Erica Ward is a traditional-media artist and illustrator born in California and residing in Tokyo. As well as selling her original art, Erica creates prints, postcards, stickers and posters from her art work.
Her prints make very affordable gifts and fantastic souvenirs of Japan.
Prints start at ¥1000.
Available online with selected prints and postcard packs at Studio Biku

Mapponica was born from a desire to highlight traditional Japanese paper-making processes, which are slowly being lost in Japan. Each mat board is carefully cut into a patchwork-like map pattern, hand-printed and dyed washi is selected which is then painstakingly adhered to the frame. Mapponica works with 100% Japanese products.
Prices from ¥12,000.
Japan Maps available at Studio Biku and a wider variety of maps online.

From merchandiser at Chanel, Paris to small business owner in Tokyo, Juliette creates one-of-a-kind art pieces with a nod to Japanese pop culture. Her sleeping/ resting Daruma are a fantastic way to bring peace and tranquility to a room, as well as giving you a wonderful talking point.
A selection of Daruma and dioramas are available at Studio Biku.

Melissa Finkenbiner is a cross-disciplined fine artist and metalsmith. Each element of her work is linked by the use of recycled and sustainable materials combined with earthy elements. She creates for  eco-conscious art lovers and for people who want to connect to the global cultures and landscapes she has lived in.
Plastic Water is made from paper molded in the shape of taiyaki fish. Melissa carved her own mold, used paper from scraps from previous art pieces, and combined them with clear plastic waste she saved over the last year and a half. Melissa wanted to give this one time use plastic a second purpose while also bringing awareness of the shear quantity we consume and leave on this planet.
Taiyaki are vailable online with four different colours at Studio Biku.

Perfect projects for holiday quiet time or to kick-start your creativity into the new year. Japanese-themed embroidery kits featuring traditional Japanese designs created by Dominique at Three Houses Designs. Each kit contains everything you need to get started with your project (printed cloth design, hoop, needle, floss and a stitching guide and instructions).
Kits start at ¥2000
Available online as PDF patterns or in kit form at Studio Biku

Kimekomi Bauble Kits come in two different colour-ways with everything included to make two baubles. Also included are the tools you need to make more baubles (craft knife, scissors, craft pick, glue) as well as a detailed instruction sheet.
This is a perfect holiday project for your family and friends.
¥4000 per kit.
Available at Studio Biku while stocks last.

Personally collected and curated vintage paper ephemera by Christina Lopp are included in these one-of-a-kind craft kits. For the creatively crafty people in your life, especially the ones with a strong sense of sustainabilty, these card and sketchbook kits make the perfect gift.
Christina has also thoughtfully included her favourite pens (mine too!) and her favourite glue sticks in the kits. All you need to do to get creative is open the packet.
¥3000 per kit.
Available at Studio Biku

In the Autumn season Studio Biku hosted lots of workshops for the very first time:

• Die-cutting cards and postcards
• Patchwork baubles
• Obi bags with Mikan Bags
• Kimekomi baubles
• Pen Art with Ken Frog
  

Gift a workshop for a friend/ family member or book a private workshop for a group experience.  To find out about the new workshops coming up in 2024, hop on the mailing list to hear about the line-up.
Sign up here.
Book a workshop.

Ito Maki Maki Studio is a freestyle, fiber arts business located in a small town in Nara, Japan founded by Elizabeth O'Brien. All of their beuatiful pieces are woven in their home studio, and as much as possible, use natural, non-synthetic materials. The core belief of Ito Maki Maki is to embrace imperfections and take things slowly.
Often, Elizabeth's two children, who have Down Syndrome, join in the crafting and weaving, in order to equip them with skills and an art expression.
Prices start at ¥12,500
Available online at Ito Maki Maki Studio

North Candles was founded in Hokkaido by husband and wife team, Alex and Mami. All candles are hand-poured and use vegan-friendly soy wax. You have to smell these in person to get the full imapact of how accurately the scents have been captured. The coffee candle smells like a high-end coffee roaster and the vanilla, like a custard pudding!
Prices start at ¥1500 for small candles.
Available online with seasonal selections available at Studio Biku.

