A short break to Prague, the capital city of the Czech Republic did not disappoint. I have been twice before, the first time as a design research trip with college and the second as a weekend break. Even though I have seen the famous Charles Bridge, Old Town Square, astronomical clock and the Prague Castle on numerous occasions, the spendour is still breathtaking. The clear blue skies, welcoming coffee shops, street stalls selling warming Trdelník (a cake cooked on a spit, served warm with cinnamon and sugar) and vast choice of galleries and museums make it a great place to spend time in winter. My most memorable place was a morning in a gallery on the Old Town Square. The three floors of the building each housed a different artist’s work, currently showing Mucha,Warhol and Dali. I have always admired the floral intricacy and graphic design skill of Alfons Mucha and I was very happy to see such a large collection of his beautiful work. If you are in Prague it is definitely worth a trip to Galerie GOAP Staroměstské náměstí 15, Praha 1. 

Working on some pretty pink sakura blossoms is helping me think ahead to warmer brighter days of spring… watch this space for more details to come.

Take a look at the for sale page of my website! I’m happy to announce my new items for sale. Greetings cards with seasonal and warming Japanese dishes - designed using my hand carved rubber stamps. Buy securely using Paypal, receive your order at home and enjoy sending a handmade card to friends and family.

Last weekend brought high water to Regensburg on the Danube. This week has snowflakes on the weather forecast. It is certainly winter. Time to wrap up and keep warm. Still beautiful to walk out in the fresh air when there is time…

On my travels, I recently picked up a copy of frankie magazine. I heard about it from one of my close friends and subscribed to their newsletter a while ago. This was the first paper copy I had seen and I wasn’t disappointed. The cover describes frankie as 'design, art, photography, fashion, travel, music, craft, home, life’ and I love the way it contains more than just craft. This month’s issue celebrates their 80th issue - and having worked in consumer magazine publishing I know how special milestones like that can be. It takes a huge amount of energy and teamwork to keep a magazine interesting, successful and in the shops! I think what caught my eye the most, alongside the delicate colour palette and considered typefaces inside, is the feature about a couple who run a guesthouse near Melbourne, Australia. It is filled with nostalgic pieces of furniture and decorations that help give a warm and welcoming atmosphere. Each piece has been lovingly chosen and collected - not just bought online because it matches the latest fleeting trend. Have a look at the frankie website or if you can find a copy, treat yourself!

After wonderful days of great food and company, now it is time to get back into the normal routine. Once again, days are either work days or weekends… something which became hazy during the holiday period! Yesterday I made a little flower arrangment for our hallway… I just fancied something fresh to take the place of our Christmas tree that we took down on Sunday. He was such a lovely one! Leaves a big empty space… until next year. These carnations and tulips are just placed in florist foam and sit in a round natural wreath container that a very talented florist in Japan gave me ;-)

I recently received a little book from the ISTD named ‘Detail in typography’ written by Jost Hochuli. It will be my next read, most likely during the Christmas break. The publications chosen by ISTD and circulated to its members are always of great interest to me and I love to receive them in the post. This title is described as ‘A concise yet rich discussion of all the small things that enhance the legibitlity of texts’. My book shelves are full of wonderful papers, magazines and books on the subject of type, but sometimes it is lovely to have a little reminder of the essence of what is important, from a valued and internationally renowned typographer. I look forward to delving inside these warm white pages, each studded with red details.

It can’t be ignored any longer… Christmas is just around the corner! If you have a chance, check out my Instagram page for more of my daily snapshots of inspiration. Mostly with a festive theme at the moment. Today in my journal, a few more images that bring the warm festive feeling closer to home. Enjoy!

