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Modern Day Gyotaku Has Begun To Include Jin Shofu Collage Work

Feesh — Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000

The Gyotaku fish print is an Asian art form that originated during the 1800′s. In famous fishing locals such as Asia and Hawaii gyotaku is still used as an artistic method of documenting the size and girth of a fishermen’s prized catch. Today the art form has expanded to include a variety of new “subjects” and artistic mediums, including jin shofu (wheat paste) collage techniques.

In Japanese Gyo=Fish, and Taku=Imprint, as Gyotaku art uses freshly caught fish, plants or other sea life to create unique outlines on paper or cloth. The “subject” is recorded for posterity, then ready to eat, as gyotaku uses non-toxic pigments to create one-of-a-kind imprints.

Traditionally gyotaku prints were created using rice paper and a carbon-based sumi ink. Today most gyotaku is printed on a variety of paper and cloth materials, and artists often substitute the sumi ink for non-toxic acrylic paints. Artists may also incorporate other mediums such as color pencils, watercolors and pastels, to create colorful renditions of the original species.

Most gyotaku subjects are various types of fish, but there are a lot of other unique specimens which make wonderful gyotaku “subjects”. Octopus, with it’s long tentacles covered in suckers, is a relatively new and very interesting gyotaku subject. Some gyotaku artists even highlight the octopus prints using real octopus ink! Another modern gyotaku subject are sea shells and coral. Artists can place an octopus or small reef fish around the shells/coral to create and underwater scene.

Collage techniques, or the layering of different papers and cut-outs has become a very well received form for interpreting gyotaku art prints. This technique often uses jin shofu, or wheat paste, and has the artist imprinting the fish (or other gyotaku subject) onto a lacy or see-through piece of rice paper. This print is then backed with two or more extra pieces of paper to create a unique print of various colors and paper textures.

Rice paper, which is also called washi, is made from parts of the rice paper plant or other plants materials such as hemp, bamboo and mulberry. Rice paper has been used for centuries for writing, drawing and gyotaku fish prints. It is also a useful medium for making kites, lanterns, surfboards, collages, shoji screens and artificial flowers. Today most rice paper is made using the rice plant straw, bamboo, hemp, mulberry, wingceltis and gampi. The jin shofu collage technique is a wonderful way for the artist to highlight the beauty, texture and coloring of the rice paper. Very often by placing a lacy paper over top another colored/textured paper, it will create a multi-dimensional coloring scheme creating a visually stunning contrast for the gyotaku print.

Gyotaku is an ancient Oriental art form which uses freshly caught fish to create one-of-a-kind art prints on natural papers and fabrics. Natural Impressions of Hawaii employs the traditional gyotaku technique with modern twists. Visit Natural Impressions Of Hawaii

Quinceanera: A Young Womans Rite Of Passage

jinkyscrafts — Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000

Every culture has its own version for a girls “coming of age” at different ages. But for most Latin Americans, girls celebrated their coming of age through their Quinceanera or their fifteenth birthday.

This is a tradition that has been handed down from generations to generations. Of course, the celebration need not be as lavish and over-the-top like MTV “Quiero Mis Quinces”. What is important is the meaning of the celebration to a young womans life.

A girl need not have a millionaire daddy to make her Quinceanera special. All she needs is a good professional event planner. If she does not have one, what are relatives, friends or neighbors are for? They can be a good source of information as they have experienced this before.

If you are tight on your budget, you may ask them to sponsor some of the big ticket items on your list. Of course, your godmothers can give their hands on these too as most Latino families follow the tradition where godparents, friends, or family participate in the special day by gifting money or items to be used. Just be sensitive enough when asking for sponsorship as some people might be a little tight on their budget too.

The important thing to do is plan ahead, even months before the day, so you have ironed out all the glitches before the big day of your Quinceanera. Next, gather round your family since they will play a big part on this day too and ask them to share their ideas or their thoughts for your coming of age.

Since it is a tradition, your parents especially your mother, can give you the lowdown on the ceremony involved, the things that you will need, and the things you can expect to happen. Now is also the best time to set on the budget limit that you are willing to spend. Having a budget will make it easier for you to calculate how much money will go to a certain category.

