From September 19th to 23rd, Isetan Shinjuku will be hosting an event in the school and children's goods corner on the 6th floor of the main building, where participants can create their own original lesson bags based on their own drawings. Participants, from kindergarteners to early elementary school students, will use crayons and Copic drawings to create original felt appliqués. By attaching the appliqués, participants can create a one-of-a-kind lesson bag. While studying at Osaka Comprehensive Design College, designer Takeru Toyokura began working primarily with illustrations using felt and paper. He has held numerous solo and group exhibitions both in Japan and overseas, and has won numerous awards for his illustrations. He is well-known for his work on Resona Bank cash cards and the Honda Cars website. In 2013, he also began planning and manufacturing products under the Re:VERSE PRODUCTS brand. It goes without saying that the lesson bags, created by combining Toyokura's sensibility with each child's individuality, will be a treasured possession for every child.
The bag to which the appliqué will be applied (3,900 yen) is an original design by Reverse Products and comes in two colors, "navy x navy" and "gray x pink," and two motif sizes (20cm x 20cm 2,500 yen, 10cm x 10cm 1,500 yen). In addition, for an additional fee, you can add existing appliqués designed by Toyokura, or you can add one each of the three appliqués of a house, tree, or red and yellow tulips for free.
The estimated time required to draw a picture is 45 minutes. The event is held from 1pm to 5pm each day, but the best days to come are the first day, the 19th and 20th. Toyokura himself will be in the store on both days to enjoy making bags with children. Reservations for the event cannot be taken, so interested parties must go directly to the venue. It is first-come, first-served, so you may have to wait at times when it is busy, but in the meantime it is fun to watch what kind of pictures other participants are drawing.
It takes about two weeks to complete the bags, but it is fun counting down the days until completion. It is sure to add even more interest to your lessons from autumn onwards.
