The Waiting Room is for those who ordered a  Fukubukuro #5 (The Stationery Bento Box) This page will be updated periodically with current news and information.

With Love and Light,

Sora Ahsan 

UPDATE 01/05

I sincerely apologize for the lack of updates and appreciate you all being so patient with me. 

Just wanted to let you all know that I still have 34 boxes with me, so If you have not received your order yet, then you are in this batch and it is coming. Most of these orders were the last ones placed and there's still some work that needs to be done on them, so please bear with me. Thank you so much!   

As always, full refunds are available up until it leaves my hands. If you would like to cancel and get a full refund, please reach out to me with REFUND in the subject line - to make it easier for me to notice. If you have recently reached out to me for a refund, they will be processed either today or tomorrow, thank you so much for your patience with me. 

 

UPDATE 10/01

Hello All!

Just in case anyone misunderstood my previous post, I was speaking in the past tense and boxes have been shipping out since then

There are a few of you in this batch that were delayed after the shipping label was purchased - sorry about that, I have been doing good and trying not to let that happen this whole time, but slipped up. I have boxes going out tomorrow and after that only two more batches and that's it!  

Thank you for those of you who have been giving me feedback. I always get worried and I tend to keep stopping and making more things because I always feel like it is not good enough. I just spent the last few days making a pretty B&W set that I now wish I had made more of ...might do more here and there so that the rest of you can get it - it really is so pretty!!  

I have said this before and I will say it again, thank you! Thank you for your patience! It seems so simple and not genuine because I really do not know how to express the  amount of gratitude I have. I am hoping your boxes show my love coming through. 

I hope you all have a great week ahead 

 

P.S. If you receive two shipping notification emails, please disregard the first one. I had to go back and make sure there were no changes to addresses and requests that I missed before purchasing the labels. 

 

 

UPDATE 07/19

Just wanted to say that I still have boxes with me but I stopped shipping for a bit and will resume again. I did this 1. To take care of some really important things that could not be avoided  and 2. because I was making quite a few errors (boxes leaving without letters, box colors/changes getting switched up or sent to wrong person etc.) I think I tried so hard to catch up and this is when I started making mistakes.

 
I also wanted to say a few things and address several questions about the contents/boxes because I forgot to include the information paper that was supposed to go in there for those who already received their boxes. 

There are several items in your box that are universal - meaning everyone will receive them in their box regardless of the color choices made. 

I did try my best to accommodate everyone’s choices but please keep in mind that I did ask for several choices on the form just in case one specific color / choice could not be done. 

I did try to maintain a theme for all boxes - regardless of choices /colors. I also had an initial ‘theme’ going on but at the last minute decided to pivot and go a different way because…well, because ideas popped in my head and I just had to do that instead. 

The leather covers - oh my goodness where do I start. I spent many months - way too many - on these darn covers because in my mind I wanted what I wanted and would not bend or compromise even the tiniest bit. 
I chose an Italian Napa calf skin purposely- even though everyone said it would not work and could not be done. I wouldn’t listen. I wanted what I wanted. I wanted incredibly soft like a cloud (blue sky) and supple and to be able to crumple in your hands like a piece of paper and flop around and fit several of my inserts like a glove. I wanted simple. Plain. I wanted the leather to be the star of the show - a journal glove!. I ‘think’ I accomplished that. While I am not 100% satisfied and will try again to make some small changes, for the most part, I got what I wanted. I know it isn’t everyone’s cup of tea and I know it is slightly bigger than standard sizes, but it is all on purpose and I really hope you like it and will be happy using it. 

I tried to accommodate each request by size and color but some had to be changed due to availability. Please note that these are hand made and there will be imperfections. All the different size requests made it difficult to accommodate everyone and I apologize if you received a size other than one you requested. I have noted those and in the future when I can get more of the same leather, I will try to fulfill your request. Please allow me some time for that. 

