Thursday 13 March 2008

Containers

Thank you very much for visiting my blog.

I started selling my Kokedama on ebay the other day. I thank those who bought my Kokedama, and those of you taking time to come here to find out more about Kokedama through my ebay listing.

Today I received a question about containers for Kokedama through ebay. I will take this as a chance to write about containers for Kokedama.

I think choosing a container is one of the enjoyments about Kokedama. Every time you change containers, Kokedama will show you its new look. I think the enjoyment is similar to that of a dress-up doll's. Also how quick, just swap one to another! No fuss no mess.

I enjoy using anything in my house for Kokedama. Saucers of teacups, cake plates, trinket plates, soap dishes...just anything flat or shallow curved. Things like a chipped plate actually makes a lovely container and it will make Kokedama more "My Kokedama". It actually rescues a lot of things that were once destined to go to the bin. I hardly buy containers to display at home, but when I fancy buying one, I buy it at a charity shop. Charity shops are very good places to find Kokedama containers. Buying from charity shops also help reduce the amount of the rubbish in the local area.

By the way, the reason why I recommend flat containers as the moss can develop fungus in a deep one (reduces air circulation and traps water) especially when you keep Kokedama inside, and it may turn into Mold Ball Bonsai, not Moss Ball Bonsai any more. I know that because I did it. (Deep containers can be used for short-time display of course, though.)

Lastly I put some examples of my odd containers. They are my most favourite containers. Some completely ignores colour & material coordination, what an avant-garde display! Or my eyes need fixing, hahaha! (Please you come baaaack!)


Pot lid

Candle holder

Slate

Tile

Used to be a part of my cooking bowl

Not a single clue but it's there

Friday 7 March 2008

Kokedama-Houseleek & Odd Container


This funny face is Houseleek. I think this is Aeonium, but I am not sure. It is difficult for me to distinguish one from another in this kind of Houseleek. If somebody knows precisely what it is, please let me know. I will be so grateful to you.

One of real advantages of Kokedama I think is that you can change containers easily. Much easier than with potted tree bonsai, you can combine a container with your Kokedama; whenever you like and whatever container you like with. Just change it, how easy! No mess and no fuss about it like tree bonsai.

Well, here is a unique example of a container; it used to be a part of my cooking bowl. I dropped the bowl by accident when I was cooking and it got broken. That moment I shouted. The moment was when I confirmed the thing I had & have kept confirming since I was born; I am too clumsy. But I happened to notice that it would be nice as Kokedama container. Oh, now I remember why I thought so, because there was a shortage of container, so I just put one of my Kokedama on the broken bowl to save a space, hahaha! Anyway, it is now ranked high among my Kokedama containers.

By the way, what does it look like? This Kokedama looks like the 4 flowerets are dancing in one oversized dress! Is is just me?

Tuesday 4 March 2008

Kokedama-Calluna Vulgaris "Ruby Slinger"


Oh, green and yellow. It is the spring colour. How vigorous. The combination of green and yellow gives me a boost:D

Monday 3 March 2008

Kokedama-Wild Onion or Field Garlic, I think


I am not sure if this is Wild Onion or Field Garlic yet, but its bulbs have a strong onion-like odour, probably Wild Onion? I think I can tell when it flowers. Anyway, it is from the wild (my flat's communal garden).

One of the real pleasures of making Kokedama is to spot a good-looking wild plant when walking in nature, take it home, create and breathe a new life into it with your own creativity, sense of art.

This plant grows everywhere doesn't it? So can be so boring or even can be a bit annoying in the field or park. But Look. It is given a new life in an art form now. I recognize its beauty again and go silent to be impressed with the wonderfulness of nature.

*I am not encouraging you to take wild plants home frequently. If it grows in abundance in the wild, taking one should do no harm and the occasional one may be ok. Just make sure you never ever take rare plants, never ever take from nature reserves. Just use your common sense.