Nagoro, nestled on the eastern shores of Japan’s Shikoku Island, stands as a testament to the ingenuity and heart of one woman, Tsukimi Ayano. As the village’s population dwindled over the years, Tsukimi embarked on a mission to combat the encroaching loneliness by populating Nagoro with lifelike dolls she lovingly crafted herself. What started as a humble effort to protect fields from pests with scarecrows evolved into a remarkable project honoring the departed and breathing life into the village once again. Each of Tsukimi’s creations, fashioned from straw, newspaper, and old clothes, holds a name and a story, carefully cataloged to preserve the memory of those who once walked the streets of Nagoro.

Today, Nagoro has transformed into the “Village of the Dolls,” captivating visitors from around the globe with its surreal yet enchanting ambiance. The meticulous placement of Tsukimi’s creations throughout the village, engaged in everyday activities reminiscent of its former inhabitants, blurs the line between fantasy and reality. As travelers traverse the winding roads of the Iya Valley to reach this remote hamlet, they are greeted by the silent yet expressive gazes of the ‘kakashi’, each one a testament to Tsukimi’s dedication and the enduring spirit of Nagoro. With its annual doll festival drawing enthusiasts and curious wanderers alike, Nagoro has emerged not just as a tourist destination but as a vibrant testament to the resilience and creativity of rural communities in the face of change.

Out of the Valley, an innovative architecture studio, has unveiled its first prefabricated sauna named Forest Sauna in Devon, England. The sauna is designed to promote the Scandinavian tradition of sauna bathing and offers a retreat in the heart of nature. Elevated on metal supports and clad in charred black larch using the Japanese Shou Sugi Ban technique, the six-square-meter Forest Sauna integrates seamlessly into its surroundings. The prefabricated structure features a large square window framing views of the adjacent forest, emphasizing a connection with nature.

Founder Rupert McKelvie and his team at Out of the Valley crafted the Forest Sauna with a simple timber structure, clad in planks of charred larch. Inside, the sauna is lined with thermo alder wood, a popular choice for saunas, creating a calming atmosphere. The glass door provides easy access, and the interior includes two wooden benches flanking a central heater, which customers can choose to be either wood-fired or electric. The sauna’s portability is a key feature, allowing owners to relocate it easily, aligning with the studio’s commitment to adaptability and a harmonious integration with the landscape.

Out of the Valley’s Forest Sauna joins a collection of handmade cabins and shelters from the studio, each contributing to the ethos of embracing nature and escaping the demands of contemporary living. With Forest Sauna, Out of the Valley not only brings the Scandinavian tradition to the UK but also introduces a harmonious blend of traditional craftsmanship and modern design, offering a tranquil space for relaxation immersed in the beauty of the natural environment.

In the picturesque coastal landscape of Islesford, Maine, a unique and serene addition has emerged on the shoreline – the Sea Sauna project. Crafted during the pandemic downtime by the talented duo Brenden Ravenhill and Margie Garrison from Ravenhill Studio, this 8′ x 6′ cedarwood spa stands as a testament to creativity and resourcefulness. Situated in the childhood stomping grounds of Brenden Ravenhill, the Sea Sauna floats gracefully on the cold waters of the Islesford harbor, providing a warm retreat during the year’s milder seasons.

Drawing inspiration from Japanese architecture seen during Ravenhill’s 2019 trip to Tokyo, the Sea Sauna embodies simplicity and compact elegance. The cedarwood structure takes center stage, echoing the principles of minimalist design. What makes this floating sanctuary even more remarkable is the commitment to sustainability and community involvement. Many of the materials used in its construction have been repurposed and sourced locally, forging a connection with the surrounding environment. The timber frame and flotation components were generously provided by neighboring lobstermen, the finger float discovered amidst an overgrowth of beach rose along the waterfront, and the hearth ingeniously crafted from the remains of a local museum’s slate roof.