The essential items for any Quinceanera include food, beverage and banquet hall; photographer or videographer; flowers; cake; dress and accessories; music, depending on whether you want a live band or a DJ; invitations; and the miscellaneous. So decide on the percentage of the budget that you want to spend on each. You might also have by now, a rough estimate on the number of people that you are going to invite.

Having a great Quinceanera is not about the amount of money you spend on it, but how everything comes together in the end. If you have a limited budget, you should be practical and realistic enough so that you will not be disappointed in the end.

Next, scout out for vendors that might give you a huge discount. There are things that you and your friends can do. You can opt to order Quinceanera invitations and enjoy assembling them yourselves. You can also do the same with the giveaways. Have some free time together and have fun doing them. Anyway, you will only be quince once so you should have all the pleasure not only on the big day, but also while making the preparations for the big day!

Check out Jinky Kowalskis blog at http://www.jinkyscrafts.com for all the beautiful invites that you need. You will be amazed at the Quinceanera Exploding Box invites that you will definitely want one for yourself. Visit her site or order a kit and have fun assembling them!

Applying Decals And Markings To Your Plastic Model

hobbymasters — Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000

Plastic models create a smaller version of a collector’s item in the form of planes, tanks, trains and vehicles. After the model is fully built, it is then painted and decals and markings are added to give authenticity to the particular model.

Models of newer vehicles and commercial airplanes are generally painted with shiny lacquer paint, whereas models of fighter planes and tanks should be painted with a flat paint. Allow the paint to dry completely for at least 24 hours before adding decals and markings.

Decals are used by many model builders to give models a more realistic, detailed look. They are sometimes included in the purchase of a plastic model set, or you may want to purchase alternative decals from a hobby shop. It is even possible to create your own unique decals. If you want to make your own decals, you will need access to a printer and decal paper which is readily available at computer and stationery stores. You can use an existing image off your computer or upload an image from your phone or even scan an image into the scanner for printing. After printing the image on the decal paper, lightly spray it with aerosol decal clear coat and allow it to dry overnight.

Prepare your decal for placement on your model by cutting it out with a hobby utility knife along the exterior lines. Place the decal in a bowl of warm water and let it soak for about 30 seconds. Move the decal in the water with a pair of tweezers to test if the decal slips from the backing paper. Position the decal on the plastic model with tweezers and slide the decal from the backing paper. Attach the decal and remove all air and water bubbles underneath by lightly rolling a finger from one side to the other.

Seal decals to a model by spraying a coat of clear sealant spray. The sealant spray protects the edges of the decal from future loosening and curling around the edges.

Weathering marks may also be added to a model to simulate usage and make a model more realistic. Markings are often added to military planes and tanks and model train cars. Use a small detailing brush to brush chalk dust onto the model in an area to appear as weathering marks. Darker chalk dust simulates smoke marks and lighter silver chalk dust simulates wear on a metal object such as a place where an operator of the vehicle mounts.

Finish your project by coating the entire model with a light misting of aerosol clear coat spray. This final touch evens out the slightly higher areas of the decals onto the model for a smooth professional appearance.

Established in 1975, Hobbymasters is one of the largest and oldest hobby stores in the country. With over 7,000 square feet on two floors, we have something for everyone to enjoy! Most of our hobby experts have been employed with us for at least 20 years, and their combined expertise covers every field of the hobby industry. Visit us at http://www.hobbymasters.com/ or call (732) 842-6020.

Adding Photoetched Details To Your Plastic Models

hobbymasters — Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000

Photoetched details for models – such as model cars, airplanes, etc. – are thin metal pieces that have been precisely etched to add more detail to your model. These details are made of thin metal – whether they are steel, brass or nickel. They also come in different thickness to match the model where they are likely to be attached. Photoetched parts may be flat and dull or shiny, depending on how it was made and the kind of metal used. Such parts are solder fastened to a rubber base or to a frame. The former is more expensive than the latter and is harder to come by. Additions for your model that are photoetched may include things like hood ornaments for cars, metal grills and mesh, brake discs, trim, and different kinds of hardware.

The thrill and excitement of working with photoetched details starts when one is ready to attach them to a plastic model. However, before doing that, the hobbyist should clean the parts first. Cleaning them with lacquer thinner helps the parts stick well to the model. It helps remove any traces of the chemicals used to make the etching. One should also be reminded that cleaning parts which come in a rubber base should be done after the parts have been removed from its rubber base. This is because lacquer thinner will dissolve the rubber. Photoetched parts should be allowed to dry after cleaning.

