Kazuyo's collection - Christmas trading and Usagidoshi

Kazuyo's collection, Japanese art& craft, tea shop (98 Latrobe tce Paddington QLD) will reopen on the 22nd Jan 2011.

I finish my work at shop today. This year, I have had a great time with my accompany through a tiny shop(space).

Holding my hope, I will have a holiday with my daughter in Japan.

Our life is always "up and down" I am always learning how combine our ideas, how compromise betweens, how make a great harmony ..in my Brisbane life.

Usagi-doshi(Rabbit year)'s feature are;
combine our ideas for looking for the best way,
prioritises "human being right"
compromise....

I will keep trying to show some sense of value for "Japanese beauty" with my accompany.

Japanese vintage kimono beauty - why I have been making vintage kimono bags and others with vintage kimono. Because I can show Japanese beauty such as the four seasons, landscape, architectures, cultures easily on Vintage kimono textile's patterns.

Japanese vintage kimono beauty - 3R remake, recycle and revival, this challenge will keep in my mind.

Merry Christmas and a happy new year 2011!


(Illustrated by Akiko Fujii - my youngest sister)

All things has "FIRST STEP"
Let's try!
Once get your first step, it will produce some future...

Usagi-doshi "Rabbit year" 2011

2010 was "TIGER year" That's why some sort of storm in this year? how about around you???
2011 is "Rabbit year" Hope we will be able to have a peaceful time and happy luck!

The pictures are;

Top - Tombodama(Japanese traditional glass work) earing with "Rabbit" made by Uminico in Japan

Bottom - Hand drawed YUNOMI(Tea cup) from Arita pottery, distributed by Aya green tea

Both are available in Kazuyo's collection, 98 Latrobe tce Paddington QLD

Vintage kimono beauty 1910 - kimono bag

Hi, I have not updated my blog for a month, This month, I have been like a "Kimono destroyer"!
I made maybe about 50bags in 2 weeks. I was wondering if I am a kimono killer or kimono saver as a recycle works.

Anyway, tonight(actually midnight!), I made a bag with Taisho period(1910-) formal kimono.
I often talk about TOMESODE(EDOZUMA) and trade at my shop too.
I 100% fall in love in TOMESODE world this year. It's not bright such as Bride wedding gown, but there is a some mature beauty there such as mature lady! The picture's flowers in a Fan is not looks like an old fashion, it's modern and how beauty it is!

Vintage kimono teddy bear show

Finally, 7 vintage kimono teddy bears together last Sunday at Auditorium, RNA show ground!
They were so cute!!!

I, Kazuyo's collection and Aya, Aya green tea also join in the table. Looks very Japanese!!

I and Haruko wore vintage kimono dress made with Tomesode(Japanese lady's formal kimono)

Vintage kimono bags and Brooches were also happy next to teddies!

Made of the same Vintage kimono which was Haori(kimono jacket) with lovely Shibori pattern.

Now the vintage kimono teddy bears are at Kazuyo's collection, Please come and have a look!

They are so cute more than the pictures!!!

How to prepare vintage kimono textile for making vintage kimono bear and kimono bag

Hi, As you know I am making the vintage kimono bags at shop and studio at home.
However, nobody knows how much I need time for preparing the textiles.

1. looking for the vintage kimono in Japan - I, myself and my parents to get the textile from country side, small solo trading shop. Because the balance of kimono's price and condition is very important for supplying the bag with reasonable price, If Tokyo, Kyoto, please pop in the markets. Also I am an analogue person who wanna check the quality with my eye, so visit the place!

2. unpicking without any damage on the textile - it's like a mediation for me!

3. wash - some kimono can wash, some kimono should not!!(I had many disaster's experiences)
Please do not use hot water, easy to shrink!!!

4.dry - hang up under the shade until half dry.

5. iron - when half dry, start to iron over the thin textile(the picture's case were using a towel and a thin textile for keeping nice Shibori pattern(3D).

So, now it's time to cut the textile for making kimono bag, bear, brooch....


By the way, Christmas is coming soon, For the Christmas gift, now the last timing for taking customised order(I will take the order until 3rd of Dec). If Brisbane people, please pop in my shop. Otherwise, please send an email to kimonofrog@yahoo.co.jp

Japanese tea ceremony on 4th Dec

Hi, Anyone who are interested in the Japanese tea ceremony, here is the event information.


