--- Milk Tea ---

Stall Holders Wanted for New Arts & Crafts Market!

2011-07-15T13:46:00.000+01:00

Hi, everyone! My friends I are organizing an Arts & Craft Market in Crouch End London on 10th Sept. 2011, and we are looking for people who would be interested in taking a part. If you would like to know more about it please send an e-mail to:

jollyhobbies@gmail.com

But please hurry because the deadline to submit your booking form will be closing soon!

You can also read more news at our Jolly Hobbies Market blog.

Looking forward to hear from many of you!

Small Pokadot Beads Earrings

2011-06-21T14:10:00.000+01:00

When I found these polka dot looking beads, I just knew I had to have them and make something. And here it is, I made earring with them and it's in the shop now!

What I like about this earrings is that it's simple and the shape is unique. Here, how I'm showing the back ground is clear and bright so you see the two chain connected to the crescent shape wires, but what makes these earrings special is that when you have them on, of course the back ground won't be always like what you see in the image above, so it looks as though the crescent shape wire are floating with the polka dot beads! The gold color wire shines and it's so pretty! Also, I hammered the wire myself and this too becoming addicted. Probably you'll soon see many more designs that are hammered in my shop :)

At Last!

2011-06-08T18:32:00.000+01:00

So, sorry everyone who's been coming back again and again to see if I'm back blogging again!

I didn't go anywhere but I've just been busy and ~~lazy~~ doing some work etc. Also, I was recently sick more than a week and recovered just few days ago. But then again I was wrong. My throat started to hurt again from yesterday...  Nooooooo... It's this weather's fault! One day the weather is hot and the next day it becomes cold. Every year same story and I've been living here for a quite long time but never can get ready to this(sigh).

But anyway, that doesn't stop me from creating things!
I made this bangle above. It's one of my favourite now! I like the light green thread and the faux pearl  dangling from a chain. I'm thinking maybe doing it another color. You can see this is my shop now.

P.S. It's been nearly three months and one week since the earthquake happened in north Japan. Although it's not part of the Japan I was born,  I was devastated when I heard about the news. I was also very frustrated that I'm living in a different part of the world and couldn't do anything but to donate some money. It was a very sad moment for me. But again I was very moved at the same time that so many people from all around the world trying to help my country! So as a Japanese person I would like to say thank you very much to everyone for all the support you gave and still giving!! We appreciate all your kindness!

If you still would like to donate, the Japanese Red Cross is still accepting donations. I put a link to the Japanese Red Cross website at the top right page of my blog. You can click the image and you'll see all the details how to donate.

Ako
x

Free Delivery Starts Today

2011-03-03T11:12:00.000Z

Free Delivery starts from today until 17th of March!

Please enter freeshippingspring at the checkout.

New items are added frequently, so please come and check the Ebony & Ivory shop often.

Thank you♥

Scotch & Soda from Amsterdam

2011-02-17T11:29:00.000Z

From Amsterdam label Scotch & Soda

These are from the kids line Scotch R'belle

These are for girls, and I would love to get this for my daughter.

But I wish they had these for women's size as well!!

MASION SCOTCH

A new women's line from Scotch & Soda

Please open a shop in London!!

Kids Necklace

2011-02-02T16:03:00.000Z

I've been selling kid's bracelet at the Family Tree shop for some time and it seems to be selling quite well. Now I'm working on making necklaces for kids too. This is just one of them I made last week.

Picture from MILK Japon magazine

Caravan

2011-01-28T17:38:00.000Z

Pretty shop called Caravan in Shoreditch UK!

I have to stop by there some day.

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

New Bangle added in the shop today.

Stall Holder Wanted for New Arts & Crafts Market!

2011-01-24T16:32:00.000Z

　Hi, everyone. I'm excited to announce that my friends and I are starting up a new arts & crafts market call Jolly Hobbies Market in north London area.

If you're a photographer, painter, designer, crafter, etc. and would like to join and open a stall, please contact me at jollyhobbies@gmail.com

Or if you know anyone who would be interested about the market, please pass it on for me!

Thank you.

Also, you can check out the Jolly Hobbies Market blog!

====☆ A Big Thank You ☆===========================

Just recently Katrina from Pugly Pixel has featured my bracelets in her new blog called 10 Pretty Things.

Thank you Katrina!!

30% Off SALE

2011-01-21T13:17:00.000Z

Hi, everyone.

Sale starting today in my shop!

You get 30% Off.

*All prices shown are already in discount price.

*New items are excluded.

My Favourite Things

2011-01-14T16:27:00.000Z

I haven't been buying flowers for awhile.

I like stars.

This is my star dress.

These pictures were taken the other day.

What are your favourite things?

Zzzz...

2011-01-10T16:57:00.000Z

Our cat Sushi.

Sleeping.

Zzzzz....

++++++++++++++++++++++++

New Item updated in my shop.

Some Things That I Found Red and Pink

2011-01-08T16:46:00.001Z

A late Happy New Year to everyone!

A fresh new start :)

Oh, Christmas Tree

2010-12-22T17:29:00.000Z

3 days until Christmas! And I'm blogging. Just been so busy for awhile and now that I'm having to have a little time, I'm updating my blog. Also, because this could be the last post for this year.

So, what's been happening around me...

No.1
--------------------
Very surprised of how much snow we're having in the UK this year. I'm watching the news and the country is having difficult coping with it. Especially the transport. I heard some people won't make back home outside of UK because most of the plane flights are canceled... :-(
We'll be staying home most of the time.

No.2
---------------------
-Our Christmas tree is up now and decorated! = (Hooray~! Another fun thing I've done with my daughter.)
-Getting Christmas gifts for family and friends. = (I know. I shouldn't go. But...Oxford Street London was CRAZY!)
-Getting ready sending letters and gifts. = (They're on it's way now.)
-Receiving lots of presents. = (Thank you!)
-Watching lots of ~~same old~~ Christmas movies on TV. = (Oh,Yes!)

And warm wishes to everyone.

☆Have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! ☆

Seasons Showing

2010-11-24T18:31:00.001Z

I heard it's going to snow this week?

