Adding Words & Images to Your Pages Using Etegami: Simple, Fun Technique for Getting Down Your Ideas

Today we look at how a technique called ETEGAMI can help you words and images to your pages. Etegami is deliberately naïve, a simple style that was created as a revolt against the rules and constraints of traditional Japanese brush work and calligraphy. This makes it ideal for those of us who are not so confident in our drawing and painting abilities or if you are simply looking for a way to mix it up when making handmade pages.
"Clumsiness can be charming." So said the inventor of etegami. It is also forgiving and leaves so much room for taking your drawings and lettering in a different direction: the stakes are low and the possibilities are many. Originally etegami was used to make post cards but it lends itself well to all sorts of journal pages including commonplace books as well as other mixed media projects.
PLEASE NOTE that the images in the early part of the video are not mine. They are copies of work by Dosanko Debbie. Check out here etegami work on Pinterest or on her website here:
beyond-calligraphy.com/2017/0...
Another good page for inspiration is here: Alison @ etegamist.com/

[@kjmav10135]

My first etegami is going to say, “supplies don’t matter as much as your curiosity.” ❤

[@BookandPaperArts]

Dear Kathyrn, this is a delight to hear and makes me very proud. Keep me posted on how it turns out or email me a photo or two: [e-mail]

[@robertakeirn1870]

“The supplies don’t matter as much as your curiosity”, what a lovely message. Informative, funny and hopeful, what else could anyone ask for. Love the Mary Oliver quote too. Couldn’t ask for a better video! 🖤 Gilly

[@BookandPaperArts]

Thank you, Gilly. It really does a lot to me to hear that. And more pep talks are on the way. I have a feeling we may need them In The Days Ahead.

[@sallymitchell6423]

Clumsy and naive you say? At last, I’ve found my thing! 🎨

[@BookandPaperArts]

Join me, won't you? 😺

[@SandiMo77]

I've never heard of this but am so delightfully intrigued. I love the simplicity, the free flow of it, and the fact that it seems totally do-able! Thank you so very much for such a clear, inspiring video and for the encouragement to just get in and try it.

[@BookandPaperArts]

Hi Sandi. Thanks for this message and I am so pleased the video went over big. I teach journal arts and soooo often the first step is getting people to relax and just be messy and free. The cool thing is that some big improvements in skill levels sometimes follow as we are getting out of our own heads and just making. I hope you make gorgeous pages. Kelly

[@journalingplanet]

This was brilliant. Ill definitely be rewatching to take it all in a second time!

[@BookandPaperArts]

Thank you, Helen. That is what I like to hear. 😺 (Just subscribed to your Substack.)

[@roksannastephens4375]

Me too!

[@susanasilva2737]

There are things that are meant to be. Like finding this channel. I'm enjoying myself a lot. Cause this envolves two things I love: paint and words. Now I got a new challenge for my gouache: make me happy ever after. Thanks a lot 😊

[@BookandPaperArts]

Well hello and welcome, Susana. What a lovely message. And you know, "Make me happy ever after" might be a great quote for an etegami page. Just saying.

[@missmartylynn]

Kelly, you always motivate me. Thank you so much!

[@BookandPaperArts]

Why thank you, Marty Lynn. This is a truly nice thing to read. You have made my day. Kelly

[@2learn4ever]

I never heard of Etegami, but I love it. I'm not an artist but I'd be inclined to give it a go, .......when I finish my present crochet project! Tfs.

[@BookandPaperArts]

Well there you go, sounds like learning forever to me. It can be interesting to cross-pollinate how we express our creative ideas. Who knows, etegami might end up finding its way into textile art. Keep me posted!

[@ABirdWoman]

What a great idea for me to add into my ‘kit’ of teaching older adults about how everyone can make art… thanks for doing this demo and providing so much. Hope !

[@BookandPaperArts]

Hi Sandy. What a great idea. I am so pleased that these ideas get passed forward. Happy teaching and happy making. 🌷🌻🌼

[@ireneharrison7630]

Yes definitely like the look!

[@BookandPaperArts]

Thank you so, Irene.

[@hanichay1163]

Thank you! This is addicting and so fun to send in the mail!

