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valentine’s day gift for me

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I’ve been looking at this book for a long time. It was originally published in Japan. You may have seen it around the Internet with this cover.

I’ve been trying to cut back on impulse craft book purchases, especially those from Japan (expensive! long delivery times!). When I saw it on amazon in an English version, well it didn’t take long for me to click purchase!

I don’t know what it is about Japanese craft books. Even if I never make a thing from them, I love looking at the beautiful pictures for inspiration. I hope Kazuko Ryokai is planning to translate the second book in this series.

Seriously, this was a better treat than chocolate for Valentine’s Day!

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my creative space

my creative space

In my creative space today, I’m embroidering these sweet flowers onto another twirly skirt. My daughter was so excited when I brought home a second denim skirt, but was bummed that it didn’t have any decoration. I let her choose whatever she wanted out of this adorable Japanese embroidery book: Simple Stitch Life.

my creative space

What’s in your creative space today? Play along over at Kirsty’s place.

details: The embroidery thread came from a garage sale, already wound on bobbins in a filled case. I found the book on eBay. ISBN: 4579111036 / 9784579111039

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i finally bought a craft book from japan

I love looking at photos of Japanese craft books online, but I’ve never really felt compelled to buy one. Then I got sick, slowed on the crafting front and spent way too much time on ebay. (I’m feeling MUCH better, by the way. Thank you for all of the well wishes!)

japanese crochet book

I saw this book and immediately fell in love with the cover. Isn’t that blanket motif beautiful? I got even more excited as I scrolled through the sample pages. Here are some of my favorites. (All photos from the ebay listing.)

japanese crochet book

japanese crochet book

japanese crochet book

Now comes the waiting for shipping from Japan. I’m already impatient!

resource: There are lots of places to buy Japanese craft books online: etsy.com, ebay.com, yesasia.com and amazon.co.jp. The best site I’ve found to track down ISBN numbers is Crafting Japanese. If you’re just interested in browsing, search for “japanese craft book” on flickr for tons of eye candy.