New Fabric Collection //Kawaii Breeze

We have been working on three new collection this year and one of these brand new series of designs has been launched on fabric this week. Our Kawaii Breeze collection was inspired by our trip to Japan. With a candy sugar color palette and typical kawaii detailing this must be one of our favorite design collection we worked on so far.

Two years ago I visit Japan. The country had been on top of my bucket list for a while but since it is quite the travel, a full day in the clouds, I only wanted to visit if I had enough money to actually see everything I wanted to see. I have always been inspired by this quirky country that is so different from where I come from. it is colorful and I noticed while traveling, everything has a cute face on it. Everything is Kawaii. the postal service has a Kawaii logo, public transport regulations are all illustrated with cute little characters and even more corporate advertising was all about cute. Such an inspirational trip. I ended my trip in Tokyo, where I visit the Takeshita Dori, a street full of Harajuku, comic book and kawaii inspired shops. Everywhere I looked I saw beautiful pops of color. Unique color palettes everywhere. But when I got back, I started working right away. I did not have time to create and turn my inspiration into new designs up until spring of this year.

The new Kawaii breeze collection is a combination of what inspired me during my trip and on trend themes. We created some seasonal prints with summer fruits and seasonal botanical influences. We created some cool food designs, cat cupcakes and breakfast ingredients. I had a huge ice cream cone in Tokyo, so I could not leave out the ice cream. And we made some christmas designs as well. So you can create something in this style all year long. The entire collection is now available on fabric, cotton, faux suede, modern jersey, knit, canvas and satin. And we also added them to our range of wallpaper to create some adorable Kawaii walls for your baby nursery.

Since not everyone knows it’s way around a sewing machine, (oh I can tell you I don’t!) we also added some of these new Kawaii breeze designs to our Society6 portfolio. You can score some cool back to school items, for both boys and girls. Backpacks and notebooks and all sorts of cool accessories. So take a look if you are curious and of course don’t forget to tag us in your posts and creations!

Sources of inspiration: On the white // Living & working Nordic style

In a world where you can get anything on demand within a day, our lives and days are fully booked with appointments, skype call, internet dates and every day things we are all looking for a little ease at the end of the day. We are becoming more and more aware that dedicating our lives to more important things, spending our time with a more mindful approach is probably a better way to peace and happiness. That is why the Scandinavian design is a very strong trend, influencing design, fashion and interiors all over the world.

As a Dutch designer I also am stuck with the Scandinavian handwriting: I don't mind, space and white is important in our designs. Dutch design can be characterized as minimalist and clear with a little touch of color. Colors are usually trend related choices but the handwriting will always remain pure and spacious. In Scandinavian design white is also an important element in the design. It is not just clear space that can be filled up. try to convince your client of that when he buys a full page add in a magazine and want to fill up every inch with info. Designers love there 'space.'

Peaceful white
For our designs we use a white canvas. Every designer, painter, artist or musician, they all start out on a blank canvas or well, at least a clean slate. The very start. This white element is very important to our design process. I love designing prints on white and the majority of our designs are in fact originally made on a crisp white background. The strong black inky lines form a wonderful contrast to the white and the extra colors. And after designing for over 10 years, I am so happy this Scandinavian style was embraced in home decoration and fashion in other places than just Scandinavian countries only. The serenity and purity is finally picked up in other parts of the world too.

Easy home
So many things are keeping us busy each day. We have to get up, check out messages, get dresses, eat, work, we get exhausted by all the choices that cross our path. Here in the Northern part of Europe we live inside our homes for the biggest part of the year. Our cold climate keeps us cuddled up inside for months during the colder season and while most of us live in urban areas we do need our piece and quite. Our interiors have been a little more clean, and our spaces a little more serene compared to interiors in warmer climates where the colors are brighter and nature is lush and green.

Our Scandinavian style of living gets adopted in homes in warmer climates and in very different cultures such as India and Japan. Mid-century architecture and interior design is booming again and we all love to reduce the amount colors and stuff in our lives. Going back to a little more basic again. That is what Scandinavian design is all about. Natural colors, textures and lot's of white. Don't be afraid to grab that cluther from the shelves and you really don't need all those tacky commercial buddha's. Make your space one where you can get some rest and refuel.

