I don’t really consider myself “fashionable,” but, I love books that showcase a fun, colorful aesthetic, with bright, quirky accessories, chunky jewelry, beads and baubles and funny little vases made out of old cans or thrifted items. So, imagine my delight to find a couple of books in the library’s collection that totally fit this model! If you’re looking for something cheerful and fun that will appeal to your inner magpie, then look no further than these delightful reads!
Hello Tokyo: 30+ Handmade Projects and Fun Ideas for a Cute, Tokyo-Inspired Lifestyle (Ebony Bizys)
I try to read this book by Ebony Bizys at least once a year, so it’s a real shock that I haven’t just purchased myself a copy yet! I absolutely adore it! Australian Bizys moved to Tokyo and fell in love with the culture and aesthetic of the area. And now she wants to share a little of the fun with everyone else. From teaching the reader how to take cute pictures (and how to design a custom strap for your camera!) to hosting the cutest parties (with custom decorations, activities, treats, and more), or even packing your own picnic (with custom dishes and blanket) you’ll find so much to enjoy. Bizys’s book really emphasizes the sweetness of every day life, how to look for delightful surprises in decorative wrappers or a brightly-painted door, and how you can create the sweetest little gifts, wrapping papers, and letters to bring a smile to your friends’ day. Every time I read this, I want to move to Tokyo and become her friend!
Oh Joy!: 60 Ways to Create and Give Joy (Joy Cho)
I stumbled upon this book completely by chance while I was looking for Hello Tokyo on the shelf! And this is another delightful book that focuses on bright colors, fun little crafting projects, and ways to interject joy into what can otherwise be a somewhat routine existence. Cho includes all sorts of fun tutorials, such as making a delicious ombre cake, a custom neon sign, confetti cookies, brooches, and more! Learn about the best ways to choose color palettes, decorate your living space, and bring joy to those around you. Did you know that you can combine patterns in a way that doesn’t clash? Or that you can decorate the wrappers for sweet treats to make them even more delicious? Check out Cho’s delightful guide for more ways to bring joy into your life and the lives of those around you.
I know this list is woefully short, but I haven’t found any books quite like these ones “in the wild”. I love that they combine not only projects, but also tips on creating a mood, or a cohesive theme in a way that many other crafting books do not. It’s like crafting meets fashion meets lifestyle…in all the best possible ways!
Happy Reading!
