April's Review	Chris' Review	Penny's Review	Tammy's Review	Stephanie's Review

Review by April

Exotic, luxurious, elegant, mysterious, and alluring are not typical words used to describe papercraft and scrapbooking products. That is unless you are referring to Dove of the East. Dove of the East was created by Doveen Schecter, and was inspired by her life and travels to India, Japan, China, and Russia. All of her collections are unique and offer the everyday crafter a chance to escape into a creative, possibly unknown territory. Doveen has traveled the world collecting all sorts of meaningful tidbits and trinkets, and from those she has designed a spectacular variety of papers, and embellishments that combine historical Europe and Asia. The newest Dove of the East collection is the Japan Journey and it's absolutely breathtaking.

For this review, I received the following: Twelve charming 12" x 12" heavy weight acid free patterned papers, 2 stunning ribbons, a yard of Golden Garland, and a variety of metal charms. The patterned papers were all rich in color and full of fantastic detailed designs like birds, butterflies, lotus blossoms, bamboo, and fans. There were four different styles of charms - 4 Silver Blossom buttons, 2 bronze Bamboo buttons, 2 gold Rising Golden Suns, and 1 pewter Samurai Slider. Both brocade ribbons were each a yard in length, came in 2 different widths, were sturdy, and had very intricate designs. All of the Dove of the East embellishments came packaged in lovely organza bags that were attached to printed cards. The packaging for the embellishments alone could be used for creative projects!

I created a layout for my first project, and I used the Japan Journey Foreign Accents rub-on sheet to frame my picture. I cut out a few rub-ons from the middle of the sheet, and then used the rest as is. To help accent a few of the rub-ons, I used a glitter pen to dress them up. I cut out the whole framed piece, placed it on pop dots, and then adhered to a sheet of white cardstock. I cut out flowers from the Floating World paper and added the Rising Golden Sun charms, and rhinestones to the center of the them. I added a title and a some of the left over butterfly rub-ons to complete the design.

Title: Admire
Products used: White & Kraft Cardstock
Patterned Paper (Dove of the East: Floating World)
Rub-ons (Dove of the East: Japan Journey Foreign Accents)
Charms (Dove of the East: Rising Golden Sun)
Ribbon (Dove of the East: Flower Bridge)
Ghost letters & Rhinestones (Heidi Swapp)
Pens (Sakura: Gelly Roll)
Adhesive (Adhesive Tech, Permanent Bond Glue Runner)

When I was 15, my aunt bought a jewelry box at a garage sale and renovated for me. Fifteen years later I thought it was due for another update, and I thought this collection would be perfect for it! I started by measuring and trimming paper for everything I wanted to cover. Then I used a beautiful metallic paint on all of the corners and places the paper wouldn't cover. I adhered all the papers with Mod Podge and then gave them another coat after drying. To finish it off, I sanded down the back sides of the Bamboo Buttons and attached them to the little door knobs.

Title: Renovated Jewelry Box
Products used:
Patterned Paper (Dove of the East: Morning Blossom, Night Bloom, Kimono Silk, Gion, Ginza, Kabuki, Shamisen, & Hanami Dream)
Charms (Dove of the East: Bamboo Button)
Paint (Jaquard: Lumiere Halo Pink Gold)
Jewelry Box (Garage Sale)
Adhesive (Plaid: Mod Podge, Gorilla Glue)

I thought the Spring Blossom paper was gorgeous and I knew it would be perfect with a wedding picture I took recently. I cut out a beautiful purple flower from the Ikebana paper and then layered rub-ons over it. I adhered the Golden Garland along the inside of the patterned paper, which worked really well and really gave the layout great dimension. To complete the design, I added a little glitter glue and doodling.

Title: Enchanting
Products used: Cardstock (Prism: Black Prismatics)
Patterned Paper (Dove of the East: Spring Evening & Ikebana)
Charm (Dove of the East: Silver Blossom)
Garland (Dove of the East: Golden Garland)
Brads (Karen Foster)
Rub-ons (Deja Views)
Alcohol Ink (Ranger)
Pen (Uniball)
Adhesive (Adhesive Tech, Permanent Bond Glue Runner)

The ribbon I received for this review was so beautiful, I decided to make a bracelet and headband so I could wear it around! For the headband, I measured and cut the ribbon, then simply stitched each side to a ponytail holder and it was good to go. For the bracelet, I measured and cut the ribbon, then stitched each side under a little. I attached the silver charm to one side, and then used the gold rope from one of the Dove of the East charm bags to make a loop for the other side! This was actually pretty easy and now I can't wait to make more for my friends!

