Obi for sale

After my little triumphant making of my first tsuke obi I thought wouldn't it be a good idea to make another one for someone else to enjoy!

Well here it is!

Like before it is reversible so you can alternate how you wish to wear the colours and at the front you can twist your obi to create interesting contrasts.

As it is a tsuke obi, it has been designed for the single fold otaiko.

However I have made it long enough so you actually create a double fold otaiko as well.

And if that is not enough, you can even tie tsunodashi musubi for a more casual look.

You can even create otaiko variations if you like.  As I have only used a heavy weight interface to line the obi, you can tuck the tesaki part towards to back and create a different otaiko musubi look.

This wonderful handmade obi can be yours for £30 (not including postage).

I hope to find other materials to make more obi because they are a lot of fun to make.

Merino Needle felt kokeshi doll - Mimi

Hello my name is Mimi the kokeshi doll and I am pleased to see you!

Made from merino wool, I am wearing a gorgeous blue kimono with a purple and black obi.

My hair is styled into casual chignon as I am out for the evening with some friends. I also have a little white obi-dome on my obi-jime for decoration.

I am only 6.5cm tall but I am a feisty doll. I hope you enjoyed my description and see you soon!

Photoshoot!

Life takes an interesting turn sometimes and last Thursday was one of those days.

For a while my friend and I have been talking about putting our kimono collection and knowledge to use by becoming kimono stylist.

So started off with volunteering to put on a fashion show at Hyper Japan which is all underway.

Then I heard about model mayhem. This is a site dedicated to people who want to get into the fashion industry. At this site, people will get together to organise photoshoots to build up experience and portfolio. Sounds goods doesn't it so I setup a profile.

Anyway a couple of weeks ago, I was sent a message from a photographer who wanted to do a geisha photoshoot and was about to give up hope in finding a suitable stylist until they found me. Anyway I sent her a couple of photos of my previous work and she loved it.

Fast forward a few days and the 14 July was the day. Getting the train wasn't too bad despite I was getting to the middle of nowhere.

The location was lovely a beautiful castle set in a rural village. Really a perfect place to hold a wedding.

So the day started with hair and makeup which took the longest and it wasn't until 13.00 till the models were ready for dressing. Finally hours of practicing with my miffy paid off as I got the models dressed in 20 mins or so and it is interesting when you dress other people. The main problem I have is the busom area because of the amount of movement. However the padding around the waist did stop the juban from moving which mean the kimono could sit nicely on top. I was even able to add some of my kanzashi into the hairstyles.

Once I dressed them all up, it was time for the photos.

Here is Jade wearing my lovely pale green houmongi, Sian (the photographer) wanted a traditional look and with the help of Gavin (makeup) and Warren (hair), I think she wasn't disappointed. I love the elegant look that Jade has and the little green kanzashi really brings out the traditional look well.

In contrast to the traditional look, Sian wanted a modern styling as well and this is the one where all of us went full out on Vera. She just rocked the cute kimono with the lace trimming and I'm know looking for other kimono that I can improve with a little bit of haberdashery. And if you are wondering what kanzashi she is wearing here, it was one that I made 3-4 years ago for a friend's wedding. It is so flamboyant that I haven't been able to wear it again but for some reason it just fitted in so well with this look.

Don't the photos look great and I can't wait to get the rest of them!

Of course now this is over, it is time to concentrate on hyper japan!

Golden Ume-Japanese Bridal Tiara Kanzashi

A bride should always be the centre of attention and this kanzashi certainly make it so.

Made from ivory colour habutae, these delicate ume (plum) blossom have been hand-folded and then decorated with gold bead cap and silver pearl beads. Enhancing the flowers arrangement are 2 decorative strands made from silver wire, gold bead caps and more pearls.

Golden Ume measures 13.5 cm(wide) by 5.5 cm(height) by 4cm (depth) with the metal comb being 4cm (wide) by 3.5cm (height).

This tiara will be truly unique as it is made to order for you and therefore if you have any special request to make regarding this tiara such as colour or fitting then do not hesitate to contact me. Once I have received your order, it will take me 5 working days to be ship your order.

If this one doesn’t quite tickle your fancy then why not browses though my etsy shop or my flickr page http://www.flickr.com/photos/kittykanzashi_designs. All of my designs can be customisable to your wishes and needs so do not hesitate to contact me and I will do my best to fulfil your expectations.

Starlight-Japanese Bridal Kanzashi Tiara

This is a unique kanzashi for brides who are looking for something out of the ordinary.

Made from three layers of fabric, these petals are formed using “tsumami” technique and have been carefully attached to a felt base. The star has then been finished with a gold bead cap and ivory coloured pearl.

Adorning the star are 5 decorative strands made from hand-twisted wire, pearl and yellow cracked glass bead. These complement the colour co-ordination of the star.

Starlight measures 8cm in diameter and is attached to a metal comb that measures 3.5cm (height) by 4cm (wide).

This tiara is made to order for you and therefore if you would like to customize this hairpiece (such as the colour or fitting) then do not hesitate to contact me or just drop a note into “message for seller” at checkout with your choices.