Get your living space ready for the winter by adding a touch of colour and texture to a favourite snuggly reading chair or your sofa. Patricia from Tabi Tabi Ya creates beautiful pieces from personally-sourced  vintage kimono, combining different textiles in patchwork. Each piece is a work of art.
Prices start at ¥5800. Available online and a small selection at Studio Biku.

When the nights draw in, pop on a beautiful Kumiko lamp creating a beautiful glow through the authentic Japanese washi paper. Daniel creates each piece by painstakingly cutting wood strips and assembling them in an intricate traditional pattern.
Pieces start at ¥10,000 with a small selection available at Studio Biku.

Blending the old and the new in this fun collection, modern acrylic chain and vintage kimono . Perfect for people with metal allergies and for the colour lovers in your life. Ultra-light with absolutely no fiddly fasteners make these the perfect 'pop-on' for those jeans and tee days or when popping out for lunch or coffee.
Each neckpiece arrives boxed in a branded Bikudesigns box and is completely one-of-a-kind.
Prices start at ¥4000.
Available online and at Studio Biku.

Perfect for day-to-day phone and wallet storage but also ideal for travelling (these fit a passport perfectly!)
Made from authentic vintage obi, personally selected by Clementine, and created into a useful bag with a fully modern twist, incorporating a mesh backing and an adjustable cord strap.
Priced at ¥11,800 with a small selection available at Studio Biku.

A perfect way to organise your personal ephemera in your tote bag. One for your makeup, one for personal items (think painkillers, Band Aids, lip balm, hand sanitiser), one for life admin (bank books, credit cards, bills).
Beautifully made, gorgeously vibrant and all one-of-a-kind made from vintage  kimono and all lined with contrasting fabric.
Prices start at ¥4500.
This collection is available exclusively at Studio Biku

Japan is known for its speciality Kitkats in a host of flavours, many of which are seasonal. How about matcha, match latte, chocolate orange or cheese cake? Melon, sweet potato, strawberry, mint, sake, soy sauce or sakura?  Or even the grillable, Caramel Pudding?!
The packaging in Japan is on another level, but is also over-plentiful (something many peiple despair of). Enter Julie from Chou Chou San who is solving packaging waste one pouch at a time.
Choose your favouraite chocolate memory, cookies or even dog and cat treats- she covers all bases.Sustainability can be fun!
Prices start at ¥1700 (small).
Available online and at Studio Biku

Feeling a little low on your SEWJO lately?
We've got some BIG news that's going to have you jumping for joy (and bursting with sewjo)! 🪡
Imagine a weekend all about sparking your creativity, brimming with inspiration, surrounded by fellow sewists just like you…
Just the boost your sewjo needs!

Get ready for a weekend filled with creativity, skill-building, and endless inspiration!
I’m excited to announce I am collaborating with Indy Bindy Fabrics to bring you:
The Sew Inspired Summit⁣ (21-22 October⁣)
I’ll be sharing a class on Kimekomi Patchwork (my latest craft addiction).
And there is an exceptional lineup of instructors, all ready to share a whole variety of classes with you!

But that's not where the party ends!🎈Because for us, sewing is about more than just the act; it's about community, and connection.
That's why we've got TWO Live Sewcial calls lined up, ready to connect you with like-minded sewists 🤗

NOW.. Drumroll, please... 🥁
You can join the Sewing Inspired Summit for FREE for the entire weekend!
We’re making this accessible to all so mark your calendars and don’t forget to tell your sewing buddies!

Meet the fabulous lineup of instructors who are itching to share all their sewing tips and tricks with you during the Sew Inspired Summit!
Each presentation will be available for the weekend for FREE.
So there's nothing to lose by joining in. Invite your friends, your family, or your neighbor's cousin's sewing buddy. The more the merrier!
Let's dive into the incredible lineup of instructors who are itching to share all their sewing tips and tricks with you..


