Crafting the Gourd Bag for Shuten Doji from Onmyoji: Inspired by a Customer’s Vision
Sometimes, the best creative projects come from the most unexpected places—and this one is no exception! A customer reached out to me through Etsy with an exciting request: they were working on a cosplay of Shuten Doji from Onmyoji and wanted me to bring the character’s iconic gourd bag to life. As someone who loves a good creative challenge, I was immediately intrigued. Shuten Doji’s bold design and rich cultural symbolism provided the perfect foundation for this unique project.
Behind the Inspiration
The gourd bag is such a distinctive part of Shuten Doji’s look, and I knew it had to be both visually striking and functional. My goal was to create a piece that captured the essence of the character while ensuring it would work seamlessly as part of the cosplay.
How It Came Together
The process has been a blend of thoughtful design and hands-on craftsmanship. Here’s how it’s taking shape:
- Step 1: Understanding the Character I started by diving into Shuten Doji’s design in Onmyoji. From the gourd’s shape to the intricate details, I studied every element to ensure the final product would feel authentic.
- Step 2: Material Selection Finding the right materials was key. I needed something sturdy yet lightweight, with the right texture and color to mimic the original design.
- Step 3: Crafting and Refining The video shows my progress so far, from shaping the base to adding the finer details. Every step has been about balancing creativity with practicality.
Watch the Process
Curious to see how the gourd bag is coming along? Check out this video for a behind-the-scenes look at my progress. I will add another video soon!
What Makes This Project Special
This project has been so rewarding because it’s more than just a custom order—it’s a collaboration. Bringing someone’s creative vision to life is always an exciting challenge, and I’m honored to be part of their cosplay journey.
What’s Next?
There’s still work to be done, but I’m thrilled with how it’s turning out so far. Stay tuned for updates as I complete the finishing touches and share the final result! If you’re interested in custom creations like this or want to explore more handmade designs, check out my website here or my Etsy shop: EmpressThings
Thank you for following along on this creative journey. Let me know what you think—your feedback means so much to me!