Japanese serenity
Our Scandinavian inspired designs have been more and more popular each year. Recently we have been exploring the Japanese market with our designs. We are now selling our prints at Green Apple, a fabric shop and Milk Panda, a webshop that sells toys, bedding and other interior products for the Japanese home. I think the traditional Japanese style is very much related to the Scandinavian one. It is pure, with our too much fuss. That is why Natsuko Anderson, founder of Milk Panda, started her business, she wanted to combine these two styles, offer well designed honest products and in her worldwide search she found our Scandinavian designs. In the Milk Panda shop you can find a special range of clean crisp black and white prints for kids. We are very happy to see our prints pop up all over the world but Japan holds a very special place in our designers hearts. Of course. It's Japan!

Sources of inspiration: On the white // Living & working Scandinavian style

In a world where you can get anything on demand within a day, our lives and days are fully booked with appointments, skype call, internet dates and every day things we are all looking for a little ease at the end of the day. We are becoming more and more aware that dedicating our lives to more important things, spending our time with a more mindful approach is probably a better way to peace and happiness. That is why the Scandinavian design is a very strong trend, influencing design, fashion and interiors all over the world.

As a Dutch designer I also am stuck with the Scandinavian handwriting: I don't mind, space and white is important in our designs. Dutch design can be characterized as minimalist and clear with a little touch of color. Colors are usually trend related choices but the handwriting will always remain pure and spacious. In Scandinavian design white is also an important element in the design. It is not just clear space that can be filled up. try to convince your client of that when he buys a full page add in a magazine and want to fill up every inch with info. Designers love there 'space.'

Peaceful white
For our designs we use a white canvas. Every designer, painter, artist or musician, they all start out on a blank canvas or well, at least a clean slate. The very start. This white element is very important to our design process. I love designing prints on white and the majority of our designs are in fact originally made on a crisp white background. The strong black inky lines form a wonderful contrast to the white and the extra colors. And after designing for over 10 years, I am so happy this Scandinavian style was embraced in home decoration and fashion in other places than just Scandinavian countries only. The serenity and purity is finally picked up in other parts of the world too.

Easy home
So many things are keeping us busy each day. We have to get up, check out messages, get dresses, eat, work, we get exhausted by all the choices that cross our path. Here in the Northern part of Europe we live inside our homes for the biggest part of the year. Our cold climate keeps us cuddled up inside for months during the colder season and while most of us live in urban areas we do need our piece and quite. Our interiors have been a little more clean, and our spaces a little more serene compared to interiors in warmer climates where the colors are brighter and nature is lush and green.

Our Scandinavian style of living gets adopted in homes in warmer climates and in very different cultures such as India and Japan. Mid-century architecture and interior design is booming again and we all love to reduce the amount colors and stuff in our lives. Going back to a little more basic again. That is what Scandinavian design is all about. Natural colors, textures and lot's of white. Don't be afraid to grab that cluther from the shelves and you really don't need all those tacky commercial buddha's. Make your space one where you can get some rest and refuel.

Japanese serenity
Our Scandinavian inspired designs have been more and more popular each year. Recently we have been exploring the Japanese market with our designs. We are now selling our prints at Green Apple, a fabric shop and Milk Panda, a webshop that sells toys, bedding and other interior products for the Japanese home. I think the traditional Japanese style is very much related to the Scandinavian one. It is pure, with our too much fuss. That is why Natsuko Anderson, founder of Milk Panda, started her business, she wanted to combine these two styles, offer well designed honest products and in her worldwide search she found our Scandinavian designs. In the Milk Panda shop you can find a special range of clean crisp black and white prints for kids. We are very happy to see our prints pop up all over the world but Japan holds a very special place in our designers hearts. Of course. It's Japan!

Sources of inspiration: Japan // Land of the rising sun // top 5 things to do // a little teaspoon of creativity

My biggest source of inspiration are my travels. I love to explore new foods, cultures and dig deeper for an in dept experience of a country. Japan has been on top of my list for ages. Land of the rising sun, girls dressed up as animation characters, strict rules in public. But I wanted to experience Japan first and foremost because of it's eclectic and vivid visual culture.

Japan is a heaven for the creative eye. Fashion, architecture, graphic design, it is all very distinguished and a feast for the eyes and ears. Everything is covered with a little layer of cuteness and happy. So yes, it is about time to post a little something about this trip. Here is a top five of things to do if you would visit this amazing country.

1 // Sushi Time
I love to eat local specialties and quirky foods that other countries have to offer. Japan can be challenging for some and veggies won't be having a rich food experience here since almost every dish contains fish. You will have visit some more modern and western style restaurants to find a dish without fish or meat. But the fish is excellent. My very favorite: Tuna Sashimi. It's tender and dissolves softly on the tongue.

