"Giving Thanks" Etegami Paint & Sip Workshop

FAQs

• What is Etegami?

  Etegami (絵手紙) translates directly to "Picture-Letter" (絵 "E" = picture, 手紙 "Tegami" = letter). It is a traditional Japanese folk art form centered on creating simple, hand-painted postcards paired with a short, sincere message to share with friends, family, or neighbors.

  Unlike fine art where the goal is realism and precision, Etegami is about connection over perfection. We slow down, observe a single subject from everyday life, and create a heartfelt, tangible gift to brighten someone’s day.

• Do I need any art experience? What if I can’t draw?

  No experience is required at all! In fact, having zero background in art is a wonderful advantage.

  Etegami is guided by the philosophy “Heta de ii, heta ga ii” (ヘタでいい、ヘタがいい) which means "Imperfection is alright; imperfection is just right!"

  Wobbly lines, ink blooms, and quirky proportions aren’t mistakes, they are welcomed friends that give your artwork its unique personality, warmth, and charm.

• What materials are provided? Do I need to bring anything?

  All materials are fully provided! Just bring yourself and an playful heart. During the workshop, you will have hands-on access to authentic, imported Japanese supplies:

  • Gasen-shi Postcards: Highly absorbent Japanese paper designed to create beautiful, organic ink bleeds and watercolor blooms.

  • Sumi Ink & Fude Brushes: Traditional calligraphy brushes and rich black ink.

  • Gansai Watercolors: Traditional Japanese pigment sets known for their rich, warm, and opaque colors.

  • Hanko Stamps & Red Ink: Traditional artist stamps to give your completed work a signature seal.

• What should I expect during the event?

  We guide you through the entire process at a relaxed, comfortable pace:

  1. The Mindset & Line Warm-Up: We'll introduce the core philosophy of Etegami and practice drawing expressive "living lines" with traditional ink brushes and sumi ink.

  2. Drawing Your Subject: You’ll learn how to observe your subject, find its unique "charm point," and paint bold, spontaneous outlines directly onto your postcard.

  3. Adding Vibrant Colors: We’ll practice the gentle tapping technique with traditional Gansai watercolor paints to bring your Etegami to life.

  4. Heartfelt Words & Hanko Seal: Add a short message speaking directly from the heart, and stamp your card with a traditional red artist seal (hanko) to finish your piece!

• Who will be teaching the workshop?

  This workshop is led by Amy and Andy, the husband-and-wife artist duo behind Etegami.Love. As certified Etegami instructors who trained under an Etegami master in Kyoto, Japan, we bring authentic techniques, traditional Japanese materials, and a relaxed, joyful environment to guide you step-by-step.

  

• What should I wear?

  Wear comfortable, darker clothes with flexible sleeves that let your arms and shoulders move freely!
  
  Because Etegami brushwork is done with an elevated arm, non-restrictive tops are ideal. While we provide placemats to protect your table space, authentic sumi ink can permanently stain fabric if an accidental drip happens.

• What do I get to take home?

  By the end of the workshop, you will take home:

  • 2 to 3 completed Etegami postcards ready to be mailed to a loved one or placed on your desk.

  • Instructional reference handouts featuring supply recommendations and Japanese phrase inspiration so you can continue creating Etegami at home.

• What happens if I arrive late or need to leave early?

  We start promptly at the scheduled start time, and tickets are non-refundable for partial attendance.

  If you arrive late: We will warmly welcome you, get you set up with supplies, and do our best to catch you up with the group. While we cannot restart the full introduction from the beginning, our detailed take-home guide covers all the foundational steps you missed.

  If you need to leave early: You are welcome to pack up and leave whenever you need! Be sure to take your completed artwork and handouts with you!

• Are food and drinks included in the ticket price?

  Food and beverages are purchased separately from the cafe counter.

  Haraz Coffee House is generously opening up their beautiful community space to host our workshop. To appreciate and support our wonderful hosts, we kindly ask that each participant purchase at least one beverage or treat to enjoy during the evening. Please order drinks in a to-go cup to protect the artwork table.

  Food and beverages are purchased at the cafe counter separately and are not included in the art workshop ticket. We recommend arriving 10-15 minutes early to order your favorite specialty Yemeni coffee, spiced tea, or pastry before we start painting, and/or you can order during our short break midway through class.

• I’m left-handed. Will this workshop work for me?

  Yes, absolutely! Left-handed artists are warmly welcome!

  Many left-handed creators hesitate to join ink or brush workshops because traditional calligraphy often enforces rigid stroke angles, or because painting across the canvas risks dragging a palm through wet ink.

  In Etegami, instead of gripping the brush like a pen, you hold it high near the top of the handle, moving freely with your whole arm. With your hand suspended above the card, there's no dragging through any wet ink, making this unique technique completely smudge-free and equally natural for both left- and right-handed painters.

• What language do I write on my card?

  Any language you like! While Etegami originates in Japan, the message is all about speaking sincerely from your heart. You can write a quick note in English, any language you know, or even try your hand at simple Japanese seasonal greetings and phrases using our reference sheets.

• Can children attend or accompany me to the workshop?

  No, we cannot accommodate children or non-participating spectators at the workshop table.

  Because we work with permanent staining ink, require ample elbow room for painting, and spend two hours in sustained brushwork, every seat at our workshop table is reserved exclusively for registered participants aged 16 and older.

• Is this venue wheelchair accessible?

  Yes, Haraz Coffee House is wheelchair accessible. The parking lot does have handicap parking as well.