Happy Things: Nenz

Saturday, November 12, 2011 3 Comments A+ a-


I got the wonderful opportunity this week to be interviewed
 on the pretty and all things happy Dutch blog - Nenz!
Nancy's Nenz blog is dedicated to posting about things that make her happy, so I was touched when she asked me to do an interview for her uplifting and colourful blog. I also designed a little 'Happy Things layout' to go along with the interview. You can read it here- so cool it's in Dutch! For those who don't speak Dutch I have translated it below.
You are a very crafty girl! When did you know you had the talent to make things?
Thanks! From a young age I have always enjoyed making my own things; little books, cards, pretty gift wrapped presents for family & friends. I really enjoy it. I guess I started creating things as I wanted something unique and special to give to people.



How did you come up with the idea to publish your own magazines? It’s so cool!
It’s always been a dream of mine to work in magazines (a dream that just recently came true!). I love everything about them; the smell, photography, product styling, layout design, typography. I especially love Japanese magazines for their bright colours, Kawaii shoots and mixed typography. So it was a natural progression to self-publish my own mini magazines (zines) my ‘Little book of mt masking tape’ includes ideas, collages, designs, gift wrapping and other crafty DIY projects all made using my most loved craft tool - Japanese mt (washi) tape, ‘Japan in a Collection’ a travel guide with a twist that reviews shops through mementos.



What do you love most about what you do?
Freedom to create and be creative. Sharing fun projects with others that might in return inspire them and make them happy. I blog about my creative adventures at 'My Life As A Magazine' I also love how blogging can bring like-minded people together, I have made many friends and been given lots of wonderful opportunities through blogging.



You live in Sydney, Australia. What’s your connection with Japan?
I travelled to Japan a couple of years ago, the experience had a huge effect on me and I think about it and miss it everyday! I was amazed and fell in love with their innovative craft, art and design culture which ignited a new creative view in me that influences a lot of my work.



What always puts a smile on your face?
Kawaii stationery, polka dots, hugs & kisses, washi tape, crafternoons, cups of tea, Disney movies, patisserie treats, cats, mail, pretty packaging, gifts from the heart, family & friends, reading a good magazine, shopping in Tokyo…I could go on.



I find myself wanting to make something crafty very often, but I often don’t know where to start. Do you have a tip for people like me about how we can get our craftiness on?
You could start by making a little box containing ‘potential’ crafty items! Fill it with things that will inspire you to make things; pretty papers, washi tape, magazine clippings, fabrics, scrap paper bits, kawaii stationery, confetti or anything visual that makes you happy. You could even make an inspiration board! My projects are inspired by all aspects of my life, travel adventures/ mementos, Japan, stores, books and magazines, colours, my journals and scrapbooks, pretty product packaging, gift wrap, 80’s cartoons and toys, kawaii stationery, Japanese magazines and books.



Do you have a tip for what you can do to make someone’s day a little happier?
Each week I try and allow myself some ‘me’ time, doing something I love, be it; baking, working on a creative project, relaxing with a cup of tea and a good book or magazine. It’s nice to sometimes, turn away from technology that can become a distraction, and really live and use the day.


One of the things I love about Nancy's blog is her obsessions and happy things layouts, like this one.

 

3 comments

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Janis Nova
AUTHOR
November 12, 2011 at 6:53 PM delete

i love the collage you created for your interview ! it's so cute, and i love all the things you added on there, i just had that candy (meiji apollo) the other day too, i bought two boxes! nenz.net looks like a fun website! :) its colorful like yours which I love!

thanks for the crafty tips! ;D

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November 13, 2011 at 1:25 PM delete

Pinksugarichigo - Thanks for stopping by and saying hello again! Yes those strawberry Meiji' apollos are soooo yummy, helps that the box is oh so pretty too :) Do check out Nenz, it is another colourful blog treat for the eyes xo

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NEnz
AUTHOR
November 19, 2011 at 1:48 AM delete

Jenna, you're a rockstar! :) I had so much fun putting up the interview and the lovely images you've created. It's an honor having you on my blog. <3

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