+++ Note +++

I'm doing a special offer now in the shop.

Everything is 30% Off until the 28th.

Type :

christmas1110

when checking out.

STELLA McCartney Kids

2010-11-16T13:16:00.000Z

STELLA McCartney Kids has arrived!

Create

2010-11-04T13:38:00.001Z

The other day, Hiyla and I were playing with this book ”ジャバラ　ワークブック(Jyabara Workbook)”that my friend sent to Hiyla as a present from Japan.

And oh yes, we had so much fun with this book!

All the pages are connected to each other, so when you open the book it's like a one long paper. After that, people looking shapes shows on each page and what you do is you decorate on them with the stickers or you can cut out patterned paper that comes with the book.

So the book, not only makes the kids fun(stickers! using scissors!) but it will make them use their imagination and creativity skills. And + this is fun for the adults to play with as well! Hiyla and I were giggling together what we made and thinking what kind of person can we make next.

After finishing decorating all the people, this book sure will be nice to display in the kids room.

Book by tepura tepura.

Have a look at more nice things in their website!

My New Toy

2010-10-26T13:02:00.000+01:00

I bought an iPhone4 a few days ago!

I straight away bought the Hipstamatic app.

Can you see the effect with the photo ?

I found about this app from sam's red shoes blog awhile ago. I always liked the vintage camera look on photos and I really thought this app was great. Although, back then I didn't have a iPhone or a smart phone, so I couldn't have this app. But now that I have it, I tell you, this can make you very addicted!

☆Oh, and also I'd like to thank so much for all the people who came to visit my stall at the of Cabbages & Kings Market. I had a very nice time up there meeting with many customers and crafters! ☆

Bracelets, Barcelets, Bracelets!

2010-10-01T18:47:00.001+01:00

I've been making some bracelets recently and this one above, Liberty Print Fabric with Vintage Charm Bracelet, I'm loving it! I'm thinking of making some more of these wtih different charms.
And more different design bracelets soon to come!

== NEWS ==
I'm attending of Cabbages & Kings Market on 09, Oct. 2010. So, if you are around London, this is a chance to see me and Ebony & Ivory collection in person!

of Cabbages & Kings market
Date: 10, Oct. 2010
Time: 11am - 5pm,
Place: Abney Hall, 73a Church Street, Stoke Newington, London N16 0AS

Summer Homes

2010-08-01T17:26:00.000+01:00

With my Rococo Chocolates

Having been looking at these beautiful summer homes from August issue of UK Elle Decoration, I'm also excited to go on a holiday from this Tuesday! We're also going to Turkey again to our summer home. I love our home there, but these houses really inspires me more what I want to do to our home there. Some day, we're thinking of painting inside the house all white, like the picture of the home from the top third. Our summer house is bit dark inside at the moment, so if we paint all white, I'm sure it will be more airy and feel fresh. There are so many things need to be done to the house, but mean time we're going there for relaxing and having a nice family time!

--- Notice ---
Since I'm going on a holiday from Tuesday, I'll be closing my shop from tomorrow until I come back.

Until then, "Have a Nice Summer Everyone!"

Stamping

2010-07-16T14:48:00.003+01:00

I've been enjoying stamping using these Indian textile wooden stamps(blocks) these days. I bought these when Hiyla and I visited the V&A museum recently. Yesterday, I used the stamp to decorate wrapping banana cake that I baked for Hiyla's school cake sale. I felt very happy and excited that it looked very well . Too bad though I didn't have a time to take the pictures of them. I also had a great thumbs up for the banana cake from my husband.
Maybe next time I'll have a time to show the result!

Necklaces

2010-07-14T13:41:00.003+01:00

I've just added new necklaces in the shop.

The first necklace at the top, there's a hidden secret to it... Can you find out?

Free Shipping for limited time!

2010-07-13T01:00:00.002+01:00

*Free Shipping(insurance not included) from today July 13th until July 26th!

Come and visit Ebony & Ivory Shop.

Something Red

2010-07-12T18:00:00.007+01:00

Hiyla still playing with her train tracks and cars when she was baby.

Caramel Corn. I used to eat this when I was little. Still taste the same.

Hoping to have flowers everywhere around me.

Earrings and Bracelet

2010-07-08T13:56:00.001+01:00

Again, more new Earrings and Bracelet are in shop.

Especially my favourite is the Daisy Earring at the top and the Banana Bracelet! I'm thinking the Daisy Earrings would go nice with some gingham check shorts(like the A.P.C. Madras one) or dress. And the Banana Bracelet is just fun and sweet!

More Earrings Added

2010-07-06T14:41:00.000+01:00

More new earring added in the shop!

Sunshining

2010-07-05T17:26:00.000+01:00

I'm loving the weather these days in London. It's been sunshining for awhile and it just feels great! It seems this weather will continue this week. Yay!

I made some new earrings. There are in the shop now. I'm thinking these earrings will be perfect with a dress and go to picnics to show off them!

Music (Foals)

2010-06-11T14:22:00.002+01:00

This Orient

FOALS | MySpace Music Videos

My kind of style

2010-06-09T14:37:00.000+01:00

From Graham & Green catalog I received early this week.

I'm especially liking the distressed cabinet you see in the top picture in blueish green and the pink one in the bottom picture.

What I've been upto lately

2010-06-07T13:59:00.003+01:00

From top to bottom
1. May 29th was my birthday. My daughter gave me big hugs and kisses. I had a lovely presents from my family and friends.

2. We went to a fun fair recently and Hiyla won bubbles for a prize.

3. My friend sent me a birthday present and also with this Muji + Lego toy craft kit for Hiyla. This is such a wonderful crafty kit to have fun with your kids but adults can enjoy as well! I'm not sure if you can buy this in any other country, but if you can I highly recommend to everyone!

4. Hiyla and I went to the Science Museum. We went bit late there, so we were rushing around the museum. It was a great fun! Next time, we'll go there much earlier so we can more enjoy and see the things better. Also, a very quick look at the V & A Museum shop and the Natural History Museum.