On my latest trip to Kobe, Japan, I joined a fantastic loom weaving class with two of my good friends. I had found the class on a brilliant website called asoview  A listing site that gives access and sign up options for thousands of craft workshops (and many other activities) across Japan. The choice is huge! I knew I wanted to do something I hadn’t done before and something that was local to my area in Japan. I settled on this class at a shop called Saori. Take a look at the Saori website, it will explain the fascinating story behind the craft, first started by a lady from Osaka, Japan. Two of my friends signed up too and after much waiting the day came round; we met at the train station and wandered across to the shop. The welcome was warm, the atmosphere casual and relaxed and the staff so kind and helpful. Our class was two hours long and each of us sat at our own weaving loom. We had numerous wools, cottons or silks on spools to choose from in a rainbow of colours. It was fun to learn a new skill and once we were in the rhythym of the process, it was good to chat and catch up with our latest news and stories. The staff at the shop joined our chat and it became a very memorable evening. The final piece I created is a long and unique scarf or even a table runner. I love it and I love the memories that are associated with it. I can’t wait to visit again and join another class!

Do you need any seasonal greetings cards, notelets to give as gifts or wrapping furoshiki to give your gifts a smart finish? Take a look at my for sale page and place your order… remember that if your order needs to be posted, you will need to check posting times for your country.

Check out the cultural exchange workshops page of my website! I had a great afternoon with wonderful people. We all enjoyed wrapping gifts with Japanese furoshiki and papers, ready for Christmas. It was the perfect day to be inside and warm as it has already started to snow here!

I have just received a thank you card in the post. In fact, it is the thank you card that I designed for a very special wedding earlier this year. I love the set of stationery that the happy couple and I created together. We use printed.com for all the printing and love the results. I would thoroughly recommend them as an accessible, modern, helpful and concientious printing company. If you want to see more of the stationery set, see my portfolio page or contact me for more details.

Just a note to say that I am working on some other projects for a few days and will be away from my journal. If you would like to order any greetings cards, please note that all online orders will not be packed and shipped before Tuesday 14th November, thank you for your patience.

I have never made a jacket for myself. After creating this beautiful Burda Rosa Jacket, I am motivated to improve my skills furher and try another of the many jacket and coat patterns I have in my craft room. It wasn’t easy to make it look as stunning as in the promo picture, but for a first attempt with a very springy man-made polyester, I am not put off! I used a large scarf that I wasn’t wearing enough, so my hems had to be completed with bias binding to leave the sleeves and body as long as possible. The most challenging part was the pleat/dart at the back of the shoulders. I made this pattern my own with various modifications, including a zip rather than three large poppers. Time has passed and it is a little too cold on most days to wear this, but I am looking forward to trying it out with my black skinny jeans and brown leather brogues.

Whatever the name given to it, the changing of the season from summer to autumn is a pretty time. Yes, the temperatures are dropping, but we also get to see the amazing colours in the leaves, the fresh blue skies with puffs of clouds and the berries, nuts and seed pods developing. Autumn in this part of Germany is defined by the conkers falling from the horse chestnut trees. On the first few days, the children are all out collecting bags full. Soon, so many are falling that even the most energetic collectors cannot keep up with the supply!

Take a look at the for sale page of my website! I’m happy to announce my new items for sale. Greetings cards with seasonal juicy fruits and delicate dragonflies - designed using my hand carved rubber stamps. Buy securely using Paypal, receive your order at home and enjoy sending a handmade card to friends and family.

Fresh air, blue skies and stunning scenery. Not many words are needed to describe the beautiful sights that greeted us when we visited this area of Bavaria, Germany. Below are a few photos so that you can see for yourself. A basic but very welcoming place to stay close to Königssee was the Explorer Hotel. Good breakfast, good room and excellent location. www.explorer-hotels.com/en/berchtesgaden/ Also check out the large number of stunning, character guesthouse properties tucked up in the hills - for a more personal place to stay. All with pretty window boxes and geraniums!

As you will know if you follow my instagram and journal, I love stamps. Making them, buying them, using them. A while ago I spotted this stamp in the Regensburg Tourist Information Centre and ever since I wanted to go back and buy it. So I did! The keys in the centre are the symbol of the city and the heart surrounding them is probably what made me pick it up finally. I love it and I can imagine using it on many letters I will post to friends around the world. You can’t beat a hand written letter and when the envelope is decorated too, even better. Thank you to 3kant for creating the design and Pfuhl for crafting it. Both local Regensburg businesses. www.3kant.com

Just a note to say that I am working on some other projects for a few days and will be away from my journal. If you would like to order any greetings cards, please note that all online orders will not be packed and shipped before Tuesday 12th September, thank you for your patience.

