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WELCOME!

Welcome to Trying Out Shoshin! Come in and explore my unique artwork and join me on a journey of creativity and learning. Whether you're looking to purchase a piece that resonates with you or want to dive into inspiring content, there's something for everyone. Let's embark on this artistic adventure together!

Fragonard-inspired art doll sculpt

A sculpt based on a portrait by Philippine National Artist Juan Luna of my great grandmother, Emiliana Trinidad

Portrait made using embroidery thread and paint on canvas

A portrait of Sophie in her ninja costume using embroidery thread, tea bags, paint on canvas

Digital illustration of Lampy the firefly for a MATS class on Illustrating Children's Books

Mixed-media painting of a man eating noodles with chopsticks. Noodles are made with strips of paper from the pages of a book.

Image of Because I Can Digital Planner

Came across this while looking for closet layout designs (you see how easily I get distracted!). The square version is pretty straightforward. The rectangular one took some figuring out because the instructions I found weren’t as detailed. But you know—everything is figure-out-able.

#paper #keeplearning #happythings #staycurious #exploring #100DayProject #100DaysofWonder2025

Came across this while looking for closet layout designs (you see how easily I get distracted!). The square version is pretty straightforward. The rectangular one took some figuring out because the instructions I found weren’t as detailed. But you know—everything is figure-out-able.

#paper #keeplearning #happythings #staycurious #exploring #100DayProject #100DaysofWonder2025

This tunnel book is finally done! Between this and the Victorian Puzzle Purse, I’d say this took less time because it’s basically one design separated into layers. With the puzzle purse, I had to think of different illustrations to make every triangular area interesting.

Both can tell stories and both are very satisfying when finished. Maybe for the 100 Day Project, I’ll incorporate these with some digital work. So many possibilities!

#tunnelbook #paper #handmade #keeplearning #showup #happythings #staycurious #flyingtiger #coloredpencils

This tunnel book is finally done! Between this and the Victorian Puzzle Purse, I’d say this took less time because it’s basically one design separated into layers. With the puzzle purse, I had to think of different illustrations to make every triangular area interesting.

Both can tell stories and both are very satisfying when finished. Maybe for the 100 Day Project, I’ll incorporate these with some digital work. So many possibilities!

#tunnelbook #paper #handmade #keeplearning #showup #happythings #staycurious #flyingtiger #coloredpencils

Why two tries? Well, on the first attempt, some panels were refusing to lay flat. I was going to ignore that as this is supposed to be a trial piece. But then I also realized that I had glued two of the panels in the wrong order!

PVC glue dries pretty quickly so I couldn’t just peel off the pages. Instead, I used scissors and sometimes cutter to keep the paper from tearing.

Now to think of a cover for the tunnel book.

#tunnelbook #keeplearning #happythings #staycurious #paper #tellastory

Why two tries? Well, on the first attempt, some panels were refusing to lay flat. I was going to ignore that as this is supposed to be a trial piece. But then I also realized that I had glued two of the panels in the wrong order!

PVC glue dries pretty quickly so I couldn’t just peel off the pages. Instead, I used scissors and sometimes cutter to keep the paper from tearing.

Now to think of a cover for the tunnel book.

#tunnelbook #keeplearning #happythings #staycurious #paper #tellastory

Seemed like a natural progression.

#paper
#staycurious
#keeplearning
#artbooks
#tunnelbook
#friday

Seemed like a natural progression.

#paper
#staycurious
#keeplearning
#artbooks
#tunnelbook
#friday

Done! My first ever Victorian Puzzle Purse! I think you can’t fully appreciate the work that goes into making these until you try it yourself. Already thinking about the next one.

My usual tools of the trade have not made it to Philippine shores but I made this using my granddaughter’s watercolors, brushes from an art group friend, colored pencils and watercolor paper from a bookstore. The need to create outweighed the desire to use specific paints and other materials I was more comfortable using.

Keep creating—it’s a lifeline to sanity.

#victorianpuzzlepurse
#painting
#mixedmedia
#handmade
#handmadegifts
#keepcreating
#showup
#keeplearning

Done! My first ever Victorian Puzzle Purse! I think you can’t fully appreciate the work that goes into making these until you try it yourself. Already thinking about the next one.

My usual tools of the trade have not made it to Philippine shores but I made this using my granddaughter’s watercolors, brushes from an art group friend, colored pencils and watercolor paper from a bookstore. The need to create outweighed the desire to use specific paints and other materials I was more comfortable using.

