Book Review- Cuter Stuff by Aranzi Aronzo

I'm wild for Aranzi Aronzo's books- especially the craft books. I love Japanese felt mascots and crafts and they are always well done.

Vertical Inc. publishes English translations of Japanese books and they are well translated so they make sense. Their cookbooks and craft books are among my favorites for that reason. This book is a translation of Feruto No Komono.

When you open the book, you'll find pages of instructions. Sweetly illustrated, it explains the supplies you'll need,  stitch techniques and abbreviations, tips for keeping things in place while you're working and how to trace or copy the patterns. The instructions are clear enough that a complete novice at hand sewing can follow them.

The projects are great. My favorite thing about felt sewing is that it's a great way to learn basic hand sewing skills very inexpensively and making some great things. For people who are more experienced, it's instant gratification. These trendy, cute projects are something that nearly anyone would enjoy making.

Projects include pencil cases, pen covers, key cases, jar or can covers, little soft trays with appliques, magnets, coasters, flowers,coin cases and card cases. All made with totally cute characters, and easily personalized. They show how easy it is to change an expression by how you make the mouth and how you can use simple shapes to personalize everything.

My own felt crafting tip- use sharp sharp scissors. I have a pair set aside specifically for felt. You could make a felt mascot to mark the handles of your felt scissors!

Stitches used are running stitch, straight stitches, whip stitch (which they call overlock), French knots, back stitch, Supplies are inexpensive. You can use eco-craft felt, or if you want to splurge, use wool felt.

It's hard picking a favorite project out of the book, but if I have to- it's the face magnets. It's a very simple project that makes a great gift.

There are also tips for using the patterns and techniques in different projects- like doing an applique on a shirt or using two coasters sewn and stuffed for an ornament.

Fun book, and one I happily recommend for anyone 9 years old and up.

This book will be released on November 24, 2015 and it's available for pre-order on Amazon now.

Facebook links-
Vertical Inc.
Aranzi Aronzo Official (in Japanese)
Don't Eat the Paste


I received a complimentary copy of this book to review, I received no other compensation, and my review is my honest opinion of the book. You can read more about my review policy here.

Flower Origami Book Reviews

I'm reviewing 2 books today because I'm backlogged and they are both pretty great books with a couple things in common.
They each have step by step diagrams for folding flowers. One is a kit with instructions for more traditional, stylized flowers including some modular designs. The other is a book with lots of instructions for making fairly realistic flowers and stems to create paper/origami ikebana. Both books come with dvd instruction!
Books provided by Tuttle Publishing- check them out on Facebook!!

So let's get started-

This kit has paper, a dvd and a book full of traditional style flowers. The paper is a standard kami paper, brightly colored on one side, smooth, thin, and easy to fold. The book diagrams are in standard origami notation, but have instructions in English under each step to clarify the steps. The dvd is very well done, with the focus on the folding and brightly lit.

The models are a mix of fairly simple one page models like the lily, more complex models like a rose, and modular models. There are also a few leaf models and instructions for adding calyxes and stems to the flowers for displays or gifts.

I'm rose impaired, and A Rose for Irene is a lovely, complex model with a lot of layers. Trying it just from the book, I messed up a couple steps. So I tried the dvd. Just delightful. Each step was explained, and using it in conjunction with the book, it all made sense. It was like having a private class in how to fold that rose. I tried a few other models using the book and dvd together and it helped out considerably for fitting in the last piece of a modular flower. The lily model, as shown on the DVD actually showed me a faster way to fold it than I've been doing for the last several years.

If you're more than a casual folder- this kit may be too basic for you but I'd strongly recommend it to beginning folders. The video instructions are well explained, and in conjunction with the book will teach you how to do origami. The models are well chosen too. The flowers can be use as ornaments or gifts.

Ikebana is the art of flower arranging. Japanese flower arrangements are based on form, Instead of a bouquet of bright flowers all together, it's an elegant, minimalist arrangement based on a triangle of elements that draw the eye to the shape, form and feeling. It's a lot like sculpture with flowers.

This book and video teach you how to create more realistic flower form to use in your long lasting paper arrangements. Everything in the arrangements is made with paper. This method doesn't use floral wire or tape. You'll need different kinds of paper, glue and paint. It's a very comprehensive book. He covers materials, how to choose and cut paper, how to find the grain of the paper and how to paint it. The models themselves are based around some common shapes and forms with enough difference to make different kinds of flowers and leaves. The flowers have enough layers to handle a fair amount of sculpting.

The branches and stems are done using makigami, which is a rolled paper form that's really pretty simple once you've gotten the hang of it. That uses newspaper instead of more expensive paper, and a solution that's inexpensive to make so you can practice until you have the technique down.