Before I go I also wanted to touch on the lack of hand stamped pages. This was part of that pivot I spoke about above. I realized I could achieve certain colors and crispness and a more professional look if I designed and printed myself. So I did that. On a Mac. Using only the pages program. Because I’m not smart enough to work adobe or pro create (whatever it’s called) so yeah, I copy pasted my way through many months while my gen Z’rs laughed at me and asked where do I hide my floppy disc. I went through three canon printers - shot the print heads I guess. (Side note- a canon pixma is good for roughly 6 to 7 thousand pages…after that,  you might as well get a new one) 

While there’s still my not so perfect style, it is something different and I hope you all like it. And yes, I printed and hand cut - fussy cut practically every single thing you see in there. It actually took twice as long as hand stamping and I questioned myself several times and still wonder if that was the right move. There are tickets in there that I could not line up with my Mac - it was incompatible with the program- and in order to save on time, I left them attached to each other for you all to cut if you’d like. There’s another ticket in there where I did take the time to cut. 

The sticker paper appears to the very difficult to release from the backing until you get the hang of it. One is incredibly thin - like seriously thin - and if you hold the sticker and lightly brush your finger over the corner or side, it will release and you can pull from there. Just be gentle and take care because if you’re too rough, it will tear. Once you stick it on your journal, it’s absolutely lovely! 
what else?! Ummm… I don’t know… I think there is something else but I cannot remember at the moment. I will come back to add if I do remember. 

As always, full refunds are still available if you have not received a shipping notice. If you ask and I somehow miss it and send the shipping notice, please let me know and I will cancel the order/shipping and refund you. (I messed up once already doing that but am paying more attention now) but please be aware refunds will be through PayPal . I am unable to refund credit cards due to the long wait time between order and shipping. If you cannot do PayPal, I will figure it out, so please don’t worry. I do not want anyone to be stuck with something they no longer want. 

Last, if you received a box the first time around and also got one of these new ones, please consider sending me an email with critiques. I’d like to know how it compares or doesn’t to the first ones. While I think I have more in there, and the items are different,  it may just be me?! Perhaps I veered too far off course with them and I’d like to know that. I’d also like your feedback on the particular items themselves- the large printed paper packs etc. please consider letting me know. 

thank you

p.s. I wish I had taken a screen shot of my unread emails to post here before I started writing this…I’m sitting at 1,014 at the moment. I’m so sorry. I will keep trying to catch up with them and reply to your emails asking for updates. . If you request a refund, please put refund in subject line because I will often scan through and open a few just to see what is happening. Also, I have not been on instagram in over a year and honestly, it is so freeing and I am not sure if or when I will return. So please do not message me there- I don’t even have notifications on for it and have no idea what is going on over there. Thanks 

 

UPDATE 05/05

I hope everyone is healthy and happy. 

Just wanted to say, please do not panic if you have not received your tracking number and shipping info yet. If you have not received it, it is because I still have your box and am finishing up. Please do not worry...you WILL receive a shipping email. 

The hold up was due to many factors, but mainly because I ran out of the little wooden pieces I wrap the yarn around and went on a wild goose chase to find more...back in business now. 

When I am ready to pack your box, this is when I choose (and wrap up) the washi tapes that I think go best. I will then choose all the sample washis that are included. I choose the ink color, the yarn colors ( and types) as well as make any last minute add-ons and fixes(if needed). It doesn't take thaaaat long - unless I run into an issue or need to re-do something - but it does take a little bit to do.  I also write a note at the last minute.

I know this has taken a long long time, but please bear with me as I finish up the things that need to be done prior to taping up your shipping box. I've attached a few photos of my current situation (still tried to blur some things for the sake of it) 

Thank you so much for being patient with me and also for the grace and forgiveness for taking this long. I am without adequate words to describe how appreciative I am. 

Lots of Love,

(there are quite a few things missing from these photos and it was done on purpose because I could not hide/distort the pattern/designs or item...but I hope you enjoy looking at all the pretty yarn. Im not a pinky girly girl, but always love doing these colors.

Honestly, y'all really taught me the value of this virtue and I never fail to mention it to my kids - I hope they will learn it as well. Truly, hand on my heart, thank you! )

04/11 -

Yes! They ARE moving!

And Yes, You will receive a tracking number. (International orders are being shipped via DHL and UPS, domestic is being sent priority/priority express). 

Thank you so much for your continued patience with me! I am eternally grateful. 

Last... The inside contents will be available for purchase (not all, but most) separately for anyone who would like to purchase more of a particular item. I am not sure when I will list those because I want to make sure everyone has received their order first (so there will be no spoilers), but I will list them so be on the look out for that.

I hope everyone had a lovely holiday!

Lots of Love 

02/27 - UPDATE 

Mini presents on my desk this morning!