Keep creating—it’s a lifeline to sanity.

#victorianpuzzlepurse
#painting
#mixedmedia
#handmade
#handmadegifts
#keepcreating
#showup
#keeplearning

Having to do something 4 times—repetitive work has always been a struggle. See how I move from one corner to another?

They say it’s meditative but I’ve always struggled with meditating too! Luckily, this whole Victorian Purse Puzzle still fascinates me thanks to @shelleyaldrichminimuseum

If you haven’t seen her work, check them out for instant inspiration!

#victorianpuzzlepurse
#paper
#watercolor
#coloredpencils
#painting
#handmade
#wip

Having to do something 4 times—repetitive work has always been a struggle. See how I move from one corner to another?

They say it’s meditative but I’ve always struggled with meditating too! Luckily, this whole Victorian Purse Puzzle still fascinates me thanks to @shelleyaldrichminimuseum

If you haven’t seen her work, check them out for instant inspiration!

#victorianpuzzlepurse
#paper
#watercolor
#coloredpencils
#painting
#handmade
#wip

Finally got around to trying this! Painting next 😁

#happythings
#paper
#victorianpuzzlepurse
#staycurious
#keeplearning
#saturdays

Finally got around to trying this! Painting next 😁

#happythings
#paper
#victorianpuzzlepurse
#staycurious
#keeplearning
#saturdays

First two things I saw on my Pinterest feed. The bag was round but my stroke was not! This is when I miss the two-finger tap! Another “oh well” situation right there 😁

#dailydrawing
#micropen
#alcoholmarkers
#showup
#practicepracticepractice

First two things I saw on my Pinterest feed. The bag was round but my stroke was not! This is when I miss the two-finger tap! Another “oh well” situation right there 😁

#dailydrawing
#micropen
#alcoholmarkers
#showup
#practicepracticepractice

Random but from my Dance! board on Pinterest. This helps me get a feel for what I might paint on a larger scale later.

Seriously thinking about joining the #100dayproject but I always barely get past 7. This time, though, the process is different in that you don't necessarily do 100 different things. It's showing up each day. It starts later this month so I'm treating these sketchbook entries as a kind of warmup.

#showup
#pens
#alcoholmarkers
#dance
#challenges
#practicepracticepractice

Random but from my Dance! board on Pinterest. This helps me get a feel for what I might paint on a larger scale later.

Seriously thinking about joining the #100dayproject but I always barely get past 7. This time, though, the process is different in that you don't necessarily do 100 different things. It's showing up each day. It starts later this month so I'm treating these sketchbook entries as a kind of warmup.

#showup
#pens
#alcoholmarkers
#dance
#challenges
#practicepracticepractice

Since most of supplies haven't arrived yet, I thought I'd try working with alcohol markers. I got a cheap one online to see what they're all about.

I have to say it's a new experience not having my go-to art supplies. But it's even harder when I use not having them as an excuse to not create. The creative muscles need consistent exercise.

For reference, I pulled up my Pinterest boards and chose images of these enchanting girls. I didn't have my handy white acrylic marker to cover mistakes or colored pencils for details, but I got today's practice done. I knew I'd gotten rusty because the whole exercise took longer than usual but today wasn't about time. Rather, it was about starting and stirring up creative juices.

#showup
#backinthegame
#alcoholmarkers
#sketchbookpractice

Since most of supplies haven't arrived yet, I thought I'd try working with alcohol markers. I got a cheap one online to see what they're all about.

I have to say it's a new experience not having my go-to art supplies. But it's even harder when I use not having them as an excuse to not create. The creative muscles need consistent exercise.

For reference, I pulled up my Pinterest boards and chose images of these enchanting girls. I didn't have my handy white acrylic marker to cover mistakes or colored pencils for details, but I got today's practice done. I knew I'd gotten rusty because the whole exercise took longer than usual but today wasn't about time. Rather, it was about starting and stirring up creative juices.

#showup
#backinthegame
#alcoholmarkers
#sketchbookpractice

I loved making this bag. I used my Cricut to make stencils, stamps I’d carved, and maybe even a gelli plate for the background. Then I painted the orange and other elements using magazine pages I’d saved.

Sewing up the bag was a whole other project because I wanted to make sure it had pockets that felt would be useful for my needs.

Useful, practical, portable art.

