I was hoping at this time of the weekend to come back here and show you my second completed layout using the gorgeous two step stamp set "A Rose is a Rose". It's on special this month and it is also retiring from our range.  But, I have been slightly busy, and I thought I'd show you what has been taking up my time instead of scrapbooking - and of course these are all potential scrapbook subjects too!

This morning was gorgeous Melbourne sunny winter weather, and Sophie and I joined 18,000+ others to take part in Run Melbourne.  Soph completed the 5km run in very good time, and I did the 10km run - ouch running on asphalt is so hard on the legs!

Following our little bout of exercise, we wandered along the Art Centre market, and accidently came across a marquee promoting 30 years of the Sister-State Relationship between Aichi Prefecture in Japan and the State of Victoria.  Now you might be wondering why this would even interest us?

Well, Aichi is in central Japan between Kyoto and Tokyo and it is full of amazing cultural history, such as the home of the three great unifiers of Japan, the famous Sengoku-era generals. It's known as the historical stage of the Samurai, and has a rich artistic heritage culminating in the modern day Aichi Triennale 2010, a large scale international Arts Festival.

So, what did we see in the marquee?  Well, lots of festival type promotions, including some make and take tables with some lovely Japanese art, and of course I couldn't help finding a space for myself at the table so I could play too!

I made this beautiful, simple little wall hanging using yummy Japanese handmade papers, and of course I picked up a few brochures too. I might love anything French, but Japan would have to be very, very high up on my list of fascinating places and cultures!

Altogether a very nice way to while away half a Sunday in wintery Melbourne!  What did you get up to this weekend?