They're so cute and I just love them so much that I asked my husband if he would buy me one ;D 

His reply was "I know somebody who knows somebody that knows a person that might be able to help me get my hands on one - no promises though" :D hahaha. 

My youngest son commented on how I am always "so extra" (referring to his lunches that I pack) and I suppose I am. These are one of those 'extras' that I could not, not do, once it popped in my head. I finally finished all the cutting and putting them together -  in between the other hundred things I am doing, finishing -   and today I am wrapping the boxes ( like little presents of course ;) )

Sometimes I get so excited about things and I can't believe I did it myself. Or that it is mine and I can play with them and decorate my journals or letters any time I want... then I remember that there's dust on my journals and I have no time. ZERO time for that these days. But I am still having fun making them and getting excited to hear about your reactions to them when you receive them - and for a future time when I get to sit and play with them myself - that is,  if my husband manages to snag me one ;)  

Lots of love

Sorry, I had to distort the images in the photos - cuz, you know...the internet ....and that whole secrecy thing I have going on with your boxes ;) 

You might be able to see some of my hand made paper in this last photo <3

 

02/14 - UPDATE

Happy Valentines Day! 

I apologize for not posting in a while. 

I am currently making a few more of my handmade papers - because I ran out - and in between drying times I am printing some of the hand towels that go around the boxes. I also recently finished another packet that was a last minute add-on... It has 3 little packets inside and I hope you find it useful ;D 

A few answers to some recent inquiries...

You WILL receive a tracking number no matter which shipping option you chose. International orders will have the shipping upgraded if needed to assure you receive your order. Just keep an eye out for the email with your tracking/shipping information so that you can be ready for it in case you need to sign for your package - this applies to all domestic as well. 

I had to make a few more wooden boxes because I recently realized that I mixed up the number count for the colors and ended up with more white wash boxes than I needed. Because of this, if you see this message and would like to change your wood color to white wash, please email me. It's an easy peasy switch because all I have to do is add the items to the new color box. This can be done all the way up until the shipping notice ( unless there are no more and in this case, I will let you know with a reply...otherwise, if you ask and I do not reply, consider it done.) 

umm...IG. I have not been to IG in a very long while. Mostly because I do not have the bandwidth to deal with it at the moment, and also because I do not know what to post. Just like here, I don't want to keep posting black and white pics that barely show anything (since, you know, its supposed to be a surprise...also, it feels like teasing or such a waste of time. I feel like you all will be like "umm...aren't you supposed to be doing something?" )  It is honestly not even a thought in my head most days. The reason I am telling you this is because I do not want you to think I am just gone. poof! no post. no replies ...etc and this isn't the case. Please do not worry. I am here. I am busy. I am getting there. And yes, I still feel like I am so so close - at least a little closer than last time I posted here. I will get back to IG when I have time or feel like it.  

As always, cancellations and full refunds are available to those who wish to have it - no questions asked. 

And also...as always, thank you from the bottom of my heart for your extreme patience with me.

Lots of love

I will try to post a video of me doing some of these last few things that need to be done. I really do not have the time ( I thought about it already) but my kids are about to get off for Mardi Gras holiday and I will see if I can get one of them to help and film it for me so I can just do my thing and not deal with it-  and you all get to see a video. Fingers crossed that can be done. 

 

*this first picture has a blur spot on the middle right  because the tag on the string was visible - and if you see the tag, you will know what is inside ... and I didn't want that to happen ;) 

 

01/02 - UPDATE

So close...so so close!

 

I have been very hesitant to put photos here because,1. I like for my boxes to be a total surprise :D  2. the "internet" likes to "borrow" designs from other creators and claim them as their own *rolls eyes* and 3. I want it to be a surprise hehe...but I know some of you are starting to wonder if you will ever get it - and you will! - and what is happening behind the scenes. I am taking a lot (a whole lot!) longer than I thought I would. Even minus all the issues the first time I did them. It's like the universe said "oh! You think you can do this better? Well, lets see about that!" Couple that with my "oh I have plenty of time" at the beginning and here I am working so very hard to get over that finish line. Here's a little peak at some of the insides (of only ONE color...theres more! My arms got tired early into my little idea of laying it all out for a photo. I'm still battling sickness and this time it really kicked me in the gut...but I am still wrapping and today it's the Glassine envelopes -  to add to this pile of completes - and the glassine is so glorious!  and fun to package because its loud and crinkly and distracting me from having my mind wander.  