Experimenting

2010-05-28T14:56:00.000+01:00

Yesterday was a horrible day. One of those days that you don't want to do anything. And I mean literally anything at all. I was upset the whole day. I don't want to go into details, it was a husband and wife thing that you know it happens once in awhile. Anyway, since I was upset all day my brain wasn't working as well. And so instead taking my daily vitamin tablets, I ended up taking my husbands pills... %&$^*! hope nothing will happen to me(so far I'm OK...?). That's how bad effects you when your so upset all day.

Even today I don't know why but I was still slightly in a moody mode. But I started making something just to get off my mind about anything and I wanted to experiment with my shrinking sheet that I had for awhile.

So, the above things are the result what I made. I made brooches from shrinking plastics sheets. I also added some vintage cabochons onto the images and also made a new paper sheet to present them on. Overall, I'm happy with the results! Feeling better now.

I've listed these in my shop now. Come and have a look!

A Wonderful Surprize!

2010-05-20T16:41:00.000+01:00

I just received a package today from my friend in Japan. She sent me this Eley Kishimoto magazine and some other nice things for me and for my daughter! It was a early birthday present for me. My friend always sends me these nice things on my birthdays and she really knows what to give. On the other hand I am so rubbish choosing gifts.

The magazine also came with a folding Eley Kishimoto umbrella! I really needed one and this would really come in handy. It's funny to say, but I can't wait for the rainny days to come now. ★

Anyway, I'm feeling so happy today!!!

I'll try to show you some more of the things that I received on another post.

Sweet Cushions

2010-05-19T23:15:00.000+01:00

Aren't these cushions just lovely!

These are from chocolatecreative. Not only the name is sweet but these cushions are as well! Margarita Lorenzo is the designer behind chocolatecreative. She also has a nice blog.

Tokyo Milk

2010-05-18T18:38:00.001+01:00

Tokyo Milk

Parfums, greeting cards, candles and many more nice things you'll find there.

Penhaligon's (so, i won't forget)

2010-05-17T15:10:00.003+01:00

Sorry, girls! This post may not interest you, but if you can little bit help me I'll be happy. :)

I was reading The Sartorialist's latest post.

I'm always having trouble finding a nice gift for my husband, but the Sartorialist post gave me a good idea what to give him for his birthday or as a Christmas gift this year. And so, I remembered that Penhaligon's had nice men's grooming products. So, I went to the website and I'm liking the Nickel Triple Razor or the Nickel Shaving Set. But I came up with a problem...

The Nickel Triple Razor is great since the razor can be changed to Gillette Mach 3 blade, which you can buy easily at almost anywhere. But does this Gillette Mach 3 Blade really does the job(shaving)?? Say if I find a nice looking razor like the Penhaligon's one but this one you have to purchase a special razor all the time from that special store. Would that delivers a better job(better shaving)? Or it's not about the razor but the shaving creams is the key to good shaving?? Perhaps this isn't the right choice as a gift? You see, I'm a girl and I really don't know anything about this territory(men's shaving)...

If there's anyone out there who can ask these things to your husband or boyfriend and have their opinion about shaving, or razors let me know! I'll be very happy to get an advice!

While looking Penhaigon's website, you can't miss the Penhaligon's Fragrance collection!

The ribbon, the vintage bottle shape it's perfect! Just what a girl like me wants! And the smell is divine. Also, the good news is that they are offering on some of the fragrances £10.00 off on the website right now! But before you get too excited, this discount only applies for UK customers...

Uniqlo Bra Camisole

2010-05-16T16:30:00.001+01:00

I went to pop into UNIQLO the other day with my friend. She told me this bra camisole is really nice, so I should try it on. I wasn't really sure of it in the beginning. But summer is coming and I wanted something that my bra strap wouldn't have to show under a camisole. So, I took one bra camisole to see how it fits. I tried it on, and then... I was over the moon!!!! It fits perfectly and nicely and comfortable and the price is only £9.99! I was even keep telling to my friend in the fitting room next to mine who was trying her things on that this thing was brilliant! Also, when you want to have a shirt on top, you don't have to have another layer(a bra)! On the website there's only black color in the UK(don't know about other countries), but at the store there were more colors to choose from. I think also the tube top bra camisole will come in handy as well.

Now I am so in love with these that I need to go and get more! ☆

20% OFF DISCOUNT! LAST DAY TODAY!

2010-05-12T16:13:00.000+01:00

It's the last day today to claim your 20% Off discount in my shop!

Also, I started Twitter! You can follow me here.

Thank you Pugley Pixel for the shipping label tag clip art! You can check more of her clip arts here. So nice, that I also down loaded the masking tapes!

Charm Necklaces

2010-05-10T16:48:00.000+01:00

New necklaces(from top: Vintage Charm Collection Necklace & White Rose and Cameo Necklace) in the shop.

Pretty Apple Tree Blossoms

2010-05-07T16:12:00.000+01:00

The apple tree flowers are blossoming everywhere in our garden now.

It's so pretty that I had to have some of them in my house!

New necklaces added in the shop. (From top: The Magic Lion Necklace and Star Light Necklace)

It's This Time of the Year Again...

2010-05-06T16:08:00.000+01:00

I'm always struggling adjusting my body temperature here. Especially this time of the year! The weather today could be very nice and sunny and next day it can become quite cold. And as you may know, I always end up catching cold and the germs spreads around the family. Well,... ending up the whole family catching cold.

More new brooches and earrings in the shop.

Pretty for Pony Tails

2010-05-05T17:20:00.002+01:00

I have this hair band in my shop now!

This would be pretty with a pony tail.♥

Also, if you go to the shop home page there is a shop announcement section. There I listed the original price and Sale price so it will easy to know how much you'll be paying.

*The price you see for the each item is still listed as the original price.

♥Treats♥

2010-05-04T13:06:00.002+01:00

Chocolate icecream with my daughter yesterday. She loves ice cream!

We need to go to this place.

Also, two more bracelets(from top: Vintage Button with Star Charm Bracelet and White Daisy with Heart Charm Bracelet) added yesterday.

---- More New Things ------

2010-05-03T14:59:00.001+01:00

Some more new things added in the Ebony & Ivory shop over the weekends.

