Alice77 -journal from italy-

Baroness Beret

2009-11-29T14:52:00.003+01:00

Here it is! my new creation. Baroness Beret which I've found on Ravelry. It's a free pattern. I bought this yarn from this site. They have real shop in UK and I thought it is better for me to order from them since it's near.. I bought wool yarn which I got to know from Ravelry. It's call Malabrigo. It is super soft yarn from Uruguay. It is very easy to knit and since I've read many knitter using it I was very interested in it. So since the hat is small project and I am beginner of knitting I decided to take 1 skein to try. And here it is! I like the result. It was, in fact, very easy to knit and I like it very much.

I took this picture from Mac photobooth so it's not good quality photo.. anyway. I like it! :)

Grape Juice Scarf

2009-10-18T12:07:00.008+02:00

It is a while I haven't written on my blog.. It has passed the summer vacation and already it's autumn. And I hear the footstep of the winter already. The time is passing certainly. No doubt.

One month ago I bought this beautiful yarn on Etsy. It was my small dream to buy a hand spun yarn and make something special. But I needed to practice before buying it. I did some project and get used to make some project and knitting. After some project I finally decided. I looked up on Etsy and found this lovely grape color yarn at Debland. It arrived after 2weeks and... voi là! I was so excited! I opened my little box and found grape color yarn.

I found this pattern on internet call Holding Hands, Feeding Ducks. I liked the title also the stitch she is using. It is perfect for my special project!

It took one week because I didn't want to mistake. Little by little at night on the couch with my cats around, I knitted, knitted knitted...

25 stitch and I knitted until it reach 60cm.

It turned out really nice. It keep me warm and I get many compliments!
I also like the square wooden button which I found at the hobby show where I went there with my friend. So at last, I made something special*:)

Bright Star

2009-08-10T12:14:00.002+02:00

This film call Bright Star of Jane Campion (the director of "The Piano"), is really romantic and passionate and love the light and color of this film. Based on true story of John Keats. A poet of romantic movement around 1800.

I am not sure when in italy will be out but it will be out this fall in US.

Kitty Baby Love

2009-08-05T10:56:00.005+02:00

Kitty Baby Love makes really cute crayons from egg mold. Since they are non-toxic crayons, safty for childrens! Happy drawing!!!

They make also post cards and bee wax candle. Especially kitty stress doll is wonderful!

Etsy favorite - c o c o n

2009-08-03T14:38:00.001+02:00

What is inspired me are these colors and photo!

The shop call "c o c o n"

Fantastic! Fantastic!

2009-07-31T11:15:00.002+02:00

And now finally it has arrived... New stop motion animation film of Wes Anderson, "Fantastic Mr. Fox"!

It was a year that I was following his news and I am really happy finally to see how it came out! This story is based on the book of Roald Dahl, call "Fantastic Mr. Fox" . (Oh.. his web site is fun too!). I haven't read yet the book but I am curious also the book.
It will be out on November with ICE AGE3.
Here's the official site!

Frog!

2009-07-30T05:37:00.006+02:00

LaWood make cute little frog with crochet! It seems a creatures that is living in your neighbor and as if jumped out from the little leaf to say hello...
Meet my sister - frog amigurumi

Kermit Klein Underwear - Frog amigurumi

And here's very little sweet phone charm!
Amigurumi cherry cake cell phone charm

Here it is her shop, LaWood.

Niko Pirosmani

2009-07-29T16:45:00.001+02:00

It's a strong paintings. Savage, and there's something talk to me inside.. Niko Pirosmani is a Georgian painter.

Today's favourite from Etsy, Krize!

2009-07-28T11:00:00.001+02:00

Krize is a Lithuanian children´s book ilustrator, living in Spain, and making lovely plushee brooch! I love her bright color and cute little rabbit plushee brooch. Here is her shop!

Krize

Strawberry Swing

2009-07-27T15:41:00.002+02:00

I found this video very fun!
Take a look!

Dodo Days

2009-07-24T11:20:00.004+02:00

I found this illustrator call "Kae Nishimura". She is Tokyo base illustrator. Her illustration is very sweet and lovely character.
I Am Dodo: Not a True Story

Dinah!: A Cat Adventure

Bunny Lune

Grape Croc

2009-07-23T00:11:00.006+02:00

Et voilà!
New crocodile in my etsy store! Cobined with violet beads and yellow one.

Red Tulips

2009-07-22T23:10:00.003+02:00

I like tulip. Especially the red one. Simple but passionate. Standing right straight.
I found this painter call Bobbie Burgers. His painting is very dynamic and colorful.

There are Cats in this Book

2009-07-17T09:42:00.002+02:00

I love cats! And I can't resist to cat books. So here it is my favourite cat books! The first one is this: "There are cats in this book" written and illustrated by Viviane Schwarz She is UK based illustrator.

I like how it cut the book cover and also inside is very dynamic layout.
The second one is:"Jenny and the Cat Club: A Collection of Favorite Stories about Jenny Linsky". written and illustrated by Esther Averill.

It's a book about adventure of black cat call Jenny. and she lives happily with her master, a sea captain and want to join in the local cat club...

And last one is "Mutts". It's a strip comic that written by Patrick McDonnell. One little dog Earl and a cat Mooch, goes around toghether to discover the neighborhood. very sweet and fun strip comic!

Gummy Bear Soap

2009-07-16T15:24:00.004+02:00

Today's my favourite from Etsy store!

Gummy bear soap! I am a fan of the gummy bear. The soap is really real and cute!!!
Mini Gummy Soaps by naiad

London!

