22 March 2014

DIY: Balencia inspired no sew crop top




Here is A pair & a spair's genius Balencia inspired DIY crop top tutorial!

You will need:
- A white tank dress or extra long singlet
- Scissors
- Needle and thread

1. The first step is to cut the back out of the tank to create the crop, so measure a line a few inches below the bottom of your bra strap when the top is on where you will cut to. Then lay the tank face down and cut out the back, following the line of the seams and the horizontal line.
2. This is how the back should look.
3. Turn your singlet over and mark the very middle of the front. Cut a straight line down the middle, as if you are cutting the opening of a cardigan.
4. Cut all the way to the bottom.
5. This is the shell of your top, you’re practically there!
6. Now Mrs mannequin is going to demonstrate how to wrap the top. Simply tie the leftover fabric in a knot and let it hang down but you can also cut it short if you like.
7. Tuck the top edges of the singlet into your bra.
8. Finally, if you like the look of the gathered straps, use your needle and thread to sew a little dart into them.

Voila! For the full tutorial make sure you check out A pair & a spair's fab site here!

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21 March 2014

Busy picture children's illustration by Maiko Nagao




Here is a commission piece I illustrated for an educational collateral in Borneo. I was given a huge list of vocab and my task was to put them all in one picture. Talk about a challenge! My inspiration for this piece was none other than the amazing Richard Scarry and his wonderful detailed illustrations I spent forever pouring over as a child!

If you would like an illustration done by moi, please email me at maiko.nagao@gmail.com! I would love to work with you!


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Personalised wedding heart name logo by Maiko Nagao




I totally love this wedding logo by Seven Swans! I was personally requested to design something similar via my Etsy shop. What do you think?


If you love it as much as I do, you can order from my Etsy shop here.



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12 March 2014

Personalised name logo for wedding, anniversary, engagements by Maiko Nagao




This makes a beautiful and extremely personal wedding, engagement, valentines, birthday or anniversary gift. Just print out the A4 sized pdf, and have it framed! This was for the gorgeous Ivy and her husband Chris - my Facebook competition winners.

If you love it, you can order from my Etsy store here.


You can follow me on facebook, pinterest and twitter, for more daily creative inspiration!