🧵 Atsushi from Sashiko Story will be kicking us off with a live talk on Sashiko history and cultural context. There will be dedicated time for him to answer all your questions too!
🧵 Aims from Indy Bindy will be your guide to using the Quilt-as-you-go method for garment making. If you’ve ever made a quilted garment the traditional way this will blow your mind and save you SO much time.
🧵 Jenni from Let’s Get Sewing will have you making friends with your overlocker with her class Conquer Your Serger. No more fear of changing those tension settings!!
🧵 Georgie, Aussie artist aka Lordy Dordie, will take you on a colourful journey into using watercolour and acrylic pens for fabric design.
🧵 Leila of Leila Makes will lead you step by step through a how to your own fabulous project bag.
🧵 Caramiya will awaken your inner artist and take you inside her signature hand painted fabric creation process.⁣
🧵 Pauline, of Sewuthinkucan is the queen of pattern and stripes. She will unlock the secrets to mixing them like a pro.⁣
🧵 Victoria of Bikudesigns (that's me!) specialises in recycling kimono fabric in her art. She will open up the world of Kimekomi Patchwork and have you creating your very own piece.
🧵 And to close off the weekend, host Aims, is collaborating with Spaghetti Western Sewing to bring you two hacks of the Henrietta Skirt pattern.

And If 48 hours of sewing goodness isn't enough for you (we totally get it), we've got some news about how you can elevate your experience with a VIP Pass ( and they come with some awesome perks 😍).

I know, I know, the summit doesn't kick off yet but why wait when you can start diving into fun right away? ⁣
⁣
With the VIP Pass, you'll not only secure lifetime access to the incredible workshops lined up for the summit, AND one month access to the Live Sashiko lecture recording… you'll also gain instant access to them.
 
No more countdowns – you can start crafting and sewing to your heart's content right now!⁣ 💖

I can't wait to witness all the amazing projects you'll craft!
In fact, I’d really love to see. Please tag me and the other instructors and spread the love on socials using the hashtag #SewInspiredSummit⁣ so we can cheer you on!
 
We can hardly contain our excitement and can't wait to sew, learn, and have an absolute ball with you at the summit!⁣

Kaminoge....have you ever been? The area is an unassuming one, probably known in the expat community as the station where there's of a multi-lingual eye doctor and a stone's throw from the Todoroki Gorge.

But one day, Kaminoge became a quite remarkable place for a stationery addict like me. On one of our regular eye doctor visits we decided to have a wander around and stumbled upon a fabulous mom and pop thrift store.
And that is where I found the holy grail of stationery items (all Japanese brands) for a whopping ¥500 a bag. The first bag I found was stuffed with Sarasa pens, Frixion erasable markers, notepads and Rollbahn journal stencils. A haul indeed. Inside the bag, I found only 5 pens that weren't working, everything else was in perfect working order. And my fave items too.

Here's exactly what was inside:
Rollbahn stencil x 3
Penco wooden Peanuts baseball pen
Peanuts Sarasa x 7
Sarasa black x1 (my go-to pen)
Sarasa Vintage x 7
Delfonics mini pad
Deflonics donut sticky notes
Animal sticky notes
Ink and pen memo
Snoopy sticky notes
Frixion markers x 12
Cherry paper clips
Snoopy pen insert

All in all, my ¥500 had saved me around ¥16,000.
The second bag was stuffed FULL of washi tapes and a special item that made me grab it straight away. More on that in the next post.

Watch the video below to see what was inside!

Tsukimi, Japan's 'Moon Viewing' festival, celebrates the autumn moon, rooted in the nation's agricultural history. It signifies gratitude and hope for a successful harvest, given the moon's perceived influence on crops.
Families gather to appreciate the moon, displaying 'susuki' (pampas grass) as a symbol of the rice harvest. They also prepare and offer 'odango', sweet rice dumplings, echoing the moon's roundness and unity. While modern Japan may be more urban, the essence of Tsukimi, emphasizing gratitude and family ties, remains timeless, bridging old traditions with present-day values.

Date: Saturday, September 9th, 2023
Time: 14:00-17:00
Place: Blink Roppongi - 3 Chome-1-6 Motoazabu, Minato City, Tokyo 106-0046
Cost per swapper: ¥3,000 - we will not be accepting payment at the door.
You must purchase and pay for your ticket in advance before swap starts (Teens/tweens welcome, ¥2000 at door, kids free)

INCLUDES SNACKS AND A BAR that takes all digital payments Let's get together and celebrate the seasons - well and truly into Autumn.
Be in community, make new connections hear from people who have something important to say. Sign up and pay on Peatix.

***************************************
Up to 40 people (Please text to let us know if you are bringing a teen/tween)

• Official kid's corner
  
• Men's clothing corner! (We are still a women-only event, but we've decided to open space for masculine wear.)
  