[@BookandPaperArts]

So glad you are trying it, Hani. It is addicting and I am making these cards and pages almost every day now.

[@dianefallon8471]

I love the etegami. Never heard of it before but it looks like so much fun. Thank you, Kelly.

[@BookandPaperArts]

I hope you try it and make some cool pages, Diane. Let me know how it goes. Kelly

[@00800su]

Wonderfully demo'd! Can't wait to start my own! Thank you.

[@BookandPaperArts]

Thanks bunches, Susan. I hope you make great pages. Go get 'em!

[@mariearce8021]

Thank you for this! I've been doing arts and crafts for many years including journals. I have not heard of this before. Just shows how many things are out there to try! It was like it was meant to be that your video came up. I've wanted and needed to do a free flow technique in order to just let go of the quest for perfection, which is something none of us can really reach. This will be challenging for me, which is fine, I can take chances doing art and allow myself to let it be however it turns out. I will add my own quotes and now I have a good use for my Sharpies which are permanent markers. This is great and your tutorial is well done and explained. Can't wait to start a new project and I already have everything I need. Thanks again from an older crafter looking for something right up my alley!

[@BookandPaperArts]

Hello there and welcome, Marie. I know what you mean about how sometimes the right thing turns up at the right moment. (KZbin's algorithm is less bad than some others.😺) I do not struggle with perfectionism so much as the fear of starting and as a teacher I find this a LOT in people who really do want to create but find it safer to postpone until they Know What They Are Doing. The older I get the more I think this is overrated. Have Sharpies will travel! Thanks for touching base and have a creative week. Kelly

[@CarolineontheHillside]

Hi Kelly! I love how you shared how to get started in etegami … (I’ve created with pen & ink in my tole painting days)so fun and simple! I want to start right away, thank you🥰💕🌸

[@BookandPaperArts]

Hi Caroline and thanks for this lovely message. I am off to look up tole painting now. Here's to making fun and gorgeous pages!

[@dassodia]

Brilliant!! Thank you for the inspiration and guidance.

[@BookandPaperArts]

Hello there, Dee. It is my real pleasure and thank you for reaching out. 🌷🌻🌼Kelly

[@didiirwin]

This was SO so amazing!! Today of all days, when I was wracked with UTTER sadness, your video popped into my feed and wow! It was just the inspiration I needed. I watched in awe, took copious notes (that’s just me) and am ready to “get up and go make something” in my brand new watercolour sketchbook which happens to be postcard size!! Thank you for this very empowering video 👏❤️🇨🇦✨

[@BookandPaperArts]

Dear Didi, welcome and thank you for this moving message. And you already had the postcard-size notebook. Definitely sounds as though it was meant to be. As for notes, I'm with you. I basically have lists for my lists so I hear ya'. I hope you are making some gorgeous and fun pages and I truly hope that you find your way out of the darkness. Sometimes it is something we need help with but there are other times when we can jump into making for the fun of it and let go of our inner voices (and outer ones, for that matter) and work through until things are more light on their own. I am sending you lots of healing and creative thoughts. 🌷🌻🌼Kelly

[@gabrieljacobs2]

I'm doubtless biased but I have to say that was excellent. You're hightly talented and a born entertainer.

[@BookandPaperArts]

You are indeed doubtless biased and I like that in a man.

[@llcleary]

A new way to art! It looks so fun, if I can let myself be loose enough. Thanks for the introduction.

[@BookandPaperArts]

Hello the thanks for touching base. Now, now, give that being-loose-enough thing a try. Remember, it's only paper!

[@April-rx6vt]

As of December, 2023, there are 18912 Dollar General stores in the United States. These stores are located in 48 states and territories and 8008 cities. The state with the most Dollar General locations is Texas, with 1947 stores. Loved the video! Thanks for sharing

[@BookandPaperArts]

Hi April. I really stepped in it with the mention of Dollar General. I did not mean to be rude but it must have sounded that way. Still, the ones near where my family lives are lifelines in some rural communities. I do like how they stock cheap craft supplies so that everyone has a chance to make. And I hope you have a creative week! 😺

[@ilakaiser3778]

This is new to me. I LOVE IT!!!💜🐞

[@BookandPaperArts]

Hi Ila. I'm so pleased you liked it. Now go get 'em!

