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Sanae Ishida

A crafty little atelier in a grey city

Happy

August 15, 2012

Happy

I was listening to Design Sponge's Grace Bonney talk about work/life balance today and thought there were some important things to reflect upon. I was intrigued by the glimpse I got into the professional blogging world from her perspective. The movie Happy is still my favorite in this general genre, but I liked her podcast a lot. What makes you happy? What are your goals in life? Do you have a network of supporters? If not, how do you find them? Questions to ponder... ... Read more

Filed in: illustration, life, watercolor • by sanae • Leave a Comment

Fall Color Story

August 14, 2012

Fall Color Story

Despite the fact that summer is winding down, our evenings are full of impromptu al fresco dinners and picnics at the park lately. I've been planning K's fall wardrobe and noticed that the fabric I've started to assemble for the massive sewing project seem to match the colors from one of our outdoor dinners. Those figs in particular have lovely autumnal shades. More progress to come!   ... Read more

Filed in: life, sewing • by sanae • Leave a Comment

Crafts: DIY Scratch Art

August 13, 2012

Scratch Art 1

I'm generally geeking out on making scratch boards these days...do you remember these? You take a sheet of paper, cover the surface with as many colored crayons as possible, then slap a layer of black paint on top. Once the paint dries, take a toothpick or skewer or even a coin and scratch away to reveal the mystery colors beneath. Fun, fun! I even bought a package I found at a local art store and though the texture and color are definitely better (it's the square one on the right above), ... Read more

Filed in: crafts • by sanae • 2 Comments

Fall is just around the corner: clothing challenge

August 10, 2012

Fall Kitty

We've been having such a fun summer, and as I look out the window and see the sun-dappled, lush and green trees, it's hard to believe that autumn will be here in no time. K is equipped with a new backpack already and we'll need to go shoe shopping in a week or so. And then there is the ritual of Fall clothes shopping -- oh, how I love little girl clothes! However, this year I'm doing something rather ambitious and kind of crazy: I am going to make all her clothes for the next 12 months. ... Read more

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

Cuteness

August 9, 2012

Cuteness

As a mother, I am completely biased and think my child is the most beautiful creature in the world. But once in a while, I will see a breathtakingly gorgeous or enviously stylish little one that makes me do a double-take. My drawing doesn't do the girl justice, but trust me, she looked like she had stepped out of an ad and I'm certain her mother is a stylist. That hair! The rompers!! Love it. ... Read more

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

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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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