Handmade in Japan: Japan Focus Etsy

Shipping Deadlines from Japan Post

2011-11-28T22:35:00.001+09:00

hello everyone, I just got an email from Japan Post updating the shipping deadlines for Christmas mail. Here's the link: Japan Post

My main destinations are the US and Australia. I thought it was noteworthy that shipping to Canada closes off earlier.

USA - Airmail - 12/9 or SAL 12/1
Canada - Airmail 12/5 or SAL 12/2

Australia - Airmail 12/14 or SAL 12/2
New Zealand - Airmail 12/12 or SAL 12/7

Also did you know you are able to send Japanese New Year's cards overseas (prepaid nenga-jo from the post office) Just affix an extra 20 yen stamp and write AIRMAIL on it. I did it last year and they all got through, this year Japan Post is promoting it.

How are your year-end sales going? I've had a slow yet steady year in my shop. I'm over the 500 sale mark now. Facebook and my blog continue to be the main sources of traffic. It's been a rough year in so many respects. I had a break after the Tohoku Earthquake even though I wasn't affected directly. I hope everyone in the team is doing OK now.

Happy Holidays : Merry Christmas : Peace and Prosperity for the New Year

Jacqui
Mee a Bee

TOKYO MEET-UP

2011-11-28T08:07:00.001+09:00

Hi everyone,
I recently posted on the Etsy forum about the possibility of meeting up with Tokyo area Etsy makers. If you are in the Tokyo area (or close by), let's get together for coffee. It would be great to meet some like-minded makers here in Tokyo.

I am a jewellery designer but have an interest in all crafts.
In the future, I am keen to organise some sales events for Tokyo area sellers as well as a Tohoku fundraiser. I'm also keen to find some Etsy makers who I can shop from locally too;-)

Looking forward to hearing from you.
Victoria

(bikudesigns)

November special offer at AKJapan

2011-11-01T13:28:00.000+09:00

November is my birthday month, so in celebration I am offering 45% off all items in AKJapan. Just use this coupon code at the checkout: AKB45.

鎌んどいち場　Kamandoichiba

2011-10-11T23:33:00.004+09:00

hello,
i am going to sell my towels and blankets @ Kamandoichiba on 22nd october.
the event will have workshops, foods, music, dance and etc...
hope to see you guys!

place: kaihin park @ yuigahama beach, kamakura
date: october 22nd
time:9am -4pm

Inokashira Koen ART*MRT

2011-10-09T22:04:00.002+09:00

Hi everyone,
I went to Inokashira Park in Kichijoji, Tokyo this afternoon and spent time looking around the ART*MRT market. It's full of interesting handmade jewellery, art, accessories, pottery, glassware etc (not too different from what you can buy on Etsy).

I was wondering if anyone has any information about how to reserve a stall at this market. I heard from one stallholder that you pay around 12,000 yen for the year, but not sure how to go about applying.

Please email at biku_chan@hotmail.com if you have any info.

Thanks very much!

Victoria

アートの畑＠ISETAN

2011-08-04T10:43:00.002+09:00

hi!
hows your summer going?
mine is hot and humid and i hate it!

im having a lazy summer but i am doing a show right now.
アートの畑＠ISETAN

im show casing and selling my embroidery piece, posters, and towels.
If you are in shinjyuku area, please stop by!

夏暑いですね。
海のそばに住んでいますが、日本の夏の湿気がにがてなので引きこもり度がましてます。
でも今新宿ISETANでアートの畑というイベントに参加しています。
いろんなアーティストの方達が参加していて、私もタオル等を販売しています。
来週の月曜日までやっているので是非来て下さい。
私は月曜の午後に会場にいってます。

Looking for guest bloggers

2011-07-26T08:12:00.002+09:00

I am looking for a few bloggers to write a post either as a tutorial or with some tips of the trade for a blog 'festival' for the whole of September. Participants will get 5 days free advertising on the sidebar of my blog plus exposure to lots of potential new customers, always handy on the run up to Christmas!

If you are interested and would like to know more please drop me a line at jojoebi.designs 'at' gmail 'dot' com

Japan Quake appeal

2011-03-12T15:23:00.000+09:00

I hope everyone is safe and that they have managed to contact loved ones.
I am organising a fund raising auction and raffle, it would be great if you could get involved one way or another, all the details are on my blog HERE.

stay safe,

jo

Kawaii goods from Etsy Japan Team

2011-02-05T21:44:00.143+09:00

There are plenty of Kawaii goods in the shops of Etsy Japan team.
These are very few from them, though.
Click on the photos to go to the shop!

Small space.

2011-01-29T16:40:00.003+09:00

Out of a general curiosity, how do people on the Japan team deal with small (studio) spaces?

Post a comment or link me to images of your studio, please.

Stripey Stripes - paintings, prints and other things

2011-01-15T14:31:00.001+09:00

Just looking around at stripes.

@ ykaihori


@ Japonpon

Rings From hirogems Art Jewelry

2011-01-12T17:38:00.005+09:00

Hi, I am hiro from Hokkaido , northern part of Japan.
It has been so freezing here and we are having a lot of snow now.

I wanted to place rings from hirogems Art Jewelry

I hope you all are having good days of new year!

Japanese winter

2011-01-10T14:04:00.000+09:00

A selection of winter and cold weather themed items from member shops on ETSY.


@ pleiades studio


@ mee a bee


@ Nanban ceramics


@ etcetal


@ monstermeng


@ K&Kchalkdesigns


@ studio yoshida


@ Lady Konnyaku

@ Zen Brush

@ momohanaKobo

@ Miyoko Yoshida

Happy New Year minnasan!!

Etsy Avatar

2011-01-03T17:45:00.005+09:00

Happy New Year, everyone!