Anyway, I hope everyone had a lovely holiday season and a great start to the new year. 

We're almost there! I promise! Thank you for being so patient with me. 

 

UPDATE 12/21 - 

I hope everyone is well - and not too upset with me. 

I just wanted to let you know that I will be working through the holidays - taking advantage of being off from work and the kids being off from school...which frees up 3 plus hours a day commuting. 

I wanted to be finished before the holidays, but it just wasn't possible and I cannot apologize enough for taking this long. I did not think that I would still be working on these in Dec. I suppose the time that was wasted earlier in the year, along with the major changes in my home/personal life mid-way, set me behind so much that I am struggling to catch and finish. BUT...I am doing my best and I really hope that you all can give me just a little more grace and time. Please. I am trying to make the wait worth it and I believe - I should say, I HOPE - you all will be pleasantly surprised to see all the new stationery and paper items that have never been seen before (because they're all mine! Well, almost :D ) I thank you from my heart for being so incredibly patient and kind while waiting.

If you celebrate this upcoming holiday, I hope and pray that you and your family have a safe and happy one! 

Peace, Blessings, and Light to each and every one of you!

Merry Christmas!!! 

Lots of love

UPDATE 12/08 - 

I am still here. Still working.

I am going as fast as I possibly can to get these out, but despite my best efforts, I simply cannot go fast enough. It seems like every little thing is taking me forever to complete and I need about 10 extra hands at this point.

 

 

UPDATE 11/04 - I'm here! I'm here! I haven't gone anywhere. I have not fell down that hole into that dark place again. I haven't done much of anything outside of working on your boxes - oh, and maybe working outside of my home for a few hours ...and then there's the whole bringing and dropping the kids off at school thing(which takes roughly 1.5 hrs round trip - twice, some days 3x's a day because my son is in football) why did I stop homeschooling again? (they're actually still doing homeschool work - along with this new 'regular' school work)

Getting used to this has been rough. And the kids got sick right after - missing nearly a month of school (on two separate occasions) ...Prior to the start of the year, they went to the doctor maybe 3 or 4 times in the last 5 years?! If even that! They go to school for the first time and are sick back to back...I had no idea their immune systems were so weak. Anyway....this is not a life update page so I will stop talking about this. 

 I know I am way way past the deadline on these and this is not where I wanted to be, But I assure you I am working hard to finish them. I truly am sorry for taking so long...but at the same time, I am so excited because almost all of the contents are mine (not all)  - my designs and my stationery and I cannot wait for you all to see the 'overall' theme/inspiration I went with, while still being able to customize. To say my ambition got the best of me is an understatement. (I always do this!..big dreams and big ideas but only two hands and so many hours in a day hahaha)

Please bear with me. I am trying my best to get these pieces of my heart out to you all. 

Also for the lack of updates. I imagine some of you thought I disappeared, I haven't! Just here working. More sneak peaks? I will try to post some soon. 

Thank you to everyone who sent in the emails with address changes - and for changing them on the site as well. I appreciate that. 

Lots of love,

 

UPDATE 09/25 - I hope everyone is well. 

Please forgive me for the lack of email replies and updates, I've been really busy and I have not put them anywhere near the top of my priority list. 

**Important** Please sign into your account and make sure your mailing address is updated. If there have been any changes, you can make them on your account.  You can also send me an email with "CHANGES" in the subject line - that way I can add it to my highlighted folder, making it easier for me to quickly check that for important changes before the order is sent out. I may not reply to it, but I do see it and will make/copy/highlight the notes

Thank you so much for being patient with me - especially since I am technically - roughly - three months(almost 4) behind on my own target date. YIKES! 

Lots of Love,

P.S. I have been off of social media for quite some time for my own sanity. I am not avoiding anyone, just avoiding IG. It causes me unnecessary anxiety and is a major distraction. Notifications were turned off and the app has been off my phone for a while now, so if you've tried to contact me through IG, please know this is why. 

UPDATE 08/17 - 

I hope you all are well. I know I have been horrible at updating this waiting room and I do apologize for that. My kids started school and I spend a lot of time driving back and forth - between drop off and pick up and football practice - it's a lot and I have been second guessing my decision to put them in 'regular' school. 

But I am still working and even though my days suddenly became busier times 5, I am managing - somehow. I am behind though. According to my estimates when starting these, they should have been mailed late May/Early June, but I am way behind. 