When ; The 4th Dec 2010 (Sat) from 11am
Where; Richard Randall Studio, Mt. Coot-tha Botanic garden, Brisbane
Any inquiry ; please contact 0405 402 340

Tea ceremony by Haruko and "Aya green tea"

And also The 1st Dec(Wed) to 5th Dec (Sun), Christmas's Bazaar for fundraising the garden, The art, craft and others. It will be a chance to buy The Christmas gift! I will join as a vintage kimono artisan.

Any further information, please contact to me 07 3368 1510 Kazuyo's collection(Weekday 10am to 4pm).

Vintage kimono bag with tomesode and the cousin's collection at West End

Hi, this year, I have been enjoying to make the kimono bags with Tomesode(Formal dress code for Japanese kimono lady) and Shibori(tied dye).

The top picture's bag were made with Tomesode's sleeve(Family crest) and a 100yrs vintage kimono sash(Obi). The bottom picture's were made with Tomesode.

These bags give you some idea about Japanese four season's plants and landscape too!
(Sorry I still use my mobile for taking picture. So not enough to enjoy the pictures)

There are more TOMESODE kimono bags at Kazuyo's collection now. You might feel Japanese traditional dress code too!


Here is an information from the one of my accompany at Kazuyo's collection, Jenny who makes the beautiful resin jewellery.

She will have an Exhibition "the cousins' collection" with her family who are very talented for paintings.

Date: 27 Nov (Sat) to 1 Dec (Wed) 2010
Opening night 26 Nov Fri 6pm to 10pm
Place: Circle Gallery at 274 Montague Road West End QLD

Artists: Rhyl Henzell, Jenny Henzell, Bronwyn Searle and Philip Gough

3 days Frog Art and Craft Exhibition

SAVE THE FROGS!
3 days Frog Art and Craft Exhibition

Koyomi Waki is the host of this fundraising event. She is one of artists too!

She popped in my shop a couple of months ago. She lives in GC, the day was the opening night of her group exhibition at Paddington.When she came she bought a kimono(Haori) for wearing at the opening. Until then, I have no idea about our common point. When she left my shop, I gave my business card. As soon as she found a word"Frog" in my email address! Just surprised kimonofrog@yahoo.co.jp....

Anyway, the story is personal, but the following is the official information for the frog exhibition.
Please visit her web, you might know how she likes frogs!! lovely frogs are there!!!

Fundraising exhibit of frog-loving artists

Opening Reception: Friday, 5th November, 6-8 p.m.
Open days: Friday night, Saturday 6th – Sunday 7th (9am – 4pm)
Location: Sculptor Society – 173 Ashmore Rd/ Carrara St, Benowa Qld 4217

Save the Frogs Art and Craft Exhibition is a group fundraising exhibition of local, frog-loving, emerging artists that want to help the national frog conservation team SAVE THE FROGS! This exhibition is on view at Sculptor Society from November 5th to November 7th, 2010 from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. A reception to be held on Friday, 5th November, from 6-8pm, will be opened by Koyomi Waki – artist and art educator and Dr. Jean-Marc Hero - ecologist and associate professor at Griffith University in Gold Coast, Australia.

The truth is that due to habitat destruction, pollution & pesticides, climate change, invasive species, over-harvesting, infectious diseases and frog legs trade, frogs have become one of the most endangered species in the world.

This exhibition is an attempt to encourage public awareness to this tragic loss of our world and to encourage frog lovers’ support by purchasing frog art and craft and donating! 75% profit of all works will be donated to the Australian frog conservation specialist team.

Affordable and adorable frog art and craft – hand created by our local frog loving artists. Small to large, all artworks are suitable as gifts for anyone and grantee to liven up your home!

Exhibiting artists:
Koyomi Waki - host
Mako Waki
Sandi Walker
Margaret Macgill
Jacqueline Poka
Bev Poncho
Lee Reahardt and co.

Artists will be present at Sculptor Society (173 Ashmore Rd/ Carrara St, Benowa Qld 4217)
during opening hours to discuss their work.

Contact Information
Koyomi Waki : Arts Educator, Artist
Mb Phone: 0403 105 888; Hm Phone: (07) 5597 4313 Email: komikoala69@hotmail.com
Website: http://www.koyomifroggyart.com/ - Project

Sculptor Society Opening Hours: Friday 5th November to Sunday 7rd November 9a.m.to 4 p.m. / Admission Free
Address: 173 Ashmore Rd/ Carrara St, Benowa Qld 4217

Shippo-yaki, Japanese Cloisonne

The picture are Japanese Cloisonne(Japanese 七宝焼shippo-yaki) which made by a Japanese kimono maker in Japan. She is making mainly lady's Jewllery such as necklace, pin, brooch and teaching her tequnique at Nara, Japan. Currently there are about 30 items at my shop, Kazuyo's collection and the prices are mainly $26(very reasonable!!). Thanks a lot, Haruko's mother!!!

