Evolution of Bansai8 Creations and Acoustic Needle & BEST.NIP.EVER...

2025--I keep evolving displays for in-person shows in the Puget Sound area, and still love trying new designs, but my mainstay on-line is guitar straps & love having found my niche were I can offer unique genuine  leathers and customized designs at reasonable prices.  I am remiss at getting my listings up as quickly as I find new leathers!  So do ask if you don't see a color, or want to try to match your guitar/style/fit...

I am a reserved person, and still not good at pushing myself to market my work--but I do love "geeking out" about my work to an admirer or fellow crafter as I enjoy learning and helping others to learn new skills or "tricks of the trade". 

And BEST.NIP.EVER.  My cat toys and bags of loose nip have been popular at shows & small cons for over a decade, but end of 2023 gave them a "glow up" and found an image I love, and repeat customer words inspired the name.  I mainly use cottons from Japan as their prints and quality are the best.  Given the potency of the nip, the toys are in sealed bags.  Besides simple "logs", I have a guitar shape with leather accents, and last year for year end season shows, I added a Rocket Ship with fur exhaust and Christmas Stockings, some with fur trim or bells.  My goal is to add these to my listings here for on-line sales, too. 

And if curious, here's background on my leather work:
I was inspired by a product I bought on a trip abroad, and while experimenting on leather scraps and my standard sewing machine, I felt I finally found my passion. Since I felt an affinity to working with leather, I invested in an industrial machine that could handle about any leather and finding sources to support my growing leather & fabrication habit.  My designs expanded as I learned more, and got inspiration from others asking me if I could make a certain thing, as well as what I see around me.

When I chose my shop name, I didn't want something that would imply only one genre, since I don't limit my work to any one area. The Bansai8 is taken from a merger of bonsai and one of my favorite films... and is a bit quirky like myself.

I also find the leather itself will decide what it wants to be used for, and sometimes a new design evolves to work for a specific leather. My understanding how different leather finishes or construction will impact a design--and I am continually learning and experimenting.

I'm an engineer by training and career, and always approach a project with an eye for how I can do it better, and ensuring an item functions and is durable, as well as fun. 

I also enjoy costuming--but more as a twist on traditional garments, including making a Victorian riding jacket out of goatskin with grommet details.  I have yet to venture into sales on this side, but always willing to work on custom...

And I am focusing on participating in more selective events in the Puget Sound area--and with move to Bremerton, you'll see me more at Tacoma & north sound area events.

And I have my booth and business insured by ACTInsurance.