2009-07-16T09:36:00.001+02:00

I've been to London for short weekend vacation! It's my first time visit. (exactly it was second time becuase i went there when I was one year old but since i don't remember at all i should say my first time :)) anyway, it was great! I liked very much London. Seems like Tokyo as atmosphere... It's kind of similar. Many people, tube, shops etc... Especially there were many Japanese sushi bar! Of course we went to eat there and also fish and chips, and curry! And also we visited many markets like Borough market, Portobello market, Whitecross street market and Spitalfields.. one market missed was Columbia Road market... It was near the hotel where we stayed but since the market was only on Sundays we didn't have time.. But I tried Bagel which was recommended in the guide book.. ^_^ And of course, there are many other markets all around london.. Anyway, it seems that we went to London just for eat... ^_^;; However in general I love market! Many fresh vegetable, food, clothes, strange odd things.. but still interesting because each market is specialized and you can see the everyday life of Londoners.. I think it is interesting also London bus tour but I would rather recommend market tour!

You make me so happy

2009-07-15T15:14:00.004+02:00

Today's my favourite from etsy store!

You make me so happy by yuuco

Shoji Ueda, surrealistic photographer

2009-07-15T10:02:00.000+02:00

I found my favourite photographer, Shoji Ueda, He was influenced by the surrealistic and combined realistic element. I like it simple, modern and interesting..

Bicycle bicycle bicycle!!!

2009-07-14T16:33:00.011+02:00

I want to ride my bicycle, I want to ride my bike...
Like in the song of Queen I like bicycle!

I like riding on the bicycle.
I like feeling the chilling air in the early morning in the summer.
I like feeling the wind blowing my hair.
I like going around with my bike and finding new secret path in the city..
I like my bike,
I just like...

1. Messenger Boy and Bike Ring (Sterling Silver) by donmoti 2. classic 8.5x11 by girlhula 3. Paper Mache bike 020 by Mumbreeze 4. BICYCLE KEYCHAIN - Miniature Bike with Detail by pinktophat 5. Handbag with bicycles in blue by jenniferladd 6. Large - Vital Bicycle - unisex organic cotton shirt, galaxy by vital

Croc walking on shiso

2009-06-08T10:49:00.006+02:00

Where are you going buddy???
Happy Happy Monday!

Shiso returns!

2009-06-08T00:15:00.006+02:00

So this year again. The shiso which I got from my friend last year, made new leaves. I mean, little seeds spread out in the planter and has growen everywhere! Even under the vase... Shiso is incredibly strong!!! ... and it became a little forest of Shiso! So, some of them I gave to my friends, some of them I made salad or cooked with chicken... but still, there are too much!!! I looked up on the internet and then I found a recipe. It is "Shiso Cordial". Simply it's shiso syrup. Good for summer to refresh!

Here the recipe:
100g of Shiso leaves
500cc Water
250g Sugar
2 full of spoon of Lemon juice

Boil water and put Shiso which is well cleaned.
Continue boiling for 10 minutes.
Divide leaves and liquid and add sugar.
Mixing them well until the sugar is well melting.
Add lemon juice.
Put in the bottle.
... and done!

Berry

2009-05-25T16:17:00.000+02:00

I found this music clip the other day while I was looking for a musician call "Berry".

Video clip is made by Yoann Lemoine.
It's simple animation all in blue. Just like as if drawed in blue ink.

Since here is really really hot these days, it is good to get cool a little bit.
Happy monday!

New Croc, Rock!

2009-05-23T16:37:00.004+02:00

I put these new Croc on my shop list!

Strawberry Icecream Baby Blanket

2009-05-23T15:18:00.004+02:00

I started this project on... February I think. Little by little at evening before going bed, knitting and knitting and knitting... I couldn't decide the color so I went many times to the yarn shop to get various color of yarn. It was long way... The stitches I used is just simple, garter stitches. At the end I used binding tapes to finish up.
And 3months later.. Here it is!!
I liked how it turned out! I wish i had better skill to knit but i like knitting. This was simple project but since it was the first time that I made such a big blanket it was hard. The result is I am satisfied. It's just like strawberry icecream! yummy!!! I hope my friend and the baby will like it! ^_^

Blloon on Etsy

2009-05-06T22:59:00.008+02:00

So, after I made a lot of post on my favourite balloon, let me show you some beautiful photograph which I found on Etsy!

ballons

Shop at labokoff

Line Of Balloons Through The Viewfinder Photo Print

Shop at ScarletBeautiful2

alberta street balloons 8.5x11

Shop at girlhula

Ballon Rouge

2009-05-06T22:45:00.004+02:00

Sometime ago my mother told me she went to see this movie in the theater which was showing old films.. It's call Ballon Rouge. It's a french film made in 1956 directed by Albert Lamorisse.
This film is very beautiful. Contrast of monotone city scape of Paris and the Red balloon is wonderful. I haven't seen entire film so I hope to see it one day soon..
Meanwhile, I found this trailer on YouTube so take a look!

Little reminders..

2009-05-06T22:03:00.006+02:00

This is cards call "Little Reminders - 20 Helpful Cards for the Tongue-Tied".
I found this sweet card on Etsy from fieldandsea. She make very beautiful original print, cards, notebook, and pillowbox. I especially loved the poem which was written on the discription of this card... Really Sweet***

You’re an amazing human being
Let’s climb to the roof
I have lost the right words. Will these do?
I‘ve been thinking about you
You are beautiful.
I have a secret to share
I miss you
Come on a picnic with me
I‘ve lost my way
I like you
You’re right, I’m wrong
YES!
I‘m sort of shy
Don’t look back
Let’s go puddle jumping
I miss you even when you’re right here beside me
My knees went weak
You’re so cute I want to kiss you
I‘m all I have to give you
Will you go out with me?

The biggest balloon ever

2009-05-03T15:12:00.004+02:00

So here it is! Next balloon topic. New film of the pixar call "UP".