Vintage kimono teddy bears going to an Exhibition, Brisbane

Hi, The vintage kimono teddy bear which has been selling at Kazuyo's collection, Paddington finally join in the Summertime Dolls & Bear Collectables and Craft Shows this Nov!
Date: 14 Nov 2010 (Sun) 9:30-15:00
Place: RNA show ground Auditorium, Gregory Tce, Brisbane

The teddy bear maker, Haruko is making 6-7 bears this time.
It will be a first time, 6-7 bears together!

We will also bring in Vintage kimono bags and Aya green tea & tea wares.

Please come and enjoy vintage kimono teddy world!

Yukata is good for the beginner - how to wear kimono

Hi, today's information is just an idea for the kimono beginner.
"How to wear Yukata(casual cotton summer kimono)"

Recently, there were a couple of inquiries about "how to tie Obi(Sash)".

It will be very hard for the beginner to wear kimono with the proper way.
I recommend, please learn how to wear Yukata first and you might wear your kimono with Yukata's way. It must be an out of traditional kimono way.
But maybe good for the beginners!

Please go to YouTube and search with "how to wear yukata"
There are a couple of nice video scripts.

The picture was the last year's event at Borders book store in Brisbane CBD.

Japanese garden idea- my home

When I come back to my home(parent's house). A Kokeshi doll and Flower is the entrance host for me to say "Welcome back!" before I see my parents. A Kokeshi and flower are changed each season. the picture was Autumn. That's why Momiji(Autumn leaves) doll and Chrysanthemum was.

When I back to Brisbane, always the frogs(KAERU) say "good-bye". "KAERU" means "FROG" and "Back to home" The statue means that "Please come back safely next time too!"

The following are a couple of pictures in my dad's garden. The garden is a pretty standard in the country side of Japan. That means maybe... easy to put the taste in your garden!

Stone bridge, garden lantern

Nanten(nandin), Matsu(pine tree), Momiji(fallen leaves)

Koke(Moss)

Vintage kimono bag with NZ leather

Today was the deadline for "Cherish 2010" Artisan(Craft Queensland) Christmas showcase. So I dropped the 10 vintage kimono bags off to the Craft Queensland after finished my work.

This year, I bought the industrial machine for using the leathers for my vintage kimono world.

I wannted to make the practical bags...I always worried about the life of the vintage kimono bag.

The fine leather's life is very long. On the other hand, the vintage kimono has very short life.

However, such as the sash in the above picture, there are strong enough to combine with leathers.

What I found through the leather work, The kimono and sash's patterns are matched with leather.

My meaning is that Vintage kimono has strong enough uniqueness which is matched with leather!

Can you understand what I want to say?

Japanese green tea - Brisbane, Aya green tea

I am promoting the fresh Japanese Green tea at my shop, Paddington, Brisbane.

The teas come from Shizuoka directly through "Aya Green tea". Her parents run tea company in Japan and contribute the tea promotion as a director of the Shizuoka tea association.

We Japanese have the 2 main streams for the tea. One is "Shizuoka", the place is the famous for Sencha. The other is "Uji"(the urban city of Kyoto) for Matcha.

What is the different between Sencha and Matcha?

Matcha is a city girl(the tea plants are covered by shade), Sencha is a wild country girl(no covered by shade)!!

I will show you the Japanese green tea leaves. The further more info(the nutrition and how to brew tea etc), please have a look "Aya Green tea"website or come in Kazuyo's collection!

The above is the Sencha(Japanese green tea). As you know the most famous tea contained a lot's of vitamin C and antioxidant effect.

The next is "Genmai tea" which is mixed the Matcha powder and the popped rice. The Genmai tea is very popular at my shop, also for the Western people.

The following is the Aya's green tea's special blend for Australian!! Taste is totally diffrent with the traditional Japanese tea. For the Japanese tea biginners, please try them!

No strange unique smell and taste.

Rasberry and Hojicha(Brown tea)

Peach and Sencha


We also have "Matcha powder" and "Sencha Powder". These are good for cooking such as the ice cream or the green tea cake!! The recipe is easy to search on Internet.

Enjoy Japanese tea!!!!

