Euphorian Chic Art Blog

Featured: The Book "Graphic Design Translated"

2009-07-12T21:07:00.006-04:00

Today, I am pleased to share the news that one of my Kanji "Hope" (Kibou) Design was picked and will be featured on the Graphic Design Reference book "Graphic Desgin Translated" by Rockport Publisher.

Some of the contents from the book.

The book will be published next year. I am very grateful for the opportunity:-)Thank you very much!

Love, Yoshika

Free Giveaway at SandierPastures.com

2009-06-29T01:27:00.000-04:00

Hello. My wall art and flower Room Illustration Prints are available at the lovely Dubai blog sandierpastures.com. In order to make it available internationally with free shipping, I had to keep the size small. But, the wall art would make a nice accent on a small wall space such as kitchen or bathroom. (It is varnished for durability.)
The blog owner Grace seems to have spent a great deal of time and created such a great giveaway entry for me. I really appreciate it! She is someone who went to an university in Japan and married Japanese man. She writes about her Dubai life there. If you are like me who has never been to Dubai, you would really enjoy her charming Dubai city tours with lots of photos and video:-)
The contest ends July 3rd. If you'd like to enter it, please visit SandierPastures.com and leave comments!

Golden Meadow 6"x6"

Set of 6 Flower Room Illustration PrintsLove, Yoshika

Introducing Queen Anne and Queen Anne Illustration Series vol.11

2009-06-15T00:44:00.000-04:00

"Queen Anne's Birthday"

Covert: Narration is written in both Japanese and English (though they are slightly different and excuse me if there are English mistakes.) If you would like this entry to make more sense, please read earlier entries of "About Queen Anne Illustration Series". This series is work in progress. So, you might see some changes or additions as the story goes.

この時期クイーンアンのバーデイ王国では沢山の鳥達が毎日誕生日を迎えます。しかし一人一人の誕生日を祝うのは難しいため、みんなのために、二週間のバースデイ祭りが行われます。

クイーンアンももちろんみんなと一緒に自分の誕生日を祝うのですが、やっぱり家族のみんなにとってはクイーンアンの誕生日は特別です。キングジェームスがいつもこっそり素敵なプレゼントを渡しているのを知っている子供達は今年はみんなで相談して特別なプレゼントを用意しました。

クイーンアンの子供達、アルキオネ、リゲル、セダール、マイアは　クイーンアンの誕生日の朝、バースデイ祭りに行く前にこっそりクイーンアンを呼び出しました。

「誕生日おめでとう！！お母さん！」
マイアはさっと空に舞い上がり、用意していた手作りのバースデイの旗をひらひらと空になびかせました。
目隠しをされていたクイーンアンは目の前のプレゼントを見てびっくり！
それはそれは見事な等身大のクイーンアンの自由の女神像が立っています。
リゲルの友達のとても才能のある彫刻家、きつつきのウッデイーに特別に作ってもらったのです。左手にはもちろんクイーンアンのレースの花、右手にはクイーンアンの大好きな本をもっています。
「まあ、まあ、なんて見事な彫刻でしょう。。。」
クイーンアンはみんなのやさしさと、彫刻の美しさにとても感動し、うっとりと彫刻を見つめました。
でも等身大の自分の姿を見るのもちょっと変な気分で、心の中ではちょっぴり、

「でもこれ、どこにおけばいいのかしら。。。。」
と思っていましたが、それはもちろん誰にも言いませんでした。

*******************************************
At this time of the year in the birdy kingdom, there are many birds who have their birthdays. For it is very difficult for them to celebrate their birthdays one by one, there is a Birthday Festival held for 2 weeks at Le pré d'Anges.

Every year, Queen Anne also celebrates her birthday at the Birthday Festival like everybody. She actually likes that way. However, for families of Queen Anne, it just doesn't seem enough for her, although everyone knew King James always prepares a special present for Queen Anne. So this year, Queen Anne's Children, Alcyone, Regel, Sedar, and Maia had a special plan.

It's finally the birthday of Queen Anne. In the morning before Queen Anne goes to the festival, Alcyone, Regel, Sedar and Maia all gathered under the Queen Anne's Castle tree, secretly brought their special present.

"1....2....3! Open your eyes!!"
Queen Anne who was lead to outside with her eyes closed slowly opened her eyes.
"Surprrrrise!! Happy Birthday! Mother!"
Said everyone all together. At the same time, Maia flew into the sky showing her handmade birthday flags to her.
"Oh...my my my....."
Queen Anne was indeed very surprised. There it was, a life-size Statue of Liberty Queen Anne version standing in front of her.
It was specially-made by Regel's talented sculptor friend, Woodpecker, Woody. The Queen Anne Statue is holding the flower of Queen Anne's Lace, and her favorite literature book.

"What a beautiful statue.... I have never seen anything like this...."
Queen Anne was so moved by kindness of her children and the beauty of the statue.
Looking at Queen Anne's happy face, all children are also very happy.

She of course meant every words she said about this great statue. However, it indeed feels a little funny looking at the life-size statue of herself. So, as if she was talking to the statue, or herself, she was also thinking...
"What am I going to do with you....."
But, of course she kept that to herself, and kept looking at the statue of her with amazement.

This illustration is available upon request:-)
Love, Yoshika

Sending You Happy Thoughts...

2009-06-08T01:28:00.000-04:00

Today, I just want to share a little something that made my day a little more special.

There are actually many clovers growing on the sidewalks around this area. And this morning I went for my usual jogging (1/3 walking to be exact), I somehow felt like looking for 4 leaf clovers. And guess what....I found 2 of them. What I did was, whenever I felt like, I stopped, looked down for like 10 seconds or so...then, found nothing, and jogged again....And, after stopping like 3 times, I felt like changing the jogging route a little bit, and then again, stopped, looked down, looked around like 10 seconds or so.... then, there it was..... the lucky 4 leaf clover:-) And, about 1 foot away from there, there it was again, a little prettier 4 leaf clover! They were not even from the same root.
This is actually my third time 4th time picking lucky clovers. Last time was at least 3 years ago..... Anyway, since 4 leaf lucky clover is a part of Euphorian Chic's concept, I thought I would share it on my art blog:-) Hope you all have a Happy-go-lucky day!

And, today, Etsy picked my new flower room decor prints for FP!Thank you so much!

Love, Yoshika

Japan Day 2009

2009-06-05T03:15:00.000-04:00

Actually I started to write this entry on May 31st which was Japan Day 2009. The huge Japanese event which includes, mini marathon, Japanese food samplings, music concert, Bonodori (Japanese traditional dance)...and more were held at Central Park.
Despite the decreased numbers of Japanese businessmen in New York, the event itself seems to be getting bigger and bigger. According to their website, the purpose of this event is to promote deeper understanding of Japanese culture and, to say "Thank you, New York!" It seems many American people visited this event last year as well. Which I think is very nice:-)))
This event was the third time this year. Last year, I was kind of busy preparing to go back to my country... So, I didn't know. The first year, I didn't know it at all. I think it used to be like a much smaller scaled street festival.... I have been to those a couple of times before. Since I haven't been to many Japanese events in New York, I thought I was going to go to this "Japan Day" this year...well, in my case, mostly for the purpose of Japanese food samplings, though....(It was free!) But there was a change of plan at the last minutes and I couldn't go. On the news that I saw on the next day, the event itself seemed a huge success and I was actually surprised with its scale. It's really a shame that I missed it.
So, instead of my photos or videos that I thought I was going to share on this blog, I was waiting to see someone else's nice YouTube videos to come out....
Well, unfortunately, I haven't found the one that really shows the whole thing of the event yet. But, I have managed to find a couple of good ones. What was funny to me the most was that there were many cosplayers (American people!) who wear costumes of some animation characters :-D As someone who grew up watching those Japanese animations, I really appreciate it!!

If you are interested in the event, you can visit the website http://japandaynyc.org/main/
There are some videos, including "how to do BonOdori" which is quite funny, actually.

Love, Yoshika

Behind The Scene Stories: Queen Anne's Children Part 2

2009-06-01T22:34:00.000-04:00

As I said on the last behind the scene entry, today, I will briefly introduce Queen Anne's Children, Regel, Alcyone, Shedar, and Maia one by one.

Covert: If you would like this entry to make more sense, please read earlier entries of "About Queen Anne Illustration Series". This series is work in progress. So, you might see some changes or additions as the story goes.

1. Alcyone -- Great Knight (still single)
Alcyone is the one who supposed to succeed father King James's throne. Although he was a sensitive, quite one in 3 brothers when he was a baby, the death of Atlas affected him greatly, and decided to become a strong knight. He has overcome his shyness, weakness by disciplines both physically and mentally. However, when he also realized his limit of physical strength as a bird knight, he saw the need of different approach for security, and decides to learn eastern spirituality from a mysterious traveler from East. As the result, he has mastered how to calm his mind even in a chaos, hones the sense of hearing in order to sense the existence of other animals within certain distance. This ability greatly decreased the death rate of new born babies from predators. King James is very impressed with the result, and now both Queen Anne and King James are learning Yoga and meditation.

2. Regel -- Great Artist/Entertainer (still single)
When King James found out that Shedar didn't seem to be a right candidate for the king, Regel was initially his first choice. However, Regel started to grow his passion for art and eventually decides to leave the castle for several years. It becomes great sadness and disappointment for King James and Queen Anne.
Regel returns to the castle as a grown up, skilled artist as well as entertainer. And he starts to contribute castle's social events, and also starts to help Queen Anne's summer school by teaching arts to children.

3. Shedar -- Great cook/Care Giver (in a relationship, Gay)
Since Shedar was the most active and fearless baby in 3 brothers, everyone was initially thinking he would be the perfect king after King James. However, from early days, he started to show interest in all house works that Queen Anne does, and especially enjoyed cooking with Queen Anne. And then eventually he started to prefer dressing like a girl and admits that he likes boys. It becomes shocking to both Queen Anne and King James. Queen Anne again almost blames herself for giving him a little bit girly name. However, through Shedar, they learns that there are many other gay birds like him in the kingdom, and decides to accept gay marriage openly. The new rule of gay birds participation at Queen Anne's Masquerade was actually set from Shedar's request of wanting to wear Queen Anne's Lace on himself as well. As a result, he met a perfect partner, costume designer, at the Masquerade, now happily in a relationship with him.

4. Maia -- Herbalist,/Nature Lover, healer (Engaged)
Since the day Maia was adopted to a family of Queen Anne and King James, she has been like the small sun of the family. Her smile put everybody at ease, everyone wanted to be around her. She was especially fond of being around a garden from early days. And after learning what happened to her real family, she starts to grow herbs and becomes a herbalist. She makes herbal teas, healing remedies and ointment for someone who is sick or got injuries.
As Maia grew up as a beautiful young lady, Queen Anne and King James were planning to introduce her a great young prince of the far forest. But instead, Maia falls in love with a gardener who is from a poor family, but makes the most beautiful gardens. Queen Anne and King James were both shocked. And specially King James didn't want to approve him. However, after Maia's first-and-ever-massive resistance, their marriage was finally approved. And now they are happily engaged. On the other hand, King James is practicing meditation to calm his nerves more than ever.

There are still a lot of dramas in the family of Queen Anne. But they are learning and growing together as a family and are all happy birds now.

To be continued....
*******************************************
That's all for behind the scene stories: Queen Anne's Children.
Next time, I will get back to the illustrations.

Love, Yoshika

New! Flower Room Illustration Prints

2009-05-31T01:01:00.000-04:00

These are some of my flower line drawings digitally mixed with victorian pattern background with linen texture. It is simple, but looks great when it is matted and framed. It would be great chic accent for your contemporary room!

Available as set of 6, set of 3, or individually at my Etsy shop http://www.euphorianchic.etsy.com/ .

For Greeting cards, postcards, please visit
http://www.euphorianchicgift.com/

Love, Yoshika

Behind The Scene Stories: Queen Anne's Children Part 1

2009-05-29T01:21:00.000-04:00

"Queen Anne's Children"

I mentioned one of Queen Anne's sons, Alcyone on my last volume of "Introducing Queen Anne and Queen Anne Illustration Series". So, apart from illustrations, today I will share a little stories behind the scene and'll talk about Queen Anne's Children.

Covert: If you would like this entry to make more sense, please read earlier entries of "About Queen Anne Illustration Series". This series is work in progress. So, you might see some changes or additions as the story goes.

There are 3 beautiful sons, and one adapted daughter between Queen Anne and King James.
They are all living happily now. But, of course there were some difficult lessons in their life too. But, both Queen Anne and James know that even some misfortunes that they encountered were for them to be where they are right now. Here goes their stories...

A year after Queen Anne and King James got married, they got 4 children. Both Queen Anne and King James were so happy, and Queen Anne named them Regel, Alcyone, Shedar, and Atlas after the stars of her favorite constellations, Pleiades, Orion, and Cassiopeia. It was Queen Anne's prayer for each one of her children to shine like a star in their own light.
However, just like many other bird parents, they also encountered misfortune of losing one of their children, Atlas. It happened when they were about to start flying lessons. On the day of their first flying lessons, King James was suddenly called to visit the far forest due to some security issues. Although Queen Anne was little hesitant to do the lesson on her own, since some of the little ones were already trying to fly on their own, and it is indeed mom's job, they both agreed to do the lesson as it was initially planned.