It's amazing that so many balloons lifting up the house and will travel all over the world. These tow guys directed film. Pete Docter and Bob Peterson. The main character is an aged man and a boy. Only this setting make me want to see the movie.
In italy it will release on 16 October 2009.... Can't wait to see it!!!

Romantic Balloon

2009-05-03T15:02:00.005+02:00

I love balloon. Colorful, light and it's fragile... A few month ago, I found this perfume poster in the shop.. Really Lovely, romantic and girlish taste as I like.

It's new perfume of Dior. Miss Dior Cherie. The advertisement was directed by Sophia Coppola. And now you see all her world. Sweet and romantic. Especially the commercial is lovely. Take a look.

Flying like a Balloon!

2009-05-03T12:02:00.004+02:00

colorful balloons slip away from your little hand
going away
up up up high up in the blue sky
colorful balloons going up
blue, yellow, red, green all color
they are not sure where going
knowing just they are going with hope..

1. Up up and away in my beautiful balloon, 2. the colourfulation of balloons, 3. lift off, 4. Balloon Bouquet, 5. who knows if the moon's a balloon,coming out of a keen city in the sky--, 6. Girl with balloons 12/52wks, 7. Balloons, 8. Balloons at Central Park, 9. watercolored balloons, 10. Balloons 4/4, 11. Early morning light - the balloon seller, 12. Balloons, 13. Pride Balloons, 14. Balloons, 15. Balloons, 16. 38| Balloons make even the cloudiest days brighter

Feel the world as one.

2009-05-01T12:35:00.005+02:00

Sometime ago there was a video on YouTube call "Where the Hell is Matt?". It was a video which one guy took video of himself dancing around the world. He danced in front of the famous statue or panorama etc. Sometimes it was with local people, kids or alone. and took a video. He gathered up all these video and made a video. So you could see all the picture around the world while he was dancing. It was kind of fun and cool idea, I thought. Feeling the world in this way in a short video.
And now, I found this another video which the idea is evaluated. It's a video where different street artist from all over the world play same song and put together as if they are playing at the same place and made a concert..
It call "Playing For Change - Song Around The World "Stand By Me"" It made me feel great and these street musicians are really great! I've already listen this morning in loop.. They did also another song in played in this way. You can find from the link above... Hope you enjoy and bright up your day!

Playing For Change | Song Around The World "Stand By Me" from Concord Music Group on Vimeo.

Piano - Jo Hisaishi

2009-04-22T00:49:00.007+02:00

This one is the last one.
He is often makes soundtrack for Miyazaki Hayao's film. His name is Jo Hisaishi. May be some of them know from Takeshi Kitano's film too.
I like this one this moment. It's music from Kikujiro directed by Takeshi Kitano.

Finidng tIny happy

2009-04-22T00:42:00.009+02:00

I've read recently one phrase which makes me thinking and thinking..

"If you cannot make yourself happy, you will not have power to make another one happy."

I thought this is very true.. It seems such a simple thing but actually it's kind of difficult...

Piano - Ryuichi Sakamoto

2009-04-22T00:34:00.005+02:00

What makes me peace is the sound of piano.. His piano is excellent.

Piano - Takagi Masakatsu

2009-04-22T00:20:00.006+02:00

What is inspiring me these days is the sound of piano.
Here's the first one.

The color I like.

2009-01-03T12:47:00.003+01:00

Since here is cloudy and without sun... I found a video with full of the color I like!

This is the music video of Japanese group Pizzicato Five. I like every color they are using!

HAPPY MOOOOOO YEAR 2009!

2009-01-02T15:25:00.004+01:00

So this is my first post of the new year! Last year I wrote down a little short list and many of them I did and some not.. but I think the list helped a little bit. I continued writing this blog and get a little bit time more on Etsy. So I think I will make a little short list for this year too later..

2009 is the year of the Cow in the Chinese horoscope. So I made this little card inspired by my mug which I have.. ^_^

Here in Bergamo where I live in the morning it was all white! It snowed all night long and so it was white new year. It is what exact need for new year, like to start new white page of this brand new year.

Wish you all the joy and happiness for 2009 and happy happy new year!

Treasury by lindabutterfly

2008-12-23T23:00:00.003+01:00

I have been included in a Treasury by lindabutterfly! Sweet and great treasury!

I was featured!

2008-12-21T20:21:00.004+01:00

It's a big surprised that I was featured in a blog call Craftymoose Crafts! It is my first time featured to other blog and I am very very glad to be featured! Thank you Debbie!

New vintage look collection

2008-12-12T23:26:00.002+01:00

I am trying to make new collection to change a little bit feeling... I love these vintage look and how it turned out. For more detail see my etsy shop!

Tokyo Guide Book

2008-12-12T16:44:00.008+01:00

So... The reason I decided to write about short little Tokyo guide even if I was living there and don't know well about Tokyo is when I went to look for a guide book in the book store there were not so much books... There's some but always listed one of the city in Japan. I thought it is a pity that Tokyo is a big city like London, New York or Paris but there's not so much information.. and so... I will be happy if my short little guide might help.
And if you would like some more information, I found this little guide book from Louis Vuitton. There's no photo inside. Printed in black and white simple and there's all kind of information. From traditional sightseeing spot to modern one. Or may be just reading the article which is inside is interesting.

Fish Market and Tokyo Tower

2008-12-12T16:32:00.009+01:00

This is the last one.. Fish market! I think many of them who is interested in Tokyo suppose heared about it. It's the biggest fish market not only in japan but also around the world! It's located at Tsukiji. (near Ginza.) The nearest station is Tsukiji of Tokyo-Metro Ginza line. You take off the station and it's about 5minuite by walk from there.
When you arrive there, there are a lot of little shops selling kind of wired things, like, seaweed, vegetable, fish, beans, chopsticks, knives for cooking, kitchen goods, etc etc. It's very curious and you want to stop one by one. and then there's sushi bar too! If you arrive before lunch time I recommend to try one. They of course use fresh fishes and also you can feel the atmosphere of edo sushi bar!

