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Japanese Textile Dyeing Festival

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Earlier this year, I went to a Japanese traditional dyeing event called ‘Some no Komichi’. It was a 3 day event held in the Ochiai/Nakai area, also known as the center for Tokyo’s traditional dyeing industry. A place where skilled craftsmen can still be seen in their workshops applying colors and patterns to kimono silks. Until 1960s, newly dyed cloths were being washed in the Myoshoji River. To celebrate the traditional craft, hand-dyed fabric were displayed in the ‘River Gallery’ over the Myoshoji River throughout the event. The shopping street was decorated with Noren (Traditional Japanese fabric dividers) that were specially designed and hand-dyed by craftsmen for the shops that participated. Local craftsmen living in the area also opened their workshops to public for viewing and some even offered a 1 day trial lesson for visitors to experience traditional Japanese dyeing techniques. Here are some pictures of the amazing 3 day event!

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Seasons Greetings!

polkaros's little helpers

I made some ‘Polkaros’s little helpers’ with wood clay to go with all the gifts this year.
Here’s wishing you all a very Merry Christmas ♥

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DIY Christmas wreath

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This is how our X’mas craft turned out this year! Christmas wreath made with pompoms, cardboard, double-sided tape and ribbon to add the finishing touch. My apartment is looking quite festive this year!


Polkadvent Calendar

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How’s everyone doing? I have been counting down to Christmas with my homemade advent calendar. 2 years ago I doodled some ‘cone man‘ illustrations during Christmas and this year, I decided to make them into an advent calendar that can also serve as a Christmas decoration around the house. Every day has been like a little treasure hunt finding the right ‘date’ and discovering a little gift in each cone. It’s making my winter in Tokyo a little less gloomy!

Advent Calendar

Advent Calendar

Advent Calendar

Advent Calendar


Craft inspiration

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Feeling inspired to make some X’mas crafts with my new supplies!
I remember making some X’mas Crafts last year. Can’t believe it has been a year! 2012 went by so quickly! What a precious year it was ♥
Are you making anything for the holiday season? If yes, I would love to see them!
Happy crafting!


Sham Shui Po Report

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I have talked about Sham Shui Po several times on my blog now but I just can’t resist sharing these pictures from my last visit. For those new to Sham Shui Po, it is an area in Hong Kong well-know for being a wholesale textile and craft supplies center. To get to the craft shops, simply take a train to Sham Shui Po Station and get out from A2 exit. You will be greeted with a massive chaos of people going in all directions and a stretch of bustling street stalls selling electronics, but do not be overwhelmed. Stay focused and walk straight until you hit the next adjacent street. Look out for ‘Yu Chau Sreet’ and ‘Ki Lung Street’. You will know once you are on the right street as it will feel somewhat like you’ve entered ‘craft supplies heaven’.

Shum shui po

Shum shui po

Shum shui po

Shum shui po

Shum shui po

Shum shui po

Once you start seeing fabric swatches displayed everywhere, you know that you have entered the wholesale textile center. These swatches are usually free to take for those who are planning to order in bulk. I still think that this is such a clever way of working! All you have to do is select the swatches that you want and call them up, tell them the serial number and they can deliver the fabric to wherever you want. Most of the people get it sent to the factory where they will have their products made. It is a really convenient system. Make sure you have your business card with you if you are planning to collect some swatches as some shopkeepers may ask.

Shum shui po

Shum shui po

Shum shui po

Shum shui po




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