Photoshoppin'

Photoshop manipulation ©2010 jadeXcore
Photo ©2010 ourworldtravels.com

Sophie Ellis-Bextor Wallpaper

I decided to make a wallpaper of the British singer Sophie Ellis-Bextor today. I think it turned out nicely. I like the color scheme I chose most of all. Dimensions are 1280x800.



(All credit for photo to Sophie Ellis-Bextor. Manipulation by jadeXcore.)

Pendulum and Imogen Heap Wallpapers

The first wallpaper is one using pictures from the official videos of the band Pendulum's new singles "Witchcraft" and "Watercolour". The lyrics are from "Witchcraft". In no way do I take credit for the pictures or the lyrics, just the editing. This wallpaper is 1280x800.

The second wallpaper is one using pictures and lyrics from the official video of Imogen Heap's song "Goodnight and Go". Once again, I don not take credit for the pictures or the lyrics, just the editing. This wallpaper is also 1280x800.

Steampunk Kimono

I've been working on this costuming idea for about a month now, and my "character" is finally complete! I don't have any full body photos yet unfortunately, but I will get them up as soon as possible. Here's some of the photos:

Official Date for Delta Anime Expo 2011

As many of you know, I am the head of the Japanese culture committee for the Delta Anime Expo (DAX). We now have an official date and location for our convention! It will be July 8-10, 2011 at the Hilton East in Memphis, Tennessee. For all updates, please visit the official Delta Anime Expo website.

Shamisen

Today, I bought my first shamisen!

Some info:
A shamisen is a traditional Japanese musical instrument that somewhat resembles a banjo. The one I bought is nagauta style, the smallest type of shamisen. The next size up is jiuta and the largest is tsugaru. This type is also the type played my geiko (geisha) and maiko.

(***UPDATED 7/22/10) Here is a picture of my new beauty, accessories added:


It has been my dream for years to own a shamisen, and now I was able to get a fairly inexpensive one. I paid about $250 for it. It is used and has synthetic skins, which does not produce as nice of a sound as cat or dog skins, but it is practical for someone like me who does not have the need to have an expensive instrument because I'm just playing for myself. Also, it's a first instrument, so I don't want to pay too much for something I may not end up liking.

The instrument itself is completely intact, but it is missing a few accessories. While not completely necessary, they extend the life of the instrument. I need a doukake, which is a cover for the top of the instrument that protects it when you are playing. I also need a hiza gomu, a cloth that keeps it from slipping off of your legs while you play. The last piece I need is a yubisuri, a piece of cloth that you put over your finger to help it slide along the back of the shamisen for easier play and to protect the wood.

Hopefully, I will learn some basic songs and maybe one day I will be able to do more. =)

Tsumami Kanzashi Tutorial

I made a simple step-by-step tutorial for those of you who would like to make your own tsumami kanzashi, which are traditional Japanese flowers folded out of fabric, usually silk. This tutorial will show you how to make the two main petal shapes: round and pointed, as well as how to do falls of petals, the bases, and a basic "bouquet" arrangement. Click on the link below to view and download the tutorial. I hope this helps you and gives you a creative boost:

Tsumami Kanzashi Tutorial

Feel free to ask questions. Happy crafting!