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Fave Accessory, Babushka Doll & More
I must admit that the theme I picked for “This Is . . .” this week was a challenge for me too. I’m not into posting up pictures of myself on this blog much, but since I told myself that this year was about stepping more and more out of my comfort zone, I decided to go with it - and even managed not to hide behind the camera :-)
So that’s me and my favourite accessory at the moment - a Shinzi Katoh bag with mushrooms and a deer. I tend to wear a lot of dark colours so this bag provides some nice splashes of happy colours.
I don’t get to wear the bag often (e.g. not to work, or times when I need a bigger bag when I’m out with the girls), but I think that’s why it always feels more of a special treat when I do get a chance to bring it with me. I’m looking forward to seeing what all the other participants post up - I hope they had fun with the theme!
In crafty news, this Babushka-style softie was completed this week, and the pattern and instructions will be available in an Aussie craft magazine in a few months time:
She was heaps of fun to work on and the trickiest bit was getting the base right so she could stand on her own.
And I’m sure you will pick up on a little bit of “Kokeshi” in her look since that’s where my inspiration seems to be coming from at the moment :-) Speaking of which, this one is not exactly a Kokeshi but she is a vintage doll from Japan and I just couldn’t help adding her to my collection (from eBay).
I’m currently working on what should be in the next shop update. I seem to receive a lot of requests to make some of the pictures I take of my softies into artsy prints. I’ve been playing with a few images and these three will most likely make it into the update (printed on 285 g/m2 fine art paper):
Larger images of the prints will be in my Flickr soon.
But the little ones have just woken from their naps so must rush off for now! Have a lovely week!
Thats a lovely bag. I really like the shape along the top. It’s very pretty.
I like to hide behind the camera too - so well done for being brave!
I love the russian doll - so cute! And the prints look great.
The bag is lovely. I am not often in front of the camera. I feel so much more comfortable taking the shots.
Ooh, what a cute and quirky bag! I really like the softies as artsy prints too. They look great :)
Love the bag! I just adore Shinzi Katoh’s work. And… to make it even more exciting, I recently discovered that his home/gallery/store is the next city over from me! I hope to go there next month.
I just love your softie, and the babushka trim on her makes her even more special!
love that bag!
Such a nice bag - I’m not surprised it’s your favourite accessory. The Babushka doll is very cute too!
I’m absolutely in love with the new softie you made for the magazine! She is adorable, colorful and so fab!
I love those little bears and the doll. I am working up courage to face the mirror … ARGHHHHHH
how cute are you??? love the bag - great colours and cute deer….
cant wait to make one of my own!how exciting to be in a magazine.love you little bag too!
How cute is your Babushka doll!! I recently submitted a Babushka inspired doll pattern to an Australian craft magazine also to be published in a couple of months… I wonder if it is the same magazine!!!
Thank you for your great ‘this is’ theme!! Love your bag and mirror photo too!
love your bag! and those prints are great- I really like them.
-Sherrin
What a cute bag. There are sooo many of us bag lovers for this weeks this is. All are soo fab. have a super day
Kyla
i LOVE the babushka,will you be selling any in your etsy shop, or just the pattern??
Your babushka is lovely. Very sweet.
i love your bag and your little doll so cute!!!!!
Nice theme and I’ve seen it elsewhere now so now I know what the ‘this is’ is that is going on ;) Very cute bag and the blue is an uncommon color for the picture that is on it, which makes it even more interesting.
Ahh little one naps — I’m getting to really appreciate those even more lately :)
Hello to you and thanks for this week’s theme-lovely bag and doll
hello, loving the photo and babushka too.
Gorgeous bag!
Love the softie you made, it’s just fantastic! So much detail.
Have a great eve.
the babushka softie is adorable!! unfortunately i havent seen any aussie mags in the UK :(
wait!!! what if I’m not in Australia???? How do I get the pattern for the babushka??????
ohhhh what a gorgeous bag…. and that babushka is divine well done.
luv Abby
Great job with the doll! Love the bag.
oh wow I don’t know which I love more the doll or the bag! can’t wait till the mag is out and please make sure you tell us when its released! I loooooove everything russian dolls!
Great bag! And I love the doll. Hopefully the pattern will be in a magazine that we can get in NZ too…
I don’t like the camera either! I simply love the doll! Which mag will it be in… love it!
xx Melissa
I like your bag! The colours are great and the little deer is so cute! The doll is also great - I can understand why you had to buy it!!
Another craft pattern published! And a great one at that!!
the doll is sooo cute!!! I hope the magazine is one that we can find in the US! would love the pattern!!! I love babushkas!!!
I have just found your site, what beautiful creations you have! The doll is so sweet.
Hi, me again! would you like to do the 7 Random Things meme? I tagged you on my blog :)
Ps i love the gorgeous dolls and softies you make.
I absolutely love your bag! I want one!!! :D
love your blog!
so great to see a blog from australia(am i just missing them??) you have really got me inspired to get busy.
can you give me some advice on starting an etsy shop?
love
Your babushka is gorgeous. I’m looking forward to seeing what is on your desk next week. Thanks for playing along.
Cant wait to find out what mag the pattern will be in - looks great - well done…
You’re cute and so is your bag! The babushka doll rocks. :)
words cannot describe how beautiful your Babushka Doll is Jhoanna, just stunning. The prints too, brilliant!!!
I love that bag. I adore everything by Katoh, and those toadstools (aren’t mushrooms supposed to be edible?) are so cheerful, even though in reality they are poisonous. That bag is so cute. And I love matryoshkas, I collect the wooden ones and make matryoshka softies myself. My friend just gave a wonderful matryoshka brooch, I must post a photo.
PS: Did you order the bag from Japan?
Hi Jhoanna! Just wanted to drop you a line to say thank you for your ‘Babushka Beauty’ pattern in Handmade magazine a while ago. I have just made her & the girls in our house think she is just gorgeous! You are a wonderfully talented softie maker & I enjoy your blog & your creations. Best wishes, Ros.