Title: Bracelet & Headband
Products used:
Ribbons (Dove of the East: Azabu Garden, & Flower Bridge)
Charm (Dove of the East: Silver Blossom)
Gold Rope (Dove of the East Charm Bag Closure)
Ponytail Holder (Walmart)

To some, this collection might seem a little intimidating, or out of the usual, however I assure you that the papers and embellishments have such a rich, luxurious quality to them, they can't help but add beauty to all types of pictures and topics. All of the Dove of the East products are high quality and beautifully designed! I would recommend this collection to everyone looking to add a little exotic flair to their projects!

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Review by Chris

The Japan Journey collection from Dove of the East is a visual journey through time. The images on the twelve different patterned papers are drawn from traditional Japanese artifacts and symbols, representing a culture that has remained true for thousands of years. Many of the images on the papers originated from real-life objects collected by the creator and her family. It is truly inspiring to work with papers when you know how they came to be and you can actually sense some of the events that are represented as you create your project.

Japan Journey includes twelve different patterned papers, five different metal charms, ten ribbons and an 8" x 8" sheet of gorgeous, colorful rub-ons. The papers include images of Geisha (from old wood block carvings), silk brocade fabrics, flowers, cranes, and fans. The colors of the collection are primarily earthtones accented with designs in shades of bright purple, bright blue and red. The gorgeous patterns on the papers lend themselves to being used alone and yet marry well with other papers in the collection. The paper is heavy weight and printed on only one side. If I were to recommend only one improvement to the Dove of the East paper collections, it would be to produce two-sided papers (since I selfishly would like MORE of these gorgeous patterns from which to choose). This paper will stand up well to any technique you might like to use – inking, sanding, tearing, sewing, embossing – without breaking down. I lathered a thick layer of Ranger’s Stickles to the paper on one of my projects and it dried without warping. It is heavy enough to be used alone or layered onto coordinating cardstock.

For this first layout, I altered my photos using PhotoBlast’s rustic charm to subdue the colors. I love the flying crane images of the Hanami Dream paper paired with the Kimono Silk design. The addition of a some rub-ons and metal charms completed this layout commemorating my mom’s determination to add these yucca plants to her rock garden.

Mom’s Yucca
Products used: Patterned paper (Dove of the East, Japan Journey, Hanami Dream, Kimono Silk)
Cardstock (Prism, Metallics, copper; Prismatics, Iced Orange, Spring Willow Medium, Suede Brown Dark)
Charms (Dove of the East, Japan Journey, bamboo button, silver blossom)
Rub-ons (Dove of the East, Japan Journey, Foreign Accents)
Dies (Spellbinders, Petite Oval large; QuicKutz Marissa)
Pen (Sakura, pigma micron)
Sketch (PageMaps)
Action on photos (PhotoBlast, rustic charm)
Adhesive (Adhesive Tech, Permanent Bond Tape Runner; Glue Dots)

Next up, a layout featuring the sandhill cranes that frequent my dad’s backyard in Florida. Imagine living in a place where when you look out your back door, this is the site you are likely to see!!! I absolutely love the watercolor effect of this Ikebana paper and wanted to create a layout where the photos blended in as if the birds were walking among the gorgeous flowers of the paper’s design. They were a little too “blended” without mats but Prism makes a metallic cardstock in a shade that matches exactly the purple blossom on the patterned paper. Perfect! I journaled on a small strip of the Hanami Dream paper which has a crane image and added a small flying crane rub-on to the upper right corner of the layout. Just the perfect touches to compliment the photos of these majestic birds.

Cranes
Products used: Patterned paper (Dove of the East, Japan Journey, Ikebana, Hanami Dream)
Charm (Dove of the East, Japan Journey, Rising Golden Sun)
Rub-ons (Dove of the East, Japan Journey, Foreign Accents)
Cardstock (Prism, Metallics, Punch; Prismatics, Black)
Stamps (FunBunch, Chinese alphabet)
Ink (Stewart Superior, Memories, black)
Dymo labeler
Adhesive (Adhesive Tech, Permanent Bond Tape Runner; Glue Dots)

Finally, for this review I created a thank you card using the absolutely gorgeous Spring Evening paper. This paper is just too pretty to cover up with photos and a card seemed the perfect way to show it off. Again the Prism Metallic Punch cardstock matches perfectly. I used the new Spellbinders nestabilities oval set to create a double mat for my greeting. A few flowers from the Golden Garland trim was all this card needed to complete it.

