Cari Mateo

Tumemigaki

One thing that you’ll notice when you visit Japan are the decorative mascot charms attached almost everywhere. I like the charms that are not only decorative but also functional. These decorative charms  function as a nail file. Will come in handy when your nail breaks.

Pattern 9

Pattern 9 is needlework without the needle and thread. The effort to create the pattern is time consuming but certainly worth the result achieved.

Pattern 9 Designs: © Cari Mateo. All rights reserved.

Easy Living

I’ve imposed some blog stress on myself so I’ve decided to be a little less rigid and just post where my heart leads me. Today it has led me to these photos from the British magazine, Easy Living.

My niece who is very much into pink would love that picnic table and bench with the umbrella. She would probably add a tea set to the setting. And I would love to get hold of a few of the vintage metal shelf for shoe storage.

Photos: Courtesy of Easy Living.

Angie Lewin

Was just recently introduced to the works of British printmaker, Angie Lewin. Her prints are based mainly on native plants near her home in North Norfolk coast and the Scottish Highlands. She has a truly impressive body of work.

Photos: Courtesy of Angie Lewin.

Tamielle

My father was a dapper dresser.  Always carried a handkerchief with him.  I think he would have like these designs by British designer, Tamar Kovner.  The handkerchiefs are sold under her brand name, Tamielle.  My father would have liked the fishing set as fishing was one of his favorite recreation.  He also loved to garden which is how I acquired my passion for flowers and gardening.  I sure do miss him.

Photos: Courtesy of Tamar Kovner.

Dee Puddy

What attracted me to this site, Dee Puddy Garden & Interiors, UK, was their bath product packaging. I also love their ceramic and paper tags. Many of the items in this shop seems to be able to fit comfortably in traditional as well as contemporary settings. Just wish she would deliver this far west.

Photos: Courtesy of Dee Puddy Garden & Interiors.

Pattern 8

Winter Olympics still has me glued to the telly but I managed to fit this pattern in. Still needs some tweaking. The repeat is not perfect but it does give you a general idea of the direction I have taken. Well, back to the telly for Nordic combined.

Pattern 8 Designs: © Cari Mateo. All rights reserved.

Omamori

Whenever I visit a Shinto temple in Japan I always purchase prayer charms called Omamori. Usually they are made from silk crepe fabric decorated with kanji and traditional Japanese symbols. They have become fashionable accessories again but the designs are now more contemporary and colorful such as these manufactured by Felissimo, Japan.

Photos: Courtesy of Felissimo.

Rings

You can blame the lack of posting on these rings. I'm a huge fan of the games and yes, I'm glued to the telly! Sorry about that.

Ortigia

I will often buy a product just for the packaging alone. Such is the case of these bath products from Ortigia. I love their packaging. Their products are probably wonderful as well. They use plants that are indigenous to the region and they also use traditional ingredients such as almond oil, olive oil and natural vegetable dyes.

Photos: Courtesy of Ortigia. Photos: Courtesy of Ortigia.