The Sea Sauna not only stands as a testament to architectural ingenuity but also serves as a symbol of resilience and collaboration within the community. As it emerges gently on the Islesford harbor, it invites individuals to immerse themselves in the tranquility of its cedarwood embrace, fostering a deep connection between the structure, its surroundings, and the local heritage. This floating oasis not only offers a rejuvenating escape but also showcases the beauty that can emerge from repurposed materials and shared endeavors.

Annie Park, a 32-year-old Harvard graduate, has exemplified the American dream through her entrepreneurial journey. Born in Seoul, South Korea, Park and her mother immigrated to the U.S. in 2000, seeking new opportunities and a brighter future. In 2015, after completing a one-year master’s program in policy and management at Harvard University, Park’s ambitions took an unexpected turn when she and her mother, Sarah, decided to venture into the world of entrepreneurship. Together, they opened Sarah’s Handmade Ice Cream in Bethesda, Maryland, in March 2019, marking the beginning of a sweet success story.

What started as a single ice cream shop quickly evolved into a thriving business. Within a year of its inception, Sarah’s Handmade Ice Cream expanded, opening a second store in the D.C. area. Rather than a passing hobby, Park embraced her role as a full-time partner in the venture, contributing to its growth and success. Now, with 35 employees and an annual revenue of $1.86 million, the ice cream shop has become a local favourite. Looking ahead, the mother-daughter duo has ambitious plans, with a third location set to open in Potomac, Maryland, in December 2023.

Park’s dedication and business acumen have not only transformed a small ice cream shop into a profitable enterprise but have also secured her a substantial income, earning just over $230,000 in 2022 through a combination of salary and partnership profits. Annie Park’s inspiring journey reflects the power of determination, education, and entrepreneurship. From immigrating to the U.S. at a young age to graduating from one of the world’s most prestigious universities and then successfully running a growing business, Park’s story underscores the limitless opportunities available to those who pursue their dreams with passion and resilience.

Whiskey River Soap Co. has brought a delightful twist to the world of personal care with its collection of soaps featuring hilarious and witty messages. From sassy slogans to tongue-in-cheek remarks, the company offers a soap for virtually any personality or occasion you can imagine. These whimsically packaged soaps make for the perfect funny and personalized Christmas presents, injecting humor and character into a daily routine. Whether it’s a soap for the perpetually exhausted, the caffeine enthusiast, or the eternal optimist, Whiskey River Soap Co’s diverse range ensures that there’s a comical cleansing companion for everyone on your holiday list.

Expanding beyond its original soap offerings, Whiskey River Soap Co. has ventured into the realm of candles, further amplifying its unique and humorous take on self-care. The company’s candles, much like their soaps, feature clever labels and scents that add an extra layer of amusement to the olfactory experience. This evolution into candles broadens the horizons of their product line, providing customers with an even more extensive array of humorous and charming options for gifting or personal enjoyment. With Whiskey River Soap Co, bath time and relaxation are not just about cleansing; they’re an opportunity for laughter and levity. Visit their website for more options and choose the most suitable personalized witty message for your family and friends.

This is a stunning handmade pinecone wreath. This rustic wreath is made with beautiful natural Utah pinecones for a one-of-a-kind decorative wreath that steals the spotlight in your outdoor or indoor living space! Welcome your holiday guests this season with a handmade gorgeous natural wreath. You can find this wreath in the link below…

Find it HERE…

Replica of the character from the 1951 movie. It comes from pearls for children’s rooms and not so children, Disney fans. This doorknob provides a nostalgic and whimsical decoration to any room, so no fan of Alice should be without it. This is available in the link below…

Find it HERE…

When You Buy Handmade You Support Someone’s Dream!
This Handmade and artistically designed carbon steel Viking axe is fully working tool, so use it with massive care. If you are looking for a self gift or a gift for someone then you are on just right place. Check out these Viking forged axe in the link below…

Find them HERE…

Crochet baby toy Gingerbread girl christmas tree toy, Christmas Decoration, stuffed christmas Gingerbread man , handmade soft amigurumi
I used for it only high-quality 100% cotton yarn.
This soft eco-friendly toy made with hypo-allergenic polyester toy stuffing. You can find these Crochet Gingerbread Ornaments on Etsy.