There are even instructions for making a rock base from newspaper for your arrangements!

The video is very well done. The author is clearly enthused, and some parts he explains while looking into the camera and there are displays of ikebana hanging on the wall behind him so you can see the forms. For the folds, it's focused in on his hands and the paper. Some of the folding is more complex, but easy to understand when you see it done.

So here's the part that made me really happy with this video- my family watched it with me. Not just "in the room while I watched" but actually watched it. We are all at different levels of folding ability, so parts that I grasped quickly needed to be paused and played again for some of them, but that could be done. These are projects that my whole family can enjoy.

Because of the complexity of some of the flowers, I'd recommend this to people who have some experience with origami and are comfortable with the traditional, simple models. Advanced beginners will find it inspiring and probably get hooked on it.




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I received a complimentary copy of this book to review, I received no other compensation, and my review is my honest opinion of the book. You can read more about my review policy here.

Book Review- More Felt Friends from Japan

Congratulations to Susan, the winner of the Origami Flowers giveaway. I hope you're enjoying the book!

Kodansha is a Japanese publisher with a US division for great translations and I'll get back to this review in a second, I'm kind of lost in their website.... Oh, I need The Decorative Art of Japanese Food Carving, and my husband might like one of the sword books, and my kids love manga.. oh SHINY! Clothes, embroidery and textile.. need to get back to the review... 

Ok, I'm back now, it's just awfully distracting. How long did it take you to stop browsing the link and come back to read the review?

Felt mascots, toys appliques and accessories, all of them super cute. The projects are wonderfully photographed. Like a lot of Japanese craft books, the first part of the book is photos of items, with the instructions in the back of the book. Page numbers are given on the photos to find the instructions.

The photos are adorable. They are captioned and done on good backgrounds to show them at their best. It takes minimal supplies to make them. Craft felt for beginning sewers is an economical choice, then switching to wool felt for a higher quality finished item when you're comfortable with the hand stitching.

So with this book, before you start a project, read the tips at the END of the book. They will show

• how to do the stitches including the embroidery accents
• tell you what kind of supplies to use
• how to use a wire armature, 
• how to use the patterns
• how to stuff the toys

The projects are good for a wide range of skills. There are some very easy applique projects, coasters and pouches which are perfect for beginners. They are whimsical and sweet. The Happy Coasters include a fish, a frog face and a chick, with easy embroidered accents. You might like to make the pouches and eyeglass cases as gifts.

A little more complicated are the lightly stuffed but still mostly flat Face Brooches, which are a bunch of cute animals and can be made with small scraps, the finger puppets and the charms which are strung with beads into darling hanging curtains.  My favorite of those types of projects is the Little Forest Birds charms because it reminds me of the felt ornaments my Great-Aunt Elizabeth made. 

The most complicated are the fully dimensional stuffed toys. These are more of a challenge because it's a small scale, but they are made using the same basic stitches, just more parts to create things like a giraffe, elephant or posable retro dolls that look like they came right off the set of an old stop motion movie. There are also dolls like Miss Kitty from the cover that have a full wardrobe you can sew for them. 

Some of the patterns you'll copy out of the book, the more involved patterns are printed on the inside of the dust jacket. 

The diagrams in the instructions are clear and show how to put the items together. 

This is a lovely book, and a must for anyone who really enjoys Japanese crafts.

Kodansha USA gave me an extra copy to give to one of my readers! Giveaway is open to people in the USA only because of shipping costs.
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I received a complimentary copy of this book to review, I received no other compensation, and my review is my honest opinion of the book. You can read more about my review policy here.

Book Review- Everyday Papercraft

Vertical Inc. specializes in English translations of Japanese books. They have a strong focus on manga but also do cookbooks and craft books, and are starting to do more of them. This is a translation of a book that came out in 2010 by Keiko Komatsubara.

As a papercrafter who loves origami, kirigami, upcycling and Japanese crafts, I'm thrilled with all these wonderful English translations. They are done very well, with the original photos and illustrations.

This book focuses on practical projects, that are whimsical and charming. Boxes made from paper, notebook covers, portfolios and some wonderful gift bag projects. There are 25 projects total, and they are all simple, clean looking projects that would make wonderful gifts.

The paper measurements are mostly international sizes rather than American paper sizing. However, the types of projects translate well and are doable with US sized envelopes and papers.

The book starts with the gallery of projects with descriptions and page numbers given for instructions. After that you find a materials list with photos. The materials used are mostly easy to find at your local office supply store and craft store. A few specialty items like decorative twist ties might take a bit more searching.

