• Home
  • Shop
  • Illustration Portfolio
  • My Books
  • About

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

« Previous Page
Next Page »

Subscribe via Email

Enter your email address below to get blog posts delivered to your in-box. I'll occasionally include fun digital goodies!

Order My New Book of Illustrated Essays!

Order My Newest Kids’ Book!!

Order My Latest Sewing Book!!

Archives

Categories

The holidays are upon us!! 🎄🎁 I’ve posted The holidays are upon us!! 🎄🎁 I’ve posted this year’s free printable holiday tags on my blog - link in bio! Can you believe I’ve been creating these printable tags for over 10 years?? This year I included outtake illustrations from my book SHIBUI so these tags and bookmarks could be used for gifts all year round. I also painted a few holiday-ish ones too! Enjoy, and have a lovely and celebratory season! I’m taking my usual winter social media break, and I’ll see you back here in 2026 🧡🧡🧡🧡🧡🧡🧡
Follow on Instagram

Copyright © 2026 · Theme by Blog Pixie

© 2026 Sanae Ishida