Hello, and welcome to my review of Marceline Smith’s “Super Cute Book Of Kawaii”. When Marceline contacted me and suggested a review & giveaway “swap” of sorts, I was happy to oblige. The swap being that there would be a review and giveaway of my book, Kawaii Origami, over on her website Super Cute Kawaii, you can view that review here.
A few years ago, Marceline sent me some of her super cute wrapping paper, which was cut into squares for me to use as origami paper, it was so adorable, I wish I still had it.
The Super Cute Book of Kawaii
My first impressions of The Super Cute Book Of Kawaii as I unwrapped it – the cover. It’s padded which feels nice, the size is about A5, so it’s easy to hold while reading it. The material is matte with glossy embossed graphics. Along with the book I received a pink bookmark with doughnuts and doughnut-shaped animals.
What’s in The Super Cute Book Of Kawaii?
This book is about “kawaii” or cute lifestyle. Included in the book is:
- An introduction to kawaii and cute characters
- Kawaii fashion & beauty inspiration and info
- Tokyo shopping guide
- Kawaii decor and DIYs
- Cute food with recipes
- Suggested shops, websites, youtube channels, events & games
I find the colours and design of the book to be particularly inspiring. Marceline is very talented at kawaii style character designs, which she has created for this book as well as her websites. I’m sure if you’re into Kawaii, you’ll already know Super Cute Kawaii! Marceline also has a shop, Asking For Trouble; where you can buy stationery, pins, stamps and lots more.
The kawaii style section of the book has pages featuring different kawaii fashion styles as well as insights into the people featured. The styles range from a fun, colourful casual look to super frilly and cutesy pastel styles! If I had to choose one of the outfits featured, the one above appeals to me the most… I have a small black and white stripe obsession.
The Super Cute Book Of Kawaii includes some DIY projects including these adorable pom-pom key-rings, how to make a fabric bow, a doughnut paper garland, and a jewellery stand.
A very appealing topic, the Kawaii Beauty section, with info on hair, makeup and a nail art ideas page. Hmm, should I dye my hair…
I’m sure many people already know that “Kawaii” means cute in Japanese, so this book has little snippets of info about Japanese kawaii characters, cute places to shop. There are also cafe and restaurant recommendations and where to see all of the kawaii street fashion in Tokyo.
This unicorn toast looks sweet, literally!
The Kawaii lifestyle isn’t all about material possessions or looking pretty, even though Kawaii translates as “cute”, in Japanese it has a little bit more of a deeper meaning, which stretches into all aspects of life. You can bring more kawaii into your life with your home decor, food and in my opinion: yourself, how you treat others and have a happy outlook on life (when possible).
Who is this book for?
I enjoyed reading through this book, I especially find all of the colour pallets, designs and layouts inspiring in a graphic design sense. Personally, it takes me back to when I was a teenager, and I feel like it has reminded me that you can dress in interesting clothes and colours that are unconventional.
The reason I chose the name “Paper Kawaii” for my website, is because of my interest in Kawaii and Japan, and of course, Origami. Anything can be Kawaii after all, if you use the right colours and styles.
I would recommend this book to anyone interested in Kawaii style and Japan. It would especially make a great gift for a teen, and will only inspire them to get out there and try new things and maybe even save up for a trip to Japan.
Where can you get this book?
You can buy this book directly from Marceline’s online shop here (it’s signed and includes a free bookmark).
Alternatively, it’s available at many online shops like Amazon as well as in physical bookstores. An ebook version is also available, but I’d recommend getting the physical book, I mean.. the cover is everything.
Thanks for the cute note Marceline, and also for listing Paper Kawaii in the Kawaii YouTube channels section!
Marceline is the co-founder and editor of Super Cute Kawaii, which launched in 2008. She lives by the seaside on the west coast of Scotland in a house full of so many happy kawaii plushy things that she is in a constant daze of kawaii fever. Having visited Japan many times, Marceline is enormously inspired by all things Japanese, from traditional designs to the latest San-X insanity. She especially loves bunnies, space and any kind of food object with a happy face.
penguin.co.uk
You can check out my personal favourite origami papers, paper craft tools and more on my Amazon.com store.
You might like to check out my origami book:
Kawaii Origami – Super Cute Origami Projects for Easy Folding Fun
“Kawaii Origami” includes over 25 cute origami projects ranging from easy to advanced.
Kawaii Origami was published on 2nd April 2019. An ebook version is also available on Amazon.
Through different types of paper crafts.
I really like kawaii.
Ive been drawing kawaii for a while now and i would like to incorporate it with other things too.
Kawaii crafts are so fun me and my sister always whatcha a sorts of videos and try to replicate the craft. It doesn’t always turn out the best but it sure is fun!
Kawaii crafts are always fun for me to do and such, and I especially like ones about the journals..
I am a fiber and paper artist and kawaii is a big part of my inspiration. I live in S. Korea and travel yearly to Japan to soak in the culture, kawaii and otherwise! Thank you for your inspirational website & giveaway ??
I keep all my kawaii origami models on my drawer!
I keep them around because they make me smile.
I work at the office and surround myself with kawaii plushies! :3
Kawaii makes me happy. I need my kawaii fix every day. ?
I’ve been into all genres origami for a while. Kawaii has been been one of my favorites.
I incorporate kawaii into my life by adding cute characters to anything that I can. I love My Neighbor Totoro and my little sister is obsessed with Hello Kitty, so our room is full of super kawaii things.
Kawai is super cute! I love it!
I’ve been following you both for a while and I’d love to read Marceline’s book!
Oh, and I incorporate kawaii into my lifestyle with the decorations in my room and with my fashion. I’m into lolita fashion and casual kaywaii pastel fashion.
I still love toys! I had some of the first Sanrio in the USA a very long time ago.
love crafting kawaii!!
Hello! Thanks for all the great origami videos for so many y years! I don’t think I’ve ever had difficulty following any of your videos! ;D
Inspired by Marceline’s ‘asking for trouble’ insta I Kawaii-fied Halloween and Christmas this year!
those are adorable!
I am a HUGE fan of kawaii crafts, food, art and more! I’ve been doing origami for a while, and I came across your website! This is the first place I go to if I’m making small gifts or preparing for a party. Now all my friends know about your website and we have fun learning your tutorials on the weekends! One of my absolute favorite things about kawaii things are that you can put them EVERYWHERE!!!! One really cool thing that I love to do in my free time is make SUPER KAWAII polymer clay charms!!!! It would be a pleasure to see you try this in the future! Thanks so much for all you do Chrissy!!!!Your the best!
I love origami and I love your videos and website I always love to make the things you share. I just made a really cute cactus
As a mother of two, and a childrens yoga teacher, this gift would be a great addition to incorporate in my classes and great projects for quality time with my kids. I just love this little book and my creative side cant wait to get hands on it. Japanese arts sit deep in my veins and i would be greatful for a signed copy ?
So cute! I feel Kawaii doesn’t get the recognition it deserves!