• Cosmetics
• Accessories

Join Sarah at the new location in Roppongi - Thank you Blink Roppongi.

Event Schedule

13:45 - registration open PLEASE DO NOT ARRIVE EARLIER

14:15 - welcome from Sarah

Please welcome conscious creator and queen of Biku Designs atelier, jewelry and gatherer of conscious creators and Nicola Vote the organisor of the newly minted Book exchange!
Swap starts

16:30 - pack up, clean up - clothes go the H&M recycling station in Shibuya - thanks for their special provision for our leftovers

17:00 - Style swap closes

Pre-registration and payment required. “Waste is a resource in the wrong place”. AND let's keep it classy lovelies.

• Clothing in excellent condition that you don't want
• Shoes in pristine condition that you don't wear
• Accessories and bags in terrific condition that smell like a fresh spring day in the alps.
• Cosmetics, creams and perfumes in fantastic, hygenic condition

Where we bring the goods we no longer want or need, and take the goods we love. Where we recycle and repurpose. Let’s see how much we can keep out of landfill, how mindfully we can consume. “One person’s trash is another’s treasure”.

All Shapes and Sizes are welcome! The more diversity the better the swapping! WE LOVE BODIES - ALL BODIES - YOUR BODY We encourage questioning stereotyping around what is good and bad and naughty and nice.

• BRING as much or as little as you want. TAKE as much or as little as you want. Bring nothing, take nothing, just join to have fun.
  
• Find a swap buddy - someone with a similar body to yours to recommend stuff to! We recommend wearing leggings and a vest for comfortable trying.
• Try on and get second opinions and styling advice! Be super discerning - take joyful lovely items that bring style or comfort. If it's not a hell yes! it's a no.
• The venue has a room off the street for trying on. You can wear shoes inside! There is a full bar from which you can purchase drinks.

Style Swaps are run and sponsored by SF Creative & Sarah Furuya Coaching and with the contribution and support of participating venues, speakers, recycle companies and the swap community itself.

Thank you to each and every person who shows up, participates and donates.
******************************************************************************************************* Please note: We will not be receiving takyubin packages ahead of the Style Swap, thank you.
Please follow all precautions on your way in and out and to and from the venue.

This August the Awa Odori came back in Shimokitazawa after a break of 4 years. It felt amazing to have the energy back in the streets with locals and visitors alike soaking in the atmosphere. It was hot, sweaty, loud and lively with the local area troupes gathering together to try to outdo each other.
My personal favourites were the Sancha Ren (troupe) from Sangenjyaya just up the road from us and Takarabune, the crowd-pleasing, high-octane professional troupe.

TAKARBUNE

As you would expect from Japan, the organisation of the event was impeccable. No trouble, no pushing or shoving just people having fun. It was lovely to see the local businesses benefiting from the event too by adding kaki-gori (shaved ice) stands, beer coolers, festival toys and snacks  to their usual wares.
The Awa Odori spans the whole weekend from Friday night until Sunday night. It was especially lovely to be able to hear the drums from my house and Studio Biku. For me, this festival marks the end of summer (even though it's still 33-35°C most days) and there's a little one week break before we welcome in the Autumn with the next festival Kitazawa Hachimangu Festival next weekend.

SANCHA REN

A 12-minute walk from Shimokitazawa Station and an 8-minute walk from Ikenoue Station, Kitazawa Hachiman Shrine's annual festival "Kitazawa Hachiman Autumn Festival" will be held from September 2nd (Sat) to 3rd (Sun) 2023.
To celebrate the coming of the Autumn season, More than twenty portable shrines (mikoshi) will be carried through the streets of Shimokitazawa over the course of the weekend.

Looking from the kitchen area through the shop and into the studio, gives you a good sense of the size of the space.. I can't wait for Autumn so I can fling open the balcony doors for a splash of greenery if the harsh sun doesn't kill my plant collection this summer!

There's more to see of the space in the next installment (the studio grounds, the genkan (it's looking cute!), the front door and balcony). If you want to see a quick walk through, check out the YouTube video below.
I'd love to know what you think of the studio so far. And of course, you're welcome to pop in any time.

