Playing with Ikebana

After a recent flower arranging course, I've decided to give flowers more time. In Japan, I managed to track down some Kenzan and have been having fun picking flowers on morning walks and arranging them in mini vases. These are a couple of recent favourites, 

Miscellaneous Japan

Part of what was so relaxing about my trip to Japan was just wandering and taking photos. Hee are a couple more that captivated me at the time.

Geometric shelves

These geometric shelf units are so intriguing. I love the blend between coffee table and wall art - such a great idea.

Owl Print

Hi little Owly! Aren't you sweet and pretty? A nice addition to a room with blacks and greys.

Hanging terrariums

There is no end of my interest in the combination of plants and glass. And these are so, so great.

Delightful kitchen

Oooh. Coloured drawers and pretty accessories - this is an adorable kitchen.

Happy 4th blog birthday!

Four years ago today, I posted my very first blog post (about my delightful salt egg, no less!). It's been a great ride and I've loved all the friends I've made right here.

Thanks for reading and commenting - it always makes my day.

Kate xx

Craft shops in Japan

Mumokuteki in Kyoto

Yes, these shops were my downfall. Oh, you guessed as much? Well, I am nothing if not predictable. I managed to hunt down some pretty amazing shops, as well as the usual suspects like Loft and Tokyu Hands. I won't tell you how much I bought, but let's just say I made "some investments".

(All three of the above are from Loft. Yes, that last one is all stickers...)

Ooooh yes. Yes please to the drawers and the boots and the dark green case and the globe and the prints. So to everything, really.

New fabric idea

This would make a rocking quilt. (It's Michelle Engel Bencsko for Cloud9 Fabrics) - I like the triangles the best.

Perfect glasses

Why yes, these glasses are exceptionally delightful. A little on the pricey side, but delightful nonetheless.

Kyoto Garden

Well Internet - turns out I snuck away to Japan for a week with my Mum and my sister Em and am only just back.  I thought I'd show you some of my photos over the coming weeks - we had such a wonderful time and even though I've hit the ground running at work again, I have so many happy memories sustaining me.

This is the most beautiful garden shop/florist I've perhaps ever been to in Kyoto - simple, green and gorgeous. I can close my eyes and be back there in an instant...

YES!

Another inspiration from Lisa Congdon - so, so true and happily, empowering.

Ceramic Stack

This is such a soothing picture. Neat, pretty ceramics with lovely patterns on them. Delicious.

Succulents in houses

There is nothing wrong with this picture. In fact, there's a lot of right. Look how adorable.

Map landscape

So this has raised the bar. Matthew Cusick's map collages are absolutely stunning - I love the movement and the depth in this one - so beautiful.

Floor mat

A delightful floor mat which probably looks awesome everywhere. Especially in proximity to me. And other things.

Most Awesome House Ever

Hello little grass patches! A rooftop garden is so delightful - love the idea of an upstairs garden. And sunny couches, too.

Neon door

Well this wallpaper and neon door is pretty fabulous. Just saying. It's all round excellent.

Reading nook

Love the yellow table and the elephant here. Oh okay, and the gallery wall layout. And the minted water, you say? Fine. Throw that in, too.

Hot Air Balloons

Oh balloons. How do you do? If it weren't for a vague fear of heights and a more certain fear of fire, I would get into one.

Words to live by

Yes, yes and yes. Except for the wings bit, which is a bit naff. But YES to the rest.

Flower inspiration

I have recently decided to get into flower arranging. I went to a class with a friend, and it was very beginner level, but I adored it! I've been looking at this image a lot, feeling very inspired about what can be done. I love the movement in this - it looks like it's windswept and frozen.