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Sanae Ishida

A crafty little atelier in a grey city

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

Coconut Bread

April 9, 2013

When I made the granola last week, I ended up with a lot of extra shredded coconut. I tossed the bag into the fridge and yesterday morning, as I was rummaging for something that wasn't cheddar bunnies to put in K's lunch, I paused at the sight of so much coconut. I powered up my ipad and skimmed through my go-to cooking site (where the granola recipe originated as well), and voila, three posts in, a recipe for coconut bread! And I conveniently had all the ingredients in the house. It felt ... Read more

Filed in: cooking • by sanae • 8 Comments

Monday Outfit: Fluttery top + Two pairs of shorts

April 8, 2013

Good morning, friends -- I hope you had a fantastic weekend! Mine could be summed up with this conversation: [Cold, rainy Saturday night] Trader Joe's Cashier Dude: Hey! How's your evening going so far? Me: Oh, pretty good. You know, uneventful. I'm buying groceries on a Saturday night after all... TJCD: Well, the night is still young. Anything fun planned? Me: Nope, I have a little girl waiting for me to read her a bedtime story. My partying days are way over. TJCD: Bedtime ... Read more

Filed in: sewing • by sanae • 18 Comments

Happy Friday + Giveaway Winner + Randomness

April 5, 2013

Happy Friday! Remember my giveaway? I have nothing against random number generators, but they lack a certain...charm. So with K's assistance, I made a little raffle jar, and we have a winner! #25 was Liz, who recommended a knitting blog and a pottery blog. Love 'em! And I have loved each and every blog recommendation and am steadily making my way through getting acquainted with all of them. Thanks again for ... Read more

Filed in: giveaway, life • by sanae • 20 Comments

Handmade Kids Clothing Swap

April 4, 2013

I have such a fun update for you today! Brilliant Robin came up with a sewing swap idea and I was totally in as soon as she told me about it. I was quaking in my (Seattle-appropriate rain) boots to be included in the line-up of such talented sewing bloggers, but I wouldn't have missed it for the world. The idea is a sort of mash-up of Secret Santa and Pinterest-inspired sewing project, and I was thrilled to get my assignment. But first, I want to talk about the person who sewed for me (or ... Read more

Filed in: sewing • by sanae • 24 Comments

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So so thrilled that my book SHIBUI: THE JAPANESE A So so thrilled that my book SHIBUI: THE JAPANESE ART OF FINDING BEAUTY IN AGING is now available in Dutch and German! And it’s currently getting translated into several more languages - surreal! Please share with all your Dutch- and German-reading friends 🧡🧡🧡🧡🧡 #shibuibook
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