Zakka Place

New item from Miso Style (Kaoruko Takeda)

My friend Kaoruko Takeda, a crafter / designer who lives in Tokyo sent me a photo of one of her new products for summer 2009. They are hair accessories but can be worn as a necklace as well (the flower part is removable). Silk and linen. Her handmade Handkerchief can be found on page 138 in Zakka Sewing. (Her website is currently under construction but you can still see some of her products.)

Keiko Hoshino

Keiko Hoshino, who made the Applique Pot Holder for Zakka Sewing (see page 18), is a multi-talent! She not only sews, knits, but also wires(!).

Pot holders...

Room shoes and bags...

Knitted lampshades...

And wire baskets. Wire art is getting very popular among zakka fans in Japan for the last several years. I LOVE its rustic feel.

"Zakka style" interior

Using lots of whites and natural colors in their interior decor is one of the hot trends among zakka artists in Japan. Shinobee, who made the Tartlet Pincushion for Zakka Sewing shares lots of photos of her DIY home makeover in her website, chou. I think it's amazing because her interior reflects her handmade zakka style - simple & clean with a touch of warmth.

Shinobee's living room

Kitchen

Her handmade draw-string pouch is nicely blending in the interior.

These are some examples of her creations...

Winter zakka

Keiko Uemura of gooseberry is getting ready for winter! She made Sashiko Tea Towel and Sashiko Placemats for Zakka Sewing last spring, now she is making more wintery items such as crochet coasters and knitted hats. Did you notice there is a small hanging loop attached to them? I think that's a good idea, they can be displayed on a wall when they are not in use.

I personally think this hat design can also be used as a pot holder...

Pencil cap figurines

All the characters Kayoko Umeda of pokožka creates are simple yet very unique with a touch of nostalgia - they remind me of old puppet show characters in the '60's! Her Viking Key Case is on page 146 in Zakka Sewing. These are one of her new creations, little wooden pencil cap figurines. Their mouth opens and closes like a hand puppet!