Forget Duct Tape, Cute Washi Tape!

Washi Tape? What the heck is that? Oh wait! I think I saw a cute display at the Kinokuniya store I was sold in!  It looks like I can craft my own envelopes with these.  No more waiting for Christina to finish with her origami first!

I kept seeing this adorable masking tape display at the book store and although I peered in with vested interest, I kept walking out of the store without it in my bag.  I recently took the plunge and picked up some washi masking tape after seeing countless pictures of crafters using the stuff!

Omiyage Blogs has a wonderful assortment of project ideas from the MT Website, and Jinnie at Lilacmoon Studio used her tape to spruce up her travel journal and to make adorable little task-oriented clothespins! Guest blogger Mackenzie over at this is not my work (the other blog of Abby Try Again) used the tape to decorate clear glass picture frames.  (She gets the glass custom cut, but I am sure those clear Ikea frames would work great for this!)  The PaperMama even made an awesome washi tape floral arrangement.  So as you can see, the buzz about "MT" definitely caught my attention.

I picked up a pack of five gorgeous pastel colors and I plan on using them to help pack up my origami.  I've been getting in the habit of putting dolls into clear cello sleeves meant for baked goods and the tape will be the perfect way to keep them closed.  I couldn't hurt to add a little color to my bland padded envelopes either.  I am going to experiment with using them as obis on my doll kimonos.  I'll keep you all posted.

Having Fun with Momiji Dolls

It is nice to meet you!  I am Poppet and I was brought home from the store today to take part in this crazy blogging adventure.  I am sure you will be seeing comments from me and my friend from time to time so please pay us no mind!

I was browsing around the bookstore today when I stumbled upon these sickeningly cute things called "Momiji Dolls."  I have never heard of them before, but after trying desperately to pull myself away from the display, J. was a sweetheart and bought me two of them. (I am such a kid at heart!)  I have always been a real sucker for anything that exudes cuteness.  Although "momiji" means the changing of color in autumn (or the Japanese maple), the company seems to be based in England.  If you feel the pressing need to get some of your own, they sell them on their website.

At about 3" tall, these hand-painted resin dolls are quite heavy, and if thrown in the direction of someone's head, they could probably do a fair amount of damage!  They also have a little slot in the bottom where paper messages can be inserted.  Their shape reminded me of Japanese kokeshi dolls (something I collect), so I thought they would make the perfect addition to my craft table and my blog.   It gets a little quiet around here when I'm the only one rambling on!  I figured the blog could use another voice or two.

I ended up with a little redhead named Poppet and a white-haired kimono clad girl named Silly-billy.  (Who comes up with these names, I wonder?)  According to their boxes, Poppet likes carrots and camping, and she "knows the place where the rainbows shine," while Silly-billy likes pumpkins and penguins, and is asking me to go camping in the fresh air and green grass.  If I didn't know better, the phrases are reminiscent of the random English phrases found on Japanese and Korean stationary.  I found the simplicity of everything to be extremely endearing!  Off to make a space for them on my craft table...