I know this is not much of an update but I just wanted to assure you that I am still here and I am working. I am making almost all of the contents this time - which means a lot of stamping!!! SO MUCH STAMPING!! 

Here's a sneak peak at the new journal cards that will be included - I am in love with them. I decided to make my own when I was short of Classiky cards...I got online to order more then last minute decided to blend some stamps from the previous sneak peak (carved more to add to it) and now I have these and I just love   how they turned out and how they're unique to me and my shop. 

Thank you for hanging in there. For being so patient with me. I will try to update again soon. I hope you all have a great rest of the week. 

This is only one color - I am still doing the other colors. 

p.s. I have been staying off of Instagram for a while now - just no energy to even go there and hang around - so please consider emailing me if you need anything ...speaking of that, I  have been very bad at replying, so please give me a little time to respond to your emails (they're piling up ) I am trying my best to get to each one, I really am. 

lots of love

 

UPDATE 07/29 - I've just had three more cancellations (and one was for 2 boxes), and while I do not mind cancelling orders and issuing full refunds, I am bothered by the reasons for the recent cancellations and feel (deeply) for the situations some are facing.

 Times are hard for a lot of people - mentally, emotionally, physically, and financially. I completely understand and want those of you who happen to find yourselves in a difficult situation , or season in life, to know that you are not alone...and you most definitely do not need to feel obligated to apologize to me or shed tears over any 'guilt' that you may feel for canceling. Please do not feel guilty. A beautiful soul and wise woman recently told me to not apologize for things that are beyond your control (right, Meg? ;) ) - so please know it's okay, I understand.

I know I am behind by roughly over a month, and I am trying as best as I can to catch up. I have neglected updating and sending out messages - those items are just not on the top of my todo list (even though they probably should be) - but please know I am here. I am working as hard as I can to catch up and get these out as soon as I can - and if you email me, please give me a little time to reply. 

Thank you so so much for your patience and understanding. 

(We're deep into Summer and I cannot - for the life of me - believe how we are already entering August! What?! How?! My goodness!...I am trying to hurry, I really am!!! )

Lots of Love

 

UPDATE 07/24 - The printing press has been on overdrive - by printing press, I mean my hands ;D

Each label/tag/whatever you want to call it, requires no less than 3 individual stamps and up to 6 stamps (there are 3 different styles/images)

Now I have to finish cutting these beauties out so they can be put into a neat little hand made box and wrapped. 

I know I was supposed to finish sending out the Final Confirmation emails, as well as the Heads Up emails...but I have not done that.

I am in a place that I was hoping I did not end up in - and while it isn't necessarily a bad thing, it has changed my 'plans' a bit. I had planned to send these in two batches because I thought it would be easier , and it was, but not really efficient. I made a few changes and I'm working on balancing it all.

 I know this is dumb stuff to talk about - and that it really doesn't matter because I imagine all you want to know is when it will be shipped. Honestly, I am working as hard as I can to speed things up (since I did not touch a thing for a few weeks). I know I am behind by a month already, but Please bear with me. I do not work on these 24/7 because I do still have to homeschool the kids for two more weeks-  and clean the house and cook and run errands and sleep and blah blah blah ... you get the picture. 

I've been stamping like a crazy woman and these photos are a sneak peak into what I am currently working on that will be inside your boxes. I've intentionally made them black and white to hide the colors...because....just because. 

If you're reading this and I have not contacted you regarding the emails I spoke about at the start of this update, please consider this as the email. There really is not much to ask you at this point. 

If someone would like to change something, please email me. I am open as long as it does not alter things too much. Also, if you need to cancel for personal reasons, please reach out. I do not ask questions and I completely understand that times are getting really difficult and circumstances change. 

I hope everyone has a wonderful week. 

I unwrapped one set for this pic

 

 

 

UPDATE 07/06 - I apologize for the lack of communication, I am still trying to gather my senses and balance myself. 

This is the unofficial Final Confirmation (as well as the Head's UP for the second batch). I will be emailing everyone individually (one by one) but please expect a delay with the emailing because I do not have the time to carve out a big chunk of time to do it all in one go. 

I am working on them. I realize I am going over my estimated time by a little bit and all I ask is if you can please continue to offer me the grace of your patience. I am getting there. 

Thank you so so much!!! 