I grew up playing Hanafuda (in Hawaii, we call the game "Sakura Cards") and thought that it would be neat to incorporate this theme into our first Etsy Avatar. I spent some time practicing my photoshop skills and came up with this. What do you think?

Xoxo,

Malia aka Lady Konnyaku

New members to the Japan team.

2010-12-10T07:37:00.001+09:00

I would like to welcome 3 new members to the team.
I hope to see them take part in the discussions.
Dave

http://www.etsy.com/people/CraftyJapan

http://www.etsy.com/people/zakkamate

http://www.etsy.com/people/jdpottery75

Japan team podcasts.

2010-11-23T07:50:00.002+09:00

I have just posted this on the Etsy Japan team discussion page.

I would like to do podcast interviews with Japan team members.

My interests are as follows.
You.
Your work.
Your marketing. This will include questions about Etsy.
Your thoughts on the Japan team.

I am hoping to do the podcasts on Monday mornings from 8:00 am my time, Japan time. That is 6:00 pm. Sunday, New York time. It is possible to do them Thursday, 8:00 am Japan time, 6:00 pm. Wednesday New York time. Later I may try to make a slot that is a more humane time for the Japanese based sellers on the team.

The format will be I will call you and record the conversation. The recording will be the podcast. I will call via Skype. You don't need Skype but I do prefer a land line, not a cellular phone. Cell phones are very expensive to call. I do as little editing as possible to the recording. I usually try to keep each podcast to about 30 minutes.

I seem to get a consistent stream of downloads for the podcasts I have done in the past so it is a great way to give your shop some exposure.

If I can get anyone interested please leave a comment and I will contact you.
Thank you,
Dave

PataPri @ colors

2010-11-14T07:59:00.003+09:00

Hi,
Im part of the show "colors" in daikanyama, tokyo.
If you are in the area, please stop by!

you guys probably already know, but
we wont be able to ship anything by air mail, weight more than 16oz (453g) to the USA due to recent terrorist attack attempt...
you can find more detail info here, but its in japanese.
its starting nov 17th.

New work from AKjapan

2010-11-11T15:46:00.000+09:00

Here is the latest item in AKjapan on Etsy
This is a series of small monotypes on washi using Japanese watercolors.
Don't forget you can like AKjapan on Facebook too.

Japan team thoughts.

2010-11-04T09:35:00.004+09:00

I have posted a short discussion opener on the new Japan team site on Etsy. If anyone has the time to give their opinion please see http://www.etsy.com/teams/5024/etsy-japan/discuss/6673319/
Etsy Japan team members or not, please take a look. You have to be logged in to Etsy it seems. The link will take you to a login page.
Dave

Introducing Pleiades Studio

2010-10-27T16:38:00.000+09:00

Fantastic artist Itsuko from Garden of Spirits has opened a shop on Etsy to make available her wonderful landscapes in oil pastels.

Nara Craft

2010-10-17T06:56:00.001+09:00

I went to Nara Craft to help my wife set up. While there I saw Inoue Tomoki. I invited him to try out Etsy. It will be interesting to see if he follows through and joins. His work is both interesting and very reasonably priced.

New Japanese members

2010-09-28T07:41:00.004+09:00

I spend the months of September-December and March- July selling ceramics at different arts and crafts shows all over Japan. I mostly attend juried shows, occasionally non-juried shows. I just came back from the Hamanako Arts and Crafts show in Hamanako. The level of quality of the people showing is consistently high and the variety of items is impressive. Everytime I go I have thought about how it would be possible to get these people connected with Etsy. Here is an idea. What if I was able to introduce interested parties at the shows to Etsy through a simple, one page handout on what Etsy is. The idea part is this. Most of the barrier centers around English. The exhibitors are nervous about what it takes to get involved and how to go about it. There is a lot of talent and experience on this blog and among the readers of this blog. It would be great if on the handout there was a system for the interested person to contact me and then I could refer them to a "mentor" that could then help them through the first steps of setting up an Etsy shop, Paypal shop, etc. I am not envisioning a free, open ended translation service but a helping first, second and possibly third hand. Any thoughts on this?
Dave

Autumn Art from Japan

2010-09-24T10:47:00.002+09:00

Autumn Art from Japan

Harvest Time by CaterpillarandColtd

Autumn Leaves by AKJapan

Tangled Branches by Chanabean

Things that fall from trees by dosankodebbie

Sand art Mandala on Etsy

Abstraction sept 14 by Hiroshi Matsumoto

As Evening Falls in JAPAN

2010-09-04T13:37:00.001+09:00

Just heard about this treasury featuring a fair amount of teamsters. You can see it here.:

The blue is wonderful!

JAPAN TEAMSTERS, a treasury.

2010-09-04T13:25:00.003+09:00

Collected these few items from Japan teamsters in a treasury called MADE OR FOUND IN JAPAN.

Enjoy,
http://etaletc.etsy.com

P.S. They don't quite appear in the order above, so do click through!!

Washi and silver pendants from Claire Ishino

2010-07-20T10:58:00.000+09:00

Native of Adelaide, South Australia, Claire Ishino spent many years in Japan where her jewellery making was influenced by the rich visual culture of her surroundings. Now back in Adelaide, she continues to make unique pendants and accessories.

Colorful fabric pouches from Tokyo

2010-07-19T10:53:00.000+09:00

Tokyo Pear's shop is bursting with colour. The pouches are made from vintage kimono fabrics and custom orders are taken.

New Etsy Japan thread in International Forum

2010-07-18T16:34:00.001+09:00

Members note! There is now a Japan Etsy thread in the new International Forum. You can post ideas or talk about Japan Etsy related themes there. You can find it HERE.

regards
AKjapan

Fine silver jewellery from Japan

2010-07-18T10:48:00.000+09:00

Mieko of Shizendesigns is a native of Tokyo who moved to the US as a student in 1992 and has been there since. Her sterling silver accessories are based on natural forms and Japanese calligraphy.