Unfortunately when we arrived at the fish market it was already finished... I've read the other day that they doesn't want tourist inside fish market.. It's a pity.. but to eat sushi I think you can. I think just inside...

and then, when the stomach is satisfied, :) since Ginza is near it might be good idea to walk by there and if you want you can see "Kabuki". They also borrow a tape for the guide. and if you want to see just a part also is ok.. and not so expensive.

then take Tokyo-metro, again, Ginza line and go to Tokyo tower!

That day was beautiful day. a little bit cloudy but there was beautiful light..
And this is it! A little Tokyo tour guide. I hope you enjoyed!

Crocodiles!

2008-12-11T11:43:00.001+01:00

1. Beads crocodile keychain - sakura, 2. Beads crocodile kechain - skyblue, 3. Beads crocodile keychain - rosa, 4. Bead crocodile Keychain - Peach, 5. Bead crocodile Keychain - Grass meadow, 6. Bead crocodile Keychain - cherry, 7. Bead crocodile Keychain - swimmy, 8. Beads crocodile keychain - pink, 9. Beads crocodile charm - sporty

Ghibli Museum

2008-12-10T23:56:00.007+01:00

It seems that I finished writing about Tokyo... but not! :) I am very slow but we go ahead... This time is Ghibli Museum! It's museum of great studio of animation, Hayao Miyazaki! They are displayed how they make animation, film, idea, sketches etc etc... It's not too big and a lot of ideas. it's a museum not only children but also adult can enjoy! It's located a little bit outside of Tokyo. 20 minutes by train. (Sobu-sen (the yellow line) or Chuou-sen (the orange line) from Shinjyuku). Get off at Mitaka and take the Ghibli pullman. Or if you like to walk you can take a walk it's about 20 min..

There's also souvenire shop wit a lot of gadget and book shop! And if you are hungry there's also hot dog and little restaurant where you can eat inside..

After the visit museum if you have good weather, I recommend to walk through the Inogashira Park which is the museum already inside. And reach at Kichijoji station. (It's the station between Mitaka and Shinjyuku). You can find very beautiful fauna of Tokyo!

Blue cube earrings

2008-12-10T10:34:00.001+01:00

Still raining outside...
But the day I took this picture was beautiful blue sky unny day!
These cube earrings are as if I cut out and made a cube of blue sky. So beautiful and shining.

Sporty one

2008-12-10T10:04:00.004+01:00

Today is raining... somewhere in the north it's snowing... uff... coooooold!
like in Italian say "brutto tempo...".
But here it is new crocodile charm! Orange foot and emerald body. I am sure it will be a good little gift for a sporty one!

H&M hearts commes des garçon

2008-11-16T10:37:00.006+01:00

Comme des garçon. I have special feeling about this brand. It was when I was 20, I was happy but in kind of mess.. I've just finished the graphic design school.. and so, I decided to get a new jacket, a special jacket, to encourage a new start..
And now, some week before I saw an advertisement of H&M. It says a collaboration with comme des garcon. I was curious what kind of collection they are up to.. So the other day i drop by the store near the office. It was full of people!

I got this time a shirt with white dots.. This time just for fun. To not forget that time..
Have a nice week!

Orso con la spada

2008-11-15T21:23:00.006+01:00

We had great blue sky today! So we went to take a walk in città alta, where still remains medieval atmosphere.
While walking around we stopped at a little stationary and book shop at the half of the street. And I found this cute book. "Orso con la spada".
It is illustrated by an Gianluca Folì and written by Davide Calì. I really liked the illustration. Delicate touch of line, colore, and dynamic page layout.So I looked up on the internet about illustrator. And then I found a.. a picture which I liked and was putting as a desktop picture for a while.. Yes it was him! I was really happy to find his picture again! He is from Rome, Italy and it seems he is working a lot with magazine. His style is very delicate and very Japanese style, kind of "Nihon-ga".. He uses a lot of Japanese calligraphy and it is curious how he learned..

Little tour

2008-11-15T00:50:00.004+01:00

In case if you would like to feel around Asakusa!

Asakusa - where you can find old Tokyo

2008-11-13T00:45:00.006+01:00

Today I want to write about Asakusa. It's the area still you can find old tokyo. Both as tokyoite as town scape.. Since Tokyo tend to be metropolitan of Japan, there's a lot of people live in not only japan but from all over the world, it's few people remained who originally from "TOKYO". In Japanese call "Edokko". It deliver from former name of Tokyo, "EDO". Their main image was don't worry about little thing, and they are not good at business. They are very heartwarming but stubborn and get angry when they are in trouble.. Love joking but not good at expressing themselves... etc etc.. (by Wikipedia)
Anyway, the symbol of this area is Kaminari-mon. When you enter the gate there's long gallery where you can find souvenir. At the end of the street there's a temple. The original temple was built in 645. Since then it was burned or got in earthquake but every time it was rebuilt. Around late 1700 and beginning of 1800 often it had been appeared in the Ukiyoe and got famous around Japan.. And also if you are fan of Kitano Takeshi, the famous Japanese director, there's a theater where he began his career as comedian. Now the theater has changed the name and got together with another theater though, you can still see the atmosphere.

If you have time I recommend also to take little ship which goes around river running thorough Tokyo. It's near also main office of Asahi Beer where you can find on top of the building a gold drop of beer which was designed by French architect, Philippe Starck.

