Thi Cosmetics

My sister is getting married next year, so I was reading a bridal magazine and came across the story of Thi Cosmetics.

Started in 2006 by friends Taylor Pham and Mimi Tran Rickett as a way to create cosmetics suited to Asian features, Thi has grown into a complete cosmetic line for all beauty types.

Taylor had a long career as a makeup artist in San Francisco before embarking on her makeup business with her childhood friend Mimi. Their story is an inspiring one and their products look luxurious while also being affordable! I'll definitely tell my sister about them.

Best,
Peggy

Knitting Bags

I've recently rediscover knitting. I learned about 15+ years ago and after 4 placemats (all not square, in different sizes and full of holes), I gave up and went back to cross stitching. Well, my friend Georgia makes the most lovely yarn at Fiberphile. I bought a skein of her yarn this year and decided I had to go back to knitting. Now all I do is knit! By the way if you are a knitter or crochet and haven't heard of Ravelry, make sure you check them out!

Here is the yarn that started me back to knitting:



Photo is used with permission from Fiberphile!

My first knitting bag (you can never have too many just like purses!) was from Slipped Stitches Studios after reading on another blog about how lovely their project bags and pattern markers were. I got one similar to the one below (it was a custom order job):

Photo is used with permission from Slipped Stitch Studios!


My second purchase was a Interchangeable case for my new KnitPicks.com Interchangeable set. I didn't like the plastic case it came from so I got a nice one from Babylove Designs. I have to tell you her stuff is very reasonably priced and very well made! I happened to be her 100th sale so she gave me a knitting project page too! She also has cases for DPNs and circulars too. I got a brown one with flowers but here is one with dragonflies:

Picture is used with permission from Babylove Designs!

Here is the knitting project bag: It can hold the wrap I'm working on and its over 3 ft long!

Photo is used with permission from Babylove Designs!

For my next knitting project bag (I need to get at least 3 because I have at least 3 projects in the work) will be from Peg's Procrastinations. Her Knit Sacks To Go are really neat in that it has a built in row counter, 2 pockets, a key ring and you can hook it so it has a handle like a bag! Just convo Peggy about her other Asian fabric choices.

Photo was used with permission from Peg's Procrastinations!

Lilie - A Planet 4 Creation

Chris Bryant Pottery & Three Paper Pigs on Etsy!

Hello, faithful readers of Asian Buzz! It's been one of those interesting weeks where if you're the creative sort, your house is a mess and you have craft stations everywhere. Today we set up a fairly large canopy outside with tables for a supposed plexiglass project and a wooden easel for oil painting. Our desire to list items on Etsy has been nothing short of a high speed adventure.

My boyfriend, Chris Bryant, is a guitar instructor who throws pottery whenever he is not teaching. He throws beautiful Raku and high fire glaze pieces. Raku-yaki (楽焼), or Raku ware, is a type of Japanese Pottery that is traditionally and primarily used in the Japanese tea ceremony in Japan, most often in the form of tea bowls. It is traditionally characterized by hand-molding of the clay as opposed to turning it on a potter's wheel, resulting in each piece being "one-of-a-kind"; low firing temperatures (resulting in a fairly porous body); lead glazes; and the removal of pieces from the kiln while still glowing hot. In the traditional Japanese firing process, the fired piece is removed from the hot kiln and put directly into water or allowed to cool in the open air. Raku techniques have been adopted and modified by contemporary potters worldwide. On this note, check out Chris' beautiful ceramic pieces on Etsy!










This brings me to my next topic...Three Paper Pigs! It's been a while since I put in a plug about my company, so I thought I'd remind you I'm still around, creating colorful and functional pieces of art which are sold at my online store, ThreePaperPigs.com and on Etsy! Here are a few items to lure you to my shop:


Flower Garden Magnets, $9.95


Bottlecap Magnets with Vintage Fabric, $12.50


Assorted Stationery, $7.00


Assorted Stationery, $7.00


Kawaii Girl Pocket Mirror, $4.95


Black and White Pocket Mirror, $4.95


Jeanne - Three Paper Pigs

Yarn Giveaway!

