With my 2 week trip to Australia coming up terribly fast (13th July I leave - argh!) I've been crafting up a storm trying to get a bunch of stuff finished before I go.

I decided to challenge myself to make cute, bright and summery kanzashi flowers rather than the subtle ones I tend to make. Let me tell you - I'm glad I did that, because I am totally happy with this batch of flowers. I really needed a bright candy coloured infusion!



I also made these two spring clip barrettes:






And last, but not least - my new favourite project! One of my absolute favourite traditional Japanese motif is the Chidori (or, plover, in English). It is the crest of the Pontocho geisha district in Kyoto - along with being a very popular pattern on kimono. I normally don't like bird motifs much - but, the chidori is so happy and plump- I cannot help it! So, I decided to make a line of chidori goodies - starting with a brooch:



It is made from super sculpy and hand-painted. Isn't it cute? I cannot wait to make more!