SIESTA by Mai Araki

Mai Araki, Yokohama, Japan Brand: SIESTA Blogs: English - mairuru.blogspot.com Japanese - d.hatena.ne.jp/mairuru Shop: mairuru.etsy.com

I'm a huge huge fan of Mai's. All of her products are hand sewn and it's clear how much love goes into every single piece. I love everything she makes, but I especially love the hanging doll set and her patchwork bookmarks - the teardrop is meant to point to the line where you left off! How sweet is that?

1. What do you call yourself? (e.g., Independent designer, crafter, maker, artist) I don't really refer to myself as anything, maybe a Hand Sewer?

2. What inspires you? How do you get past crafter's block? I see many beautiful things and books in my life. They inspire me. I have collected many pieces of fabric, they inspire me too. I enjoy hand sewing.


3. What tool(s) can't you live without? Needle, Pencil and frying pan.

4. Who is your idol, current craft-crush? littlebirds.etsy.com I was shocked when I saw her site.

5. How long have you been doing this? For more than 20 years. I'm always sewing something, always by hand.


6. Where did you learn your craft? I learned sewing techniques by myself with the help of many books. My mother taught me how to knit. I'm currently learning Hardanger Embroidery from a teacher.

7. Do you do this full-time? If not, what pays the bills? I've just begun selling my works. So now my savings pay the bills.


8. How would you describe your style? Natural and easygoing.