The Japanese word for brush calligraphy – shodo – literally means ‘the way of writing’, which I think perfectly captures the essence of it.
CREATIVITY + INNOVATION Page 12 of 22
Enter the geisha
When I went to the kimono design studio to work on my noren curtain (more on that soon), I was not expecting to have a geisha come in for a spot of shopping…
How organised are you?
Arriving in Tokyo back in March without much of a plan
I like to think of myself as a very organised person. I love lists, notebooks, getting things in order. But that is only one part of my personality. Another part – the bohemian wandering part – has no interest whatsoever in being organised. And that is probably how I came to write in my journal, whilst sat on a plane to Japan at the beginning of this six month trip, that “I have never felt quite so unprepared for a trip in my life as I do for this one.”
Wedding preparations – special requests
We have decided to have a tiny wedding in the Spring, followed by a big party for friends a few weeks later. I enjoyed spending hours making these special requests to the bridal party, asking my favourite little people and my best friend to be part of the big day. Fingers crossed they all say yes…
Shimogamo craft fair
I came across another handmade craft fair, this time at Shimogamo Shrine. The setting was lovely but this one was smaller than the one at Kamigamo Shrine, possibly due to the threat of heavy rain, but there were some lovely stalls nonetheless…
Finalist in Digital Entrepreneur of the Year Awards 2012!
Wow, I don’t know what to say! I have been shortlisted as a Finalist for the Digital Entrepreneur of the Year Awards 2012 in the Education Entrepreneur category! Previous winners include maverick greetings card site FunkyPigeon.com and British retail giant Sainsbury’s.
Handmade fair at Kamigamo Shrine
A peek into the world of kimono design…
On the second floor of the gorgeous tea house Iyemon Salon on Sanjo Dori, tucked away behind the Sohya Tas kimono fabric products store, is a gallery of kimono design. It is always deserted and you can soak up the intricacies of stunning kimono designs up close. ‘Kimono’ literally means ‘something to wear’ in Japanese, but this style of dress is far from just something to wear – it is a display of tradition, beauty and story.
Kawashima textile factory visit
A few weeks back I shared a peek into my time at Kawashima Textile School. The school was set up by Kawashima, one of the most respected textile companies in Japan. For decades Kawashima has been entrusted with creating some of the country’s most precious fabrics, including the interior of the Emperor’s train carriage. As a student of the school I was lucky to be given a peek behind the doors of the factory, including the secret room where they make drapes for some of country’s most important shrines.
Fog Linen
Tucked away down a quiet street in the trendy Tokyo district of Shimokitazawa is a shop that might just take your breath away. Its rough concrete walls and wire shelves sit alongside old wooden furniture and quirky lampshades, all playing host to the beautiful products offered by fog linen. Carefully curated to offer delight at every turn, the natural colours of the linen – shaped into clothing, bags, children’s shoes, napkins and all sorts of other goods, are calming and enticing.