Another of my favourite and comfortable dresses from one of my Japanese sewing books. (Unfortunately I think this actual book is now out of stock, but there are so many great ones.) This time I’m making the bodice from some medium weight cotton with a very cute 'Panda under umbrella' pattern and the skirt from a softer textured cream cotton. The only change I am making is to add a zip in the side seam - I cannot get my broad shoulders into this dress! Looking forward to some late summer days wearing this, maybe with leggins and a cardi if needed.

Plans are well under way for my next two workshops in the next few months… watch this space!

It is inevitable that long periods of hot weather will lead to summer thunderstorms. As long as you are safely in the house when the rain comes, it is quite a spectacle. The hot air is quickly cooled and refreshed by the thunder, lightning and subsequent rain storm. Happily watching from the window.

Summer in Regensburg is a lively and vibrant time. Bright blue skies, strong and hot sunshine, people enjoying holiday treats including icecreams, festivals and river cruises. This picture shows the historical Wurstküche - sausage kitchen. The smell of grilled Bavarian sausages calls you from across town. You can sit and enjoy them with rolls and sauerkraut under the sun umbrellas, in the cool restaurant or on the go as you walk along the Danube river. Brilliant place to take friends or family when they are visiting town. Be prepared to wait though, it is a very popular place to eat lunch! http://www.wurstkuchl.de/tavern_menu.html

Take a look at the for sale page of my website! I’m happy to announce my new items for sale. Greetings cards with beautiful wisteria, sakura and ume blossoms and delicious watermelon - designed using my hand carved rubber stamps. Buy securely using Paypal, receive your order at home and enjoy sending a handmade card to friends and family.

I have a couple of new sewing publications to look through and dream about… firstly two Japanese sewing books brought back as a gift from Japan. Clear instructions and pictorial tutorials are at the back, along with the patterns to be traced. The front has full colour photos of each item, usually worn in a way that mixes and matches what is in the book. I am particularly excited by the wrap around apron (a very typical design seen in many Japanese pattern books and online on all the social media sites) and one or two of the shorter coats/jackets. I’m not even going to go to the shops for new fabric, I have plenty to choose from at home! Secondly the first English version of La Maison Victor magazine, that I picked up at Stansted airport. https://www.lamaisonvictor.com/en-about-us/ Another magazine that uses pattern pieces that you trace in your chosen size, I have seen reviews of this magazine praising it’s modern styling and easy to follow instructions. I am looking forward to making my first piece and comparing it with other books and magazines I use. Let’s see what I make first!

A couple of  pictures for you… summer is here and has been for a lovely long time now. Lush green forests, delicate wild flowers and beautiful country walks.

Just a note to say that I am working on some other projects for a few days and will be away from my journal. If you would like to order any greetings cards, please note that all online orders will not be packed and shipped before Thursday 13th July, thank you for your patience.

If you have read my journal for a while, you will know that I love a wreath on our front door. I think it is welcoming, homely and gives a little insight into who lives inside. It is especially pleasing when the front door is as beautiful as ours in our current home - it makes a very pretty first impression! We are  very lucky. Last week I wanted something quick and that didn’t need my planning to create. I picked up my latest copy of Mollie Makes magazine (UK) and started working on the felt flower wreath that was included as the  free gift. I probably spent 1.5 hours working on it, in front of the tv and am very happy with the result! I needed a new wreath for the summer and this is just lovely. http://www.molliemakes.com

Before the end of its run, I am very pleased to say that it got to visit this exhibiton. http://www.barbican.org.uk/news/artformnews/art/visual-arts-2017-the-japanese-ho Having spent time with a knowledgable architect while in Japan, I was aware of some of the exhibitors. One individual, Tadao Ando, is famous for properties and public buildings in the area we lived in in Japan - Kobe. Taking the form of a deconstructed modern Japanese house, the space was divided in half horizontally with the top floor exploring the development of  Japanese architecture following World War 2. Downstairs were the individual rooms of the modern house, all with white walls, great attention to detail in decor and styling and a real feeling that the owner may return at any moment. As well as exploring the country’s architectural heritage, this exhibition had a very intimate atmosphere. Probably my favourite space was the desk set up - chopsticks and plates left from a meal, anglepoise light on and numerous bottle of Asahi beer sitting empty… as though an evening of work had been completed in the small but perfectly formed workspace. all pictures taken at the exhibition, copyright The Barbican #thejapanesehouse 

Just a note to say that I am working on some other projects for a few days and will be away from my journal. If you would like to order any greetings cards, please note that all online orders will not be packed and shipped before Monday 26th June, thank you for your patience.

