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Sanae Ishida

A crafty little atelier in a grey city

Happy Friday + Randomness

May 17, 2013

Happy Friday! I've been working on some papercuts for a friend, and this one is my favorite of all the ones I've made to date. Two down, one more to go. ******************************************************************************* K and I have been having some conversations about exercise: K: Mommy, which sports are you good at? Me: Well, I played tennis in high school... K: No, I mean now. Me: Oh. I don't know, I haven't played sports in a long time... K: Yes you do! ... Read more

Filed in: life, papercuts • by sanae • 23 Comments

On my mind…

April 10, 2013

I've been thinking about these words by Theodore Roosevelt a lot lately, so I made a simple paper cut. I don't like to compete. Deep deep down, I'm sure I'm fiercely and frighteningly competitive and will claw my way to the top while gnashing my teeth and leaving detritus in my wake, if given the chance. But I clearly remember the day I consciously decided not to compare myself and not to compete if I could help it in any way. I was about eight or nine, and like many first-borns of ... Read more

Filed in: black and white, illustration, life, papercuts, writing • by sanae • 39 Comments

Happy Friday + Art Walk Sneak Peeks

January 4, 2013

Happy Friday! I'm excited for the art walk next week, though I'm woefully behind. But I have a guest to entertain, so reluctantly (oh-so-reluctantly, I tell you) I went to the spa with my mom yesterday. Have you ever been to a Korean spa? For a relatively low set price (the one we went to was $35 per person), you can lounge around in a variety of rooms in varying temperatures from freezing to scorching hot, or soak in herbal infused baths for the whole day. There are supposed to be oodles of ... Read more

Filed in: illustration, papercuts • by sanae • 3 Comments

Wood+Papercuts

October 16, 2012

When I had an art show a few years ago, I made this series of papercut girls that led to some fun commissions. Each piece is 5x7 inches, and I used an Exacto knife to create the dress patterns. The wood is stained blue, and what I really loved about them is that I didn't sketch anything out and it felt like each one magically appeared out of the paper without any preformed plan. Here's one that didn't make the cut for the art show. The legs are a little wonky, the edges a little too jaggedy, ... Read more

Filed in: papercuts • by sanae • 3 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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