Thanks card
Products used: Patterned paper (Dove of the East, Japan Journey, Spring Evening)
Cardstock (Prism, Metallics, Punch; Prismatics, White)
Flower trim (Dove of the East, Japan Journey, Golden Garland)
Die (Spellbinders, Petite oval large)
Rub-on (JoAnn’s, Scrap Essentials)
Adhesive (Adhesive Tech, Permanent Bond Tape Runner; Glue Dots)

Dove of the East continues to bring us the most gorgeous collections representing the charm and culture of the Far East. The designs are unique and absolutely breathtaking. The originality of the patterns and coordinating embellishments along with the excellent quality of their product have become their trademark. I cannot wait to see where their next collection will take us!

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Review by Penny

The Japan Journey collection from Dove of the East is simply stunning! It includes 12 rich patterned papers ($.60 retail) dominated by blue, gold, red and black. The color and detail are phenomenal and are worthy of display all on their own.

The "Spring Evening" paper particularly drew me in and I used it to create my first project. I added one of the ten available ribbons as a border accent and my page was nearly complete. The ribbon is so lush that you almost don't want to use it! It's thick, vibrant and very well made. They retail between $2.99 - $4.99 per yard and come rolled in a signature Dove of the East organza pouch.

Title: Oh My Darlin'
Supplies:
Patterned Paper-"Spring Evening," Ribbon-"Hanami," Golden Sun Charm (Dove of the East-Japan Journey Collection)
Chipboard (Heidi Swapp)
Velvet alpha stickers (Making Memories)
Flowers (Prima)
Glitter Dots (Dress It Up)
Rub-On (BasicGrey)
Adhesive (Ad Tech Permanent Bond Glue Runner)

There are five different charms available such as the Rising Golden Sun ($3.99) charm that I used on my first project above. The other four charms include a Samurai Slider, Brass Wings Button, Bamboo Button and Silver Blossom Charms. There are 2-3 charms per package and retail for $4.99.

My second project also began with one of the patterned papers. I saw how the golden color of the "Night Bloom" paper seemed to shine on its own. This project came together very easily!

An 8" x 8" sheet of full-color rub-on butterflies, birds, flowers, borders, Japanese figures and symbols completes the collection and retails for $4.99. I layered several of the rub-ons around my photo and added the Silver Blossom Charm to my heart accent.

Title: My Heart Says
Supplies:
Cardstock (Prism-"Herbal Garden Medium")
Patterned Paper-"Night Bloom," Rub-Ons and Silver Blossom Charm (Dove of the East Japan Journey Collection)
Ribbon (Tie One On Kit Club)
Grungeboard, Alcohol Ink (Tim Holtz)
Letter Stickers (Scenic Route)
Marker (Uni-Ball Signo)
Adhesive (Ad Tech Permanent Bond Glue Runner)

My final project uses the "Ginza" paper. I used the pattern to create a scalloped edge and matted it on my cardstock then added the flower. I applied a few rub-ons to the card and flower and placed the Bamboo Button charm in the flower center.

Title: Dove Flower Card
Supplies:
Cardstock (Stampin' Up!)
Patterned Paper-"Ginza," Rub-Ons and Bamboo Button Charm (Dove of the East Japan Journey Collection)
Flower (Prima)
Adhesive (Ad Tech Permanent Bond Glue Runner)

The qualities you would expect of fine art - innovation, pleasing colors, mastery and attention to detail - are in Dove of the East's Japan Journey collection. Whether you choose to frame it for its beauty or create with it for its design, it's sure to bring out the best in your creativity.

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Review by Tammy

When I think of Japan, beautiful flowers in a calm and serene garden is the first thing that comes to mind. The Japan Journey by Dove of the East is just that and more. The beautiful patterns in a variety of styles, mixed with tapestry ribbons and metal embellishments, bring a bit of the Far East right into your studio.

I was given the opportunity to review the following items in the Japan Journey collection by Dove of the East:

• 12 acid free, chlorine free 12" x 12" patterned sheets
• 2 Rising Gold Sun charms
• 1 Samurai Slider
• 1 Bamboo Button
• 3 Silver Blossom Buttons
• 1 yard Golden Garland
• 1 yard Flame Flower Olive
• Imperial Garden
• 1 (8 x 8-inch) sheet Japan Journey Foreign Accents rub-on's

The patterned paper was a mix of many different styles consisting of:

• Bright watercolor florals
• Beautifully arrayed collage of Japanese women
• Blue, Purple, and Light Tan gives way to butterflies and birds
• Rich browns and gold provide the perfect backdrop for Japanese fans and florals
• Black provides a touch of elegance for bleached flowers, red and gold fans, and soft pink flowers

As customary to the Dove of the East company, each set of embellishments is packaged in an organza bag (red to coordinate with the Japan Journey theme), with a silk gold cord tie.