I am happily wearing my finished BurdaStyle pinafore dress that I instantly liked the look of in the April 2017 magazine (see my entry below dated 8 April 2017.) I chose to use a fine cotton corduroy (pincord) that I bought in Japan, which has a wide white line grid on a mid-grey background. As I have always found so far, the Burda pattern was easy to follow if you concentrate and read every word - the instructions are so concise and detailed that you will find everything you need to know, but maybe only after two or three reads! I wanted this pinafore dress to be easy to wear, with no fastenings (apart from the zip at the back) and also to be useful in summer with a vest top or no top underneath as well as in winter with long sleeves and thick tights or leggings. I am very pleased with my reading of the German instructions and also my choice of fabric. Comfy, good shape and fit and not too difficult to complete to a neat standard. I would like to use this pattern again, maybe with a floral cotton or even a plain fine wool.

Just working out the next items of clothing to be made from my precious collection of fabric - watch this space!

On a very warm afternoon, we visited the Nymphenburg Palace in Munich. Originally designed by an Italian architect and constructed between 1664 and 1675, the main building was expanded by the different generations of the rulers of Bavaria who called it home. We enjoyed walking through parts of the 200 hectare park at the back of the property,  which included open meadows, winding streams, large fountains and canals. There are a number of  beautifully preserved pavilions, originally built in the grounds for a place of retreat, or as a hunting lodge or summer house. Our stroll brought us back to the main entrance via the amazing palm houses, where we sat and ate an icecream under the shade of the vines. A lovely place to visit. 

A recent trip to the East side of Canada provided some great photo opportunities and gallery visits. It was really interesting to see the differences and similarities between these cities and towns and also how the weather quickly changed from snowy and cold to hot and sunny, as we travelled west! Canada is a place of kind people, delicious food (not too huge portions) and wonderful scenery. Enjoy a few snaps below.

Just a note to say that I am working on some other projects for a few days and will be away from my journal. If you would like to order any greetings cards, please note that all online orders will not be packed and shipped before Monday 22nd May, thank you for your patience.

My kind and patient friend offered to help me with my first sock! It is something I have always wanted to do but every time I look at a pattern I am overwhelmed by the technique required and the fact that you use 5 needles! SO far, so good… only the first round completed but I do hope it will continue this well. The wool is from Japan and my pattern book is from Germany. This pair of socks will certainly be very international once completed ;-)

At the weekend with two friends, I visited the Kunstforum Ostdeutsche Galerie Regensburg www.kunstforum.net/home.php  I had seen posters for the latest exhibition on wood block printing from German-Bohemian artists from the start of the 1900s. It was a cold day outside so the gallery followed by coffee,  cake and chat was perfect! I have always enjoyed lino and rubber stamp carving and I have done a couple of small wood carvings to print from… if only I had seen the list of workshops on wood block printing before now! Alongside the exhibition, the gallery is holding workshops on wood block printing and I’d love to join - maybe next time. Together we enjoyed a tour of the exhibition and learnt how Japanese wood block carving (from masters like Hokusai) was a strong  influence for this group of artists, including Walther Klemm and Carl Thiemann. The exhibion is named Stadt Land Tier (Town Country Animal) and shows the strong, earthy colours that the artists used in their work. Talking later with another friend, we both agreed that the colours used are stunning and blend with modern living - we could easily imagine some of these works in our own homes - if we were lucky enough to own one ofcourse.

