Here’s sweet Japanese shop #5 on the list for today, Maminka. This is a truly precious find with handpainted treasures and unique art. I especially adore the spool holder/pin cushion combo, would be very handy on a work table or to gift a friend who loves to sew. You have to check out their drawer knobs and pleasingly plump mice too, both are darling… These mice would be fun to collect, also fun to arrange on a shelf in the nursery. The knobs can spruce up an ordinary table in your craft room, or you can have fun in your retro kitchen by adding a few to your cabinets. My former manager has a kitchen that is simply amazing, none of his hardware matches, everything is artsy, whimsical, handpainted, simply amazing. It’s actually very grown up since he has hardwood floors and stainless appliances along with teak cabinets. The shot of whimsy is his handpainted kitchen countertops and his amazing selection of hardware. You can also use knobs like these for hanging necklaces – you can install them onto a piece of painted wood. Simple!

via: wee wonderfuls, who also suggests shopping ripple, tar-tan and anano Cafe.

(images from maminka)

Ah, the wonderful and delicious world of decole at Chocoa. This stuff is so crazy cute, you may become a decole addict. If you do, addicts unite daily at the decole flickr group, currently 164 members strong. Yes, really. Like I said, there’s a flickr group for nearly everything! There are other decole resources on the web other than chocoa, click here to see for yourself.

via: wee wonderfuls

(images from chocoa)

More swoonworthy goodies from Japan. Salvia is next on our shopping list. Terrific totes, colorful books, unique stationery, and other misc. treats that are worth checking out. Everything is so fresh and appealing, great graphics!

via: wee wonderfuls

(images from salvia)

Next on the list is Aranzi Aronza. Step into the world of Japanese products – only in English! Their website is easy to read, amazingly easy to navigate (and packed with total cuteness), and you can shop them online! I love their dishware and these cutie stacking mug cups, don’t you? Another reason why I need glass cabinets like Rachel’s. Aranzi Aronza has lots of homewares, as well as accessories, letter sets, rubber stamps, and t-shirts, too. Have fun, spend some money, knock yourself out with cuteness galore. Psst: Don’t miss their new enameled canisters!

via: wee wonderfuls

(images from aranzi aronza)

I spent the past hour or so enjoying a few lovely Japanese websites that I found via the beautiful blog, wee wonderfuls. I thought I’d post some favorites that I found via her site, which I’ll post as quickly as I can before I head out for the day.

First up, Atelier Akiko. Pillows, totes, quilts… Very creative, very sweet designs. Seeing these quilts gave me spine shivers, I’d love to finish my quilt but I have a horrible time commiting to sit down projects in the summer. Do you face this challenge in the warmer months? I’m much more crafty in the Fall/Winter.

(images from atelier akiko)