A friend of mine on Ravelry is giving away 5 skeins of yarn. I'll let her tell you the rules and etc.

So here’s the deal. I need you blog readers to leave me a comment HERE telling me your funniest, saddest, strangest, most amazing, most horrible move-in day of your life. I know you must have one. I’m pretty sure everyone has moved once or twice. If not (and seriously LUCKY YOU) then tell me how in the world you’ve managed never to have to go through the horrors of moving in your whole life – are you ecstatic about not having to move or do you wish you could experience it for yourself?

Before I list the prizes, I need to add that I’m very sorry but I can only accommodate residents of the US and Canada or the shipping is just too expensive for me – sorry!!!
Comment by Sunday, June 21st at 3pm EST enter HERE and you’ll have a chance to win one of these lovelies:

First up, a skein of Dream in Color Smooshy in Spring Fusion (above)

A skein of Pagewood Farms Yukon in Fabulous Fall (above)

A skein of Min the Weaver’s Rocking Stockings in A Rose By Any Other Name (above)

A skein of Fiberphile 2-ply sock in Saffron (seriously amazingly gorgeous stuff above)

And last, but most certainly not least, a skein of Malabrigo Sock in Solis (above)

Photos are used with permission from Lina of Photo.Knit.Dog!

Lilie - A Planet 4 Creation

Photographer: Akihiro Furuta

A while back I discovered portrait photographer Akihiro Furuta on Flickr. I was sad when I realized that he's since deleted his flickr account. But with the powers of the internet, I found his blog. His photos mostly depict his family and capture an honesty, intimacy, and joy that is nothing less than stunning. They are simple with excellent composition and reflect a timelessness in this fast paced world of technology. Maybe it's the square format of the photo, maybe it's the soft lighting of the subjects, or maybe it's because Akihiro views life with an optimism that makes you want to know him and his family and invite them to a day at the park.

Here are a couple of my favorites:



Stay tuned for a future interview with Mr. Furuta.

warmly,
denise of akemi designs

Asian inspired kitchen cabinets and kitchen islands by Greentea Design

Chopstickart.com

Do you ever wonder what happens to some of the chopsticks used at restaurants after a single use?

At chopstickart.com, founder Bryan Parks has found a way to collect and sanitize the discarded chopsticks and turn them into beautiful home accessories. I especially love the aesthetics of these fruit baskets. They would look great on a tabletop. When not in use, the baskets can be folded flat for easy storage.

Adding to the already eco-friendly nature of these products, is that they are all dyed using natural plants.

Visit chopstickart.com for more information and items.

(Images belong to chopstickart.com)

Enjoy!
Dai - Dear Monday

YesStyle.com Asian Fashion and Lifestyle

Looking for fun, fashionable styles from Asia? YesStyle is a one-stop shop for men and womens' fashion from all over Asia! Featuring lines from South Korea, China, Taiwan, Hong Kong and more, YesStyle also features individual designers of Asian descent.

I love that the style is contemporary and very now -- very H&M or Topshop in style. And with brands like "Orange Style -- Your Fashion Vitamin", what's not to love?

Check out yesstyle.com for all of your Asian fashion and lifestyle needs!

About Meomi

I am a big fan of Meomi and wanted to share their delightful site filled with fantastically cute content. I can easily spend an hour just rolling over the fun features of their site and staring at their adorable illustrations.



Meomi is dedicated to the creation of compelling visual experiences and narratives. They create work for numerous mediums and strongly believe in design that delights, entices, and inspires.