I love a lot of the projects. There are some lovely boxes that would make wonderful gifts by themselves or used as a unique, functional wrapping for another gift. The books, journals and portfolios are all handy to have as well. My favorite projects are the paper pencil case shown in orange on the cover- it's easy to make, and easy to personalize, the house shaped gift bag also on the cover and the pocket tissue box which is one of the last projects.

If you enjoy the charm and clean look of Japanese crafts as much as I do, you'll enjoy this book.
Like Vertical Inc. on Facebook to get news on their new releases.

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I received a complimentary copy of this book to review, I received no other compensation, and my review is my honest opinion of the book. You can read more about my review policy here.

Cute Little Zip Case- hand sewing project

 

This little zipper case may seem a little complicated, but it's really, really not. Best part of it is that it's made from scraps and recycled materials, and it's good hand sewing practice. Unfortunately, I didn't take photos while making it because I made it a few months ago after getting proofs of some of my Spoonflower fabrics. I didn't really plan to post the project, but TG asked "Why not? It's cute!" This case is inspired by Japanese macaron purses, but instead of using a domed plastic shape for the sides, it uses milk jug plastic with felt to soften the top.

So you will need:

• fabric- 4 pieces, they can be different patterns, but at least 6x6 inches if you are using a 7 inch zipper. 
• zipper- this can be recycled if you pick out the stitches from the tape carefully and the tape is intact
• clean empty plastic milk jug- I love milk jug plastic
• ribbon- a 1/4- 3/8th inch satin ribbon is a good choice, just a few inches
• needle
• thread to match the zipper
• a 6 inch piece of craft felt (if you are using a 7 inch zipper)
• glue- tacky glue works well.
• scissors- one pair for plastic, one pair to cut fabric. Please don't use your fabric scissors on plastic.

To start, overlap the ends of the closed zipper, and stitch them together. Stitch across the top bar of the zipper where it separates to close it securely at the top. Knot off thread on the right side of the zipper. It's going to get covered with ribbon so the knot doesn't show.

Make a small loop with part of the ribbon and sew it on so it goes the same direction as the zipper pull.

Now take another piece of ribbon and wrap the overlap with and sew it into place keeping the zipper flat. Don't let it gather or bunch up!

See how it's sewn? Also the open photo will hopefully help make the following instructions clearer.

So now that you've got your zipper loop, cut out 2 pieces of plastic in a circle that's about 1/2 inch smaller than the zipper loop. Which would be about a 1/4 inch all the way around.

Set the plastic pieces aside for a minute. Now it's time to gather up the zipper. Close to the edge, make basting stitches on one side and leave ends to pull. Repeat on the other side. Then pull to gather.

Now you'll make the inside. For that, cut 2 circles of fabric that are twice as big as the plastic. Stitch a running basting stitch all the way around, put the plastic in the middle on the wrong side of the fabric. Pull stitches tight around the plastic and knot off.

So now the insides are ready to be stitched to the inside of the case. Since the whole thing is going to be covered, you do want your stitches to be strong, but don't worry about how the knots look. Open the zipper, which should have a clamshell look with the gathering. Set one fabric covered plastic piece inside one side of the "clam shell" with the gathered sides together. Stitch it into place. Repeat on the other side.

Now it's time to make the top. For this side, you want it just the same size as the zipper loop. Cut 2 circles from the milk jug plastic the same size as the zipper loop, then 2 pieces of felt that are 1/4 inch bigger all the way around. Glue the felt to the plastic pieces. 

Cut 2 pieces of fabric in circles twice the diameter of the plastic circle. Do a basting stitch all the way around, then set the plastic circles on the wrong side of the fabric with the felt sandwiched between the fabric and plastic. Pull to gather the stitches. Knot securely.

Now all you have to do is stitch the outsides to the rest of the case, and it's done! 

These are so easy to make, and are super cute. Because the inside is very flat, it won't hold a lot of change, but it will hold a couple small treasures or keepsakes. 

Book Review-Simply Precious Pop-Ups

I really love Japanese crafts and paper crafts a favorite of mine as well. Simply Precious Pop-Ups- Easy to make and Beautiful 3D Greeting Cards by Kiyoshi Kikuchi is a perfect fit.

This is an English translation of a book by Kiyoshi Kikuchi. He's written several books of kirigami projects that are only available in Japanese. Kirigami is cut paper art, it can be sculptural or flat. These cards are right in between. They are dimensional, but not quite sculpture. They are very clean looking and easy enough that if you couldn't do it in 5 minutes, you could certainly do it in 15 and have just the right card for any occasion.

The cards all follow the same basic steps. You fold the paper, cut out the lines to create a mirror symmetrical shape that is mountain folded in contrast to the valley fold that makes the cards. When the recipient opens the card, the mountain folded parts pop out.

