Boo Boo and Coco have to be in on the Shibori action. They are my greatest fans! They hang out nearby to check out the latest product

I can do magic!!!

Cushion covers, scarves, bedspreads, oh my!

I've always thought of myself as a bit of a witch. My mother was one and I think I inherited some of her skills. It is no wonder that I like Shibori! I combine potions...put them in a big pot, throw in a few things here and there, stir it all around, dip fabric and then comes the magic! Oh yes, it may not be a design that I necessarily had in mind but believe me, its always magic.

Shibori - Japanese art of tie-dyeing...for adults!

No doubt about it. I have a definite addictive streak. Have always loved 'blue and white." From dishes, cups, saucers to textiles, anyone who's been to my house has noticed my predilection for this particular color coordination. In Tokyo I was in heaven. It was everywhere. A major fan of my friend Amy Katoh's little store in Azabu Juban called "Blue and White" - a shop that demanded my weekly visit to check out what else she could come up with for me to love. And she never disappointed. Amy understands the crafts of Japan. She has a knack for making ancient Japanese crafts and craftsmen/women available and enjoyable for all. I highly recommend her books which I will list for you to check out.

In any event, my friend Lea Nickless who is a wonderful artist, posted some Shibori dyed pieces on her page in Facebook and when I complimented her on them, she casually mentioned that she'd be glad to teach me how to make some! I took her up on it! We had a class in her beautiful home the following Saturday. The rest is history...I was hooked. Immediately ordered the dyes and yesterday, I started working! It is a wonderful process.

I can't believe that I lived in Tokyo for 12 years and never once dipped cloth into dye. What was I thinking! I guess I was too busy having babies the first 6 years and helping other women have their babies the next six years.

Books by Amy Sylvester Katoh:

Japan: The Art of Living

Japan Country Living: Spirit, Tradition, Style

Blue and White Japan

Otafuku: Joy of Japan

New earrings for sale!