Meomi is Vicki Wong (Vancouver) and Michael Murphy (LA). Meomi's artwork has been featured in numerous illustration and design books, while their characters have appeared on clothing, toys, merchandise, and magazines worldwide. Meomi has created art for such clients as Google, Electronic Arts, Girls Inc., Time Out Magazine, Cyworld, Nick Jr., Bang-on Clothing, and CBC4Kids.



Besides client work, Meomi also moonlights as the authors and illustrators behind the Octonauts children book series. Meomi spends much of their spare time, sitting around in the attic, making up silly stories, drinking tea and drawing strange creatures. (Many of which are available for licensing.)


Available at http://www.octonauts.com/

Available at http://www.rojo-magazine.com/papel/

All images and content from http://www.meomi.com/.

Jeanne - Three Paper Pigs

Wardrobes by Greentea Design

Greentea Design is "Stepping into Summer" with Special Offers on their Step Chest Collection and a spectacular new interactive video featuring this iconic piece.

Until June 15th Greentea Design is offering 20% off on any model or design of our Step Chests. This includes the beautiful Elm Burl Step - the gem of our Collection.

Wai Ching Couture

I discovered Wai-Ching on the offbeatbride.com and instantly fell in love with her clothing designs. I love her use of bold colors, decorative and detailed stitching, silk fabrics, and a deconstructive yet polished edge that intrigues like no other. My favorites in her collection are the Yowying dress, Samsara dress, Delirum pant, Holeng skirt, and the stunning Green Victorian Skirt. I have a few weddings to attend this year, which would be a perfect excuse to get something. But oh, what to choose?!

I had the good fortune of interviewing Chrissy Wai-Ching and learn a little about her and her creative process for her custom clothing.

How did you become a designer of couture clothing? Were you always interested in fashion and sewing?

Chrissy Wai-Ching (CWC): I've been sewing and creating since I was about 5 years old. My grandmother is an avid quilter so she showed me the ins and outs early on. I later studied fashion, art, and textiles and started my own line when I realized how hard it was to find unique, beautifully made clothing.

What inspires you?
CWC: Mostly nature, and organic shapes. Also the female form.

When designing a piece, do you start with the idea of a shape, color, or fabric? Or is it something more abstract?

CWC: Usually I start with a feeling or mood and then play with the fabric and see what comes out!

On average, how long does it take to create, say, a dress, from conception to completion?

CWC: There is currently a 3-4 month wait for the pieces.

There is a multi-cultural flavor in all your pieces. In what way have you taken your global experiences and turned that into clothing?

CWC: I'm blending the different elements that I have seen around the world and manifesting them in clothing/art. I like to take flattering and interesting parts of traditional costumes and update them, make them modern hybrids.


What sets you and your clothing line apart from the others out there?

CWC: The level of detail and handcrafting, the fit and use of materials. Also, the handdyeing and sustainable fabrics.

You live in Seattle now. How does living in the Pacific NW affect your work?

CWC: We are surrounded by majestic natural beauty. It is a source of nonstop inspiration.

What was your favorite item you designed?
CWC: I especially love the Zolotova Dress because it uses all the scraps from other pieces, so it is completely sustainable. It is fun to play with colors in that design because of the high level
of detail and silk collaging.

And a few of quick questions... what is your favorite...

...color? red
...food? red grapes
...hobby? running
...singer/band? Ltj Bukem

Thank you so much for the interview and your time Chrissy!


and psst! She also has a men's line too.

Warmly,
denise of akemi designs

Little Odd Forest

Little Odd Forest by Forestprints Design is an online shop that reminds me of my childhood... or at least lots of things I had in my head as a child. Founded by Singaporean designer Lynda Lye, the enchanted shop is home to plushies, bags, pins, stationery, and all things adorable.




The quirky site came from Lynda's desire to break free from monotony and into a magical world of color and imagination. All items are designed by Lynda and made with lots of love. They are produced either in limited quantities or one-of-a-kind in a sweatshop-free environment.



The Little Odd Forest's motto: it's not fashion, it's a lifestyle.