Summer dresses from Tokyo

2010-07-17T10:43:00.001+09:00

Very Purple Person has some light and colorful summer dresses. She ships worldwide from her studio in Tokyo.

Summer illustrations from Blue Bonbon

2010-07-16T10:40:00.000+09:00

Blue Bonbon has some very cute postcards with summery themes. Send them to your friends!

Handstitched and embroidered ornamental baby shoes

2010-07-15T10:33:00.001+09:00

Amujpn has the cutest ornamental baby shoes for gifts. "Baby shoes are one of the symbols of happiness, and are suitable for "celebration for newborn babies", "bridal gifts" and "presents for bridesmaids as a token of brides' appreciation.""

New paintings at Stripey

2010-07-15T10:33:00.000+09:00

Take a look at some of the bright stripes in paintings and fabrics at Stripey.

New Treasury East collection

2010-05-20T16:31:00.000+09:00

A new Treasury East for the Japan Team includes 20 fresh items. Leave your comments and clicks.

Japan Team in The Storque

2010-05-14T13:03:00.000+09:00

Read about Japan Team in The Storque, Etsy's blog.

PataPri

2010-04-22T17:16:00.002+09:00

PataPri by Yoko Uemura stocks screen-printed hand towels with bold and colorful designs. If you are in Yokosuka this weekend, PataPri will be at Umiyama bazaar at cafe earthen place in akiya, Yokosuka.

Earthen Place Cafe
http://www.earthen-place.jp/index.html

when April 25 sunday
where 〒２４０－０１０５神奈川県横須賀市秋谷１６５３－１３

Hand painted calico from Japonpon

2010-04-13T20:02:00.004+09:00

Japonpon is adding hand-painted and studio printed fabrics from April 2010. All original designs by Andrea Kobayashi. Take a look!

Japan Local Treasury

2010-04-08T17:25:00.001+09:00

The latest Team treasury can be seen here.

Suna-e or sand pictures

2010-03-26T10:35:00.003+09:00

New member Nobuaki has wonderful sand mandalas in his shop sandarts

Japan Focus Etsyian on Etsy's front page!

2010-02-19T10:47:00.002+09:00

This is Wonderful Willy Whale by else seven, and he featured on the front page of Etsy this morning. Woohoo! Talk about stoked. Let's hope Willy can draw more attention to all the fab Japan Focus Etsyians. else seven has re-opened, and I am currently loading up a mix of vintage and handmade items as well as some supplies. Go Team Japan!

Japanese Inspired Fashion from Lady Konnyaku Clothing

2010-02-03T08:09:00.009+09:00

Hi team! I'm excited to be one of the newest members of Japan Focus Etsy! My name is Malia and I am a fashion designer who currently lives in the chilly city of Seattle, Washington. My clothing line is called Lady Konnyaku** and my designs are heavily influenced by Japanese street fashion and Mod styles from the 1960s. All items are made by me from start to finish. I use vintage fabrics found at estate sales to make new items with a focus on creative design and high quality production. My goal for the future is to have a small workshop in Japan where I can meet with and sell my items exclusively to Japanese fashion lovers!

I will be posting Japanese fashion related information here from time to time, including some of my newly completed projects. J-fashion is so dreamy!!

It is very nice to meet all of you!

Very Truly Yours,

Malia AKA Lady Konnyaku

**Note: Yummy, I especially love konnyaku in おでん!!

Watches from Osaka

2010-01-13T20:29:00.003+09:00

Osaka Tokei is a new seller to Etsy who can personalise watches from your own designs or photographs. Tick Tock!

Sending small parcels from Japan. SAL便 and CN22

2010-01-08T10:46:00.007+09:00

SAL or economy air (sarubin/SAL便) is a cheaper alternative to airmail if you are posting heavier items up to 5kg. It combines surface delivery and airmail making it slower than airmail but also cheaper.

Here is a list of rates (inEnglish) from the JP site:
http://www.post.japanpost.jp/english/fee/intel/sal.html

For parcels that weigh 2kg or less, don't forget that the SMALL PACKET rate (小包） will be considerably cheaper than INTERNATIONAL PARCEL or EMS and can be sent either airmail or SAL. If you are sending something as a small packet, you'll need to fill out a 'green label' or CN22 customs declaration. This declaration is included in the address labels of International Parcel or EMS. I have found that some post offices don't mention small packet as a postal option and will send everything by international rate, which costs a lot more.

Small packets have quite strict size limits:
http://www.post.japanpost.jp/int/service/small_packing_en.html

Small packets can be registered for an extra 410 yen. Using the small packet rate with registration and airmail will reach most destinations at about the same time as EMS. There is no track-and-trace, but it will have a number and be a signed delivery.
http://www.post.japanpost.jp/int/service/option/registered_en.html

Happy packing and posting in 2010!

Crochet and Jewelry from Japan Team

2010-01-04T17:56:00.002+09:00

Chimachima from Fukuoka have some crochetted tank tops in bright colours ready for your summer wardrobe.

Red Fenyx Jewels makes really fun pendants and rings from Japanese papers and resin. Presently located in Italy, Red Fenyx will relocate to Japan this year.

Crafty Tokyo Mama

2009-12-30T20:34:00.002+09:00

Crafty Tokyo Mama sells a range of market totes that combine with Japanese-style folding to become super-small and portable when not in use. She also has a range of other bags and pouches and everything is sent from Tokyo with colourful stamps as postage.

Updated Terms of Use on Etsy

2009-11-26T10:52:00.003+09:00

I would like to draw the attention of members to the updated Terms of Use and Do's and Dont's of Etsy. In particular I would like to draw attention to the updated Don't as it relates to outbound links that you place in your Etsy shop, either in the shop announcement or in your profile:

"You may not use Etsy to direct shoppers to another online selling venue to purchase the same items as listed in your Etsy shop, as this may constitute fee avoidance. This includes posting links/URLs or providing information sufficient to locate the other online venue(s)."