Once the photoetched parts are cleaned, those attached to a frame can be cut with a hobby knife. For parts which are so small that they are likely to fly away when cut, they can be attached to a masking tape so that the tape holds them while they are being cut. Parts that have been attached to a frame are filed with a sanding stick; the part is held with blunt tweezers. After that, the part is ready to be painted. But before painting, scuffing the part makes it more receptive to a primer.

The photoetched detail is now ready to be attached to the plastic model. Using clear epoxy can achieve this purpose. It bonds plastic and metal well and won’t fog the parts. One can also use an acrylic paint for this purpose. If some parts that are needed cannot be found or one has lost a part, a photoetched detail can be made at home, although the process is somewhat involved.

Painting Tips And Techniques For Plastic Models

hobbymasters — Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000

Building models is a pastime that has been around for many years and is still popular. Often, older generations will introduce the hobby and become mentors to the young as they take on a variety of models. Plastic models are one of the most reasonably priced kinds of models and are easy to come by. They can be found with the body of the model already painted, with decals included for the finishing touches. However, the true thrill comes from the challenge of painting a plastic model, making it unique with colors you choose or building and painting a reproduction of a famous vehicle.

There are a variety of painting tips and techniques that are handy for taking the headaches out of building plastic models. These tips will result in a pleasant experience for all involved that will keep the young and the old coming back for more projects.

There are several types of paints that can be used for plastic models. Enamel paints work well if you prefer to use a paintbrush, while lacquer paint is typically used for spraying. Depending on what kind of paint you choose to use and what color, it may be advisable to use a primer on the model before painting, as this will help the paint adhere better and make the final color look better.

It is also wise to test the paint on a small portion of the model, such as the underside, to see if the paint will adhere to the model. At times, even though a paint may adhere to a model, it may separate or crack. Experimentation may be necessary to find the best paint.

The person who has great attention to detail and enjoys adding distinctive touches is more likely to choose using a brush-on method of painting. It requires care in the selection of the brush. For the most delicate of details, a very fine, small brush will be needed while a larger brush will work for covering the majority of the surface. It is wise to paint the frame before building as well as any accents, such as a steering wheel, seats, and other small parts. The body needs to be painted separately as well. Very small parts that might be difficult to hold still while painting may need to be painted while still on the sprue.

A wash of dark paint can be used to age a model, and it will settle into lines in the model to make it look more realistic. Dry brushing can also be used to age a model and add subtle detail. In dry-brushing a brush with a very small amount of thick paint can be lightly swept across a surface, and will leave paint only on the raised areas of the model. Once the paint job on your model is dry, a clear wax or varnish coat may be added for protection and shine.

Adding Aftermarket Parts To Your Plastic Models

hobbymasters — Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000

Plastic model kits have been popular hobby items for both children and adults for decades. Initially, building these kits meant using only the parts included with the kit, but today, it’s possible to “kitbash” several of these kits together into one model, or even install aftermarket components such as special wheels and tires or even detailed engines.

Photo-etched parts are purchased attached to metal sheets. Brake rotors, cast metal emblems and chrome trim are all much more detailed and crisp looking as photo-etched parts than as plastic parts. In plastic model kits, for example, you will notice that the vehicle grill doesn’t have holes between the individual slats of the grill. This is because the plastic molding process doesn’t allow for that level of detail. Metal parts can be cut much more accurately with less potential damage to the part.

Aftermarket wheels may be the most commonly used aftermarket model part. Like photo-etched parts, aftermarket wheels are typically metal, but they may also be made from resin. These kinds of wheels simulate popular real-world wheel brands and have a crisper, more realistic appearance than the wheels typically included in plastic model kits. When machined from aluminum, these wheels can be polished to the same luster that real wheels can be polished.

Model engines are another category in which detailed aftermarket parts can make a huge impact in how your model looks. Aftermarket parts in the model’s engine bay can be as simple as distributor cap and spark plug wiring, and as involved as specially-built complete model engines. These engines display stunning realism for their size, often including flexible rubber belts and metal hardware.