(All images belong to Forestprints Design/Lynda Lye)

Enjoy!
Dai - Dear Monday

Red Egg and Ginger Ceremony

I'll be attending my first Red Egg and Ginger Ceremony this coming weekend and turned to Asian Buzz favorite ChinaSprout.com for information and accessories perfect for this celebration!

Held for a newborn about 100 days after their birth, the babies' grandparents celebrate by giving out dyed red eggs and naming the child in front of family and friends. As a guest, I'll be bringing a gift in a traditional red envelope, and China Sprout has a cute birthday version here.

Peggy

Josephine Harmon - Fine Makeup Artistry

I recently designed Josephine Harmon's logo and put together her website. I thought it would be really neat to do a write up on someone I've personally met and worked with on a professional level. Josephine Harmon is a fine makeup artist who currently resides in San Jose and travels throughout the Bay Area for assignments. She is sociable, communicative, professional, detail-oriented and most of all, amazing at the skill of fine makeup artistry. Did I mention she is half-Vietnamese?

Josephine spent years in the beauty industry growing up in a salon. Her natural artistic abilities started at a very young age and love for make-up shortly thereafter, enabling her to enhance a woman's beauty with the stroke of a brush. Although make-up has the ability to transform an individual’s outer appearance, Josephine believes make-up shouldn’t be used to mask, but to simply, enhance. She found that just a little make-up made a big difference in boosting a woman’s confidence, leading to her passion of helping women discover their own natural beauty.



Josephine mastered various techniques having formerly worked for cosmetic lines such as MAC and NARS, with extensive make up training from some of the best mentors in the industry. Her talents have been displayed in fashion shows such as Macy's Passport, San Francisco Fashion Week and Bumble & Bumble on Tour. With countless photo shoots and weddings under her belt, she still finds sharing her expertise with others to be one of the most rewarding experiences.

For wedding events, Josephine works closely with each bride to ensure that the desired look is captured on the day of the wedding, enhancing each individual bride’s natural beauty. Getting the perfect look is usually accomplished during a trial appointment where you and Josephine decide what you feel and look most beautiful in.



Josephine can also be of assistance in making you look and feel glamorous for special events such as, but not limited to:

* Birthdays
* Bachelorette Parties
* Sweet Sixteen
* Quince/Quinceñeras
* Prom/Formals

Regarding commercial, advertising and photo shoots, she is available for makeup and light styling for on-location shoots. Her experience in fashion shows and photo shoots has taught her to work quickly and efficiently under pressure, while maintaining a level of perfection to reduce or eliminate the need to edit photos.




Josephine offers traditional makeup application as well as Airbrush makeup. Airbrushing is a new makeup application technique that uses compressed air which atomizes foundation into tiny droplets, or an ultra-fine mist of makeup providing seamless coverage. It is extremely hygienic as you do not have to worry about sanitized brushes, and rather soothing as the fine mist feels like a soft gush of air on your face. Airbrush makeup feels exceptionally lightweight; most clients say they don’t feel as if they have any makeup on. It is non-comedogenic and great for all skin types and all ages, including those with sensitive, oily, or problematic skin conditions.

It offers flawless coverage by minimizing skin imperfections with a natural beautiful finish. It is water resistant, therefore longer-wearing than traditional makeup lasting at least eight hours or more, no matter the heat/humidity, hugging or dancing you endure throughout the evening. It can also be used to help camouflage tattoos, scars, stretch marks or any other blemishes of the skin. The flawless complexion airbrushing creates will ensure picture perfect skin, as it is the only makeup suitable for the ‘High Definition’ standard on television and the up-close-and-personal photographs you will be taking the day of your special event. You will look as beautiful at the end of the night as you did at the start of the day.



Lastly, if you are looking to learn how to do your makeup, or want to learn new techniques in the comfort of your own home, book a makeup lesson with Josephine. With a one-on-one session, you will receive a personalized consultation with step-by-step instruction on how to do your makeup with the tools and products you already have (or learn what you need from a professional kit).