Three different ribbons (1 yard each) were also included with this collection:

• Gold Garland (a string of gold metal flowers, approximately 3/4-inch, which are easily separated for greater versatility)
• Flame Flower Olive (a 1-inch woven tapestry with a mix of gold, orange, blue, and olive flowers)
• Imperial Garden (Black 1 ½-inch organdy ribbon accented with gold foil flowers)

For my first project I used the Night Bloom paper as my foundation for this layout. I was also able to use the Gold Garland to separate the title from the photos. Since the Gold Garland was made up of a chain of flowers they were easy to separate with just a snip of the scissors. I then used one of the flowers for the dot on the "I", and layered a second flower on top of the rub-on next to my journaling. I used Spring Evening to cover the chipboard monogram and sanded the edges. This helped the title to stand out and also coordinated with the purple berries in the photographs.

Title: Berries
Products used: Patterned Cardstock (Japan Journey by Dove of the East)
Gold Garland (Japan Journey by Dove of the East)
Rub-ons (Japan Journey by Dove of the East)
Chipboard (BasicGrey)
Alphabet Letters (Tinkering Ink)
Gold Pen (Krylon)
Font (Learning Cursive)
Adhesive (Adhesive Tech, Permanent Bond Glue Runner)

When I first saw the Japan Journey collection, I knew I wanted to do something with the floral pictures I took this summer. I decided that the best way to display them would be in a mini book so each flower could be showcased. The Ikebana paper seemed like the obvious choice for my book covers so that is where I started. Not much else was needed for the cover but I did want it protected. By using a transparency sheet, I not only was able to add a title, but also provide protection from the outside elements. Again, using pieces of the Gold Garland for accents along with a couple Prima flowers was all that was needed to create a beautiful cover for my book. The inside pages needed to be a little more muted to allow the vibrant colors of the flowers to shine. Gion and Ginza would be just the right mats and accents for my photos. I added a small strip of leaves from the Japan Journey rub-on's to the bottom of my journaling; the Bamboo Button and a small strip of Gold Garland on the Rock Rose photos; and a Rising Golden Sun charm on the Hibiscus photo. My book was complete!

Title: My Flower Garden Mini Book
Products used: Patterned Cardstock (Japan Journey by Dove of the East)
Gold Garland (Japan Journey by Dove of the East)
Rub-ons (Japan Journey by Dove of the East)
Charms (Japan Journey by Dove of the East)
Ribbon (Tie One On)
Flowers (Prima)
Paint (Making Memories)
Gold Pen (Krylon)
Mini Book (Junkitz)
Font (SU Woodward Script)
Transparency (Hamerrill) Adhesive (Adhesive Tech, Permanent Bond Glue Runner)

I have always admired Asian style cards but have never made one myself. There were so many beautiful patterns in this collection to choose from, but the Kabuki was definitely one of my favorites. The Japanese women on the rub-on sheet would make a nice focal point for the card and the addition of the Imperial Garden ribbon made the card complete. I was very pleased with my first Asian style card!

Title: Japanese Women
Products used: Patterned Cardstock (Japan Journey by Dove of the East)
Ribbon (Japan Journey by Dove of the East)
Rub-on's (Japan Journey by Dove of the East)
Gold Pen (Krylon)
Adhesive (Adhesive Tech, Permanent Bond Glue Runner)

Once I had completed all of my projects and began cleaning up my work area, I noticed that one of the Foreign Accents Rub-on's were laying on top of one of the beautiful red organza bags. With a little experimentation, the organza bag proved to be a suitable surface for easily adhering the Foreign Accents Rub-on's. What a great way to make use of all of the extra items in the Japan Journey collection.

The Japan Journey collection by Dove of the East was very easy to work with because of its wide variety of patterns and colors. I could easily adapt the styles found in this collection to a wide variety of my photos making this a great addition to my scrapbooking supplies. I highly recommend that you add the Japan Journey collection by Dove of the East to the top of your scrapbooking list!

