Kusudama: Japanese paper art

Kusudama flower ball

The Japanese term kusudama ("medicine ball") means a model (usually ball), made of many identical origami shapes, that are glued together to form a spherical object. The typical example of flower kusudama you can see in the picture. I made this ball last Christmas to decorate my room. It took several hours to make this ball. But I like the result. Yes, it is a little bit crooked, but this was my first kusudama. So, I am quite happy. The main thing I love about Japanese crafts is that really beautiful thing can be created quite easily. It only requires patience and accuracy.

Instructions how to make a kusudama flower can be found on WikiHow website. You may need Japanese folding paper to make kusudamas (e.g. 180s Japanese Origami Folding Paper#2423 (One Sided)), but typical colored office paper should fit well. This is really great decoration for your home, so I suggest you trying it.

Crazy chemist (Aquarius from Astrocats by Margaret Sherry)

I love cross stitching. So, when my brother's birthday came, I decides to cross stitch him something nice. I spend many hours searching for a picture that would fit his interests. He is a chemist, so I decided to look for something similar. Accidentally, I came across the design by Margaret Sherry. It was Crazy Chemist (as I have named it). Actually, it is a pattern for Aquarius sign from Astrocats Calendar that was published by Cross Stitcher magazine in 2007. Well, my brother's zodiacs sign is Leo, but this cat fits his interests most. You know, it is very hard to find a suitable cross stitched gift for a male, but I hope that he will like it. I am sharing the pictures of finished work.

Flower Carpets

A week ago I have visited one little town in. There was a town celebrations held there. The key event of this celebration was the presentation of flower carpets. It was a first time I saw this beautiful art. I am sharing some photos with you.

TAST challenge

TAST 2012

I love cross stitching. But sometimes it is very hard to find spare time and spend several lovely hours with my hobby. I also have mentioned, that trying new things is my horse. Accidentally I found really nice blog by Sharon B. She suggest quite challenging project called Take a Stitch Tuesday. You can check all the information in Pintangle TAST 2012 category.

Basque stitch 

I am not sure if I am going to join, but I would like to try completely different stitches and improve my embroidery skills. Some works, that are made by members, participating in this challenge are wonderful. I wish, I could make something similar. When I was browsing through Sharon's website, I found many great things. I have never imagined that such stitches exist.
Stitch of this week (Week 29) is Basque stitch. I have a small trip this weekend with my friend, so surely I will have no time to join challenge this week. Maybe next week.

Crochet Flower Brooche

Some time ago I have shared a picture of white crochet flower brooch. I have made short written instructions about crocheting this brooch and shared it on my Crochet Flower Patterns blog. I hope, that you will find these instructions useful.

The pattern is quite simple. The main thing is to get the idea of crocheting such flower. The patterns can be easily change. The flower can be made smaller of bigger if you like. The petals can be in the same size or you can make them different. Another key factor for making such flower is a fuzzy yarn. I like mohair or angora for these brooches. 

Crochet Cornflower

Today I will share my crochet cornflower. Actually this cornflower is not mine, because I found the pattern on the internet. On the other hand, the cornflower is my because I crocheted it myself and modified a little bit to fit my personal aesthetic needs.

Amigurumi Pig and Spring

Well, it seems that spring is here at last. I am telling you this, because last weekend on Eastern we had some snow here. It was quite interesting. My husband said that it is time to decorate Christmas tree with eggs. Well, interesting idea. Maybe, worth trying. But it will have to wait till next year.
And today I come to you with another one amigurumi. This time it is a small and tiny pig. Maybe I should call it a piglet because it is very small. Its height is about 3 cm and it's about 5 cm long.

Pincushion

Hello again. This is another finally finished project I would like to share with you. Have I mentioned, that I have a big problem with unfinished projects. Few weeks ago my husband told me that he will not allow more unfinished projects in the house. I completely agree with him, so this year I will start finishing all my VIP's. Last weekend I revised all VIP's and it is hard to believe, that there are so many unfinished works. I hope, that I am not alone with this problem. I know that this problem is common among those who love cross stitching.

Crocheted bears (amigurumi style)

Crocheting is one of those addictive habits, that allows you to make cute tiny things in a short time. I came across some nice amigurumi patterns in Kyuuto! Japanese Crafts: Amigurumi book. The book contains very helpful step by step instructions and patterns on making cute amigurumi animals.