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Archive: Japanese Crafts

January 12, 2012

How-To: Origami Cat Bookmark

I saw this awesome origami cat bookmark on How About Orange, then followed the link in Jessica's post to Jo Nakashima's Origami Neko Bookmark video tutorial. Curious and in need of a bookmark, I actually watched the video and tried one myself. I'm a complete origami novice, but the steps in the video were really clear, and I felt confident making my folds. My bookmark isn't quite as pretty as the one in the photo, but it didn't turn out half bad!

October 18, 2011

Crafters at New York Comic Con 2011

Below is a Comic Con dispatch from MAKE friend and film editor David Shuff.

The 2011 New York Comic Con was this past weekend at the Jacob Javits Convention Center in NYC, and every East Coast nerd worth their pocket protector was there. While superheroes, video games, toys, and all things anime were in abundance on the show floor, a few stalwart crafters were sprinkled in the mix, proudly displaying their handmade creations.

With each new creature, Daniela lets her scissors lead the way through the vinyl and sees what emerges, at which point she grabs the paint markers to fill in the rest; finishing off with several coats of lacquer. She was both thrilled and intimidated to be in the same area as Tara McPherson(!)--one of her favorite artists.

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August 9, 2011

How-To: Bento Art Box for Kids

By Jessica Wilson

Do your kiddos clamor for art fun? Need a distraction for them while you're lunching it up with friends and/or family? Whip up an assortment of these nifty bento-style art kits and your wee ones will be golden!

The key to a bento-style art kit is filling it with only enough supplies to do one or two different types of projects - I find that this focus tends to help kids dive more deeply into art-making. Switch out the supplies a couple of times a week, and hopefully your kiddos will be pleased with the novelty of it all.

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May 9, 2011

Brainwave-Controlled Fuzzy Cat Ears

The motorized ears on this adorable headband by Neurowear move in relation to your brainwaves. Syuzi @ Fashioning Technology writes:

Anthropomorphic fashion is commonplace in Japan having many subcultures that fetishize the insanely cute. But this novel approach to a high tech "fashion" headband steps up the "cutesy" factor to an insanely new level. I certainly can't help but want a pair.

More:

Collin's Lab: Brainwave Beats

April 13, 2011

Incredible Raku-ware Howl's Moving Castle

Ceramics maker Liz created this ceramic rendition of Diana Wynne Jones'/Miyazaki's famous moving castle and glazed it with the exciting Raku process. Don't miss the video of the red-hot Howl's Moving Castle, and congrats to Liz for winning first place in the Oregon State Fair Art Competition.

April 8, 2011

CRAFT Pattern: Crochet Spring Bunny

Banner Craft Podcast

By Stephanie Jessica Lau

Nothing says spring like a kawaii amigurumi bunny! Make them floppy-eared, and complete their look with a carrot or flower. These bunnies are the perfect addition to a handmade Easter basket or a special gift.

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Materials

Beige or white yarn for the body - I used medium-weight yarn
Pink yarn for the flower - I used lightweight yarn
2.00 mm crochet hook, for the bunny and the flower
1.25 mm crochet hook, for the carrot
Yarn needle
Fiberfill
Brown or pink felt, for the feet
Patterned fabric, for lining of the ears
12 mm safety eyes
Brown or beige embroidery floss, for the nose and to attach the felt for the feet
Orange and green embroidery floss, for the carrot

Patten Springbunny Sideview

The Spring Bunny nose step-by-step tutorial is after the jump!

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March 16, 2011

Amigurumi Siu Mai

Dim sum gets a lot cuter with these amigurumi siu mai by Stephanie from All About Ami.

February 16, 2011

Chinese New Year Amigurumi Doll Pattern

It's finally here! Stephanie from All About Ami has posted up her Chinese New Year amigurumi doll pattern since many of you were asking for it. It's her first original pattern so give her a round of applause for creating something super kawaii for us!

For those of you in the Bay Area, CA, the Chinese New Year parade in San Francisco will be this Saturday at 5:15pm!

February 14, 2011

Amigurumi Valentine Teddy

Recently, Stephanie from All about Ami made a really cute Chinese New Year amigurumi doll which I posted about last week. Now she's made this cute amigurumi Valentine Teddy to celebrate Valentine's Day! I love seeing her step-by-step process in her detailed photos. Stephanie says the patterns for both dolls will be up soon on her site.

February 11, 2011

Chinese New Year Amigurumi Doll

Stephanie from All About Ami created a special Chinese New Year amigurumi doll to celebrate the Year of the Rabbit. I love how she shows her process from sketches to figuring out all the various pieces along the way. I love the finishing touches she put into the doll, including having her hold the cutest tiny bunny.

December 17, 2010

Book Review + Giveaway: Crease + Fold

Bookheader Creaseandfold

Crease + Fold: Innovative Origami Anyone Can Make by Sok Song is beautifully photographed book filled with great projects. Learn the Origami 101's which includes explanations of the basics - symbols, folds, and various bases, then prepare to dive into creating your first origami. I love that the projects in the book are divided into three sections Small, Medium, and Large. Simple enough right? Make origami animals, jewelry, and ornaments. Each project showcases a glorious color photo of the finished product as well as step by step illustrations and explanations for each fold. I also love that the book goes beyond traditional origami paper and enters into the world of upcycling where you can make a wallet from a subway map. This book is perfect for both kids and adults wanting to step into the world of origami!

Creasefold Interiors

Book Giveaway Time!
Three lucky CRAFT readers will each receive a copy of the book, Crease + Fold. Just tell us why you would like this book in the comments. All comments will be closed by 5pm PST on Monday, December 20, 2010. The lucky winners will be announced later on the site. Good luck!

December 2, 2010

Traditional Arts and Crafts From Around the World

Dr. Carol Ventura, professor of art at Tennessee Technological University, maintains a website that focuses on her research of traditional arts and crafts in The Americas, Africa, Asia, and Europe.

She shares an extensive collection of crafts, each with its own set of process shots of the skilled craftspeople at work, with descriptions of each step beneath the image. Many of the crafts are location-specific: Spanish ceramics from Talavera de la Reina, Chinese cloisonné enameling, Asanti Kente cloth weaving, Japanese katazome stencil dyeing, Balinese horn carving, and Guatemalan glass blowing (pictured above), to name a few.

What stories she must have, from all of her travel and research!

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