Japanese Craft Books

Reported by Susie Ziegler


My confession today is that I am a Japanese Craft Book addict. I know that I am not the only one. Other craft books are great and we all like having varied craft book libraries, but you know how it is when you get a new book or magazine and you really only like one or two projects and the rest are just… meh...not so great? Well, in these books, it’s like craft heaven. I pretty much want to make every single thing. The projects are simple, gorgeous, cute, and a celebration of a life filled with handmade things. Projects are both contemporary and timeless with tremendous visual appeal.

Just look at this! I could get my preschooler to wash the windows if only she had just the right handmade crochet “Magic Scrubber”!
Here, a felt mascot boy and girl take a felt teddy bear on a little perfect picnic all made in miniature.
Pattern books aren’t all of the “Cute” variety such as the mascot books above, although that is what I am personally drawn to. Some books feature “zakka” (zakka= general merchandise) of all kinds. In fact there is a whole series of books titled “Handmade Zakka”. Cotton Paint and Cotton Time are bi-monthly publications full of inspiration and patterns for all kinds of handmade things.
I have a great collection of these books and I do go a little bit crazy when it’s time for me to make a new order for more. I force myself to craft from several books before I let myself buy any new ones.

I know what you are thinking: I don’t read Japanese! How can I possibly use those books? That’s the amazing thing! You don’t need to be able to read them! The instructions are printed visually, step-by-step. If you have a basic knowledge of a craft like crochet, felt craft, embroidery, or sewing, a Japanese pattern book in that medium will not be difficult. Measurements are given in metric, and numbers are always in our familiar Arabic style. Sometimes the books read from “back to front” but I see that as an exciting novelty and not a problem.

Okay, so sometimes the books with pattern inserts are intimidating. If you have strong visual/perceptual skills, you can figure these out.

Many books are much simpler with instructions like these:
If you simply must know what these books say, you can use this handy Japanese pattern help pdf posted at My Little Mochi.

Browse around at Crafting Japanese. This site was very quiet for awhile, but is back up and running with current photographs and links to blogs with photos, projects, and ISBN numbers.

Also check out the Flickr groups, "crafting in japanese" and
"inspiring images from craft books". Both groups have well over 1000 members and several thousand photos of books and projects to keep you salivating for days and days.

Ready to buy and start your own collection? Brick and mortar sellers include Kinokuniya on the east and west coasts of the USA, and Mitsuwa in other locations. Your city or region just might have a Japanese bookseller or market, but you'll have to check your local yellow pages.

Shopping online is much easier. You can order directly from Japan at Amazon Japan. People use them all the time and I know you can get the pages translated into English, but in this case, the Japanese freaks me out a little bit. I prefer to shop at YesAsia. At YesAsia, they offer free shipping for orders in the USA over a certain amount. Expect your orders from these sellers to take about a month to arrive from overseas.

Other online sources include Etsy, ebay, SuperBuzzy, and KittyCraft. Crafting Japanese has an online guide to sellers HERE.
You'll need to know the ISBN number to do any searching at YesAsia or Amazon Japan. I find that doing keyword searches like "craft" "crochet" or "felt" yield very limited results. It is much better to search by ISBN number, but leave out the letters in your search and use the numbers only. You can also browse around these sites by clicking on the "Customers who bought ---- also bought ----", crossing your fingers that you'll see the specific one you want.

Pros of buying at big online sellers like YesAsia:

• Wide Selection of books
• Excellent prices
• Free shipping depending on your location

Cons

• Difficult search engines don't handle the language barrier
• Listings only have very small cover photos
• Slow delivery takes several weeks

You can expect more photos and some personal service at smaller sellers, but prices will vary widely. Some sellers will even special order books for you. One ebay order I made before discovering YesAsia was very expensive, but it was packaged in the cutest way!

Prices for these books range from around $6 to over $50 for must-have out-of-print books. Publishers are getting wise to the Japanese craft book trend and are beginning to publish some books in English language versions. There are Aranzi Aronzo, Sock and Glove, and some amigurumi crochet books to name a few.
Inspired? We hope so! Let us know if you'd try out these highly inspirational books!

Sharing Crafty Inspiration With You...Part 2!