New vintage look earrings

2008-11-10T08:57:00.005+01:00

The aurumn is here.. The sun is shining less stronger.. Weak but peaceful.. Chilling air makes you nostalgic feeling.. Leaves are colored and started to falling down.. Everything is calm under the blue sky. These earrings is inspired me one Sunday afternoon. You can find on my Etsy shop! Hope you enjoy.

Architecture in Omotesando

2008-11-09T21:36:00.005+01:00

It's one of the "epi-center" of Prada. Designed by the Swiss architects, Herzog & de Meuron. The building has 6 floor. It seems a kind of giant diamond or web of spider.. When you arrive in front of this building it seems to be another planet. Very futuristic design.

I didn't took picture but there's also intersting architecture is "Omotesando Hills". It's designed by Ando Tadao. Inside there's a slope which you can go up and down easily.

Tabineko Zakka shop

2008-11-02T19:07:00.005+01:00

It's a week that has passed since I came back home.. I get well now and finally here we have sunny day and I feel better..
So the vacation to Tokyo. I wanted to write little tour guide here.
First day we went was "Tabineko Zakka-Ten". It's between Kishibojin and Zoushigaya near Ikebukuro area. We took little train from Oji which is located at north Tokyo, and it's on Keihintohoku-Line (the JR line, blue one). From here you take little train. It goes in the old part of Tokyo and you can see every day life. Houses attached one another, school girls and boys in uniform, baby and children with mom and grandmother...
and then you get off at Kishibojin. There's a temple dedicated to protection of children and maternity. And then you walk in the little shopping street. There's grocery store, sweets shop, laundry shop etc.. and then in this little street you can find a little shop with a black cat smiling.

It is the shop I found on the internet and since then I wanted to visit.
It call Tabineko Zakka-Ten. Traveling Cat Zakka shop. Since the shop call Neko, cat, she have many zakka on cats. And also since the owner of the shop started as a used book shop, she have many used book. Mainly about Japanese culture. They also have Japanese traditional toys, texture, and many other things...

And so, this is very Japanese everyday life style area.
Next time I will write on Harajuku, and Omotesando!

Have a nice week!

Back from vacation...

2008-10-28T15:39:00.002+01:00

It has passed about a week since I am back from vacation to Tokyo. Yes, I went to my hometown! and I caught flu... I am in the bed about a week.. Uff..
Anyway, Tokyo was great!
We had good weather, about 20 degrees, every day. Just with shirt was great.
We went all around Tokyo. So, I would like to write about little Tokyo guide little by little.
For now just little hello!
Cheers,

Di Johnston - Shanghai Restoration Project

2008-09-23T00:03:00.006+02:00

Di Johnston.
I like her music recently.
There's atmosphere of mixture of the world and futuristic city scape. Just like Tokyo or somewhere big city with many sky scrapper... you are there, at night watching the night scape from the big window.. You can see a lot of tiny light like you opened secret jewelry box and spread it all over. Or just running through the city with car in high speed. anyway.. the romantic and gentle voice will bring you to one night city escape..

Clazziquai Project

2008-09-22T23:29:00.004+02:00

Music is the one thing which I like. I like anything, listening, singing and playing. Since I was little music was always near to me. When I was little I had small electric piano. I asked to my mother if she can buy me an exercise book and so I can learn a little bit more.. I've never got a lesson but I liked so much playing it. Fascinating the sound and touch my heart everytime.. anyway, this music group from South Korea, call Clazziquai Project is my recent favourite. They play kind of pop and electronic sound mixing music. Their symbol is a cute pig! My favourite music is this one "Sweety".
It lighten my heart and makes me happy! As the title say it's very sweet. Have a look!

Flights

2008-09-06T22:22:00.002+02:00

And so.. This is the final of trilogy of the picture I like recently.
Flight. Not flying with airplane but there's a comic magazine collects of short stories call Flight. Edited by Kazu Kibuishi. I don't know much about the inside how is composed but I liked the cover he is making. It remind me some atmosphere of film Laputa and Nausica of Hayao Miyazaki. I love these flight scene and colors..

Pink bonbon earrings

2008-09-06T08:43:00.002+02:00

Finally new item on my shop! I made these little beaded beads and combined with little swirled glass beads. It's pretty and good for girly party or just want to be in gorgeous mood.

Happy Birthday to me!

2008-08-31T11:37:00.005+02:00

So today is my birthday! I get 31.. incredible! This is the mini card that my mother sent to me. She seems like mini square pop-up card. The time has pass incredibly fast and i even cant' imagine I've got 31... Anyway, the important thing is to be healthy and be happy. Like in the song.. don't worry, be happy! Singing this song and going ahead..

Hope you had great weekend too!

Pink and Violet

2008-08-30T19:14:00.003+02:00

Here's my new pink and violet flower necklace!
This necklace is made of wood beads so it's not heavy. Light, pop color and cute! I love these violet and pink.
Here is getting hot again. Although, in the morning is very cool.. Little by little feeling of the foot step of autumn..
Have a nice weekend!

Poem book for children from Hungary

2008-08-24T02:14:00.010+02:00

It was last year at Bologna Children Book Fair, I was really tired from walking all around the fair, it was almost time to leave, and I stopped at booth of Hungarian publishing.. then I found and I fell in love with this lovely Hungarian book.
It call "Friss Tinta!". It seems Hungarian poem but it's a pity that I can't read...
Every page is different graphic and illustration. I like these warm color and surrealistic drawing.. and so I looked up for the illustrator.
She call Mari Takacs from Hungary and is doing graphic designer too. She also did various illustration for other Hungarian children books.
I looked for on the internet if it's translated in some other languages but I couldn't find any.. If someone know if it will or already translated and pubblished, I would be happy!
Here's some of her work..