For example, you might have a link to your blog in your Etsy shop, and from your blog there might be navigation buttons or hot-links to your commercial website, or other online venues, where you sell the same items as in your ETSY shop. This is now a Don't.

厳しいね！！

I have highlighted the last sentence in bold, as this part represents a significant change from the previous terms of use. Note that it refers to other sites that contain only the same items as those which you might have on Etsy. If you have different items in different venues, then it is OK to put such out-bound links in your shop.

I have noticed many team members have out-bound links to other venues in their shop announcement. Please be careful and discreet in which links you include in your Etsy shop.

よろしくお願いします,
Andrea

New members of Etsy Japan Team

2009-11-02T11:45:00.002+09:00

Welcome to Benjamin Gufford who is creating wonderful Raku style ceramics at his studio in Greensboro, NC (USA).

Welcome also to Feltcafe who sells a wide variety of Japanese craft supplies and mooks (magazine books).

New Team Members

2009-10-05T16:00:00.001+09:00

Oboro designs have recently moved to Canada, but their designs remain Japanese in influence. I love these earrings called Tanabata, my favourite of the Japanese traditional festivals.

bikudesigns event

2009-09-29T20:09:00.002+09:00

Hi everyone,
I would like to invite you all to a sale I'm having in November in Tokyo. I would LOVE to meet some fellow Etsians here in Japan face to face, so I would love it if you can manage to come along.

Details:

bikudesigns jewellery and greeting card sale
Saturday 7th November 2009
11.00am-6.00pm
Addis Restaurant and Cafe
Toritsu Daigaku
Meguro-ku
Tokyo

Hope to see you there:)

If you are coming along, why not let me know via my Facebook fanpage.

New Team Members and Friends!

2009-09-23T12:52:00.002+09:00

Welcome to Japan Team some new friends currently residing outside Japan. Take a look at their shops and enjoy their wonderful goods.

Naoko has some wonderful jewellery and recently won a prize for her work.

Popular quilter Inci has been to Japan many times and has excellent Japanese patchwork and zakka goods in her shop.

At Richerground you can find some wonderfully atmospheric paintings.

Originally from Tokyo, Crystalblue07 is now selling her elegant jewellery from her new home in the USA.

New member

2009-09-09T08:47:00.002+09:00

Hajimemashite to Naomi of JaplishDelights, the newest member of Japan Team. Take time to look at her shop and read about her special opening offer in her shop announcement. よろしくお願いします！

New members

2009-08-31T13:04:00.002+09:00

Hajimemashite!

Welcome to two new members of the Japan Team.

Mayuko Fujino has prints and originals of her Planet Platonic now available on Etsy.

Elyse from elseseven has recently moved to Tokyo and is now making and selling bags and purses made from remnants and vintage fabrics.

New treasury

2009-08-29T04:36:00.000+09:00

Have a look see.
http://www.etsy.com/treasury_list.php?room_id=78727

Treasury for team members

2009-08-15T11:02:00.002+09:00

http://www.etsy.com/treasury_list.php?room_id=76436

Visa renewal from 2010 requires enrollment in Japan's health insurance program

2009-08-13T21:22:00.004+09:00

This is non-etsy related but I thought it might be useful information for non-Japanese living in Japan.

"According to a new immigration law passed by the Diet earlier this month, foreign residents will be required to show proof of enrollment in Japan's health insurance program in order to renew or apply for a visa after April 1, 2010."

The above quote is from Japan Times. Read more on it in this Japan Times Article.

Just got on the social network horse

2009-08-10T07:31:00.004+09:00

Thanks Victoria for thinking of this, I have only just started getting into this, what put me off for so long was the thought of it sucking up what precious little free time I have, I have been fairly restrained so far...

Blog: http://jojoebi.blogspot.com/
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/A-Bit-Of-This-And-A-Bit-Of-That/103945557718
Twitter: http://twitter.com/jojoebi
Flickr: http://www.flickr.com/photos/jojoebi/
Etsy: http://jojoebi.etsy.com

Mee a Bee loves social networking too

2009-08-09T17:26:00.004+09:00

Thanks for bringing up this idea Victoria. I've been doing a lot more social networking too. My blog continues to be my mainstay but Facebook and Twitter are moving to the forefront as well.

Any of our team members who are uncertain what each of these mediums has to offer should read this article. It explains "Word of Mouth Marketing" very succinctly. WOM Marketing (PDF)

Here are my links:

Blog: http://www.bloomingnihon.blogspot.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/meeabee
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/meeabee
Flickr: http://www.flickr.com/photos/meeabee
My website: http://www.meeabee.com
Etsy: http://meeabee.etsy.com

and coming soon: http://www.trifleshoppe.com a new initiative focusing on design for children.

Make sure you have set up Google analytics for your Etsy store so you can track which of these links directs the most traffic to your site. Visit the Storque for more info.

Social Networking

2009-08-09T11:22:00.003+09:00

Hi all,

I've been busy over the last 6 months or so setting up a blog, a Facebook fan page, a Flickr account as well as tweeting on Twitter.
I would love to follow Japan Team members' updates more regularly so I thought it would be great if we could network within our team. Drop your details as a comment below and I will try and find you!

Blog: http://www.bikudesigns.blogspot.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/bikudesigns
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/bikudesigns
http://www.facebook.com/bikudesigns
Flickr: bikudesigns

Hope to hear from you all soon,
Victoria

http;//www.bikudesigns.etsy.com

Summer selection.

2009-08-07T13:48:00.003+09:00

Here are a few summery items from Japan Team Etsy members' shops.

AMYK has tadpoles!

These peridot earrings from Yoko Jewelry will make a summery statement.

