NOW what?

[merimask]

Hmm...what the heck do I do now?  I finished my big fun project, my gifts are all sent, I...have nothing to do!

I guess I'll make little stuff...

Koi barrettes!  Cute, no?  They're up in my Etsy shop.

 

I also spent the day tweaking all sorts of things in Etsy.  I re-listed a few things, dropped prices on a few things (I discounted the HECK out of my steampunk masks, like $30 off "Full Steam").   I took fresh pictures of the Ivy mask...
...'cause the old picture of the mask in the tree was too confusing.  Note to self; do not photograph foliage masks IN foliage.

Oh I know, I can share pictures of things I couldn't share before!  Stuff that was sent as gifts.  Like, this Maneki Neko mask...
 
Maneki Neko means "Lucky Cat"...you see these guys everywhere in Japan.  I made this blue and white one as a gift for my journalist buddy from Japan; she spoiled the heck out of me when I was there and after awhile I said "That's it.  I'm just going to have to send you something really NEAT for Christmas."  So I made this cat for her!  It reminds me of her; cute and happy and bright. 

Little did I know (there's still so much about Japanese culture that I'm unaware of) the maneki neko is a good-luck symbol commonly used during the New Year, so this gift was perfectly timed to become part of her New Year decorations.  So cute!!  I got something right and I didn't even know I was getting it right!  ;-)
 

I feel a REAL need for a new challenge; making tiny barrettes is cute and all but it's just not satisfying in the least.  Does anyone have any cool ideas?  I'm open to suggestions...

Comments

[zannachan.livejournal.com]

The koi and the masks are cute--your work is always lovely--but I imagine it's a bit of a come down after the last few masks you made--especially that last one (wow. Seriously. Wow).

I'm not sure I have any clever suggestions to inspire you--your work lately has been so far and above anything I've imagined at least.

But maybe do a mask based on the wave pattern you used for the dragon plaque and for the keychains? Maybe an asymetrical one--so both traditional and modern?

Maybe, if you want to do something not Japanese, you can do something from Russian or European folklore? A selkie, perhaps? Or a Phoenix? Or maybe go to India and base them on one of the deities or spirits there. Ganesh, perhaps, as long as it is done respectfully.

Or other natural motifs... a leaf mask, not one like your half masks adorned by a couple of leaves, but where the leaf WAS the mask. or maybe another flower mask? Your sakura mask is very pretty. Petunias would make a pretty mask. Or Irises, or even a calla lily. Or a lily pad with a flower would be cool (heh, leaf AND flower, heh).

[merimask.livejournal.com]

Thank you! ^_^

Oh hey yeah! A "Wave" mask...I had been planning to do one & I totally forgot. Hokusai's "Great Wave" http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a233/merimask/HokusaiWave.jpg
is my absolute favorite work of art...ever. A mask like this would be, well, so cool. Good idea! I think I'll do that one for sure. ^_^

I like the idea of leaf masks but someone on Etsy is doing those already ( http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=17339147 ) and I don't want to copy anyone.

[zannachan.livejournal.com]

You're welcome! That's the print--it's gorgeous, and I think it would make a unique and spectacular mask.

I didn't know that anyone else on Etsy is doing leaf masks--pity. Yours would be stunning, I'm sure, but I agree that it would be better to do something different.

I'll keep trying to think of ideas.