UPDATE 06/20 - I will try to post an update later today. I just added a new blog and I'm pretty tapped out right now. I hope everyone has been well and is healthy and happy. If it's hot where you live, please take care! Lots of love

UPDATE 05/24 - I'm still here. I know a lot of you depend on these updates to give you an idea of what is going on - or to at least ease some worry and know that I have not completely disappeared on you.

I am not sure what to update you on so I will leave you with a sneak peak instead and then ramble for a bit on another topic after ... 

With Love,

p.s. I know last I was here there was the email issue and the leather issue - I abandoned the attempt to photograph the leather colors because nothing I did (in terms of lighting) could capture the true colors - which is why I never sent out the other photos. I just gave up on that.  Soooo... if you're still waiting on that email, It's not coming. 

Below -  In the process of making these... (colors are varied and will coordinate with your choices)

Do you know what it is?

 

-My desk is full of projects 

Lots of love

 

The rambling part -  I believe I have been very clear - in the form you received after your purchase and here on this waiting list - that you are able to request a refund (with no questions asked) at ANY point and time.

The reason I wanted to touch on this is because we are approaching the time frame when some are getting impatient - and my lack of response to emails and questions further exacerbates the uneasiness/impatience - which can quickly turn to anger. 

I am not going to constantly update every single step of the way and I may not reply on time to emails with questions - or at all. If you asked for something in an email and did not get a reply from me, it doesn't mean I will not honor your request, More than likely I have read it and noted it and will make the necessary changes. If my ways are unacceptable to you and you are not pleased with how I am going about this, please let me know and I can cancel your order and issue you a full refund. 

If you have not heard from me at all, then you are most likely in the second batch - those who ordered after Jan 4th and I am not at the point to send out your head's up notice just yet 

My shop being closed - and access via password only - seems to be an issue for some, so I will leave it up and open to ease any concerns.

Last, (for today) I want to say thank you for offering me your understanding - really, I can never thank you enough - Your understanding is a gift to me that I do not take for granted and I always try my best to make sure that your wait times are worth it when you receive my products. 

UPDATE #3 05/03 - It appears the email mix-up did not do what I thought it did and was not as bad...except for one person (so sorry!) Just wanted to say that. 

UPDATE #2 05/03 - I'm replying to your responses - one by one ... in a SEPARATE email. Please bear with me while I get to them. 

Also, I believe I may have caused some unnecessary confusion in regards to the leather (so sorry) and I will be attaching a photo here shortly with a better view of the options. I believe this is something that can be changed - even after the Final Confirmation email (because it only requires switching out colors)  since they can be made without too much of a delay (if for some reason the size needs to be different)... So please do not worry too much over this...it was an added bonus to the boxes and I want it to be something special for you and did not mean to cause any confusion or upset with my lack of clarity :)  

Lots of Love

UPDATE 5/03 - 

I am on the verge of tears right now because of the heads up email situation....

First, I want to sincerely apologize for the mix up with the email. I tried to make things easier by sending out a batch email and was told I could do that by using BCC - except I've never used BCC before. Honestly! I haven't! I did not realize everyone needed to be in the BCC and well...there has been some confusion and a big ole mess and I do not know what to say except, I AM SO SORRY! I am sorry to any and all! I will never try to do that again and will stick with doing them one by one - like I always have.

Second, if you did not receive an automatic return of the form you filled out and would like to have that for your reference, please let me know and I will send that to you.

Third, if you did not fill out the form, I listed you as random - meaning I am making all the choices for you in order to avoid a delay...if you are not happy with this, then please fill out your form as soon as possible. If you have not received it, please contact me.  

Again, I sincerely apologize to everyone for the email situation. 

 UPDATE 4/29 - I still have not finished sending out those heads up emails, but I am almost there. If you haven't gotten one by Sunday, please let me know (but you should have it by then) 

Just a quick reminder about the Head's Up email...this is when you can make any changes. I am nearly to the point where it would cause some issues (not un-fixable issues, but issues that may take a little bit to change) The email you will receive shortly after this one will be the Final confirmation and all this email will tell you (or give you) is a last chance to cancel for a full refund without any fees etc.- this is when I will be adding names and personal notes and packing it up.  So please think about your choices and make sure you're happy with them. The stain on the boxes will be done in the days following the heads up email (so you won't have a lot of time to change that). Also, the white is more like a white wash ...I think I forgot to mention that in the form and wanted to mention it here for those who chose White. (it can be made opaque/solid, if you'd like, just let me know) 

I was aiming to send these out in two batches, and so far, I believe I am on track to do so. The first batch will leave soon, then the other not long after that. My goal was to have them all at a certain point then send them out in two batches (leaving some of the customizations till the end) and while I am not making any promises, I feel it's a very realistic possibility that all (both batches) will be done and gone by the end of June - considering how its currently going. 

