The Best Living
Earlier this month I showcased my jewelry with the Best Living Japan Artisan Fair. It was lovely to present my upcycled metal jewelry to some new people here in Tokyo but I also enjoyed being a part of such a great group of artisans. I was especially excited to see that several of the artisans had work which centered around eco friendly materials, packaging, and lifestyle. Here are a few highlights:
Borderless Creations is more of a bridge for products than an artisan per say. Their hope is that by contributing to the environment as much as possible, people's lifestyles will be improved and sustainable choices will be easy to make.
They carry a variety of accessories and items for home and living. So if you are looking for a one stop source for sustainable shopping in Japan, this is a good place to start.
Ecoloupe Japan works with farmers here in Japan to ensure produce is 100% organic but they also have an incredible baker and their lemon cake is divine!
Aside from the lemon cake and a handful of odd produce items I picked up, I am excited to have an option for buying bulk organic tomatoes in season to jar a large batch of tomato sauce.
Shinzen Natura creates small batches of handmade products like bar soaps including Bugsy Suds, dog shampoo.
I bought a bar of Bugs Suds and it is a far better product than any bottle shampoo I have used! Not only is it 100% plastic free packaging, it was gentle on my my Italian Greyhounds’ dry sensitive skin. The dogs are so soft and smell great. It even has neem oil, a natural and safe insect repellent.
For myself, I look forward to trying her spiced coffee soap, which combines brewed coffee for a natural exfoliant, and essential oils of orange, clove, ginger, lemon and cinnamon cassia for a spicy scent I love.
Sweet Dream Baskets uses upcycled t-shirt yarn to make pet accessories and handbags. They have designs in a variety of colors and patterns. Everything feel soft yet durable.
The coolest aspect is the material itself: 100% upcycled hand knitted t-shirt yarn from the textile industry. I love the pet beds and toys. One of my 12 year old Italian Greyhounds still plays tug-of-war like a puppy and these ropes are perfect.