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

Sanae Ishida

A crafty little atelier in a grey city

Menagerie

October 2, 2012

I like foxes. Giraffes are lovely too. And toss in an elephant wearing a crown? Cuteness patootness, as we say around here. ... Read more

Filed in: gouache, illustration • by sanae • Leave a Comment

October = Halloween

October 1, 2012

It's the first day of October! It's officially Fall (my favorite) and time to start thinking about Halloween costumes. Until the age of about 11, my brothers almost always dressed up as ninjas and I was invariably a princess. Princesses are so toddler for my little pumpkin, however. This year, K has requested a dracula-esque costume, so I'm thinking of something like this: I also have a soft spot for the classic li'l witch and would love to make something that looks like ... Read more

Filed in: gouache, illustration • by sanae • Leave a Comment

Happy Friday + Starry Peter Pan Blouse + Burgundy Tiered Skirt

September 28, 2012

Happy Friday! Another week, another outfit from my now favorite Japanese pattern book. How cute is the peter pan collar on this top? OK, the right side seems a little wonky, but you hardly notice it in real life. The fabric is a Japanese double gauze, which is a dream to sew. The skirt is from A Girl's Wardrobe, which is another good pattern book. The skirt took a mere half hour to make from start to finish, can you believe it? It's just three rectangles pieced together, after all. The blouse ... Read more

Filed in: sewing • by sanae • 1 Comment

A collection of cute (temporary tattoo ideas)

September 27, 2012

Daily fun with gouache paint. Wouldn't these make cute temporary tattoos? I found this printable tattoo paper (such a cool idea!) and I'm working on a bunch of little designs. I'm eager to share some Halloween tattoos that I've got going and I can't wait to see how they turn out! ... Read more

Filed in: gouache, illustration • by sanae • Leave a Comment

Cloudy

September 26, 2012

I think I will always love drawing with black pen the best. I've been feeling a little cloudy lately...not sure why. But after finishing this little sketch, my mood lifted significantly. Sometimes, a bunch of stylized rainy clouds is all it takes. ... Read more

Filed in: black and white, illustration, ink • by sanae • 2 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

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
Follow on Instagram

Copyright © 2026 · Theme by Blog Pixie

© 2026 Sanae Ishida