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

Work in Progress: Fun with Paper Punches

I've been searching everywhere for the perfect cherry blossom shaped paper punch. What I saw at the store and online were just vague flower shaped punches. I know, I'm being far too picky. But I don't want to just be satisfied if I'm going to get arts and crafts supplies. I need a durable product with a lot of mileage. Good thing places like Crafty Japan sell the exact paper punch I was looking for for less than $5. Sooooo happy when this came in the mail.

All right the perfect paper punch, I gotta test drive this thing. Good thing I have this big pile of pink origami scrap from a previous project. Yep it worked like a charm. Gonna put this all together and...well, I'll have to save that for next time. It's drying. Enjoy the teaser picture! =D