When The Last Sword is Drawn

I think it’s pretty safe to say that I’m a girly-girl. I love makeup and nail polish. I prefer heels over sneakers, and the more ruffles and bows something  has, the more likely I am to wear it. That said, I’m going to let you in on something that isn’t a secret.

I love Samurai films.

Okay, actually, I just love samurai, but I really really REALLY love movies portraying their lives, customs, and of course, rad fight scenes. I’m especially fond of the Shinsengumi, as I’m a total nut for the Bakumatsu, but I won’t go into that because then you’ll be sitting here being all, ‘where the crap are the finds?’ and there won’t be any because I’ll be going off on all these tangents and then I’ll be too tired to actually write about pieces. So, go wiki it.

Anyway. I’m far too broke to go buying all these films, so I depend entirely on Netflix. Sad times. Nay. Happy times. Netflix has a few good ones. You should watch them. You’ll learn something.

Yay world history!

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PRINT Samurai Sword Painting with Seven Virtues of Samurai Japanese Calligraphy by MyCKs

This is a piece that I am actually nervous to write about. That’s how much I love it. I’m terrified that what I have to say won’t be able to put it in the light it deserves.

First, the subject matter. I’m already weak in the knees. Secondly, despite the subject and his warrior’s spirit, there is such a beautiful aura of peace about him. To me, that is the best part. I love artwork that defies the obvious. Our brains see weapons and armor and we expect a fierce stance, powerful composition, but MyCKs instead turns his head away so we can’t use facial clues. He’s simply standing strong, yet silent and mysterious. I want to know what he’s feeling. I want to feel it too.

Art that makes me think. I love it.

I even have a space saved for it in my studio because I’m a total creep. I wonder what his name is. What his story is. I might have to write one for him. I hope he falls in love.

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Oda Nobunaga and Mori Ranmaru Moon Buns by MoonsCreations

Ah, Moon Buns. Cutest stinkin’ amigurumi critters in the universe. Presented today by MoonsCreations, are Oda Nobunaga and Mori Ranmaru of 16th century Japan. I love Nobunaga’s mustache (though not in the way that Etsy loves mustaches) and think that this is a really spot-on representation of master and faithful servant. Perfect gift for the history buff in your life.

(or the  history buff wannabe *cough cough*)

Plus, omg the cute. Check out the rest of the shop for more Moon Buns!

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Kyoto Pagoda Sunset Large Wall Hanging Quilt by JapanesqueAccents

There are many things I find on Etsy and say, “Man I wish I had space in my house for that.” This quilt is one of those things. While I enjoy sewing, I have absolutely no patience for quilting. I go through phases where I think I do, but them I’m just reminded over again that it only frustrates me.

JapanesqueAccents uses a silk screened furoshiki for this quilt, using the quilting process to add depth and drama to the image, which I think is awesome.

Even though I am usually partial to cool hues, the sunset in this quilt make me feel warm and comfortable, something that would be great for this winter season!

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..that  took me three hours to write because I got lost in Wikiland like 8 times. I should know better than to double check my knowledge in such a dangerous place.

Rating: NSFV

Alright, I’m going to say it: I’M NOT VEGAN. Not that I imagine any of you think I am, but I am so not vegan it isn’t funny. My great loves involve fur, leather and steak. I’m not going to try to hide it. I’m going to showcase it.

Don’t get me wrong. I’m not anti-vegan. I completely respect that lifestyle; it just isn’t for me. If you don’t want to eat a cheeseburger, just hand it to me. I promise it will be out of your sight in 3.17 minutes. Did someone give you a leather wallet for your birthday by mistake? I’ll adopt it and lovingly inhale its intoxicating scent. (I actually just recently purchased a Leather scented Car Jar from Yankee Candle. I could live in my car now if I had to) and if a skunk perishes in front of your house, my mouth might start to water.

So here we go. The daily finds that are Not Safe For Vegans

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Handmade Pair of Raccoon Mittens by CalfDr

This past winter I kept telling myself I needed a new pair of leather gloves (I still do) but I would take these instead in a heartbeat! Winters here in RI tend to be brutal (though I’m not even going to try and compete with Canada) and I am such a baby about the cold weather. I could dress up in full out eskimo garb and still be cold.

These mittens by CalfDr may just be the answer to my winter woes. Since they are made of fur and lamb leather, they are flexible enough to do anything with them and I can clear off my car without my hands freezing up or worrying about ruining a pair of knitted mittens! (I always misplace my snowbrush)

These are a definite must-have. I can’t wait to have the funds for a pair!

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Another fury winter accessory comes from DemiDemure in the form of earmuffs

Black Fox Fur Earmuff with Black Satin Flowers by DemiDemure

As someone who owns a pair of fox earmuffs, I have to say they are the BEST. I bought mine brick and mortar because I needed somehow to keep my ears warm and they were clearance. Those babies were the spark that lit the flame in my heart and began my relationship with fur.

First off, they’re soft. There are some furs that are more silky than soft (mink, and raccoon for example), but fox is amazing. Rabbit is very very soft, but I find that it isn’t as durable as fox. Black fox also looks so beautiful when the snow is falling on it.

Secondly, they are warm as anything. I can usually feel the chill of the winter through just about anything, but with these earmuffs on. I’m happy as a clam! So if you can never seem to keep the biting freeze off you’re ears and you like genuine fur, these are the way to go!

Also, DemiDemure opened her shop one day before I opened mine so we’re practically twins.

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BuildABurger Quilted Potholder Pattern by OhSewFabulousQuilts

Third, and really I find this genius, a pattern for set of pot holders from  OhSewFabulousQuilts!

How clever is this? Functional and fun, I would love to make these and have them hanging about in my kitchen even though they don’t fit my theme (I’m big on theming). Then again, I love most things having to do with cheeseburgers.

I give many kudos to anyone who can draft their own pattern. I’m not that creative when it comes to sewing, so this is a really exciting find! I’m also a big fan of clever projects. Great job, OhSewFabulous!