Little escape to Venezia

2008-08-22T15:33:00.005+02:00

Yesterday we did short trip to Venezia!
We took highway and it took about 3hours. From Venice we took little boat to Murano.
Murano is famous for its glass work. And of course my purpose was to find beautiful glass beads! But there was not so much beads.. Instead there was many glass work mirror, lamp, little animal made of glass etc etc... I think there's place where selling bulk of beads but may be you should know the place... anyway, the island was bigger than I thought. But except the shop, when you go inside the island where there's resident area, it's silence.. I don't know if it's because summer vacation or because always in silence... a little bit sad..
anyway, at 3 o'clock, we took late lunch, fish spaghetti and fried fish. It was pretty good! and then we left Murano island and we went to Venice. We walked in the little alley like a labyrinth. Many small bridges everywhere. There's no car, no bicycle.. Only one we saw with the tire was a handcart for the post-man! It's very unique and at certain point you can feel as if you did a time trip to medieval. Feeling foot step of carnival people with mask.. mysterious and fascinating.. The day we went was hot! Extremely hot... there was no wind but strong sun light.. Anyway, we walked a lot and got tired but we saw many beautiful things.

Illustration from Taiwan

2008-08-20T01:36:00.009+02:00

I found this illustrator call Jimmy Liao from Taiwan. I found he draw delicate but lovely illustration. Using sometimes vivid color which is like tropical climate of Taiwan. It seems in Taiwan he did many illustration for children books. and also some of books are translated in other languages too.

Mountain

2008-08-18T10:20:00.003+02:00

This weekend, we went to mountain near Dolomiti, Trentino, border of Switzerland and Austria. It's about 180km from Bergamo. We took highway and then mountain road. The day we left it was not good weather... raining and cloudy. When we arrived at Mountain, it was cold! about 14 degree! I brought light cardigan but I didn't expect so much cold so we went to looking for another jacket and socks.. Next day it was fine sunny day, so we took the lift to go top of the mountain. There was only 10degree... so.. cold.. but the summer sun light is strong enough to get sun tan so we took chair and relaxed under the sun with jacket. We ate a lot and good cooking and relaxed..

Vacation to Belgium!

2008-08-16T22:02:00.006+02:00

and so.. I went to the vacation to Belgium with my Mom! Me and my mother went around in the city of Bruxelles almost every day and visited many museum. Here's little guide where I visited.
Royal Museums of Fine Arts of Belgium: they had exhibition of EXPO '58, CONTEMPORARY ART IN THE WORLD FAIR which was a grand world fair when my mother was a child.
Another one was interesting comparing and influences between oriental and western art "Oriental Fascination – Japonism in Belgium" at Hotel de Ville de Bruxelles. I think Japanese art influenced in a lot of category and various artists in the world their fascination. This time was Belgium painter.
René Magritte Museum: it is the house of Magritte which he lived when he created a lot of his work. While he was working as a graphic designer he painted many brilliant work. And many of his work where you can find houses or room was where he lived..

Belgian Centre for Comic Strip Art: it was second time which I visited this museum. This time it was to see Smurf 50's anniversary! I like this museum for the building and the exhibition. The building is very art-nouveau stile and my mom said one time it was textile shop. and now here it is, they are presenting Belgium Bande Dessinèe.

Ixelles Museum of Fine Arts:
Collection of Belle epoque mainly Alexandre Charpentier. I liked his work very much. Warm, delicate and fine sculpture themed on music and family.

In Bruxelles it was cool and not so good weather though as usual. but i enjoyed these exhibition. I hope you enjoy little tour of belgium museum with me!

Violetta

2008-07-29T00:27:00.003+02:00

It seem it's not a series but i actually making series with this baby pink beads.
This time I combined with violet beads. She is very cute like a violet in the garden.

Pink!

2008-07-27T19:43:00.002+02:00

New item on my shop. Pink body and light green crocodile named "pink".

Origianl

2008-07-27T09:15:00.004+02:00

This is the original color of the crocodile. The very original first creation was a little bit bigger than this one.. I like it because it's very fun and toy color.

Treasury by bdbworld

2008-07-23T23:55:00.002+02:00

bdbworld has made wonderful treasury! Thank you for including me!
Take a look!

Shiso

2008-07-19T23:29:00.003+02:00

One of my friend gave me this plant call "shiso". In latin name call "Perilla". It's a family of mint and have unique taste and perfume. I usually put it in the salad or just chop and mix with boiled rice with sesame. Or roll with chicken also is good!

Into Wonderland

2008-07-19T02:45:00.002+02:00

And so.. I made my Treasury too! I was thinking to make one recently and finally I did it! Have a look!

Treasury

2008-07-18T00:25:00.004+02:00

So I am in treasury! It's poppy bracelet choosed by Nightingale03! I combined with fused glass and round red berry like beads.

Acqua

2008-07-17T00:19:00.003+02:00

The second crocodile of this week is light blue one.
A drop of water made a cute one! Fresh like water of the mountain.

Swimmy

2008-07-15T01:11:00.002+02:00

Here's first listed of this week!
Yellow and blue crocodile Keychain! Imagine that one sunday at the swimming pool in the neighborhood. just relax and this crocodile is with you...

Sunday

2008-07-14T00:12:00.002+02:00

I have listed new earrings on my shop!
Here is cool tonight.. Elvis, one of our cat came home.. he was outside for 3days.
He is just 5year old but don't have the canine teeth.. He is just like a pirate cat.

I made some more crocodiles keychain. I will list them in next week! so please check it up!

Wonderland

2008-07-12T02:28:00.005+02:00

Here what I created with the words of my blog.

Create yours!

