Kanzashi in Bloom

I attempted my first Kanzashi flower yesterday. I am pretty happy with how it turned out, but I find it is a bit too big and bulgy at the back to put in Amaris' hair. I think perhaps it would would better on an adult, or as a shirt or purse adornment.

I also had never heard of Kanzashi until yesterday! Kanzashi is a type of fabric flower first used in Japan, they become popular in the Edo period when the women began wearing their hair up in elaborate styles and would decorate with combs and fancy silk flowers (such as the Geisha). There are only 12 (ish I think) known Kanzashi masters left in the world, you used to have to apprentice to learn the art. Isn't it amazing, APPRENTICE to become a MASTER at making fabric flowers! I love how seriously they take such things, it's an art form!

I got the book "Kanzashi in Bloom" out of the library, it was most helpful! I did find a tutorial though here:

http://www.jenminnis.com/kanzashi.html

Winter Things

My little darling turned three this January. THREE. When I started this blog she wasn't even ONE. Isn't she the most beautiful three year old you have ever seen? I can say this because I'm totally biased. But seriously.
We had a pink birthday, pink cake, pink balloons, pink hats, the whole house exploded into pink. The above picture is of her actual birthday day, not her party. I'll post those photos later, but beware your computer may glow pink when you open the page.

(My Mom and Jamison enjoying the white cold stuff)

We also got our first snowfall. Oh Victoria, how I love thee. We got about 4 inches and it stuck around for two days. I have had everyone on the island's worth of snow and cold so I am pleased as punch to say WE NEVER GET SNOW HERE. Well, once a year. Heck, it was like -5 for like, three hours one day. Crazzzzzzzzy.

Everybody knows on the island that when it snows - YOU GO OUTSIDE AND PLAY. Schools are cancelled after three inches for petey sake. I am not kidding my Saskatchewan and Albertan friends.

All in all, this winter has been pretty good. It sure is beautiful here in paradise.

(Our view from the dining room table)