Hello Tokyo: Handmade projects and fun ideas for a cute, Tokyo-inspired lifestyle

by Ebony Bizys

This book by Japanese-based Australian blogger/crafter/designer/zine publisher Ebony Bizys (aka Hello Sandwich) is a cute and quirky guide to living a handmade lifestyle, filled with projects and ideas inspired by Ebony's life in Tokyo. Capturing the charm, humour and originality of her eclectic and highly successful blog, Hello Sandwich, this book features craft projects and inspirational styling ideas, and gives the reader a glimpse of Japanese culture.

Hello Tokyo is the quintessential Hello Sandwich publication. It captures Ebony's fascination with the myriad treasures of everyday existence, ranging from personalised crafts such as handmade stationery and clothing accessories, as well as decorative items and storage solutions for the home; to recording your daily life and travels with a camera, journal or even a blog; to hosting, theming and styling a fun party or picnic.

Genres: Japan, Nonfiction, Crafts, Art

453 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 5, 2015

Reviews

[Marina · Rating 2 out of 5]

I do generally enjoy the kind of grown-ups' picture books that tend to draw the comment that they are just a ‘blog post in a book’. However, I think perhaps I would reluctantly say Hello Tokyo doesn’t really add up to much.
Given that the author, apparently, lives in a tiny Tokyo apartment, she seems to collect a lot of stuff. Many of her ideas are too frilly for me, with lots of bows and ruffles.
I did like the bento section, but with the overuse of the word ‘cute’ and a big dollop of self-promotion to wade through, it’s Goodbye Tokyo from me.

[GONZA · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lovely, entertaining and funny, it made me think I could do some of the things explained there also. Well not all of them as I was born with two left hands, but still.....

Veramente carinissimo e divertente, inoltre ho quasi pensato che nonostante la mia pessima manualitá, sarei potuta riuscire a mettere in atto qualche progettino spiegato nel libro, ma non ho ancora messo alla prova questa mia teoria.

[Luka Onee-san · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's a perfect book for someone who is into crafts. I am not, so I will be gifting this book to my lovely niece.

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is how I want to live my life.

[Amanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute book with a lot of cute ideas but not really the type of crafts I’m interested in doing myself as a general rule.

[Sasha · Rating 5 out of 5]

I adored this book!! I have family whom are missionaries in Japan. They have lived there for the majority of their life and have picked up Japanese customs and cultural traditions. Now, I can recognize and understand some of these customs after reading this book! The photographs and entire cohesive theme of the book was gorgeous. It really displays Japan in such a unique, beautiful light. It makes me want to go explore and learn more about Tokyo. This definitely isn't a boring, how-to craft book! Totally deserving of five out five stars.

[Sarah Lee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lots of cute things and information. There are various activities and craft projects that you can work on. A couple of recipes, ideas to decorate and more. Some of the projects could have used better instructions. Also there was some cute mail ideas that I was hoping the book had instructions and templates but they were just like rip open envelopes you already have to use as templates. There were some places where I had to jump around because the author goes in deep about their life and I was just hear for the craft projects and cuteness.

[matilda hoare · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this book! It gives you such a creative and crafty perspective on life. Teaching you how to celebrate the small things in our big world and making the most of everything. I also love how personal and lovely this book is, it has so many beautiful comments and ideas. Would definitely recommend this book.

[Bee · Rating 1 out of 5]

I picked this book up thinking it would be a crafting paradise. The whole book can be summarized by: buy cute things, and repurpose them. There is only so many jars/pencil holders one needs in their house. I did like the one idea to repurpose old advertisement magnets, by gluing new cute things on top of them. Not worth reading the whole book to get to that page though.

[Neo · Rating 3 out of 5]

A cute, vibey mood. Very simple tutorials, but mostly tips on how to collect cuteness around oneself. A bit simple, and product placement is unnecessary. Overall, a nice spring thing to leaf through.

One extra star for zines!

[Joanie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nothing new here, actually, a lot of tired ideas with clever photos. Then again, maybe I'm just too old for 'kawaii'!!

[Kristine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun book. Especially enjoyed the idea for gift tags, package and envelope embellishments, pocket cards, and garland letters - perfect for letters to kidkins and pen pals.

[Rebecca · Rating 3 out of 5]

Wish there were more projects and less photos.

[Erin · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cute but not as much craftiness as I would like.

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is my aesthetic. Cute craft projects with a Tokyo background.

[Jessica · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lots of sweet and cute ideas. I love the Japanese flair.

[Melissa · Rating 3 out of 5]

Unquestionably cute photos and fun projects. I especially liked the sections on correspondence and gift wrapping but I'd also love to go on a picnic or throw a party like she does!

[Hannah Taylor · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was cute but I wanted a little bit more from it.

[Am Y · Rating 4 out of 5]

Definitely a feel-good book most females would surely like - full of beautiful, inspiring, fresh and vibrant photos of lovely things ranging from food to furniture to crafts, stationery and much more. The author shares her compilation of favourite things and how to decorate objects to achieve that contemporary "pop art meets kawaii" look. Aside from being an enjoyable read, this would also make a great gift for anyone interested in or looking to achieve the kind of lifestyle this book promotes.

[Francine Chu · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ebony lives in a teeny apartment, which fails to contain her limitless creativity and joie de vivre

[M-L · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cute book. I love what Hello Sandwich represents and so enjoy Ebony's Instagram/Snapchat and blog however the book lacked a little in some areas and I felt the whole thing was so forced.

[Lucia Figueroa · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a cute book. Has inspiring and lovely ideas to decorate and do fun activities Tokyo style, and also inspires you to travel.

[Gina Chi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely brilliant and inspiring and useful links at the end. Very well curated with amazing photography, graphics layout. I can't wait for the author's next book!

[Jill · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cute book, but I found the little snippets of life in Tokyo to be more interesting than the crafts~ The photos were pretty and bright and a good antidote to winter gloom. :-) (take my words about the crafts with a grain of salt: I'm not a 'crafter' and I don't do parties so half the projects were already lost on me. There were some clever ideas, though.)