[@daisyandthecowboy2544]

This was so much fun! Thank you for sharing this.....

[@BookandPaperArts]

Why thank you, Daisy. I am so pleased you liked it and I sure how you are giving it a try and making gorgeous pages. Kelly

[@lynnboyd33]

What a learning curve this was Kelly! Loved the loosness and blobbyness. Like being a child again. Sort of reminded me of in art school doing blind contours, except for these, you could look at the subject. And yes, the hubs and I do a ton of road trips through out our beautiful country, and there are Dollar General, or Dollar Stores almost everywhere. They did finally have to bring the price up from $1 to $1.25...but Who's complaining?! Thanks Kelly, this was fun!

[@BookandPaperArts]

Ha. $1.25 eh? We have a chain called PoundLand that has adjusted its prices, too. Everything is still crazy cheap and it is dangerous to go in because you never spend a pound, you spend £17 or more and then wonder what happened.

[@debracarter7290]

It was meant to be! I discovered Etegami just yesterday and then I find your new video! What a lovely spontaneous way to great art. I’m very inspired! Thank you for sharing! ❤

[@BookandPaperArts]

No way! Stuff like that is spooky and also fun. Meant to be, indeed, Debra. 👻

[@valisha.1111]

love it! and I love pistachio and chocolates too 🥰

[@Skinnychelle48]

Just stumbled upon ur channel! I’m a beginner artist and I lovvvvve what you’re demonstrating! I do exactly what ur saying not o do! Thank u sooooo much!

[@BookandPaperArts]

Hello and welcome, Chelle and please forgive my late reply. Comparing ourselves to others is sabotage of so many kinds. When I started I couldn't draw a good stick figure cat but I drew anyway. You say you are a beginner, so begin and jump right in there and start where you are now and make pages and see where they take you. Remember, it is only paper and ink. 😺Kelly

[@andreabelshe8936]

Thank you Kelly. I enjoy your videos so much. This was great cheer on a grey morning. I’m inspired! 🌷

[@BookandPaperArts]

Hi Andrea, what a great message. It is amazing how sometimes some do-able ideas for making can be instant sunshine. (And I need it where I live - it rains 320 days a year. Let's just say I make pages a LOT.)

[@mousepudding]

Thanks Kelly. What a fun video. My fave was the "To create is to make a pact with nothingness" piece. Lovely.

[@BookandPaperArts]

Hi Peter. That quote is from Clark Coolidge and I have no idea where it came from as it was just in one of my older commonplace books as something that needed to be pondered. Thanks bunches! Kelly

[@roksannastephens4375]

Hello Kelly. What fun and spontaneous art making!! Takes the pressure off of perfection doesn't it?! So, that's the name of this style..."etegami"...nice! I like your inspiration photo book pages, too. I need to start that up again. Thanks for sharing all your demos and art pages, lovely!!

[@BookandPaperArts]

Hi there, Roksanna. Thanks bunches. Revisiting my inspiration book was very much on my list of new year's resolutions this year. I love it so much and then just let it sit at the bottom of a pile for way too long. I hope you have a creative weekend! Kelly

[@kjmav10135]

I really love these! So sweet and direct. A great warm-up and loosener to start the morning! Also, love the book of inspiration. I’m going to start one of those. You have some great, original ideas. Thank you!

[@BookandPaperArts]

Hi Kathryn. What a good idea to warm up using these easy drawings. And here is the video for making a cheap, no excuses inspiration book. kzbin.info/www/bejne/nGrQhJ2entionck&pp=gAQBiAQB

[@thetruequeenofthenorth975]

Brilliant what a wonderful concept etegami thank you

[@BookandPaperArts]

Agreed. I was struck silly when I stumbled across it and had to share and get it out there.

[@user-if8bb5eq7p]

Lovely. Thank you!

[@BookandPaperArts]

🌷🌷🌻🌻🌼🌼

[@carolyndaughton3373]

I love this idea! Never heard of this. Thanks for sharing your talent.

[@BookandPaperArts]

Thank you, Carolyn. It was new to me but any excuse to jumpstart making new pages!

[@kazkav9841]

I always love your tutorials. Thank you.