If you are open for new things take a risk and enjoy a piece of shark or sea cucumber. Go to a fish market where you can get small bites local merchants prepare for customers walking by. But maybe that is too big of a challenge and a sushi lunch is more your style. Take a seat in a sushi restaurant and see all delicious pieces of fish come by on ceramic plates. Enjoy a free cup of fresh green tea with your meal or drink some warm sake on a chilly day. Japanese cuisine is at times interesting but pure and delicate and so pretty on their plates. Enjoy!



2 // A night out in Tokyo
Tokyo is a city of diversity. You can find modern clubs, gay bars and of course a dozen of karaoke bars. If you'd like a night out start with a visit to the Akihabara neighborhood where you can test your luck in a game room or visit a musical performance. Then visit a karaoke bar with some friends.

If you are not the clubbing or partying type you can also visit an Onsen. A traditional Japanese spa, usually hot springs but can be artificially made too. Here you can get yourself a relaxing massage or enjoy the typical Japanese bathing ritual.

3 // Modern design & architecture
Japan offers a great mix of interesting architecture, colorful graphic design and modern fashion. You don't have to visit an art museum to get a dose of creative inspiration, it's simply everywhere. Packaging, adds, everything is colorful, illustrated and with a little touch of naivety. Logo's are usually little tiny animal characters. Instead of photography, illustrations are used to send out commercial messages. Even the food is styled and pretty.

But Japan has a rich art culture. Tokyo has some amazing art museums that are worth a visit. There are some neighborhoods where you can find some amazing street art. Creativity is everywhere.

If you are interested in modern architecture get yourself a wallpaper book about Osaka and plan a day of architectural sightseeing. Frank Lloyd Wright was inspired by Japanese art, you can visit one of his structures in Tokyo: The Imperial Hotel, where you can see his love for Japan in his design. If you are curious about his love for Japan check out the documentary that was made: Frank Lloyd Wright and Japanese Art by Director Ken Love.

If you are not afraid of heights you can visit Japan's tallest structure in Osaka that was opened to the public in 2014. You can visit the top of the 300m high Abeno Harukas building and watch the sunset behind the Osaka Skyline.

If you visit Tokyo visit the Ginza area and see the amazing buildings that house large western brand such as Dior and Gucci. These shops are gorgeous from the outside. So enjoy them without spending any money.

4 // Fashion. Kimono's and unicorn pants
Everywhere you go you bump into girls dressed up in kimono's. Sometimes they wear the traditional wooden footwear but I have also seen the occasional comfy sneaker under these beautiful Japanese floral textiles.

Japan has an interesting sense for fashion. On the one hand there is the traditional formal Kimono wrapped tightly in the Obi that is also used to carry belongings. And somehow every Japanese girl know how to make a Munsuko, the bow on the back. I tried but never reached a perfect knot.

During work days there is also a trick dress code. A dark suit for men and a skirt and long coat for woman. But during the weekend every outfit transforms into something unique. It is like walking the streets of Milan. Every woman looks groomed and shows off her own individual style and taste in fashion. Hello Kitty pops up everywhere and grown men carry around colorful video-game-character patterned bags. If you would like to see Harajuku Girls go visit Takeshita Dori, a pedestrian-only street lined with fashion boutiques where you can find typical Harajuku style clothes, candy shops, cafes and restaurants.



5 // Cherry Blossom, mountains and national parks
Japanese cities are amazing and can be very crowded so if you have some time to travel around go hike in the mountains. Fuji is just around the corner of Tokyo and there are several National Parks that are worth a visit too. During April you can also see the famous cherry blossom bloom.

Japanese vegetation is like no other. There are numerous garden's which you can visit inside and outside of the cities. Usually temples and palaces are surrounded by lush green gardens and pastel colored cherry blossom in spring. It is breath taking and you can see Japanese people also enjoy these amazing gardens and parks to the fullest.

I had the opportunity to visit a small village near the old postal route. The homes are more traditional, the people are friendly and it is a breath of fresh air that is very welcome after inhaling the moist atmosphere in the subway tunnels while visiting the cities.

Nara National park is not so much a hike in nature but a green lush park with temples. The main attraction is the Todai-ji temple where the largest wooden structure even built houses an enormous Buddha statue. Know that this is a very popular place that is packed with the sacred deer that will eat your green tea ice cream when you look the other way. It is funny to see all tourist struggle with these spoiled animals.

Of course we are already working on Japanese inspired artwork. New Mother's Day postcards, new Geisha fabric. Stay tuned and follow our Little Smilemakers Facebook Page.