Look what arrived in the mail today! My suprize from Simmy's Blog (Great Blog Echoes of a Dream) Such a treat! The wool felt (blanket) will become a book for either my daughter or a friend of hers for a holiday gift. I'll post pictures as it takes shape. The wool angel is already hanging over our nature table in Zoe's room. The candy is half gobbled up and half being saved for a rainy day! I cannot wait try out the patterns! and look at the beauiful embroidered linen bag!



I am having a little obsession with Japanese Kokeshi Dolls! These Japanese kokeshi dolls are traditionally simple in construction, made of wood, and shaped with a cylindrical body and round head. They originated as a child's toy in the Tohiku region of northern Japan. Kokeshi are usually limbless and painted in bright floral designs, kimono, or in other traditional patters. Kokeshi is now recognized as one of the traditional folk arts in Japan. I especially love the more creative ones that wear their hair like Zoe in two pigtails! I want to make them....from wood, on paper, applique.........So cool!

I also came across the Japanese Doll Festival that celbrates girls!

Hinamatsuri The Doll's Festival, Momo-no-Sekku (Hinamatsuri), takes place on March 3. Hinamatsuri (hina means dolls and matsuri means festival) is a time to pray for the health and well being of young girls. Most homes with young girls will set up a display of hinaningyo (hina dolls). The dolls were originally made from straw and grass but have since become mass produced. Around the display dedications of peach blossoms, cube rice cakes, special colored and diamond shaped rice cakes and white sake are made. The celebration of this festival in Japan is traceable to the Edo Period (1603-1867).What a fun Celebration to have in March!!