[@BookandPaperArts]

Why thank you, Kaz. That is truly nice to read. 😺

[@cindyhirz6328]

Thank you for introducing me to etegami. I love the imperfections which to me are perfect 😊 ! It’s very inspiring and I can’t wait to try this. I really enjoyed your video 👍🏻

[@BookandPaperArts]

Cindy, it is my pleasure. I'm so pleased you touched base! Kelly

[@rosem3577]

Enjoyed these lessons and really want to try making them!

[@BookandPaperArts]

Thank you, Rose. I hope you are giving it a try indeed and that you are making fun pages. Just get in there and get started and see where it takes you. Kelly

[@heleneebenstein9120]

This was a fabulous video. I'm in love with ETEGAMI (now that I've heard of it) and can't wait to get in on the fun.

[@BookandPaperArts]

Hi Helene. It was pretty new for me but now I have the zeal of the convert. Anything to jumpstart new pages, eh?

[@heygabimara545]

Thank you for sharing this practice! It looks so fun to do! I think I'll try it out 💖

[@BookandPaperArts]

Hi Gabi. You are very welcome and it is my real pleasure. I hope you make great pages! Now go get 'em.

[@DonnaVintageSnippets]

It was fascinating watching you paint and letter. Love the look of etegami.

[@BookandPaperArts]

Thank you, Donna. It is a treat to play around with these.

[@lisabarton6036]

Started my morning watching your video. Great video. I discovered your channel for the first time today. I think I heard you mention Mississippi. I am watching from Tennessee.

[@BookandPaperArts]

Hello there and welcome, Lisa. Thanks for touching base! I live in Wales but I am from Mississippi and also lived in Knoxville for years. And you? Kelly

[@paperprincess1050]

That was great to watch, thank you.

[@BookandPaperArts]

Thanks bunches. I hope you make great pages! Kelly

[@lemotsilence]

Great video. I really enjoyed this. PS: pistachio and Coffee….

[@BookandPaperArts]

Coffee, eh? I can almost see that working. 🍵

[@TutsNest]

Wow, this new art technique looks super fun! Thanks for sharing it with us. I can't wait to give it a try and let my creativity run wild. Big thanks for the introduction! Cheers

[@BookandPaperArts]

It is my real pleasure. I hope you are being brave and jumping in and making pages and expressing yourself. Keep me posted! Kelly

[@TutsNest]

Absolutely, Kelly! I'm diving right in and already feeling the rush of creativity. Your encouragement means a lot. Thanks again for the inspiration and encouragement! 🎨✨Cheers!

[@annanicholson6925]

How fun! I love it!

[@BookandPaperArts]

Thank you, Anna. That is so good to hear! Kelly

[@susancook1617]

Thank you for sharing. I really enjoyed your video 😊

[@BookandPaperArts]

Thanks for reaching out, Susan. I hope you make gorgeous and fun pages. Kelly

[@nathalieheath5693]

Lovely!!

[@BookandPaperArts]

Thank you so, Nathalie. 🌷🌻🌼

[@dr.michalhemmo-lotem8546]

Thank you so much for your quality content

[@BookandPaperArts]

Thank you so, so much for taking the time to touch base and let me know. It means a lot to me. 🌷🌻🌼

[@lisalisaandthecoolgem929]

Never heard of Etigami, but I now love it! Thanks for sharing this tutorial… 🤗🥰🤗 great teacher!

[@BookandPaperArts]

Why thank you, Lisa. I do like to teach and cheerlead. Sometimes all we need is a push from the rear to get us up and trying and making, however imperfectly. I hope you have a creative week! Kelly

[@LucyLevine-yy6yz]

Love this! Great video. Thank you ❤

[@BookandPaperArts]

Hi Lucy. Thanks for getting in touch. I am so pleased you liked the video. It is truly nice to hear. Kelly

[@shreevas6160]

great video Kelly. I'd love to make quick colourful happy pieces like these! I started my sketchbook earlier this year too, so now I feel I can start anything!

[@BookandPaperArts]

Hi Shreeva. What a great message. I, too, feel as though March is really early January and I am just getting off and running, including sketchbook-keeping-wise, and it feels good. Here's to a creative week to come. 😺Kelly

[@superluckystudio2297]

Fabulous video, thank you.

