Making Scents

National Cherry Blossom Festival: Washington, D.C. Mar. 26 - Apr. 10

One sure sign that springtime is arriving in the U.S is the start of the much-anticipated National Cherry Blossom Festival, set to begin this Saturday, March 26, in Washington, D.C.

Given all that has happened in Japan in the last two weeks, festival organizers are planning a "Stand With Japan" fundraising event tonight at the Washington Monument. A walk around the capitol's Tidal Basin begins at 6:30 p.m.; proceeds will go to the Red Cross's own National Cherry Blossom Festival Online Donation Site.

Says the festival's lovely website: "People are encouraged to gather to reflect and participate in the walk around the Tidal Basin, where the cherry blossom trees, gifted to Washington, DC from Tokyo in 1912, have stood the test of time for 99 years. Our relationship with Japan is at the heart of the National Cherry Blossom Festival, and the Festival is uniquely positioned as a natural conduit to unite the millions of people who want to assist and express their support in a show of unity, and the evening of hope and perseverance occurs before the 16-day celebration begins on Saturday, March 26."

As always, the 16-day festival encompasses three weekends of diverse events and an overflowing spectacle of art, culture, food, and entertainment - not to mention the serene natural beauty of the capitol's many cherry trees in full bloom.

www.nationalcherryblossomfestival.org

Our thoughts and prayers are with Japan

Our thoughts and prayers go out to our Japanese friends and associates in this time of great trial. Many of our customers have contacted us to learn more about the recent tragic events in Japan. We are saddened by the loss of life and the destruction that has befallen the people of Japan.

Thankfully, we are happy to report that Shoyeido's facilities are quite remote from the region that was affected by the earthquake and subsequent tsunami. Although our hearts are heavy, we take some comfort in knowing that our parent company will continue to operate on a normal, day-to-day basis, and that employees and families are safe.

The events of the past several days have reminded us of just how fragile life can be. We will stand with our Japanese colleagues as they begin the task of rebuilding.

We thank all of you that have offered your condolences and well-wishes.

Everyday Incense Gift Set just $4.95 each

While supplies last, Shoyeido is offering a sweet deal on our Everyday Incense Gift Sets: just $4.95 each while supplies last! This stocking stuffer-proportioned lil' box of subtle, natural Japanese fragrance contains one 40-stick bundle each of Kyoto Cherry Blossoms (beloved for its rhubarb notes) and Golden Pavilion (redolent of cinnamon and warmth). A colorfully glazed ceramic incense holder is also included, as are the 10 Virtues of Incense in both Japanese and English.

We have to stress that we have but a limited supply of these little lovelies remaining, so if you're still looking for a unique, thoughtful and high-quality gift that's very inexpensive, look no further and click on over to Shoyeido's website to order some of the gift packs before they're all gone. At this low price, you may just be able to work through a sizeable portion of your gift recipients list in one fell swoop.

To have a look at our other beautiful, inexpensive gift items, please visit our website at www.shoyeido.com or click here.

Another chance to own Cris Conklin art

This following chance to own an original work of art by Cris Conklin, as well as peruse a host of other artists' creations in a variety of mediums, is at The Denver Potters Association Holiday Show, Dec 2-5. Please see the flyer below or visit www.castleclayartists.com for additional info!

Upcoming opportunities to purchase Cris Conklin pottery

Cris Conklin, the creative Boulder-based potter behind some of Shoyeido's most popular handmade (by Cris!) ceramic incense holders, will soon have unique works of her art available for purchase at the following local events.

Boulder Potters Guild Holiday Sale: Nov. 11-14. Visit the BPG's website for more details: www.boulderpottersguild.com

 

Boulder Potters Guild Sale, at The Guild: Saturdays & Sundays, Nov. 27-28, Dec. 4-5, 11-12, and 18-19. See the flyer below for more details:

 

Castle Clay Artists Holiday Show & Sale: Thursday, Nov. 18 - Saturday, Nov. 20 at the Jefferson Unitarian Church in Golden, CO. See the flyer for more information or visit the Castle Clay website: www.castleclayartists.com :