Gachapin Grass Garden

I watered my Gachapin and in no time his hair started growing!
He still looks sad. Or tired. Just like me. Not sad, but tired. Today i've started spring cleaning. Makes a girl tired. But the house clean.
Plus i have to throw my site and blog through some back end changes, transferring hosting provider and i need to do something scary with migrating my blog since blogger will stop supporting blogs through FTP.
Keep your fingers crossed i get everything transferred and back up and running smoothly, but if my site seems missing for a bit over the next few days, i'm working hard getting things back to normal!

All the fabrics i bought in Tokyo inspired me to get back behind my sewingmachine. (not all fabrics in this pic are from tokyo, a lot come out of my stash) I don't know why i thought it would be a good idea to make a Queensized summer blanket for my hubby and me. Don't even ask how many squares i am cutting! But it is starting to look like something and i have to continue to get it ready before the real summer heat gets to New York!
Wish me luck. lol

Sunday Owls

I love Sundays as you might know

The entire week feels like I've got no time to loose, everything is in a rush and then when Sunday arrives i wake up with such a calm feeling. This is my day. I can take a walk with no specific destination or hang on the couch the whole day. Or, if i happen to choose so, i can even do some work. But in a very relaxed way. It feels like everything i do get done on a Sunday is a bonus.

This last week was a busy one. Did you notice the lack in postings on my blog? Not that i had nothing to show or tell, just didn't set time apart to write. oh oh. I have been working on some new illustrations, but nothing finished yet. Trying to set up some new ideas for the future. Did a lot of thrift shopping and found some wonderful goodies that are either already up in my shop, or will be very soon. I did list a lot of new items in the shop, mainly vintage finds and a couple of Japanese craft books (oh, thank you Shibooya for your sweet post about the books you bought!)

What's up with the owls? I don't know really. But there's always time/room for cute owls in my book! Especially when they come in pretty blindboxes like Nathan Jurevicius' Peleda wind up toys! Or when they are dark dark brown candles found in my local thriftshop!

Incorporating pigs into your decor

Really? Pigs in your interior? In my creative space they found their place. These tiny capsule toys now live in my revamped shadow box letterpress drawer. Cute enough?

Murry Murry and the Misses

I found these cuties hanging around deep in Chinatown. Too cute not to take home right? My friend named the green one Murry Murry (which sounds like the cutified version of my friend's name) and i then named the pink one Misses Murry Murry.
Any one know these characters? I usually know which kawaii brands releases which characters, but these i had not seen before. There is no brand on them, so they are either from a very small company, or they are bootlegs. Either way, i love them, wish i had designed them myself!

Suki is back and other mail surprises!

I really didn't expect it anymore, but i think my last (sad) blogpost about Suki did the trick: She's back! I'm so very happy she found her way home in the end. It took her much longer and she stayed in fewer places than planned, but she did travel the world, even made a stop in South Africa! I am very grateful to all who gave her a place to stay on her journey and took her lovingly along on their adventures. I LOVED reading all the stories in her little passport. And one of her hosts even made her a cute sleeping bag. I think i recognize Jonah's sewingskills, but i'm not sure since there wasn't a note about it. Thank you all!

The same day that i found Suki in my PO box, i also found a sweet surprise from Rima over at Willy Nilly Waterlilly! A supercute set of Japanese bookmarks i won in a recent giveaway. I adore! I'm planning a trip to the bookstore to find the perfect book to use them on!

One who shares my love for the Dutch department store "Hema" is Tizz from Tizzalicious. When i moved from Amsterdam to NY i didn't expect i would miss that store so much. Tizz understands. She was the sweetest when, on a recent trip, she picked up a couple of cute and pretty designed goodies for me. I so appreciate it!

Another thing i feel i need to address is that i haven't been blogging too much recently. I don't know why this is. No special reason. I lost the routine of doing it. I think about it daily. I am busy but not too busy to write a quick post sharing the creativity. Maybe it's a normal thing, i've been blogging since 2005 and it only makes sense that you go through phases. I'm definitely planning on getting back into the groove of daily blogging. Maybe i should schedule some posts ahead when i have the time and inspiration to write, or give myself a special time in every day to post. I just wanted to share these thoughts, maybe you have some insight, and to let you know all is well with me, no special reasons that i blog less frequently. I promise to do better again!

Remember Suki? Still missing...

