House for a couple - Hiroyuki Shinozaki Architects

There is something about Japanese designs that I finally really attractive.

It’s the simplicity.

I want to live in this house.

[source: Hiroyuki Shinozaki Architects]

Marni's ex-prisoner project

To some people, furniture is just furniture, a chair is a chair. As long as they serve their functions. But to many of us visual people, we understand what is love at first sight. More often than not, once something catches our eye, we’ve made our decision.

These chairs presented by Marni for Salone del Mobile 2012 did just that. Made by ex-prisoners, they aim to reinforce the prisoners resettlement into social and working life.

Don’t the colours call out to you?

[source: Trendland]

NEW! Sling Bag with Origami Crane

Have you heard of the Japanese legend that whoever folds a thousand cranes will be granted a wish? Well, I don't have a thousand of these creatures but I've one crane hand-embroidered on each of these sling bags. I've kept the design clean and simple. It comes with a removable and and adjustable leather strap. Now available in my Etsy shop :)

Xi'an, China

Traveling alone is something that I've always found alluring. No doubt, when the day to set off draws near, I start getting a little jittery. Yet it's this very reason that I need to venture out alone. Being too comfortable and settling into too familiar a routine is a danger because it’s regression. Besides, life is always much more than that. I seek to keep myself on my toes, stay independent and most importantly, to remind myself of who I am. For to me, travel is all about self understanding and discovering. And always at the end of such a trip, I find that I've grown and gained valuable memories.

On this recent trip to Xi’an, China, it rained on many days, lending the city a dreamy, surreal quality. I remember especially the people I met on a land tour I took. The old man who sat next to me on the bus. A kind looking grandfather who spoke softly and in a cultured way. I found out the Chinese city he was from and that he used to work with the airlines. Hence he has traveled a bit. We spoke about Singapore, about places to visit in China. He also asked about my traveling alone. 

I remember too the young man traveling with his 3 aunts. I found it interesting that I understood bits of their local language. He was humorous, friendly and took good care of his aunts. He saw me doodling and we spoke a little. That was when he found out I’m not from China. At the end of the trip when we alighted the bus, he said goodbye and to perhaps meet again if fated. 

There was the little old man whom I found poking himself to the front whenever we gathered around the tour guide. Initially I found it a little irritating but later thought he's quite adorable. Must be in his 70s or 80s but still sprightly and trudging along with everyone even in the rain. It was when he spoke to me that my impression of him changed. How little it takes to break the ice and see the good in others. 

These are people whom I'm likely never to meet again but whose blurred faces I may remember years down the road because they formed a page in my memory. Passerbys whose paths crossed my mine. 

The terracotta armies were a highlight of this trip. I was overwhelmed witnessing the scale of one man’s ambition. I got a glimpse of how detrimental absolute power is when taken too far. I enjoyed the solitary moments when I walked those huge halls. I was amongst such a big crowd but yet I was every bit alone, seeing the sights ahead and humming my favourite tunes. I'm glad to be comfortable in my own skin. Alone but not lonely.

The sun came out the day I was scheduled to leave Xi’an. But it didn’t matter. My short stay there was perfect the way it was. 

p/s I’ve had this thought about collating all my travel stories and thoughts, publishing a book on them. But I never got round to it....

[Tokyo] Random shots

National Arts Center Tokyo. Went there primarily to check out the MT Lab. I left with loads of MT tapes, including limited edition ones (yippee!) and also fell in love with the place. Beautifully designed.

I like the beer bottle so much I kept it.

Lunch at Afternoon Tea. It never disappoints. 

Can’t wait to return to Japan. 
We've come to the end of this series of posts. Hope you’ve enjoyed it :)

[Kamakura] - Starbucks

One of the highlights of my trip to Kamakura was checking out the Starbucks outlet, built to resemble a Japanese style house. I read about it and was enamoured by its design. The Kamakura Starbucks is built on the spot of famous manga artist Ryuichi Yokoyama’s former residence.

It’s definitely unlike any Starbucks I’ve been into. Someone assisted us in getting seats when we first stepped in. T ordered a frap without whipped cream but was served one with whipped cream. He said it’s ok but the barrister insisted on making him a brand new cup (instead of simply sweeping the cream off the top which I’ve experienced -_-”).

The highlight of this outlet was what resembled a contemplation pool outside. It was so serene!

STGCC 2012

Last weekend, Cookie Cutter was part of the Singapore Toy, Games & Comic Convention (STGCC). It was a huge even held over 2 days at the Marina Bay Sands Convention Hall. This was very different from the previous events I participated in and allowed me a refreshing and exciting experience!

For me, set up began the day before and when the doors opened on the first day, the crowd just poured in!

The entire hall was filled with so much energy, great music, lots of chatter and lots people in anime/manga costumes. I sneaked out of my booth a couple of times to snap some photos with them. It was great to be around creative people and I met some talented illustrators. Oh, I also took a photo with Shinichiro Kitai, the creator of To-fu Oyako!!

Shenly, a fellow exhibitor

Lots of live drawing!

Yes, there's a human in there.

To-fu Oyako!!!

Thank you to all the folks who took home my plushies/ tote bags/ cushions etc., and also all who stopped by my little booth!

[Kamkura] - Sights & the Ocean

I took a day trip to Kamakura, visited a shrine and enjoyed some sights.

But the highlight was the ocean. I love witnessing the ferocity of the waves, hearing it roar,  feeling the salty wind on my face, seeing the eagles and seagulls glide effortlessly. 

And the sky. The sky couldn’t be more blue. Dotted with just a few clouds. It all felt so immense.