More Necklaces In!

2010-04-30T17:26:00.000+01:00

More new necklaces in the shop!

From top to bottom: Charms with Tassel Long Necklace / LOVE Necklace / Star Necklace / Dream Necklace / White Rose & Buttercup Necklace / Hearts & Treats Necklace / Carrots Necklace

Ebony & Ivory Shop is Open!!

2010-04-29T12:59:00.005+01:00

Cllick the image to see large view.

Hello~.

So, the Ebony & Ivory Shop is up and running again!

Also, there is a 20% OFF discount on everything in the shop.

Most of the things are either in limited quantity or one offs, so if you see something you like, grab it before it's too late! ;)

I hope to hear from you soon!
xxx

A.P.C. Please!

2010-04-28T17:53:00.001+01:00

I would love to have this A.P.C. trench coat!

A.P.C. collection from Net a Porter.com.

Horrockses Fashion Inpired Collection at V&A Museum Shop

2010-04-26T12:56:00.000+01:00

I just had to do another post about the V&A Museum Shop that has Horrockses Fashion inspired collection!

How sweet are these 40's-50's inspired patterns!! And they're all Floral! Just like in my garden and everywhere now. So, the weather is getting nicer here(finger crossed it always changes suddenly here...) and looking at these pretty things, I might just have to pop into the shop myself!

Quilty Pleasure

2010-04-26T12:55:00.000+01:00

I'm lovng the V&A Museum Shop's quilt collection!

The Sartorialist in Japan!

2010-04-23T13:16:00.002+01:00

All images from The Sartorialist

The Sartorialist is in Japan now!

I heard that it's still cold in Japan(Tokyo).

It's my Mother's birthday today.

Happy Birthday Mom!

xxx

☆Shop Reopening Soon☆

2010-04-22T13:55:00.001+01:00

Hello, everyone! I'm reopening my Ebony & Ivory shop soon!

And I'm also very sorry not being able to update my blog for awhile... At the end of last year I had a very hard time with some thing and I was deeply in a sad situation. I hope you could understand.

Anyway, I'll be posting the opening date here on my blog again. But if you like to know sooner, do sign up to my newsletter! Not only you could receive the latest news from Ebony & Ivory but you could get some special offers!!

Playing with Penguins

2009-10-13T14:23:00.001+01:00

Playing with papers with my daughter on Sunday.

It was a great fun!

And the results are...

2009-10-12T13:53:00.001+01:00

This was the bag(I know, it's pretty big...;-)) used twice to pick the winners.

The good old way!

I've folded all the papers nice and ~~nearly~~ equally, so it will be fare to pick the winners.

And the results are....

The drum roll please! Ta-daaaa----!

For the Necklace - Penelope!!

For the Bracelet - ha-na!!

Congratulations to both of you! Please contact me with your address so I can send the prize to you right away!

For others, thank you so SO much for leaving such nice comments!!! You all made my day, making me a very happy person! And thank you always to all the other people supporting me out there! Those who missed the chance to get into the prize draw this time, no worries! I'll do another one again sometime!

So, if you don't want to miss out this kind of chance again everyone, do sign up for the mailing list! It's on the right side below my Ebony & Ivory website sign. It says 'Join mail list' with an envelope sign.

Ako

XXX

My Lomo

2009-10-09T11:40:00.001+01:00

I've played around with my Lomo Camera the other day. I had it for a quite sometime. I love the effects! However, I always forget to carry it on me... Also, I still need some practice to use this since most of my pictures comes out too blurry...

****Notice*****
Don't forget! It's the last day today to enter for the giveaway prize!

Finally the GIVEAWAY!!!

2009-10-06T14:32:00.005+01:00

This is the Bracelet

(Click the images to see larger view)

Hi, everyone! Yes, finally I've decided to do a giveaway for this bracelet & the necklace. Two lucky winners will have either the necklace or the bracelet! And of course, it will come with a gift box!

So, like to have a chance to win the necklace or the bracelet? Here's what you need to do.

-> Simply leave a comment here and let me know which prize draw would you like to be in(Bracelet or the Necklace). :-)

The entry will be closed on Oct. 09 Friday. The winners will be announced next Monday!
---Note----
To be fair, only one person per entry either the bracelet or the necklace. I know, it's hard to choose...

Well, good luck! I hope to hear from many of you soon!

New Bracelet + Giveaway News!

2009-09-30T15:13:00.007+01:00

New Bracelet

&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&
NEWS
Just to let everyone know, that I'm going to do a giveaway next week sometime!! Yes, it's true! A necklace...? So, don't miss out on this chance and do stop by to check out often!

Signs of Autumn

2009-09-28T14:11:00.005+01:00

New Season. Making new necklace.

Yesterday Hiyla and I picked some chestnuts and acorns. So many on the ground in our garden now. I remember eating chestnuts during autumn time when I was little.

I thought of picking and cooking the ones in the garden, but I'm just to scared if something came out of blue(like something creepy crawly)! Though, it means organic, right? And if it tastes good for them, it must mean that it tastes good for us... but, I don't think I want to take a risk. Not yet. So, off to the super market I go!

For Little Princesses

2009-09-26T15:59:00.007+01:00

~==============================================================~

Sometime ago, I made these bracelets.

Thinking of doing a collection for little girls...

I'm Back!

2009-09-25T12:19:00.008+01:00

On Monday...

At the Royal Academy of Arts

Laduree Macaroons from Picaddilly

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

And yesterday...

Made "Pumpkin Scones" from Muji Japan yesterday with my daughter.

My friend sent me this from Japan recently. The flour and some extra ingredients are already in the packet and you just need to mix it with an egg and milk. So, easy to make and tasted nice as well! I've only eaten one and rest of it went to my daughter and my husband... It would be nice, if they have the Muji snacks and foods here in the UK also.

++++++++++++++++++++++
Hi, everyone! Yes, I'm back again here in the UK! I've been back here for a while, but I was in a pretty hectic situation since I came back from my holiday. You know, unpacking, cleaning the house etc. I had a very relaxing time during my holiday and my energy is charged back and so now onto my daily routine again back in the UK!