With four free days over the long Easter weekend, we decided to use one of them visiting a new town in Bavaria. A couple of hours by car is Augsburg, the third largest city in Bavaria. I had been sent the link by a friend to the tim - Textil- und Industriemuseum - and this seemed a good chance to visit the museum and the city. tim www.timbayern.de is housed in one of the old warehouses of the textile industry in this area and takes you on a tour through time of the local history, important members of society and methods of textile weaving and printing production. They even have running looms and machines to watch at certain points in the day, creating items for sale in the gift shop. It was a reminder of some of the production methods I already knew about  and also a very interesting social and historical insight into our wider  region. We didn’t eat in the restaurant nunó, but the cakes looked delicious!

Last week I found the latest Burda Style magazine for sale in a shop very close to my house. It was too good to leave and so I bought the April 2017 issue (despite being the German-language version!) I have always loved flicking through this magazine and still think it is such great value (€5.90 in Germany) for the number of patterns, variations and ideas it gives you. I never finish the issue and always come back to it years later when looking for clothes patterns. In this issue I really like the look of the sleeveless summer top (116B) the pinafore dress (115) and the bomber jacket (114A.) Along with my Japanese pattern books and some wonderful free online patterns there really is too much to make in one lifetime!

The seasons help to shape all of our days… while in Japan I learnt that this was particularly important. I’m thinking what can follow sakura to inspire my next greetings card designs. Summer in Japan… shaved ice, watermelons, fans and umbrellas… plenty to consider.

I’ve always loved and admired the strong colours and tactile effect of the beautiful embroidery on so many clothes in the shops. After a little while looking online at some other people’s wonderful creations, I decided I could give it a go and use one of my own denim shirts. I still love the shirt in question and wanted to give it a new look for this spring season. These flowers are from my own imagination, maybe a combination of Camellia, Sakura and Periwinkle. The threads are a mixture of the 6 strand DMC embroidery cottons and some Cosmo thicker cottons I bought in Japan to create my Temari balls. I love the strong coral pink and am especially pleased with the little trailing stems leading to the buds!

Take a look! Craft class no.2 was great fun last week, I am very lucky to have so many great people around me to enjoy craft and chat with. Thank you, Dankeschön x (And this time we enjoyed some homemade Lemon Drizzle Cake - thank you to Mary Berry’s fabulous recipe. A recipe that works in any country with any flour!)

I am eagerly awaiting the arrival of the first sakura (cherry blossom) in Japan and specifically Kobe area. Friends are keeping me updated on the likely time of hanami  (花見 -  celebration of blooming cherry blossom and the welcoming of spring.) It may only be about 3 weeks before picnics and parties under the blossom can begin. I wish I could be there this year! http://www.japan-guide.com/sakura/

As a gift for a special friend in Kobe, I chose to create another of my small ink and pastel sketches. This time a street in town that has pretty colourful bunting in the summer. A look forward to what will come in the next few months. I bought the black frame from a local photography shop and when this was complete, I wrapped it carefully and posted it to Japan.

Some days are grey and a little rainy and then some are blue skies and mild… but despite the variable weather, it was definitely time for  a new door wreath. Crocheted from some of my Japanese cottons and then decorated with some mini pom-poms and felt bunting triangles, it certainly makes me smile when I get home.

I was very happy to be asked to join a willow weaving class recently, by my close friend in Regensburg. The class was held in the Obstundgartenbauvereine building in Bad Abbach http://www.gartenbauvereine-landkreis-kelheim.de/Kreisverband_T3/index.php?id=45  - a very cozy and neat environment for meetings, learning, crafting, cake-eating and general chatting with kind people! The class was held by a lady called Matilde and there were about 10 ladies present for this workshop. We could choose from five or six different projects and my friend and I both chose the basket. This was my first attempt so it seemed sensible to do the same! Along with the new processes involved in this art, I was happy to chalenge myself and use my German language skills to introduce myself and chat as much as possible. Class lasted about four hours and by the end of the time I was incredibly pleased with the outcome! We used different thicknesses and colours  of willow harvested locally, only at a certain  time of year when it is ok to do so. The moisture content and flexibility of each piece of willow is important to keep structure and allow for the weaving of strands. I also learnt that the art of willow weaving is looking to become a UNESCO protected craft which seems a very good idea to me. A very good afternoon, dankeschön.

