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Etegami (Illustrated Postcard) Workshop with Shoka Stonelake

Classes & Workshops

When
December 5, 2026 | 9:00 AM - 12:30 PM
Where
Yanai Classroom
Event Audience
All Members, Public
On Sale Dates
Golden Crane | October 21 | $30
Members | October 28 | $30
Public | November 4 | $40
Tickets go on sale at 7am PST on the scheduled date.

Event Information

Portland Japanese Garden is partnering with Shoka Stonelake to provide two e-tegami (Illustrated Postcard) workshops on Saturday, December 5. Slow down and spend a relaxed hour of focused fun creating an original heartfelt message through words and pictures. The Japanese folk art of etegami, e (picture) and tegami (letter), combines simple hand-painted art with thoughtful words on postcards. The focus is on expression and sincerity, not artistic perfection. Each postcard becomes a unique reflection of the artist’s heart.  

During the workshop, participants will create a seasonal postcard ready to send. After learning how to hold the brush and practicing lines, students will draw the outline using Japanese calligraphy brush techniques on a washi paper postcard (4×6”). The designs will then be painted with watercolor, creating interesting effects on the paper. The final step is to write a simple message and sign your name. At the end of the workshop, admire other students works that were rooted in Japan’s long tradition of calligraphy.  

Participants can register for the 9 am or 11:30 am session. Each workshop will include an hour of instruction. Participation is limited to 20 students for each session. Beginners are welcome. All tools and materials (ink, watercolor, paintbrushes, washi card) are included in the workshop fee. Registration fees are non-refundable.

NOTE: The 9 am session is family-friendly. Children in grades K-6 can participate with an adult. Artists from grade 7 to adult are also welcome and do not need to be accompanied by children to participate. The 11:30 am session will be for grade 7 to adult.  

About Shoka Stonelake

Shoka Stonelake

Shoka Stonelake is a Japanese-style art instructor of calligraphy, sumi-e, etegami, and Sogetsu-style ikebana. She is passionate about preserving and sharing Japanese art forms within the community and passing them on to future generations. Born in Fukuoka, Japan, and raised in a Buddhist temple family, Stonelake grew up immersed in Japanese culture and the arts. After moving to the U.S. and raising her child abroad, she developed an even deeper appreciation for her heritage—and a desire to share it through teaching. 

Since 2010, Stonelake has led a Japanese-immersion art program for both youth and adults. She holds certification from Bunka Shodō Japan and has been teaching calligraphy since 2017. Starting in January 2024, she also led a Sumi-e workshop at the Portland Japanese Garden. Stonelake teaches Japanese art classes in local public schools, helping students of all ages discover the joy of traditional Japanese art forms. 

Thank You to Our Sponsors

Portland Japanese Garden would like to thank James F. and Marion L. The Miller Foundation and Toshiba International Foundation for their support of arts and culture programming.