament...



And check out the side view... Love how she covered the side.  I need to find out from her what she used.


I'm hoping she makes one for me.. (hint hint!)

Friday, February 1, 2013

It's Release Day!

Woo Hoo!  We made it to Release Day!  As you are reading this I'll already be in Japan.  Can't wait!  I'll likely be freezing my buns off, but I think it will be worth it.

My last project to share with you was one of the projects I learned in the class I took up at Volcano Arts Center.  This little bag made the treck worth it!  I really really really love the flower shape to this bag.  It was a little tedious to put together since it involved manually scoring each crease using a ruler instead of my MS Scoreboard.  But I think the end result is worth the work.  Our instructor, Charlene Asato advised that you could also pinch the ends of the flower for another look.

I decided to use the Kokeshi doll image to accent the bag.  Because of the unusual shape, I had to think of a way to use her without her hiding in the folds.  My solution?  Adhere her to a mini clothespin!  


And look!  I found Akemi's kokeshi dolls!  I'm glad I could show you an example.  They come in all shapes and sizes.

Here's a better look at the bag and doll clip...  I decided to use washi paper from Hanko Designs.  I love this pattern... its my favorite!  I think this would make a really cute Girl's Day goodie bag.


Hope you all enjoyed our sneak peeks!  A huge Arigato to our guest designer Suilan and Chinese Zodiac team- Patti, Eunice, Laura and Linda!  You guys rock!  And can't forget my girl Debi!  So glad to have you back!

I hope to blog again while on my trip, so if you are interested... check out my personal blog at crazyforpaper.blogspot.com.