So the sketch on the right is mine - a rooftop view across Regensburg. I sketched it using black fineliner and then added a little subtle colour with my chalk pastels. The colours are just right for the grey, ochre and terracotta that is prominent here. The blue and pink of the sunrise adds life. Framed, wrapped and packed, I presented it to my father as a gift. Within a few moments he had gone off to the back room and returned with the framed sketch you see on the left of this photo. To my surprise and delight, it turns out that one of my grandma’s many, many, many artworks included this ink sketch of a very similar German scene - this time on the Rhine rather than near the Danube. What a special find and a wonderful link between the past and the present. We both smiled with pride.

A few days spent in the UK was made even more special by some mild (not warm, quite yet) weather, blue skies and sunshine. It was great to wander in a few less layers of clothes, no snow boots and no hat and gloves. Much easier to settle quickly at the chosen coffee shop, bakery or pub and watch the world go by.

Just a note to say that I am working on some other projects for a few days and will be away from my journal. If you would like to order any greetings cards, please  note that all online orders will not be packed and shipped before Monday 20th February, thank you for your patience. In the meantime, here is a picture of my current seasonal wreath that is decorating my front door. I thought it went well with the snow that we have outside and I certainly need something to fill the gap between Christmas and spring… I know it will be time to change to the next wreath when the view from the window is less white!

After great experiences at the bookbinding and paper folding classes I attended recently, my motivation for holding another class with friends is high. The date is set and the invites have been distributed. After talking with the ladies from last class, we decided it would be fun to create hand carved stamps from the soft and easily worked rubber blanks I have used many times before (see my for sale page and my range of greetings cards.) I have found a German brand that produces this soft rubber within its huge range of lovely craft items http://www.rico-design.de/de/papier/stempel-schnitzen as well as my favourite from Japan http://www.seedr.co.jp/en/curvingeraser.html I plan to share some of my stories and experiences from spring-time in Japan as we all eagerly await brighter weather and warmer temperatures! Ich freue mich auf den nächsten kurs!

I have had the Purl Bee Quilted Vest pattern in my pile of items to sew, for a little while. https://www.purlsoho.com/create/2014/02/20/corinnes-thread-quilted-vest/ Last week, with some very cold temperatures outside, I decided it was time to cut into the pre-quilted polka cotton that I bought in Japan last year. At the same time I chose some very finely striped cotton for the lining. As with all the Purl Bee patterns that you can download, I printed the pattern pieces, taped them together and got started! The pattern itself was easy to follow and the majority of the project took 2 or 3 evenings. Making the bias binding was new to me - I used my bias tape making tool (first time) and created bias tape matching my lining. After reading a few other people’s comments online, I chose to stitch this part by hand and I am very pleasd with the result. Although this took much longer than the rest of the sewing, it was definitely worth the effort. I look forward to matching it with a grey long sleeved base layer and feeling snug and smug at the same time!

I am always looking for access to new skills and now I am in Regensburg I am able to join the vhs (standing for Volkshochschule, meaning the people’s high school) where many types of classes for adults are held. www.vhs-regensburg.de The vhs is a German national institution which provides the opportunity for further adult education in all subjects.  I have previously joined a lovely group of friends in the Hula Dancing class. Last week I attended a two-day course on book binding techniques. Sign up and the class itself is all in German, which is great for improving my language skills! Along with 7 other students, I enjoyed making my own book samples and learning about the correct thickness of papers and cards, folding along the correct grain, stitching with linen or polyester thread and covering with, among other options, beautiful washi papers (it is everywhere and so beautiful.) The class cost about €50 and I came away feeling very satisfied with my new skills and happy to have met some lovely new contacts. I already know when I will use my book binding techniques, for a very special project coming up at the end of this year.

Well I don’t know how you are feeling, but I’m just about back up and running at normal speed again. The break over the festive period was a wonderful mix of socialising and relaxing. Time passed in a haze of Sunday-feeling days and it was really indulgent. Now that it is already the second week of January I am in the swing of work and the usual weekly routine. Which is actually quite good too. While in the UK the skies were blue and the mornings frosty and clear. By night the stars were shining brightly. Returning to Germany brought a shock to the system as snow began to fall and coat the rooftops, streets and river banks. Following the soft snow came some very cold temperatures. Today my phone tells me the temperature feels like -12C. I am happy to be here at my desk, maybe I will take a quick trip to the supermarket before dinner, but not much further than that!

