Sakura!

"In the cherry blossom's shade there's no such thing as a stranger" Kobayashi Issa

At the first glimpse of Sakura, these girls had headed out for a drink in their yukata under the blossoms, otherwise known as hanime

"The cherries' only fault: the crowds that gather when they bloom" Saigyo

Romantic moonlit strolls under a red parasol through Sakura in the rain

I loved the way the blossom looked against the green-blue river and the pine trees in Arashiyama

Even the tube gets the full Sakura treatment

Artistic journeys in Japan, part 1

Whilst in Japan recently, I was very lucky to be invited to a studio for a kimono fitting. Unfortunately I can't post all the pictures here is a little glimpse. Each kimono is hand-painted and takes 2 months to paint by master artist Mr. Michio Ito at Sakura Sajiki.

This particular art of silk painting has existed since the 8th century and is famous for its use of distinctive colours. Featuring cherry blossoms in mist, crescent moons, dragons and temples, Mr Ito's designs were just so beautiful and utterly romantic.

Back in Kyoto, I watched another artist creating pieces with this technique. Fascinating!

Happy Mother's Day!

Happy Mother's Day!

This post full of Japanese blossoms is especially for my Mum, Patricia. An amazing, wonderful Mum.

Above our Anzu Tattoo Rose card

Huge Magnolia tree, Kyoto. Never seen Magnolia like it.

Cherry blossoms, Kyoto

Sweeping cherry blossoms over the river in Kyushu

Magnolia blossoms

Anzu Tattoo Swallows and blossoms card

Falling camellias in the rain

 Plum blossoms

Hope all you Mums have a wonderful day, Anzu x

Peonies and butterflies

Celebrate Mother's day in the UK this weekend with the most luxurious of gifts inspired by Peonies and butterflies. Here are our choice pieces for some last minute gifts! Above the Anzu Mother's day butterflies and peonies card.

Butterfly ear-rings by Erickson Beammon,

antique Chinoiserie plate,

peony shirt from Net-a-porter,

Bryonie Porter side table from Notonthehighstreet.com,

Anzu Butterfly charm bracelet print from Notonthehighstreet.com

Motorcycle Style

Always inspired by Lartigue's photos. I love the glamorous images, but his action shots are such fun too. Hope they inspire your weekend!

Iceland palette

Travelling has always inspired my painting, and on a recent trip to Iceland I was amazed at the different colours and quality of the light. Today, I'm just experimenting with some colour palettes inspired by my trip. Above, the icy colours of Gullfoss.

A sky of hot and soft pinks and greys, contrasts with a dark mountain silhouette.

An incredible double rainbow against mossy brown rocks and a vivid blue sky.

When I think of Iceland I also think of red/orange houses contrasting with the blue. Above, a similar red with lime green and vivid turquoise ship tackle.

The clear and crisp tones of Vik

Although it looks slightly more grey blue on this photo - my overwhelming memory of the Blue Lagoon was a surreal, almost artificial creamy turquoise colour.

Ikat

The cards in our new Ikat range were all inspired by sunny days, and Ikat, Aztec and Kimono prints. We wanted to share some of our inspiration with you for what promises to be a sunny weekend.

We love the bright, cheerful combination of colours.

One of the lovely hand-embroidered outfits from the Dubai All things Mochi shop. We want it all!

Have a lovely sunny weekend!

Futaba-en

On my last visit to Tokyo, I visited the Futaba-en workshop. Continuing a tradition, which has lasted since the Edo era this workshhop creates beautiful hand-dyed fabrics. I love the tools above.

A roll of cloth hangs across the room to be worked on. Students should learn for at least ten years to really perfect the art.

Craftsmen can pick from a choice of 2,000 - 3,000 colours. The workshop also has more than 2,000 patterns as well as creating new patterns in house.

The end products are then for sale in their tranquil shop with everything from jewellery cases to stunning Kimonos. You can read more here