Wool Felt Necklace - Marimo at Kazuyo's collection

Finally, The work has come to my shop! The Marimo means a green alga (belonging to the genus Cladophora) in Japanese. I stock not only green also red, pink...Many different colour's Marimo in store. Her work is so Dynamic as Japanese artisan, but also focus on the details such as the beads works on the felts.

Vintage kimono bag with Shibori kimono

Hi, A couple of Shibori bags and Tomesode bag here.

• The pine leaves with pink bag: made of Vintage kimono Jacket(HAORI)(1950's)
  


• The purple bag: made of Vintage kimono(1920's)



• Tomesode bag: made of a tomesode(Formal kimono)(1980's)

The shape of These bags has been popular in my work.

The reason is maybe..

• tied style - bonbon(balls) is made with the traditional style



• the 2 way - When untied, you can use as a TOTO bag(please look at a picture!)

Vintage kimono picture framed with Vintage timber from Grace Brothers department

Hi, the picture is "the vintage wedding gown framed with the vintage timber".

I really wanna show the detail of timber and textile, but very sorry, the quality of picture is not enough to show it.


The timber is NZ Kauri pine tree which was used at the lobby of a lift in Broadway, Grace Brothers department store, Sydney.

A builder, my friend holds the timber and I asked to frame the gown.

It is a vintage collaboration between Japanese and Australian materials.

Both age is about the 100 years old.

Now the materials have revived as a picture.

Now, the picture displays at the window of Kazuyo's collection at Paddington, if you are Brisbane people, Please have a look the real one!!

About Grace Bros, a nice article and pictures, here , in the web of Historic Houses Trust.


http://www.hht.net.au/discover/highlights/online_exhibitions/sydneys_home_furnishing_stores,_1890-1960/grace_bros_

Kimono Museum in Fukusima & Jidai Matsuri in Kyoto

Hi, If you have a plan to visit in Japan now, you might be able to enjoy Autumn leaves and there are many events going on !

Here are a couple of information

Jidai-matsuri　22 Oct, Kyoto - The event is the one of very traditional event since 1895. For the detail is info, Please look at the website!

For kimono lovers

• Try to wear kimono and walk around Kyoto! "Kyoto kimono station" at Kyoto station has a rental kimono place with reasonable price, The photo service is also available.
• Kimono Museum(日本きもの文化美術館）Please have a look the following web(http://nmkb.jp/index.php/museum/ )!
  Unfortunately no English site, but the museum displays kimonos(Edo to Showa era). Tohoku area is also beautiful place for Autumn leaves. If you visit in Fukushima, It will be a nice experience for the vintage kimono world!
  

How many plants and traditional patterns can you see in the above picture?

This is the "TOMESODE" formal lady's kimono(The dress code of Japanese lady!) for married persons.

The main feature are; there are 5 family crests on the back, 2 sleeves and 2 chests / The pattern on the hem(bottom) of kimono / short sleeves

Dear Vintage Kimono lovers in the world

Hi, I am 100% a dinosaur about this web world.

So I have not known how I can efficiently share the vintage kimono world yet.

Communication should be more than TWO WAY...

People advised to me "facebook" ...

At this stage, I have just found the tab"Stats" who are the audience of my blog.The reality was more than my prediction.

I am very surprised about "where is the audience from".

Australian is less than 40%,

USA 30%

England 15%

Others(Canada, Japan, India etc)

What I wanna ask you is;

please let me know your favourite vintage kimono's blog or website, also physical space.

Of course all about Japanese art and craft, traveling information are welcomed.

I will put on my blog as the linking site.

Please leave your message on this article, or send your email to ; Kaz kimonofrog@yahoo.co.jp

I have also put in "follow" tab on my blog now.

If you are a follower, please join in!

Brisbane style - how to wear kimono

-- Continuing from the last article--

At my shop, Customers buy kimonos as the following purpose.

• Full length kimono(Homongi, Tomesode, furisode etc) -As a morning gown, but mostly for hanging on wall
• Summer kimono ; As a sleeping gown / Original use as Yukata
• Kimono Jacket(Haori) - As a party gown with tights, simple dress / casual wear with jeans
• Kimono coat(Michi-yuki-gi) - As a party gown / As a top with loose belt

The picture is the one of my customer who wore the Kanoko-shibori's Haori(kimono jacket) with Han-obi(A half wide size of sash) herself.

Generally Haori is popular for my customer as a party gown. Otherwise enjoy with a textile string.

She asked me how to tie the sash and we tried a couple of times. she already got before the purchase. So quick learner!! She promised me to send a her "kimono debut" picture soon. As soon as I got, I will show you!