And I think that is about it...please look out for the email. Thank you so so much for being so patient with me - 

Lots of Love

UPDATE - 4/21 Sewing leather - that's a whole story that I am not sure I want to get into right now :D

First batch of 'Heads Up' emails will be going out shortly. If you still have not filled out your form and you ordered before Jan 4th...please do that for me. Thanks!

Shop opening for a few days - please do not get discouraged, your orders are still my priority.

I hope everyone has a lovely weekend

UPDATE - 4/14 My goodness it took me a while to update this page - I apologize for that. 

I have been staying busy working on your orders - doing other little things when it gets to be too much or I am tired of looking at the same things ;) 

I initially thought I would put order numbers at the top of this page, but I think I will wait a bit for that. One of the main reasons for this is to prevent any negative feelings or upset anyone if they do not see their order number, but see a later order number up. Please know that, I will NOT deviate from the number order, but maybe there are two or more that chose themes (or colors) similar and it is easier to do all those particular items at that time. For ex...It does not mean I would be doing all the 'blue' boxes, in their entirety, at that time. It just means that maybe there's an item (or two) I am including that requires me to work with blue and its easier to do that at the time if there are other 'blue boxes ... I hope that makes sense. I may be confusing you and I apologize. 

I forgot to mention that I decided not to stain the boxes right now...that way if you change your mind when you receive your heads up email, it can easily be changed. If I stain now, you cannot change it later unless you chose the Natural color (and even then, I wax and buff the wood so I would have to re-sand them to remove that in order to stain it and that would mean a delay with finishing your order) 

There are things that will be universal and included in every box (no matter the color) and I have been working on those items - because aside from the main time consuming things, these seem to take a while and I want to get them out of the way now. 

I wish I had more to talk about but it really is just a lot of behind the scenes work and I am taking it day by day. I do not feel any pressure or stress and I have you all to thank for that - seriously, it truly means so much to me and allows me to work freely without worrying so much - and I really really hope that you all are in a good place as well. 

I hope you all have a lovely holiday weekend

UPDATE - 02/19 - Leather order has been placed and fingers crossed that it arrives soon  (I'm probably more excited (for these) than I should be :D )  I received an order from Tabiyo shop today filled with lots of goodies and I think (hope) you all will like them. Other than that, I've just been staying busy. OH! I did carve some new stamps, but those won't be shown are used on other products until after the person(s), who's order they are for, receives their order. This is how I did it last time and I think it adds to the excitement (because you have no idea until you receive it) and it also makes it very personal and special because they were carved specifically for them. 

UPDATE - 02/15 - Earlier today I posted an update pertaining to me offering other products. After some thought, I believe it is better suited for a private email instead of a public notice - that should be going out shortly.  

 UPDATE - 02/12 - I received some gorgeous papers from Awagami Papers today and can't wait to play with them - the rest of my order from them is expected to arrive next week :D  Still currently working on all orders at the moment (glueing, trimming)  Please reach out to me if you have any questions. Also, if you haven't received the form to fill out for customization options, please let me know so I can resend it. If you haven't filled it out, don't worry, you still have time. 

UPDATE - 02/04 - Working on the base. Cutting and glueing. Sanding comes next and that process takes the longest because it is a forever and a day job ...but SO worth it in the end. I'll let you know when I am almost through with that. 
I have been stalking some of my favorite shops and have placed a couple of orders for some of the insides - still lots more to go - I'll keep you posted. 

UPDATE - 1/16 - If you have not received your question email regarding customization, please email me. (There's one order that kicks back my email each time I try to send it - user not found) 

If you emailed a message after your purchase, I am not ignoring you. I read it and I will reply - give me a little time please :) 

UPDATE - 1/11 - I send my sincere thanks and appreciation to all of you who purchased the Fukubukuro #5. I am truly grateful for your trust and support and cannot wait to start working on them!! Please email me if you have not received the customization form so that I can send / resend it to you. Thanks again <3