Here are the thoughts from the rest of the reporters on the fun blogs/websites we like to frequent. These are the sites and artists that inspire all of us. Let us know what you think and what some of your favorite crafty blogs are.

Julie's Selections:

http://www.EfferDares.com
EfferDares - The effer girls have a fresh, funky scrapbooking style and the journaling and subjects are always super real. Past challenges have included everything from, "Naughty Girls Need _____ Too" to"Create a layout using office supplies." Look for lots of freestyle fun and new challenges every other week!

http://creativityunbound.blogspot.com
Creativity{unbound} - Such a fantastic blog! It's full of reviews, ideas, and instructions. The blog has five creative girls who each post at least once a week, so there's always lots to see! The two most recent posts are a review of "Scrapbook Play" and a piece of metal art posted as inspiration.

http://www.quiltingartsblog.com
Quilting Arts blog - This is a relatively new read for me. I enjoy getting a bit of a backstage peek into the magazine. There are giveaways and sneak peeks into both Quilting Arts and Cloth Paper Scissors as well as calls for publication. Tons of eye candy too! You don't need to be a sewing enthusiast to enjoy this blog!

http://www.scrapbooklayouts.blogspot.com
Scrapbooking Layouts - I'm a big fan of eye candy and this blog showcases layoutsf eaturing more than three photos. Tenika, the woman who runs the blog, showcases a wide range of styles and so you're sure to find something to suit your fancy!

http://www.scrapbookdimensions.com/main/index.php?option=com_wrapper&Itemid=10560
Scrapbook Dimensions - The Scrapbook Dimensions blog is fantastic! If you're at all interested in hybrid scrapbooking, you must visit this site! There are easy to follow tutorials (even for newbies), organization tips, and lots of pictures. A word of warning, this blog is formatted slightly differently from the blogger and typepad blogs we're used to, but it's easy to figure out. And well worth it too!

Julia's Selections:

http://cardpositioningsystems.blogspot.com/
Card Positioning Systems - A great blog with a weekly sketch by Tami Mayberry. The design team has loads of great talent. I like to stop by at least once a week for inspiration

http://www.papercraftsmag.com/blog/
PaperCrafts Magazine blog - Want an inside look at the editors and what goes into putting out one of the best papercrafting magazines out there...this is the place. I love it...always learn something new.

http://paperhugs.typepad.com/
Paper Hugs by Kim Hughes - blog of the extremely talented Kim Hughes...Kim designs scrapbook layouts, cards and is the artist behind the Kim Hughes stamp line for Cornish Heritage Farms

http://www.paperlicious.typepad.com/
Paperlicious by Joan Bardee - a great stamper and fabulous writer...Joan's blog is not to be missed. Joan has a fabulous sense of humor and her Dear Paperlicious entries will have you rollin on the floor

http://terriconraddesigns.typepad.com/my_weblog/
Terri Conrad Designs - Stunning photographs, projects and paper design lines...Terri is so talented. Her blog will make your mouth water at her beautiful paper confections


Melissa's Selections:


http://blog.craftzine.com/
Craft: Magazine Blog - This blog is updated several times a day with some of the best crafty things from the web. You will see lots of photos and links to ideas on blogs, Flikr, and Etsy.


http://www.kattitudes.com/creative/
Kattitudes - Such a great all around crafty blog. And everything is neatly organized, with great photos, and lots of fun personality!


http://www.fiskateers.com/blog/
Fisk-a-Teers blog - I love the inspiration provided by the Fisk-a-Teers. Wonderful scrapbooking ideas, 3 Fisk-a-Teers projects by members of the group, and fun with the 4 lead Fisk-a-Teers. The girls share stories, recipes and more with the readers of the blog.


http://stampedinhisimage.blogspot.com/
Stamped In His Image by Julie Campbell - Not only is Julie an amazing stamper and card maker, she's one of the sweetest people ever. You will find all sorts of inspiration and positive energy on this blog.


http://stampingmathilda.blogspot.com/
Stamping Mathilda by Godelieve - I just love her card creations. They layouts are great and they always make me smile. The perfect beginning to my day!