Have a nice summer!

2009-08-10T13:41:00.001+01:00

Off to a holiday from today!

So, I won't be blogging for a while, but I'll start again when I come back.

Have a nice summer everyone!

XXX

Tombees du camion

2009-08-06T13:46:00.006+01:00

Oh, I forgot to post this one...

These are photos when I visited Paris last time. I went to a market and found this fascinating shop called Tombees du camion. This shop had a collection of miscs of vintage things!

Also which way the things displayed was very fun and interesting it seemed like you were in a museum!

I love to go back there again!

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::

I've just found out that Hello Sandwich has featured about my jewellery in her blog!

Thank you very very much!!

CA4LA

2009-08-05T17:59:00.008+01:00

CA4LA Harajuku Japan (pics from CA4LA)

Pics from here.

I love hats!

If you want to find unique style of hats, CA4LA(it pronounces "Cashila" and exactly same sound as "head" in japanese, but written differently...) is one of the place to go! The shop is from Japan, but there's a shop in Shoreditch London. I don't know if they have the same collection like the shops in Japan, but I remember going to the London one, and I was amazed with the collection!

I'm loving the collection on their Japanese website! So many nice hats that I want!!

Miki's Cake

2009-08-02T16:32:00.003+01:00

This is my friend Miki's cake!

She just started making them herself recently. Can you believe it? She never went to school to learn to do this either! Wow!

She made me couple of more cakes after that. I've tried her chocolate and lemon cake. A very nice treat indeed it was!! And as you can see it, it's too nice to eat it! I wanted to just leave it as it is and use it as a decoration! Miki is bringing another cake for us to try soon. Yummm...!!

Like i mentioned in my last blog, we're thinking of opening a stall together.

I can't wait!

Still making jewellery

2009-08-01T16:50:00.003+01:00

I know... I've been neglecting my blog.

I've been just thinking about my future and my mind was full.

As you can see though, I've been making jewellery. And still making jewellery. And it makes me happy!

These are some of the Ebon y & Ivory jewellery for Japan.

The head band is one of a new thing that I'm working on.

Also, I might be opening a market stall with my friend somewhere in London soon.

I'm not sure exactly when we're starting(hoping Sept.) and also if it's going to happen yet, but hopefully I'll let you know here at my blog!

--------------------------------------------

New Ebony & Ivory jewellery at The Galaxy Harmony!! in Japan.

Black & White Paris

2009-07-03T10:46:00.001+01:00

More photo's from Paris.

The Eiffle Tower

2009-07-02T12:51:00.004+01:00

The Tower.

Photo's from Paris.

At Liberty shoes department

2009-06-22T10:30:00.005+01:00

I wanted to share this story with everyone, because I was upset how I was treated and questioned what kind of service from a sales assistant you receive from a well known store.

Recently I visited Liberty in London.

I was browsing around the store and I came to the shoes department. I seen a shoes that I like and I checked the size. There's only one side of the shoes out on display. Although looking at the size on the shoes, it could be just right or just a little bit small for me. Anyway, I tried it on. The size was just about right, and I wanted to try on the other side of the pair to see how they will look before making my mind up to purchase it. Also, you know sometimes your feet size can be slightly different to your others.

Most of the sales assistant around the floor I seen seemed to be occupied to a customer. But, I seen a sales assistant at the cashier. And so I went up to her and asked if I could try on the other side of the shoes. She responded me in an unfriendly way, "Did you try on it first before you are asking?" and I told her I did.

And then she said,

" If your not 100% sure you're going to buy it, please don't ask me to go and get the other side of the pair. Yes, or No?"

That point, I was so stunned what she had just said to me I only could say Yes to her. I never ever had a shoes sales assistant say such a thing to a customer! It wasn't busy at all, like I said maybe one sales assistant per customer.

That day, I was very disappointed how I was treated. I know many of the staffs there are always very friendly and helpful, but the sales assistant that I had experienced at the shoes department in Liberty was not at all that way!

I contacted Liberty via email last week and I didn't receive any reply yet...

New items at Family Tree

2009-06-13T17:45:00.009+01:00

New items for Family Tree!

These are only some of the things i delivered to their shop.

You can now see them at their shop.

I also made a hair band.

I think they will be lovely with pony tails.

Back from Paris

2009-06-11T14:43:00.007+01:00

A necklace that I made recently.

No. 3.

I'm back!

My Mother went back home on Tuesday and this 2 weeks was fun and hectic.

Like i said, i went to Paris!! This was my second time going there. Though, i don't quite remember a thing about my first visit there because i was about five...

To go to Paris, we(me + My mother and Hiyla) took the euro star. Also, taking the euro star was first time and I was very surprised that it only took less then 3hrs arriving at Paris!
We went on the euro star after Hiyla finished her school and plus because of the one hour time difference, we arrived at the hotel at 10pm. Pretty late...So, the first day was finished just traveling.

Although, with little time we had in Paris, over all it was a great fun and experience!

I'll be posting some more things about Paris later.

To Paris

2009-06-04T22:25:00.002+01:00

I'm off to Paris for three days from tomorrow!!

Have a nice weekend everyone!

At the Car Boot Sale

2009-06-01T01:24:00.003+01:00

I went to a Car Boot Sale(Flea Market) today with my Mother and Hiyla. This was the first time for me and I found so many wonderful things!
These are just some of the things that I found there and I couldn't resist playing around with them displaying my jewellery...
I think I'm going to be addicted to the Car Boot Sale for now on!

I'll try to post more things that I bought from there later.

She's going to Japan...

2009-05-18T12:04:00.010+01:00

Yesterday, Hiyla and I went to St Pancrass station to meet up with my friend. She only had few hours to be together with me and Hiyla, since she had to go to Heathrow airport straight after. She's going back to Japan for 2 weeks to see her family.

We had a cup of coffee and a nice chat at Paul. After that Hiyla wanted to have an ice cream, so we went to Peyton and Bryne. I liked they're simple label packaging and the display of the cakes and cookies. They seem to have lovely things to eat!

