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Sanae Ishida

A crafty little atelier in a grey city

DIY Magnets + Giveaway!

November 27, 2013

I had half-heartedly tossed out the idea of doing some simple DIY projects and here I am, actually following through! I also have a giveaway and a story at the bottom of the post if you're interested. Anyway, many moons ago, I got this idea to make magnets and in my enthusiasm, I ordered a bunch of supplies. I probably don't need to elaborate that my magnet-making scheme didn't pan out so well, and now I have quite the surplus taking up room in my basement. So, just in time for the ... Read more

Filed in: crafts, giveaway • by sanae •

First Day of School!!

September 4, 2013

I am a procrastinator and an overplanner, quite the deadly combination. Because I make K weekly outfits, I uncharacteristically haven't been thinking too much about school clothes other than the first day outfit. We got the requisite new shoes, snacks and lunch food, and her school implemented a new system involving cash donations for supplies (e.g. pencils, notebooks, etc.) which I finally got around to doing, so I was feeling pretty prepared. Then I realized: backpack!! And then: lunch box!! I ... Read more

Filed in: crafts, sewing, sewing for K • by sanae • 13 Comments

Backyard Art Camp – Wayne Thiebaud

August 21, 2013

Today, I'm jazzed to talk about art with kids! A while back, I was contacted by Jane of Buzzmills, and she invited me to participate in the awesome Backyard Art Camp series she is co-hosting with Melissa of A Happy Stitch. The idea is simple and brilliant: choose an artist, learn about said artist and work, then create a fun project inspired by the artist in some way with your kid(s). I was immediately in. And knew instantly who I wanted to feature: Wayne Thiebaud. Wayne Thiebaud is an ... Read more

Filed in: cooking, crafts, illustration + art • by sanae • 10 Comments

A couple of DIY party games

August 7, 2013

K's party had a loose water play theme, so I made these cute little spongeballs that I saw on Pinterest. I pin DIY projects like crazy, but I knew this one would be a snap to execute and would be economic and totally fun, so it was a must-try. I used this tutorial, which is excellent and I highly recommend it! These sponges absorbed a lot of water and the kids had a blast. Another game I made was requested specifically by the birthday girl. She wanted a "Pin the button on the dress" game, ... Read more

Filed in: crafts • by sanae • 5 Comments

A Few of My Fave Handmade Things…

July 2, 2013

We're officially back! We got in very, very late last night from Michigan and I'm still a bit wobbly from jet lag, gluttonous eating, etc., but K was a champion traveler and we had a thoroughly marvelous vacation, so no complaints here. With spotty wi-fi at the lake, and due to constant activities (swimming! canoeing! hiking up a sand dune! bbq on a beach!), I wasn't able to get online much but I'm catching up and enjoying reading all the comments. Thank you for all the lovely ... Read more

Filed in: crafts, illustration, sewing • by sanae • 18 Comments

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The word that incites terror in most newbie sewing The word that incites terror in most newbie sewing enthusiasts: zippers. Now that I have a few years of sewing under my belt I’m less cowed by them, but there’s something about long, separating zippers that still makes me nervous. I powered through, however, and made this versatile twill hooded jacket originating from a @patterncouture_ zip-up hoodie pattern meant for knit fabrics that I modified a lot. I blogged about it! Link in bio if you’d like to see the different versions I created. 

To skip zippers altogether and make a truly summery garment, swipe and check out my NEW @creativebug Tiered Dress class (link also in bio!). Back to sewing more hot weather stuff because I’m going to Japan for a special trip next week! 🇯🇵🇯🇵
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