So random, it's trendy...

There is a big mustache trend going on right now, which I think is so random and funny. I am a huge Glee fan, and I really loved Kurt's mustache shirt a couple of weeks ago:

So, I copied that idea for a shirt for Cash:

Hmm...some toddler fingers have been smudging my camera lens...
Anyways, I used a dollar store t-shirt, freezer paper stenciling, and the template found here. Cash loved this shirt, which I didn't expect. (But I honestly think it's less about the mustaches and more that I actually made something that wasn't for Coco).
Here are some other mustache-y things I love:
Prudent Baby featured some mustache lollipops--

--and the mold is only a couple bucks at Bake It Pretty

Etsy has tons of mustache items (giant mustache pillow, anyone?), but vinylsoul's Mustache Mugs are my favorite:


Owls, cupcakes, mustaches...what will be next? Oh the cuteness!

MSCE: Easy Chipboard Magnets

Hmm..I am sensing a cake theme to my crafting. I love my "girly sweets charms"! This time, they are in the form of super easy, homemade magnets. I found some scrapbook chipboard embellisments, backed them with adhesive magnets, trimmed them, and sprayed them with gloss finishing spray. Cute, easy, and fun!






 

 

Sweet Treats

One thing I love about living in Japan is the sweets shops. Who'd have guessed that there would be cake factories and patisseries around every corner here? I am often found stuck in the bakery section of the grocery store, just admiring the beautiful creations. In the food courts of department stores, you can often find Mr. Donut and little crepes shops. Crepes (or omelet cakes) are very popular here. I love watching the crepe maker at work---drizzling the batter into a huge circle, flipping it expertly, and then filling that bad boy with bananas and whip cream. Yum!
Since I figure I'm only here once, I have a habit of buying a new sweet every time I go shopping. They are just so beautifully made. However, I know that my fun must come to an end. I need to buy new pants, and I'm already an XL here. Yikes! So, I am now going to attempt to get my sweet fix through something that won't pack on the pounds: felted sweet treats!
Felted Sweet Treats (I think the donuts sold me):

Crepes and Cream Puffs:

Little cakes, that look exactly like the ones in sweet shops:

Cinnamon rolls that look good enough to eat!


I think I'm going to start small and maybe make a chocolate. The instructions are in Japanese, but the diagrams are clear. Let's see!

Pro-craft-ination

I love crafts. I aspire to be crafty. It is my dream to be able to sew something other than a plastic bag holder. Usually, I become fixated on a specific project that will remain nagging at me until I attempt to complete it. Attempt. If you were to look in my craft box at home (it's easy to spot--the lid doesn't close!), you will find:

-A lampshade frame, metal punch, three bags of jump rings and 100 of my grandpa's old slides in attempt to make a slide-lamp (circa 2005).
-A tile cutter, four bags of tiles, grout, and acryclic paints in an attempt to make a mosaic pot (said pot is somewhere on my brother's balcony. Someone painted the word "Boo" on it, probably booing my sad attempt. What? The tiles wouldn't stay on!)
-79 granny squares of a 180 granny-square afghan (circa 2001 when I should have been studying economics).
-A half-embroidered hula girl hand towel and the box from my Sublime Stitching kit.
-A few ink-transfer pens, circa 2005 also, when I decided to make a screen print of Conan O'Brien. My one and only attempt.

and, sadly, in my craft bag here, you'll find 69 crocheted flowers of a 100-flower scarf, destined for the scrap heap.

However, I have finally almost redeemed myself. I made something that wasn't edible! Two somethings! Here they are:

A photo holder:


And my first amigurumi, Muno from Yo Gabba Gabba. I used this pattern. Not bad for my first try. I definitely learned some stuff.


And all I have to say is thank goodness for the amazing dollar stores here! Where your crafty aspirations will only cost you a few dollars. Wish I could say the same for my mosaic equipment...
 
 


 



 

More than Mud Pies

Children (and myself) love to play in the mud. There's something so satisfying about sinking your hands into squishy, pungent earth. Here in Japan, playing in the dirt yields a great work of art, if you have a few hours to polish a ball of mud.

What starts as dirt...


ends in delight!


This popular activity for Japanese children is called hikaru dorodango, which translates to "shiny mud dumplings". They are so amazing. If you have a free afternoon, why not make a shiny mud dumpling? It beats a sand castle! You can learn to make one here.