Jojoebi's sock monkey is looking relaxed with a blue hawaiian.

This goldfish bag from Tago Designs would look great with your yukata or sun dress.

Sale at AKJapan

2009-08-06T08:20:00.001+09:00

Until midnight on the 8th of August, many of my small works on paper have been reduced to $8.00! Drop by and get some fresh work for your walls.

New art from Japan on Etsy

2009-07-28T10:30:00.003+09:00

Here are 3 new ink and watercolour paintings in my works on paper shop.

The latest of Hiroshi Matsumoto's wonderful daily paintings

A charming and whimsical acrylic from caterpillarandco.

Eurphorianchicstudio is offering free shipping on this wonderful poppy diptych.

Chanabean has some exciting new art cards.

Treasury of Japan-based Etsy shops

2009-06-26T22:42:00.008+09:00

Thanks to heartsabustin for putting this treasury together of Artists in Japan.

Sellers included are:

meeabee
AKjapan
caterpillarcoltd
GalleryJuana
KawaiiPostcard
vintagefromjapan
eastsidejewels
Tomoko
KawaiiLovelyFabrics
hiroshimatsumoto
chanabean
tagodesign

New members in Etsy Japan Team.

2009-06-17T14:40:00.003+09:00

Welcome to Yumi of Katoo and Yuki of barefootshepherdess.

At Katoo you can find interesting bags and pouches of excellent design. I really like the persimmon pouch with three zippers. (please note, Katoo is on vacation until July)

The barefootshepherdess dyes fibres and yarns ready for knitting or felting. Yuki is using natural plant dyes to achieve beautiful colours.

This yarn is silk and wool dyed with safflower petals.

Please look at their shops and blogs and welcome these new Etsians.

Lena Sekine - new member

2009-06-10T16:50:00.002+09:00

Lena Sekine lives in California, having moved to the States from Japan when just one year old. Her designs are very fresh and charming. "My inspiration naturally comes from my Japanese background, and also I use materials like Japanese vintage parts and pieces, Miyuki beads from Japan, and also Yuzen/washi paper to create my adornments."

New member - Tokyo Pear

2009-05-31T09:31:00.002+09:00

Welcome to new Japan Team member Tokyo Pear who makes charming letterpress cards and bags and pouches from recycled kimono fabric. See her Etsy shop here.

New team members

2009-05-25T13:47:00.002+09:00

Here are the newest team members for Japan Focus Etsy.

Riki Inukai at RikiCraft is making some fabulous silver jewelry. She is based in Takarazuka.

Natsuo Ikegami is the good friend and sometime collaborator of Hiroshi Matsumoto. You can see her fabulous ACEOs and prints in her shop Chanabean

Kyata-chan in Chiba has some cute paintings and fab hand-painted totes in her shop caterpillarcoltd.

Take the time to check out their shops.
Ja mata!

In the shops.

2009-05-12T08:42:00.002+09:00

Here are some the excellent things you can see in Japan Team members shops at the moment.

Tommie at Happie Stamps has many charming designs for her handmade stamps.

Juana at GalleryJuana has many beautiful ACEO's in her shop.

Yuuco at BlueBonbon has some new postcard designs.

McKibillo also has some great postcards in his shop.

Go Japan on Etsy!!!!

New members in Etsy Japan Team.

2009-05-03T20:45:00.003+09:00

Here are some new members and their shops.

Photobotic makes hair accessories with an 80's influence.

Hiroshi Matsumoto is a very talented artist whose paintings and prints are now available on Etsy.

Hoshika, in New York City, is making kiri-e and greeting cards with her original pictures.

Etsy Treasury featuring Gallery Juana and AKJapan

2009-04-27T23:12:00.003+09:00

Podcast

2009-04-19T07:35:00.003+09:00

I have just posted a podcast. If you like have a listen. The link to listen on line or to download is
http://www.gcast.com/u/togeii2000/main.xml
I am very interested in starting a podcast focusing on Etsy. If anyone has ideas on sections for it please leave comments.
Thank you,
Dave

Adding an Etsy Mini

2009-04-12T16:28:00.002+09:00

If any members would like to add an Etsymini I will put it in to the blog. Please get the code ready and send it to me with an obvious start stop format. For example, start cut here (code) end cut here. Of course leave out the parenthesis. It would be better to send it to my Etsy address as I don't check the blog email everyday.
Dave

Bird drawings from AKJapan

2009-04-10T18:32:00.005+09:00

I have a flock of new bird paintings in the shop. They are painted on 8" x 10" (20cms x 30cms) pieces of hand-torn washi with ink and watercolour. And I have a spring special. Every order receives a free mystery drawing, an extra piece for your walls at not extra cost! Check it out!

New listings from Japan Team members.

2009-04-09T14:08:00.002+09:00

Kalla has listed a groovy green striped bag in her shop.

Misssapporo has cabochon devils amongst her many supplies!

Hirogems also has cabochons from Hokkaido! This one is in smoky quartz.

Meeabee has a notebook cozy at a special price. Love those drumming bears!

Beadedweeds has some fun accessories for summer.

And while I'm promoting, don't forget to take a look at my newest paintings and my new supplies shop.

Cheers,
Andrea.

Welcome to tidabeads

2009-03-27T09:44:00.003+09:00

The Japan Team has a new member in Tokyo; tidabeads.

Here's how Kayo describes her shop:

"Here is a place to show my creativity and beautiful Japanese culture.
Most of my works are made by Kimono Fabrics. Some of them are vintage. It shows us fabulous texture and color. I don't see many Japanese who wear Kimono anymore in our daily life, but I wondered how come we are not showing its beauty to the world. We accept western culture, and I like it, but Japanese culture should be expanded more and more."

Check out her wonderful accessories and see how she is using fabric as jewellery.

bikudesigns giveaway

2009-03-21T12:07:00.002+09:00

Hi Japan Team,

Just to let you know that I am hosting my first blog giveaway starting today, Saturday 21st March until Monday 6th April.