As the lesson started, things were actually going smoothly in the begining. Queen Anne first flew down to the ground fluttering her wings to show the little ones an example, then waited for them to do the same under the tree. The first one who jumped was Shedar, the most active one, safely got to the ground. It was pretty good. And then, Regel followed. He was little bit short jumper, but, succeeded too. Alcyone and Atlas were hesitating for a while talking with each other which one go first. But, finally, Atlas pushed Alcyone's back, and Alcyone closed his eyes and jumped from the nest. Though he hit his face on the ground, he also passed the first lesson.
And right about time Atlas was trying to jump from the edge of the nest, it happened.
The large snake who was secretly hiding in the bush of the tree suddenly appeared from above. And using his long body, he soundlessly approached Atlas, and swallowed him in a matter of a second.
"Atlas!!"
Queen Anne's felt her heart got just frozen. She immediately darted up to the snake and attacked his head pecking real hard with her bill. But it was too late. The snake quickly turned away, coiling around his long body on high branches one by one, disappeared into the bushes.

This tragedy devastated both Queen Anne and King James. Queen Anne cried and cried day after day, blaming herself for her carelessness, and for not being able to save Atlas. King James also blamed himself for not being able to be there for his own children while he was taking care of the Kingdom first.
It was very hard time for both Queen Anne and King James. While going through grieving, they also had to face their own inadequecy and responsibility as leaders.
A year later, right about time things were finally getting back to normal between them, another great tradedy hit the neighbor couple who just got married and were trying to have children.
This time, the preditor was a hungry hawk. He attacked the nest right after the babies were hatched from eggs. Both parents fought to death to protect their babies, but in the end, the hawk was just too strong. Despite their brave fight, not only they both died from their injuries, but most of babies were also gone....there was only one survivor left on the broken nest. That was Maia.
Needless to say, this incident brought great sorrow to both Queen Anne and King James. At the same time, they felt great symathy as well as affection for this baby girl, and they decided to take her under their wings and adapted her as their dauther.

They bot felt it was meant. Not only the adoption brought healing to their past wound, cheerful Maia has truly become a joy of their life.

Fortunately, no major misfortune hit the family afterward, and children are all grown up now.

Next time, I will introduce little more about each one of Queen Anne's Children.

Love, Yoshika

Many Thank You-s For Recent Etsy Treasuries!!

2009-05-26T21:20:00.000-04:00

Since I opened my etsy shop last year, making treasuries has been fun, even though I often don't fine time to keep up with all the treasury opportunities, and often miss the 333 or 222 timing....
And I no longer save all of the treasury picks or my own treasuries....But here is my little thank you for those who recently handpicked my works for their treasuries:-)There were many beautiful treasuries, but, this time, let me just share a couple that I really appreciated their themes. Please click the image to see the full size, so that you can see the seller's names too.

Orient Spring by Zygopsyche

"Let's Be Green" by BirdHaven

And here is the list of those who kindly handpicked my works for their treasuries.
Some of them did multiple times already, I really appreciate it! Many of them are like treasury experts. Their treasuries are absolutely beautiful and often make it to FP of Etsy:-)))) I am so flattered to be included there.

**Zygopsyche-- Animal faux fur plushie!! Very very cute!
**Birdhaven -- nature inspired cards & gifts plus lovely bakers twine. Adorable!!
**birribe -- Lovely one of a kind knitted accessories!!
**Sigmosaics -- Beautiful mosaic goods!! Great for home decor!!
**twolefthands -- lovely lovely handmade dolls!!!
**artdefleur -- Beautiful glass jewelries and cuff links!!
**primsbyandrea -- Very lovely mixed media artworks!!
**Intres -- Super cute felt houses and trees. Great for children's room!! Her items are currently on Etsy Gift guides as well. Please check them out!
http://www.etsy.com/gift-guides/children/59?&page=3

Thank you all very very much!
And today I would like to introduce some of the works from the sellers too.
I have mentioned their shops before on this blog. They both create lovely lovely treasuries, and they have brought me lots of visitors to my shop!

Munieca -- Lovely illustrations & paper craft jewelry!

As I said before on this blog, I love Andrea's works that are full of innocence. I especially love this lady butterfly series illustration:-)

Chicalessia -- beautiful handmade jewelry & unique velvet beads!

Among many beautiful handmade jewelries on Etsy, I think her jewelry is very elegant and sophisticated. This pink one is my favorite. She also sells very cute & unique bead supplies such as velvet beads, etc.

They are both members of Etsy in Spanish. So, Muchas Gracias, Andrea & Ana! :-)))

I guess that's all for today....

Love, Yoshika

Introducing Queen Anne and Queen Anne's Lace Illustration Series vol.10

2009-05-24T23:47:00.000-04:00

"Queen Anne's Messenger"

Covert: Narration is written in both Japanese and English (though they are slightly different and excuse me if there are English mistakes.) If you would like this entry to make more sense, please read earlier entries of "About Queen Anne Illustration Series". This series is work in progress. So, you might see some changes or additions as the story goes.

「いつものように、おねがいね。」

クイーンアンのメッセンジャーはそっとクイーンアンのレースの花を口に挟むと、クイーンアンに深々とおじぎをし、そして静かに、でも素早くさっとオレンジ色の空に向かって飛び立ちました。最初に得意のスピンを一回して、そして美しい夕日に向かって。

クイーンアンはメッセンジャーの見事なスピンを目で追った後、いつも彼がオレンジ色の小さな点になるまで見送ります。

こうやって、クイーンアンはいつもみんなにメッセージを送ります。時々メッセージを花に添える時もあれば、添えない時もあり、時にはドライフラワーのクイーンアンのレースの花を送る時もあります。

みんなにLe pré d'Angesに集まってもらいたい時は、メッセンジャーは３本のクイーンアンのレースの花を口に挟んで空で見事なスピンをみんなにメッセージが届くまで繰りかえすのです。

だから、クイーンアンのメッセンジャーは特別です。毎年クイーンアンのメッセンジャーは王国のなかで、早く飛ぶことができ、見事なスピン飛行のできるトップ５から、一羽だけ選ばれるとても優秀な鳥なのです。

クイーンアンのメッセンジャーはクイーンアンからの大きなクイーンアンのレースの花と一緒に、オレンジの空を急いでいました。今日クイーンアンは、スペシャルなメッセージをちょっと離れた森で、若いナイト達をトレーニングしているキングジェームスに送ったのです。息子のアルキオネも一緒です。クイーンアン自身もお城での雑用で一日中忙しかったのですが、もちろんみんなのことも忘れていません。

「この花が私の愛を届けてくれますように。。。」
クイーンアンは小さなお祈りを花に送ると、今回は手紙のメッセージはよしておこうと決めました。こんな穏やかな夏の日は、一厘の、美しいクイーンアンのレースの花だけで、十分クイーンアンの気持ちを伝えてくれる気がしたのです。
キングジェームスも、この美しいクイーンアンのレースの花を受け取れば、すぐクイーンアンの沢山の愛情を感じてくれることでしょう。。。。

********************************************
"The usual, please."
The Queen Anne's messenger picked up a Queen Anne's Lace flower, bowed deeply in front of Queen Anne. And then quietly but quickly, he flew out to the orange sky, first showing off one of his great flying spins, and disappeared into the beautiful sunset.
As usual, Queen Anne also looked up to the sky following her messenger's great spin with her eyes, and sent him off until he becomes a small orange dot.

This is her usual way to send special message to special someones. Sometimes, she adds a short message with Queen Anne's Lace flower, sometimes she sends it without, or sends a dry flower of Queen Anne's Lace instead of a fresh one...

When she wants everyone to gather at Le pré d'Anges, the messenger usually carries 3 Queen Anne's Lace flowers, and shows off his great flying spins in the sky for a while until everyone gets the message.

That's why her messenger is so special. Every year, the messenger is chosen from the 5 best birds in the kingdom who fly fastest and have the special skills of great flying spins.

The messenger was flying fast in the orange sky, carrying one large flower of Queen Anne's lace from Queen Anne. Today, Queen Anne sent a special message to King James who is working at a far forest for training the young night birds. One of their sons Alcyone is there too. Although she was also busy taking care of her errands at the castle all day, of course she hasn't forgotten about them.

"May the flower bring my love for them..."
After she sent the little prayer to the flower, she chose not to add any written message this time. On a peaceful day such as this, one beautiful Queen Anne's Lace would be a perfect message of Queen Anne's feelings.
King James would probably know exactly what she wants to say to him the moment he receives it.....

Title: Queen Anne's MessengerPrints are available at my Etsy shop: http://euphorianchic.etsy.com/ Cards, prints are at http://www.euphorinachicgift.com/

Love, Yoshika

Introducing Queen Anne and Queen Anne's Lace Illustration Series vol.9

2009-05-17T09:08:00.000-04:00

Gift From Queen Anne's Lace"

Covert: Narration is written in both Japanese and English (though they are slightly different and excuse me if there are English mistakes.) If you would like this entry to make more sense, please read earlier entries of "About Queen Anne Illustration Series". This series is work in progress. So, you might see some changes or additions as the story goes.

心地よいそよ風のふく、ある夏の日、ちょっと珍しいお客さんがクイーンアンを訪れました。
キングスバレーから来た泣いてばかりの小さなピンクのうさちゃんです。

まだ幼いうさちゃんはどうやら蝶々を追いかけているうちに道に迷ってしまったらしいのです。
キングスバレーは Le pré d'Anges(天使の草原)から２マイルほど南にいったところにあって、そこにはちいさなウサギ村があります。ですからこの小さなピンクのうさちゃんはそんな遠くから来たわけです。

クイーンアンの友達がクイーンアンのレースの花の下で泣いているうさちゃんをみつけてからも、うさちゃんはずっと泣いているのです。
そこでやってきたのがクイーンアン。

「私にいい考えがあるわ。」
クイーンアンは言いました。そして、ピンクのうさちゃんをもう一度クイーンアンのレースの花の下に連れて行き、一緒に根っこを引っ張ってくれるように頼みました。

「いち、。。。にの、。。。さん！！！」
クイーンアンのレースの根っこは土からぽっこり現れました。

「さあどうそ。私はお花、あなたには、根っこね。」
まだ泣き止まないピンクのうさちゃんは最初戸惑っていたようでしたが、おいしそうな根っこを見たとたん、涙もようやくひっこんで、ついにはにっこりと笑いました。この時期のクイーンアンのレースの根っこはまだやわらかくとてもおいしいので、クイーンアンはうさちゃんを元気つけためにあげようと思ったのです。

「お腹がすいていたでしょう。。。」
言うまでも無く、ピンクのうさちゃんはもぐもぐとおいしそうな音をたてながら、あっという間に根っこをたいらげてしまいました。

お腹が一杯になったうさちゃんはとてもうれしそう。これでまたお母さんのことを思い出すまでは泣かなくてすみそうです。
「そろそろ帰らなくちゃいけない頃ね。うさちゃんのお母さんはきっと心配しているわ。」
クイーンアンは思いました。まだうさちゃんがキングスバレーに帰るには太陽が沈むまで、十分の時間があります。

「さあさあ、そろそろおうちに帰りましょう。私が送っていってあげるから。今度は蝶々じゃなくて、わたしを追いかけてきてね。」
すっかり泣き止んだうさちゃんはクイーンアンの顔をじっと見ながら、２回こくこくとうなずきました。
クイーンアンはうさちゃんの家族へのお土産に、後二つクイーンアンのレースの根っこをあげ、二人はさっそくキングスバレーに向かって出発しました。

Le pré d'Anges（天使の草原）には南からの柔らかなそよ風が吹き、とても気持ちの良い午後です。キングスバレーに向かう二人の心は感謝の気持ちで一杯でした。

「クイーンアン、ほんとにどうもありがとう。。。」
ピンクのうさちゃんは心の中でずっと思っていました。

「クイーンアンのレース、今日はどうもありがとう。。。」
クイーンアンは心の中でずっと思っていました。
見渡す限りのクイーンアンのレースの見える、Le pré d'Anges（天使の草原）の上を飛びながら、今日"何かをしてあげれることの喜び"という贈り物をクイーンアンのレースからもらった事に対して、感謝の気持ちでいっぱいでした。

真っ白のクイーンアンのレースの花達は、初夏のそよ風のなかでやさしくゆれています。
「どういたしまして、クイーンアン。。。」

クイーンアンはクイーンアンのレースがそうささやいたような気がしました。

***************************************

On one breezy, sunny day of early summer, Queen Anne had a little unusual guest.
It was a pink bunny from Kings valley who doesn't seem to stop crying.

She is still a little girl, apparently she got lost while she was chasing a butterfly.

Kings valley is located at a couple of miles south from Le pré d'Anges. And there is a small rabbit village there. So, she really came a long way.

A friend of Queen Anne found her crying under the flowers of Queen Anne's Lace. And she has been crying ever since, non-stop.

That's where Queen Anne came to the rescue.

"I've got an idea."
Said Queen Anne. She took the little pink bunny to one of Queen Anne's Lace flowers again, and asked her to help pulling the root together.

"1,... 2,... 3!!!"

The root of Queen Anne's Lace popped out from the ground.

"Here you go, darling. I get the flowers, you get the root!"
The little pink bunny who was still crying seemed puzzled at first. But as soon as she saw the carrot root, her crying face finally cleared up, her smile also finally returned to her face.
The root of Queen Anne's lace of this time of the year is still so soft and so yummy. Queen Anne thought this would cheer her up at least a little bit.

"You must have been so hungry..."
Needless to say, the little pink bunny immediately started to make yummy noises with her big front teeth, and ate up the whole carrot in a matter of minutes!

Now, little Pink Bunny is full, looking content. Well, at least for a while until she remembers her mother again.
"It's time for her to go home. Her mother must be so worried...."
Thought Queen Anne. There is still plenty of time for her to make it to the Kings valley by sunset.
"I am going to send you home, darling. And, this time, follow ME, NOT a butterfly. Ok?"
Queen Anne gently said to little Pink bunny.
The little pink bunny who completely stopped crying looked Queen Anne's face, and nodded twice deeply.

