Etegami: Japanese picture letter

Etegami literally means “picture letter”.  It is a picture and a message.  There are really no rigid rules on how to draw etegami.  Everything is freestyle.  Just draw and write what you feel.  No practice drawings, no rough drafts...lest you lose that moment of inspiration.  The typical etegami usually consists of a drawing of something mundane, trivial...something you see in everyday life but normally take for granted.  Take a closer look at the things you touch or see everyday.  Find that most beautiful angle and draw it!  The accompanying message is also up to you.  It could be a proverb, an original poem, a straight sentence, or a wisecrack.  Say whatever it is that is bursting out of you.  Etegami is normally done on postcards.  And, they are meant to be posted...the whole idea is you are sending a message straight from the heart.

Check out our etegami bookmarks and greeting cards.  They are made from original paintings by Miyako.