Japanese packaging

My parents just got back from a 2 week trip to Japan. They were in Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, and a flash Shinkansen trip to Hakata, Fukuoka known for their Tonkotsu ramen. Japan is so beautiful this time of year with all the leaves changing to gorgeously rich fall colors, called "Koyo". They brought back some cool gifts for us and the kids and I must say I'm always impressed with the packaging.
All in all, Japanese products are always packaged so nicely. Here are a few examples....

traditional Japanese confection

Instabreakin' by Kevin Chen

Artistic breakdancing shots taken in beautiful settings. You can view more here at Global Yodel.
Kevin Chen is from Diamond Bar, CA which is the neighboring city to where I live.
Its nice to support a local "bruddah", as my hubby from Hawaii would say....

cyber monday sale!

I don't know about you, but I love to shop online! I plan to do at least half of my holiday shopping via the net. I am also offering 20% off + free shipping on all items in my Etsy shop today only!
Feel free to take advantage.

Please visit my shop to see more items!
I promise to do a beautiful job wrapping your holiday gifts as well : )

Recently...

Holiday Boutique New Items

pom pom hair clips



santa hat head band



holiday gift tags



leather key chains

Here are a few sample items I created for the Holiday Boutique where 90% of my customers will be children. 

Nice packaging!

Culinary cocktail packaging designed by Taxi , Canada



We're Finalists!

For the 5th year in a row, we have been selected as finalists in Inhabitots nationwide Green Halloween Contest ! Yay! Although we have never won this nationwide contest, we have been fortunate to hover in the top 15 every year. With your help, maybe we can actually win some Yummy Earth organic lollipops, which is the runner up prize. My kids love them!
Please click on the links below and hit the yellow "vote for this design" to cast your vote!
We truly appreciate it!

Cleopatra costume: made with pillow case and paper shopping bag

Maya is Cleopatra here:

Ninja costume: made with fabric remnants, recycled rope, and rug pads

Jaxon is a Ninja here:

Holiday Boutique 2012

I can't believe it's that time of year to start thinking about gift giving with Christmas right around the corner! Last year for the first time, I had a booth at the Holiday Boutique at Maya's elementary school. I had so much fun selling to the school children looking to buy gifts for their family and loved ones. The challenge I faced was creating handmade items that can be priced $5 and under.
I am looking to participate again this year, however, I am not sure what I am going to make quite yet.
In the meantime, I would like to share with you a few of the many items I created for last year's Holiday Boutique event.

A Sleepy Hollow- ween!

We had a fun time trick or treating with all the neighborhood kids and parents last night.
Look at all the cute Halloween decorations! Sleepy Hollow is nestled in the canyons with steep and hilly roads. We all carried flashlights and walked up and down the street collecting candy.
I got my work-out!