Remember Suki? She went on a trip around the world. Everything went fine, she travelled to distant places and all her hosts were so kind to update me on how she was doing and where she would go next. There was an end date for her to be send back home before and unfortunately her last hostess (i won't name names) decided to keep Suki and not send her to another hostess or back home to me. I have no clue how Suki is doing. But i know her last host has gone missing in action. On a number of occasion i have send her emails asking her to send Suki back to me, and then like a month later i would get a message of apology and the promise she would send Suki. This happened a couple of times until i didn't hear anything anymore!
I feel sad about this. Suki went on her travelling trip with the intention of coming back home. I also was very curious to see what all her hostesses had wrote in her little passport. Guess i will never know.
I was also planning on sending another little friend on a world adventure, but having this as the first experience you understand that won't happen.

Suki, if you read this, i miss you. Hope we'll get to see each other again some day.

Thankfull for cuteness

Wanted to whip up a bit of easy decoration to put up in the bathroom. But now i'm thinking the frames are a bit too pink to put in the bathroom. (did i actually say too pink? Me?) I do like the thought of having these sweet texts up there. You know when you're by yourself you have time to ponder about things, the important things in life.

I scanned and resized the images from a very cute vintage stickersheet i got from Boston Bag Lady's Etsy shop. I love the stickers so much i can't get myself to actually use those for anything. I just want to keep the sheet as it is.

In a way, these images also reminds you to be thankful. So for all my online US friends, have a lovely Thanksgiving day tomorrow!
And for my non US readers: Have a Happy Thursday!

Random Pretty

Sharing some random prettyness today. I picked these two items up at the wonderful Pearl River Mart. Both for only 1 dollar 50. I would say that makes them great stockingstuffers! Since i bought them for myself, i will fill my own stocking with them! :0

The butterscotch candies really taste like werthers original candies, except these are square instead of round.

This lovely notebook i picked up at the 99 cent store today. How pretty! Again, wonderful stocking stuffer! The design is done by Eleanor Grosch, a very talented designer (she has a blog too). I don't understand how these notebooks ended up at the 99 cent store. Maybe because there are people out there saying Owls our so passe. I don't follow trends. You know whats good about that? If you don't follow trends you can love something for as long as you want. I loved owls longs before they became a trend and i will love them long after. Go owls!

Re-Ment Lucky!

How lucky am I? Yes, i know. Finding this in the mail?
Remember showing the treasures i got from the mushroom paradise blind box?
I won a giveaway from Holly over at Berrysprite, whoohoo! A new re-ment box! How cute is this Mushroom Lunch Menu set? I'm happy!

Bitter with Baggage

No, i'm not talking about myself. I am talking about the title of a very inspiring photobook. Not new, it's published back in 2003. I remember walking through Amsterdam with a friend when i was telling her how i would love to make a cute book filled with photos of propped stuffed animals and sweet text to accompany the photos. She told me she had seen this book filled with photos of little Easter chicks. I should check it out she told me. Years later i walk into one of my favorite NY thriftstores, browsing the bookcase and what do i see?

Bitter with Baggage seeks same - The life and times of some chickens. By Sloane Tanen.

Samantha looked around the playground in amazement. Her mother had been right. She really was the smartest and the prettiest.

Caroline's eggs hadn't even hatched and already Victor's eyes were wandering.

Re-ment Cuteness

Remember my love for miniatures? I picked up two new re-ment boxes the other day!
I couldn't resist the Merry Strawberry line. My blindbox contained the Strawberry Kitchen.
Can i have a real life size teapot like that please?

I have a feeling i will have to go back and get another box. How cute is that strawberry TV? You can even 'flip' through channels! And that berry dresser? Too adorable!

This set comes from a series i don't know the name of, i can't find it on the re-ment site, maybe it's an old series. Nevermind, it is very cute. The flowers are pretty and did you see what is on the stool? A Russian doll image and it says "Happy Chair". Don't we all want a happy chair?

Belated holiday gifts and video edited

My Love visited friends and family in Europe during the summer and of course he was so sweet to buy me some gifts. Unfortunately he forgot to bring them all when he came home! But receiving belated holiday gifts send over in the mail is a lot of fun, so no hard feelings.
He knows me so well. He picked up these pretty nesting dolls.

And remember i wrote about my love for capsule toys? Looks at this! Blind capsule egg from The Littlest Pet Shop! I never saw these before. I was excited already before i even opened it.

My excitement was even bigger when i found this little squirrel tin inside! Oh, wait, there's something inside it! Ooooh. A tiny tiny squirrel hanger (how do you call these phone embellishment thingies?)

Love and I bought ourselves a great video camera, which he took with him on his trip and he made lots of wonderful footage. We picked one of his instrumental tracks and i edited some of the Amsterdam footage over it. Take a look at my video editing skills! hihi ;) If you like the music you hear, Love has a myspace with some of his music.