After Queen Anne gave her a couple of more carrots as souvenirs for her family, they both headed toward the kings valley.

It was a nice afternoon, a breeze from south is gently blowing over Le pré d'Anges.
On the way back to Kings valley, both of their hearts were full of gratitude.
"Thank you so much, Queen Anne..."
Little Pink Bunny was thinking in her heart all the time.

"Thank you so much, Queen Anne's Lace..."
Queen Anne was thinking in her heart all the time...
Flying over Le pré d'Anges looking over the thousands of Queen Anne's lace, she was so grateful for the giving gift that she got from the flower today.
White flowers of Queen Anne's lace were gently waiving in a summer breeze.

"You're very welcome... Queen Anne..."

Queen Anne felt like Queen Anne's Lace just wispered the words back to her ears...

Title: Gift From Queen Anne's Lace
Prints will be available soon at my Etsy shop: www.euphorianchic.etsy.com. or http://www.euphorianchicgift.com/
Love, Yoshika

Introducing Queen Anne and Queen Anne's Lace Illustration Series vol.8

2009-05-12T07:04:00.000-04:00

"Queen Anne's Masquerade"

Covert: Narration is written in both Japanese and English (though they are slightly different and excuse me if there are English mistakes.) If you would like this entry to make more sense, please read earlier entries of "About Queen Anne Illustration Series". This series is work in progress. So, you might see some changes or additions as the story goes.

ついに今日は待ちに待った、クイーンアンの仮面舞踏会です。

夜が明けるとともに、みんな　Le pré d'Anges(天使の草原)に集まり始め、クイーンアンが朝の紅茶を終え着いたときには草原はもうみんなでにぎわっていました。

クイーンアンの舞踏会がこんなに人気が出たのには理由があります。

『クイーンアンの舞踏会』と呼ばれるように、この舞踏会は数年前にクイーンアンの提案によって生まれました。

クイーンアンはずっとそれまでもどうすれば国がもっと愛で一杯の場所になるか考えていたのです。そこで思いついたのがシンプルですがちょっと変わった舞踏会でした。それは独身の人も結婚している人も恋人がいる人もみんな最初は別々に一人で舞踏会にくる、そして、すべての女の子はクイーンアンのレースを身にまとうこという舞踏会です。

そうすることで、みんな同じように見えてしまうため、みんなそれぞれの特技などを披露して、お気に入りの人に気が付いてもらわなければいけないのです。だから特に、独身の人達は一生懸命です。そして、結婚している人や恋人がいる人たちは　冬の間別々に暮らした後、この舞踏会で相手のいいところをまた再発見してまた大好きになるのです。

ある人は　大好きな歌を披露します。
ある人は　ポエムを朗読します。
ある人は　得意なダンスステップを披露します。
ある人は　難しいスピン飛行を披露します。
そしてある人は　一生懸命面白い話をして、相手に気がついてもらおうとがんばるのです。

こうして毎年沢山のハッピーなカップル、（もちろんゲイのカップルも！）この舞踏会で生まれるのでした。実際、この舞踏会が始まってから、離婚率もぐっと減りました。クイーンアンにとってこんなにうれしいことはありません！

今となっては、シングルのみんなは　この舞踏会を　"マッチメーカー舞踏会"、カップルのみんなは、"愛を再び舞踏会"　などと呼ぶようになっています。

* * * * * * * *

楽しい舞踏会は一日中日が暮れるまで続きます。

クイーンアンもまた今日は大好きなクイーンアンのレースを身にまとい、お城の木の枝から、うれしそうに、みんなを見ています。クイーンアンはみんなが楽しそうにしているのがとってもうれしいのです

「そろそろ来る頃だと思うけど。。。。」

クイーンアンが待っているのはもちろん大好きなジェームスです。
クイーンアンもジェームスもほとんどの間みんなの世話をするのに忙しいのですが、舞踏会の終わりには必ず二人でダンスをします。

仮面の向こうで踊っているジェームスはなぜかいつもよりもずっとハンサムに見えて、クイーンアンはいつもそのダンスでジェームスがまた大好きになるのです。
その時の少女に戻った時のような気持ちはクイーンアン自身も不思議に思うくらい。

でも今ではみんなが言っています。それが、このクイーンアンの舞踏会の摩訶不思議だということを。。。

クイーンアンも実はそれがとても気に入っています。

ジェームスを今も待っているクイーンアンはついついそのマジカルなひと時を思い出し、言いました。
「あれがマジックだろうと無かろうと、どうかこの舞踏会が成功しますように、王国がより愛で一杯の場所になりますように。。。」
そうしてクイーンアンはいつものようにその祈りを空に向かってふっと送りました。
もちろん今回は少女のような笑顔とともに。。。。

**********************************
Finally, today is the day of long anticipated Queen Anne's Masquerade!

Everybody started to gather at Le pré d'Anges as soon as the day broke, and by the time Queen Anne arrived after her morning tea, the meadow was already packed with fun loving birds!

Actually there are reasons why Queen Anne's Masquerade has become so popular.
As it is called "Queen Anne's Masquerade", this masquerade was created by Queen Anne several years ago.

Queen Anne was thinking how she could help their birdy kingdom to be more loving place. So, she created a simple, but a kind of special masquerade, which is, all guests, both singles and couples, must show up without a date, and all girls must wear Queen Anne's Lace.

Since all girls, all boys are all look alike, especially for singles, they have to express their unique qualities in order to impress their ideal mate. And for couples, after spending winter apart, they often rediscover their good qualities, and fall in love with each other all over again.

Some sing their favorite songs,
some read their poetry,
some show of their dance steps,
some show of their spinning flying skills in the sky,
and, some simply try to impress their ideal mate with a nice talk with great sense of humor....

Many happy new couples (including gay couples) are born during this masquerade every year. Also, since this masquerade started several years ago, the divorce rate has been dramatically decreased. Queen Anne couldn't be happier about it!
And after its consecutive successful years, now some (singles) call it "Match-Maker Ball", some (couples) call it "Let's-Rekindle-Love Ball" or "Make-Up & Make-Out Ball."

Thus, the masquerade lasts all day long until the sunset.

Today, Queen Anne is also all dressed up with Queen Anne's Lace, watching over other birds from the branch of her castle tree. She is feeling very happy seeing everybody having a wonderful time.

"It's about time......"

The one that Queen Anne is waiting for is of course her beloved James.
Although both Queen Anne and King James are busy watching everybody most of times, at the end of the masquerade, they are always saving the last dance for each other. So, Queen Anne can not wait for the sunset.

While having the last dance with James who is behind a mask, somehow he looks much more handsome than usual. And she always falls in love with him all over again...

Queen Anne even wonders how or why she always feels like that during the dance. It is as if she returned to a little girl...

But, according to what others say, the similar thing seems to be happening to many of them at the masquerade.
And now everybody has started saying,

"That's the magic of Queen Anne's Masquerade..."

Queen Anne is actually loving it very much.

She was still waiting for the arrival of James remembering the magical moment again.
And she quietly said to herself a little prayer, and sent it to the sky as always.

"Whether it is a magic or not, may the masquerade be successful, may the kingdom be a more and more loving place...."

Of course.....this time, with a smile of young girl on her face....

Title: Queen Anne's Masquerade
Prints are available at http://www.euphorianchic.etsy.com/
or, http://www.euphorianchicgift.com/ for cards & stamps.

Love, Yoshika

Happy Mother's Day! (Poem)

2009-05-10T16:42:00.000-04:00

Today is a mother's day..... So, happy mother's day to all moms in the world!!

Well, come to think of it, it is indeed a good thing to have a day to appreciate someone around you whom you might tend to take for granted everyday.

But in my case, to be honest, I didn't feel like celebrating this day for my own mother for a long time who is no longer in this world, though I think of her a lot on her death anniversary day, and still feel like celebrating her birthday every year.

But today, I felt like celebrating it for her for the first time in many years. And then, I felt like sharing this poem that I wrote for her several years ago. And while I was reading this poem, I noticed that I was still missing her terribly, but at the same time, was also reading it with much more peaceful state than before... which is a good thing I guess....:-)

Anyway, this is for you, Happy mother's day, お母さん！

***************************************

Mother

Smell of Marigold

Your beautiful orchid,

Marie Laurencin's picture book,

and Queen Elizabeth stamp collection...

With a heart of little girl,

you dreamed of the land of England.

Those are the things that remind me of your smile.

Standing in a summer breeze that brings salty air from the sea,

I close my eyes

And the same question keeps repeating in my head

Why couldn't I notice your pains?...

The pain behind your smile,

The pain behind your strength...

Being buried in my unresolved guilt

Your words keep repeating in my head.

"You have a gentle heart."

So, just tonight,

let me return to your little girl

Let me sleep in a blanket of your love.

So, tomorrow, I promise, I will be strong again.

Please, mother,

just tonight,

let me see you in my dream...

"Gentle Heart"
Water Color 2004

Love, Yoshika

Introducing Queen Anne and Queen Anne's Lace Illustration Series, vol.7

2009-05-07T06:00:00.000-04:00

"Wearing Queen Anne's Lace"

Covert: Narration is written in both Japanese and English (though they are slightly different and excuse me if there are English mistakes.) If you would like this entry to make more sense, please read earlier entries of "About Queen Anne Illustration Series". This series is work in progress. So, you might see some changes or additions as the story goes.

「明日はいよいよ仮面舞踏会ね。。。」

クイーンアンが暖かい季節を過ごす北方の山では、木の芽はすくすくと育ち、木々の緑は日に日に色を濃くしています。そして、Le pré d'Anges（天使の草原）のクイーンアンのレースが花を開き始めるころ、あの有名なクイーンアンの仮面舞踏会が開かれるのです。

仮面舞踏会のルールは至ってシンプル。
"すべての女の子はクイーンアンのレースを身にまとうこと。”

これはもちろんクイーンアンも例外ではありません。

「明日の舞踏会が去年みたいに成功しますように。。。」
クイーンアンは空に向かってお祈りをしながら、摘んできたばかりの美しいクイーンアンのレースの花を試着してみました。

"Masquerade is tomorrow!"

On the Northern Mountain where Queen Anne spend warm seasons, the sprouts are already growing into branches, the greens of the mountains are turning darker and darker everyday.

And around the time when the flowers of Queen Anne's Lace at Le pré d'Anges start to bloom, the famous Queen Anne's Masquerade is held every year.

The rule is very simple.
Which is, "All girls must wear Queen Anne's Lace".

Of course, Queen Anne is no exception.

"May it be successful like last year....."

As Queen Anne sends out a little prayer to the sky, she tries on beautiful freshly-picked Queen Anne's Lace herself...

Title: Wearing Queen Anne's Lace
Print available at my Etsy shop: http://euphorianchic.etsy.com/
This image was also picked as Today's Best at Zazzle.comLove, Yoshika

Etsy Gift Guides

2009-05-02T08:07:00.000-04:00

Yesterday, my Queen Anne series illustration sample sale listing was handpicked by Etsy staff and added to Etsy Gift Guides "Under $20.00". Thank you so much!
Please click the image to visit Gift Guides "Under $20.00" or visit Etsy Gift Guides to find great gifts for mother's day or other occations!

Love, Yoshika

Introducing Queen Anne and Queen Anne's Lace Illustration Series vol.6

2009-05-01T05:14:00.000-04:00

Under The Queen Anne's Lace

Covert: Narration is written in both Japanese and English (though they are slightly different and excuse me if there are English mistakes.) If you would like this entry to make more sense, please read the stories behind Queen Anne and Queen Anne's lace illustration series, vol.1~3 first.

Ｕｎｄｅｒ　Ｔｈｅ　Ｑｕｅｅｎ　Ａｎｎｅ’ｓ　Ｌａｃｅ．．．
クイーンアンは今も覚えています。
あれは初夏のそよ風が心地よい、とてもきれいな夕暮れのこと。。。

美しいクイーンアンのレースの花に見守られながら、
二人は初めてのキスを交わしました。

「夕日が私の真っ赤な顔を隠してくれますように。。。」
クイーンアンは心の中で願っていました。

Queen Anne still remembers...
On a breezy day of early summer, being surrounded by beautiful flowers of Queen Anne's Lace,
King James kissed Queen Anne for the first time.

Queen Anne was secretly wishing the sunset would hide her blushed cheeks...

Title: Under The Queen Anne's Lace

"Under The Queen Anne's Lace" Eco Tote
It is available athttp://www.euphorianchic.etsy.com/
Print will be available soon.
Love, Yoshika

Introducing Queen Anne and Queen Anne's Lace Illustration Series vol.5

2009-04-28T14:36:00.000-04:00

Queen Anne's Sweet Memory

Covert: Narration is written in both Japanese and English (though they are slightly different and excuse me if there are English mistakes.) If you would like this entry to make more sense, please read the stories behind Queen Anne and Queen Anne's lace illustration series, vol.1~3 first.

クイーンアンが夏を過ごす北方の山には　Le pré d'Anges（天使の草原）と呼ばれるそれはそれは美しい草原があります。そこは夏になるとクイーンアンのレースの花で一杯になるのです。

　Le pré d'Anges　には　キングジェームスとクイーンアンの二人だけの秘密の場所があり、二人は若い頃よくみんなに内緒で会っていました。若きキングジェームスはいつも一番きれいなクイーンアンのレースの花を見つけてはそれをクイーンアンにプレゼントしました。クイーンアンにとって、それはベリーのように甘酸っぱい、大切な思い出です。

クイーンアンは、キングジェームスに会えない冬の間、寂しくなるといつもその楽しかった日々を思い出して、春までがんばろうと思うのです。

On the northern mountain where Queen Anne always spend summer, there is a beautiful place called "Le pré d'Anges". The meadow is filled with the flowers of Queen Anne's lace during summer.

