mizutama

Hello!

The username "mizutama" comes from the Japanese word for polka dot, which works I suppose, since I've been studying Japanese for nearly 7 years, and I love dots.

I love to travel! I've solo-traveled in Europe and Asia, and most recently came back from Singapore, Malaysia, and Japan.

My hobbies include: design, making coffee, reading, writing, photography, crafting, cooking/baking, knitting... the list goes on.

In terms of my aesthetic, I really like simplicity. I enjoy vintage packaging and lettering as well.

• Happy Mail: There's nothing like receiving an (un)expected letter in the mail. For the past decade and a half I've accumulated a ton of Japanese stationery, and it makes me feel good to send ones that have not been loved too much to a new home. I like gift wrapping and decorating my envelopes - I feel like that adds some happiness to our post.)

• Ephemera: While I would not like to receive printed images (downloaded from Google and printed out), I collect vintage illustrations from books, old train tickets, used postage stamps, vintage packaging, receipt pads, are all things that I use in journaling and decorating my letters / packages.

• Dots and stripes: Simple patterns and bright colors are appealing to me! Is it a coincidence that over half my wardrobe consists of striped shirts? I think not!

• Stickers: While I don't like holiday stickers, lately I've been into Mrs. Grossman and Sandylion stickers. I have also been into making handmade stickers with my Silhouette Cameo lately.

• Fountain pens and dip pens: I enjoy pretending that I know calligraphy.

• Marimekko and Kokka fabric: These two fabric companies are known for their graphic prints - one's more bold, the other more warm and understated. I love them both anyway.

• Yarn, knitting, crocheting: After stocking up on Walmart's $1 sale on Mandala yarn, I am no longer allowed to buy more yarn. But I love knitting and crocheting!

• Kraft paper stationery / envelopes: I like the warm feeling of kraft paper. I tend to use these the most for letter-writing and crafting.

• Tea: I drink a lot of Earl Gray, oolong, and that green tea from Ito-en. I do not like peppermint/mint teas however.

• Midori Traveler's Notebooks: I have recently obtained a Traveler's Notebook. I find decorating it to be relaxing, and love browsing for accessories and inserts online.

• Washi Tape: I tend to collect washi tape from Classiky and MT - I'm not too fond of the non-Japanese varieties. Some of the designs are too garish for my taste.

• Paper: I've been trying to collage lately, and like to work with papers of different textures. I would love some interesting vintage paper scraps. Homemade paper is also good too!

• Stamps: I use rubber stamps a lot in my projects, and recently have been trying to make a few of my own. I tend to buy stamps from Asian brands, like Lihaopaper and Classiky.

• Miscellaneous: I like Moomin, Snoopy, Studio Ghibli, Line Friends, Miffy, drawing and painting, vintage design, trains, graphic prints, postcards, lace and doilies, and wax seals.

• I am allergic to almonds, peanuts, hazelnuts, and macadamia nuts.
• Fake washi tape that rips easily! (Or anything from Walmart/Michaels/Hobby Lobby)
• No deco tape please
• Anything that reeks of cigarette smoke! I'm really allergic to tobacco, and am quite sensitive to the scent.
• Chevron anything. I dislike chevron with a passion.
• Michaels / Hobby Lobby / Joann's scrapbooking or planner supplies
• Project Life type stationery / paper
• Scrapbook paper
• Mint, chai, rooibos, and strongly spiced teas. I'm not a fan, I'm afraid.
• Lisa Frank stickers... not a fan!
• Kawaii memo pads / loose stationery. It was a phase I was in for a few years - no longer now.
• Novelty and kitschy items.
• Farmhouse decor / chalk art / pseudo modern calligraphy that they sell at Hobby Lobby or HomeGoods / basically stores attempting to be on trend, but failing.
• Inspirational quotes. Inspirational quotes on a ~watercolor~ background.
• Neon colors
• Anything religious or political, or pertaining to a holiday (unless I'm in a swap for it.)
• Sanrio products - especially Hello Kitty...
• Glitter or confetti
• Keychains or charms
• Bookmarks

If you're not sure whether or not I'll like something, just send me a message! I put a lot of thought into my swaps, and try to include things that people like, and I hope you will also do the same.

• None!

Credit goes to king-lulu-deer for all the pixel art.