Welcome to Studio Biku, a tiny shop within the Bikudesigns atelier space in Shimokitazawa, Tokyo. Representing 14 designers, creators and artists in a small Showa-era tatami gallery, our mission is to showcase Japan-based international creatives to locals and visitors alike.
We hope you can stop by for a browse and a chat some time.

WHAT DOES AN ORDINARY DAY LOOK LIKE FOR YOU?
There are no normal days for me, but the perfect days are spent in the workshop making things.

WHAT'S THE BEST PART OF YOUR JOB?
Taking one person’s trash and making it into another person’s treasure.

WHO OR WHAT INSPIRES YOU THE MOST?
I am a big fan of John Jordan, definitely worth looking up on Instagram.

DO YOU HAVE AN EXCITING PROJECT IN THE WORKS?
Finishing up my workshop. Hopefully adding some permanent stairs rather than the current ladders. I still haven’t hooked up the  dust collection.  And better shelves and storage would be amazing.

THE FINAL WORD...
In my spare time I love eating and trying new ramen restaurants.

WEBSITE https://turningtokyo.com/turningtokyo.com/
INSTAGRAM  www.instagram.com/turningtokyo/

TELL US A BIT ABOUT YOURSELF
As a child in rural Ohio America, I always liked to draw.  In 2008 I received a Bachelor of Arts in Art Education and in 2022 I completed my MBA.  Though I occasionally teach workshops, I primarily create and show my own work.  My husband and I have lived as expats since 2011, moving from Myanmar to Armenia, Zimbabwe, and now Japan in 2020.  Moving our home to a new country every few years has greatly inspired the art I create.  
Over the last 12 years, I have had 20 gallery exhibitions, including Balance for Better with the Zimbabwe National Gallery and eight solo exhibitions.  I was honored when the U.S. State Department’s Art in Embassies purchased three of my mixed media portraits for U.S. Embassy Harare.  I have art in the collections of two Myanmar galleries and in private collections in 11 countries.  Since 2012 I have created and sold over 150 pieces of art and over 1000 pieces of jewelry.  My most recent solo exhibition was with Moshimo Cafe and Art Space in Hayama.

THE FINAL WORD...
Running a profitable small creative business is a lot of work that is not always creative or fun.  However, all this other work enables me to regularly do that exciting creative work.
 
WEBSITE https://www.melissafinkenbiner.com/
INSTAGRAM https://www.instagram.com/melissafinkenbiner/
FACEBOOK https://www.facebook.com/MelissaFinkenbinerArt

Sidewalk Coffee, Mustard Hotel
On-site roastery, great coffee, toasted bagels in lots of flavours, delicious sandwiches,friendly staff and a huge deck to sit and watch the world go by. Dog friendly on the terrace.
VISIT SIDEWALK

Brooklyn Roasting Company
A fab place to people-watch while sipping on great coffee. Lots of outdoor table seating under the shade of the Inokashira tracks. Perfect for too sunny or rainy days. Dog-friendly on the terrace.
VISIT BROOKLYN ROASTING

Daizawa 5 Chome Starbucks
One of the original cool coffee shops in Shimokita. Interesting interior design. Dog-friendly at the back entrance.
VISIT 5 CHOME

Sunday Brunch
A classic afternoon tea experience in the middle of central Shimokita. SB is famous for their seasonal flower-adorned fluffy buttercream cakes and seasonal drinks.
VISIT SUNDAY BRUNCH

Nuku Muku
Take out only bakery but well worth the visit to try their amazing baked goods but also to experience the retro interior.
VISIT NUKU MUKU

Shirohige Cream Puff Factory
The cutest and probably most famous cafe in the whole of Shimokita. COme and grab the cutest chou creams around, in the shape of Totoro from Studio Ghibli's 'My Neighbour Totoro'.
VISIT SHIROHIGE

Egyptian: Deli Shop Uchimura Egyptian Cuisine
Curries, felafel, lamb/ chicken kebab, houmous.
Lunch set is a great deal. Eat in or at the park nearby.
VISIT UCHIMURA

La Befana
An old-timer but still going strong. Lovely wood-oven pizza. More value for money at lunch time rather than evening.
VISIT LA BEFANA

