I've rediscovered my childhood toys through Zakka!
What is Zakka?
In Japan, all the 'small, various products used in everyday life' are commonly called 'zakka,' a term which encompasses household goods, daily necessities and sundries. However, zakka has also come to represent a style of art and craft that is simple, charming, and of Japanese asthetic. Most items in the zakka style should be handmade to create that quirky, fun and homey feeling.

I like it a lot because it's cute, quirky and one of a kind, which makes the entire concept very YOUnique. ^_^ I think I miss being a child too much, so these little handicrafts seem very attractive to me. I really really wish to go back to the beginning, when I was two. It was time when I was cute, innocent and carefree, when I didn't have to worry about anything in my life at all, because it was all taken care of. I miss reading Enid Blyton's short stories, I used to be able to go through one book a day when I was 8. I miss reading Roald Dahl's crazy stories - James and the Giant Peach, The Witches, Matilda...when the nonsense inside made sense to me at a young age. I miss waking up naturally everyday. I miss going to the zoo...it's sad to think that these are the things that I may never ever get the chance to do again. I always thought that children were actually much more sensible than adults. (Read Le Petit Prince in english if you haven't.)

Here are some really cute and quirky things that are considered "zakka":
Shown above: Arigurumi crochet bear, a branch under zakka.
Zakka style gallery: http://urbandebris.typepad.com/photos/zakka_style_gallery/
Vonvonz handmade plushies: http://flickr.com/photos/vonvonz/sets/72157600276439236/?page=1

Anano's bears (c'est dans francais!) http://www.anano.net/

Now zakka crafting is definitely on the top of my to-do list after EOYs! (: That's all, now I shall get back to preparing for the LA EOY on wednesday *sigh*