Colours that you can choose from are as follows
• Ivory
• White
• Lilac
• Purple
• Royal Blue
• Pale Blue
• Red
• Black
• Baby pink
• Pale Yellow
• Green
• Orange

Fittings choices
• Metal comb
• Plastic clear comb
• Metal hairband
• Hairpin (4 in in length)

Once I have received your order, it will take me 5 working days to be ship your order.

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If this one doesn’t quite tickle your fancy then why not browses though my etsy shop or my flickr page http://www.flickr.com/photos/kittykanzashi_designs. All of my designs can be customisable to your wishes and needs so do not hesitate to contact me and I will do my best to fulfil your expectations.

Kanzashi for the winner of Our Big Day for 10K!

So on 18th May Heather Hodges was the lucky winner of Our Big Day for 10K giveaway.

Heather won the following kanzashi.

However she wanted a little bit of customisation to reflect her wedding colour scheme. Therefore with this in mind, I created Green Momiji Delight!

I hope you enjoy your kanzashi!

Periwinkle Treat-Japanese inspired Kanzashi

Periwinkle Treat-Japanese inspired Kanzashi

“Come on Periwinkle”

Lets see what kanzashi we have for you! Oh a delightful pair of floral hairclips made from a marbled purple coloured cotton fabric that has been moulded into cute blossoms with the “tsumami” technique.

Periwinkle Treat is a one of a kind pair of hairclips as I no longer have any more of this lovely fabric. Each hairclip measures 3 cm wide by 4 cm height by 1 cm depth and the clips are alligator style so will be suitable for all hairtypes and hairstyles.

The little red box in the picture is for display purpose only and not for sale. If you would like the little red box with your purchase then convo me and I will give you my prices.

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Although I do not have the fabric anymore, I have many other fabrics available for you to choose from so if you found a kanzashi that you like but would like to customise it to your needs, taste or occasion then let me know. I am sure I will be able to create a kanzashi that will meet your expectation.

Ember burns-Kanzashi inspired hairclip

Ember burns - Kanzashi inspired hairclip

“You feel like burning embers”

As sure as the sunrises, another kanzashi is ready for you to buy. I have for you today is a charming pair of kanzashi hairclips made from an fiery orange coloured cotton fabric that has been folded using the “tsumami” technique.

Ember burns is a one of a kind pair of hairclips as I no longer have any more of this lovely fabric. Each hairclip measures 3.5 cm wide by 4.5 cm height by 1 cm depth and the clips are alligator style so will be suitable for all hairtypes and hairstyles.

The little red box in the picture is for display purpose only and not for sale. If you would like the little red box with your purchase then convo me and I will give you my prices.

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Although I do not have the fabric anymore, I have many other fabrics available for you to choose from so if you found a kanzashi that you like but would like to customise it to your needs, taste or occasion then let me know. I am sure I will be able to create a kanzashi that will meet your expectation.

Blue Beach-Kanzashi inspired hairclip

Blue Beach-Kanzashi inspired hairclip

“Baby blue eyes I dream of you”

So what kanzashi do we have today for your viewing pleasure? That’s right, a delightful pair of tsumami flower hairclips made using a bright blue coloured cotton fabric.

Blue Beach is a one of a kind pair of hairclips as I no longer have any more of this lovely fabric. Each hairclip measures 3.5 cm wide by 3.5 cm height (including falls) by 1 cm depth and the clips are alligator style so will be suitable for all hairtypes and hairstyles.

The little red box in the picture is for display purpose only and not for sale. If you would like the little red box with your purchase then convo me and I will give you my prices.

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Although I do not have the fabric anymore, I have many other fabrics available for you to choose from so if you found a kanzashi that you like but would like to customise it to your needs, taste or occasion then let me know. I am sure I will be able to create a kanzashi that will meet your expectation.

Red Darkness-Kanzashi inspired hairclip

“I've looked into the heart of darkness”

Time to showcase another kanzashi. This time we have pair of floral hairclip made from a piece of red and black cotton fabric that has been folded using the “tsumami” technique.

Red Darkness is a one of a kind pair of hairclips as I no longer have any more of this lovely fabric. Each hairclip measures 3.5 cm wide by 3.5 cm height by 1 cm depth and the clips are alligator style so will be suitable for all hairtypes and hairstyles.

The little red box in the picture is for display purpose only and not for sale. If you would like the little red box with your purchase then convo me and I will give you my prices.

Although I do not have the fabric anymore, I have many other fabrics available for you to choose from so if you found a kanzashi that you like but would like to customise it to your needs, taste or occasion then let me know. I am sure I will be able to create a kanzashi that will meet your expectation.

Kanzashi giveaway time

In collaboration with "Our Big Day for $10K", you have a chance of winning one of my beautiful kanzashi.

To be specific, you will be winning Momiji Delight.

This was my first every bridal design and by far the best in my eyes.

So you are wondering how to enter this giveaway? It is simply, all you have to do is the following.

1. Visit http://www.bigdayfor10k.com/2011/05/10/kitty-kanzashi/#more-1441
2. Leave a comment at the end of the post detailing your reason for winning.

Thank you for looking and good luck!