Young Queen Anne and young King James used to have a secret place in the In Le pré d'Anges, where they would secretly spend time together. Young James would always pick the most beautiful Queen Anne's lace flower, and gave it to Queen Anne. For her, those days were as sweet as mountain berries, and it has been one of the most precious memories of her life.

During winter, while she can not see King James, Queen Anne gets lonely sometimes. But, this memory always puts smiles back on her face and gives her strength to wait for the spring.

Print available at my Etsy shop: http://www.euphorianchic.etsy.com

Love, Yoshika

Introducing Queen Anne and Queen Anne's Lace Illustration Series vol.4

2009-04-25T05:43:00.000-04:00

Queen Anne's Hopeful Season!

Covert:
Narration is written in both Japanese and English (though they are slightly different and excuse me if there are English mistakes.) If you would like this entry to make more sense, please read the stories behind Queen Anne and Queen Anne's lace illustration series, vol.1~3 first.

「見いつけた！」
今年初めての芽を見つけたクイーンアンはうれしさを隠せません。

長くて寒い冬もようやく終わり、クイーンアンの待ち望んだ春がようやくやってきました.
クイーンアンの友達もうれしくて空でダンスをしています。

「もうすぐね。。。」
小さな芽達も、すくすく育ち、すぐに沢山の花を咲かせることでしょう。
クイーンアンの心の中も、もう、大好きなクイーンアンのレースの花でいっぱいです。

クイーンアンの心は少しどきどきしてきました。
何故なら、クイーンアンのレースの花が咲き始める頃、大好きなジェームスやみんなにまた会えるからです。

"Oh...finally!!"
Queen Anne couldn't contain her excitement when she found this year's first sprout on the ground.

After a long cold winter, spring has finally come!
The air is still cold, but the warmth of the sunlight surely shows the arrival of spring.
Queen Anne's friends also get excited, and started to dance in the sky as well.

"It will be soon..."
This small sprouts will grow bigger and bigger everyday, the meadow will be covered with all green, and soon, there will be a lot of flowers all around!
Queen Anne can not help imagining the blossom of her favorite flower, Queen Anne's Lace on her mind.

"See you soon..."
Queen Anne said to herself quietly.
Her face turned pink, and her heart also started to pound faster a little bit.

She can not wait to see the white flowers of Queen Anne's lace start to open up.

Do you want to know why?
Because that's when she will be able to see her beloved James and everyone once again....

Title: Queen Anne's Hopeful Season
Prints available at my Esty Shop: http://www.euphorianchic.etsy.com/ Love, Yoshika

Featured at Lotushaus.com!

2009-04-24T16:22:00.000-04:00

My Kanji design prints were featured on very lovely style blog, Lotushaus.com! Thank you so much!
Pleaase visit here or click the image below to read it.
Joanna is a very talented artist -- organic lifestyle designer, stylist, cultural creative, event coordinator, aspiring floralista, ikebana practitioner. I especially loved her easter birdy centerpiece and her ikebana flower arrangement! Please visit her blog and her portofolio!

Design by joanna dyckhoffLove, Yoshika

Happy Earth Day!

2009-04-22T22:59:00.000-04:00

Happy Earth Day to you all!

Love, Yoshika

Introducing Queen Anne and Queen Anne's Lace Illustration Series vol.3

2009-04-21T07:41:00.000-04:00

Stories behind Queen Anne and Queen Anne's Lace Illustration Series vol.3

Today, I will talk about a little more about Queen Anne and stories behind the character.
Like the last entry, what I am about share here is also what I found out after finishing 10 illustrations of this series. Actually I got this information just about 10 days ago or so... After learning about European Robin, this time I wanted to know more about Queen Anne and King James. So, I looked them up.

What I found out there was more intriguing than I expected. Well, even after naming the bird, Queen Anne, I still didn't even know that "real Queen Anne" was a queen of England. But, probably my image of "Queen" (which is coincidentally "queens of England") lead me to draw pictures that King James isn't included there, except one, "Queen Anne's Sweet Memory" which I drew "madly-in-love" Queen Anne & King James in a Queen Anne's Lace meadow. Somehow I didn't feel like including King James in any other pictures, at least so far. I was actually thinking what to do with it.

I do not know if any of you who would be reading this believe in "coincidence". Well, I personally do, and often find it very amusing. This time, after looking up the information about King James, what I found very interesting was that it seems there were indeed times when King James and Queen Anne were very much in love. And then, King James was later linked to another woman. (actually another "Anne"... I first thought "how dare him", but Queen Anne was also a big spender, and it seems there were some religious difference between them as well). And Queen Anne passes away before him..... that was the real history. I kind of felt I understood the reason why I somehow always pictured Queen Anne alone in my mind in my rest of illustrations.
Well, back to my Queen Anne and Queen Anne's Lace series. Now I know about European Robbin, and the real history of "real" Queen Anne and King James. As someone who always prefer happy-ending in any stories, of course, I have re-created the happy-ending setting for my Queen Anne and Queen Anne's Lace series! (After all, in my mind this is a family-oriented illustration series.) I think I will reveal the setting as I introduce my illustration one by one.

Anyway, it has been an interesting ride for me to create this Queen Anne and Queen Anne's Lace series. Although I am not planning to create a long illustration series with this, I think I will add at least several more to illustrate the life of Queen Anne throughout the year.
Queen Anne and King James Just for a little note, "Real" King James also contributed English literature, his "King James Bible" is still considered as the best English translation by many people. Interesting. For more information about Queen Anne and King James, please visit:
King James: http://www.luminarium.org/sevenlit/james/jamesbio.htmQueen Anne: http://www.luminarium.org/encyclopedia/annedenmark.htm
From next time, I will start sharing my illustrations with a little narrations.

Love, Yoshika

Introducing Queen Anne and Queen Anne's Lace Illustration Series vol.2

2009-04-19T05:34:00.000-04:00

Stories Behind "Queen Anne and Queen Anne's Lace" Series vol.2

Like I said last time, today, I will talk about the bird, Queen Anne more.
Last time, I talked about the reasons why I named the bird in my illustrations, Queen Anne.

As you may notice, Queen Anne in my illustrations is an orange-ish bird. Well, the reason for that was actually none. It was just because I felt like coloring her orange. She was brown at first, but I changed it. And I didn't pick particular bird in my mind at all while I was drawing it. However, since the only orange (wild) bird that I know is Robin (I remember one Japanese one, but I forgot the name.... anyway), after seeing robins playing on the lawn in front of our building recently, I felt like looking it up on the internet (again). Well, as many people know, robin is very common bird in North America. But, this time, while I was looking it up, I learned the existence of European Robbin which is not exactly related to "Robin" in America, but also has orange chest.

Well, basically the stories behind my illustrations are totally fictions, and not related to reality at all. But, to start from conclusions, I have decided that the model bird of Queen Anne should be European Robin, though the Queen Anne's feature doesn't really look like it.

As I told you last time, I always like finding the reasons after doing something I felt like it, or being attracted to something or someone. This time, when I knew about "European Robbin", I already finished 10 of Queen Anne series illustrations. And, as I was looking up the information, I was so excited about that there are facts that I really liked about this European Robbin.

1. First of all, it is also orange.
2. Queen Anne is a royalty who is originally from Denmark (Europe!). So, "European" is perfect.
3. European Robbin's female and male have a season that live separately. (Male stay in one place throughout the year, but female move to the warmer areas during winter.) I will explain more later, but this setting was perfect for the illustrations that I already made.
4. European Robbin is a Christmas bird in Britain.
5. There was also a legend about this bird that I really liked. Which is, when Jesus was dying on the cross, the Robin, then simply brown in colour, flew to his side and sang into his ear in order to comfort him in his pain. The blood from his wounds stained the Robin's breast, and thereafter all Robins got the mark of Christ's blood upon them.(http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/European_Robin)

These are enough reasons for European Robbin to become the model bird for Queen Anne, don't you think?
And this is European Robbin. Very very cute!
Next time, I will talk about Queen Anne and her love, and her life a little bit.
Before finishing this entry, there is one more thing that I want to mention as well. If you look back my old blog entry, you might find one of my Etsy treasury entry, "Happy New Year with Orange Birds!" which is my first treasury in 2009. Well, some of you may know that I kind of consider myself as Yellow Bird. But, at that time, somehow I was so attracted to all the great orange bird design products on Etsy. After starting this Queen Anne series, I remembered this treasury, and kind of found it very amusing. So far, as I make this Queen Anne illustration series, orange bird is indeed making me feel happy inside. :-)

Love, Yoshika

Introducing "Queen Anne and Queen Anne's Lace" Series

2009-04-17T07:27:00.000-04:00

Stories Behind "Queen Anne and Queen Anne's Lace" Series
I have started this "Queen Anne and Queen Anne's Lace" illustration series recently. In this series, usually Queen Anne(bird) and her favorite flower Queen Anne's Lace are in each picture. (except a few of them).

And today I would like to share a little bit of the stories behind this series. You might think, I just picked my favorite flower and my favorite animal for the illustrations. Well, most of the parts, yes. You're right. It was just as simple as that. But, on this blog, I would like to dig a little bit deeper, because what I have found out in a process of making this series is quite intriguing to me. So, I would like to share it with others as well.

Well, before going there, if you knew me for sometime, you might already know that I am a kind of a person who is often amused to find out that I get first attracted to something (or someone), and find the reasons later. I must say, this series was born like that as well.

I am going to start with the key flower, "Queen Anne's Lace". This particular flower has been one of my favorites since I moved to New Jersey from NYC years ago. Especially my last place which was located in a little bit more wood side of North Jersey, was surrounded by this flower during summer. I would often enjoy picking them and decorating my space. Although this flower must be like a common knowledge to many American people, to me, actually it is only recent that I learned the name of this flower. Till then, I kind of misbelieved that it was a family of Akillea, Yallow flower (that is a kind of common flower in Japan, and I just learned that only a few grow in North America. And it is also my birth flower by the way). ...Anyway, Queen Anne's Lace has been my favorite, because it is a wild flower that has strong roots, and grow every year in a wasteland, and yet, its white flower has such elegance and a sense of innocence, and it makes a great decoration in a room. So, needless to say, when I learned its beautiful name "Queen Anne's Lace", I was ecstatic. :-)

And recently, I felt like drawing a picture of this flowers with a bird in it. And after making a couple of them, I was thinking about this particular bird, and then again felt like looking up "Queen Anne's Lace" on the internet. What I found out was very interesting.

According to the information on Wikipedia, the name "Queen Anne's Lace" was named after a legend. The Queen turned out a real person, Queen Anne who married British King James in 16th-17th Century. According to the legend, one day, the Queen Anne was challenged by her friends to create a lace as beautiful as the flower for the King James. So, the flower was named because of the resemblance with lace, and this legend. It is said that the red flower in the center of some of the Queen Anne's Lace flowers represents a blood droplet where Queen Anne pricked herself with a needle when she was making the lace. How interesting!

Needless to say, after reading this story, the bird in a picture became "Queen Anne", of course. :-)

This series is still work in progress. But, I think I will introduce the illustrations that I have finished so far one by one for next few weeks (while I am still doing a lot of decluttering :-D).Next time, I will talk about the Queen Anne more.

Love, Yoshika

3D Relief Wall Art "Balance" Color Variation

2009-04-14T23:18:00.000-04:00

These photos are an example of color variation of my 3D Relief Wall Art Design "Balance". Some are available at my Euphorian Chic Studio Etsy Shop: http://www.euphorianchicstudio.etsy.com/ Custom Orders are available with your favorite color scheme! Please convo me through my Etsy shop or Email Me.

Balance Yellow/Gray

Balance Brown/Teal

Balance Red/Brown

Balance White/Red --Sold--

Balance Brown/Yellow --Sold-- Love, Yoshika

Happy Easter from Me & Peter Rabbit!

2009-04-11T16:16:00.000-04:00

There must be so many people who grew up with Beatrix Potter's Peter Rabbit books. Well, I wasn't really one of them, but I've always loved her works... who wouldn't, really. They are full of innocence and very vibrant as if the characters would jump out from the pictures just like the scenes from the movie, Miss Potter. And speaking of the movie, especially after seeing the movie, I have become a huge fan of Beatrix Potter, her life, and of course Peter Rabbit too.

According to the legend, on the night of Easter, rabbits carry the basket full of colored eggs, and visit Children's houses. I am not a Christian. But, who wouldn't want to celebrate the day of Jesus's Resurrection & cute bunnies with lovely colored eggs! So here it is,
Happy Easter to you all :-)))

Happy Easter from Peter Rabbit!

I didn't create new Easter designs this year. But since this is one of my favorite Easter illustrations, here it is again.
Happy Easter from me to everyone too!

Baby Aprons, Stickers, and other gifts of this design are available at
http://www.euphorianchicgift.com/ Holiday Design Category.

Love, Yoshika

Spring is finally here! (And some spring Love birds!)

2009-04-09T22:46:00.000-04:00

Spring is finally here.... Today was such a beautiful day here in NJ from start to finish! In the morning, Robins were playing on the lawn in front of our building, the temperature went up to around 65 degrees afternoon, sunny and breezy, and in the evening, there were a beautiful full moon and lots of stars in the sky. And the buds of Sakura trees (cherry trees) have finally started to open up around here and the smell of flowers is in the air, you can pick it up when walking on the street..... Really it was such a beautiful day.
.....And I felt like doing nothing (i mean nothing really creative...) So, instead I cleaned my place (a little), and decided to add a new entry on my blog.