Hope she enjoy and learn more about "how to tie Obi" through maybe You-tube???

At the moment, kimono price as same as Japanese vintage(second-hand)market price.

Through my custmers, I am very intersting to introduce kimono cultuer in the daily life of Brisbane's people.

Used Kimono Jacket available from $30 / Kimono available from $80 at Kazuyo's collection

Boy's kimono "Jimbei" with a traditional Japanese pattern such as Kamon

Recently, I have many chance to learn about kimono from Brisbane's kimono lover. next two times, I will talk about the kimono stories which were happened today, at my shop(Kazuyo's collection), Paddington.

The first story is about the boy's kimono"Jimbei". Generally Jimbei is made of fine cotton and a set of kimono jacket & a pair of short pants.

Since I opened shop, I have made a couple of kid's kimono jackets for my customer's children.

This time, the customer is interested in "Multicultural" (not only as a fashion).

I straightly picked the traditional pattern as his fabric.

The kimono pattern is called "Kasane-hishi(looks like chains of diamond shaped!!)"

As your image, the meaning is "Linking"(continuing forever!) ,"keep your happiness, joys".

Kasane-hishi was also popular as Kamon(Family crests).

If very interesting, please visit the web Kimono-Hudoki. The website is written by Japanese, but very good contents and well-knowledge about kimono, kamon, Japanese textiles etc.

Hope you can use your translation function on your PC!

Current artisan - Kazuyo's collection Paddington

Hi, I have not introduced the great craft people in my shop yet. Today, I am introducing my accompanies.

Japanese painting（日本画） - Yoko Murakami Brisbane
Calligraphy（書道） - Yumi Brisbane
linocut - Francis Brisbane, Raquel Brisbane
Woodblock print - Nagao gallery Asakusa Tokyo

Kimono bear - Haruko Brisbane
Japanese contemporary textile craft(purse etc)- Double happiness(Keiko Brisbane)
Textile corsage - Atelier Apple
Newspaper brooch - Keiko's mother Japan
cloisonne(七宝焼）- Haruko's mother Japan

Sashiko picture, kimono craft works - Takako

Jewellery - Uminico(Yumiko Nii Tokyo), Marimo(Keiko Brisbane), Jenny Brisbane,
Kimono Jewellery - Kimono reincarnate (Melanie) Brisbane

And Green tea - Aya Green Tea (Aya Brisbane), Aya's family tea company, Shizuoka Japan

Special contributor(Volunteer staff!!) - Japanese vintage kimono, ceramic ware buyer - My parents

At last I am still loving vintage kimono recycle work as a vintage kimono bag maker!!

Next week also coming new works such as the lovely Wool felt chokers, earrings(Marimo, Keiko), Kimono picture with the beautiful vintage timber framing(Bloc Daryl O'Brien)

A tiny shop(workshop), but many unique artisan's work at Kazuyo's collection, Paddington QLD.
I appreciate very much for the past and current accompanies. Arigato!!! And please keep watching our works too!

Volunteer kimono buyer - My parents

New artisan Marimo(Keiko)

please don't miss her new work- the wool felt chokers are so gorgeous, so a couple of paddington's popular shop owners asked her where she got from!

Kokeshi's face and Great birthday handmade present to grandfather - paintTshirt!

Hi, Please have a look the picture, these are simple art & craft.

My daughter has just drawn Tshirt for my dad. It's very easy but must be a special item for grandfather!! Also from baby to school students, everybody can be enjoying the Tshirt paint and grandfather must be 100% happy too! Any craft shop sell the permanent ink for fabrics.

She has also drawn A kokeshi doll on a small canvas, which is for my mother.

I feel, here, KOKESHI doll is very popular at Brisbane, Australia through the product"Kimmidoll"

That's why? her drawing doll is not like Japanese traditional Kokeshi, it's Kimmidoll!!!

Kokeshi doll is originally popular at TOHOKU area(Aomori, Yamagata, Miyagi) in Japan as a traditional hand craft. My parents are the kokeshi collector when they travel Tohoku on autumn

Have a look a traditional kokeshi face and compare to Kimmidoll.

What do you feel???

Sashiko pictures arrived - Paddington, Brisbane!!!

What's a beautiful works by Takako. She made the patterns and stitched with Sashiko way!!!

I am proud of her works here in Brisbane!!! Please have a look the real picture at my shop.

Recently, I have many chances to see many talented Japanese and OZ artisans. ARIGATO!!