Pesca Tabacchiera

2008-07-10T22:51:00.003+02:00

In this season in the market there's little peach crashed.. I like it because they have strong sweet perfume and taste also sweet. Since I looked up on the internet: Here they call "Pesca tabacchiera". It is usually grown in Etna, Sicily. Inside is white and it taste very sweet. They call it "tabacchiera" because it seems antique tabbaco box...
If you find it I recommend to try it! It is very very good!

Perfumed garden

2008-07-09T00:17:00.005+02:00

This moment there's beautiful perfume in the garden. Very very romantic...
Gardenia

Jasmin

Magnolia

More new crocodiles...

2008-07-07T15:21:00.006+02:00

Here are more new crocodile which I made last week. It's already on my shop, etsy.

African Print

2008-07-06T20:43:00.004+02:00

I bought this african print skirt via internet! The shop call MANANI. MANANI means plastic or modelling in West African language. She is selling clothes made of African fabric and jewelry. They are very fabulous! The online shop is in Japanese but she has also shop in Paris.

I love the pattern and the color of this skirt.
Feeling this summer african air..

Here comes the sun...

2008-06-23T01:02:00.005+02:00

And finally, we have sunshine! and... too hot.. Never in right way... Anyway I am happy because there's sun.
And also another thing, I get cold. damn... Last Thursday, I had sore throat. I had to finish my work by Friday. I went to pharmacy to get medicine. On Friday I couldn't get up.. but I went to the office anyway. I left office right away when I finished the stuff I needed to do. It was 2pm. On the way home, I take train. I got wrong train. I noticed before the train took off. I was even sleeping there... I felt too much tired.. anyway I got home at 6pm, instead of arriving before 4pm.. damn...
These days, I am too much tired. May be because of rain, or work, or many events we had this month.. I don't know..
So this weekend, relax just relax. I just did things I like. Up dating items on Etsy, taking walk, cooking. And now I feel much better. :)
Hope you had nice weekend too!

New earrings

2008-06-15T17:21:00.005+02:00

Here is new added earrings on etsy. The one is kind of Carnival. The grass beads of blue and red dots. I like it because the dots makes me fun.

And the other one is Summer stream earrings.
These earrings reminds me when I was child, on the vacation, we went to the province in france. And one day we went to take a walk in the forest. See the sun light under the tree and everything is shining. Feeling the chilling air and sometimes there's a place you can hear the sound of streaming...
That's what it inspired me!

Hope you have wonderful weekend!

New necklace

2008-06-14T15:28:00.004+02:00

I have just up loaded to my shop etsy, new necklaces! One is made from wood beads and the other one is mix with wood beads and ceramic beads.
The red bordered one is very pop and cute. I imaged circus.
The other one with blue tone, inspired by Chinese blue lotus. The blue bird is the point!

These days we don't have so much good weather... It seems rainy season in Japan...
not humid though, but cold... oh.. when will the sun shining day appear...

Funny face

2008-06-02T19:15:00.003+02:00

While I was taking photo of the earrings, Dora came to see what i am doing..
here is here funny face!

mandarin earrings

2008-06-02T18:10:00.005+02:00

These days here is not good weather. raining, raining and raining... except yesterday it was sunny day. So, I made this yellow sunshine earrings!
you can find on etsy shop!

The Weepies

2008-05-13T01:31:00.000+02:00

I found this group duo the other day. i like it very much.

http://www.myspace.com/theweepies

green monday

2008-05-13T01:24:00.003+02:00

Seeing fresh green vegetable makes me happy! Green Asparagus and Erbette (= grasses?). Erbette is a kind of spinach but taste is more delicate. I don't know what call exactly and what spacies...

red sunday

2008-05-12T00:21:00.006+02:00

red. when i notice that red color is often near me.

Apple Confiture

2008-04-06T19:21:00.003+02:00

This weekend i didn't do nothing... (nothing mean for the house cleaning..) except cooking and meet some of my frieds. Having lunch with them and chitchatting all day long. It's a while i didn't see my friends so it was very very fun! It's not good always doing rutin things and get stress of the every day life... anyway, While i was surfing on the internet this morning, i found a blog which was writing about confiture. And, this inspired me. I had some apples which i didn't know what to do. They were becoming shrinking... So i decided to make a confiture with apple flavoured with cinnamon.

4 golden apples (600g)
sugar 500g
1 lemon
1 stick of cinnamon

Put all ingredients in the pan and heat them until the apples becoming trasparent.
That's it! it's easy, natural and delicious.
If you have apples i recommend it.

Me l'ha detto il topo...

2008-03-03T15:19:00.005+01:00

The mouse said so...

One day when we were talking in the office about horoscope Chinese, i had a question by my colleague, "How they decided these cycle of animals?". it's like to ask "How is decided horoscope astrology?" Yes, i know it's a simple question but one doesn't think often.. anyway, when one live another country, sometimes get difficult question which is completely don't have idea... when you live there you don't notice all things. or just don't interested in. but when you transfer to another country they expect to know everything about your country.. it's difficult. sometimes.. i don't say it's annoying. I am also happy to receive this kind of question. Because you know better than before about your country and discover the identity. it's ironic though..

anyway, i found the answer in coincident!
I found a beautiful book the other day call, "Me l'ha detto il topo".
It's Italian book. It tells about Chinese Horoscope.
It came from a Chinese legend. Very nice design and simple story.

Feeling the footstep of Spring

2008-03-03T14:13:00.006+01:00

Some days ago, while i was gathering dead leaves in the garden i found some flowers. I am not taking care of the garden so much, but when start to feel the spring i try take care a little bit... and this season usually there's some flowers blooming.

Snowdrop

Violet

Hina-matsuri, Girls day!

2008-03-03T12:49:00.010+01:00

Today in Japanese tradition is girls day. Usually we display dolls wearing kimono. Ever year my mother send me cards designed with this dolls. This year here it is!

