Chuffed

Melissa of The Inspired Room is celebrating her 1-Year Blogoversary! Basically, the party has been thrown for her since she is busy with her daughter's bridal shower, wedding preparations, and a possible move. If you haven't paid a visit to The Inspired Room before now, you are missing volumes of stimulus!

One of Melissa's Aussie friends used the term "chuffed" to describe her first year in blogging. This word was new to me and I agree that it describes things perfectly! I am chuffed to have discovered this adjective!

Chuffed
Pronunciation: \ˈchəft\
Function: adjective
Etymology: English dialect chuff
- pleased, puffed with fat
Date:1957 - British : quite pleased : delighted

Merriam-Webster Online

More Good News! I was one of 3 winners in Judy's 1-Year Blogoversary Giveaway! I will be receiving the sweet "woodland maiden" that I showcased a few posts down! Thanks to all of you who referred me in your entry comments!

Eco-Friendly Gift Wrap

Furoshiki Cloth from JUN Japanese Gifts and Souvenirs

As we make efforts to practice a "greener" lifestyle, here is a great idea for wrapping gifts with flair, imagination, and reusable materials. It involves the Japanese art of Furoshiki.

Shibori Omiyage
Uploaded on April 15, 2008 by glennisd - Flickr.com*

Furoshiki.com has this to say: "Originating from Japanese culture where it promotes caring for the environment and reducing waste, furoshiki is the eco-friendly wrapping cloth. Using techniques similar to origami, it can be used for gift wrapping, grocery shopping or simply as decor. Choose from a wide variety of sizes and designs to complement your lifestyle.'

"Why furoshiki? It is reusable and multipurpose. Each year billions of plastic bags end up as litter; reusable bags, such as furoshiki can help reduce the impact to our environment. Its versatility allows you to wrap almost anything regardless of its shape or size."

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The younger Japanese generation had considered this art to be passé, that is until communities became more conscientious about reducing waste. Furoshiki is now enjoying a resurgence of popularity, interpreting beautifully into handbags and purses.

I have often used scarves, bath linens, and fabric scraps to create wraps that make a statement. One of my favorite uses of furoshiki is to wrap guest favors in a functional cloth dinner napkin.

Since pre-sewn or homemade furoshiki wraps require an investment (full price or discounted), I like to insure that the fabric will be perpetually forwarded. If the recipient has no interest in recycling the cloth, I politely ask for permission to reuse the wrap for a future gift.

Furoshiki Links:

• Kakefuda Kyoto - Famous Furoshiki Store (YouTube video on making Furoshiki bags and purses)
• Serena Fenton's Layers of Meaning
• Maureen's "water :: earth :: wind :: fire"
• DIY Definitions - Furoshiki (there is a plethora of information here)
  

* Shibori Girl explains that "omiyage" means "gift" in Japanese. The above photo shows a silk pillow filled with lavender and wrapped in a mini shibori furoshiki. The embellishments include a jeweled button at the center and a silk shibori ribbon flower.

Summer Detours

Summer Detours:

• Free audio downloads by LibriVox! I believe the Latin interpretation is a "book with voice." If you are desiring a FREE audio book (from the public domain), you will be pleased with the selections available in this resource library. All downloads can be listened to in iTunes and various mp3 players. The readers are volunteers with a passion for literature.
• Have you printed art from your computer with less than favorable results? You'll find that the quality of the paper makes a world of difference. Strathmore Artist's Inkjet Papers are specifically designed for new technology and they are available in a variety of "textures, surfaces, and weights!" Check out dickblick.com.
• Add some zip to your sip! Harney & Sons has a refreshing selection of teas fit to be splashed over ice.
  

Detours

Therapy for me falls under the category of "detours." It is a forged and purposeful maneuver into something that momentarily disconnects me from the mundane. I don't reason or steep in guilt. I just yield to that moment, saturating my senses like a parched sponge.
Cielo has created an escape designated as Garden of the Month. Once you step foot into the mysteries of each month's featured garden, you will literally be surrounded by flora, fauna, buzzing bees, and orchestral bird song. I often leave her page up on my browser so that I can stay transported.

Blog Blessings!

I have received an award! It is called the "Arte y Pico" award. It was bestowed upon me by the lovely DebraK who is usually up to her neck in bunnies. Appropriately, she hails from The Bunnies' Bungalow, a unique and uplifting blog.

This award was created to be given to bloggers who inspire others with their creative energy and talents whether it be in the form of writing, artwork, design, interesting material, or contributions to the blogging community.

I am humbled to receive this. It really is my goal to make a difference in whatever I put my hand and heart to do. Thank-you, DebraK!

Selecting new recipients is always difficult for me. I am blessed by so many blogs and friendships. So, I prayed about it.

The names that came to me are:

1. Beverly of How Sweet the Sound — for the celebration beautiful things, affirmation, and the color pink...
   
2. Beverly of Tea Time and Roses — for festive florals, a creative spirit, a positive attitude, and the pursuit of loveliness...
3. Cielo of The House in the Roses — for bountiful blooms, inspiration, and a zest for life...
4. Miss Shabby (Phyllis) of Shabby in the City — for playfulness, wit, spontaneity, randomly splashing paint on her blog canvas, and for the sensation of style...
   

You ladies are welcome to pass this award on!

Judy's 100th Post Giveaway!

My friend Judy, of Fabric Art & Crafts, is celebrating her 100th post with a GIVEAWAY! She is offering these intricately crafted portraits done wholly of fabric! This woodland maiden (or nymph) has appealed to many of Judy's visitors, so she has generously decided to bless 3 individuals!

Judy has a gift for finely detailed work and she is as down to earth as her fabric creations. I so appreciate her genuine heart of friendship. Judy is always ready with an encouraging word!

Her Giveaway ends this Wednesday, July 9th, and she will be selecting the winners the following day. When you enter her Giveaway, please mention KJ from eye-dyllic as she is giving bonus points for referrals.

[Update: As of July 10, 2008 the Giveaway is over.]