Monday, October 28, 2013

japanese confections



About a month ago, I was asked to do some translating for the Toraya Confectionery company, a famous maker of wagashi (traditional Japanese confections). Toraya was established in Kyoto five centuries ago and served the imperial court as an official supplier of sweets from 1586 through 1611. At present, they have about 80 shops throughout Japan and are now opening shops overseas. Anyway, everyone in Japan knows and respects the name. 

I had made a decision long ago not to accept any new clients, but I jumped at the chance to translate for Toraya. I am utterly passionate about wagashi, and even have a wagashi recipe blog for sharing my attempts at reproducing these delicious confections in my own kitchen. 

The first task I was given, was to write up an introduction to Toraya's illustrated calendar, a much-coveted item among wagashi fans. The illustrations used in Toraya's 2014 calendar were selected from their 1824 design book, an index of what were then newly-conceived wagashi designs. The artwork reminded me a lot of etegami, so I thought you might enjoy seeing them. 

One of the perks of the job was getting a sample calendar. It's the cutest thing you can imagine. Now I'm working on updating the English version of their website. My deadline is looming, so bye for now.

Friday, October 25, 2013

holiday sweet & holiday savory


They Draw and Cook has published two delightful new collections of illustrated recipes just in time for the holidays. The first is Holiday Sweet: 40 Illustrated Holiday Recipes by Artists from Around the World. (click title to see sample pages).  It includes 40 deliciously illustrated recipes for holiday cookies, cakes, beverages and candies!  My etegami recipe for Matcha Cheesecake is included in this book! Yaaay!


The second of the two collections is Holiday Savory: 30 Illustrated Holiday Recipes by Artists from Around the World. (click title to see see sample pages.) Even if cooking isn't one of your passions, either collection makes a great coffee table book, conversation starter, or gift! Double those benefits by getting both. : )



Friday, October 18, 2013

hug relay


Joy and humble gratitude. Yesterday I had ANOTHER visitor, the second this week, and the third in the last ten days! This is a record breaker for me. The best thing was she brought me three hugs. Count them: THREE. One was from her, and the other two hugs were relayed through her to me from two dear friends who live far away. Plus she brought me some fragrant and perfectly ripe bartlett pears... So, of course, I painted them.

I think something must be wrong with my scanner. Lately, my white cards look gray or brownish when I scan them. Is there a simple solution to this? Or do I need a new scanner?

Monday, October 14, 2013

etegami newsletter- nov 2013 issue

If you are signed up to receive the Etegami Fun Club Newsletter, the November 2013 issue should already be in your email box. 

In this issue, you will find ideas for etegami moving announcements, an intro to an artist who inspires, a new Koike quote, and a new Etegami Call. I hope you enjoy it, and I look forward to your feedback.

If you haven't signed up for this free monthly newsletter and would like to do so, please send a request to dosankodebbie (at) yahoo (dot) co (dot) jp


P.S. if you are subscribed, but didn't see the October issue, please check your spam folder. If you still can't find it, ask me to send it again. Your account may have rejected it the first time, or your  address may have changed. Reminder: Subscribing to the blog and getting my posts in your mailbox is not the same as signing up for the newsletter, which is not automatic. Sorry for the confusion!