The Rats of Beijing on Holiday in Japan

We played a game of Trading Cubicles at the office (Inspired by the popular television show "Trading Spaces"). We selected a co-worker at random and had one week to devise and install an exciting new look for their cubicle, while another random designer created a new look for our own cube.

We had a spending limit of $2.00 (US), but we were allowed to use things we had around the home.

The theme I chose was "The Rats of Beijing on Holiday in Japan" (so that I could combine Japanese- and Chinese-influenced decor with pipe-cleaner rats). I spent my $2.00 on the cocktail umbrellas and the fan. I painted a few landscapes and used the multi-colored flyers from my kids' back-to-school night to create origami flowers. The rats are made from pipe cleaners and googly-eyes. All told, it cost about $5.00.

Mostly, the rats of Beijing like to relax in the sun while on holiday.

Some like to catch up on their hobbies, such as this pair indulging in the Japanese sport of Kendo.

Fan Fishing is a popular, if unproductive, pastime.

Origami flyer flowers add color and bring a powerful recycling message (re-use!).

Laura enjoys a brief mental vacation while gazing at one of several decorative landscapes.