Another category of aftermarket part for your plastic models isn’t limited just to model cars. Water slide decals may be included with plastic model kits, but there are specialty decals available, particularly for vintage racing vehicles, that will accurately model just about any vehicle out there. Military airplanes are another segment of the modeling hobby in which water slide decals play a pivotal role in personalizing your models. You might choose custom water slide graphics to decorate your plane in the style of World War II fighters, or you might take a more historical route and decorate your model after a real-world airplane.

Aftermarket parts for your plastic models add a touch of realism and personalization that isn’t available in out of the box parts. They are generally of higher quality and better appearance, and will take your modeling out of the realm of children’s toys.

Stationery Through The Ages

Kelli-Rue — Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000

In the distant past, people had simple needs and the means and methods through which they communicated were basic and uncomplicated as well. In the Stone Age, rocks, stone tablets and other similar objects were used to communicate and pass over important messages. Later on, the means of transmitting all these messages changed as animal hide and bones were introduced as writing tools and materials. With the invention of paper and a host of modern day writing tools the system of communication has evolved at a somewhat astonishing speed. This evolution made a lot of changes for the betterment of the world. The invention of the pen and paper made people go on to express and share their thoughts with the entire world. Billions of books and novels written worldwide are present only because a simple pen was invented. Where warriors wielded swords to conquer lands, scholars simply used their pens to influence the hearts and minds of civilizations and spawn revolutions. The pen truly has become mightier than the sword.

One would be amazed to know the pace at which the retail market of stationery items has developed. The markets all over the world are flooded with affordable and cheap stationery items such as ball pens, chalks, clip pads, crayons, craft tools, copy holder, clips and pins, cutters and blades, embossing tools, erasers and sharpeners, geometry box (which comprises of stationery items like a protractor, compass, ruler etc.), direction compass, duster, highlighters, key tags, magnets, paper weights, glue guns, labeling tools and various other items. Other forms of stationery may include drawing instruments (like brushes, color pencils and water colors), Ink stationery (which include the use of laser printers, photocopier etc.), storage stationery (which basically consist of files, folders, pocket portfolios etc.), envelopes, notepads, letter heads etc.

Cheap stationery tools purchased from ordinary retail markets can change the complete look of the message. By using stationery it is possible to enhance the effectiveness of the message being conveyed. For example, a note written on a plain and simple piece of paper can be transformed dramatically in to something really special by using a bright and colorful paper and a matching envelope. Businesses also use stationery in the form letter heads for official correspondence. These letter heads display the company logo or artwork besides the business address and name so that the people may know where the correspondence has come from even before opening it.

Retail markets and shops also provide really cheap stationery nowadays for kids who like to have their own stuff. This encourages the children to write to friends and relatives and be in touch with them. You can also find inexpensive and cheap stationery designs online so that you can create your own art from the computer.

Stationery can be purchased from any local and retail shop and it is also available in many qualities. However, one should always try to buy high quality stationery items instead of going for low quality or very cheap stationery items so that they could last longer and continue to be of use for a long time.

Kelli Rue is fascinated by small household objects, and has written many books on the subject. She works today with Buy Stationery, a supplier of cheap stationery.

Tips For Building Model Railroad Tunnels

hobbymasters — Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000

Model railroad terrains provide a project for the imagination of the avid train hobbyist. A good terrain can mean the difference between an observer seeing a train repeat its path in circles or being sucked into what appears to be a miniature world. The tunnel is a particularly important piece of a model railroad terrain. When a train disappears from an observer’s vision, their mind is free to imagine where it has gone. It makes the model train appear to be doing something more important than going in circles. There are several ways to create tunnels and the builder is limited only by his own creativity.

A simple method for constructing a tunnel is to use sheets of Styrofoam to place around the area of track that will be covered. This can be hidden by a terrain of choice. With all tunnel designs it is important that the visible parts look as realistic as possible. Make sure any visible Styrofoam is painted to provide a realistic look. A second method of tunnel construction is to use a can of Great Stuff, a foam sealant, and some newspaper. Roll up the newspaper in the size of the tunnel desired and place it on top of the actual track. This can then be covered with cellophane and sprayed with Great Stuff to create the terrain.

Once it is dry, the builder can remove the newspaper.
Regardless of how you decide to create your tunnel there are a few generalities to keep in mind. The first was mentioned previously. Make sure that any visible portion of the tunnel is realistic in nature. This includes the beginning of the inside of the tunnel. Conduct a thorough inspection once your handiwork is completed. A second factor to keep in mind is that you will need to make sure you are able to gain access to all parts of your tunnel in case the train derails. Nothing would be more unfortunate than having to rip apart your carefully constructed terrain to get your train back. Along these lines it would be wise to thoroughly inspect the track you are about to cover and run a train along it before it is covered.

