Bonsai are also a gift for life that is used extensively in feng shui planning, placed on either side of the entrance way or indoors in strategic areas.

Bonsai is an art form that stems from ancient, oriental culture, originating in China and developed by the Japanese. In the 13th century, the Japanese collected and potted wild trees that had been dwarfed by nature. These naturally formed miniatures were some of the first bonsai.

Read more below about how to create the perfect Bonsai tree…

Not all plants are equally effective as bonsai. To produce a realistic illusion of a mature tree, all parts of the ideal bonsai — trunk, branches, twigs, leaves, flowers, fruits, buds, roots — should be in perfect scale with the size of the tree. Plants used for bonsai should have small leaves or leaves that become small under bonsai culture. Plants with overly large leaves, such as the avocado, will look out of proportion if chosen for bonsai. Sycamores also develop leaves that are too large. Certain species of both maple and oak trees usually respond well to bonsai culture and develop leaves that are in proportion. Among the plants with small leaves and needles appropriate for bonsai are spruce, pine, zelkova, and pomegranate.

Plants chosen for bonsai should have attractive bark, and the trunk must give the illusion of maturity. The trunk should have girth, but must remain in proportion to the entire tree and should taper gradually toward the top of the tree. Sometimes, one or two of the main branches must be shortened to emphasize the vertical line of the trunk and give the trunk a balanced appearance.

To give the appearance of age, the upper one-third of the root structure of a mature bonsai is often exposed. Everywhere on the tree, but mostly from the front, the branches should look balanced and appear to be floating in space; they should not appear lopsided or top heavy. The branches should not be opposite one another with their lines cutting horizontally across the trunk. The branches give the bonsai dimension and establish the tree’s basic form.

A bonsai should have a harmonious arrangement of branches without unsightly gaps. Flaws can be spotted by looking down on a bonsai. Upper branches should not overshadow lower branches.

Bonsai can be classified into five basic styles: formal upright, informal upright, slanting, cascade, and semicascade. These classifications are based on the overall shape of the tree and how much the trunk slants away from an imaginary vertical axis.

Cat draws inspiration for her label through her travels to Asia, Paris and the US, with Los Angeles providing a colourful canvas of markets and vintage Hollywood stores to traipse through and gather ideas. Quirky, one-off vintage pieces inspired from a 60’s and 70’s bohemian era are sourced, adorned with a modern, fashion-forward touch but always keeping their authenticity. Cat’s casual, relaxed lifestyle is also reflective in the nonchalant designs that fill the collection.

Cat Hammill jewellery does not discriminate in age, it’s more the message of whom it speaks to. The wearer infinitely feels empowered by the endearing designs and messages of each piece; peace, love, brave and luck are given meaning to the wearer, telling a story that instantly resonates. Cat is in-demand and currently collaborating with some of Australia’s leading designers. While Cat dreams of one day expanding her label internationally, for now her priority is to grow the brand organically in Australia, with a healthy and creative lifestyle remaining and important factor for her.

It’s the quirky charm and thoughtful detail of designer Cat Hammill’s self-titled jewellery label that has gained the attention of the Australian fashion industry. Born from a love of creating something individual, Cat Hammill was founded on a whim with a hobby for crafting her own one-off quirky bracelets and necklaces. Garnered with a passionate vision for creating unique pieces filled with worldly charm, the charming tale of Cat Hammill jewellery began in June 2008.

Cat was born and raised in Melbourne, where a childhood filled with riding horses on her farm and in the countryside were entwined with gorgeous holiday memories. Her background has always been in the fashion industry, working in both sales and brand management for some of Australia’s leading brands. The seasonal overseas buying trips, coupled with a stint of living overseas in her twenties have ultimately shaped the bohemian feel of the Cat Hammill jewellery collection.

In 2000, after travelling through Central and South America, Cat was inspired by the vivid colour and the amazing artistic ability of local Artisans and began importing furniture, primarily from Mexico and Central America. It was during this time that Cat began her foray into jewellery design, sourcing beads and charms from around the world to make for herself. Friends were so impressed with the jewellery and orders began to flourish. Hours spent threading beads and the amount of requests lead her Mum and sister to lend a hand in keeping up with the demand of her custom-made necklaces and bracelets. The brand statement ‘Dreams do Come True’ was ringing true, for a passionate hobby had turned to a full-time love.

View Cat’s full range in store at Colour Me Crazy

The soapstone is first immersed into water so that it is easier to mold and carve. Once the stone is dry it will stay in its solid form. Color is used to give a brighter look and is added on to some of the carvings. The cool soft touch of Kisii is unparalleled to any other stone in the world.

Named after the Kisii tribe of Tabaka Hills in Western Kenya who use the stone for domestic use and more recently for hand made carvings for export due to their excellent craftsmanship.

The carvers used to make mostly wild animal figurines, but more recently have started creating contemporary abstracts, candle holders, bookends, and a variety of other shapes and forms for sale throughout the world.

Our Kisii Stone Hearts are available in a range of colours, sizes and unique patterns. They are a great gift idea for your loved ones and are especially sweet to exchange with your partner on Valentines Day.

Visit Colour Me Crazy to see our full colour and style range of Kisii Stones.

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