Bahn Mi Ba Ba
Vietnamese sandwiches and pho noodles.
VISIT BMBB

Good Heavens British Pub
Fish and chips and real ale. Go and say hello to my lovely friends Paul & Hisako and soak in the Brit pub atmosphere. The fish and chips is great...with Sarson's vinegar too!
Lots of fun events here including Space Night, comedy nights, live sessions and movie screenings.
VISIT GOOD HEAVENS

Shirube
Lively Japanese izakaya with a fun and loud atmosphere. Be ready to be blasted by energetic serving staff, try some great dishes (a stand out for me is the simmered daikon in a dashi broth and the flaming mackerel) and feel a bit of the old Japan.
VISIT SHIRUBE

Thai Food Laboratory
Yum curries, noodle and rice dishes in a street-market style setting. Friendly staff and quick service. Centrally located in ShimokitaUe
VISIT THAI FOOD LAB

Thursday 11th May 2023
10-11am

This month we're meeting at Studio Biku in Shimokitazawa (my new studio).

• Casual mingle, no agenda
• Free coffee and snacks!
• Masks optional
  

Max 10 spots available due to limited space so please only click going if you're definitely coming.

I can't wait for the next event at Tokyo American Club on 16th April.

The Club will be open to the public and 40 amazing creative businesses will be popping up with their wares to bring you a wide selection of Omiyage gifts to take home for your summer holidays.

Here's a list of some of the vendors who will be there:

From Juju With Love
Mapponica Japan
Jikuu Japan
Moniko
Melissa Finkenbiner Fine Art
Erica Ward Illustration
The Handmade Edit
DDs Den
POJ Studio

See you there from 11am-7pm for one day only!

Two kimono remake brands come together to present unique items for your home or to accessorise your wardrobe. Come along and shop antique and vintage obi cushion covers and table runners, hair accessories and jewellery.

"BARRIQUE TOKYO, gives new value to Kimono by turning them into modern fabrics. We are taking on the challenge of bringing the beauty and skill of traditional Japanese craftsmanship to people overseas."

"Victoria Close is a British designer living and working in Shimokitazawa, Tokyo. She is passionate about the concept of ʻmottainaiʼ and is on a mission to rescue vintage Japanese textiles from the landfill one kimono at a time."


英国人と日本人、独自の感性を持ったアーティスト２名がそれぞれ日本の古い着物や帯をさまざまな作品にリメイクしました。この機会にぜひ作品を手に取ってご覧ください。
日時：3/31(金) 12:00-19:00、4/1 (土) 10:00-18:00

■BARRIQUE TOKYO■　　
私たちBARRIQUE TOKYOは、着物に新たな価値を与えてモダンファブリックに再生することで、日本の伝統工芸の美しさや巧みな技を海外の方々に届けるチャレンジをしています。

■Bikudesigns■　
ヴィクトリア・クロースは、東京の下北沢を拠点に活動する英国人デザイナーです。日本の「もったいない」という概念に敬意を表し、着物のヴィンテージ生地に新たな命を吹き込むことを使命に活動しています。

Starting on December 1st 2022 I'll be sending you a sparkly offer every day in the 12 Days of Biku Christmas event.
So you know what's coming up, here's a run down of the offers and the when they're landing.

• 1st: Biku Gift Tins- ¥5000 (save ¥2500) 
• 2nd: 24 cards for ¥5000 (save ¥1000) 
• 3rd: Secret Santa day- Gifts for ¥1000
• 4th: ¥1000 off orders over ¥10,000
• 5th: Free shipping Japan
• 6th: Free Christmas card with every item purchased
  
• 7th 10% off silver collections
  
• 8th: 15% off neckpieces
• 9th: ¥500 off pendants
• 10th: Free gift wrapping and card writing
• 11th: ¥2500 butterfly earrings (save ¥1000) 
• 12th: 10% off store wide

Each offer lasts for 24 hours so make sure to check my Instagram and Facebook Page as well as the VIP Club for reminders every day, or join the event for notifications.

Fa la la la la la la la laaaaaaaaa.

Victoria x

WEBSITE: bikudesigns.com
FACEBOOK: @bikudesigns
INSTAGRAM: @bikudesigns

Victoria’s one-of-a-kind vintage kimono jewellery and accessories will be popping up at the Biku & Co. pop-up 5-10th October 2022.