And here is the photo of the love birds that I saw about a couple days ago on the street of my town.

Sorry for the bad photo, it was a little cloudy and already getting dark. But, the two birds were all over with each other and it was so cute that I couldn't help taking photos. As you can see, the flower buds were still closed at that time. But, today I saw them opening:-)

So, speaking of love birds, this lovely season made me create some more love birds designs. These are some of my "Save The Day" Products.

Save The Date Kissing Birds Wedding Postcard

Save The Date Kissing Wedding Birds Stamp

Kissing Birds Wedding Aniversary Magnet

These are totally customizable, you can personalize them on the site by adding your own information.For more "Save The Day" Products, please visit:my shop: http://www.euphorianchicgift.com/ , "Save The Day Products" CategoryIn the meantime,hope you all enjoy this lovely season!Love, Yoshika

Decluttering continues.... (and some new designs)

2009-04-05T12:20:00.000-04:00

I have been really lazy about updating my blog for a while. What have I been doing??? Well, especially for last couple of weeks, I have been trying to declutter/reorganize my space, my computer, I mean, art files...etc. And somehow a lot of decluttering/reorganization are happening (or being planned) in my head, but somehow not in my reality yet. I have been digging up my old files and seeing what was in there..... apparently a lot need to be done. And just thinking about it exhausts me and delays my plan.....what a bad routine... So, probably decluttering will continue for several more weeks at least....

By the way, I would like to mention what happened in "far east" last night. Well, apparently, North Korea finally launched their rocket (satellite) and it safely went over Japan without falling any debris. Since my family is living in Japan, I was worried, even though the rocket was supposed to go through the northern regions which is kind of far from where they live. This incident surely made me sad. On the Japanese news that is run here in America, they were warning the possibility of it being a missile (because of the very similar shape), and its influence in case any debris falls from the rocket. And in fact, the area where the first part of the rocket falls was somewhere in the sea of Japan where many Japanese people go out with the big ships for fishing. Many people in the northern Japan make living with fishery and in this season, they catch fish worth more than $50.000 a day. So, just the event of launching the rocket itself was already affecting their living. At this point, I still do not know what happened there, but I did feel for them of course.

But, what makes me sad more is the fact that we still have to worry about our "safety" on these matters. The Japanese news was focusing on the worst possibilities....well, even though it was necessary for the safety of Japanese people..but it scared me a lot... And, some are saying North Korea's rocket test was a total provocation of long range missiles.....well, even though it might be totally true..... But, anyway, thinking of the world political situations, there is not so much I could do.... But, really, let's look at the bright sides, there are people who are working on those problems politically. Also, I recently read the article of the woman whose father was forced to work for Husein as a private pilot. According to her, even the people who worked for him closeby were constantly threatened by his sadistic nature. Well, what I think is, if the leader of North Korea also has that kind of quality as well, there must be people around him who are feeling like this woman and her family. Hmm... it's deep. But, anyway let's just hope things will change for the better in the most peaceful ways.

So, in the meantime, as I am saying usually, I just want to use those frustrations and change it into something positive. Creativity! I am sharing some of my new "Go Green" Designs today.

Earth Day Tree Birds Botton
Celebrating Earth Day! Magnet is also available.

Go Green Event Announcement Postcard

This is a total customizale postcard which you can change the information all by yourself on the internet. It is great for promoting your "Go Green" or "Nature" related events. 3.5x2.5 Go Green Event Promotion Card is also available with this design.

By the way, actually, this Go Green Expo on this postcard is a real event happening this year. This is the one that is held in NYC on April 17th ~ 19th. If you are "go green" person, and are living in the tri-state areas, you might be interested. It is open for everybody. I am actually interested in the technologies that creates "Go Green" products too. I may not be able to make it to this event, but I think it must be interesting and is definitely worth a visit!

For the dates for this event in other US cities, please go to http://www.gogreenexpo.com/.

And in the meantime, my decluttering continues...

Visit my shop: http://www.euphorianchicgift.com/ for more gifts

Love, Yoshika

Recent Etsy Treasuries!!

2009-03-19T19:52:00.000-04:00

I hadn't added any Etsy treasury entry for quite a while. Today I just share a couple of my favorite ones and want to say quick thank you to those who picked my works in their treasuries for last few weeks.

I'll start with my favorite ones. If you find something you like, please click the image to see the larger size, and find the seller's name under the each item. You can find their shop at search at Etsy.com.

1. "Heads In The Cloud" Handpicked by Ratgirl

I really love the theme. I feel very flattered that one of my tote bag "Tears of Joy" was included in her super cute treasury. Thank you so much! Please visit her lovely handmade jewelry shop: http://ratgirl.etsy.com/.

2. "Free And Fly" Handpicked by Kumasakuzo

This is something that I found very very lovely, the colors, title and theme :-)))
Kumasakuzo-san is actually a registered user, not seller. From the username, I wonder if she or he is Japanese or not.... The name is indeed very hilarious in Japanese..... :-DDD So, I love everything about this treasury including his or her username.

And here is the list of some of the treasuries that my work was included. Thank you so much! Please don't forget to check out their shops!

"Purplicious" by vickiorion GORGEOUS artisan jewelry!
"Looking For Yourself Out There" by tinahdee I LOVE her metal work!!
"My Garden" by birribe Very lovely knitted accessories!
"Golden Sunshine" by blueheronquilt Lovely quilt work! I love heron:-)
"One Small Step VII" by Joonwalk
"Rustic Yellows" by sszumski (she isn't a seller, thank you so much!)
"Gold and Black" by Copperinc Congratulations on FP! Her artworks are beautiful!
"Eating The Peach" by Uncorked Congtallations on FP! I LOVE her work using corks!

Sorry, I have probably left out some of them..... but I'm sending lots of love & gratitude:-) to all. Thank you so much!

Love, Yoshika

My New Etsy Shop & Cuteable.com!

2009-03-16T18:49:00.000-04:00

Hello!
I am introducing my new Etsy "Euphorian Chic Art & Design" Shop today.
I created this shop, because I wanted to keep my first shop EuphorianChicStudio shop mainly for fine arts. And this one for prints & reproductions of my illustrations, and maybe later for my designs. The shop itself isn't really what I want it to be yet... but, anyway.....

Please take a look at my new shop at http://euphorianchic.etsy.com/

And today, one of my this year's spring bird illustration prints "One Step At A Time" was featured at a popular blog in UK, Cuteable.com :-))))) Thank you soooo much!

http://cuteable.com/mosaic-monday-steps/4950
Mine was included in their Mosaic Monday, "step" theme. Their picks are literally so "CUTE"!!
If you love cute things, and are not a reader of their blog yet, please visit:

Cuteable.com!
Love, Yoshika

Introducing Etsy Japan Team!

2009-02-26T02:49:00.000-05:00

Finally, I am adding a new entry. And today, I would like to introduce some of artists from Etsy Japan Team.

Well, Etsy Japan team is for artists who run etsy shop based in Japan. So, I am not a member. But, since I am Japanese myself, I visited some of member's shops and was totally impressed with the quality of their works.

I especially appreciated the fact that there are artists who are from other countries, and create "very-Japanese" art. So, I would like to introduce some of their works here today and show some support!

1. AKJapan : http://akjapan.etsy.com

Andrea is from Australia and She is an admin of Etsy Japan team. She really captures the colors and feelings of Japanese traditional art. I love them.

2. Togei: http://togei.etsy.com

The word "Togei" means Japanese ceramic/pottery art. His "togei" works are beautiful! And he also sells Japanese Kimono at his etsy shop.

3. GalleryJuana: http://galleryjuana.etsy.com

I love her portrait works as well as the one that she uses Japanese papers for her watercolors. Beautiful:-)

They have their blog JapanFocusEtsy.blogspot.com. You can visit member's Etsy shops from the links. I know there are MANY talented artists in Japan who are not part of Etsy because they don't speak English...what a shame. But, the ones that are in Etsy Japan team are really great. Please visit their shops:-)
Andrea (AKJapan) kindly introduced my shop there a while ago and also included my work in her treasury from Etsy Japan team & friends. Thank you so much!

Love, Yoshika

Picture Hanging Tips (Tools)

2009-02-08T22:47:00.000-05:00

I recently received a question from my buyer about picture hanging tools. And I recommended her the easiest ones that I know. Since these are good for most of original canvas paintings, I thought I would share it on my blog too.

There are a lot of picture hanging tools out there. I basically think you could pick whatever you think would work for your artworks, considering its size and weight. Wiring in professional way is of course good for some framed works or heavy weight stretcher canvas. And once you have all the tools, it's not difficult to do it either. But, what I recommended her is just easier and very inexpensive as well.

1. EZ Hang Ups

This is the easiest one that I have found so far. You can just put it under the stretcher bar and hang the painting on the wall. It doesn't damage the stretcher, and is good for highly textured pieces like mine of which weight may not be symmetrical. You can just slide IT to find horizontal line or you could use two for larger piece. There is another similar one that is only good for standard stretcher (3/4" depth). But this one would work with deeper canvas size. You could probably get EZ Hang Ups at your local art supply shops or framing shops. But, not all of them carry it. So, just in case you want it, here is the link to the online art supply shops that has it.

http://www.aswexpress.com/discount-art-supplies/online/4561/art-supplies/4

2. Sawtooth Hangers

There are probably familiar to many people already. I just show it here, because this would work well with most of paintings too, including framed ones. The saw-tooth make it possible to adjust the horizontal line, and even if it is small, it could hold a lot of weight as well. But, please make sure to choose heavy duty one (such as the photo on right) when you hang heavy weight stretcher canvas, or larger art piece.
These are probably more accessible to everyone, you could find them at art supply shops, craft shops, framing shops, as well as hardware shops such as Home Depot etc... But, just in case you are not at anywhere near those shops, here is the link to the online shops that carry them. I have never used the latter, but it looks decent.
http://www.dickblick.com/products/sawtooth-hangers-zinc-plated/
http://govart.com/hardware_sawtooth.html

If anybody knows the easier way of hanging pictures, please share it with me or simple comment on this blog to let me know.

Happy Picture hanging !(?) :)))

Yoshika

Today's Best at Zazzle!

2009-02-05T01:56:00.000-05:00

One of new additions, "True Love Japan" US postage was picked as Today's Best at zazzle.com. Thank you again:-) The Japanese calligraphy on the image means "True Love". Actually, I created this digital illustration looong time ago... but, I thought it would be nice to add this image to my zazzle gallery for this "Loving season" :-)Please use this postage to send loving message to your special someone!

True Love Japan Postage by Yoshika
See more postages at HERE.

Love, Yoshika

Some of Recent Treasury Picks!

2009-01-30T23:08:00.000-05:00

These are some of recent treasuries that my item was handpicked by other fellow Etsy shop owners! These are all so lovely. Thank you so much! If you find something you like on their lists, just click the images for full size and search shop owners usernames at search of www.etsy.com under Sellers:usernames. Don't forget to visit their shops as well.

Title: Beautiful Darkness

Visit beautiful Glass pendant shop of ArtoftheMoment: http://artofthemoment.etsy.com/
Title: Feelings

Thank you again! Visit Andrea's lovely craft shop Munieca: http://munieca.etsy.com/

Thank you again! Please visit her very lovely vintage shop SimplySuzula http://simplysuzula.etsy.com/ Love, Yoshika

Prayer Crane Craft Series

2009-01-29T01:12:00.000-05:00

Since the end of last year, I have been meaning to add this entry. So today I am finally doing it.

I have started some origami crane craft since last year. This project is kind of dear to my heart. If you were born as Japanese, this origami crane is something that you would learn as a child at kindergarten, from your mother, from your brother or sister, or friends.... I was of course one of them, and I have dear memories of playing with origami as a child. And somehow I have always had some emotional attachment to this origami crane particularly. Even before knowing the meanings that are associated with crane in Japan as a child, I think I have always felt something spiritual from it. It's hard to explain, but that's how you feel when you make origami crane.

And let me share an interesting story. Some of you may know that I am basically very spiritual person, and many of my art are spiritually inspired as well. And several years ago, some spiritualist was offering some kind of spirit animal reading, which she finds spirit animal for you in her trance or meditation. And I just tried it just for fun. And guess what. My spirit animal was "Crane" ;DDD She saw other animals there too, but she said she was lead to crane that was resting quietly standing with her one leg in the lake water. She was American spiritualist, but she also mentioned the word "Peace" to me. Well, whether it is true or not, I found it very interesting.

So, now you know why this project is dear to my heart. Currently I make earrings, necklaces, and charms. Since I also love gem stones, along with beautiful Japanese beads, I also use gem stone beads that also has its own meanings and create themed craft. So, some are good for love, some are for your energy...etc.

Below is the symbolism of Crane in Asia and more information about my Prayer Crane Craft.

In Asian cultures, cranes symbolize many fortunes such as:

Love & Fidelity - Cranes mate for life. Both male and female cranes work together to build their nest and care for their young.

Longevity - Legend holds that the crane lives for a thousand years. In Japanese, Chinese and Korean tradition cranes stand for peace and long life.

Wellness - Origami cranes are given to those who are ill to wish them a quick recovery.

Hope - It is said that if someone folds a thousand paper cranes, their wish will come true.

Peace - Origami cranes have become a symbol for peace from the story of Sadao Sasaki in post- WWII Japan.

It is also said the paper crane has become an international symbol for peace in recent years as well.

