BAMBI Magazine October 2026
View BAMBI Magazine October 2026.pdf
Since I was a little girl, creating things with my hands has been my sanctuary. Whether it was macramé, knitting, sewing, origami, paper-cutting, or baking; diving into crafts brought me deep focus and peace of mind. Before having children, it was purely a source of personal joy.
When my children arrived, life naturally shifted. At first, finding time to make anything felt impossible. Raising children in a foreign country brought its own unique challenges and moments of feeling overwhelmed. Yet, engaging in hands-on creativity—even in small ways—became a powerful source of strength that helped me navigate those unfamiliar waters.
As my children grew slightly older, I decided to pause my personal crafts so I wouldn't get too absorbed in them. Instead, I channeled that passion into creating things with and for my children, building crafts from recycled materials, making paper toys, and baking together. Through this, I discovered a whole new kind of magic: the radiant smiles on their faces, the surprise of their unexpected ideas, and the joy of watching them grow. When projects didn't go as planned, figuring things out together quietly built patience and resilience in both of us.
Now that my children are ten and five, they are more independent, and I have gradually regained time for myself. Together, we now decorate letters and handmade gifts for grandparents back home, as well as friends and teachers saying goodbye. Furthermore, the patience and adaptability I nurtured through arts and crafts have unexpectedly empowered my volunteer work with BAMBI, allowing me to stay determined and give back to our community.
Arts and crafts are far more than just making things: they are a journey of healing, growth, connection, and resilience. We hope this issue inspires you to find joy, confidence, and new possibilities through the simple power of creating with your own hands.
Warmly,
Takako Toyama
BAMBI Treasurer