… is my blog where I live my life as a hobby.
My Journey into Jewelry Making: A Hobby Turned Passion
Discovering a Passion
My journey into jewelry making began when I enrolled in the Jewelry Engraving School in Hiyoshi. I had always been drawn to the idea of creating something beautiful with my own hands, and this school offered me the perfect opportunity to explore this interest. Little did I know that this decision would shape my life for the next decade.
A Decade of Learning and Creating
At the school, I dived headfirst into the world of jewelry making. I was exposed to a wide range of techniques and materials, each of which added to my growing skillset. From precision cutting and intricate brazing to the art of grinding and the rhythmic hammering of metals, I learned it all. Engraving allowed me to add intricate details to my creations, and wax work introduced me to the art of molding and casting.
The Fruits of My Labor
As I honed my skills, I started creating a myriad of jewelry pieces. My portfolio grew to include brooches, chains, rings, arm rings, necklace pendants, key holders, and more. Each piece was a testament to my growing expertise and my deepening love for the craft. But it wasn’t just about the end product; it was about the process of creating something unique and meaningful.
Setting Up Shop at Home
As my passion for jewelry making grew, I realized that I needed a dedicated space to work on my creations. So, I set up a jewelry-making workshop right in my own home. The workshop was equipped with an array of tools and materials, and it became the birthplace of many of my creations. I was no longer limited to crafting jewelry for myself; I could now create personalized pieces for friends and loved ones.
The Joy of Sharing
While I occasionally received money for my creations, my true purpose was never financial gain. The real joy lay in seeing my friends and loved ones wearing the jewelry I had designed and created. It was a unique and heartfelt way of expressing my love and appreciation for them. Each piece told a story, and each design carried a piece of my heart.
Crafting Miniature Magic: My Dollhouse Adventure
“Little House on the Prairie,” a beloved series that captured hearts decades ago, served as the spark for my dollhouse crafting obsession. NHK Publishing, recognizing the enduring love for the show, released a guide on crafting a dollhouse model based on the iconic house from the series. It was in that moment when I thought, “Someday, I’d love to create one of my own.”
Fate, it seems, was eager to help me on my journey. During a shopping excursion in Jiyugaoka, Tokyo, I stumbled upon a sign outside a store that beckoned me to join a ‘Dollhouse’ school. I didn’t hesitate; I seized the opportunity with both hands. At the school, I honed my skills, working with sticks and cypress boards to fashion tables and chairs, and crafting intricate flower and bread models from clay. The learning process was a delightful adventure in itself.
As I continued to hone my craft, I advanced to a higher class and began showcasing my work in exhibitions. These exhibitions allowed me to share the fruits of my labor with others who appreciated the artistry and effort that goes into crafting dollhouses. The joy of seeing others marvel at my creations was an indescribable feeling.
Around the same time, renowned toy manufacturer Bandai unveiled the ‘Little Jammer.’ This nifty tool quickly found its way into my crafting toolkit, and with creativity and dedication, I embarked on a mission to design and construct a dollhouse resembling a cozy log cabin. This cabin would be the perfect home for my cherished ‘Little Jammer.’
The process was both challenging and rewarding. I meticulously detailed each aspect of the cabin, from the tiny windows to the miniature fireplace. Every inch of the dollhouse was a labor of love, and it brought me immense satisfaction to see it all come together.
Crafting dollhouses has become more than just a hobby for me; it’s a journey of self-discovery, creativity, and boundless imagination. With every miniature piece I create, I’m reminded of the inspiration that “Little House on the Prairie” provided and the incredible opportunities that life can offer if you follow your passions.
If you’re ever in Tokyo and have the chance to visit an exhibition showcasing dollhouses, keep an eye out for a cozy log cabin that houses a ‘Little Jammer.’ It just might be one of my creations, a testament to the magic of dollhouse crafting and the enduring influence of a beloved TV series.
So, whether you’re a seasoned dollhouse crafter or just starting out on your miniature journey, remember that with a little inspiration and a lot of dedication, you can create your very own world of miniature magic. Happy crafting!