You can check out the rules here.

Good luck!

New Treasury!! Japanese Handmade 101

2009-03-16T15:19:00.006+09:00

Japanese Art Scene Monitor March 2009

2009-03-14T13:29:00.002+09:00

The March edition of JASM is out now with news of the Tokyo Art Fair to be held next month, JAPANTEX interior design trade show, to be held later this year, as well as other opportunities and news for artists and designers. Check it out!

Welcome to some new members.

2009-03-11T09:33:00.005+09:00

Some new members based in Tokyo have joined the Etsy Japan team recently.

Cresusartisanat is a knitter, crocheter and rug-maker with an atelier in Edogawa-ku. Her recycled materials 'shikaku rug' was featured in a Storque article recently. Isn't it wild!

Junkhousedollyard makes very directional women's clothing with edge. It's great to see strong, fresh clothing design on Etsy.

Rubens Kinjo is a Brazilian artist/illustrator who lives in Saitama but is very active in Tokyo with his sketchbook and camera. He is planning to introduce a new line of work in his Etsy shop this year.

Feel like doing some drawing??

2009-02-28T19:44:00.003+09:00

Implexus posted the following in the Business forum:

We are doing a traveling sketchbook called Nomadic Portfolio. We have 9 artists from around the world and are looking for 1 more artist (preferably located in somewhere Asia) to be a part of it. Each artist will keep the book for one week, then send it on to the next person. This is just for fun. Ive never done a collaboration before, so Im super excited about it. So if anyone is interested in being a part of this project with us, please check out the Nomadic Portfolio blog and let us know.
http://thenomadicportfolio.blogspot.com/

If you've got a pencil in hand, why not check out this project. The instructions are at the bottom of the page:

http://thescribbleproject.blogspot.com

cheers,
Andrea

Welcome to Washi Urushi

2009-02-22T19:29:00.002+09:00

Well, it took me the better part of a year to cajole my best friend Masaki (AKA Max) into the merits of setting up an etsy site for his artwork.

I struggled with the etsy staff because they did not want to allow me to do this. But after seeing other stores doing the exact same kind of thing (i.e. one person makes the art, another makes the store) I decided to just do it.

Finally today I got the store up and running, and listed nine of their pieces of art. They have hundreds, and pretty much do everything on a custom order basis, but I convinced them to lend me some cheaper, and medium-priced pieces of their art to start with.

Please feel free to visit and link to "WashiUrushi" on Etsy, or maybe you can copy and paste this link: http://www.washiurushi.etsy.com.

If you have any suggestions as to where I might be able to get their site a "shout out", or any other advice, please do let me know! Thanks for your support.

I love you!

CamSwitzer

Review of Demonchaux on Etsy shops Directory

2009-02-06T12:02:00.003+09:00

I reviewed a toy car I bought at Demonchaux, an Etsian located in the Japanese Alps.
Read and click through to his lovely shop!
mata ne
Andrea

Congratulations Blue bonbon!

2009-02-05T18:44:00.003+09:00

Today Yuuco of Blue bonbon was mentioned on the big lifestyle blog Decor8! It's a big deal since this blog has a huge international readership. Blue bonbon is an Etsy seller based here in Japan. Woohoo! Congratulations Yuuco!

Teefury and tee-shirt design competition

2009-02-03T11:25:00.005+09:00

Do you know the site TeeFury ? It lists a new tee-shirt every day which is available for only 24 hours. Most of the artists are invited but submissions are accepted.

"TeeFury artists are usually invited to participate in the daily FURY. But fear not! If you have the chops, drop us an email for consideration at: art @ teefury.com. Make sure to include a portfolio of some sort, be it website, flikr, anything that shows a number of your designs, or we probably won't consider your request."

This month the Tokyo based design company Graniph is holding a tee-shirt design competition. The Gold Prize is 1,000,000 yen. Where did I find this out? On JASM the monthly Japanese art and design round-up published online by the Australian Embassy. Check it out!

By the way, I am having a studio clearance sale in my shop for all of February and March in order to make space for some new projects in the Spring. Drop by and take a look.

ja mata
Andrea

One World One Heart

2009-01-21T16:00:00.003+09:00

I wanted to let you know about a big give-away that is happening in the blog world right now.

Artists all round the world are offering something to give on their own blogs and there is a compiled list of the participants in the side bar of the blog here.

There is still time to join, or you can hop from one blog to the next and just sign up and hope to win something, there are over 300 people offering prizes so far.

For those with blogs this is a great way to increase traffic and make new friends, I have joined the fun, you can enter by leaving a comment on this post

If you want to join in, read all the rules first on the One World One Heart page.

an Introduction

2009-01-21T15:46:00.004+09:00

Hi,

I am Jo and still quite new to Etsy.

A bit of background, I am a Brit, married to a Japanese chap and I have been in Japan for 9.5 years and before that I worked and travelled quite a bit.

I opened a shop last September with a hope that I can earn money and stay at home with my son without going back to teaching English.

I have always been a crafty gal and currently rubber stamp carving along with sewing seems to be my thing. I am still trying to figure out what sells well on Etsy which also fits well with my life-style. It is like some strange manic balancing act and as Etsy is supposed to be a way for me to make money I feel that I have to think as a business woman not as an artist and that is not an easy thing to do.

If you are interested and want to read my waffle I have a blog here.

It is lovely to find some fellow Etsians in Japan and thank you to Meeabee for getting in touch, I hope 2009 is a fab year for all of us.

We Love ETSY - new group.

2009-01-21T13:30:00.004+09:00

Do you use We Love Etsy? It is an off-Etsy social networking site and shop directory for Etsians. I have started a new group there to link with this blog. It's a genki site that it easy to navigate and more visually appealing than the Etsy fora. Check it out!
cheers,
Andrea

My most recent listing on AKJapan.

