OVER $$ 1,000 has been raised for JAPAN DISASTER RELIEF

THANK YOU SO VERY MUCH to Leacy, our current disaster relief pot is now over $1,130 !!!
I understand that many of you may not be able to read a Japanese website, but I will be directly sending the entire $$$ to the MIYAGI Prefectural Government who has set up the funds there (website link
http://www.pref.miyagi.jp/kihu.htm).

This area was severely hit by Tsunami and earthquakes (the worst area). People in MIYAGI and in Touhoku are very hard-working - even more than others. They had been taking up on many challenges over the centuries - mainly due to the severe weather, less fertile soils, etc. Unfortunately, many youngsters have left the towns and the villages - so many senior folks are working regardless of their age.
I will be sending these $$$ to the specific fund that help people (not the building and infrastructure). I am hoping that the majority of our money will be utilized efficiently.

My plan to send this donation on/about Easter, and again around Mother's Day.

Hug,

MAKIKO

THANK YOU FOR YOUR DONATION!!! JAPAN RELIEF FUNDS

Girl flying with Tsuru over Tsunami

 Thank you so much for your kind act - so far, 26 set of Heart to Heart JAPAN RELIEF bookmarks were ordered - over $100 was raised as of today.

Back of the bookmark

Boy riding Tsuru over TSUNAMI - FAITH

Boy with Tsuru - HOPE

Thanks to my Dad - he found the best organization in Japan to send these money to. It is MIYAGI prefecture disaster relief HQ - they are able to help those who are affected by the disaster and I do not need to worry about how those $$ will go. I am not against the large organizations, but I want to be sure that the money will be utilized in the most efficient manner.
I will sign everyone's name when I send this money to the organization. I will keep you posted.

$5 Japan Relief Funds - Heart to Heart Bookmark

Hi -
As many of you know, I am from Japan, and all my family members, relatives and close friends are there. So far, my immediate family is a OK but the situation is not improving soon enough. I still have not heard from many of my friends. Now people have to worry about radiation exposure, oil shortage, and food supply. People who lost everything, they are seeking the food, water and shelter, but emotional support - hope....

I cannot even have right words to describe this horrific event. And I really want to do something.
So I made a Japan relief bookmark set (Hope, Belief, and Faith). I will donate 100% of profit to Save The Children foundation who has system there to help children.

If you have time, please forward this message to individuals who feel the same as I do.

The site is
www.MAKIKOhandmade.com

from the homepage, click "Japan Relief Fund" and follow the step.



May God Bless Japan and people who are going through the pain,


MAKIKO

PS Thanks to Irina, she also set up the fund effort to Japan (click)

Ultimate combo - gold and turquoise

 A couple friends told me that I should make more of these gold geometric collection. These necklaces are truly eye-catchers. People will come to you and tell me how nice they are.
So I made the new sets - the ultimate combination, gold and turquoise. I am so loving these now. My first customer is Maureen - it looked so perfect on her - boost her look and truly a great conversation piece. At Panera, two young ladies stopped by our table (and ignored all of us) and told her how great her jewelry was. I can't wait to make more of them.

Untouched ultimate luxury series bracelet and earring set

Untouched ultimate luxury series - necklace

Visit MAKIKOHANDMADE and find out the Virgin | Untouched collection.
or, use this link--> http://www.makikohandmade.com/Collections.aspx?ID=1

Maureen, you will love this collection!!!www.panerabread.com

Hope.....another miracle needed....

Hope - flowers that blossoms in the darkest night

It has been unimaginable and unthinkable two days - I was glued to NHK, Japanese news channel and totally stressed out. I think I drank 8 cups of french press coffee yesterday just to keep going. I get very sleepy when I am stressed out. According to the news, this earthquake moved the earth by 4 inches on its axis. In Japan, the whole country was moved by 8 feet....! Now the earthquake was upgraded to 9 magnitude.

Many lives were lost - homes, buildings, and all belongings were gone. One lady on TV was saying that "I lost my husband, my daughter, my house, and everything - only thing left is me, and I am not sure now that this is a good thing." The prime minister said that this is the worst disaster since WWII".

I believe in the people who came back from the WWII, the darkest moment in the history of Japan- when Tokyo was burnt down entirely, two cities were destroyed with atomic bombs. They came back and built the second largest economy. 
 Like the flower that can blossom in darkness, I hope that the world will see another miracle from the far east again.


May God bless Japan..


PS I am praying that all my dear friends in Japan are safe....I hope to hear from them soon.

What New Yorkers Love.....thanks to Time Warner!

Have you been to the Time Warner Center?
OMG...it's gorgeous. Not mentioning the shopping centers inside - sitting in a prime location - look down to the south entry of the central park. Feel like you own a piece of the city.

Time Warner Center @ NYC

Thanks to Barbara and my promotion partner, my jewelry shows attracted many customers. Without my dear friend Chris and my partner AE, I could not deal with the traffic.

Night Garden Gold Series

Let me tell you - those New Yorkers know what they want - I must say that most popular items were gold toned Yuzen, and night garden series (I have not listed on my web) - very classic chic (or shibui in Japanese).

Younger generation liked the Enchanted Forest or Tree of Life series. This is the most popular item - represents the balance in life, peace in your household, and in the mind....
One of my customers wore this at Earth Day and so many people noticed her pendant.