Colleen's Selections:


http://www.timholtz.typepad.com/
Tim Holtz - Live the Life You've Imagined - AWESOME blog from one of the top in the business!


http://color-stripes.blogspot.com/
Kris - Kris's Color Stripes - a wonderful artistic blog that shows some amazing color combinations!!!


http://allistamps.blogspot.com/
Ali Miles - Card Metaphors - a neat blog showing heart, talent, and personality!


http://www.sayitwithletters.blogspot.com/
Deb Damboise - Say It With Letters - a sweet blog showing wonderfully talented artist's (including Deb) creations for altered wooden letters and shapes.


http://www.mariafilosa.com/
Maria Filosa - UHU Project Blog - I love her blog...lots of tips and cool new product peeks!


Sarah's Selections:


http://funkyfinds.blogspot.com/
Funky Finds : Funky Finds shows off the coolest, trendiest and most unique crafts out there. Turn to this blog for great shopping opportunities AND inspiration!


http://jennskistudio.blogspot.com/
Jenn Ski Studio Blog : Graphic Designer and Artist Jenn Ski shares her favorite finds. It’s always a great source of contemporary inspiration.


http://blogs1.marthastewart.com/blueprint/
Bluelines : While sadly Blueprint Magazine will be no more, the blog lives on! Turn to Bluelines for the latest in Martha Stewart approved uber-cool.


http://missyballance.typepad.com/crafty_carnival/
Crafty Carnival : Newest A Muse Stamps illustrator Missy Ballance shares her art and inspiration. If you like cute… you will love this blog!


http://angrychicken.typepad.com/angry_chicken/
Angry Chicken : Artist Amy Karol is the renascence woman of craft. She bakes, sews, cuts, glues… and she does it all well!

We hope you have found some fun and inspiration and maybe some things you haven't seen before. Be sure and check back tomorrow for Day 1 of our holiday carnival. And don't forget to get your entries submitted. Check out this post for all the details! Happy Crafting!!

Sharing Crafty Inspiration With You

The reporters thought it would be fun to share some fun blogs/websites we like to frequent. These are the sites and artists that inspire all of us. Let us know what you think and what some of your favorite crafty blogs are. And be sure to check back tomorrow for more inspiration.

Heather's Selections:

http://www.nickieblog.blogspot.com/
Nicolette Anderson is a Canadian artist who has a unique style of doodling and lettering. Her journal pages are very vibrant and colorful and I am always inspired to just grab my markers and doodle!

http://sheetload.blogspot.com/
This is the blog for SheetLoad of Cards, a monthly e-zine founded by Alicia Ekermans. Its goal is simple: "increase your card stash using one layout, a few sheets of paper, and a short amount of time." We all know the more cards we have to mass produce, the less creative we get and this concept seems like the perfect solution!

http://carolinezcraftz.typepad.com/a_spoonful_of_sprinkles/
This is a blog of creative chefs (artists) who post appetizing weekly art (including recipes), online classes, hints and dish! Although I am not much of a scrapper, I find lots of ideas to use on my own cards (plus I am a sucker for such a great theme carried throughout the whole blog!)

http://gothicarches.wordpress.com/
Gothic arches is a challenge blog where every week a guest artist presents a new theme. The arches are very visually appealing and a nice break from rectangular cards. The artists involved have a very unique altered art style and I am inspired by the way they combine elements and reminds me why I was so unsuccessful at altered art!

http://megannoelart.blogspot.com/
Megan Noel is one of my favorite all around artist-pen and ink, mixed media, beading, fiber, ceramics-anything she touches turns into a piece of art. She has a unique sense of style and we are lucky that she shares her talent with the world.

Heidi's Selections:

http://sweetmissdaisy.typepad.com/sassy_sweet_notes/
Sweet and Sassy Notes by Anna Wight. I know she is a favorite of loads of people and there's no wonder why! Not only do I admire her for her fanstasic hand for drawing and some of the best coloring I have ever seen, I also look up to her with her photography skills. I have always loved to take pictures but Anna was the one that led me to the lenses that were right for me and inspired me with her beautiful work! Thanks Anna!

http://www.durcandesigns.typepad.com/
Durcan Designs by Tracey Durcan. What can I say? This gal knows exactly how to do simple! I love gawking at her perfectly plain, yet fabulous designs. She keeps it short and sweet and I love getting my updates via email for her blog! She is one of the few that I subscribe to because I just can't wait to see what she posts next!