It's a 3D card 5cm x 5cm. it's very little. and yesterday, i found some peach flower branches at flower shop. It fits very good with black vase which is my aunt gave me.

and also usually on girls day we make "Chirashi-zushi". it's a kind of sushi salad. the base of rice is sushi-like. and decorate with fish or vegetable you like. i usually put carrot and dry porcini cooked in soy sauce and sugar, salmon or shrimp, and then this time i put "cima di rapa" kind of broccoli sprout, and on the top egg crepes slices. in Japanese cooking is important the color. so if you can't find broccoli sprout it's ok anything green, green pie or spinach. instead of salmon or shrimp, if you find salmon eggs.. so you can arrange the topping as you like it. Important thing is just be colorful!

and as dessert, i usually do chopped strawberry with ice cream. or strawberry cake..
Now has just began strawberry season so anything with strawberry it's good!

so here is Girls day in Japanese style!
hope you enjoy!

Cats...

2008-02-26T14:16:00.003+01:00

Anyway, one of my cats broken the vase which has red tulip i bought on saturday... i knew. she is young (only one year..), she is curious everything but plants! she can't resist to touch it and smell it.. and of course, with that tulip too, she was curious. she was gazing it and tried to jump on the shlef... i said many times not to get near... oh well, she is only a cat... when she saw me she was escaping... then.. yesterday, I was at work, Fede called me...

so, it happened... flower trashed because i don't know... he bought me new tulips..
anyway. just it.

let's keep up.

Tiny

2008-02-24T13:50:00.008+01:00

There's a market every Friday near office. I often go there to discover something new. I like market very much. There's many thing and also i can see what is eaten in Italy.
and i found. i found tiny tiny white fish. They are also eaten in Japan too. They are becoming sardine or anchovy.. Yes! They are "Bianchetti" in Italian and "Shirasu" in Japanese!

The one i found in the market was boiled. In Italy it seems they eat with olive oil and lemon but in Japan, they use usually as topping of tofu, salad, pasta, or mixing with rice.

So I made "Shirasu Gohan". It's really simple. just cook rice and at the end mix with bianchetti and some wakame (algae). The bianchetti is already salted so i think it's enough tasty. If not add some salt.

Red Tulip

2008-02-24T13:40:00.004+01:00

I bought yesterday at supermarket a red tulip. It's red and elegant red petal like skirt of 18 century. I've never seen this species. I looked up on the internet and i think it's "Abba".. but I am not sure.. Anyone knows how it call???

30 list for new year

2008-02-07T21:26:00.000+01:00

It has passed already one month... and i thought it would be good idea to make a list! Inspired by her.
Here it is:

1. get in touch with my friends more.
I am very lazy for this.. and often i lost contact.. i am very sorry for this..
This year write, write and write! meet, meet, and meet!
2. see my best friend, Yuko!
It's a long time i don't see her. there's so much to talk.
3. go to Tokyo.
Yes! it is my home town!! i miss such messy, noisy but unique city in the world.
4. learn to draw a character.
5. learn a new recipe using vegetable.
6. see movie at least one a month.
7. improve speaking italian.
8. find a favourite illustrator.
9. buy a curtain for dining room.
10. take more photo.
11. go to see a play anything. (especially modern dance)
12. improve my etsy shop.
13. make many crocodile with beads.
14. do exercise. may be take a modern dance class if i found..
15. explore the town with bicycle.
16. visit belgium.
17. read books on native indian.
18. discover new indies song.
19. find some prints to put on the wall.
20. go to a flea market to find a treasure.
21. make a little bed for cats.
22. learn knitting
23. go to breakfast on sunday sometimes.
24. learn about tulip.
25. visit venice, murrano island.
26. make a berry cake
27. learn japanese cooking
28. experiment new soup.
29. go to drink with my best friend Anna.
30. continue write for this blog!

HAPPY NEW YEAR 2008

2007-12-31T15:18:00.000+01:00

I just wanted to say "Happy new year 2008 to all!" and i wanted to put a this video to share this moment, who had just arrived 2008 and who is going to arrive, with this cute monster. I like elmo from "Sesame Street" (He was my favorite when i was little.) and i found this is very cute and sweet and makes me smile a lot every time when i watch, even when i am sad..
I hope everyone will have a wonderful fun 2008!
Hope you enjoy it!

Bye Bye Spider! Bye Bye 2007!

2007-12-31T14:55:00.000+01:00

These days before reaching new year, i am cleaning all the house (however, "all the house" is big words..) anyway, the other day i cleaned the outside of the house, yesterday all window, today, i was cleaning the floor.. (it's still in work though..) and yesterday when i was cleaning the window, how many spider i found!!! From tiny tiny one to big one. eak! and the spider web. i don't like to kill it so i pushed out with a stick..
Now is beautifully clean and the window is shiny. Just a little thing like clean room makes me happy. Clean all dust of 2007 and welcome brand new 2008!

Wish you all happy happy new year 2008!

Soup seasons

2007-12-29T17:15:00.000+01:00

Winter is the season i don't like so much... the one thing i appreciate that it's good for Soup season. Because i like very much Soup! Each winter i experiment new soup.
Soup of Finocchio. (Finocchio is fennel in italian and i use the part of bulb), Tomato, Carrot, Zucchine, Green Piece, Porro... I usually combine with potato and at the end i use blender to mix them all up. The result is 50/50. Sometimes is good and sometimes not... anyway. my experiment is just begun so this winter during the holiday season i will try some more. and it is good to rest your stomach from heavy festivity dinner or lunch...

new earrings

2007-12-29T17:09:00.000+01:00

Here is new earrings i made these days. These are on my Etsy shop. I hope you enjoy and find something you like!!!