Enchanted Forest

Here are the couple of pics from this show...Thanks to Arni - he did a great job on these displays!!!

Do you like any of these pieces? Let me know which color or theme will speak to you the most....


MAKIKO

Heart to Heart Bookmarks

I made a little girl to remember the little cute face my daughter had - she was around two and was a very happy baby. I don't remember any bad moments. Now she has grown up - she still has a beautiful smile. But I do miss the age - the period when you hold the entire world for them.

I am sure that you also have many moments that you want to remember. In the end, life is a collection of many of those moments.

If you were to pick the moment, which one you think of first?

Let me know I will add yours to the holistic jewelry collection - so all of us can share your moments and treasure them.


MAKIKO 

Can these earrings help you lose weight?

Earrings that help you lose weight - reduce craving, addiction...?

Yes, it's FAT TUESDAY everyone!

Have you done your good eating today? A dozen dunkin donuts  will do the job (I saw a chocolate covered cream-filled AND topped with M&M donuts there today!). Talk about the sin and addiction, poor Charlie Sheen - I do feel bad for him. Ever since Seinfeld was over, it has been a slim pick on sitcom world. Two and a half man was one of few shining programs that all of us can sit down and enjoy watching. All I want to say here is that his addiction is killing him. I guess money can't save you or buy a piece of mind.

Well, I have not tried this in a consistent manner, but I often wear these earrings to reduce stress, cravings, etc.

Some practice this more seriously than others - according to traditional Chinese medicine, our ears have acupressure points that help reduce cravings. There are many articles on this topic, so you may want to dive in by googl-ing it. Since I do not have pierced ears, I just try to find the pressure point and place my earring clips. How easy is that! I use "pierce-like" princess style earring clip on-s, so no one knows you are wearing the clip version.

picture of clip on earrings here....

This may not work for everyone, but it certainly lights up my day. Those Yuzen origami earrings are so light and colorful, you can wear them all day long. I also like the one with Crystal. It catches all the colors and lights around you. If you have a round face, select the earrings that come down to your cheek. It will take some focus away from your round face, making your profile more slender.

Visit the makikohandmade store and let me know which earrings you would like to wear - have at least one pair of clip-on ;-)

MAKIKO

Organizing the birthday party for a teenage boy?

Birthday party for a teenage boy!

victory prizes...

heart to heart bookmark

I bet most women have organized some sort of social event – like a birthday party. Any social gathering can be stressful, but a birthday party for a teenage boy? This is something I scratch my head for a while. I “google-d” it for the idea, tips, and paid special attention to “not-to-do” list, of course. After all the anxiety and anticipation, it all went very well. Thanks for the wonderful parents who raised very well-mannered gentlemen! This is a hard age – 13! Somewhat they are still in between a boy and a man. But I think (and I want to believe) that they are still boys. Take a look at the most memorable moment picture from this event above....(BTW Friday movie night out is a great idea for all ages). Thinking of how fast my son got big (taller than me already). Looking at my daughter, it will be soon she will become “the teens age”. I thought of many different ways to send messages and keep the good time memories – I could not find a quick and an easy way to do so.

Then my friend, Mariko san, in Japan mentioned about this idea – I want to have a bookmark made by you. I bring my book everywhere I go. So I can remember you and your work every time I open a book.
...then everything just clicked.

Thanks to her – now I can make, give, and keep many moments to my daughter, friends, and family. Oh yes, this is a very good promotion piece as well. As usual, I spent many nights making these. These are very fun!


visit www.makikohandmade.com and find your inspiration.....

extreme "kawaii" series - "koi"

I fell in love with this cute (kawaii) "koi" pattern.
They are so cute, fun, and amazing. The water movement created by these little koi fish will bring you much needed change (good change) in your life. If you are seeking excitement, love | romance | adventure, it will bring to the place of your choice.

Need new career opportunities, promotion, or business travels to exotic locations? Put these cuff links and "feel" the power - and see how your surroundings can shift.

These kawaii fish will bring constant stream of love, financial abundance, or whatever you need now the most.

Visualize them, and dream on for you and your future.

I made this for my special friend who has everything she deserves. And I wish her to enjoy all aspects of her life.
I also made lots of pendants with these (and thank you for those who purchase them and taking good care of them).

Visit my web store www.makikohandmade.com, and share your joy with your friends and do not forget to treat yourself.


hug,

MAKIKO

March 3 is here! Japanese Doll Festival (Hina-matsuri)

I love March 3rd - a very special girl's day.

It's a celebration for parents who wish their daughter's well-being, her bright future (to meet the prince), and most importantly, letting her know how much they care and love her.

The picture on the left is the gift from my parents to my daughter. It is made of real human hair, this beautiful princess is wearing twelve layers of "KIMONO". I replaced her fan with one of my kimono-inspired pendants. You may recognize this, if you have this series, or saw it at one of my shows.

As you can see, the letter is LOVE or "ai" in Japanese. The pattern is directly coming from KIMONO, bright red and gold - symbolizes the celebration and bright future. It also means long-lasting prosperity. I look at my daughter who is so excited to see this doll every year, what else I can wish for.....

I am planning to make a mini version of these pendants - and earrings as well. We can wear them together for the upcoming fund-raising event.

You can purchase these pendants from my web store and learn more about Yuzen and materials I use at www.MAKIKOhandmade.com.

MAKIKO