In our country, Japan, it is a symbol of happiness, fortune, luck and longevity. We often make 1000 cranes when you want your wishes to come true especially for someone you care for such as when someone is sick and you want them to get well soon.

The tiny origami cranes are one by one hand-folded by me using beautiful Japanese Yuzen Origami and are triple coated with Acrylic varnish for durability. So they are water-proof and are almost as hard as plastic. I use fine materials such as Japanese and Chinese Glass, Acrylic beads, Swarovski crystals, real gem stones from all over the world along with Gold & Silver plated, sterling silver, Gold filled findings.

Since Origami Cranes itself is a good-luck charm and it is also said that many natural gem stones have its own meaning and powers, some of jewelry (not all of them) are made with theme such as Love Charm, or Good-luck Charm. Please check each listing carefully. Also, since some of materials have limited availability, most pieces are one of a kind and make a great gift to someone you care for.

**********************************
Some of these craft are available either at my Etsy shop http://www.euphorianchicstudio.etsy.com/ or at my eBay store http://stores.ebay.com/Euphorian-Chic-Art-Studio as "Custom Order" which I create it after receiving the order. The prices are vary with each product, but it ranges from $10.99 ~ $24.99 (w/wo Shipping, I offer Free Shipping for some of them.) For other products, since most of them look slightly different because of design combination and the patterns of Yuzen origami that I use for cranes, I might not be listing all of them. If you liked other products and don't see them in my store, please send me a message and ask for availability. I probably could send you some of the photos of available ones and if you like it, I will list them just for you.

:-)

**********************************

I have been receiving pretty good feedback for the people who purchased my prayer crane craft. Here is some of them.

**I just wanted to tell you that I saw my grandma open her gift and it is truly the most beautiful piece of paper art I've seen. The crane looks so delicate, it's perfect! Thank you again. --J. Phillipe WA--

**Oh, so beautiful and delicate. A true art item. Now I want to get other colors --E Jennings CA --

**amazingly cute!!!! I love them!!! Many thanks, will order more!!!! --H.Cho MA--

**VERY cute! The person I bought these for is going to love them. THANKS!! --Courtney CA --

**SUPER FABULOUS Earring! I LOVE THEM! --P. Lawson CA --

And more...
Thank you so much!! They made me sooo happy:-)
I am praying my prayer crane craft would bring a little happiness to people :-)

Love, Yoshika

Etsy Front Page Treasury Handpicked by Chicalessia

2009-01-21T21:05:00.000-05:00

My new addition "Balance Red" 3D relief wall art was handpicked by Chicalessia in her treasury and it made it to Etsy FP! I didn't know when it was on FP, but Ana (the shop owner of chicalessia) kindly let me know about it and let me use her screenshot of FP:-) Thank you so much, and congratulations on FP pick!

Don't forget to visit her shop: Chicalessia http://www.chicalessia.etsy.com for the beautiful soft velvet beads & jewelry.

Love, Yoshika

"Wintery Mix" Handpicked by simplysuzula

2009-01-19T22:53:00.000-05:00

One of my 3D relief wall arts, "Snow Flower" was handpicked by simplysuzula for her beautiful Etsy treasury "Wintery Mix". I love the color. And her treasury is very popular :-) Visit her treasury here. (It will expire tomorrow.) Thank you so much!

Please visit her unique vintage shop: SimplySuzulaIf you find something you like in her treasury, please click the image for the full size to see seller's username under each item. You can find their shops at Etsy search under "Sellers: username.Love, Yoshika

Season of Passion! (Treasury)

2009-01-18T02:44:00.000-05:00

This is my recent treasury "Season of Passion".
And my subtitle for this treasury was of course....

"Passion!!!"

If you find something you like, please click the image to see the full size and find seller names under each listing. You can find them at Etsy Search under "Sellers: username".

Love, Yoshika

Valentine's Day Cards & Zazzle Front Page

2009-01-15T22:13:00.000-05:00

It's already a season of "Love" again! Please prepare your lovely Valentine's day plan with great cards!

Kanji Design Love Valentine Card by Yoshika

Be My Valentine Bird Greeting Card by Yoshika
Love Is In The Air Bird Greeting Card by Yoshika
I Love You Bird Greeting Card by Yoshika

Matching US Postages:
Kanji Design "Love" Stamp by Yoshika

I Love You BirdDesign1 Stamp by Yoshika

My Valentine's Day cards and other "Love" Cards are picked for Zazzle Front page!
Love, Yoshika

Gold Digger Treasury Handpicked by PoleStar

2009-01-14T01:03:00.000-05:00

One of my new addition, "Golden Meadow" was handpicked by PoleStar for her gorgeous treasury "Gold Digger". I really love her collection as well as her subtitle :-)))
"I ain't saying she is a gold digga, but she ain't messing with no broke, broke... I ain't saying she is a......."

Thank you so much!
Please visit PoleStar's beautiful Jewelry Shop:
http://www.polestar.etsy.com/

Love, Yoshika

New Treasury Handpicks, Thank you so much!

2009-01-09T02:01:00.000-05:00

Two of my 3D Relief Wall Arts, "Golden Trees", "Golden Tulips Yellow" were handpicked by two beautiful treasuries. Thank you so much!
Please don't forget to visit curator's shops, Primsbyandrea--adorable collages, FruitJooce -- very pretty handmade jewelry.

Treasury "The Birds & The Trees Art" handpicked by primsbyandrea
Treasury "Golden Goodies" handpicked by Fruitjooce

Love, Yoshika

Featured at Simple Finds!

2009-01-07T01:17:00.000-05:00

Today I am proud to announce that one of my 3D Relief Wall Arts, 4pc Golden Berries and my Etsy shop were featured on SimpleFinds.com! SimpleFinds is a great blog site where you can find cool everyday things picked by Christie. Since I really love what they showcase there, I feel very honored that my work is included this time. I also want to thank Christie for giving me a great review and exposure for my work and my Etsy shop. Thank you so much!
Please click HERE or the image below to read her review :-)

They are also doing a giveaway of one of my 3D relief wall art, Single "Golden Berries Brown" 11"x14". (The winner only pays for the shipping $8.00).
It will end January 11th. Please read the details at:
http://www.simple-finds.com/2009/01/lovely-berries.htmlDon't miss the 30% off coupon code for your first purchase as well:-)
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~Christie is a founder/editor of SimpleFinds.com as well as the owner of "Trendy & Hip Baby Boutique", SimpleMeBoutique.com. Please visit her shop!!

Love, Yoshika

Etsy Frontpage Handpicked by Intres

2009-01-03T18:17:00.000-05:00

One of my new additions "Golden Popies White" was handpicked by Intres and her treasury "Gold Dreams" was chosen for Etsy Frontpage! It really is one gorgeous treatsury. I missed it when it was on FP...But, thank you so much for including me, and congratulations for FP pick!!

This treasury expires sometime tomorrow. Please visit and take a look!
http://www.etsy.com/treasury_list.php?room_id=30381

Intres is an artist from Spain and creates such a lovely home docor ornaments using felt.
Please visit her Etsy Shop: Intres Handmade: http://www.intres.etsy.com/

Also she is a part of Etsy team: Etsy in Spanish, it is one of the largest Etsy artist communities, and there are a lot of great artists there. If you are looking for one cute handmade item for yourself, their blog might be a good place to take a look.
http://www.etsyinspanish.blogspot.com/

Love, Yoshika

Happy New Year with Oragne Birds!

2009-01-02T23:55:00.000-05:00

Happy New Year!
This was my last treasury in 2008/my first in 2009, "Happy New Year with Orange Birds!" One Sold :)))

Wishing you all a very happy 2009!

Love, Yoshika

Etsy Treasury Handpicked by Dixie Creations

2008-12-30T23:11:00.000-05:00

My new addition at my Etsy shop http://www.euphorianchicstudio.etsy.com "Winter Berries" 3D Relief Wall Art was handpicked by DixieCreations in her treasury "A Star In Etsy Crown"! Thank you very much!

Dixie has a couple of successful Etsy Shops: Dixie Creations http://www.dixiecreations.etsy.com/ and The Moss Shop: http://www.warmcountrymeadows.etsy.com/. Dixie Creation is closed during winter but, The Moss Shop is open and sells very cute and unique products such as jewelry, ornaments etc using moss. Please visit her shops :-)

Love, Yoshika

Happy Holidays!! & Christmas Window Clitique

2008-12-24T16:52:00.000-05:00

First of all, wishing you all a very merry Christmas!

I was meaning to add more entries, but I have been a little busy for this holiday season. But, it was "good" busy, and thank God, and thanks to your support, I am satisfied with the result of my Holiday Sale ;-) And I really appreciate all the kind feedback for my artworks. So, thank you very much!!

And today, as my Christmas greeting, I will share a couple of Christmas windows that I really liked when I went to Manhattan several days ago. Well, I didn't have much time or energy to go around to see more. So, I picked only a couple that I really liked, and are so opposite about the idea :-)
Sorry for the bad photo. The first one is the window of a high-end clothing shop, not a liquor shop. It is simple, but very much representing the idea of Christmas tree and the unusual combination, Clothe & Bottles makes it very catchy. I really liked it.

And the second one, the window of a flower shop. It was simply beautiful to see the lighted trees in a dark. There is no big surprise, and very straightforward to the idea of Christmas and a flower shop. But, they are just beautifully displayed and it was indeed eye-catchy. I really liked it. And, what I liked about it more was the cat in the store that was also Christmas decorated. :-) Well, that's all for today. I will be busy creating new works for some time from now. So, there might not be much update for a while. But, I have noticed that I still haven't introduced my Prayer Crane Craft on this blog. So, I will try to do that when I find time. In the meantime, again,Wishing you all a very merry Christmas and best wishes for a happy, more prosperous new year for all of you! (as I do hope for myself as well :-)) Love, Yoshika

Today's Best at Zazzle

2008-12-14T23:35:00.000-05:00

I have added some digital art prints to my Zazzle shop today. And one of them was chosen as Today's Best! Thank you!
Today's Best at Zazzle

Love, Yoshika

Recently Sold "Go Green" Series

2008-12-13T17:23:00.000-05:00

These are recently sold "Go Green" series paintings. Thank you!

"Floating"

"Gentle Change"

"Green Maze" Love, Yoshika

Dark Chocolate Is Good For You

2008-12-02T23:29:00.000-05:00

This is my second Treasury collection, "Dark Chocolate Is Good For You". It was supposed to "Dark Chocolate Is Good For Your Heart." But it didn't fit.
3 of them sold already and were exchanged with my sublists.
The listing ends tomorrow night.
http://www.etsy.com/treasury_list.php?room_id=24533

And don't forget to visit my store:
http://www.euphorianchicstudio.etsy.com/

Anyway, here it is.
Dark Chocolate Is Good For You

Love, Yoshika

Winter Love In Purple Haze

2008-11-26T20:13:00.000-05:00

This is my first Treasury collection on Etsy, "Winter Love In Purple Haze". I am still new to Etsy, but what a clever idea! I am already feeling that it could get so addictive.
You can take a look at my list and enjoy works from other talented artists at:
http://www.etsy.com/treasury_list.php?room_id=23409
It expires on Friday night. Don't forget to visit my Etsy shop too!

"Winter Love In Purple Haze".

Love, Yoshika

1 Month Holiday Sale!!

2008-11-21T16:47:00.000-05:00

I almost forgot. I am having 1 month Holiday Sale at both of eBay & Etsy Euphorian Chic Art Studio shops. 20% off of the original price for craft, and 30% off for original paintings. Here is a little secret for my blog readers. I try to price the items almost the same at both shops to be fair for the buyers (considering shipping fees etc). But, since eBay's fees are more expensive than Etsy and differs based on the listing prices, I might price "Buy It Now" paintings a little more expensive on eBay than on Etsy. But, paintings that are on auction are usually bargains. So, you might want to check out both of the shops. :)))

Hope you have happy (& early) holiday shopping!!

Love, Yoshika

Recently Sold Triplet Tree Paintings

2008-11-21T16:17:00.000-05:00

These are some of my small & medium painting series, "Triplet Trees". Sometimes, I feel like just painting "pictures" only using brushes, being a little away from using hands to create 3D relief objects which I do with a lot of my other works. These are simple acrylic paintings which usually takes me several hours to finish it.
I make them available at very reasonable prices right now.

"Triplet Trees -Wonder-Fall" (Sold)

"Triplet Trees - Orange Sunset"(Sold)

"Triplet Trees -Tuscan Sunset"
This one is still available and on sale at my Etsy Shop: http://www.euphorianchic.etsy.com/or my eBay Store : http://stores.ebay.com/Euphorian-Chic-Art-Studio Love, Yoshika

Etsy Front Page

2008-11-19T00:54:00.000-05:00

My wall-deco art, "Golden Harvest" was hand-picked by munieca'(Andrea')s Treasury, and made a front page of Etsy :)))

Munieca (Andrea) is a very talented artist from Argentina and her works have been featured at many craft sites. She is also the one who is in charge of Spanish Etsy and has a very successful Etsy shop herself. I love her works. Her works are full of innocence :) Thank you, Andrea!

Please visit her lovely Etsy Shop:
http://www.munieca.etsy.com/

Love, Yoshika

My Art Website Is Up!

2008-11-17T08:56:00.000-05:00

Well, my long neglected art website http://www.euphorianchic.com/ is finally up.
I have consolidated what I have been doing with my art on this site at this time.

It is still work in progress. But, please take a look :-)

www.euphorianchic.com

Love, Yoshika

Go Green Series: "Spring Breath"

2008-11-14T20:21:00.000-05:00

This is one of "Go Green" Series painting, titled "Spring Breath". Size is 20"x20". (4pc of 10x10x3/4 canvases. ) This is highly textured piece using 3D relief technique with other texture techinique such as "impasto".