The first few pages show the cards in color, with white paper for the pop up and the colored background for the outside of the card. Then you get into the patterns.

The patterns cover a wide range of interest, holidays and special occasions. Baby showers, weddings, new job, Father's Day, Mother's Day, Christmas and some cards that are just general occasion cards. Some are very Japanese in style such as the Emperor or the rice cake card.

After the photos are instructions for making the cards. Starting with a copy of the pattern from the book, it explains step by step with meticulous precision how to trim, fold and cut the designs. While the trimming is done with a craft knife, the designs are cut with scissors. Lots of photos show how to cut each card neatly. Then it explains how to glue it to the contrast paper.

Then the projects themselves all have their own pattern and folding instructions. All the folds are simple folds, but some of them are very tight, such as in the guitar design. However, most of them are easily done. At the very end are more patterns to cut out of a contrast paper to personalize your card a little more, those are shapes that look much like silhouettes.

I really like this book, it doesn't have sliders, spinners and other fancy effects like some pop-up books. Just very clean designs that are easily accomplished. You may need to practice a bit before trying some of the more intricate designs, but none of them are too intricate. They can be done with your children too as long your children are mature enough to use sharp scissors.

Published by Vertical Inc
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I received a complimentary copy of this book to review, I received no other compensation, and my review is my honest opinion of the book. You can read more about my review policy here.

My new chou loom

If you look up the word シュシュ in Google, you'll find out that it means "chou" and that a chou is a scrunchie.
I asked Abigail of Abigail's Craft How To how to pronounce it, she said "shu-shu". There is a loom that's available in Japan for making them. It's a very simple pegged knitting loom. (Japanese site) This weekend, my husband and daughter teamed up to make me one.

The pegs are a little long and there are a couple other modifications that we've talked about making. But the chou on the loom is one that I knitted out of thrifted vintage acrylic yarn. I don't have any fuzzy or furry yarn handy or I've have tried it out of that. The wide open knit has a lot of stretch, and there is elastic in it as well. It's super easy to make scrunchies on the loom. They will probably make a few to sell in my Etsy shop. First there are a couple things that I want to work out.

I'm not a fan of acrylic yarn usually, this is from The Amazing Turnip Girl's stash.

This weekend I also made a pair of ear cuffs, that I'll be posting instructions for on Beadwork at BellaOnline later today. After trying a few ways to photograph them, I finally just put them on the loom.

I also made myself a very large hair bobble using tabletop skulls from Halloween. I'll post instructions for hair bobbles later this week!

Easy to Sew Flower Project

If you follow me on Pinterest, you've noticed that I've been posting a lot of Japanese and Chinese links, including a bunch for sewn flower projects. This hair comb is inspired by those projects. I first saw the technique on a sunflower.
Since I couldn't get to my large fabric stash, I had to work with what I had on hand, which was some jelly roll strip that were on my desk, so that limited the size. This is a largish flower sewn to a side comb.

You will need:

• 3 colors of woven fabric
• a scrap of felt
• stuffing
• needle
• thread
• scissors
• hair comb or pin back
• chopstick or knitting needle to turn

Because it takes only a small amount of fabric, charms and jelly roll strips work great,  or scraps from sewing projects or salvaged scraps from old clothes.

All the pieces are built off of circles. Because the width of the jelly roll is 2.5 inches, that was the radius of my semi-circle for the petals and leaves. If you're using wider fabric, you'll cut 3 5 inch circles, and cut them each in half for the petals. For the leaves, you only need 1 half circle. The center is 2 inch diameter circle. The piece of felt to sew all the pieces to is 1 inch diameter.

Fold the petals in half, right sides facing each other, and stitch the straight edge. Knot off. Turn right side out using the chopstick to get the corner out completely. Do a running stitch along the rounded open edge, and pull tightly to gather. Repeat with the other 4 petal pieces.

Now stitch the 5 petals together into a circle, pull tight! Tie a knot.

Next you'll do the leaves. Cut the half circle for the leaves in half to make a quarter circle, fold right sides together, and stitch down the straight edge. Knot off, turn right side out, and stitch and gather the round bottom edge.

Now to do the center. It's just a little puff in the middle. Do a running stitch around the center circle, pull to gather just a bit, put in a small amount of stuffing, then pull it tighter. Knot off and stitch the center on top of the flower petals. Try to enclose the raw edges of the flower center, and cover the raw edges of the petals.

Flip it over, and stitch on the leaves.

Then you'll sew on the felt circle on the back to cover all the raw edges. Attach to a hair comb, pin back or barrette!

Looks like spring if you're as a eager as I am to start seedlings for summer gardens. We've been getting so much snow that my husband doesn't understand why I'm looking at seed catalogs and sighing happily!