[@BookandPaperArts]

Thanks bunches. That is truly nice to hear. Kelly

[@sandydick7038]

Kelli, Started Etagami a few years ago. I started out doing it as postcards for grandkids and friends. I love the simplicity of of it. I loved seeing this on your channel. SKDick 31:08

[@BookandPaperArts]

Thanks bunches, Sandy. Would love to hear more about your etegami pages. Hmmmm. Gelato, eh?

[@merrilynnowlan8907]

Love this idea .. I’m hooked

[@BookandPaperArts]

Why thank you, Merrilynn. I hope you are making some fun and gorgeous pages, and have a creative weekend. Kelly

[@petergordon4456]

Hi Kelly thanks for showing very interesting thanks for showing hope ya well Peter Scotland xx

[@BookandPaperArts]

Hi Peter. Thanks bunches. How is it up there? The sun came out for a quick moment here but it's not fooling me.

[@jeanmorris1182]

Thank you for introducing me to etegami. Looking forward to exploding this. Style of painting.

[@BookandPaperArts]

Jean, I am so pleased. There is soooo much to explore here and it isn't even scary. 😺

[@NolaTheAlamoChiliQueen]

Etegami is new to me. I’ve not heard of it before, but I like it! I’ve got to go search through my inks & see what I can use.

[@BookandPaperArts]

Hey Nola. Any excuse to go through our inks is a good one. My stash is uhm, formidable. And you?

[@NolaTheAlamoChiliQueen]

@@BookandPaperArts not as many as I’d like

[@luztorres4346]

Interesting and pretty

[@BookandPaperArts]

Thank you, Luz. I hope you make great pages!

[@katiehanrahan5293]

This is wonderful! Definitely going to try this. Thanks Kelly!

[@BookandPaperArts]

Hi Katie. That is what I like to hear. Hope you have a creative week! Kelly

[@amaza888]

I LOVE this. Thank you for sharing!!

[@BookandPaperArts]

Thanks you for touching base and letting me know. I hope you make some great pages. Let me know how it goes. Kelly

[@creativenana]

You need to come visit my town. Our dollar generals have awesome produce and grocery sections and are cleaner than most stores in big towns. We have 6 DG and 2 family dollars in our midsize county. FYI: our community is mostly medical professionals and teachers as our highest employers in numbers. We love our small town.

[@BookandPaperArts]

Hi there, Nana. Thank you for this and I am delighted to be mistaken about this as it is true that I am only going by stores in rural Mississippi and Alabama where my family lives. I do know that they are a lifeline in underserved communities and again, it is amazing that they have craft supplies in a way that makes it clear that making in all of our lives is necessary. Most of the ones I've seen do not have produce and they are often weirdly underlit (underlighted?). So, again, thanks for correcting my assumptions about the chain as a whole. And happy making! Kelly

[@reginaeid1568]

I always wait until I have the time to give your videos the attention they deserve❤ have you ever made and used a soda can pen? Cheap and satisfying

[@BookandPaperArts]

Hey, Regina. Boy, do I know what you mean. My "Watch Later" tab is crazy chock full.😺I have not heard of this pen before. My husband read your comment and looked it up and says I Need To See It. So I'm off to look it up now. I do love an art supply that is cheap and satisfying.✒✒

[@juliaarmato3984]

Thanks. This was fun and interesting. God bless

[@BookandPaperArts]

Thank you, Julia. I hope you give it a try and make some fun pages. Be sure and let me know how it goes. Kelly

[@bonnielipke1962]

Guess that makes me sound like I live in a sad sacky place cause my town has 732 people and our only store other than a locally owned grocer is Dollar General. Proud of my rural living and my tucked away spot in America.

[@BookandPaperArts]

Hi Bonnie. I apologise that it came out that way. I am only going by the stores I have seen and was generalising six ways to Sunday. And I do realise that these stores are a lifeline to some rural communities (and please do not think I was putting rural communities down - I was raised on a dirt road and I'm not even kidding so I do know the experience). Thank you for showing me a different take on these. Kelly

[@irinadalah9089]

"it's a fig, because I said it is!" - isn't that the artistic human condition? 🤓 I think this is the best vid you ever did, in terms of artistic inspiration, artistic mentality, artistic ... liberation thanks for sharing!