#bags
#handmade
#handpainted
#acrylicpainting
#usefulthings

I loved making this bag. I used my Cricut to make stencils, stamps I’d carved, and maybe even a gelli plate for the background. Then I painted the orange and other elements using magazine pages I’d saved.

Sewing up the bag was a whole other project because I wanted to make sure it had pockets that felt would be useful for my needs.

Useful, practical, portable art.

#bags
#handmade
#handpainted
#acrylicpainting
#usefulthings

So difficult to get back but today seemed like a good day for a dip. I came across this image on Pinterest and the caption read: casual walking portrait by Cooper Carras.

I decided to do a quick trace and focus on rendering using some brushes I hadn't used enough. The skirt print is an embroidery brush I purchased some time ago.

Playing with tools is a great way to get creative juices flowing. Also for art muscle memory. Then it’s just a matter of keeping the momentum.

#procreate
#drawsimpledaily
#showup
#procreateillustration
#staycreative

So difficult to get back but today seemed like a good day for a dip. I came across this image on Pinterest and the caption read: casual walking portrait by Cooper Carras.

I decided to do a quick trace and focus on rendering using some brushes I hadn't used enough. The skirt print is an embroidery brush I purchased some time ago.

Playing with tools is a great way to get creative juices flowing. Also for art muscle memory. Then it’s just a matter of keeping the momentum.

#procreate
#drawsimpledaily
#showup
#procreateillustration
#staycreative

Waking up to chirping, barking, crowing. After the quiet and stillness in Connecticut, I find these sounds can be comforting too. In uncertain times, the familiar becomes a kind of anchor, I suppose.

This new adventure hasn’t been easy but having places that feel like home have helped. For now, this is where I’ll be setting up my workspace and as the tools of my trade come trickling in, I hope to be able to go full on with my art.

I’m in a beautiful attic bedroom that’s got old white painted walls. You know what that means, right?

Waking up to chirping, barking, crowing. After the quiet and stillness in Connecticut, I find these sounds can be comforting too. In uncertain times, the familiar becomes a kind of anchor, I suppose.

This new adventure hasn’t been easy but having places that feel like home have helped. For now, this is where I’ll be setting up my workspace and as the tools of my trade come trickling in, I hope to be able to go full on with my art.

I’m in a beautiful attic bedroom that’s got old white painted walls. You know what that means, right?

2024 brought so much uncertainty for me. At the same time, I got to experiment, I rediscovered a love for painting in oils, and I submitted work. I received more rejections than offers but hey, I had a painting that people at the Zurich station got to see, I had my first huge painting commission (one not art directed by an interior designer), and thanks to the support and encouragement of family and friends, I’m no longer hesitant about calling myself an artist.

I’m also a maker and recently started a new adventure designing website templates. Can I do all of that? I’m at an age where I can honestly say, “Why yes—of course I can!”

#artvsartist
#artistsofinstagram
#2024
#beingbrave
#showup

2024 brought so much uncertainty for me. At the same time, I got to experiment, I rediscovered a love for painting in oils, and I submitted work. I received more rejections than offers but hey, I had a painting that people at the Zurich station got to see, I had my first huge painting commission (one not art directed by an interior designer), and thanks to the support and encouragement of family and friends, I’m no longer hesitant about calling myself an artist.

I’m also a maker and recently started a new adventure designing website templates. Can I do all of that? I’m at an age where I can honestly say, “Why yes—of course I can!”

#artvsartist
#artistsofinstagram
#2024
#beingbrave
#showup

I should've taken a photo of the people at the bus stop. Still not quick enough. So I've settled for making a quick sketch of the ones I remembered.

First time to visit Flushing, NY and the whole time, it was the theme from The Nanny that played on loop in my head. We were treated to a late lunch at the New Mulan. It was good though they ran out of our favorite dessert--sesame balls! We did get there quite late so we understood 😁

Still wet and foggy today-- promises to be a slow, lazy Sunday!

#procreate
#digitalsketch
#sunday
#flushingqueens
#newmulanflushing
#outwithfriends

I should've taken a photo of the people at the bus stop. Still not quick enough. So I've settled for making a quick sketch of the ones I remembered.

First time to visit Flushing, NY and the whole time, it was the theme from The Nanny that played on loop in my head. We were treated to a late lunch at the New Mulan. It was good though they ran out of our favorite dessert--sesame balls! We did get there quite late so we understood 😁

Still wet and foggy today-- promises to be a slow, lazy Sunday!

