New Item: Chagami Pack, Now with Pressed Flowers

Here is my latest experiment into utilizing my flower press, 5 Oatmeal Sheets with Pressed Flowers

I know people say don't take pictures during sunset, but I like the warm glow it casts on my paper. This is the first real test of pressed flowers on my paper making.

I may have been a bit overenthusiastic with the drying. As you can see in the picture on the right, the paper pulp couldn't "cling" on to some parts of the flower. On the other hand, the "ghosting: dye effect from the flower petals is pretty sweet.

New at the Shop: Bloom - Saku

Posted a new item at my Etsy shop. It uses a new 'canvas' for me called shikishi (しきし pronounced 'she-ki-she'). A few accepted translations for this smooth cardboard surface is 'sign board,' 'autograph board,' and 'art board'. If you ever go to a Japanese restaurant you may see celebrities sign autographs on these boards. Very good for inks, watercolors and light washes.

I liked the balance between the realistic branches and buds with the more pop graphic design of the blossom. It was also my first time really using my watercolor pencils to a significant extent in my art. I'm clearly having far too much fun with this style.

As always, it's available for purchase for US$25.00

Paper making: Shammy? Towel? Sponge?

Paper making requires adding and drawing out huge amounts of water from a mold. You add water so the paper pulp blends. But after you set the finished wet pulp in the mold and deckle, you have to get the water pressed out. This is where many paper makers become frustrated.

The manufacturers recommend using a sponge. I did as advised and found the sponge too small to absorb enough water. My papers looked uneven because I would press the sponge harder in some sections than others. Yeah this is so not working.

I tried using a worn out dish towel once. Absorbed all the water just fine, but now I can't use the towel for a second batch until it dried up.

All right, I gave into the infomercials and got a pack of Shamwow. It's doing the job...okay, I guess? It's absorbing the water from the paper evenly. It's doesn't wring out all of the water completely and is ready to absorb more water even when a little moist. Well at least there's improvement.

Should I just pony up the cash for those fancy towels scuba divers and swimmers use? They're just so big, and I fear it's going to take forever to dry. What do you guys think?

Running with scissors

I'm working on some new products right now. Can you guess what it is?