All images and bio/company description from www.josephineharmon.com and used with permission.


Jeanne - Three Paper Pigs

Reading about running

I'm a distance runner, but a knee injury from overtraining last year for a marathon resulted in me taking a 6+ month hiatus from any running whatsoever, as well as seeing a terrible orthopedist and an amazing chiropractor.

Due to the awesomeness of the chiropractor, I'm up to running 3-4 times a week now. My knee problem limits the distance, only about 1.5 miles at a time, but it's better than nothing. I'm finally at the point again where I can zone out and reach a meditative state, granted it's only for about 5 minutes, but I'll take what I can get.

I just finished reading a memoir by Haruki Murakami, a well-known Japanese author whose novels delve into the surreal like his popular book, The Wind Up Bird Chronicle. This memoir, titled What I Talk About When I Talk About Running, was straight forward, a bit funny, and something that a runner or triathlete could appreciate. It was nice to nod along in agreement about the feelings of distance running. And it made me want to run more, though of course I can't due to my physical limitations. Still, at least I can read about running even though I'm not actually running.

Read a review of the book here.
And a 2004 Runner's World interview here.

It's a fast and easy read and makes you want to run (or at least want to want to run). Check it out!

warmly,
denise of akemi designs

Asian Furniture by Greentea Design

Custom Little Pals

In the land of vintage-inspired paper and all things adorable, The Paper Princess has come up with a set of precious face stamps: Custom Little Pals.

The stamps can be used by wee people or big people for almost anything. I think I'd go on a stamping frenzy and use it on gift tags, stationery, labels, etc. Each stamp is $23.99: you just choose your face, then personalize and you have your very own stamp!

Which one of these kids are you?


(All images belong to The Paper Princess)

Enjoy!
Dai - Dear Monday

TrendyOutfitter.com

TrendyOutfitter.com is the baby of Maria Lau. Maria started out on Ebay, reselling Japanese brands. As her business grew, she launched her own website and has been selling her fashions for about 5 years now, working from home and taking care of her son. It's the ultimate stay-at-home-mom dream!

Maria picks a cute a quirky mix of Japanese-inspired fashions (her clothes are made mostly in China). It's street fashion, fun fashion.

Check it out!

peggy
www.peggyli.com

Asian Bathroom Furniture - Greentea Design

You may have noticed that Greentea Design has been a sponsor of Asian Buzz for a while now. I thought I would do a post on some of their new items. I only wish I was close enough (they are in Canada) or had enough extra money to enjoy their furniture up in person!
Katashi Vanity - I LOVE having a double sink in the masterbathroom. This vanity caught my eye the first time I saw it. It looks beautiful and easy to clean (2 pluses in my book!).

Demi Lune Vanity - This vanity looks more like a wonderful table. I can see it working as a great wet bar sink.

Two-tone Bathroom Stand - I like my furniture to look simple and functional. This bathroom stand fits both! This would work great with out fossils out in the Great Room too!

Please visit Greentea Designs for prices and shipping information!

Lilie - A Planet 4 Creation

Tokidoki!

For those of you who don't know TOKIDOKI, shame on you. Just kidding. I have to say once I discovered Tokidoki several years ago, I've become fixated. The history of Tokidoki is sweet and inspiring to those of us who are crafty in our own right, who love simple and pure forms of art, and who appreciate those who are like-minded in the pursuit of all things creatively cute.

Tokidoki means "sometimes" in Japanese. The creator, Simone Legno, chose this word because he loves Japan. He loves everything from the ultra modern happy face of Shibuya to the serious magical silence of Kyoto. He chose "sometimes," because everyone waits for moments that change one's destiny. By simple chance or meeting a new person, Tokidoki is the hope, the hidden energy everyone has inside that gives us the strength to face a new day and dream something positive, that something magical will happen to us.