Time is ticking by and it is now just a few days until Christmas. However you spend your days at the end of December and the start of January, please enjoy time to relax, eat, drink and spend time with family and friends. I am certainly planning on doing all of those! I will be back online in the second week of January. See you then! Bis dann, またね!

As much as I am enjoying the wonderful festive feeling in Regensburg at the moment, there has not been a huge amount of sunshine and blue skies. I thought I’d take a look back at my photos from my trip to Japan in October. Below you will see the contrast between city (もとまち - Motomachi), coast (すま - Suma) and park (あかし - Akashi), all within a 15 mile train ride along the JR Kobe train line. All beautiful in their own way. It is so amazing that this much variety in landscape exists in such close proximity.

It’s done and is up on the front door! I had to keep opening the door last night to look at it. Maybe I should put it on the inside?!
Have you seen these little gadgets? https://www.amazon.com/Clover-Kanzashi-Flower-Maker-Pointed/dp/B004ZKPY1G I bought a couple while I was in Japan but have only just used them. There are many  sizes and shapes to create various petal forms. You then stitch them together and decorate them to create delicate flowers. The process is great as it uses up small pieces of fabric that would otherwise be wasted. I can see myself ordering more… some of the creations I have seen in books and online are stunning. Everthing from a hair decoration to a full bouquet.

Last week I held my first craft class in Germany,  following the same idea that I started in Japan. I am not a teacher or indeed Japanese, but I am aware that the skills and crafts I have experienced in Japan (along with my love for crafts from the UK and other countries too) are so precious, they need to be shared. My friends in Japan gave me great confidence while I shared my British-inspired craft and baking ideas. Now I am lucky enough to have supportive friends here in Germany who have given me the energy to begin again. Watch this space - I plan to create a page dedicated purely to my craft classes -  for my thoughts, sign up and catch up.
   The first class was gift-wrapping for Christmas with a Japanese-inspired twist. The simplicity of the paper-folding and fabric knotting techniques used in wrapping Japanese gifts is intriguing. Recreating the look takes a little practice, but with accurate measuring, preparation and patience, myself and my two good friends who joined class mastered five wrapping techniques. The options  are endless once you succeed and understand the theory. We had a great three hours together, I felt very special to share time, craft, chat and food  with new friends. We all agreed that language barriers are broken down (and language skills gradually improved) with the help of craft and cake. In this instance, my version of a Japanese Strawberry Shortcake! Dankeschön meine Freunde x

Have you ever visited a German-style Christmas market? I have been to some in London and also Osaka, but now we live in Regensburg, the genuine thing is just outside our front door. From the middle of November until Christmas, the streets are full of lights, market stalls and people wandering with a warm drink in their hand. The atmosphere is friendly and relaxed. The range of food and items for sale is wonderful - very helpful when planning Christmas gifts for friends and family.
   Last weekend my husband and I went out to choose our Christmas tree from a local seller in the main square, Haidplatz. The man and his son were very kind, despite our limited German language skills. We said thank you many times and came away with a very smart looking tree that is now fully decorated and standing proudly in the lounge.
http://www.germany-christmas-market.org.uk/regensburg_christmas_market.php

It always amazes me to see these wonderful creations appear over night. During a recent trip home to the UK, I spotted this very intricately decorated bicycle parked up on Chesham high street. The detail is incredible and it makes me happy to think that somebody spends the time to create something so heart-warming. It is a refreshing change to see additions to public spaces that are not vandalism or damage. Keep up the good work!

I love my autumn wreath that is currently on our front door, but with Christmas creeping up, it is time to create a new one for the season. I have only just started and have used a very clever gadget to create the tiny but perfectly formed fabric flower below (actual size is about 2cm across.) Watch this space to see how the project continues!

Autumn is certainly here to stay and it felt like a good time to decorate the entrance to our home. I am very pleased with how well my autumn wreath (made last year with friends in my craft class) suits our wooden front door!