A hands-on way to slow down, focus, and make something meaningful

Every now and then, I come across a product that’s not just cute or fun—but genuinely educational and nurturing. The NestledCrafts Amigurumi Crochet Kit (Chick Family Edition) is one of those items.
It’s currently available at a reduced price ($7.99 instead of $21.99), which makes it a good moment to consider it—not because of the discount itself, but because it offers a gentle entry into a thoughtful, creative process.

A Simple Guide to Using Google's Legal Removal Request PageAs a creator, few things are more frustrating than finding your original work—whether a book, artwork, or design—being shared or sold online without your permission.
Thankfully, Google provides a legal pathway to help you take action when your rights are being violated.
In this post, I’ll walk you through how to use Google’s official page for reporting illegal or unauthorized content:

🔗 Report Content for Legal Reasons

What Is This Page For?Google’s Legal Removal Request page allows individuals to report content that violates the law or their rights across Google services, including:

• Google Search
• YouTube
• Blogger
• Google Drive (in some cases)

You can use it to report:

• Copyright infringement
• Counterfeit goods
• Personal data exposure
• Defamation or illegal content

How to Submit a Copyright Complaint (Step-by-Step)🔹 Step 1: Click “Create a request”Begin by clicking the blue button to start your report.
🔹 Step 2: Select the type of issueChoose “Copyright infringement” as your reason.
🔹 Step 3: Fill in the details of your original workYou’ll be asked to describe your copyrighted work. For example:

“My book, ‘A Tasty Tale of Kimchi,’ is officially sold on Amazon at https://www.amazon.com/dp/XXXXXXXX. It is being reproduced and sold without permission at the following URL.”

You must also provide:

• Authorized URL (where your work is legally posted)
• Infringing URL (where it is being misused or copied)

🔹 Step 4: Final declaration and electronic signatureAt the end of the form, you'll be required to confirm that all information is accurate and that you are authorized to submit this claim. Then, add your digital signature.

What Happens After You Submit?Google will review the request. If they verify the infringement:

• The infringing page may be removed from Google Search results
• Content may be taken down from YouTube or Blogger (if hosted there)

You’ll usually receive a confirmation email within a few days.

Final ThoughtsAs artists and creators, it’s our responsibility to protect our work.
Don’t hesitate to stand up for your rights—this form exists to help you do exactly that.
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🛡️ If your work has been misused online, take action today.
Start here:
👉 https://support.google.com/legal/answer/3110420

A Quick Guide for Print-Ready Image Resolution

Why 300 DPI?

300 DPI (dots per inch) is the standard resolution for high-quality print. It ensures your image prints sharply without appearing blurry or pixelated. Most publishers and art contests require artwork submissions at 300 DPI.

1. Start with a High-Quality Photo

• Use your smartphone or camera at its maximum resolution setting.
• Shoot in natural light if possible.
• Photograph artwork directly from above to avoid distortion.
• Ensure the image is sharp and in focus before editing.

2. Convert to 300 DPI Using PhotoshopSteps in Adobe Photoshop:

1. Open your image in Photoshop.
2. Go to Image > Image Size.
3. Set Resolution to 300 pixels/inch.
4. Make sure “Resample” is checked.
   • Choose “Preserve Details” or “Automatic” as the resampling method.
5. Review the print dimensions (Width & Height in inches).
6. Click OK and save as JPG, TIFF, or PNG via File > Save As or Export.

3. Free Online Alternative (Photopea)If you don't have Photoshop, use Photopea, a browser-based editor similar to Photoshop.
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Steps:

1. Go to www.photopea.com.
2. Open your image (File > Open).
3. Go to Image > Image Size.
4. Change the resolution to 300 DPI and check “Resample”.
5. Adjust size if necessary, then export using File > Export As.

4. Save the Right Way

• JPG: Smaller file size, suitable for digital submissions.
• TIFF: Uncompressed and high-quality, ideal for professional printing.
• PNG: Good for preserving clean edges and transparency.

Additional Tips

• Just changing the DPI number won’t improve quality—your image must have enough original pixels.
• For A4 printing (8.27 × 11.69 inches), your image should be at least 2480 × 3508 pixels at 300 DPI.
• Always check final image size and resolution before submitting.