Tokidoki started as a personal website for Simone a few years ago, a diary and place to display his art and soul. Since launching Tokidoki, Simone has been touched by the kindness of thousands who have expressed their love for his unique interpretation of the world.








































All images and company description from www.tokidoki.it


Jeanne - Three Paper Pigs

SF Int'l Film Festival

The 27th San Francisco International Asian American Film Festival kicked off this past Friday, March 13th and will be ongoing through March 22. If you're in the Bay Area, be sure to check the listings for your local participating theaters. I plan to watch White On Rice tomorrow at the Kabuki Theater in Japantown (if I can get a ticket, that is). From the trailer, it looks hilarious!

warmly,
denise of akemi designs

Asian inspired kitchen cabinets by Greentea Design

Sophistix

What a neat find: Sophistix is an online clothing boutique based in Singapore. The shop is brimming with fresh fashion at affordable prices (seriously!). There's a wide range of choices among the tops, dresses, vests and bottoms.

Good news for everyone, they ship worldwide. And, for our Asian Buzz readers, Sophistix is offering FREE shipping to the US and Canada on orders over $50. Just enter ASIANBUZZ when you check out.

Let's take a peek at some items in the boutique. (Click on the picture if you'd like to go to directly to the item.)








Be sure to bowse "Shop By Outfit" where you can buy pre-matched ensembles at extra savings.

(All images above belong to Sophistix)

Enjoy!
Dai - Dear Monday

Happy Hinamatsuri! (Girls Day)

Today is Hinamatsuri, or Girls Day or Festival of Dolls. This holiday is celebrated in Japan on the third day of the third month (Boys Day falls on the fifth day of the fifth month). Its roots are placed back to the ancient custom called hina-nagashi, or Doll Floating where people would float dolls down the river to carry away the bad spirits.

Today, families display their heirloom dolls depicting the royal Heian court on a special red lacquered tiered platform, starting with the Emperor and Empress on the top tier shelf and going down to the various ladies in waiting, musicians, samurai on the following tiers.

Little girls celebrate Hinamatsuri by having a party of delicious Japanese treats and drink and "offering" it to the dolls. Japanese bakeries will offer special Hinamatsuri treats during this time, like special manju and cakes (with a lot of pink!).

On Saturday, one of my daughter's former preschool friends hosted a Girls Day celebration at her house. Her mom and grandmother prepared a delicious spread of pastel-colorfed manju (sweet rice cakes), sushi, miso soup, and other Japanese yummies. I made nigiri, rice balls in heart, bear, and star shapes seasoned with sesame seeds and nori.



For dessert was the super cute Girls Day cake topped with candy versions of the Emperor and Empress.



One of the girls' mother shared her tiny Hina Doll set, a miniature version of the top tier with the Emperor (left) and Empress (Right). Super cute!



I love paper, so I made paper versions of the doll display for each of the girls to keep.



Our girls loved celebrating Hinamasturi with its delicious, ultra girly foods and decorations. And no boys allowed! :)

Happy Hinamasturi!

Resources:

Make your own paper Hina doll display. Download it here.

More info on this holiday can be found here.

Hinamatsuri-inspired photos here.

Buy your own set of heirloom dolls and start a tradition.


Warmly,
denise of akemi designs

Yellow Goat Jewelry

I stumbled upon Yellow Goat Jewelry and was instantly captivated by her whimsical, abstract style. "Yellow Goat" is the literal translation of this Chinese native, who has lived in San Francisco and now resides in Hong Kong.

Leaving her life as an animator and TV ad producer, Yellow Goat embraced her inner artist and, with the support of her family and friends, embarked on creating her art.

I love her Rocket Science earrings and Objectication series, which reminds me of the artist Magritte with her simple outlined objects that hold such meaning in our minds.

Check out her work here Yellow Goat on Etsy and check out her blog.

Peggy - Peggy Li Creations Handmade Jewelry