I’ve learned a lot about different cultures living on Maui. Our community is diverse for many reasons, but primarily because the sugar plantations brought in workers from many countries beginning in the mid-1800’s. While sugar is no longer grown commercially here, the many families who arrived to work in the fields have taken root and enriched our communities with their traditions.
The first Japanese workers arrived in the mid-1880’s. Their legacy is found in everyday life on Maui, including food, language, art, celebrations, and so much more. When Stampin’ Up! offered the New Years Celebration set to the U.S. market, I was excited to have the opportunity to craft with these images.

- Stamps: New Years Celebration
- Color Palette: Whisper White, Basic Black, Real Red, Crumb Cake, Gold
- Accessories: Gold Foil, Gold Stampin’ Emboss Powder, Versamark Ink, Heat Tool, Stampin’ Dimensionals, 1 1/2″ Circle Punch

The characters for Happy New Year are embossed in gold and are written in Kanji, one of three writing systems. The colors are also very symbolic, as red and white are used to represent happiness and joy, and gold represents wealth and prestige. Bamboo represents wealth and prestige, and the chrysanthemum flower signifies longevity and rejuvenation. There’s a big message in this simple card!

This set is not in any catalog, and it will only be available to the U.S. market through January 31, 2020. You can see samples and an interpretation of the images HERE, and of course, you can shop at the Online Store. These images are so Kawaii!
I purchased this stamp set last January and finally got around to making the cards. I have a friend in Tokyo who sends me gifts every year and I thought making some New Year cards would be a nice “thank you” gift. It’s been awhile since I lived in Japan, but thanks to the internet and FB, I’m still in contact with the wonderful people I met over there. Your card was perfect. So I made a few and plan to mail them on Monday. Hopefully, she’ll use them for New Year. If you make any more using this set, I hope you’ll post them. This one was beautiful and I had all the supplies. Thanks, Barbara
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Thank you, Barbara! I’m glad this project from the archives was a source of inspiration for you! Aloha, Anne
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