Another thing I was amazed about the staion was that there were so many nice looking places to eat in and shop! The St Pancras International had an architectural restoration and I am liking it!

Anyway, I'm thinking about Japan... but hopefully my mother's coming very soon and I'll have lots of treats from there!

==================================

Note

My exhibition in japan was suppose to be ending yesterday, but it will be going on until May 20th!

On a very nice day...

2009-05-14T13:30:00.004+01:00

Hiyla and I went out in the garden to enjoy the lovely weather the other day.

She picked some flowers.

This was nice then I expected. Green one is my favourite.

Enjoying with Hiyla.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::

Note

I closed my shop for a new look. It will be opening very soon again!

Thank you for your patience.

More New Things to Show

2009-05-11T17:37:00.011+01:00

Just few things to show.
I made more things, but I won't be able to show everything here, so just few new things I'm showing. These are for Bonbi Forest Indie Emporium. The banana brooch becomes a necklace pendant as well.

Catching Butterfly

2009-05-09T09:43:00.007+01:00

Hiyla wearing my new jewellery piece that i made recently.
She said she wanted to pose for me wearing this necklace.

∞・∞・∞・∞・∞・∞・∞・

I like mina perhonen's designer Akira Minagawa's house, found at AAA.

Some more new jewellery

2009-05-08T12:49:00.004+01:00

Gold huge hoops with apples.

Vintage black Swarovski rhinestone hoops with faux pearls and glass beads and love bird charm.

Vintage glass beads, vintage sea horse charm, faux pearl and onyx.
Nautical theme bracelet.

My shelf with Many Many things!

You can see I'm making more new things.I've also made some jewellery with less color used, like the ones with the black swarovski rhinestone and the nautical theme one you see in the picture here above. I guess the color black brings the bit more settled down tone to the jewellery and I'm liking this way as well.

Fruits it is!

2009-05-06T10:42:00.004+01:00

Fruits!

I made some new bracelets. I always thought necklaces and earring will sell more well, but I was wrong. Bracelets are doing well, so I'm just stocking up some bracelets.

More fruits!

New gift box design I made.

My Mini Mini Garden

2009-04-30T10:28:00.003+01:00

Couple weeks ago, a rose popped out!

Can you see, just only this one shoot out and blossomed.

To be honest, I'm not a very good person to look after plants. But I thought if I place the plants right front of the kitchen sink, I thought I can water them and look after them, much better.

And it worked!

I have a parsley and this rose right in front of the kitchen sink now. It's like a mini garden for me, and it brings me little happiness seeing them always green.

At Last!!

2009-04-30T09:59:00.008+01:00

I just recently bought this Karin Eriksson beaker here for myself and for my mother.

I remember once my mother seen Karin's work in a magazine(forgot the name...) and she told me she liked it very much. So, I thought it would be nice to give to my mother one of her work as a present on her birthday, which was in April.

I went to search for her work and found it. It was on sale! Not exactly the same that we seen in the magazine, but still I know my mother would like it! And, also seeing it on SALE, there was no way that I could miss this opportunity to buy for myself as well! OK, maybe it's just an excuse... But we all make excuses to purchase things, no?

I've seen her work at Crafts Council exhibition few years ago and since then I've always wanted her work. So, beautiful and elegant! And now I have one, I'm so pleased and happy!

Read me also has a nice one!

More images here.

I see Spring!

2009-04-24T11:04:00.003+01:00

My solo exhibition started today!

Although, I'm not there in Japan, I'm so excited and also bit nervous that if people will show up??? But, I just had a mail from Tapie Style(shop) staff that they sold one of my bracelets today already!

Hurray!!

If you're in Japan Osaka, please come and pop in to the shop!

I'd love to hear from anyone how it was like!

I'm now going to enjoy this lovely weather! ☆☆☆

Feel like marching...

2009-04-18T17:20:00.004+01:00

Very nice day!

Lots of flowers are popping out now!

I'm feeling good.

As you can see, i decorated front of my conputer wall which was blank white.

I'm liking it.

☆

i like this song.

Ready to ship

2009-04-07T12:10:00.008+01:00

Finally ready to ship to Japan Osaka for my coming exhibition at Tapie Style.

I made over 50 jewellery!
I really wish I can go and see...
The staff there helped me so much even though we are really far apart!!
We communicated with emails and on the phone deciding how it can look etc.
The exhibition was mentioned at a free news paper in Osaka.
Also, it might be(not quite sure yet...) mentioned on a magazine in Japan?
Which is really a great news for me that I didn't expect!!

Just want to say Thank You SO Much for all the people who work there with all the help! The Ebony & Ivory exhibition wouldn't happen if it weren't for them.

I'm hoping everything will go well.
Fingers crossed!

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
The Ebony & Ivory exhibition "Sweet Memories" starts from April 24 ~ May 17
Place: Tapie Style (Japan, Osaka)
Time: 12:30~19:30

To Japan

2009-03-24T11:40:00.005Z

At last I sent out the package that was going to the new boutique in Japan Osaka!

This one I just made at the last minute for the shop. Bit of a Summer theme going on. And I forgot to mention the shop name, didn't I. It's a new boutique that's going to open beginning of April called The Galaxy Harmony.

I am so thrilled now that my jewellery is finally going to be in Japan!

And now I'm off to work again for my coming exhibition in Japan...

For new shop in Japan

2009-03-20T23:20:00.010Z

I know I haven't been posting for a while, but I've been so so busy! A very happy busy!!

I'm making more things for a new shop to open in Japan Osaka. The shop owner told me she's going to open the shop in April, and they would like to have my Ebony & Ivory jewellery before it opens. So, I really need to send my jewellery very very soon! They are nearly ready to send and the pictures here are only some of them to show.

My favourite at the moment is the Banana Bracelet and the Banana necklace. Banana Alert!!

Also, for the coming exhibition, I'm getting ready as well and it's almost ready.

It's just so nice to have my things going to be sold in Japan!
I'll post some more pictures if I can soon...

Getting ready

2009-03-04T10:30:00.009Z

Getting ready for the exhibition.

