I think I need to go on a shopping expedition to Japan. Here are three reasons why…

1. The sweetest craft supplies I’ve simply ever seen! Found via Eat Drink Chic.

2. Plate, utensils, and chopsticks, all in one. Found via Spoon & Tamago.

3. Beautiful, aged housewares from Five From the Ground. Found via Handmade Charlotte.

Hankies are plentiful at all flea markets, and when I actually have the patience, I’ll go through the stacks to find dainty ones, unusual ones, colorful ones. Here are some good ones and some good ideas of what to do with them…

Not only is the packaging adorable, but the hankies by Harrington & Squires are letterpress-printed with the words BOOHOO, SNEEZE AND ATSHOO. Found via Tea for Joy.

Just when I think I’ve seen all the table numbers ideas, I stumble upon a new one, like these number-printed hankies wrapped around a bottle. Via Design Sponge; made by sian keegan.

 

Framed in simple square frames, handkerchiefs make great wall art. Found via Poppytalk.

I’m lovin’ these lovely hankie hanging vases, complete with a how-to. Found via Once Wed.

 

Bird & Banner made these awesome handkerchief cards. They are each hand-printed with sayings, and come with a stitched to/from tag. I’d be thrilled to get this in the mail. You?

I am finally back from the beach…it was a kid-filled week of sand, sun, and seashells.

I always collect shells, but never actually do anything with them. Here are some good seashell crafts…ones that I could actually live with!

These easy-to-find shells make great butterfly wings. Found via The Long Thread.

What a gorgeous reminder of a beach week! Shell candles from Country Living.

Turn shells into a garland and I’m in love! Both images found at Completely Coastal.

If you find a lot of beach loot that doesn’t exactly match, this is a great solution. Found via The Crafts Dept.

 

Poppytalk found these very cool French illustrations, teaching shell crafts.

I’m at the beach with my husband’s family, and while much creativity is happening all around me (more on that later), I’m feeling like having a lazy beach/blog day. Here is some great beach inspiration, all found on The Bean and the Bear (she must have vacation on the mind too!).

Via Pink Wallpaper

Via 20×200 : Print Information : Praia Piquinia 27/08/09 15h17

Bardot by Halsman via laurencemillergallery.com. Exchange tiny waist for pregnant belly, and that’s me! 😉

I’ve always wanted a indoor swing, and I think finally I live in an apartment that can accommodate one (at least one for the little one on the way). Here is the beginning of my hanging chair research…

Handmade Charlotte blogged about this adorable swing that doubles as a rocking chair. Wish list item number one.

For a more stable child, Ikea has this simple swing for the bargain price of $14.99.

I love this Lincoln Log style indoor swing. Found on Ouno blog.

Anything made from wool felt goes on my list. I love these German swings by Mohr Polster. Found via Ohdeedoh.