http://stampinwithjulie.blogspot.com/
Stampin' with Julie by Julie Masse. I have read Julie's blog for a long while. She is one of the first of my list when I get the chance to sit down and actually cruise the blogs. First off, Julie is just a great person! Always sweet and helpful. Second, her work is awesome. She also tends to keep things clean and crisp just like I love! Third, she gives links to everything!! To me personally, that is so helpful! Then again, I really don't need more enabling! {wink}

http://paperdelightz.blogspot.com/
Paper Delightz by Rose Ann Reynolds. I have been a fan of Rose Ann's for a long time also and along the way she has showcased so many different stamp companies. I love her style and her silliness that often shows through. Plus, she uses some of my favorite stamps, Doodle Factory! She is a great person and always finds time to stop in at my blog which always makes me smile! Love ya Rose Ann!

http://skiptomylou.wordpress.com/
Skip to my Lou by Cindy. Although I'm not sure of her last name and although she doesn't post too often, her tutorials and projects are fantastic! This gal can decorate a room for any holiday all with hand made items. She takes wonderful pictures, so those of us who might be slow to catch on can actually tell what she is doing step by step. She sews, she cooks, she stamps. She even chops and dices! Well, food that is. You need to make sure she goes onto your *must visit* list!

Donna's Selections:

http://craftypod.com/
Craftypod.com - Is a great place to find ideas about lots of different crafts. The unique thing about this blog is the owner, Diane, creates podcasts for you to listen to for some extra inspiration. Her latest one is all about gingerbread houses. She also lists other crafty sites that produce podcasts.

http://www.iamsusie.blogspot.com/
Susie Can Stitch - Besides personally knowing the author of this blog I am always impressed with what she gets done. She loves fabric and stitching and makes some wonderful items from old thrift shop sweaters. Check out the Christmas stockings she just completed when you stop by.

http://www.lazygirldesigns.com/blog/
Lazy Girl Designs Blog - Lazy Girl is a purse pattern company and their blog is full of great little tutorials and details like "How to install a zipper" or free patterns for making a last minute gift totebag. It's also a great place on the lookout for other crafty projects out on the web.

http://printpattern.blogspot.com/
Print & Pattern - Not really a strict craft blog but if you want to discover cool prints & patterns (just like the title) you will find a plethora of images that will definitely stimulate your visual senses. A great place to get inspired for designing.

Lexi's Selections:

http://stampingscoops.blogspot.com/
Stamping Scoops :: Emily's got the scoop on A Muse and Elzybells plus beautiful cards and other stamped creations!

http://novelleckstrom.blogspot.com/
Mastering the Art of Procurement :: A newcomer to blogging, Novell shares beautiful cards, including A Muse and Elzybells sneak peeks!

http://stampinwithjulie.blogspot.com/index.html (yes a repeat, but lets hear what Lexi has to say)
Stampin with Julie :: Prettie Girl and Kitchen Sink Stamps design team member, Julie, is a fabulous stamper who showcases a variety of different images--always a good read!

http://thestampingshac.blogspot.com/
The Stamping Shac :: A Muse design team member Elena shares beautiful and creative projects--wonderful inspiration to be found here!

http://thepolkadotcafe.blogspot.com/
The Polka Dot Cafe :: I've followed Becky's work in her Splitcoast Gallery where she's known as "twoboysandagirl" and now she has a brand spanking new blog--I can't wait to see what she has in store for us there!

Check back tomorrow to hear from the rest of the reporters. And be sure to leave us links to your favorite inspiring blogs and sites.

Get Inspired!

Today I thought I'd chat a bit about inspiration... where to find it and how to get it! We would enjoy reading your comments below... tell us how and where you find inspiration for your craft! Here are some places I find inspiration...

Cool Hunting
Craftzine
not-martha
Apartment Therapy
Buzzville
Design Sponge
Designspotter
The Sampler
Instructables
Craftster
Junior Society

You can find inspiration here on Craft Critique too! Have you learned to use out Tag List yet? Look at the side bar on our Main Home Page. Scroll all the way down... you can click on one of our many categories and see all that articles that fall within that category! Cool right?