Nice Things

Recently, I've noticed that I'm having a fondness of laces. They are so irresistibly beautiful and delicate. It has become something to look for everywhere I go.

Here are some vintage laces from a recent swap meet.These are some European laces from a last month's road trip. The craftsmanship is exceptional.And I'm still thinking about the Japanese lace stamps. So tempting!
Have a happy Thurday! =)

Fall Photo Shoot

It has been pretty gloomy here in the past week and it was perfect for our little photo shoot. This year we wanted to do something more pumpkinish fall harvest like kind of theme. Prepping was always the fun the part, from picking the right pumpkins to setting up the scene. We were planning to put Puchi inside the jack-o-lantern and let her head and arms rest on the top edge of the lantern. But it turned out that she got her own plan already!

This is my favourite.She was really good during the whole shoot. Here're some behind the scene shots.
Happy Wednesday! =)

Hooray!

We're so thankful that the Chilean miners rescue was finally completed with much more than a happy ending. It is just wonderful to see the joy and hope it brought around the world, especially for the Chileans who suffered from the devastating earthquake earlier this year.

Speaking of positive things, I've been reading a little book called Positively Pooh. The mint and cream stripes cover is simply adorable. It features quote from A. A. Milne's original Winnie-the Pooh texts and the perfect illustrations by Ernest H. Shepard, definitely love it!
Happy Thursday!

Preview of the week

After the little clown dress, maybe we can work something out with the mysterious playing card suits. Completed with Swiss ribbon bow, vintage beads, faux pearls plus our favourite raw edge ruffle bottom, this little creation is the most dressed piece by far at the little mushroom.

Happy Tuesday!

Time to Relax

Little eye pillow is very easy make and it is very practical and enjoyable. All you need is just a few simply things. For the front fabric, it can be a vintage hankie or a piece of your favourite fabric, any light weight fabric will work. For the back fabric, it has to be soft, like baby jersey or a cut out from an old t-shirt. The inner fabric can be simply muslin. Using double layer of fabric can soften the grainy feel from the rice. Let's get started!

supply list
1 x front fabric 9 cm x 20 cm (3.5 in x 9 in)
1 x back fabric 9 cm x 20 cm (3.5 in x 9 in)
1 x inner fabric 17 cm x 20 cm (6.75 in x 9 in )
1 cup of rice
2 tablespoons of lavender

First, sew the front and back fabric together, inside out and along the bottom with 0.5 cm (1/4 in) seam allowance.Press the edges to the flip side that the seam is at the bottom. Fold the inner fabric in half, right side out. Insert the outer fabric (inside out) into the inner fabric with the seam sitting on the fold. Clip and sew, with 0.5 cm (1/4 in) seam allowance, along the left and top edges and leave a 4 cm (2 in) opening on the right side.Trim the three sewn corners and turn the pouch inside out. Mix rice and lavender in a bowl and then stuff the mixture into the pouch with a funnel. If you don't have a funnel handy, roll a piece of paper into a cone for substitute.Fold in the opening and close it with slip/invisible stitch. And you are ready to go! =DIt makes a nice little handmade gift too.

Have a wonderful weekend! =)

Feature of the Week

First of all, for all your support and the kindest words, thank you so so much! =)
Since Halloween is around the corner, I guess we can go for something more playful. Like many little ones, I had always scared of clowns growing up. Somehow, that fear has gradually faded away since my doll obsession. And now, I even amuse by antique clown photos and costumes. Here's my little doll version of clown dress.And of course, our little baby doll dress of the week.If you've time, feel free to check out some new photos on my flickr.
Happy Thursday! =)

Finally Fall

Happy Autumn!
The weather is finally cooling down this week. The leaves are starting to change colours. It is the best time to make a cup of hot chocolate and cuddle up with a lovely book by the window watching the falling leaves. How romantic! =)

Puchi's tummy has been making funny sound the whole morning. I certainly need to keep my eyes on that. Sometimes I do worry that she may eat something bad when she wanders around the house by herself.
Anyways, here're some of her recent photos.

Feature of the Week

This week I've tried something different. Instead of the classic muslin bodice and cuffs, it's fun to mix and match with patterns, like polka dots and floral.Finally, I've found the Petite Blythe in the Littlest Pet Shop collection. There's something about it make me pass on this one, probably the eyes.