This piece will be included in my 1 month holiday sale 30% off of most of the "Buy It Now" items in my eBay store. (My Buy It Now items are usually priced anywhere from $24.95~$450.00).

Go Green Series: Gentle Change

2008-11-12T22:05:00.000-05:00

This is one of my "Go Green" Series 4pc painting, titled "Gentle Change. This is also one of my 3D relief painting with impasto technique. So there are a lot of textures. The total scale is 20"x 40" (4pc of 10"x20" canvases.) In my mind, this is representative abstract image of a landscape of which season is somewhere around late summer to early fall. It was originally 2x 2 horizonal pieces, but I combined them all together for you to arrange it however you like. You can see the arrangement on my photos.
This piece is available as original/custom order at my Euphorian Chic Art Studio eBay Store or my Etsy shop.

To Be Continued,

Love, Yoshika

Recently Sold "Go Green" Series

2008-11-09T12:22:00.000-05:00

These two painting set went to the beautiful Whale-watching vacation homes in Oregon.
(Thank you Jennifer!!)

1: Deep Forest 14"x44" (4 pc of 11"x14"x3/4" canvases)

2: Green Waterfalls 14"x22" (2pc of 14"x11"canvases)

These pieces are still available as "Custom Order" which I make after receiving the order. If you are interested, please contact me directly by Email, or visit my Euphorian Chic Art Studio eBay Store or Etsy Shop to make an order. (Please keep in mind that it is impossible to create exactly the same piece when using 3D relief technique. However the finished piece will definitely have the same overall feelings, colors and composition :-) Please allow 2 weeks for delivery within US.)Love, Yoshika

"Go Green" Series

2008-11-05T07:07:00.000-05:00

Hello. I was meaning to add more entries to this blog. And finally I am introducing my recent painting series "Go Green" today.

"Go Green" Series:

I have started this series in order to promote the idea of "Go Green". I am basically a kind of artist who tries to use materials as safe as possible. But especially for artworks in this series, I use only non-toxic materials, (Gesso, 3D modeling material, acrylic paints, acrylic gels and acrylic varnish), and create the image of which dominant color is Green.

Nowadays, there are so many great artists out there who care about our environment and use recycled materials or eco-friendly materials in their art works to be kind to the earth. As I said I want to promote "the idea" of "Go Green" in this series, compared to them, I am not really doing anything special here. But, as I also wanted to show my love for the earth in my art, I have decided to start with what I can do.

Also The color "green" is not only the relaxing color that you find in nature, but in spirituality, it is the color of healing, the color of heart chakra. Since there are many kinds of Green you can find in nature, from the color of deep forest to the color of sprouts in spring, it would be a interesting series. I am trying to make various green paintings in series.

I will start to share some of "Go Green" Series painting on this blog for next few weeks. (No promise...but I suppose I will.) :-)

My "Go Green" Paintings and Wall Art are available at:
My Studio Shop: www.euphorianchicstudio.com
My Etsy Shop: www.euphorianchicstudio.etsy.com

Love, Yoshika

My Masterpiece, or My Uniform???

2008-10-28T20:29:00.000-04:00

Well, I was thinking that I should start posting my recent works on this blog. But, before doing that, I just wanted to share this real quick, because the photos you see below were one of my very reasons why I'm painting again.

Yes, the first one is my former/current uniform, and the second one is my school art bag, which is big enough to fit 24"x30" canvas in. I made both of them more than a decade ago while I was still going art school in NYC. (it was very scary to count the number, by the way.) I remember one day after I made a curtain for my apartment or just shortened my jeans or something....I forgot....but either one for sure, I also felt the need to have a big art bag, (art school often asks students to buy large drawing pads or illustration boards.) and I used the left-out cloth to make it. And after that, I also made the apron of which hearts were also from the clothes that I was no longer wearing, the red was from my vintage pants, the yellow was from my scarf. I am basically not a great sewer. I just do it out of necessity every now and then, (shortening my jeans etc...) Maybe you can get that from my apron especially. I do remember that I didn't even measure them properly. But the art bag unexpectedly turned out well, and was indeed popular among my fellow school classmates. And despite the fact that the fabric cords for the apron were too thin and too short, (since I didn't have the suitable one at hand, I used the one that came with some shopping bag.) I used to wear it as my uniform whenever I painted.

Honestly, I had completely forgotten about those, even the fact that I kept them like that until I opened some old boxes in my storage this time. You can or can not imagine how I felt at that time. But, anyway those are one of my very reasons why I have started to paint again.

Actually, the art bag is still in good shape and was very useful during this summer whenever I had to bring some of my old paintings from one place to another. And of course I have started to wear the apron again whenever I paint, still thinking I should change the fabric cords that are still too thin and too short....

That's all for today.
I think I will share my recent works from now little by little.

Love, Yoshika

NYC Waterfall Tour

2008-10-14T11:13:00.000-04:00

Yesterday was Columbus day and it was the last day that NYC Waterfalls were exhibited. I actually read the article about this public art project back in early spring and remember thinking it was such a wonderful project that would benefit a lot of people.

As the artist says that he wanted to bring some nature element in the city scene, thought the huge waterfall under the brooklyn bridge is something that people would like to see for once if they had a chance, it would not only promote the idea of public art, it would benefit NYC tourism for sure as well.

Although it was said the exhibition was going to be this summer and I thought I would love to take a look if I had a chance, as you may already know, I was very busy during last several months and I almost forgot about it. But luckily, I happened to see the TV commercial about this waterfall about a week ago, and I finally made a visit on the last day of the exhibition.

There were four waterfalls, 1 under the Brooklyn bridge, 2 Brooklyn bridge pier, and 1 north shore of Governors Island. I think I could see at least three of them. (I might have seen all 4 ...) There were many ways of seeing this waterfalls, from Manhattan, from ferry tours, etc. The city was offering free Staten Island ferry ride for this waterfall tour, so I tried that one.

.....And, my impression for these waterfalls was... "Oh.....that...."
Overall I loved it. But, I also must add that the frame for the waterfalls were little too big, too exposed and it made the waterfalls looked more like "fountain". (There were actually people calling it "fountains") Well, as far as I remember, in their anticipating finished image that I saw in spring, the frame part wasn't shown like that, probably neither did in artist's finished images.

But, it must be much more beautiful when it is lit at night. In my visit, I couldn't wait 4 more hours there to see the illuminated ones. But, the people who had nice evening nights at South Street Seaport this summer must have enjoyed it very much.

These are the photos of the NYC waterfalls that I took.

From the view of the waterfall from South Street Seaport. (My best possible angle.)

The waterfall of Governors Island

The waterfall of Brooklyn Bridge Pier

Bad angle one.
And of course, the Statue of Liberty from Staten Island Ferry

The artist who initiated this project is Olafur Eliasson and it was funded by Public Art Fund.
For more about this project and hear the interview of the artist, please visit:
http://www.nycwaterfalls.org/.

Love, Yoshika

Amazing! Origami Crane Made by Clay!!

2008-05-26T04:37:00.000-04:00

Recently, while I was surfing on the internet looking around great arts, I happened to have encountered this interesting craft tutorial video, "How to make Origami Cranes by Clay". I really enjoyed it. I was so impressed with her sensitive hands which makes beautiful Cranes by Clay, and she doesn't use any little trick to make a beautiful shape. I am sure some people have to practive a little in order to make a Origami Crane by clay like her. But I really appreciate that there are people in America who appreciate Japanese culture and develop it in the unique way. They really are beautiful, just like the ones made by real Origami! And I loved that clay cranes are baked on the cup cake tray in the end. That was so cute

Hope you enjoy

Part I

Part II

Love, Yoshika

Bird in the Nostalgic City

2008-05-16T23:45:00.000-04:00

Just felt like making it :-)

Love,
Yoshika

And Some Announcement From Me! (Third entry today :D)

2008-05-06T13:53:00.000-04:00

Just in case someone is reading this blog, I would like to tell you a little bit of my plan.
As I mentioned on my previous entry, I am leaving this country, and moving back to Japan soon. Well, not really too soon though, it's probably in the end of July or beginning of August. But, after living in this country for nearly 15 years, this is a big transition for me, there are of course a lot to prepare for it. And, recently I have also realized that I am emotionally very very exhausted right now, so I have decided to take some time off from what I have been doing for a while. "Euphorian Chic" is basically the concept of my art making, so the moving wouldn't affect what I do as an artist much. But, as business, I might have to change the direction all over again. So, I will think about that during this break as well.

As for this "Euphorian Chic" blog, it would probably be less active until my new life is settled in Japan. But since I need creativity in my life somehow, you'll probably see some new entry every once a while.

I guess that's all for today.

In the meantime, have an euphoric life yourself!!

Love, Yoshika

P P P P Pink!

2008-05-06T13:09:00.000-04:00

These are taken last month when flowers were blooming beautifully around here in NJ. The season of most of these flowers already passed and now the color green is covering up the trees. Anyway, I just wanted to show the pink ones, because they were so lovely, and made me feel so "Pink" while jogging in the morning. :-) Although I was almost caught as "breaking & entering" twice, I guess it was worth the effort. (People seem a little neurotic around here.... of course they let me continue as soon as they found out it was me taking photos though....)

I guess I'm going to use them in my art somewhere later on ;-) (I already have one of them.)

And of course.... <333333

Love, Yoshika

Photos of Dog Paradise

2008-05-06T12:31:00.000-04:00

New photos are added to the slide show of "Come Walk With Me" NYC Dog Walking Tour. Please see them at Chelsea and Midtown South.
Now it has become over 200 photos. Though I might add some later if I take some really good ones. But otherwise, I think this project is finished now.

Found "Dog Paradise"!

Found dog baby too!

And they posed for me, later :-)
Check them out at "Come Walk With Me" NYC Dog Walking Tour.

Love, Yoshika

I'll Miss New York...

2008-05-03T21:30:00.000-04:00

*~* New York In The Rain *~*

These were taken a couple days ago in NYC. On my way home it started raining. Though I am basically not a huge fan of rainy days, somehow that day it looked so beautiful and I really liked watching people walking on the streets in the rain. I guess it suits my feelings right now, especially the third one. There are already certain amount of light, tranquility in me. But, I am absolutely sure that I will miss New York for a long time...:-)

Love, Yoshika

My "Love Love" Series No.2

2008-05-03T15:33:00.000-04:00

Recently, one of my friends reminded me of the fact that I've always loved Frat Iron Building in NYC. I was thinking of taking some photos of it when I was doing "NYC Dog Walking Tour" Photo project. But I somehow missed the spot. So I went there last week and finally took some, AND also found "Dog Paradise" which I will probably add to the slide show later.
Anyway, when I was a kid, I would dream of going to America, and I hung B&W photos of old NY in my room. And one of them was of course Frat Iron Building. Well, according to the tourist book that I studied when my friend visited me from Japan, (and I finally remembered the name of the Frat Iron Building at that time.) it is the first high rise building in NYC. And I really love that it is still loved by people despite that it isn't so high at all anymore.
So, (firnally reached what I wanted to say...) I wanted to use this photo as a metapher for what I love :-)

Love, Yoshika

"Go Green" Designs

2008-04-29T10:45:00.000-04:00

The photos are from my recent "Spring in NJ" photoshoot :-)
GoGreen Design1 PostcardbyYoshika

GoGreen Design2 Blank CardbyYoshika
Get this custom postcard at Zazzle And the first one (Postcard) was featured as Today's Best at Zazzle.com yesterday!Thank you!
Today's Best April 28, 2008

GoGreen Design1 Postcard

Receive my heart <33333

2008-04-26T23:01:00.000-04:00

Sending lots of love from Spring in NJ

Love, Yoshika

My Tribute to Life

2008-04-23T02:22:00.000-04:00

As you may already know, Recently I was working on a little photo project "Come Walk With Me" NYC Dog Walking Tour which required me to walk around NYC. And as extention of it, (embarrasingly,) I finally visited Ground Zero for the first time in 6 and a half years after the attack. Since I felt something that I never thought I would while visiting there, though it's not even around the anversary day, I couldn't help writing the blog, "My Tribute to Life"
I have to say, this blog may not be for those who are at the stage in their lives where they do not want to look back what happened on September 11th 2001 now. Although I did avoid taking the photos that were too sad, the ones I took at the tribute gallery might still make you emotional in some ways.
So, only if you like, please visit the blog at my personal profile and read the blog.

**************************************************

And I have also added 30 more new photos of Downtown NY to the slide show, NYC Dog Walking Tour on my blog, Please check it out as well!

Armed officer talking with a traveler on Wall St.

Near China Town

Love, Yoshika

Happy Earth Day!!

2008-04-22T23:22:00.000-04:00

Happy Earth Day!
This is my myspace comment images for Earth Day greeting:)

Artwork from "Plant A Tree with Your Cell Phone" http://www.seedcollective.org/

Love, Yoshika

911 Tribute Gallery

2008-04-21T19:02:00.000-04:00

These are some photos of Ground Zero and the tribute gallery.

Ground Zero

Entrance of the tribute gallery

Entrance photo of the tribute gallery.

Inside the gallery

The photo of the rescue scene

The remains from the attack

Bended metal that shows the terribleness of the impact of collapse.

The wall of missing person messages from victim families

Japanese Origami Cranes sent from family, friends, and co-workers of Fuji Bank as well as schoolchildren in Japan. (There were 24 Japanese victims.)

Explains the meaning of Japanese Origami Cranes

The walls of photos of the victims

Poster outside the gallery

New Pattern Designs!

