So I mentioned that I went to the Governors Island over the weekend, it was for the ’20s Lazz Age Lawn Party! It was so cute, everyone was dressed up as if it was in ’20s and danced to a live jazz music and had picnic in the lawn :) I had to share some photos… enjoy! ((By the way, it’s only 5 minute ferry ride from Brooklyn Pier 6! It was so so close, I was in shock!))

Going through the fort in Governors Island…

and there was another world…

The (always) lovely girl friends:

Very lively Jazz Band:

A cute couple :)

They were awesome!

and we ended the fun with a great view! (Click the image to see larger)

New York Post has some photos from this event, too, check them out!

Posted under NYC, events

I went to the Renegade Craft fair in the late afternoon on Sunday… and it started pouring as soon as I got there. Not just rain, but strong wind and stormy craziness — I guess there was a tornado warning! So I have missed lots of shops who decided to close earlier… :( but in 30 minutes, it was hot and sunny again, though, I was a bit bummed. Bizarre weather!

Well, I still saw lots of great handmade products, I was inspired by some of the booth/display designs, and enjoyed shopping. Took some photos to share — enjoy!

Great posters and kitchen towels by Claudia Pearson:

Awesome Brooklyn poster and t-shirts: (I just can’t locate who this is by — does anyone know?)

Miniature Rhino booth — I’ve been a fan of their work, their booth was so awesome!

Cute leather alphabet rings by Lucky Me Beads:

Loved their display ideas.

Speaking of display ideas, Queens Metal used vintage wooden boxes and oil can tops, I thought it was so cool.

Another cool display idea by the Hand of Fatima Design — using old books as earring stands:

oh hi!

These jewelries by Cursive Design are so great, caught my eye for sure.

and I loved these handmade illustrated prints by Virginia Kraljevic!

Great chalk board and hand written price board:

and last but not least, loved the usage of woods throughout their work and displays via Timber!

I didn’t take photos of ALL the things I saw, but there were many many more… Cheers to all the artists!! I’m glad I made it even in the crazy weather and be able to support handmade!!

Posted under events

Beginning of this week is not so springy with rain and grey sky, but the past few days have been so gorgeous that we went to Prospect park everyday on the weekend just to enjoy the sun and the spring — everyone was thinking exactly the same, the park was packed and everyone was having a blast!

It was 70-something degrees, I was just wearing tee-shirts, but all the trees are still brown with no leaves and it looked weird — I saw little buds coming out, though!

The dog beach was finally open — saw many dogs around and a few were actually swimming and having fun! Made me smile :)

Maia enjoying her first back rubs…

and I found some flowers! Everywhere else was all brown, but these little lives found their way to bloom — so inspiring.

On Sunday, there was an Irish parade on Prospect Park West (I think it’s for belated St. Patrick’s Day ceremony, too) — it was another gorgeous day and their spirit and everyone’s vibe were so nice.

Love these costumes!

Happy Spring to all of you :) xo Hijiri

Posted under Inspiration, Park Slope, events

March 3rd is traditional in Japan to celebrate Hina-matsuri, or Girls’ Day — a day for wishing all little girls health, growth and happiness :) I saw an article on Etsy’s Handmade Blog about Hina-matsuri and thought it was great! Check out the whole article here!

(image is from Quaintrelle’s etsy shop)

Posted under events

Hello, hello!! It’s me! How are you, everyone? It’s year 2010! How has your new year been so far?! I hope you are off to a great start! Mine has been pretty awesome — spending a quality time with my family and friends, traveling around and seeing lots of great places/things here in Japan, eating lots of yummy foods… I couldn’t ask for more :)

Just wanted to stop by here and say hi real quick :) I have so many pictures already, I hope to share them all here so please stay tuned…

Picture is from Japanese new year — “kadomatsu” in front of my parents’ pharmacy.

I have so many hopes and things I’d love to accomplish this year, I still need to sit down and really think about them… it’s always nice to have a goal!

Wishing you all a very happy, healthy and exciting new year 2010!!!

Posted under Japanese, events, trip

I went to Brooklyn Lyceum Holiday Craft Market last Sunday to support local handmade artists. (I went there last year, too.) It feels so great to be a supporter — I understand how much time, effort and love goes into one product so much and I’d love to support them as much as I can! (as I have been supported by many people… I am truly grateful. Thank you always so much!)

I saw some familiar products, new products… bought few things for my loved ones and… myself. :)

There were a lot more holiday craft shows in NYC, but I have been just way too swamped to go all of them, which I am pretty disappointed about… (booo) I hope everyone (both craft shop owners and shoppers) had a great time this holiday season wherever you are!

Shop local! Shop handmade! :)

Posted under Park Slope, events

Unlike last year, I got to enjoy a whole day and night of Halloween this year! As you’ve seen Maia’s witch costume, it was fun to walk around with her — she was the most popular dog on the street!

Went to 7th Avenue Halloween Parade in Park Slope for a start. It was the safest and the most wholesome Halloween parade I’ve ever been to :) Filled with lots of kids and parents, it was fun.

Maia watching people go by.

I met Hine who was in town from Canada! So nice to meet you!!

Family Halloween photo (I was a hippie… Randy was ??):

and then, I went to Manhattan with my friends — it was crazy just as I imagined.

In front of Webster Hall. No way we could have gotten in… It was raining so the picture came out moody and I like it.

How was your Halloween?!

Posted under Maia, NYC, Park Slope, events

Wishing you all a Happy Halloween!!! Maia is a cute witch this year — kept a classic Halloween costume since last year. (Yes, it is the same black vest I crocheted, I added some lace skirt!)

Be safe and have fun! See you on Monday…

Posted under Maia, events

I stopped by Threadless “New Art. New Ideas.” tee-shirt launch party at the New Museum last Friday — it was fun :) This is the chosen design by artist Daniel Abensour. 8-color screen print! (+plastisol ink and a chino additive for softness.)

I also got a goodie bag, too, thank you, Threadless!

After I got home, I looked around their website for inspirations… (I used to check their website for some cool tee-shirts design like all the time! I hadn’t done that for a long time…) and look what I found…

Happily Ever After Is So Once Upon A Time tee! Oh, how I love this so much :) So cute, I would wear it if the girl’s size small wasn’t all sold out…

They now offer type tees. (sorry, if this has been around for a long time, I just found out!) and of course, they are accepting submissions, if you have a good slogan, submit away! Your tee might be printed :)

Posted under design, events

Last night in NYC, it was Fashion’s Night Out. The whole city was celebrating a world of fashion! Oh, how I wish they do this every month… All the shops were open til 11pm-12am, with free drinks, lots of goodies, appetizers, and store full of fashion items to shop, of course! (and a girlfriend to shop with, too, that completes the night!) I had so much fun!

I saw lots of cool designs… both fashion and graphic… I wish I documented all… but here are a couple things…

This flyer from Topshop caught my eye — very simple and clean; white, silver and black and just types. Silver letters are foil stamped so it adds more quality and texture, looks great on white and black types.

I love how it’s played around with different fonts and font weight.

and balloon type! At Opening Ceremony.

Happy Friday, everyone! :)

Posted under design, events, typography