Ebony Bizys is the creative mind behind online sensation
Hello Sandwich, a craft haven where Ebony takes the mundane and makes something magical.
She is an Australian artist, designer and crafter, who now lives in Shimokitazawa, Tokyo. She has a love for bento boxes, pantone 107.3 and polka dots, plaid and fluoro pencils.
Here she talks us through her move to Japan, her love of crafts (lifestyle queen Martha Stewart is even a fan of hers) and even offers us some of her top DIY tips...
When did Hello Sandwich first start?
Hello Sandwich started in 2009 as a place to record and document all of the things that inspired me.
Tell us about your move from Sydney to Tokyo...
I was working at VOGUE in Australia for 11 years, most recently in the position of Deputy Art Director for VOGUE Living magazine. I had traveled to Tokyo nine times before moving to Japan, but it was such a hard decision to make as I dearly loved my job at VOGUE. I made my first zine (small, self-published magazines),
The Hello Sandwich Tokyo Guide just before moving to Tokyo, and six months later I produced the
Hello Sandwich Gift Wrapping Zine. Where are you based in Tokyo?
I live in a buzzy and creative Tokyo Suburb called Shimokitazawa. It’s only four minutes on the train, or a 10 minute bike ride to Shibuya where I like to hang out and go shopping.
Its little side streets are dotted with vintage clothing stores, cute cafes, izakayas and we have our own Muji here. It’s the kind of neighbouhood where you can get to first name basis with the café staff, pick up a handmade present from a zakka shop, stock up on essentials at the supermarket, see a band at night and enjoy a few drinks at a cute six-seater bar.
Living in Tokyo has inspired the way I work and the materials I have access to. Japanese craft books have made a huge impact on my craft too. And I’m excited to be making my own
Hello Sandwich Craft Book with a Japanese publisher in early 2012!
When did you first get into craft and how have you managed to fit it in with your other commitments?
Making craft is something very natural to me and I started making craft items as a small child. At the moment, it's not only my love, but my source of income too. It’s a dream come true really. My business meetings have gone from looking at pagination grids, to wrapping presents in a Japanese boardroom!
What is the response to Hello Sandwich like?
I’ve been very lucky to receive some lovely feedback about
Hello Sandwich and the
Hello Sandwich zines. Lately I’ve had some nice press from Martha Stewart and a few Japanese books and magazines. One of the Japanese books used my portrait on the cover belt…and I must say it was a huge shock (and at the same time an honour) to see my little odango (hair bun) sitting on the top of a book stack in Tokyo bookshops.
You now run Hello Sandwich workshops, can you tell us more about them?
I host monthly craft workshops at an incredible space called Shibaura House in Tamachi. The building was designed by Sejima-san who is part of SANAA architects. The light and space is enough to inspire anyone. The ground floor is a free space where people can think of it as a park. Here visitors can listen to jazz, drink organic coffee from the café and eat their homemade bento or any other bought food. Workshops so far have included pocket tissue case sewing, handmade envelopes, handmade notebooks and a Christmas Garland making workshop.
What are you favourite materials to use when making your craft?
I love having a pile of scrap paper on hand – photocopies of collage works I’ve made, wrapping paper too divine to discard, envelopes from old Softbank bills. I find almost anything you find lying around the house can be made into something cute if you try hard enough and think outside the box.
You have recently made a Hello Sandwich gift-wrapping zine. What are some easy wrapping techniques?
The Hello Sandwich confetti bow is super easy and very effective. There is a
Hello Sandwich Craft TV episode here with a mini tutorial.
Can everyday items be transformed into wrapping material?
Absolutely! I have been known to make present bow toppers from sponges or aluminium foil. I’ve also made a gift bag from a padded mail envelope I received in the post. Pre-used envelopes can also be reshaped into mini gift tags or other envelopes.
Why do you love personally wrapping presents?
I adore receiving a beautifully wrapped gift. I also love spending time to decorate and wrap gifts for others. I like adding something to the wrapping that people can use but can also be part of the decoration – such as a pompom, or a small bead necklace, or a small packet of stickers. For me, taking the time to wrap a present with creative handmade wrapping is a sign of affection.
Check out
Hello Sandwich here to see more of Ebonys gorgeous crafts.
Sarah Sayers is madison’s web intern.
Related content:
Top 5 inspirational design blogs
Buy of the week: Eco decorations