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Review by Stephanie

When I found out I was getting the Japan Journey collection from Dove of the East, I knew exactly what I was going to do and I hadn't even seen the collection yet. Well, when my box arrived all I could think of was AWESOME!!!!!!! The 12 sheets of paper are a nice heavy quality - strong enough for a layout base, yet supple enough to cover a box without creasing. And the names - Kabuki, Shamisen, Spring Morning, Night Blooms, Ginza, Floating World, Spring Evening, Hanami Dream, Ikebana, Morning Blossom, Kimono Silk and Gion evoke strong images of beautiful colors, both bright and muted. The rub-ons mirror the collection with approximately 30 different images, are as vibrant as the papers, and are very easy to use. I also received 2 organza bags of ribbons, 1 sheer and 1 brocade, each an impressive 36 inches. Plus I received another organza bag of assorted charms and buttons. This collection is incredible.

My first project is a set of Friendship cards. I only used one sheet of patterned paper for these cards - Shamisen - because I love the Geisha girls. I wanted to focus on them above all else so I kept the cards simple. Because the Geishas were opposite each other, I was able to cut them apart and create the two cards. I stamped the sentiments in muted shades so as not to overpower the Geishas - I wanted the focus on them because they are beautiful. A little ink, a brad and a little Garland were the perfect finishing touches.

Title: Friendship Cards
Products used: Patterned paper (Dove of the East, Japan Journey - Shamisen)
Ribbon (Dove of the East Japan Journey, Golden Garland),BR> Brads (Unknown)
Ink (StazOn)
Stamps (All Night Media, Hero Arts)
Adhesive (Adhesive Tech, Permanent Bond Glue Runner)

For my second project I altered a small tin box. I used the Spring Morning paper, cutting it apart to fit my box. I used the bottom section of the paper as the base of the box and the colorful floral middle section worked well for the upper section. Once I cut apart the middle section I wanted to use, I added some small Prima flowers and mini brads to augment the paper. Since this is a nice quality paper, I was able to adhere it to the box without creasing or bending. I chose the tiny leaf rub-ons to use around the edge of the top of the tin - they truly went on like butter. I then wanted to use some charms to finish off the top of the box. I selected the Rising Golden Sun charm, but needed another one. The Silver Blossom was perfect, but it was the wrong color! Since I thought this would be a perfect addition, I decided to emboss it with gold embossing powder. The Silver Blossom took the embossing powder beautifully - one coat was all I needed and the match was perfect!!! I then punched a hole in the top of the tin, attaching the Blossom charm through the Sun charm. Because the Blossom has the button loop on the bottom, I attached one of the organza bags to the loop. When you open the top, the bag pulls up. I am using the bag to hold the extra charms and ribbon I still have. Whenever I look at this box, I will remember the beautiful collection of charms and ribbons I have to use.

Title: Altered Box
Patterned Paper (Dove of the East, Japan Journey - Spring Morning)
Charms (Dove of the East, Japan Journey)
Flowers (Prima)
Brads (Unknown)
Rub-ons (Dove of the East, Japan Journey)
Adhesive (Adhesive Tech, Permanent Bond Glue Runner)

For my third project I created a 2 page layout. I knew the photos I would be using for this layout right away and knew they'd be perfect for these papers. I used the Night Blooms, Kabuki and Ginza papers. These papers tear easily and leave a nice crisp white edge. I also loved the fact that I could cut out a section of Night Blooms and have it as a perfect accent on my layout. The included Golden Garland is quite versatile. While I used the Garland 'as is' on one of my cards, I chose to cut it apart and used it as flower centers on the Night Blooms here. Black and gold cardstock helped create the look I was seeking and really brought out the colors of these gorgeous papers. Although I was pleased with the included ribbons, neither the Sheer nor the Brocade quite fit the look and theme I was working on. However, the Imperial Garden Sheer has beautiful gold flowers which I wanted to use, so I cut them off the Sheer and used them individually on the layout, attaching them with brads for a nice finishing touch.

Title:Friends from afar
Patterned Paper (Dove of the East, Japan Journey - Night Blooms, Kabuki, Ginza)
Ribbon (Dove of the East, Golden Garland, Imperial Garden Sheet)
Fonts (Cricut, Sizzix)
Brads (Making Memories) Adhesive (Adhesive Tech, Permanent Bond Glue Runner)

I still have a substantial amount of papers, ribbon and rub-ons left over. I definitely intend to make several more layouts and a number of cards. This was a wonderful line to work with and I am happy to be able to showcase Dove of the East's Japan Journey collection.

For more information visit Dove of the East