Yesterday, I made the label for the gift box. It's a new design. Printing and sticking it on each box took quite a long time to finish it then I expected, but I'm proud of the result. As you can see in the photo above, I used vintage wall paper patterns for the label on the cover of the box and also for inside the rectangle one.

I'm now getting more and more excited as day by day the jewellery are placed in the gift box and being nearly ready to be shipped to Japan.

Exhibiting in Japan

2009-02-24T10:42:00.003Z

Exciting news!

I'm going to exhibit my jewellery collection Ebony & Ivory in Japan in Osaka! One shop really liked my jewellery and they offered me to have a mini exhibition set up at there shop. The dates are not set yet. Now I wish I could go and see there myself, but unfortunately I don't think I can make it...

So, I'm going to be bit busy making jewellery for awhile and it's just a wonderful news for me and I'm so so happy!!

I'll try to update the information as soon as I know about everything.

Crazy Days. Cough...

2009-02-16T10:25:00.012Z

Saturday was V day and Hiyla and I made some Butterfly cupcakes.

Before then that, we caught the flu on the day before V day. Not surprisingly. My wedding day, Christmas, New Years, I seem to get sick easily on many many occasions...

Anyway, Hiyla and i were both coughing. cough,cough...cough, apparently we are still in the same condition today. I was blowing my nose sounding like an elephant... feeling scruffy... but on the other hand, as usual Hiyla was just cheerful and energetic all day. It wasn't a day having fun for the V day, well, for me at least with the cold, but i wanted to make a little effort to make this day little tiny bit special, and thought my spirit will be up if we start making something on that day or rather i should say doing something, so our mind would be thinking something fun instead of feeling miserable. So, we decided to make a cupcake for my husband. And at the end, feeling little better with all the chocolate surrounding me??? we ended up making brownies as well! And yes, we enjoyed it!

After baking this butterfly chocolate cupcakes, perhaps it could looked better with the plain cupcake that I took the inspiration from Nigella Lawson's cook book that I have. Though, don't get fooled with the looks, the taste is great! After all, it's CHOCOLATE cupcakes!

And Yes! Lots of chocolate treats we had indeed!!

:::Continuing Next Day:::
My craziness(or being mad or trying lifting my spirits up) so continued yesterday. My husband had to work and he wasn't at home. Still coughing badly on Sunday I went crazy starting cleaning my jewellery working room. This started because from the night before i couldn't stop thinking of tidying my room...I couldn't go to sleep either! I know, it's Crazy! And Why?I don't know either....

I badly needed to organize my room and this was a must to do thing this year. I'm not the most tidiest person in the world that, i much envy many people who show their work places in the stylish magazines and I'm thinking that how on earth they are achieving that, and that would never be me...( oh, no! i shouldn't mention this here, then no magazine will pick me now to interview my work or my work space, but wait, that would never happen anyway, so beat it... Oh, wait, wait, wait that's not true... argh... "@&^$#!)

After starting tidying up the room, literally everything was everywhere!! Moving heavy shelves and finding unexpected creatures(spiders...) hiding behind(perhaps i invaded there happy life, cozy place etc...) and I regret why i started and why i had started when I'm sick... cough, cough,cough, excuse me...

Part of me was thinking, this is enough, i don't have to do this today but again no, no, no, i won't finish cleaning my room if i don't finish it NOW! Therefore, in my mind, i was determined to finish this mess TODAY. So, i built up my concentration and just went on cleaning.

But, you know, once you start something that you really need to finish, you get this amazing energy coming through you and you forget that your sick and all your mind and goal is to finish what you started!

.....

.........

............

.................

.....................................................

about 4 hours later...

At last! Finito!

i think i don pretty well. Well, OK, I admit. There are quite more things to do in putting things in order, but overall I'm quite happy of the result and looks more organized than before.

I'm feeling little better today. Cough...

I'll try to list the recipe maybe next time.
NOTE---My jewellery can be seen on Family Tree Shop's website now and available to purchase from there!

New tags

2009-02-06T12:57:00.006Z

An unexpected guest arrived the other day...

Yesterday, I checked my post box and YES! It arrived! New tags to go with my jewellery. I am so excited that I just made a brooch and tried the new tag. It has Ebony & Ivory engraved. It looks just better and nicer with them in real! It is bit pricey to make a tag, but it was worth it.

This year, I thought of putting more effort to my jewellery, so this is kind of the first step I took. Although, I'm thinking I didn't order enough tags now, so I need to order them more...

The photos here may be hard to see... It might help if you click the photos to see a slightly larger view. ??? Maybe not quite...

Snow!!

2009-02-02T13:38:00.006Z

Snow!!

It's snowing heavy today in the UK and it didn't stop yet. I heard it was going to snow heavily today, so I'm glad I went shopping to stock food yesterday. I guess many people were thinking the same thing, so the super market was packed with people! Although, I heard it on the news it was going to snow all day today, it was quite a sunny day(not that it was warm or anything) yesterday, so I had a little doubt in my mind that the forecast would be wrong.

But no, I was wrong. It turned out that IT IS going to snow all day. Also, it seems like London was in a chaos today, with no buss running, the tube seems to be having a quite difficulty running, and some of the roads were closed...

The solution, just better to go and take your slay(sledge) make snowman and have fun while this snow lasts!

::Just made some new things.::
Spoil Me necklace, I Love Honey bracelet and Chunky charm bracelet

2009-01-29T15:02:00.017Z

Many apology for not being able to update new posts recently! I've been quite busy for awhile and time is just ticking away SO FAST!

Yesterday, I went to the Family Tree Shop to deliver new things again.

Also, I found this sweet little bird decoration there. I'm thinking of decorating near my desk. It's from Lush Design. Lush Design also has so many nice things! There was this from Lush Design at the Family Tree Shop, and I am so wanting this...

*** My Shop has a Valentines Day look now! ***

Off to the Market

2009-01-20T12:15:00.008Z

This weekend, my friend from Nottingham came to stay at our home.

On Sunday, my friend, Hiyla and I planned to visit the Spitalfields Market in London. We left the home late and the tube connections were very bad and because my friend had to go and catch her train by 4 pm, she didn't have any time left to stay and see the market at the end.