ShinHan Postcard Art Contest 2025

Deadline: May 31, 2025

Website: spac.shinhanart.com/world
Who Can Enter:
Open to young artists worldwide, ages 4 to 18.

Theme:
“Precious Day: The Most Important Moment Today”
Participants are invited to express the most meaningful part of their day through art.

Artwork Requirements:

• Size: Standard postcard size (14.7 cm x 10 cm)
• Medium: Traditional art materials such as watercolor, acrylic, or oil paints (no digital art or collage)
• Format: Horizontal or vertical postcard layout
• Each participant can submit one original piece
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Prizes:

• Grand Prize: $2,000
• Additional prizes awarded in age categories
  ​
  

Why It Matters:
This global art contest nurtures young artists’ ability to express emotions and values through simple but powerful visual storytelling. By encouraging reflection on daily life, the contest helps children connect with their own feelings and find meaning in small, important moments.

Participating in the ShinHan Postcard Art Contest with my students was a truly special experience. At first, many of the children were surprised by the small size of the postcard. They were used to drawing on large sheets of paper, so working within such a tiny space felt a little strange to them.

But as we began sketching together, something magical happened. The small canvas encouraged the students to focus more deeply on the heart of their ideas. Instead of trying to fill a big space, they learned to express their thoughts clearly and simply. They explored the theme, “A Treasured Day,” by thinking about meaningful moments in their daily lives—like a fun lunchtime, a favorite book, or a hug from a parent.

We practiced making several small drawings before choosing our final pieces. This process helped the students strengthen their imagination and storytelling skills. They realized that even a tiny postcard could hold powerful emotions and important memories. Some students who were usually shy in art class found that the smaller format made them feel more confident and free.

Through this contest, we discovered that creativity is not about the size of the paper—it is about the size of the heart behind the work. Watching the students bring their treasured memories to life on paper was incredibly inspiring, and I could see how much pride they felt in their finished pieces. It was a meaningful journey of reflection, creativity, and growth for all of us.
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I am truly grateful for opportunities like the ShinHan Postcard Art Contest that allow young artists to express themselves and feel seen on an international stage. We are already excited to participate again next year.

POSCA Marker Review: Bright Colors, Easy Fixes, and Perfect for KidsAfter using POSCA Markers in my art classes, I can confidently say they’ve become one of my favorite tools for both children and adult artists alike. Made by Uni Mitsubishi Pencil in Japan, POSCA markers are water-based acrylic markers that work beautifully on a wide range of surfaces—from paper and cardboard to wood, plastic, and even glass.

In classes with children, markers need to be reliable: vibrant colors, no strong odor, and the ability to correct mistakes without frustration. POSCA markers have checked all the boxes for me.

What I Love About POSCA Markers

1. Rich, vibrant color payoff

POSCA markers provide vivid coverage with just one layer. Children often react with delight, saying, “It looks finished!” because the colors are so bright and solid. This boosts their confidence and motivates them to keep creating.

2. Easy to layer and fix mistakes

Unlike typical markers or watercolors, POSCA allows for easy layering. If a student makes a mistake, they can simply color over it once it dries. This changes the entire atmosphere in class—no more panic over small errors.

3. Odorless and quick-drying

There's little to no marker smell, which makes it perfect for long classes or small indoor spaces. The ink dries within seconds, reducing smudging and allowing students to move on with their work smoothly.

The Kids' Favorite ColorsAmong all the shades in the set, five colors were most frequently used by the children:

• Sky blue (for skies, water, and backgrounds)
• Skin tone (for portraits and characters)
• Brown (for animals, hair, trees)
• Red and yellow (for flowers, fruits, and accents)

These five colors ran out quickly, so I’ve started keeping extra refills on hand.
Where to Get POSCA MarkersI recommend starting with either the 8-color or 16-color basic set. They provide a good range for beginners and are available on Amazon.
→ Check POSCA Marker Sets on Amazon

Final Thoughts

POSCA isn’t just a marker—it’s a creative tool that supports bold, mistake-friendly exploration. Whether you’re teaching kids or creating on your own, these markers offer consistent quality, versatility, and joy. If you’re looking for a mess-free, all-surface medium with strong pigment and ease of use, POSCA is an excellent choice.