My Love for Miniatures

I don't know when it started, but as long as i remember i have loved miniature toys. Cute miniatures especially. I am a long time collector of those capsule toys you get out of .25 or .50 cents vending machines at the grocery store or laundromat. That moment of excitement that you don't know what you'll get when turning the knob and your capsule falls down in the slot for you to discover!
An amazing variation on this feeling are the the Ferrero Kinder Surprise eggs. Doesn't matter i'm not a child anymore, i still love them eggs! And in combination with chocolate? What an invention!

You can imagine my deep joy the first time i saw a Re-Ment Blind Box. There is no chocolate, but the surprise miniature toys are fabulous!
This is my latest re-ment treat. Oh how cute are these mushroom paradise items! I ♥ so so much. It didn't matter which one i would get, but i did kinda crossed my fingers for that Mushroom shelf and clock.

Unveiling of my blind box contents.
The Mushroom Kitchen! They are brilliant. I would even love to have these in real life size and use them to prepare my daily meals!

I got mine at the ToyTokyo store, but you can view the full set at the official Re-ment site.

Suki needs a new place to stay

Suki has been located! She is currently staying in Canada. She still has a month to go on her trip around the world and is looking for a place to go next! Do you want to have Suki as a temporary houseguest? Please let me know and i will put you in contact with Rumi where she is staying now. It would be great if you have a blog so you can find her one more place to go before she returns home to NY!

Where is Suki?

Suki is still on her world trip. I don't exactly know where she is right now. Of course that was part of the whole thing when i sent her of in the world, i knew there would be moments i wouldn't hear from her. I just hope she is having too much fun to check in. You know how kids are, out partying, forget about time, not calling home, parents worrying, but no reason too, i have faith that she will appear somewhere again.

This picture was from when she was at Jonah's place in Washington. After that she went to Roxanne in South Africa! I guess she had an amazing time there since she stayed for a long time. I haven't seen any pictures but as far as i know she recently went to Rumi in Canada, but i haven't heard any more about that.

Hope to be able to update about Suki soon. Oh, i also gave her some more time to see the world so her estimated arrival time to be back home in NY is now end August/early September. Hope she is doing well!

Cute is good for you

Looking at cute things makes you happy! Gazing at a cute image triggers the release of the hormone Oxytocin, which counters stress hormones and makes you feel - and give - more love.
No kidding, it's true.

Hope this photo gives you a release of Oxytocin, it's a supersweet gift from my friend Tess. She got it for me when i was in London. I so LOVE it! I always wanted a Sunshine Buddy! Sunshine Buddies work on solar power and nod their heads while keeping you company. This little monkey sits on my desk next to my computer and always makes me smile! (Oxytocin?)

Cute stamps

Bought during my trip to Amsterdam. Cute tiny stamps with 3 stamppads all with four colors of ink!

(Hema is the name of the store. Sort of department store, large but not huge, fast changing inventory, great home decor items with lovely colors and designs and wonderful office/school supplies. I wish NY had a Hema!)

Suki in Washington and Seattle!

While i was away on my trip, Suki's journey around the world proceeded too. She was having fun over at Jonah's place in Washington. There are loads of pictures on her blog and her flickr pages too. She took Suki to a lot of fun places in Washington and there was even a trip to Seattle! Suki visited the tulip and daffodil festival in Mt. Vernon, she went to a casino resort and to dinner at Applebee's and she played with a couple of cats. Or did the cats play with her?

Thank you so much Jonah for showing her such a great time!

I just found out that Suki will be travelling to Roxy in South Africa next! Whoohoo, how exiting!

If you want to give Suki a place to stay next, send Roxy an email: princessroxy1508 AT hotmail DOT com.

Suki in Orlando

Suki has officially started her trip around the world!
She has arrived at the home of Shibooya who made great pictures of Suki in the sun! Looks like they are having great fun.

She is still looking for someone to take in Suki as a short term house guest next, so if you want to play, hop over to her blog and leave her a message with your email and blog info etc and be Suki's next destination!
Looks like she found a new place to stay!

Travelling (times two)

My little friend Suki is currently still chilling on our purple couch, but is all ready to go on her big travel adventure around the world! I fixed her up with a small suitcase and a backpack which holds her passport and a letter to the ones who will give her a place to stay during her travels.
She is very excited to start her trip in Orlando staying with Shibooya!


The 'times two' in the post title means another person is going on a trip. Today the final projects for my book have been picked up by the courier to go to my publisher in London, and early April i will fly out there for a couple of days! Whoohoo! And what makes it even better is that i could manage to add a trip over to Amsterdam, so i can visit my friends and family! I'm soo excited about this. But before than i still have a lot of work to do to finish the book, but my heart is already in the plane and on its way over!