So, only Hiyla and I went to see the Spitalfields Market.

Last time when I saw the market, I remember it was still like a construction site with few stalls open and I heard that there won't be many stalls left any more after the construction finishes as it used to be. Though, on Sunday, when i visited there, I was surprised to see that there were many stalls at the market then I thought. Another thing I noticed was that I hardly saw vintage clothes stalls or people who sell their hand made craft things. Which I used to see and I liked to go there for that reason. That was bit shame, but maybe I could see more crafting people in the Sunday Up Market? This market it fairly new and I wanted to go there yesterday(another market close to the Spitalfields Market), but it was a cold day and I didn't want to drag Hiyla too much. She catches cold easily...

Maybe next time.

Also, I seen more new restaurants around the new looking Spitalfields Market and they looked nice to have lunch or dinner.

Next time, I'm going to go there bit more earlier.

After looking around the stalls Hiyla and I bought nice and tasty brownies and head home.

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
I found here that you can down load mina perhonen wall papers for your desk top. I've already down loaded for myself! But, there's one problem or maybe two... you have to register first and it's all in JAPANESE... yes... But, If many of you would like to down load the wall paper, i'll try to translate and help show how you can register with them and start down loading the wall papers!

Love,Love,Love

2009-01-13T14:37:00.004Z

Christmas was just few weeks ago, and now valentines day is on the way!

And guess what, I already saw at John Lewis just right before the Christmas day, there were already chocolates out on display for Valentine's Day!!

Everyday, seems to pass too TOO quickly when you get older, and I didn't know that when I was lot younger...

Anyway, I just made these necklaces. Just perfect for this valentine's day to come. I'll be adding these soon in the shop.

For the little ones

2009-01-08T11:16:00.005Z

at Graham and Green (for kids).

This is what i need to get for Hiyla!

She takes all the cushions, blankets and chairs around the house to make a house(hide out) for herself.

Puzzle Dinner Tray

Classic Red Trycyle.
Lou Lou Ghost Chair
I just found out that now you can purchase kids size in this!

Spring can be on its way

2009-01-06T14:24:00.008Z

Hello.

Although, it's very very cold here in the UK these days, i found already a sign of Spring...

Inside home is though, still Christmas looking...

And also, now our fridge is pretty much empty, i had to go and do shopping.

i'm thinking of something Italian for dinner tonight.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

2009-01-05T13:53:00.011Z

*HAPPY NEW YEAR! *

Hiyla showing her tiny bear from the Family Tree Shop and her favourite bunny.

========================================

It was so hectic this few days.

From last year actually... and not going so well from the beginning of this year...

Today things settled a little so hopefully everything will turn out to be fine from now on.

My New Address Book

2008-12-30T15:17:00.004Z

It's very very cold here.

The grass is still frosted in the garden.

A beautiful woodpecker in the garden stopped by also.

I'm having a nice warm cup of Twinings Camomile, Honey & Vanilla tea.

It smells wonderful and calming.

Just what I need now.

The address book that I had for a quite sometime, has some pages been cut into some pieces by Hiyla(it was a stage that she was fascinated cutting things with scissors and so I was looking for a new one.

And before Christmas, I found just the perfect one.

The photo shown here above.

A deep purple address book purchased at Liberty of London.

The address book is by Barbara Wiggins London.

You can see in her website beautifully hand crafted bags and stationary made from leather.

Christmas Card to Everyone

2008-12-24T16:30:00.006Z

Hope everyone has a Merry Christmas!!

XXX

New items at Family Tree Shop

2008-12-20T17:09:00.013Z

Angel, London

It becomes so quickly dark now, but the illumination on the trees are pretty.

Display window at Family Tree.

With little houses and little bears on the hanging cloud, the display window was so sweet!

Couple days ago, Hiyla(my daughter) catched cold and not so surprisingly, me and my husband were coughing in the house...

A week ago, I called the Family Tree shop in Angel, London and they told me my jewellery is nearly sold out. So, I was thinking to deliver more of my jewellery there sometime soon.

And yesterday, I wasn't feeling that bad and Hiyla seem to be feeling well, so we went to the Family Tree Shop to deliver more jewellery of mine. I'm so happy to see that my jewellery is selling well there and thrilled to receive my sales payment. It was like a Christmas present!

Maybe I can treat myself with nice things...

*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*- *-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*

Necklaces, Bracelets, Earrings and Hair Pins now at Family Tree Shop!

Our Christmas Tree

2008-12-13T12:48:00.014Z

Our Christmas Tree is up now.
But, we need some lights on the tree.

Almost there.

I maybe need to go here to do Christmas Shopping.

These are adorable for kids!

How are you doing with your Christmas Tree?

Energy Please!

2008-12-09T10:35:00.011Z

Blue sky and pretty color trees.

Some beautiful color tangerines and ginger tea to bring my energy back.

Suddenly I didn't feel well yesterday at all, and today I'm trying to gain back energy again.

My hands smells tangerine now.

============================
I've put up Christmas Tree in the shop now with twinkle stars! Come and have a look!

One more thing, it's the last posting date for overseas customers to receive your goods, by Christmas.

It's OPEN!

2008-12-07T22:36:00.013Z

Yes!
Ebony & Ivory website and the shop is finally OPEN again!

I thought I wouldn't be able to make it on Monday, but I did. So, there are some things to announce here to everyone, and you can also read at the News section on the website.

1. FREE deliveryFor all purchases over £10(excluding shipping fee) until 15th of December!

2. Last Christmas posting date for:
UK Customers --- Dec. 18th Overseas Customers --- Dec. 09 th

The website has a new look and this time I only have my Ebony & Ivory items and some other finds that I thought it would be nice to have in the shop.

So, I'm very excited now and I hope many people will enjoy shopping at my new website!

Sneak Preview

2008-12-04T13:52:00.005Z

This is a little sneak preview for the web shop that I'm reopening...

I'm still working on the shop, but it seems there's long long away to go getting finished. Hopefully though, I'll try to manage to open on Monday.