Japan

Konnichiwa!  You may be aware that I love Japanese art, as well as tin soldiers.  Therefore, I decided to combine these two loves of mine, and design a tag inspired by the Samurai, the warrior aristocracy of Japan.

I used a Tim Holtz Toy Soldier die and cardstock to cut the base form for the Samurai. Then, I altered several of the pieces by cutting, drawing, and coloring them to fit my design.  I dressed him using various origami papers, which I cut and folded as needed to form his costume.  A tied strip of cord completed the look of his kaku obi (belt).  I also decorated a wooden stick to simulate a Samurai's weapon.  For the tag's background, I painted some freehand paintbrush strokes with acrylic paint to simulate the body of a dragon.  When it was dry, I used a micron pen to draw some defining detail lines to the dragon.  Next, I lettered the title, as well as my last name in Japanese characters, using Prismacolor paintbrush markers.  I also stamped an oriental good luck message.  Last, but not least, I attached my samurai to the background with foam squares.

I hope you enjoy my design as much as I enjoyed working on it.  May you have a blessed week.  Sayonara!