Etsy Wants to Hear from International Sellers

2009-01-16T14:35:00.003+09:00

I got this email today from etsy and am posting it here. There is a Storque article and a survey that is asking for feedback from International sellers.

The letter from etsy:

January 15, 2008

We at Etsy are reaching out to members of international-based Etsy Teams to get feedback on the seller experience from people who live outside the U.S. If you would like to participate, please click on the link below to take the Etsy International Seller Survey. It is completely voluntary!

Please Click Here to take survey .

If a fellow seller has already sent you a link to this survey or if you found it in the Storque on your own, then thank you in advance! The survey should take about 5-6 minutes to complete and will be available through Friday, January 23, 2009. Once we've had a chance to compile the data we'll be sure to post the highlights in the Storque.

We very much value your time and input.

Have a great day!

bikudesigns

2009-01-10T17:42:00.006+09:00

My name is Victoria Close and I have been selling on Etsy for a couple of months and shopping for a few months longer. I live in Meguro-ku in Tokyo and have been in Japan for almost 12 years (give or take a few months). I'm originally from the UK.

I started on Etsy with my range of graphic greeting cards and have now begun to add some jewellery (British spelling!) to my shop. Not many sales yet but I have been working hard on promoting my work through my blog, the Etsy forums, Entrecard, Flickr and Twitter. It's really hard to manage all that and hold down a full time job too!

If you have a minute, please have a look at my blog http://bikudesigns.blogspot.com. It would be great to have some comments from people in Japan.

In the near future I will be setting up a feature for Japanese creators on my blog each week. I intend to select items from shops that best illustrate what Japan means to me. If you would like your shop items to be featured, please leave a comment on my latest blog post and I will let you know when your turn is coming up.

Looking forward to hearing from you all:-)

bikudesigns blog
Find me on Twitter
Here I am on Flickr
My Esty shop

Happy New Year

2009-01-01T12:39:00.001+09:00

Hi Etsy Japan Team!
Happy New Year to you all.
I wish us all a happy, healthy and prosperous year.

Creators Bank - Japanese online portfolio

2008-12-19T13:10:00.004+09:00

Creators Bank is an online portfolio sharing site a little similar to Deviant Art but in Japanese. It is fairly easy to navigate and to set up a free account if your Japanese isn't great (heh, I did it!). You can link it to your blog and website and organise your work into folders. It accepts video and sound as well as still images.　You can see my page here.

While I'm here I'll show you a new picture of the origami squares in my shop. I've been working on more engaging photography.

Have a good weekend,
Andrea

Help with Selling for Japanese Etsians

2008-12-14T08:30:00.003+09:00

A few days ago I had an email from a good friend of mine, Ruth, who lives in Yokohama. She is offering her proofreading and editing skills, on a volunteer basis, to non-native English speaking Etsy sellers from Japan.

Ruth is a big fan of Etsy and is looking forward to seeing it grow. She sees a lot of potential for Japanese crafters and artists. She works as an editor in Japan so has the necessary experience. Ruth is a long-term resident of Japan and is used to dealing with second language speakers. It's a fantastic and generous offer. Thank you Ruth!

If you would like to contact Ruth please visit Etsy and send a conversation to kentomom

Konnichiwa from Euphorianchicstudio

2008-12-09T10:19:00.004+09:00

I received a convo recently from Yoshika of euphorianchicstudio.

"My name is Yoshika, I am a Japanese artist who is based in NJ, US. I found Japan Etsy team and I thought I would stop by and say hello. I understand that this team is for etsy seller based in Japan, so I don't really have to be included. But, I also want to promote Japanese culture through etsy community as well. So, I thought it would be nice if I could relate to your team somehow."

Yoshika makes some really great relief paintings as well as beaded charms. Check out her shop!

Team tag

2008-12-08T09:54:00.002+09:00

I propose that team members should make use of the tag 'japan team' when adding tags to their listings. In this way, if someone is making a treasury or easily wants to find Japanese based sellers, they can search for items using this tag.

Moving Sale at AKJapan

2008-12-03T09:04:00.003+09:00

I will be moving house at the end of this month. Assuming I'm not dumped in an 'obasteyama' come old age and decrepitude, this will hopefully be my last ever house move, hooray!!! I will also be moving from a large studio to a small one, so I am having a shop sale. I will be offering 20% off the list price of original paintings, drawings and prints. (excludes paper goods and fabric). Convo for adjusted listing from now until December 20th.

Cheers,
Andrea

An "Interesting" Situation

2008-11-30T23:20:00.007+09:00

I hope you folks don't mind me posting something like this... I would just like to share with you a situation that has come up regarding Etsy, that has me a bit ... baffled and frustrated I guess. I am wondering if anyone else over here has run into a similar situation.

There are many great Japanese artists and craftspersons that I am sure we all know and would love to have them showcase their goods on Etsy. A lot of what we take for granted here could very well be popular items overseas. I have friends who make special lacquerware that would do very well on Etsy because it is beautiful, natural, original, and from my local area. I have another friend who is a carpenter and makes amazing furniture, and things that would probably do well once in a while. And, I have my best friend, Masaki Yoshita who, along with his family, makes THE MOST AMAZING washi artwork that I have ever seen (and collected) over the decade plus I have known the family.

If you are interested, you can see many photos I have taken over the years of Yoshitas' family work on my Flickr account.

I have been trying for years to find venues to showcase their work. Finally, now that I have come upon Etsy, it really seems like the perfect way to open a storefront for my best friend.

The problem is that none of the family members speak English. They don't have an internet connection, and are verrrry analogue (as some artists tend to be). So, they need ME to do the non-Japanese stuff. And I am more than happy to do it because it is gorgeous. In the past I have sold some of their work to a few people overseas, given some as wedding gifts, Christmas gifts and so forth. But I really want them to have a store.