2008-04-19T17:34:00.000-04:00

I have added some pattern designs to my design shop.

Square Pattern Design Mousepad BluebyYoshika

Square Pattern Pink Mousepad2byYoshika

Round Chain Pattern Design2 MousepadbyYoshika

Euphorian Chic Pattern MousepadbyYoshika

EC Mousepad 2byYoshika

And one of them received the today's best from zazzle.com Thank you again!

You're in Today's Best

view product
promote online
share by email

Congratulations!

Your product, Square Pattern Pink Mousepad2, has been selected as one of Today's Best on Zazzle!

This means it will appear on the Zazzle homepage for the rest of today and it will also be added to the Todays Best Awards Showcase. Keep up the great work!

Bask. Glow. The honor is yours to enjoy.

-Zazzle

Love, Yoshika

Come Walk With Me --- My NYC Dog Walking Tour ---

2008-04-14T04:35:00.000-04:00

This nice weather inspired me to work on this photo project "Come Walk With Me" --NYC Dog Walking Tour --. Although I want to show the slide show on this blog too, I set the size of the slide show big for the better view. I don't think it fits on this blog. So, please check out the slide show on my myspace blog showing over 150 photos of dog walkers in NYC and some NYC photos :-)

Hope you have a lovely new week.

Love, Yoshika

My Window Display Clitique No.2

2008-04-12T17:58:00.000-04:00

These are from my window shopping the other day in Upper East Manhattan, the last one is East Village. I thought I should write this entry before I forget!

I just thought these are very eye catchy. It is only that I thought this display sculpture might work better for something else.... It could create very creative & effective window display if used for something else.... I didn't feel this synthetic material matched neither their products nor the wood color of the shop either....

I thought this window was very cute. It wasn't a big window, but very catchy and creative. Their products look good with it too!

Well, I found this cafe very creative. From this cute window display, I first thought it was houseware shop or something. Inside, it seems they also sell some jewelry or something and their table & chair were also well designed and very cute. Everything was so fashionable, but it makes me wonder if the food tastes good or not.... Maybe it tastes like fashion as well.... :D

I think one window display could create lasting impressions in people's mind. And that's very important. And I thought this was a very successful one. This eye catchy window made me wonder what shop it was first.....and I thought it was a very smart idea to use Buddha lighting statues for florist! I think this Buddha statue thing could make the shop look cheap, but they did great job with colors, plant arrangement and choice of furniture etc... it didn't look cheap at all. This window would definitely make people say... "Ah... that florist with orange Buddhas!"

I forgot the name of the shop already. I just liked the lighting. It worked well with their products. It could be used for many other purposes, with different light colors etc....

I think it was an ice cream shop. (I might be wrong...I didn't look closely. ) I just thought this modern feature was very cute. This is very fashionable and young people would love it. And if it really was an ice cream shop, it might makes us feel like eating sherbet. (It wouldn't make me feel their chocolate chip ice cream tasty, though... )

That's all for today...

I caught a cold while going out to Manhattan in recent changeable weathers. But I'm feeling better now :-)

Love, Yoshika

Sakura Namiki in NYC

2008-04-10T01:32:00.000-04:00

Chelsea is my favorite part of Manhattan. While walking the area a couple days ago, I found the Sakura blossom streets :-) The last one is West Village.

Chelsea is one of the places in Manhattan that I have lived before. It was not for long. But, I did spend one spring while living there... What a shame....I didn't know that there were lovely Sakura streets....

Love, Yoshika

Yo.Za.Ku.Ra (Night Sakura) in Manhattan

2008-04-07T01:18:00.000-04:00

Well, it seems the weather is getting nicer and nicer these days. When I visited Central Park about a week ago (on March 30th), it still looked and felt like winter than spring. Here is the proof.

And this was taken in my area in NJ on the same day.

But, when I visited Manhattan yesterday I saw 30%~50% of Sakura buds already opened on Upper East side, and Upper West 80% of them already blooming. It is strange...I used to live in Manhattan for several years. But, this might be the first time I really appreciated Sakura blossoms on the streets of NY. So, I had to take some pictures.

Yo.Za.Ku.Ra (Night Sakura) in Manhattan

Love, Yoshika

Another Lovely Show Window

2008-04-06T16:21:00.000-04:00

As you may have already noticed, I have been walking around Manhattan a lot lately. And yesterday, I was targeting uptown and ended up shaking hands with Conan O'Brian who was walking on Columbus Ave alone. lol (He was very nice and very tall!)

Anyway, there are a lot of fancy boutiques on upper East side, and I saw some very artistic, lovely window displays. I will show one today.

This is the windows of Hermes. I found them very very lovely and artistic and their products also looked very elegant with it. Though the photos don't quite show, I love the combination of colors, and the use of her paintings together. And what I liked about it was that they showed the name of the artist who did the installation on their window.

Please visit her website:
Cynthia Rojas
http://www.cynthiarojas.net/

I will show other show windows that I liked from yesterday some other time.

Love, Yoshika

Eye Ball Window

2008-04-04T07:41:00.000-04:00

This is one of the show windows of NY Soho area. I found it very creative. I forgot the name of the shop. But it is the shop of eye glasses. So, it was very "Eye" catchy.

But all I thought from this window was.....

Medama Oyaji!! This is a character from Japanese Comic "Ge Ge Ge no Kitaro". Sorry...I don't know why I have to be comical on my art blog. But this is all I thought about at that time....

Love, Yoshika

My Window Display Critique

2008-04-01T09:00:00.000-04:00

This is the Part 2 of my Window Shopping in New York. In my case it is literally "window" shopping, because I seem to be much more interested in the art of window displays than their products. Since there are some displays that I wasn't so crazy about but I wanted to show it here, I decided to call it "Critique" :)))

Anyway, here goes...

This is a small window display of Bergdorf Goodman. I find it sooo cute and sooo creative!

This is another small window of Bergdorf Goodman. Sorry for the bad photo. But, this is also very charming and the vivid colored dress looked really good with those white birds and solid background color!

This is the window of FENDI. It is the second best in my list after yesterday's Bergdorf Goodman show windows.
It's a shame that you can not see two of their cute dresses. But, they have also circular patterns on them, So along with the colorful circular display in the middle, it all looked so good. I love the fact they used spring colors in display complimenting their bags and shoes, and the circular shape for their B&W dresses design. Bravo!

This is the window of PRADA.I loved it. I love the combination of the window theme color (Pink) and the color in the store (lime green)! The color didn't come out right on the photo, but the color pink on the background art is more like, what I call, "diva pink" which is somewhere between passion pink and crimson red. So, it was gorgeous. And the round display table moves! Really it was DIVA display.

This is the window of Versace. I wasn't so crazy about this window. But, if the black shadow cut in the background was what I think it is (It looks animals to me...), I think it's cute. The other window was people shape, so it didn't look quite fashionable. But, either way, I really love the touch of Calla Lily flower arrangement. And I loved their store display inside very much!

This is one of the window of Saks Fifth Ave. I wasn't so thrilled with most of their windows this time, but I found this background very creative. I loved the use of ropes, and origami paper ornaments. But, it looked a little cheesy and aloof from the clothes to me....

This is another window of Saks Fifth Ave. I just like the hanging accessories. They were so cute. But the dress neither looked good there, nor was my taste. Sorry.

I guess that's all for this time.

Happy April Fool's Day to you!

Love, Yoshika

The Loveliest Show Windows

2008-03-31T04:45:00.000-04:00

I went to Manhattan today, and on my way back from Central Park, I walked by Bergdorf Goodman, and found incredibly charming show windows. I love its timeless sense that comes from the color white, and the use of nature animals and fashion together. It's cute and innocent, and yet also elegant and sophisticated. I really love it!! It was already getting dark, so the lighting was perfect as well. I fixed a little reflections, so now they even look like some theater scenes :-)

I also found several favorite show windows on Fifth Ave. But I'm too sleepy to go on now. So, I guess I'll show them next time.Love, Yoshika

Celebrating The Season of "Heart Blossoms"

2008-03-27T14:13:00.000-04:00

Not only the sunlight, the air is also getting warmer and warmer finally :-)
This is a time of the year that the buds of our hearts also want to blossom!

Love, Yoshika

For Color Lovers!!

2008-03-23T22:38:00.000-04:00

I have just found very interesting sites that introduce color trends and palette! It might be good to check them once a while to get color inspiration!

http://www.colourlovers.com/

Their blog: http://www.colourlovers.com/blog/

Love, Yoshika

Happy Easter!

2008-03-22T13:46:00.000-04:00

Happy Easter!!

Love, Yoshika

Bloblove -- Karim Rashid Exhibition

2008-03-20T15:15:00.000-04:00

Well, this post is a little too late for his exhibition. It already ended on 15th. I wanted to post it earlier, but things were a little hectic around me recently.
Anyway, I had to go to Manhattan the other day, so I also brought myself to his exhibition in Chelsea and had a little gallery tour myself. Although I also wanted to show other artist's works that I liked, my scanner seems to be broken now.

Ok. Back to Rashid氏. I am a huge fan of his works, especially his industrial designs. Well, in one article about him, he says he never liked nature,(which is almost opposite of me, by the way. He says it's because nature is already complete. It makes sense, though...)but anyway who cares. His designs are just great! I really love to hear his concepts behind his works as well. It's deep. And you feel the energy from his work. If you are someone who study designs, whatever your style you work with, there must be a lot that you can learn from him.

Here are some works from his exhibition. Feeling lots of love!!

Flying Bloblove

Seven Sins

The title of the first image is "Spiralik, Flying Kromaskapes". I couldn't find the meaning of the word "Kromaskapes" in English. I found "Kromeskies" though...But it's Russian style croquett....But, if you try to look at it that way, it does kind of start to look like it, doesn't it? A twisted croquett.....:DDDI'm planning another little gallery tour in near future. Hope it'll come true soon:)

Don't forget to check out his other works & shops:
Karim Rashid Offical Site: http://www.karimrashid.com/

Karim Rashid Shop: http://www.karimrashidshop.com/

Karim Rashid Myspace: http://www.myspace.com/karimrashid

Love, Yoshika

My Favorite Pianist, Fujiko Hemming

2008-03-19T23:54:00.000-04:00

These are some works by the renowned international pianist, Fujiko Hemming. She was born in Berlin to a Japanese pianist mother and a Russian-Swedish architect father and has lost her hearing due to high-fever in her late 20's. I just love the sound of her piano as well as the loving energy of her artworks. She is not just someone who was born with exceptional talent, but also someone who has gone through very hard times in order to reach where she is now. I feel it is showing in her sound of piano and in her artwork :-)

Please visit her official site

Love, Yoshika

Happy St. Patrick's Day!!

2008-03-17T12:16:00.000-04:00

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

Love, Yoshika

Spring Garden Birds Designs

2008-03-12T08:25:00.000-04:00

New Bird Designs:

Spring Garden Birds Series

Bell Flower Bird Design Botton by Yoshika
Get this custom button at Zazzle

Rosegold Pussy WIllow Bird Design Botton by Yoshika
Get this custom button at Zazzle

Spring Buds Bird Botton by Yoshika
Get this custom button at Zazzle

Love, Yoshika

New Pattern Design

2008-03-04T03:07:00.000-05:00

This is my new Pattern Design!

Yellow Round Chain Pattern Mousepad by Yoshika
Get this custom mousepad at Zazzle

Yellow Chain Pattern Green Mousepad by Yoshika
Get this custom mousepad at Zazzle

Blue one also received Today's Best March 4th, 2008 at Zazzle.com
Thank you!

Love, Yoshika

New Japanese Calligraphy Prints Added

2008-02-21T15:50:00.000-05:00

I have added several new Japanese calligraphy prints done by Hakutou to my cafepress shop!

New Japanese Calligraphy Prints at my cafepress shop.

Love Hope Dream Print

"Hope" (Sousho style) Print
Zen word "Living In The Now" (Gyosho style) Print
Zen word "Nothingness"(Shousho style).

Don't forget to check out "Japanese Kanji Design Products" on my cafepress shop!

Japanese Kanji Design Products

Love, Yoshika

New Japanese Calligraphy Prints Added!

2008-02-21T15:39:00.000-05:00

New Card Designs!

2008-02-18T23:48:00.000-05:00

1. Kanji Design "Truth" Confession Card
Perfect way to tell your loved ones your secret!Please use it in a nice way, such as... saying
"I am madly in love with you." or"I am the one who ate the last piece of chocolate", etc...
2. Kanji Design Hope Card Send your loved ones an inspirational mesage!3. Kanji Design "Love" Birthday CardThe message inside says," To be is to love,to love you is to be..."Please check the inside designs & message by clicking the thumnails!Love, Yoshika

Thank You!

2008-02-04T02:28:00.000-05:00

Today I found out that my Kanji Design "Love" Stamp was in the first top 6 in the award categories, Popular Today, Popular this week, Popular this month at Zazzle.com! I submitted this design about a month ago, so it seems to be doing well:-)

Kanji Design "Love" Stamp

Very nice:-) Thank you very much!!

Love, Yoshika

New York Fashion Week Schedule

2008-02-02T13:44:00.000-05:00

New York Fashion Week Fall 2008 Collections started yesterday.

Here is schedule for Fall 2008 Collections.
You can also check many collections in slide shows.

http://nymag.com/fashion/fashionshows/schedule/01.html

Love, Yoshika

Love Is In The Air....

2008-01-27T00:55:00.000-05:00

My first post for EC blog is my new design, "Love Is In The Air..."

This design is available as greeting card at my zazzle gift shop.

This product also received Today's Best Award!

Today's Best January 27, 2008

Love, Yoshika