Happy Thursday! =)

The Peking Duck

I promise I'll try to keep this the last post about our little road trip. I've almost forgot share this delicious meal at Great China in Berkeley. If you like Chinese food, Northern Chinese cuisine to be more specific, it is a great place.
This is the Hot and Sour Soup, next to it is a cold rice noodle appetizer mixed with shredded ingredients like mushrooms, egg, cucumber and meat, etc, and tossed with special sauce and mustard.
The Peking Duck was carved into pieces of crispy skin and chunks of meat, served with steam flour crepes, scallions and hoisin sauce.The Walnut Shrimps and Stir-Fried Green Beans were fantastic too.

Unfortunately besides their delicious food, they are also famous for their rude service. To be honest, I think they are not that bad, they are just not that smiley.
Happy Tuesday!

The Little Danish Town

We always like Solvang. The traditional Danish architecture, the windmill, it is just relaxing walking in the downtown and tasting some of authentic Danish pastries. There are many unique boutique shops, antiques, Scandinavian goods, crafts, etc.
The lovely old fashioned black forest cuckoo clock we've got there. The front and side scenery is beautifully hand-carved. And the precious piece from the Wee Forest Folk we adopted, named Li'l Jar of Jam. This little one is only an inch and a half tall. The details and the craftsmanship is just amazing. Besides downtown, there are many scenic routes around the area. It is best for some country pictures.Happy Thursday!

Never Let Me Go

When we first heard of the movie, we felt in love with the beautiful trailer. Despite the mixed reviews(people either love it or hate it) had made us felt kind of fifty fifty, we decided to see it. After the movie, my feeling was in between the reviews, it was okay. But in the past few days, the more I think about it, the more I like it. It is those kind of movie which makes you think a lot.

As much as I like it, it is certainly not for everyone. But if you like the trailer, I would recommend to give it a chance. The movie is as beautiful and as subtle as in the trailer.

Preview of the week

It may seem familiar when you first spot at the little dress of the week. It is a lovely baby doll dress crafted of the adorable little forest fabric. The little baby green fabric works surprisingly well in the dress.

Besides The Aquarium

Besides the Aquarium, the Cannery Row Antique Mall is another wonderful place to check out in Monterey. The two stories building is filled with tons of treasures.
Rarely seen fluffy puppets by Steif

The Aquarium

The Monterey Bay Aquarium is one of our favourite places along the coast. There are two things I would definitely recommend to do if you are there. First, try to capture a masterpiece at the jelly fish exhibit at the outer bay. You'll find a lovely crowd trying to do the same. =)Second, enjoy an oceanview lunch at the cafe. They offer a variety of choices and great food at reasonable prices.
my creamy clam chowder and cheese plate
Have a wonderful week!

Feature of the Week

Red, Red, Red!! This week we are featuring two new creations coordinated with the beautiful red. First up is the little red stripes baby doll dress. The lovely desaturated red and cream colour give this little dress a very vintage look.The next one is this delicate red pin dot princess sleeves shirt. I love the princess sleeves and the round collar. They are just totally adorable and so vintage.Happy Thursday! =)

At the Broadwalk

I've always wanted to take some doll photos at the fair but it has been always difficult to choose between the doll and the rides as you don't want to carry too much stuff if you plan to go on the rides. I'm glad I chose the doll this time. Here're my two favourite shots.

a few more on my flickr

Happy Wednesday! =)

Marshall

It is always nice to take a little break to just play and eat everyday. Here, we are at Marshall, a little town about 40 minutes drive along the country road from Petaluma, California.
The thought about eating whatever you want, as much as you want, is one of the best thing when traveling. At Marshall, oyster is the one. We first stopped at the Nick's Cove. It is semi-causal fine dining restaurant. They have quite a selection of raw and grilled oysters. When it comes to raw oysters, the smaller are always the better. These baby ones are as small as half a lemon wedge.We also tried the grilled ones and the mussels. It was great but if I've known about The Marshall Store, I might have skipped the restaurant. It is a little shack by the bay. They have a very small menu of a few seafood items. It is definitely a very casual self-serve place. We ordered the grilled oysters and found ourselves comfortably on the deck. The delicious oysters we enjoyed. The bread was good too!
Happy Tuesday! =)

New Petites

I'm so excited to hear that Hasbro is launching a petite Blythe collection. They come with the Littlest Pet Shop collection and many adorable accessories. You have to see those little glasses! Some of them resemble some older Takara petite Blythe which is great. The Cold Weather Cute is kind of like an American version of Skate Date. The little red coat and the polka dot stockings are just totally adorable.The only thing holding me back is that some of them don't seem to be quite Blythe like. Especially the photo card, it doesn't quite resemble the Blythe that I'm used to. I guess I need to go check them out in person and see. =)
Have a wonderful Labor Day weekend! =)