[@BookandPaperArts]

Thanks bunches! It makes me happy to read this. 🌷🌻🌼

[@lindasteger7207]

These r fun!

[@BookandPaperArts]

I'm so delighted you think so, Linda. Go make great pages!

[@alexandraalmeida3661]

I really like this! I had never heard about it and I love images with words, even because I love to hand write. Do people draw faces too? Because I don’t like to draw or paint objects much, I prefer faces. Like you pistachio is one of my favourites, with or without chocolate. I also love, love lemon 🍋 ice cream 💙💚🩵🩷♥️💛💜🤍🧡🤎

[@BookandPaperArts]

Lemon is great and raspberry! Yes, draw faces. Or animals. Do you have animals? I wish I did but this is not the time. Do you draw people in your life or do you like to draw from books? I like to make messy portraits from art books using a variety of materials. Maybe I should do a video about it. 🤔

[@alexandraalmeida3661]

@@BookandPaperArts I draw faces that come from my imagination! Usually they’re green, blue, purple, I mean, not realistic at all, it’s not my style, but I thought I could adapt that to this 😊 I don’t have animals at the moment, because I live alone and I wouldn’t have anyone to keep the dog or cat if I needed to be away, but I’ve always had parakeets and dogs until I was 42. I miss that a lot 😢

[@BookandPaperArts]

Me, too, Alexandra. This is the first time in my life I haven't had animal companions and I miss them but I travel so much it wouldn't be fair. Purple faces? I love it.😍@@alexandraalmeida3661

[@kathybellamy5207]

?? You mention that you have a video on making an inspiration book. Right now I have inspo ideas pinned, tagged and saved all over the place. I would love to know your tips on making an inspo book. I looked through all your videos but I can’t seem to find it. Would you please pin it here in the comments?? Thanks so much. Loving your content.

[@BookandPaperArts]

Hi Kathy, this one is from way back in the day and I had to scroll quite a while to find it. I still make books like this and use them ALL of the time. Let me know what you think! kzbin.info/www/bejne/nGrQhJ2entionck

[@rosemcguinn5301]

❤

[@sallymitchell6423]

Is ‘Etegami’ an art style for people who can draw really well but want to pretend they can’t? I’ve been looking up some examples after watching your lovely tutorial, and everyone doing it is really good at art… I wonder what the efforts of ‘normal folks’ are like. 🤔

[@BookandPaperArts]

Hi Sally. This made me smile. When I started making journal pages I could not draw a stick figure cat. While I am plenty further along from that these days it is only because I kept making not-great drawings (someone actually laughed at my drawing once and not in a good way). I guess I compare myself to my friends who went to art school and can do perspective and whose portraits resemble actual people rather than looking like a cartoon. So. We all are where we are and must make from there. (Also, think about Picasso who could draw like a draughtsman and in the end made outrageously distorted images in his work so who knows?) I hope you keep on drawing from where you are in your creative journey and enjoy expressing yourself which is meaningful no matter how accurate the pencil line is or isn't. 🌷🌻🌼Kelly

[@user-zs7vr5ds4m]

Is it totally wrong to use a haiku along with the etegami drawing. I love making haiku & think combining the two would be fun.

[@BookandPaperArts]

What a good idea. You are right, it is a perfect combination. Happy making!

[@BlueLotusLife]

Pistacchio!

[@BookandPaperArts]

Welcome, Gina. You have excellent taste in gelato and all things ice cream based. 🍨🍨

[@paperprincess1050]

Even naive drawing takes skill

[@BookandPaperArts]

Well yes but...if you look, say, at the drawings of children they rarely have skill so much as enthusiasm and fearlessness. One of my hopes is to encourage big people to have at least as much and be willing to make, no matter what our skill level or lack of same. 🌻🌼🌷

[@theresapalmer7892]

Also follows wabi-sabi. Impermance and imperfection. Fun way to add to your common book .

[@BookandPaperArts]

Yes, exactly. The beauty in impermanence and transition. I'm here for both. Thanks for touching base, Theresa. 🌻🌼🌷