My my melody

My Melody in the size i think she would be in real life. (15 inch top to bottom)
I was so lucky to find this huge sticker in the 99ct store around the corner. It's a bootleg, but a very good one. They only had one, otherwise i would have bought some more and gave them away here, i know there are more out there loving My Melody.
From all Sanrio characters i think Melody is my favorite. And i really love Little Twin Stars too. I'm old school like that.

The My Melody sticker will go on the fridge. But not stickered on there. I'm not sure it is repositionable. So i will use some poster tack gummy stuff.

On another note, sorry for my lack in posting. I have a lot to show and tell (as usual) and i have prepared some pictures and posts, so i promise more posts this week.

Mail surprises

Who doesn't like surprises in the mail? I know i do!

And i'm feeling very spoiled.
Should have posted this earlier since it arrived in my mailbox a while ago already. Dear Roxanne has sent me all these goodies for our cute and crafty swap. How sweet is the poptart cozy she made for my pink ipod?
She surprised me with cute Hello Kitty goodies and pink poodle erasers, pretty postal stamps, vintage handkerchiefs and a gorgeous clutch which she embellished with a little bit of sparkle on top!
And then the other day my mailbox was happily filled with a little package from my friend Tess from London. Oh, how i love tiny things! Look at these.
Small Pucca's, Hello Kitties and My Melodies! They all have a little hanging loop on top so i can make something with them. Ohoh what to do with them? I adore them. The pucca figurines have a little edge so they can sit on the edge of something. Too cute!
And she also added this Hello Kitty lollipop/popping candy too. I normally never open cute candies, just keep them and admire their cuteness. But in this case i'm tempted. Because A) i love popping candy + lollipops and B) it looks like there might be stickers inside. Of course i'm curious and want to look at those. If there are any.
Well, it says '48 stickers to collect' on the package...

Pinbear you make me smile

It says:
Happy pinbear lovely cute style
Pin Bear is made from brown solid fabric

I am somewhat of a Kawaii freak. I know a lot of cute Asian brands making cute things. But i had never heard of the "Yellow Bus" brand. It's a Korean brand and i will definitely be on the lookout if i ever find anything else by them.

Pinbear makes me smile!

Cute mobile girls

Talked about the Japanese Paper Doll Mobile in the post where i showed our purple couch. Promised to make close up pictures. Was kinda difficult to get sharp shots since the mobile actually moves around in circles...

Self Promotion Anyone?

This is my cute 'Happy Girls' album. It's basically a photo album, but i use it to store pretty illustrated flyers and promo postcards.

And since my new 'sunny' PO Box loves to be filled with lovely mail, i ask you: are you up for some shameless self-promotion?

Are you an illustrator or do you have a crafty shop? Most important, do you have pretty flyers or promo postcards?

Send them to me and if it's pretty or cute, i will not only adore it, but also put a picture of it on my blog and link to your website!

Ismoyo Green
PO Box 4694
Sunnyside, NY 11104 PO Box no longer...

Cherry Gelato

Cherry Gelato Lipbalm.



Not for consumption. Just for your balming your lips.

cute candy

Some candy i got over the last couple of days.

Limited Edition Cherry Creme filled Hershey's Kisses;
TicTac Freshmints Pink fight against breast cancer;
Hello Kitty Marshmallow Pops (yes. i am eating one. Kitty tastes yummy)

Asiajam

Been swooning over all the goodies at AsiaJam for a while now. A very kawaii online store carrying cute stuff from Japan, Hong Kong and Korea. They sell lovely clothes but i've been eyeing their accessories lately. Especially the Heart Cherries Adjustable Ring, Cherry & Bow Charms Pin, Deer Jewel Korean Earrings and the Thin Polka Dot Retro Belt. Luv it!

Things i Love and Miss today

Things i love
Cakes with a lot of frosting, New Found Family, DREAMS, Thrift Treasures, the ocean, Arizona Mucho Mango, friendly people, mangos & grapes, INSPIRATION, old school hiphop on forgotten tapes, Joann's, mint tea from fresh mint leaves, SOFT YARN, kids playing in the street, eating all icecream by myself, Afro Omega, my new phone, DOLLHOUSES, Funky Patterns, Japanese Mini Stickers, skin so soft.

Things i miss
My Family, my homegirls, de Hema, indonesian spices, my dads coffee in the morning, go tang chillisaus, Vondel Park, the Canals of Amsterdam.

Sparkling Issey

"Hey! They misspelled my name!"

Since little issey travels where-ever i go, she got a little damage round her nouse. Looks likes she has caught a cold.
But not to worry, she is feeling fine.

I'm thinking i will make a larger felt version of her. One of these days. When i have some time. You know.