#procreate
#digitalsketch
#sunday
#flushingqueens
#newmulanflushing
#outwithfriends

I'm working on designing website templates specially for artists and writers, pet owners, and maybe dancers. A photo on Pinterest caught my fancy, so I did a quick sketch.

And that gave me an idea.

I like making the elements myself instead of relying just on Canva.

Tell me, if you had your own website, what would you like it to have?

#websitedesign
#showitdesigner
#procreate
#makeityourown
#showup

I'm working on designing website templates specially for artists and writers, pet owners, and maybe dancers. A photo on Pinterest caught my fancy, so I did a quick sketch.

And that gave me an idea.

I like making the elements myself instead of relying just on Canva.

Tell me, if you had your own website, what would you like it to have?

#websitedesign
#showitdesigner
#procreate
#makeityourown
#showup

The best part of helping someone with their website design? Getting to see all the artwork! These are some of my favorites from @pinkysknits

#webdesign
#showitwebsite
#watercolor
#mondays

The best part of helping someone with their website design? Getting to see all the artwork! These are some of my favorites from @pinkysknits

#webdesign
#showitwebsite
#watercolor
#mondays

Sketchbook, paints, paint pen, pencil, a jar of water. All the blue must be from watching Arcane as I was adding color.

#quickpainting
#acrylicpaints
#sketchbook
#showup
#faces
#posca

Sketchbook, paints, paint pen, pencil, a jar of water. All the blue must be from watching Arcane as I was adding color.

#quickpainting
#acrylicpaints
#sketchbook
#showup
#faces
#posca

Love this part when everything works—
even the phone version 🎉

#happythings
#webdesign
#showit
#showitwebsite

Love this part when everything works—
even the phone version 🎉

#happythings
#webdesign
#showit
#showitwebsite

Sometimes you just have to start over. Still learning and I got to a point where things started getting all messed up. Since I wasn’t happy about the design anyway, I made up my mind to scrap the whole thing and start over.

I think it’s important to recognize when we’re at a point where we know that forcing things just won’t work. It’s also part of the learning process. Best to work out all the kinks now.

#keeplearning
#webdesign
#startover
#showitwebsite

Sometimes you just have to start over. Still learning and I got to a point where things started getting all messed up. Since I wasn’t happy about the design anyway, I made up my mind to scrap the whole thing and start over.

I think it’s important to recognize when we’re at a point where we know that forcing things just won’t work. It’s also part of the learning process. Best to work out all the kinks now.

#keeplearning
#webdesign
#startover
#showitwebsite

Enjoying the process! I know when a project is right up my alley when I can get lost in it. This is almost like picking up a paintbrush and forgetting everything else.

Designing a website is telling a story too. The challenge is that it’s someone else’s story so it’s not about my colors or my photo choices. I can do some nudging and suggesting but ultimately, the sense of accomplishment comes when the client can’t wait to use the website!

#webdesigner
#Showit
#lovewhatido
#creativepursuits

Enjoying the process! I know when a project is right up my alley when I can get lost in it. This is almost like picking up a paintbrush and forgetting everything else.

Designing a website is telling a story too. The challenge is that it’s someone else’s story so it’s not about my colors or my photo choices. I can do some nudging and suggesting but ultimately, the sense of accomplishment comes when the client can’t wait to use the website!

#webdesigner
#Showit
#lovewhatido
#creativepursuits

Taking a break from digital stuff on a Saturday. This is Bailey, our friends’ dog. She’s a lab/hound mix with soulful eyes that are oftentimes hard to see!

#saturdays
#painting
#quicksketch
#acrylics
#dogsofinstagram

Taking a break from digital stuff on a Saturday. This is Bailey, our friends’ dog. She’s a lab/hound mix with soulful eyes that are oftentimes hard to see!

#saturdays
#painting
#quicksketch
#acrylics
#dogsofinstagram

Taking @iambeccaluna ‘s course on using Showit to make websites. I’m using my sister’s beautiful watercolors while exploring all the possibilities.

I’m also using images and videos from Pexel as placeholders. I know the designs and layouts can change as I get to know the tools but for now, I’m quite happy about being able to put texts and images where I want and move them around easily!

I can’t wait to get to the part where I create the gallery for her to be able to showcase her work!