Well, I contacted Etsy and asked them about this, and they said flatly NO, that I could not do this to help them because I was not the artist. I explained the situation in detail, but they came back with the "rules are rules" reply and a hollow apology. This is very frustrating to me because I know that people would love to see this work, and even if only a few pieces were purchased, it would be a great opportunity to get the word out to the art world on Etsy about the Yoshitas' work. (For your info, in my photos I write Yoshida, but although that is the common way, they pronounce it with a T, not a D, so I write YoshiTa here today, to be true to their name).

I spent most of the day yesterday visiting Masaki and talking to him about this, getting him all excited, and even got to the point where I told him I would help him set it all up and make it really easy for him. Then of course he came back with the shocker: "I don't have a credit card and we don't intend to ever own one."

So...

Well...

That pretty much kills that attempt to help bring their amazing art to the outside world.

That aside... I write today to share this experience with you because ... well, that's what blogs are all about, right? We share, we talk, we discuss things that go on. I hope that you don't mind this kind of writing here.

Has anyone else run into a similar kind of situation when trying to help friends in Japan with starting up a shop on Etsy? Has anyone asked and been rejected? Was I naiive for enquiring? Care to share your stories with us? I am curious.

I checked the rules and regulations, but unfortunately, even though a "cooperative" seems like it might work, Etsy said "no, sorry.".

That's ife, I guess. Have a great evening.

Cameron
(camswitzer.etsy.com)

New Treasury!! Zen for Men

2008-11-28T16:18:00.006+09:00

Check it out here!

(sorry guys I don't know how to do a screenshot :( )

** don't worry I do! thanks Andrea
Jacqui at Mee a Bee

Spruce Up?

2008-11-27T14:17:00.001+09:00

Hi team, the blog looks a little plain for such a dynamic group of artists. Anyone up for jazzing it up a bit? I added my etsy mini on the side, why don't you too? We could do with a new banner!

How to shop on ETSY - 日本語の説明

2008-11-26T08:52:00.005+09:00

Ayumi, a soap maker based in San Jose, California, keeps a blog on her soap making and she has a very good explanation of how to shop on ETSY in Japanese. Maybe some of your Japanese friends whose English isn't so good will find it useful. The link is here:

http://plaza.rakuten.co.jp/ayumills/7012

Cheers,
Andrea

Travelling ETSian wishes to meet Tokyo crafters.

2008-11-24T08:49:00.005+09:00

I received a convo from Pink, a Denver based Etsian who has a shop Green Jeans which makes bags from recycled jeans. She is wishing to meet up with Etsy crafters on her trip to Tokyo next month.

"Hello! I see that you are the contact for the Japan team here on etsy; junigatsu de nihon e ikimasu. Tokyo ni senshuukan kenbutsu shitai, sore mo nihonjin no "crafters" aitai desu. Would any of your team members be interested in contacting me? I would love to go to craft nights, knitting groups or really cool craft stores! I must learn more crafting vocabulary as well...^.^ Doomo arigato!"

Please convo her at her shop if you have any suggestions.
Cheers
Andrea

Black Friday Cyber Monday

2008-11-23T14:02:00.002+09:00

Anyone doing anything to promote for this?

There's a good article on the storque about it.

Handmade in Japan: Japan Focus Etsy

Shipping Deadlines from Japan Post

TOKYO MEET-UP

November special offer at AKJapan

鎌んどいち場 Kamandoichiba

Inokashira Koen ART*MRT

アートの畑＠ISETAN

Looking for guest bloggers

Japan Quake appeal

Kawaii goods from Etsy Japan Team

Small space.

Stripey Stripes - paintings, prints and other things

Rings From hirogems Art Jewelry

Japanese winter

Etsy Avatar

New members to the Japan team.

Japan team podcasts.

PataPri @ colors

New work from AKjapan

Japan team thoughts.

Introducing Pleiades Studio

Nara Craft

New Japanese members

Autumn Art from Japan

As Evening Falls in JAPAN

JAPAN TEAMSTERS, a treasury.

Washi and silver pendants from Claire Ishino

Colorful fabric pouches from Tokyo

New Etsy Japan thread in International Forum

Fine silver jewellery from Japan

Summer dresses from Tokyo

Summer illustrations from Blue Bonbon

Handstitched and embroidered ornamental baby shoes

New paintings at Stripey

New Treasury East collection

Japan Team in The Storque

PataPri

Hand painted calico from Japonpon

Japan Local Treasury

Suna-e or sand pictures

Japan Focus Etsyian on Etsy's front page!

Japanese Inspired Fashion from Lady Konnyaku Clothing

Watches from Osaka

Sending small parcels from Japan. SAL便 and CN22

Crochet and Jewelry from Japan Team

Crafty Tokyo Mama

Updated Terms of Use on Etsy

New members of Etsy Japan Team

New Team Members

bikudesigns event

New Team Members and Friends!

New member

New members

New treasury

Treasury for team members

Visa renewal from 2010 requires enrollment in Japan's health insurance program

Just got on the social network horse

Mee a Bee loves social networking too

Social Networking

Summer selection.

Sale at AKJapan

New art from Japan on Etsy

Treasury of Japan-based Etsy shops

New members in Etsy Japan Team.

Lena Sekine - new member

New member - Tokyo Pear

New team members

In the shops.

New members in Etsy Japan Team.

Etsy Treasury featuring Gallery Juana and AKJapan

Podcast

Adding an Etsy Mini

Bird drawings from AKJapan

New listings from Japan Team members.

Welcome to tidabeads

bikudesigns giveaway

New Treasury!! Japanese Handmade 101

Japanese Art Scene Monitor March 2009

Welcome to some new members.

Feel like doing some drawing??

鎌んどいち場　Kamandoichiba