Hi crafty friends,
I’m so happy to introduce my new collection released by Spellbinders – Autumn in Kyoto.
Some of you may remember my first Kokeshi collection, Spring in Kyoto, and I’m so excited to continue the story this autumn with Autumn in Kyoto.
Kokeshi dolls have a very special place in my heart. I first started drawing them back in early 2020, long before they became physical craft products, so it still feels very special to see those illustrations turned into products that you can now use to create your own cards. For Autumn in Kyoto, I wanted to keep the charm of the original Kokeshi dolls while giving them a new seasonal feel, with beautiful details, soft Japanese-inspired elements and designs that are really fun to colour and personalise.
I hope this collection gives you lots of ideas for your autumn cardmaking. Let’s take a closer look at the products!
Autumn in Kyoto Press + Foil Plate & Die
The Autumn in Kyoto Press Plate & Die Set includes three new hand-drawn Kokeshi dolls, each with her own personality and special details. I really wanted each doll to feel different, so you can choose the one that works best for your card or use all three together. I especially love the little details — the floral kimonos, the umbrella and the different hairstyles. They make the dolls so much fun to colour and give you lots of ways to make every project feel unique.
The coordinating dies make it easy to cut out each doll, so you can use them on their own, layer them over a background or build a little scene around them. As a little extra, the set also includes sentiment dies with phrases such as “thank you so much” and “always truly grateful for your kindness”, making it easy to add the perfect finishing touch to your card.
Spring in Kyoto Stamp Set & Autumn in Kyoto Stamp Set
After the first Kokeshi collection was released, I received so many lovely messages and comments from you — thank you so much! It really meant a lot to me.One request came up again and again: “Please make the Kokeshi dolls as stamps too!”
So we listened, and I’m so pleased that, together with Spellbinders, we were able to bring all six Kokeshi dolls to you as stamp sets too.
The Spring in Kyoto Stamp Set includes three Kokeshi dolls from the original collection, while the Autumn in Kyoto Stamp Set features three new dolls from this release. I love that this gives you another way to enjoy the designs — you can now use the Kokeshi dolls in the format that works best for you. It makes me especially happy that all six dolls are now available as stamps, so even more cardmakers can enjoy creating with them and make each little Kokeshi their own.
Autumn Kokeshi Dolls Stamp & Die Set
The Autumn Kokeshi Dolls Die + Stamp Set is all about building and customising your own Kokeshi dolls. The die set includes several hairstyle options, along with little accessories such as glasses, a bow that can be used either in the hair or on the kimono, a tiny purse and a lantern. There are also small stamp patterns that you can use on the kimonos to create different looks and make each doll feel unique. Just by changing the colours, patterns, hairstyles and accessories, you can create so many different combinations and give every doll her own personality.
And if you already have the Kokeshi Dolls Die Set from the Spring in Kyoto collection, even better- that set includes more hair accessories, so you can mix and match pieces from both collections for even more possibilities. I think this is one of those sets you can keep coming back to and create something different with every time.
Autumn in Kyoto Press + Foil & Stencil Bundle
Autumn in Kyoto Press + Foil & Stencil Bundle – These two products are perfect for creating a beautiful background scene for your Kokeshi dolls.
You can use the Scenic Kyoto Press+Foil Plate with the BetterPress system or for hot foiling, and then add colour with the coordinating Stencil. If you prefer colouring with markers, watercolours or other colouring mediums instead of using stencils, you can also purchase the Scenic Kyoto Press+Foil Plate on its own.
What I especially love about this scene is how completely different it can look just by changing the colours. You can create soft pinks for spring, fresh greens for summer, warm golden tones for autumn or cooler shades for winter. The same design can take on a completely different mood for every season. The Press Plate also includes three useful sentiments: hello, hugs and thank you, so you can easily finish your project without needing another sentiment set.
And of course, this background works beautifully with any of the Kokeshi dolls from both the Spring in Kyoto and Autumn in Kyoto collections. You can mix and match them to create your own little Kyoto scene and make every card feel unique.
Shoji Screen3D Embossing Folder
The Shoji Screen Embossing Folder is inspired by traditional Japanese shoji screens – sliding screens made with a wooden frame and translucent paper. I wanted to give the design a little more character, so I added delicate tree branches and leaves, almost as if you’re looking through the screen into a quiet Japanese garden.
It’s another beautiful way to create a background for your cards, and I love how much texture and dimension the embossing folder adds without making the design feel too busy.It works beautifully behind the Kokeshi dolls and is perfect when you want a background that feels simple, elegant and detailed at the same time.
Japanese Maple Branch Die
The Japanese Maple Branch Die is not sold separately. It is exclusively included in the Autumn in Kyoto Curated Bundle, so if you purchase the bundle, this die is included as a special gift.
The Japanese Maple Branch Die is a delicate design that works beautifully on its own, but it’s also perfect for layering with other products from the collection. You can keep it simple with just the branch and leaves, or combine it with the Scenic Kyoto Press Plate, the Shoji Screen Embossing Folder and the Kokeshi dolls to create a fuller scene. It can also look completely different depending on the colours you choose — fresh greens for spring or summer, or warm reds, rusts and browns for a beautiful autumn look.It’s a small detail, but it can completely change the mood of a card and add that perfect finishing touch.
I really hope you enjoy the Autumn in Kyoto collection and have lots of fun creating with it!
This collection means a lot to me, and I’m so happy to see these little Kokeshi dolls continue their story in a new way.
I can’t wait to see what you create with the new goodies, so please don’t forget to share your projects and tag me – I always love seeing your beautiful cards!
Thank you so much for joining me, and happy crafting!
Alex