#showitwebsite
#webdesign
#keeplearning
#artistsoninstagram

Taking @iambeccaluna ‘s course on using Showit to make websites. I’m using my sister’s beautiful watercolors while exploring all the possibilities.

I’m also using images and videos from Pexel as placeholders. I know the designs and layouts can change as I get to know the tools but for now, I’m quite happy about being able to put texts and images where I want and move them around easily!

I can’t wait to get to the part where I create the gallery for her to be able to showcase her work!

#showitwebsite
#webdesign
#keeplearning
#artistsoninstagram

Was that a real person’s bottom half? It was, actually. But the goal was to fill up the ample space she didn’t occupy. White acrylic markers are so useful!

#drawsimpledaily
#showup
#whitemarker
#markmaking
#patterns

Was that a real person’s bottom half? It was, actually. But the goal was to fill up the ample space she didn’t occupy. White acrylic markers are so useful!

#drawsimpledaily
#showup
#whitemarker
#markmaking
#patterns

Quiet day after Thanksgiving! Perfect time to do a quick exercise. I’m loving this 6.5 x 6.5 inch painting journal. It’s a first for me and it feels easier somehow. Maybe the limited space is less intimidating? Whatever it is, all I can say is @bridgetmdesigns , you’ve got me hooked! Thank you again!

#showup
#artjournal
#sketches
#quickstudies
#painting
#daily practice

Quiet day after Thanksgiving! Perfect time to do a quick exercise. I’m loving this 6.5 x 6.5 inch painting journal. It’s a first for me and it feels easier somehow. Maybe the limited space is less intimidating? Whatever it is, all I can say is @bridgetmdesigns , you’ve got me hooked! Thank you again!

#showup
#artjournal
#sketches
#quickstudies
#painting
#daily practice

Am I doing a mad scramble? Yes I am!

The only way to get out of being in a low place is to start moving. It helps when your friends are also artists and just get you. They listen, they empathize, but they also don't let you wallow. I feel really blessed! @bridgetmdesigns @kimko_home_decor @lorettalouviere

#procreate
#showup
#procreateillustration
#friends
#wesupporteachother
#christmas

Am I doing a mad scramble? Yes I am!

The only way to get out of being in a low place is to start moving. It helps when your friends are also artists and just get you. They listen, they empathize, but they also don't let you wallow. I feel really blessed! @bridgetmdesigns @kimko_home_decor @lorettalouviere

#procreate
#showup
#procreateillustration
#friends
#wesupporteachother
#christmas

Yesterday, I had a much-needed video meetup with my art group. They reminded me about some video courses I'd made and sort of left on the wayside. This is one of them.

I'm one of those people who just enjoys trying things out so I find that when I'm not painting or designing, I'm sculpting, crocheting, sewing, or figuring out how to make something I'd seen on Pinterest.

This class is an intro to simple sculpture with air dry clay. It's a way of getting familiar with the medium. You'll find the link in my bio and you can always dm if you have questions!

#keeplearning
#airdryclay
#artdolls
#videoclasses
#handmadedoll
#ArtDollMaking
#diy

Yesterday, I had a much-needed video meetup with my art group. They reminded me about some video courses I'd made and sort of left on the wayside. This is one of them.

I'm one of those people who just enjoys trying things out so I find that when I'm not painting or designing, I'm sculpting, crocheting, sewing, or figuring out how to make something I'd seen on Pinterest.

This class is an intro to simple sculpture with air dry clay. It's a way of getting familiar with the medium. You'll find the link in my bio and you can always dm if you have questions!

#keeplearning
#airdryclay
#artdolls
#videoclasses
#handmadedoll
#ArtDollMaking
#diy

Thank you for the lovely review! It made this artist’s day!

When I created this project, I had these little happy corgis in mind. Then I realized the pattern could be enlarged so that instead of the little soft decorative pieces, you can have plushies, throw pillows, even embroidery projects. They can be personalized too, which makes every piece unique. Follow the link in bio to my Etsy shop and please share what you make!

#happycorgi
#pdfpattern
#happythings
#giftidea

Thank you for the lovely review! It made this artist’s day!

When I created this project, I had these little happy corgis in mind. Then I realized the pattern could be enlarged so that instead of the little soft decorative pieces, you can have plushies, throw pillows, even embroidery projects. They can be personalized too, which makes every piece unique. Follow the link in bio to my Etsy shop and please share what you make!

#happycorgi
#pdfpattern
#happythings
#giftidea

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