Giveaway! Ukihashi - The Restless Chopstick

As the temperature dips, we find ourselves indulging in bowl after bowl (after bowl) of ramen. It's a bit of a guilty pleasure around here - we've been stretching our noodle repertoire, dabbling in miso ramen and (a new favourite) mapo doufu ramen. It's the perfect way to warm your belly on a cool day.



Why all this talk of noodles? We're pretty devout chopstick users around here (don't even try to serve Elias a salad without a pair) and our favourites just happen to be the fantastic Ukihashi - Restless Chopsticks from Japanese design house +d.



Designed by Mikiya Kobayashi, these unique chopsticks point up at the tip eliminating the need for a chopstick rest and ensuring the eating tips never touch the tabletop. Because who wants to focus on keeping their chopsticks properly rested when there's a big bowl of deliciousness to devour?

Want to try Ukihashi for yourself? Pop on over to the shop and pick up a pair. We're also giving away 2 pairs in your choice of blue, yellow or white!

Here's how to win:

1. Leave us a comment on this blog post with the answer to this question: What's your favourite food to eat with chopsticks? One comment per person please. Make sure you leave us someway to contact you!

2. Join our mailing list! If you're already subscribed, you're already entered. No need to leave a comment below for this one.

Tweet tweet! Want an extra chance to win? Tweet about this Ukihashi Giveaway and make sure you tag @Omiyage_ca in your tweet. Come back and leave a comment about it below. Only one comment per tweeter please!


Blog giveaway closes Friday, October 7th at 12pm EST. One pair of Ukihashi will be given away to a randomly selected commenter.

Newsletter giveaway closes Monday, October 31st at 12pm EST. One pair of Ukihashi will be given away to a randomly selected subscriber.


Monday Morning Eye Candy - Eloise Renouf

Blue Clouds - Eloise Renouf

Blue Block Flowers - Eloise Renouf

Shape Study Ordered - Eloise Renouf

Nothing But Rain - Eloise Renouf
Happy Monday! 

Start your week off right with an eyeful of these lovely prints by UK-based designer Eloise Renouf. I must admit that Eloise's clouds won my heart at first sight  - they're just that great! When she's not creating prints that you'll be dreaming of hanging up all over your walls, Eloise designs stationery and textiles. 

Visit Eloise's etsy shop for more eye candy and to pick up a print or two.


Today We're Loving - Chevrons



Today, Julie from 8balloons is dropping in to share something she's loving lately - Chevrons! Over to you Julie.

Hi there! I am Julie of 8balloons and I love to write about all things paper and other beautiful inspiring creations. Please stop by and do tell what inspires you!

Since I can remember my eyes have always gravitated towards anything striped, especially chevron stripes! It seems as though chevron stripes can make anything more fun and beautiful. I have no preference to what colour the stripes are per say, just as long as it is striped!

Visit 8balloons. Connect via Twitter or Facebook.

Update: Here and There

Happy Wednesday!

Hope your week is going well. Here's what we've been up to:


And on a another note, we've been seeing a lot of delays on orders shipped to the US. If you have placed an order and have not yet received it, our apologies for the delay - we're not sure whether the slowdown is due to back-up from the Labour Day holiday, Customs, or a general USPS slowdown due to upcoming service cuts.  We're keeping an eye on it, and if you're finding your package is taking longer than usual please feel free to contact us with your concerns.

Thank you in advance for your patience!

Monday Morning Eye Candy - Erica Sharp

Snowflake - Erica Sharp
Charlotte - Erica Sharp

Coco - Erica Sharp

Petal - Erica Sharp

Bubble - Erica Sharp

Aren't these illustrations a great Monday morning pick-me-up? Erica Sharp combines illustration with kirigami techniques to gorgeous result! 

Want more? Visit her site for more eye candy. Or buy a print for yourself in Erica's shop

Happy Monday!




New Shinzi Katoh Postcards





We've added to our selection of Shinzi Katoh postcards. Mail 'em, save 'em, frame 'em, love 'em... they're a really great way to add a little Shinzi Katoh cuteness to your life!

1000 Kinds of Stories Notebook

Have you had a chance to check out the new invite.L products in the shop
We are oh so smitten with this clever notebook!


The A 1000 Kinds of stories notebook encourages you to create a collection of 1000. Of what?

1000 days.
1000 wishes.
1000 prayers.
1000 meals.
1000 memories.

It's really up to you! What are you counting?

Let's take a peek inside:



The first page asks - "What is your dream? Then...
An opening index
1000 squares to fill with whatever you please.
Each section of 100 separated with their own cover page.





Makes a great gift for anyone embarking on a new journey - travellers, new parents, newlyweds, teachers. Or gift yourself and keep track of milestones, places, days...

We'd love to know - what 1000 stories would you track?


1st image Omiyage.ca. Remaining images via invite.L

Monday Morning Eye Candy - Honey Cup

Bunny Girl - Honey Cup


Deer Boy - Honey Cup

Pink Bird Bunny - Honey Cup

Lively Girl In The Woods - Honey Cup

Loving these whimsical illustrations from Australian artist Simone Downey's Honey Cup line.  The perfect amount of kawaii to get your Monday started with a smile!

Happy Monday!

What Friday Looks Like (2)





Indulging in a breakfast worthy of a Sunday morning.


Picking out a card for a dear friend's wedding.


Packing up orders to be sent here there and everywhere. We've had lots of South American orders this week - exciting!


Teeny spools of twine for a special project.



If you've found us a little quiet this week, it's because it's been a quiet week! We're on a bit of a half-vacation, having cut way (way) back on facebook/twitter/blogging and enjoying time out and about. Not to worry, we're still shipping as per usual and we'll be back to our regular pace mid-next-week.

Have a wonderful weekend!

Omiyage & Covet Garden


Have you spent any time with Covet Garden? This online magazine just might be our favourite e-mag!

Here's 2 great reasons to check out the latest issue of Covet Garden:

One. They're celebrating their One Year Anniversary!

Two. Omiyage has teamed up with Covet Garden for their monthly contest!

Sounds good, right? Enjoy a little eye candy, celebrate an anniversary, win something great!  Go on then, go enjoy Covet Garden for yourself!

What Friday Looks Like






A pile of delicious new invite.L stationery - waiting for its close up.


Getting started our newest washi tape inspiration wall. All about monochrome with a pop of colour!


Loving September's illustrations on our Sawako Hikita calendar and winding twine.


New washi tapes to be photographed and added to the shop. Single skinny rolls, cute patterns and airmail.


What does your Friday look like?