Model train tunnels can be very enjoyable to build. Keep these tips in mind if you want to successfully create a functional, miniature world. As always, be sure to check with your local hobby shop owner for more personalized tips and tricks when it comes to model building.

A Guide To Laying Model Railroad Track

hobbymasters — Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000

The excitement builds as the new model train set is being opened. To beginners the task may seem daunting, because now comes the planning and design aspects. There are some tools that will not be in the box, so now is the time to gather up a few things. Additional tools needed include a small hammer, utility knife, needle nose pliers and extra track nails. Some kits will require you solder track joints together. Keep this in mind when gathering tools.

Tracks are sized numerically, for example, code 83 tracks are larger than code 55 tracks. Smaller tracks are traditionally used for branch lines. The main track will have a track bed, so branch lines may need height adjustments to line up correctly. Like any project, dry runs are important. Remember the layout is only limited by imagination. Many enthusiasts use flexible track that can literally be curved to any radius needed.

Traditionalists enjoy the complexity of designing tracks without using flexible track. Track laying for many is an art, requiring planning and experimentation.

Lay out the track without connecting. When the layout is perfect, trace the design with a pencil using the track of course as the template. There are many basic designs for beginners, but experimentation never hurts. Depending on space and size of the set, anything is possible. There can be staging areas, turnarounds, tunnels and bridges. As a side note, s-shaped curves should always have a straight section of track between them. The straight section prevents derailment coming out of the curves.

The roadbed is typically cork or foam. The material can be purchased specifically for track beds at specialty shops. Remember the track bed will have the same layout as the track. Using the pencil lines as a guide start gluing the road bed down in sections. When the roadbed is secured, it will have the same dimensions as the track. Everyone loves the look of a raised track bed so many do not elevate their branch lines. Keep this in mind when doing connections. Have some small shims handy to slide under the branch lines.

Some individuals like to hand lay their track. The process is time consuming but rewarding. The track is laid over individual railroad ties. The process is in essence building a track bed from raw materials.

The tracks can be glued or nailed to the bed. When gluing flex track on curves the section may not hold its form long enough for the glue to set. The track joints can be soldered together to hold their position while the glue sets.

After you lay the track, all you’ll need are some buildings, trees, telephone poles, etc., to make your railroad set-up look real. Browse through a hobby shop for materials and don’t forget to use your imagination.

Tips For Making Model Train Set-ups More Realistic

hobbymasters — Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000

Building model railroads a wonderful hobby that brings about a sense of nostalgia for some of us and celebrates the days when trains were a more prominent part of everyday life. Miniatures of anything (dollhouses are a good example) fascinate most people in a way that is hard to explain, and a sure way to keep people captivated by your model train set is to make it as realistic as possible. Hobby stores offer a wide range of foundational pieces and accessories for your model train set-up. It is important to sift through these options to find the highest quality products if your goal is to make your set look more realistic. The cheaper or lower quality items may distract from your railroad with bright colors or plastic finishes.

But even if you can’t always find the ideal piece for your set, there are ways you can improve upon what you have. First of all, keep an eye out for colors that are too bright. Often a brightly colored sign or piece of scenery that looks too new and perfect can be made more realistic with a simple application of paint. Use a small brush to bring in darker, more realistic colors like browns and grays to tone down bright colors and to make train cars or other pieces look dirty or rusted. This “aging” process can make a big difference in the realism of your train set.

To improve or add to any train set, a hobby store is a great place to start. Browse the aisles there for items to add to your set-up like grass, gravel, trees, benches and signs, as well as materials such as paint, markers and sandpaper that will help you customize your train set-up.

And lastly, pay close attention to your actual arrangement. Are there people in your cars and trucks? Or do they appear to be driving themselves? Place people and items in logical locations. Find photographs of real-life train stations and tracks and take ideas from these for your model. Keep your scenery, people, and buildings consistent with the scale of the model trains to keep things as much like real-life as possible. In order for your train set-up to look as perfectly miniature as possible you will need to search for high quality products, adapt them with paints or other crafting materials, and place them with a real life scenario in mind.