Show Me Mother's Day

Around this time of year a few years back, I was wondering around Meiji Jingu Shrine when I noticed people coming in and out of a forested area. I had time so I went and paid some yen to go see what it was. I didn't pay attention to where I was going I just wanted to explore. 

So this is what I saw.... 

Hundreds of Iris flowers!

I was particularly interested in the people painting them.  

It's hard to imagine that only a few minutes walk and it's back to the concrete jungle. I found myself thinking of my mom in this beautiful garden because her favorite flowers are irises! 

This is my entry for Show Me Japan.

Show Me April Fools' Day?

I don't know if you've felt it but it's been surreal lately and speaking of surreal I saw this one day when walking to the mall in Tokyo. From a distance it just looked like a dog sitting on a bench. Of course when I noticed it wasn't moving I knew something was up. I was pretty weirded out when I came up close to it. I had to look around to make sure I wasn't on one of those TV shows before quickly crossing the street to go inside.

This is my entry for Show Me Japan.

Show Me Green

These are some of the greenest photos I've taken in Japan. I wish I had some photos of melon soda and matcha donuts to add to this collection. Better yet would be the actual thing. Click for a bigger and brighter view.  

This is my entry for Show Me Japan.

Animal Cookies

I've been making these lately and I wanted to show the process.

Really the first step is to look at some real animal cookies. I got some a while back from Fresh Market. They were chocolate covered awesomeness. Also it's pretty cool that you can eat your reference material and I do whenever possible. YUM ^.^ 

First I start with a thin sheet of polymer clay. Then I use a pattern as a guide to cut out the shape of the animal. Those scissors are perfect for cutting small shapes.

After baking the cookie base I add the first layer of liquid clay. 

Before the final layer of liquid clay I prepare the sprinkles. I use an icing tip to cut out the tiny circles. Then I cut each circle in half and roll them.

While the clay is unbaked I add the sprinkles. I place each one individually with a toothpick. I also like to let the clay sit and run off of the cookie for a few minutes before the final bake. If I don't do this the shape of the animal becomes distorted.

Here they are fresh from the oven.

The final product!

3 Giveaway Winners! *wait until the end to get excited*

Thank you all! I was surprised by the number of people who entered so I decided to pick 3 winners! Congratulations! If you are one of the lucky winners please email me with your address at kawaiiculture at hotmail dot com! This giveaway was a success so we will definitely be having more in the future. :D

GIVEAWAY: Win your favorite item from Kawaii Culture!

We want to thank those of you who have been following us online by having a giveaway! Please leave a comment on this post letting us know which item from Kawaii Culture is your favorite. Your comment is your entry to win that item!

GIVEAWAY RULES:

1.) Enter only one comment on this post telling me which item in my shop you are interested in winning. You don't have to follow my blog but it would be nice. (*^。^*)

2.) Must be over 18 or have parent's permission to give out a mailing address.

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This contest is open INTERNATIONALLY!

The winner will be announced on March 1st.

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Show Me Mount Mitake 御岳山

Thought I would show my favorite place to take a break from the concrete and humidity of Tokyo. I used to love to take day trips to Mitake.

This is the beginning of the hiking trail.

Nice to see some daikon hanging around.

Love the grass roofs on some of the houses in the mountain village.

Some tengu sculptures hanging out in a shop window. I always take pictures of stuff I want to buy but feel like I shouldn't spend the money .

The forests of Mitake are famous for momonga or flying squirrel.

There are several trails where you can explore the forest. I was really tempted to just reveal everything of interest here but I think I will just leave you with this last picture. I highly recommend a visit to Mt. Mitake!

This is my entry for Show Me Japan.

You can take a look at some other entries by clicking the icon below. :3